Chapter 136 – Endgame Problems

That’s a clever move. And a tight one at that.

While maintaining a peaceful flow of conversation, he precisely targets only the vital points.

Since sufficient time has been given regarding the Marquisate of Broderick, it’s not particularly rushed. Having claimed that territory management is going well, there’s no reason to refuse an inspection.

“Th-that is… how should I put it…”

“What? It won’t be much trouble. Just a bit of on-site investigation and reviewing the account books and reports… Hmm. We shouldn’t let taxes become unreasonably heavy. Let’s also have them inspect the reserves in the granaries.”

At King Melvin’s words, Norman’s face grew increasingly pale as he hesitated.

“Or is there some inconvenience?”

“N-no. There couldn’t possibly be any inconvenience.”

…Norman probably won’t mention the collapsed road. If he can delay the inspection, he’ll gain time.

“Ah, that’s right. I’ve received a report from Count Gartner that the road has collapsed. We’ll need to prepare a dragon palanquin. That would actually shorten travel time and work out perfectly.”

“Th-that’s right! I had forgotten about that. Since we came by d-dragon palanquin…”

Norman’s face turned deathly pale.

“No need to worry. Anyone can make mistakes or forget things occasionally. As long as you don’t repeat them.”

“My apologies. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

…If you were to read between the lines, it would mean “tell the truth now while you still can.” Does Norman not realize he’s been found out? Or does he understand but can’t back down now, planning to feign ignorance?

“Y-yes! We mustn’t have any mishaps! Let’s cancel the banquet! I shall return to the marquisate ahead of everyone to prepare for welcoming the inspection team!”

As if struck by a brilliant idea, Norman’s expression brightened. At Norman’s response, King Melvin deepened his smile. But this… his expression and true feelings were inversely proportional. Since he suspects Norman’s hand, he can tell Norman is trying to pile lies upon lies.

I think if he just gave up and claimed it was about saving face in front of Malcolm, the damage would be minimal… but that’s probably impossible now. Even if he confessed, if the misconduct came to light, it wouldn’t end well anyway.

But returning to the marquisate… huh. Far from giving up, Norman probably intends to rush back by dragon palanquin to destroy evidence. For example… yes. As a forceful method, he could start a small fire claiming the documents and account books burned.

As for the granary contents, he could purchase supplies from the Barony of Silun or Gartner County to make things look proper… If done skillfully, it might be possible?

The remaining issue would be what to do about the crucial farmland…

“…No, you needn’t worry about that. We can have Malcolm guide the inspection team. After all, he personally went around delivering invitations. The banquet must be important for the marquis’s family, and moreover, you’ve only just arrived in Termwills. If I burdened you like that, I’d be scorned by my vassals as a king who doesn’t consider his subordinates’ feelings. You should relax and spread your wings at your parents’ home.”

If you infer from Norman’s countermove, it means evidence remains if they inspect in this state. Reading Norman’s true situation, King Melvin delivered another counter-technique.

“Malcolm, is that acceptable?”

“Yes! Your Majesty’s generous and thoughtful consideration would surely please my father.”

Malcolm answered with a somewhat strained smile when prompted.

Consideration, huh. Indeed. This “consideration” has both surface and hidden meanings. The surface meaning is not to waste Norman and the marquis’s banquet preparations.

The hidden—true meaning—is consideration for Malcolm. It’s a strategy to demonstrate his fairness by having him expose his own family’s misconduct while simultaneously allowing him to achieve merit.

Norman’s movement in and out of Termwills has also been blocked. If Norman tried to rush back to the territory now, he’d be accused of “nullifying the King’s consideration.”

…No, given the earlier phrasing, it would probably be “disgracing the King’s face.”

He subtly hinted that the inspection team would be large… and by having Malcolm leave Termwills, they can prevent Norman from sending assassins. Naturally, they’ll provide appropriate escorts matching the scale. Thus ensuring Malcolm and the inspection team’s safety.

…Right. I should also give Malcolm a set of healing and antidote magic tools as a parting gift.

“Then let it be so. Now then… Theodore. You had a report, didn’t you?”

“Yes. However, I cannot report here, so I’d like to change locations.”

Since he turned to me, I decided to wrap things up before Norman could devise some strategy to get through this situation.

“Then shall we continue our discussion at the guesthouse? Malcolm, you probably have work handover matters to discuss. Since we’ll be finalizing details, come along.”

“Yes!”

As we headed toward the guesthouse with the two of them, I glanced back over my shoulder.

Only Norman, standing stunned and bewildered, and his attendant fidgeting awkwardly remained behind.

“No. That was masterful.”

“Only because you drew out the verbal commitment. With such perfect preparation, I couldn’t help but meet expectations. Thanks to you, we could significantly streamline the process.”

“If anything, it’s thanks to Sir Malcolm being present. I only intended to probe the situation.”

After moving to a room in the guesthouse to plan countermeasures, Malcolm wore a dry smile after hearing my exchange with King Melvin.

“Now then. What other possible moves remain?”

“First, bribing officials, I suppose.”

“That would be impossible with Malcolm taking direct command.”

“Indeed. And… given that situation, they probably can’t propose succession at the banquet anymore. The marquis and Norman will likely try to send letters to the territory. For example, having a trusted subordinate start a small fire. As for the crucial farmland… yes, they might use magic to turn over the soil and create a superficial appearance.”

Agricultural methods using earth magic or wood magic are good short-term, but with mediocre skill, improper handling can wastefully deplete the field’s fertility. So from a long-term perspective, it’s quite difficult.

If they employed a magician who could do this systematically, personnel costs would skyrocket. So it’s difficult for the financially strained marquis’s family… but if any magic will do, they might be able to dig up soil and fake farmland.

“Hmm. We’ve blocked human movement. Let’s set up surveillance on the marquis’s family. If they try to send messengers by dragon palanquin, we’ll arrange for them to join the inspection team with appropriate reasons. The rest—if letters from the marquis’s family happen to be delayed due to some mishap, they’ll be completely cornered.”

“Yes. A few days of interception should be sufficient.”

These are probably the only moves available to the marquis and Norman.

“Then we’ll quickly arrange the inspection team. Malcolm, we’ll handle the work handover at the royal castle, so don’t worry about that… but you understand this is the critical moment?”

Yes. The one who will have the hardest time is Malcolm. The consequences of the marquis and Norman’s laziness and misconduct will fall squarely on Malcolm’s shoulders.

“Yes! I shall repay the favor from His Majesty and the ambassador with my very life!”

But Malcolm, having resolved himself, answered while looking King Melvin straight in the eye. Unlike watching the marquis and Norman act selfishly, there’s probably some satisfaction in being able to take action to break the status quo himself. I understand that feeling well. Just having the sense that you’re moving forward makes all the difference.

“We’ll assign guards who will stay with you day and night. You too, while in Termwills and until the inspection report is complete, remain vigilant and pay close attention to your personal safety.”

“Yes!”

Malcolm answered with a subordinate’s bow.

“Theodore. How do you view Count Gartner’s reaction?”

“As for my father… I believe he hopes for improved relations with the marquis’s family.”

Although I phrased it as speculation, King Melvin knows we’ve been in contact via communication device. So this is merely reporting confirmed information.

“Hmm… Then I’ll arrange a meeting with the Count myself.”