Happy Daily Life of a Reincarnated Noble Blessed with Vassals - Chapter 25

Once we entered the room and dismissed everyone else, the marquis bowed deeply. “Count Hesselink, Lady Amy. Once again, I must apologize for my son’s misconduct. I beg your pardon.”

I sensed it earlier too, but despite being such a high-ranking person, his willingness to bow so earnestly was refreshing. His profession is one where it’s hard to imagine admitting fault or bowing easily, yet here he is, flexible and open.

“When Marquis Artemitos, one of the Ten Great Nobles, personally bows to me, I have no choice but to lower my raised fist. Very well. We’ll consider this unfortunate incident the result of Lord Gaston’s love going out of control.”

Lady Amy nodded with a smile when I looked at her.

Cute.

“If Lord Rex is satisfied with that, I have nothing more to add. Please, Marquis, raise your head. I’m grateful that he remembered me, even though I’ve rarely made public appearances due to circumstances. Please convey my thanks to Lord Gaston.”

She’s so kind, not even forgetting to consider that fool Gaston. If it were me, I’d probably tell him never to show his face again. Perhaps this kindness is something she inherited from Count Canilunya.

“Thank you. As for my foolish son, I plan to send him to our relatives, a warrior family, where he can be straightened out. It’s a household where only those with proven skills are allowed to speak, regardless of status.”

“That sounds excellent. If he manages to gain significant strength, I might just come scouting for him. I’ll look forward to that.”

Though honestly, I doubt it. Gaston wouldn’t want to work under a romantic rival, and I can’t see him growing enough to warrant coming to us.

“Well, he is still the heir to our house, so I’d prefer you not poach him. …Now, let’s get serious. I heard from Scout Captain Filmy that my son challenged you with our estate on the line.”

Oh? We’re bringing that up now? You could’ve easily ignored it, but I respect this man’s integrity.

“I was planning to let it slide. But now that you’ve brought it up, I suppose we have to settle it properly, don’t we?”

“As the head of a family within the Ten Lords, it’s a matter of pride. You might laugh at it as trivial, but my son made this statement in front of our retainers. If left unresolved, it will surely cause trouble in the future. In that case, it’s better to settle it quickly, even if it leaves a scar.”

I must admit, it’s impressive.

Well, not exactly an enemy, but after hearing all that, I do feel a sense of admiration. I guess I owe him an apology for underestimating him.

This time, I bowed deeply. “I see. As a member of the Ten Lords, I’ll take that resolve to heart. And I apologize for doubting that you had planned this whole affair yourself.”

Seeing me, the marquis widened his eyes. “Speaking with you like this, I find it hard to believe that ‘Hesselink the Madman’ suits you. Then again, perhaps it’s that very composure at your young age that makes some see you as mad.”

I can’t help but feel good being complimented like that. “You overestimate me. I’m simply a troublemaker who broke too many conventions. Fortunately, I have loyal retainers, and I’ve found a companion. From now on, I’d like to live quietly.”

“Hahaha! That’s impossible. Everyone has their innate talents, and you can’t escape the star you were born under. Even if you don’t seek it, trouble will find its way to you.”

That’s harsh. But somehow, I can’t deny it. Born under a troublesome star, huh? Even if I try to be quiet, it’ll be pointless. Should I just stir things up on purpose?

No, if I did that, it’d only add more credibility to the ‘Madman’ nickname.

“Now, we’ve strayed from the point. Let’s discuss the division of the estate.”

“I actually have a request regarding that. As I mentioned before, if the marquis hadn’t brought this up, I would’ve left it alone. But since it has come up, I’d like to make a proposal. Will you hear me out?”

Before arriving at the mansion, I’d already discussed this with Jean-Jacques and Mary, and they agreed. Jean-Jacques was seriously aiming to divide the estate, but when I suggested my idea, he smiled and nodded. Mary, on the other hand, sighed and said he knew I’d say that, so there was no resistance.

“First, I’d like to hear your request. If it’s something the marquisate can accommodate, we will yield as much as possible. However, if it threatens the very foundation of our family—”

“Then there will be war, of course. Rest assured, though, I’m not after land. To be frank, Hesselink doesn’t have the manpower to manage vast territories. Even if you handed over a town owned by the Artemitos family, it would only wither away under us.”

“Then you’re asking for an equivalent sum of gold?”

“No, I want people. I’d like you to transfer Captain Filmy, your scout captain, to my service.”

Yes, it’s a headhunt.

Is a scout necessary in the forest? The answer: absolutely.

It might seem like we don’t need one because we have Odolski and Jean-Jacques with their skills and instincts. But having a professional scout would be invaluable.

Filmy specializes in scouting against people, so I’m not sure how effective he’ll be in a beast-infested domain like ours, but once he gets used to the forest, I’m sure his abilities will shine.

“…So that’s your request. I see. Summon the scout captain! Inform him to come here immediately as a top priority!”

“May I assume you’re willing to let him go?”

“Don’t be so hasty. I can make decisions about gold on my own, but when it comes to people, their will matters above all. No matter how skilled, a person without motivation is a wasted asset. If he wishes to transfer to the Hesselink household, I’ll make arrangements accordingly.”

He’s absolutely right. I get the sense that Filmy doesn’t have any bad impressions of us, so I think it’ll work out. Let’s see how it goes.

If he refuses, I’ll just ask for compensation in money. After all, I’ll need more kitchen staff and food supplies.

“Scout Captain Filmy reporting!”

“Good work. Come in. Now, how many years has it been since you joined the military?”

“Sir! I enlisted at sixteen, and it’s been eighteen years!”

So, he’s thirty-four. His body is still lean and fit; he looks much younger.

“Has it been that long already? Time truly flies. This matter is serious. There has been a request from House Hesselink to transfer you. This ‘Madman’ here desires your skills more than my estate or gold. What do you think? If you don’t wish to go, we’ll find another way to settle this. I promise that no one will brand you a traitor if you choose to leave for Hesselink.”

“I… I owe an immeasurable debt to House Artemitos, one I could never repay. But if serving Count Hesselink allows me to repay that debt in any small way, I would be honored to change my master.”

Such loyalty. I want him even more now. Jean-Jacques seems deeply satisfied, nodding in approval.

“Don’t feel obligated. You needn’t consider your debt to our house in this decision.”

“Sir! I understand that Count Hesselink holds me in high regard, as demonstrated in our recent battle. Frankly, I believed that at my age, it was impossible to improve my skills further. However, after witnessing the abilities of Jean-Jacques and Mary, I feel that if I continue to train in the beast-infested forests, I might be able to reach a higher level.”

“I see… I understand. Count Hesselink, as you heard, I grant permission for Scout Captain Filmy to transfer to your household.”

“I am deeply grateful. Filmy, I’m counting on you from now on.”

“Understood, my lord. I will put all the skills I’ve cultivated as a scout to work for you!”