Chapter 49: The Grand Duke of Delinquency and Setting the Rules

Lute returned to the Duke’s residence from the barn, but after that he moved to a very unusual place.

That place was his office.  It was formally prepared for him, but he had never used it since he lived in the duke’s mansion, and he stayed in his office until the evening.

That was very unusual. He did go out a few times to take a breather, but Lute was working most of the day.

“Your Excellency. May I have a word? 』

“Heinrich. Come in.”

“Excuse me…..I didn’t realize that you really do your own work.”

“So that’s what you say as soon as you come in. That’s quite a greeting, old man.”

“It’s something we do on a daily basis.”

Even Heinrich, who came to visit the office with some business, couldn’t help but widen his eyes.

That’s how strong the image of Lute not working is. Although he has been working energetically for the past few days, including today, the image he had established once is still strong.

“What’s really going on? If your Excellency is going to do the job himself…is it about those siblings?”

“Yeah. I can’t explain the details because it’s confidential, but those siblings are Liselotte’s vassals and at the same time they’re under my supervision.”

“It seems so. I don’t intend to ask since it’s a secret, but it’s managed quite strictly.”

“That’s why it’s troublesome to deal with. Those stupid siblings.”

A holder of knowledge of a different world and of a civilization more advanced than the present day. It is also likely, from conversations we have had, that Rick has far more specialized knowledge than the “man” inscribed in Lute’s brain.

That’s why Lute is so nervous. So much so that he always has the option of disposing of them in his brain.

“So, I’m doing my best to stipulate the parts related to management like this. I’ve told them verbally what is forbidden, but I can’t talk about these things unless I share it with them in a clear form. If we proceed without any formalities, it’s obvious that it’s going to be a mess.”

In this case, it would be more harmful if there were rules that were communicated only verbally. Problems are more likely to occur at some point due to the discrepancy in mutual understanding.

Lute knows of many instances where the lack of a clear statement has led to a misunderstanding between the two parties, with some saying, “This is something you wouldn’t do as a matter of course,” and others saying, “This is something you would be allowed to do.”

Even when I was on the outside observing as an incompetent in the Kingdom of Land. When I was checking the records of the man in another world in my brain. Mistakes resulting from this kind of misunderstanding were so common that they could be confirmed beyond the world.

From the siblings’ point of view, it was their lives, and from Lute’s point of view, the most important secret. As long as it was clear that both sides would suffer losses that could not be overlooked, it was only natural that the agreement would be clearly documented and countermeasures taken.

“That’s why I headed over to them this morning in order to have a discussion about that as soon as possible…”

“I see. So that’s why you came all the way down there. I thought you were there just for the fun of it, to preach to those two.”

“You really think you know your lord, you old bastard? Shall I cool off your boiling head here?”

“Hahahaha. I’d like to ask for that when it gets hotter.”

“You brazen old geezer…..”

“Just like my lord.”

When even his angry retort was passed off as aloof, Lute let out a big sigh and decided to get back to the subject.

“Anyway. As a result, we weren’t able to discuss it. It turned out that there were more priorities. That’s why I’m just making a rough draft like this.”

“Oh, so it’s a rough draft.”

“Of course. Setting standards requires a great deal of specialized knowledge. Rather than imposing them unilaterally due to differences in position, it is easier to improve quality and make a profit on top of that if the opinions of the parties involved are also taken into account. It’s like that sister and brother are jointly managed by me and Liselotte. We need to give them the due consideration.”

Lute cannot unilaterally dictate criteria such as the extent to which knowledge from another world is to be utilized.

Since Liselotte secured the siblings in search of profit, it would not be a good idea to impose excessive restrictions on them.

On the other hand, if the restrictions were loosened, there would be no point in Lute getting nervous.

Therefore, it is necessary to set the standard as accurately as possible. For that, it is necessary to confirm how much knowledge Rick possesses, and in relation to magic, Natra’s knowledge will also be necessary.

“I also want them to realize the importance of the consultation so that they will not hold back their doubts and opinions. I’m not perfect either. There are always loopholes, mistakes, and inconsistencies, and I want to be able to correct them as needed.”

In the current situation, it has become difficult for the siblings to make such contact, partly because of the intense threats that have been made.

That’s not very desirable when dealing with the sensitive and important secrets of otherworldly knowledge.

“If that’s the case, shouldn’t you be a little more careful with the siblings? They are so intimidated because you keep reprimanding them, as you did this morning.”

“I’ve already put enough effort into it…”

“Those two will probably understand that if their education progresses, but I think it’s difficult at this stage. The reprimand, in reality or not, came from your Excellency, who also said that he intimidated them as a demi-god……”

“You guys went to a lot of trouble to try to build a good relationship. Under the circumstances, I should be the one to tell you.”

After hearing Liselotte’s instructions, he decided that it would be more efficient for him to play the role of the hated person. That is why Lute reprimanded them.

“I don’t want to be here worrying about how to make it easier for people to ask you for advice.”

“We don’t want to be friends with each other. I just want to be comfortable with my job.”

Lute cowered his shoulders, and Heinrich gave him an uneasy look.

“By the way, wouldn’t it be better to just ignore them without reprimanding them? It’s true that the behavior of those two was a failure as retainers, but they weren’t the kind of people to show off, weren’t they? If that is the case, I don’t think there is any need to rush into it. Of course, education itself is essential.”

“You’re basing that on me. I know it’s not for me to say, but you’ve been poisoned a bit too much. That idiot sister and brother’s master is Liselotte. How far do you think a true princess would go to overlook the misbehavior of her subjects?”

“… it makes sense. I did not think it through.”

Yes. Lute is the only exception.

Because he has common sense and does not see much value in the behavior of ordinary people from the perspective of a transcendent person, he does not pay attention to the etiquette of others.

On the other hand, Liselotte is a former princess. She has the education and values befitting a noblewoman, and she is definitely strict in that area..

Although he has the flexibility to adapt to the other person’s sense of values, there is no reason for him to go out of his way to conform to his subjects, so it can be said that it was rather a fine play by Lute to direct his education ahead of time.

“… How should I put it, if those parts were made a little easier to understand, those two would soon become attached to His Excellency.”

“Oh? What are you trying to say?”

“Instead of going round and round like that, I thought you should show a little more direct kindness.”

“Don’t say anything creepy. I’m just taking actions that I thought were efficient each time.”

“Let’s leave it that way.”

“You’re a depressing old man, oi ……”

Lute frowned and clicked his tongue after being directed such a lukewarm gaze.

Lute has no such intention. He is simply making a choice that prioritizes rationality and efficiency.

Because there are cases where judgments are made based on factors such as the other person’s emotions, it often happens that you feel that way as a result.

“… Well, that’s fine. I’ll change the subject a bit, take this with you.”

“What’s this?”

“It’s a set of standards for monitoring that I made up while I was putting together this draft. I’ve blurred out the sensitive parts, so it’s pretty standardized.”

“Oh. Well, well, well. It sure would be nice to have.”

Similar standards would be necessary not only for the siblings, but also for Lute’s subordinates who were monitoring them.

So while creating the documents for the siblings, he also prepared a manual for monitoring them.

“Basically, there’s nothing special about it. As soon as you see any activity in that area, such as escaping, unauthorized contact with the outside world, etc., you take care of it.”

“It’s just as I have heard. Then, what should I do in case of suspicion?”

“I’ve already written about it, but you can cut them down. I have already spoken with Liselotte.”

“I’m awed. Then let me share it with the others.”

Heinrich nodded his head without question at Lute’s words of no mercy.

Even if you are trying to build a friendly relationship with the siblings. Even if he gives the siblings-friendly opinions in conversations with Lute.

Heinrich and his subordinates are veteran soldiers. Therefore, they are extremely cool-headed in important areas. They follow orders without emotion.

“…… Oh, just your Excellency. May I make one point concerning this matter?”

“What?”

“Actually, the reason why I visited here is that those two people seem to want to contact the outside world.”

“… Huh? Are those idiots chickens or something? Do they want the extermination of yesterday, today?”

Heinrich’s report naturally made Lute’s voice cold.

It is not surprising, since they quickly showed signs of violating the conditions that were supposed to have been presented to them verbally as of yesterday, even though they were not explicitly stated.

However, in response to Lute’s reaction, Heinrich bowed his head while shaking his head reluctantly.

“Oh, no. I am sorry for my wording. It was neither an actual act nor a gesture.”

“Then what?”

“I had a small conversation with them. They had been placed under house arrest without any choice, but they wanted to at least say goodbye to their benefactors, the couple at the bar.”

“…”

If you say so, it must be true. The brothers and sisters visited Lute, and it was decided that they would be placed under house arrest at the Duke’s residence. There is no denying that it was too sudden.

For the time being, I heard that the duke sent a messenger to avoid the commotion, but the brother and sister never conveyed it.

From what I have heard about them, the couple who runs Uminekotei seems to be people to whom they owe a great debt of gratitude, having taken care of them in various ways when they were at the bottom of the heap.

I guess it’s human nature to want to at least say goodbye.

“So what do you want me to do?”

“No, at first I was just going to report it. But after our conversation so far, I thought it might be a good idea.”

“What?”

“Would you like to discuss this matter with those two? Let’s put aside for the moment the question of how to reach a conclusion. I think it’s a good first step to improve the professional atmosphere.”

“……I see?”

The proposal was worth considering even for Lute.

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