Temporary Lord of the Eastern Duchy.
The reason Dairon was given such a significant position wasn’t that grand.
When the Eastern Principality was conquered, just after the war ended, they needed a strong individual rather than simply a talented one to take charge.
At that time, guerrillas and remaining soldiers lurking within the principality’s ranks were always on the lookout for opportunities.
Placing capable individuals close to him to help manage the duchy was sufficient.
However, as time went on, a new problem emerged.
The talents initially appointed to Dairon to help govern the duchy managed it well, but they were hired on contract.
Over time, they left, and Dairon had to handle the duchy himself, recruiting new talent on his own.
The Second Prince assumed that, over the years, Dairon had gained enough experience.
With Dairon’s reputation as a hero, the prince even had a grand plan to eventually elevate him from marquis to duke.
Yet, under Epherna’s administration, that plan was on the verge of falling apart.
“Well, it’s simple. Our lord’s administrative ability is far worse than anyone imagined.”
A young man wearing a monocle commented.
Ern frowned at As’s words.
“How bad could it be?”
Listening to the explanation, Ern could see that Epherna had wanted to give Dairon a chance.
Dairon was a man of such value, so it was understandable that expectations were set for him.
Dairon only needed to meet the minimum.
Though he wasn’t politically inclined, his reputation was solid. If he had found just one intelligent aide, things might not have turned out like this.
“Ah… I don’t know anymore. Every promising person we bring in, he somehow drives them away… What am I supposed to do?”
Why on earth?
“I asked him about it once, but all he gave me was evasive nonsense… I’ve been quite worried.”
“…”
What was Dairon thinking?
This situation didn’t bode poorly for him.
Wealth, power…
As a hero, this was a prime opportunity for him to grasp it all.
Why would he ruin his own position?
I tried to think about it—what if I were in his shoes?
If I were responsible for the Eastern Duchy, what would I want to do?
As a former soldier like him, I began to contemplate.
And then.
‘Ah.’
The answer came quickly, almost laughably fast. If it was Dairon, I was certain he was thinking this way.
*****
It’s late autumn, nearly winter. The cool air settles on the skin, though it isn’t unpleasant.
The warmth of the autumn foliage still lingers.
In such weather, a small forest exists in what was once the palace of the Eastern Duke.
It’s a space Dairon had cultivated little by little during his stay.
Unlike the outside, the scenery here was green and natural.
“What brings you here?”
Ern, having heard Dairon was there, walked over immediately.
“We’re former comrades, aren’t we? Just came to see your face.”
“Comrades… The only time I recall seeing each other was during the campaign to defeat the Demon King.”
“Still, we risked our lives together. You could say I missed your face.”
“…Your words are as smooth as ever, befitting a former dark operative.”
Touchy, as always.
Well, Dairon had always hated deception and falsehood.
Perhaps that’s why he disliked me, who was accustomed to lies.
“I heard you come here whenever you’re deep in thought.”
“…”
“Sir As seemed troubled, as if he’s working himself to the bone.”
“…”
As, who assists Dairon, wasn’t someone with formal training in estate management.
He was once a member of the Knights, skilled with the sword, and he had incidentally managed the knight order’s finances.
But now, the young man, once so dedicated to the blade, was buried in paperwork.
“You must feel quite sorry for Sir As.”
“…”
He didn’t deny it, so it must be true.
I was almost certain, but his silence confirmed it.
“Do you dislike politics that much?”
Dairon’s shoulders twitched slightly.
It’s rare for someone of his strength to let their emotions show.
“Disliking politics but being unable to openly reject it, finding it hard to step down.”
Was I getting close?
“Are you afraid? Afraid of being bound as the lord of a territory?”
It made sense.
Dairon had lived his whole life as a knight, at the forefront of battle.
Now, he was being told not to enter the battlefield but to manage land.
It was bound to be an ill fit.
“Her Majesty the Empress probably doesn’t understand what it means to ask a man who’s lived as a knight his entire life to put down his sword.”
“…Mind your words.”
“What does it matter?”
They say even the king is cursed when he’s not around.
It’s rather funny that the one doing it is none other than me.
“Most of your knights seem to understand it, though—except for Sir As.”
On the way back, I had a brief chat with some members of the knights, curious if they knew about Dairon’s concerns.
“As is quite suited for administrative work. He was more destined for a civil service role than a knight.”
“But he also dedicated his life to becoming a knight.”
Just like Dairon.
Both feel a sense of discontent at finding themselves in a position where they wield pens instead of swords, hoping to escape the bureaucratic nightmare as soon as possible.
Even if they haven’t noticed, their sentiments align.
Anyway.
“To prove his incompetence to the imperial family… He should have gone directly to the capital and petitioned.”
“You know he can’t do that yet.”
“True enough.”
Many nobles covet Dairon’s position, waiting like a pack of wild dogs.
The moment he expresses any intention to resign, numerous nobles would band together, appealing to respect the wishes of a hero of this generation.
Of course, beneath this appeal lies their hidden, ugly desire to seize Dairon’s position.
The seat of the Lord of the Eastern Duchy is not something to be taken lightly. If it becomes vacant, there would be a bloody struggle among the nobles.
“But Her Majesty will resolve that issue.”
“…What?”
“How do you see our ruler?”
It won’t be easy.
Even for Epherna, with nearly a decade’s worth of experience and knowledge, it would take considerable time and effort.
“Think about it. If you submit your resignation to Her Majesty, she’ll naturally be troubled. She’ll grumble about unnecessary work piling up. But that’s just the beginning.”
Epherna will find a way, even if it means cursing a few times along the way.
Somehow, she’ll find a solution.
“It’s no trivial matter. It might end as a battle among nobles if we’re lucky, but a bloodless resolution is impossible. Do you truly believe Her Majesty can make that happen?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
I replied without a second’s hesitation.
“I truly believe it.”
Half out of sentiment.
Half out of reason.
And…
“Because you will help Her Majesty.”
I was confident Epherna would gain a reliable ally.
“To be honest, I thought you were somewhat foolish. I believed your lack of political acumen and awareness was driving the duchy to the brink.”
But I was wrong.
He had at least the sense needed for a leader, even if it was just enough to understand the aftermath of relinquishing his position.
“If you’re aware of the consequences of stepping down and have a conscience, won’t you naturally aid Her Majesty?”
I shrugged and asked again.
“Surely, you don’t plan to abandon her, do you?”
“…!! Absolutely not…!!”
“Then, at the right time, inform Her Majesty. Tell her you can’t stay in this position any longer. Ask her to send you to the battlefield.”
Of course, with the promise to fully cooperate in handling the chaos he leaves behind.
Dairon wasn’t the type to ignore such terms.
“Well, that’s just my personal suggestion. Think it over—you might find a better option.”
With that, I left the forest filled with the concerns of that bear-like man.
******
A week later.
Dairon’s private office.
“I have decided to send a messenger to convey my intentions to Her Majesty.”
“Oh, so you’ve finally decided.”
He’d seemed lost in thought for days.
I don’t know how long he’d been deliberating, but it was good news.
The duchy we worked so hard to unify would not fall apart.
I was genuinely pleased and was about to say so, but his next words left me stunned.
“You are that messenger.”
“What?”
