The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 113

Chapter 113: Achievements and Trust

“I understand what you’re trying to say, Helmut.”

Everyone fell silent, waiting for Melfina’s next words, her voice deliberately calm.

“But what I did in the Enkar region last year involved many unprecedented actions. The people in Enkar patiently cooperated with my actions, which they didn’t fully understand at first, and together we achieved results. You must acknowledge this, too, don’t you?”

“According to the materials we received, that seems to be the case, but it is natural for the people to follow their lord.”

“Yes. So, how about the reverse? The knowledge and methods that we established together with the people last year are now firmly in their hands. I believe this will definitely be useful when we start new reclamation this year. But do you think that, as you mentioned, a new officer coming in will act according to their wishes with the knowledge they have? Or will I have to explain everything from scratch to that officer again?”

It’s unlikely to find a noble who will act according to the wishes of settlers or former serfs. Melfina herself couldn’t imagine being directed by servants or merchants when she behaves as a noble.

Melfina placed her hand on her cheek, tilted her head slightly, and let out a sigh.

“This year, unlike last year, we will be seriously working on the development of the Enkar region, and I will have to spend time there. That’s why I need your assistance, but if I also have to do the same work as last year, I won’t have enough time even if I had multiple bodies.”

“If the knowledge is with the laborers, then it’s not necessary for the management side to have that knowledge.”

Marie said quietly, to which Melfina nodded.

“Rather, if the person giving orders does not thoroughly understand when, where, how, and why things should be done, won’t it just lead to disputes on site? It would be one thing if the officer were to work side-by-side with the farmers for a year and do exactly the same work, but is that really possible?”

“I see… So, Lady Melfina, you wish to prioritize the field work, correct?”

“I’m not saying that what you’re saying is wrong, Helmut. Both fieldwork and administrative tasks are important. However, I believe that introducing a new officer who is completely unfamiliar with either at this point will only result in confusion for both.”

Helmut looked at the people of Enkar Village and Melt Village with a sharp gaze and then shook his head slightly.

“Indeed, I believe Lady Melfina is correct. I was hasty. — However, my opinion remains that a person with high status and education is needed for managing industries as an administrative officer. Let’s see if they can handle the tasks assigned by Lady Melfina without issues.”

“Yes, I have complete trust in them. They won’t disappoint you.”

“I hope that will be the case. The results will soon become clear.”

With those words, the meeting resumed after Helmut fell silent.

Lutz, Fritz, and Nid seemed to sit up a bit straighter.

“Please, try not to be too nervous about the new initiatives. The tasks themselves are the same as last year.”

“We’ll do our best to meet Lady Melfina’s expectations.”

They said firmly, and Melfina nodded.

“I’ll return to the village right away and ensure that today’s meeting is thoroughly communicated.”

With Fritz and Nid’s firm words, Melfina felt a sense of reassurance.

— I need to have a word with Helmut.

Melfina let out a small sigh as she looked at the administrator who had remained aloof and uncommunicative.

＊　＊　＊

The urgent tasks for the day included selecting locations for new settlements and agricultural water reservoirs and organizing relocation requests. After the discussion, Melfina, Marie, and the two administrators headed back to the lord’s residence by carriage, while Cedric rode his horse.

“Helmut, do you think that was really okay? I have a feeling you might have made yourself quite unpopular.”

In response to the question, the administrator sitting across from her nodded as if he felt no discomfort.

“Politics requires some people to be disliked. Moreover, regional administrators are accustomed to being disliked by the locals. We are well-compensated for that, so there’s no need for Lady Melfina to worry.”

Helmut, who had changed his demeanor to a cheerful smile, was met with a wry smile from the other administrator sitting beside him, Günter.

“Lady Melfina, you really don’t need to worry so much. Helmut here is quite skilled at handling things like this. In fact, he probably enjoys it.”

“I’m neither a masochist nor a sadist. I’m only doing what I believe is necessary.”

“If I had to say, politics is his hobby. Despite having the achievements and connections to succeed in the capital, he chose the path of a regional administrator because he enjoys it.”

It seemed that the two had been close since their time in the capital, as their exchanges were candid and well-synchronized.

Before today’s discussion, Helmut had asked Melfina to refrain from outright denying his points, even if they were somewhat harsh. It was surprising to see his attitude become so cold and haughty compared to when they were at the lord’s residence, but the content of his remarks was within the expected range.

As the Enkar region develops further, it is inevitable that high-ranking officials and positions will require individuals of higher status than commoners. With formal backing from the ducal family, it is not surprising if some have already begun moving swiftly.

The Enkar region had been a remote outpost with minor development for decades. Apart from the settlers and serfs, most people knew only the occasional tax collector or the soldiers guarding them.

It was probably important for Helmut to understand at this point that there are people like Lutz and Nid who hold such views in leadership roles within the village.

“But I feel sorry for making you out to be the villain alone.”

“Lady Melfina, we are administrators dispatched to assist you as the lord. While we have heard that you are kind and thoughtful, that alone won’t keep politics running.”

Helmut said this firmly and then, for a moment, his expression darkened.

“This is a story we regional administrators hear so often during our term that it becomes ingrained in our minds. There was a very compassionate officer in a certain place. When farmers couldn’t pay their taxes, he acknowledged their delays, and if serfs were unable to perform their duties due to illness, he sent them to the church for treatment at their own expense.”

“That sounds… like a wonderful person.”

“Yes, but while that officer was in charge, the territory became terribly neglected. Farmers who were ill would quickly take time off work, leading to poor management of the fields and a drastic reduction in harvests due to pests and disease. When a woman with a baby cried and apologized for not being able to pay the land tax, saying she had no food for tomorrow, the officer couldn’t strongly insist on payment. Eventually, those in need banded together, and the security situation worsened drastically.”

“As a result, the territory saw early on that the son of the officer took over the position. The ‘compassionate officer’ was effectively confined to his home and retired. The son, unlike his father, had a rather harsh personality. He demoted farmers who couldn’t pay their taxes to serfs, sent serfs who couldn’t work to the mines as disposable labor, and imposed severe punishments on those who broke the law. Although there was significant resistance at first, within a few years, the village returned to its stable state.”

“Whether this story is true or just a cautionary tale against overly lenient governance, people are not always sincere and serious. There are many who are sly and deceitful, seeking to make their own lives easier at the expense of others.”

Günter’s words were met with a solemn nod from Helmut.

“As a territory grows, naturally, the number of rogues will increase. For example, if tomorrow, bandits attack with the intent to steal food and are captured by soldiers, could Lady Melfina, following convention, order that the captured bandits be executed and their heads displayed outside the village until they decay?”

“………”

Most likely, she would not be able to do that. Melfina has a past where she couldn’t carry out such actions.

It was evident that it would be a heavy stress for Melfina to judge that the bandits of the past were acceptable, while the current ones were not.

“Lady Melfina, as the lord, you hold the judicial authority over the entire Enkar region. If you do not act to enforce the law appropriately, it will be the honest, hardworking residents who suffer.”

“We regional administrators will leave our positions after a certain period to prevent collusion with the local area. Eventually, Lady Melfina will need to make those judgments herself, but until then, we will assist you.”

Günter added this in a supportive manner, and Melfina nodded solemnly.

“Yes, I have many shortcomings at the moment. I will be relying heavily on both of you. Helmut, Günter, I ask for your continued support.”

“From our perspective as political figures, it is true that we can be excessively harsh on commoners. Please keep us informed about how Lady Melfina envisions the territory. If there are any discrepancies, it could lead to irreparable issues.”

“Also, if nobles from other territories or direct vassals of Oldrand approach Lady Melfina with requests or demands, please inform us immediately. Although it is unlikely because the direct vassals of Oldrand are well aware of Lord Alexis’s severity, there might be cases where younger sons seeking preferential treatment could come directly to you.”

“Ah, requests like appointing them to high positions or offering knowledge in exchange for being a guest might indeed happen.”

“There are young nobles who think they are wise just because they can read and write. It’s quite frustrating.”

Helmut and Günter’s conversation, filled with their past grievances, was interrupted by a soft, amused chuckle.

“Marie?”

“No, I apologize. It’s just that the idea of providing knowledge to Lady Melfina struck me as somewhat amusing.”

“I still have a lot to learn, you know? Even today, I was thoroughly advised by the two of you.”

Marie, still smiling, shook her head lightly.

“Lady Melfina’s kindness may seem similar to sweetness, but it is different. — I’m sure both Lord Günter and Lord Helmut will eventually understand the unique value that Lady Melfina brings.”

Marie spoke so firmly that both Günter and Helmut fell silent.

“…My secretary is quite fond of me. Please consider this as part of the charm of the Enkar lord’s residence and get used to it.”

“Understood.”

“Noted.”

When the two responded, Melfina gave a vague smile and glanced sideways at Marie. It seemed as if Marie had anticipated that look and was already watching Melfina.

“It’s only a matter of time before you both believe that my words are true. Cedric also mentioned the same thing.”

“I see, that’s the charm of it.”

“It’s quite refreshing.”

As the two smiled warmly, the atmosphere inside the carriage became somewhat awkward.

“Oh, Marie.”

“I’m serious, you know?”

Marie’s light golden hair swayed gently as she tilted her head.

It seemed that not only did Marie adore Melfina, but she had also somehow learned to endear herself with cute gestures.