NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 39 - Recommendation of the Honorary Baron
In front of me were the Duke’s steward, Zaigen, with a seemingly difficult frown and sharp gaze, and the wicked and ruthless leader of the Duke’s knights, Balkan, who would probably run away barefoot.
I understand Zaigen’s presence, but why is Balkan here too?
“First, I want you to understand what an Honorary Baron is. It’s a noble title that lasts only one generation, so it won’t be inherited by Tooi-dono’s descendants.”
I don’t need a noble title myself.
Zaigen, with his dull blond hair mixed with white, placed a stack of papers about 20 centimeters thick on the table.
“You will take this home and go through everything, but I will explain only the important parts here.”
Read all of this? It’s 20 centimeters thick! Even though I don’t read even the thin instruction manual of a game… Maybe the relief is that the paper is a thick parchment-like paper. I hope it’s not more than a hundred pages.
“As an Honorary Baron, you have the same authority and responsibilities as a Baron.”
Authority and responsibilities… It sounds exaggerated, but if he says so, there must be something troublesome involved.
“In times of crisis for the Duke’s household, you are to rush to assist, no matter what.”
“What do you mean by a crisis?”
“War, large-scale bandit subjugation, and such. Also, the Grand Council is held twice a year, regularly scheduled, so the plans are decided in advance.”
I want to know the content of that Grand Council.
“The Grand Council held at the beginning of the year is a general overview of the previous year in the Duke’s household, and His Grace announces new policies for the new year.”
What a complicated content. Even if I attend such an event, I won’t be able to do anything.
“The Grand Council held in late summer to early autumn is like a midterm report. All nobles serving the Duke are obligated to attend these.”
“Will I just be listening to the Duke’s announcement?”
“At the next Grand Council held at the beginning of the year, you will introduce yourself as the new noble.”
Ugh, seriously? I can’t introduce myself like that. “I’m Tooi, who was reincarnated from another world!” I can’t say something like that!
“After the self-introduction, you are allowed to remain silent unless asked for an opinion.”
So, I should speak if asked for an opinion! It seems like I might be asked, and I have a bad feeling about it.
“Additionally, for irregular occurrences, we will contact you at that time.”
“Um, can I continue my activities as an explorer?”
If I can’t level up by entering dungeons, I’ll flatly refuse.
“For now, Tooi-dono has no official position, so it’s not a problem.”
I received it because it felt like he would force it even if I refused, but it seems like the Duke’s side has thoroughly investigated me. Even if I could escape, at least in this country, I wouldn’t be able to live anymore. It might be possible elsewhere, but that’s a last resort. I’ll endure what I can and, when I can’t take it anymore, either escape or corner the Duke. Until then, I’ll accumulate power to push the Duke into a corner.
Fortunately, it seems I can enter dungeons, so I can level up. I want to raise the level of the assassin and become unnoticed by the Duke, and Balkan, too. I’ll need to raise my level considerably, but for now, there seems to be no problem.
“An Honorary Baron receives an annual salary of 12 million gril. If you take on a role, you will also receive an allowance for that position.”
12 million gril is 120 million yen. Is it really possible to get such a large sum just by attending the Grand Council twice a year? Nobles are quite something.
“Normally, we would arrange the residence, but this time, we’ll arrange to buy the residence you are currently living in and give it to you. Is that acceptable?”
“Even the residence… is that okay?”
I thought he was investigating various things from his tone. Even the location of the residence, perhaps even that it’s a rented house.
Now, how much has he investigated about me?
“We are doing the same for other noble families. Also, the size of the residence you are currently living in is suitable for a Baron. However, if you want to buy another residence, you will have to purchase it yourself. The Duke’s household will provide only one.”
It’s not normal to say, “I want to buy a vacation home, so give me money.”
“The salary will be paid in a lump sum at the beginning of each year. While a Baron receives an annual salary of 12 million gril, since there are only two months left this year, I’ll give you a prorated 200,000 gril per month and an additional 1 million gril as a readiness payment.”
In this world, a year is also 12 months, and the monthly salary is 1 million gril. Since there are only two months left, it’s 200,000 gril. Then, a leather bag containing 3 million gril was placed on the table.
Once I receive it, there’s no going back. As long as the Duke doesn’t make unreasonable demands, I don’t plan to escape. However, I feel like I’ve become tied down. The Duke’s goal is probably to tie me down.
“As for the servants, knights, and soldiers you hire, their salaries will be covered by this. As a Baron, you are obligated to hire at least one knight and five soldiers.”
I’ve never heard of hiring knights and soldiers!?
“Tooi-dono is an explorer, and it seems you’ve come from another land, so you probably know few people. If necessary, I can introduce you to knights and soldiers. I won’t tell you to decide right away. Please try to hire them by the end of this year.”
To hire knights and soldiers in two months? Maybe I should get an introduction… No, I’ll consult with Mondaluk when I get back first. Mondaluk said he served nobles before, so he should know about these things.
“Read the documents thoroughly and make sure to remember the details. First, choose a family name within ten days.”
“A family name…?”
“Nobles need a family name. And a coat of arms. Design one that is not used elsewhere. Come back here tomorrow morning, and I’ll introduce you to the herald.”
A silver medal, like an Olympic silver medal, was placed on the table.
“This is a medal that proves the status of a vassal of the Galdrand Duke’s household. Wherever you go, if you present this, it proves that you are an Honorary Baron under the Galdrand Duke. If you lose it, not only will your title be revoked, but severe punishment will be imposed. Keep it on you at all times.”
Hearing that losing it would result in the revocation of the title made my heart leap, but there’s an additional punishment? Geez.
“Now, finally… while nobles are granted privileges, it does not mean they can commit crimes freely. On the contrary, they will be strictly punished. Because they have privileges, they set an example for the common people. Never forget that.”
I don’t intend to become a criminal. In this world, a criminal record can be easily checked with a record card. Criminals have to live as criminals for the rest of their lives.
Since the topic of privileges came up, let’s confirm that matter.
I thought about whether I could use the privilege of nobility to release controlled slaves. The nobles should be the ones determining the sentence. If that’s the case, can’t the sentence be reduced?
“Any questions?”
“Is it possible to release controlled slaves?”
To that question, Zaigen’s frown deepened. Don’t give me such a disdainful look; I won’t release scum like that.
“If they are not serious criminals, it is possible to release them under the guarantee of Tooi-dono’s subsequent actions.”
“Serious criminals…”
“In terms of ranks, they would be considered Class 1 and Class 2 criminals. In other words, those who are Class 3 or lower can be released.”
I think Anneris was a Class 2 criminal. It was an accident, but the damage was significant, and that’s painful. It’s quite disappointing that, even with this privilege, I can’t release her.
I thought about accepting Anneris’s release, but I ended up receiving something useless…
“I will inform His Grace about that matter.”
“Huh!?”
“If it’s due to a curse, there might be considerations for leniency. However, since it may not be acceptable to the victim, I do not know what judgment His Grace will make.”
Still, there is a possibility of being released from slavery. That alone gives me hope!
“Oh, speaking of slaves, what about Shaldina?”
“Shaldina has been designated as a Class 1 controlled slave and will be sent to the mines.”
Shaldina’s criminal record was a parade of crimes. Murder, fraud, robbery, arson, you name it. And she’s a woman, but there was even rape.
Even though Shaldina is like that, it seems she won’t be executed.
“The judgment is that sending her to the mines will inflict prolonged suffering.”
To use her up in harsh working conditions. It’s a case of reaping what she sowed, karma in action.
“Why tell me about it?”
Just to be clear, I’ll play dumb.
“Hmm. I have no ulterior motives.”
And with that, Zaigen’s conversation ended.
Now, what is Balkan here for?
“Is there something from Lord Balkan?”
“After deciding on the coat of arms tomorrow, head to the training ground.”
“I already told His Grace, but I can’t fight.”
“Nonsense. Come without fail.”
He stood up abruptly and left the room. I’m dumbfounded. Am I going to die tomorrow?
“Good grief, Lord Balkan is troublesome…”
“Do I have to go?”
After Zaigen sighed and pressed his temples, he looked at me. Don’t act so dramatic; you might give me a heart attack.
“You must go, or he’ll likely come to the mansion.”
“… Can’t you spare me?”
If I run away tonight, maybe I can escape.