Volume 3 Chapter 27 Nobles And Benefits
When asked by the city lord if we wanted to be hired, Clay was very eager.
"What would our duties be?"
"Become Ridge's guard and tutor. Since Windy will continue as the guard, the main role will be as a tutor. I would like Ridge to live here and learn."
"Oh, I see. In that case..."
"Father!?"
As Clay showed a hint of surprise and Ridge turned pale, the lord reprimanded her with an unfathomable smile.
"Ridge, I am truly disappointed in you. Didn't I teach you not to provoke opponents you can't beat? And not to misjudge that opponent as well."
"Uh..."
Ridge mumbled. But to me, it was chilling. That's the point where nobles scold you.
"If Wade-dono wasn't so forgiving, both you and Windy would have been killed and buried in the forest without anyone knowing. If Clay didn't understand the noble art of negotiation, there could have been even more war."
"I am honored by your praise."
"No, I'm glad you spoke up in that situation, Clay-dono. Now I can also proceed on the established path."
"That's good to hear. We don't want to face the 'hidden weapon' of the lord, rumored to be even more formidable than Windy-san."
In response to Clay's words, the maid accompanying the lord smiled silently. ...Oh, is that so? It's her.
And then, the two cunning nobles exchanged quiet smiles. Scary...
"So, Ridge. You should learn about the common people. Even if you have the foundation of a noble, you still have a lot to learn about the world."
"Yes..."
In front of me, the conversation kept going without getting my approval. When I hesitantly said, "Um..." with a grimace, the city Lord leaned in closer and said, "Wade-dono."
"She may be incompetent, but she's obedient. In this situation, she will behave submissively. There's no need for complicated political marriages among nobles in this remote place. If you're willing, you can marry her."
"What!? Um, she's just a little kid, you know!?"
"Ridge is 10 years old. It's a bit early, but it's marriageable age, and you're not that far apart in age. It's quite normal."
As the city lord said this seriously, I felt like I was in a different world. Or maybe not. Could it be that everyone is so proactive because getting married at this age is completely normal?
Then, Ridge muttered quietly,
"Even though you say there's no political marriage, suggesting it is a political marriage in itself..."
"Did you say something, Ridge?"
"No, I didn't say anything."
The city lord and his child exchanged smiles. I was starting to get really scared.
"W-well, let's put aside talk of marriage for now. Besides, what does it mean to be a tutor?"
"Lord, how about one gold coin per month?"
"...Clay?"
"Isn't one gold coin per month too much? If it's just a one-time thing, it's fine, but it'll be tough to sustain."
Clay responded to the lord's suggestion.
"Then, how about a half gold coin and four big silver coins?" said Clay.
"A half gold coin and two big silver coins," replied the lord.
"A half gold coin and three big silver coins," countered Clay.
The lord nodded deeply.
"Let's settle on that. Based on precedent, it's close to the market rate... Ahem. I would like to entrust Ridge's education to you for half gold coin and three big silver coins per month."
"Hey, wait a minute. Clay, I haven't agreed to this yet."
"Wade-kun, even if you say that, if we gey a half gold coins and 3 big silver coin, we can cover all of Moruru's food expenses and even support all of us while saving money."
"...Really?"
"Totally serious."
Knowing that I was struggling with Moruru's upbringing costs, I started to worry a lot.
Clay then whispered to me,
"On top of that, the role of an tutor is very vague. It's not about teaching specific subjects, just about learning from everyday life. Basically, just by living in our house, we receive that amount of money."
"That's risky."
"It's a great deal. We may not be able to afford cheap meals, but since we can all eat well, it's not a problem. Well, it's just a change in title, but it definitely includes compensation. In fact, they want to establish a connection by paying extra."
"But..."
When I still hesitated, Clay made a difficult face and said in a very small voice.
"Wade-kun, I'll tell you the hidden meaning now. This is like Ridge-sama setting up a complete surrender. It's like constructing a facade of paying reparations and handing over oneself, all in a seemingly gentle manner."
As I was told this, I realized with a shudder that the situation was indeed as it seemed.
"...Isn't that a bit too harsh on Ridge?"
"Though it's only pseudo, we were provoked into war by Ridge-sama and emerged victorious. The city lord understands this and is judging his daughter not as a parent but as a noble. There must be inner conflict. However, as a fellow noble, he has no other choice but to be here."
Clay urged me to watch as we observed the interaction between the city lord and Ridge. Like us, the two of them were exchanging words in hushed tones.
"Look, with this, Ridge has obtained the environment where the Metamorph Dragon that Ridge desired is right there. This is how things progress in a conversation."
"I see...! It's educational, Father."
"Yes. It's good to have desires. However, just expressing selfishness is not skillful."
With a mischievous look, the city lord sees Ridge off with a smile. But underneath, his hand was trembling.
"Wade-kun, the city lord is quite skilled. And honest. Creating a false image of profit only with facts. Making everyone think they've gained. Probably including my explanation, the city lord is setting up the situation."
"...Why go to such lengths?"
"Honesty and sincerity are the strongest weapons in negotiations."
As Clay revealed, the city lord told Ridge with a stern expression.
"Also, about Wade-dono, make sure to bring him down."
"Eh? Um, something like that just happened, you know? And, I also had a scary experience..."
"Well, that's why. That's exactly it. First, show your atonement through dedication. That's what defeat is about. Remake yourself from the depths of your heart, dedicate yourself both physically and mentally, and serve wholeheartedly. That's what it means to fall."
"...Yes."
"What, it's not just about suffering. A copper-tier adventurer defeating Windy at this age is like a budding hero. It's not just about nobility, it's on a national level. Depending on your efforts, you may eventually be able to welcome a hero as a husband, isn't that bad?"
"...Y-yes. Father...!"
Ridge was easily deceived by her father and looked at me with teary eyes. Then, when I looked at the city lord, he just returned a gentle smile.
The color of those eyes was too deep, I couldn't see through them. The two of them started whispering again.
"He's quite the cunning noble."
Clay said.
"Even though he still has a powerful Stealth Weapon Adventurer like Windy on hand, recognizing us as sincere diplomatic partners and indirectly suggesting Ridge's complete surrender..."
"Why go that far..."
"A true noble serving as a lord is like this. They bear the burden of their territory even if it means trampling over their own feelings. Nobles with such determination ultimately choose the option that benefits them the most."
In other words, Clay whispered to me,
"Wade-kun, you are the one to whom Ridge-sama will give everything to show her sincerity. You have been recognized as such by the city lord. Because it was judged to be in the best interest of the territory."
I stiffened at that. What's with those excessive expectations? Ridge shouldn't have eyes filled with a sense of duty either.
"By the way, with Wade-kun's modest diplomacy, you might have been seen as someone to be taken lightly and ended up fighting the lord's 'hidden weapons.' Would that have been better?"
Clay teased, and I responded with a wry smile, "My bad."
"So, is the negotiation settled?"
At the city lord's confirmation, Clay looked at me. I folded my arms, furrowed my brows, and thought for a moment before finally agreeing.
"I understand... I'll accept."
"Thank you, Wade-dono. Please take good care of Ridge. Oh, and you can also use Windy as your subordinate if you like, but what do you think?"
I looked at Windy with a conflicted expression. Windy, who had been beaten up by me countless times and treated like an add-on with the young lady, had a blank expression.
Considering the events up to now, it's tough, but I've done my fair share of beatings. Unsure, I decided to ask Windy directly.
"What do you think, Windy? ...There’s an available room, after all."
"If I could have the honor of such a position, I would serve Wade-sama absolutely."
"Huh?"
Looking at Windy, I saw an unusual sparkle in their eyes. Wait, where did that blank look from earlier go? What happened to you?
"Windy, when did you start being so devoted to Wade-sama?"
In response to Ridge's question, Windy replied softly.
"My lady, I found faith beyond the fear."
This guy is starting to say something alarming.
"In the figure of Wade-sama attacking me with relentless force, I saw divinity. Wade-sama is someone who could become a god. Serving Wade-sama would bring me unparalleled happiness."
"Wade-kun, what exactly did you do to Windy-san?"
"Uh? ...It's a bit hard to explain, Clay."
"So, what did you do..."
I couldn't find the right words to describe how I was shuffling Windy around like a pinball in this world's vocabulary, so I just crossed my arms and groaned.
"Well, if you're gonna ask me, why don't you come over to my place while you're at it? It might be a bit tense with the other members for a while, though."
"If I can be by Wade-sama's side, then count me in!"
"Windy is scary..."
After Windy said that with sparkling eyes, Ridge followed the word as she folded her waist on the sofa.
"Well then, I'll be counting on you, Wade-sama, Clay-sama. Although I'm not really up to par, I'll do my best to learn."
Her gentle smile was truly the epitome of a noble young lady's beauty. Even among the beauties gathered at this party, her beauty was unique and stood out.
I bet she'll become a stunningly beautiful woman in a few years. With that in mind, I shook hands with the two of them.
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