The Abandoned Duchess Seems to Want a Peaceful Life - Chapter 48

Chapter 48: Conversation Between the Lord and the Knight

Let’s rewind a bit.

After concluding the business with Count Dantes without incident, Melfina sighed with relief as she climbed into the carriage.

This time, due to the lack of places to rest horses like in a post town during their journey, Cedric ended up riding in the same carriage instead of on horseback.

Normally, Marie would accompany her inside the carriage, while Cedric would keep watch on horseback, so this situation felt quite fresh to them.

“Lady Melfina, are you really sure about this?”

“Cedric, that’s the fourth time you’ve asked.”

“But doubling the number of dependents by two hundred all at once—it’s quite a burden.”

Cedric, unable to hide his serious expression, had accepted Melfina’s strong wish reluctantly, and it seemed he still harbored some dissatisfaction with the decision.

In this world, it’s not uncommon to strip criminals of their status and property or to purchase serfs for compensation. Even with that premise, what Melfina did this time deviated significantly from basic norms and conventions.

Cedric, who adhered strictly to norms and regulations, reluctantly yielded. It could be considered a significant concession.

“Originally, Enkar Village was just a village with around two hundred people. We’ve chosen the location for the new settlement carefully to avoid friction, but come spring, they’ll likely have to work together more, so we’ll have to be mindful then too.”

“No subject under Lady Melfina, our liege lord, would dare defy her orders.”

“That’s not entirely true. Everyone has their own conscience.”

Of course, Melfina was no exception.

It’s not that she needed to be overly modest, but that didn’t mean consideration wasn’t necessary.

After discussing with Nid, it was decided that the new serf settlement would be established in a forest clearing a little away from Melto Village. While they’d be tasked with winter field work and livestock care, Melfina had also asked Nid to help them adapt to the land. However, there were still shortages in terms of housing, food distribution, and even the number of toilets.

The increase in population means people eating, excreting, and asserting opinions.

While there’s only a short distance of a few dozen kilometers between neighboring territories, the clear distinction between serfs and other subjects can result in differences in habits and values between the agricultural villages near the capital and those settled by pioneers.

To prevent such differences from causing irreparable rifts, Melfina’s job is to govern so that the Enkar region feels like a second home.

“I’ve calculated our food supplies multiple times; we should be fine. Even with just dried corn and cornmeal, we can manage until spring. We’re also planting turnips and beans in the cornfields, which should yield a harvest. And if worse comes to worst, we can cull livestock.”

“Was it really necessary to go that far?”

By not resorting to direct retaliation, Cedric had been appeased, though his true feelings were likely that it would have been better to tie a noose around the refugees currently staying in Melto Village and hand them over to Count Dantes.

Melfina understood that such actions would align more with the “customs” of this world.

“Cedric, the Enkar region is vast, and the development of Moltre Forest is still ongoing. Do you understand what we lack?”

“The number of people, perhaps?”

“Yes. As the economy develops, naturally the population will increase. But given our inconvenient location at the edge of the country, unless a literal gold mine appears, we won’t see an explosive increase in people. Fortunately, the land is suitable for agriculture, and I want to produce as much food as possible for export. So, whether they’re serfs or refugees, as long as they settle and work for us, it’s a win-win.”

“By saying that, Lady Melfina intends to eventually elevate these serfs to commoners, correct?”

“…I haven’t thought that far ahead. There are considerations with the original inhabitants, after all.”

“Is that so?”

Cedric simply replied, without further argument. It’s strange how easily one can feel uneasy about lowering their guard even when not directly challenged.

“…Don’t you think people will work harder when the rewards for their efforts are greater?”

“Some certainly will. Although, the reasons why the residents of Enkar and Melto villages work so diligently are likely different.”

Melfina nodded solemnly.

These were people who had been engaged in pioneering, often at risk to their lives for a long time. Once they were in a situation where they could earn income by working, they would likely work diligently.

“Well, try not to worry too much. There’s no guarantee that problems won’t arise, but if they do, we’ll handle them together.”

“Understood. Ultimately, Lady Melfina’s actions always lead to good results. I trust your judgment.”

“I appreciate your trust, though the expectations are heavy. I’ll do my best too.”

Melfina felt relieved momentarily as Cedric seemed to accept her assurances. However, her escort knight, devoid of even a hint of warmth, added with a cold gaze,

“However, if someone were to directly oppose Lady Melfina’s decisions in front of me, I might not be able to remain rational.”

“Cedric will be fine. He’s the one who keeps me and Marie from going overboard.”

“While I’m fine serving as a check with Marie, I must remind you that I’ve cautioned against such schedules countless times.”

Anticipating Cedric’s impending lecture, Melfina tensed her shoulders.

Already burdened with tasks such as commissioning craftsmen, approving budgets, issuing procurement instructions, and managing supplies, her workload had only increased with the arrival of new residents. Today, she had asked Marie to prepare attire and welcome the peasants to the site, as Melfina had to personally attend to Count Dantes’ negotiations.

While her secretary was capable and diligent, Melfina couldn’t help but feel sorry for burdening her further.

With the onset of winter, when things should calm down, she hoped to take time to care for herself properly.

“Once things settle down a bit, let’s visit Melto Village for an inspection. I also want to see how the ‘communal housing’ is coming along.”

In response to the current situation, Ricardo was tasked with additional construction. He jokingly said that if it snowed, he’d stay here for the winter, but I’ve really been pushing him too far.

…To ensure he’ll come back next year, we must show him our appreciation generously.

Land is plentiful in this world, so it’s rare for agricultural villages to have multi-family houses connected wall to wall. Some people simply don’t fit well in row house living.

If profits rise next year, everyone can build their own independent houses and move out. As for the remaining row houses, I have a few other uses in mind.

“Understood.”

Cedric replied simply, then added,

“I’ll ensure your safety from departure to return.”

The Enkar region is so isolated that it could almost be called a landlocked island. This situation is irregular, and while I don’t expect it to happen again anytime soon, I feel like my escort knight has become a bit overly protective.

…It might be exaggerating to fortify it like a fortress due to its location, but we might need to consider neighborhood watch and crime prevention.

Truly, there’s always something new to think about.

Being a new lord is quite a burden. If I were to say that to Marie and Cedric, they’d probably warmly smile in response.