Extra 1

Shepherd (1)
"You, Shepherd, are special."

I've been told that by my Mother since before I can remember.
My Father, who never amounted to much, was always a source of embarrassment.

Originally the third son of a Baronial family, he was incapable of independence.
Through my Grandfather's mercy, he became a son-in-law, unable to elevate the Viscount family.

However, seeing my Father, who was also looked down upon by the peasants, was embarrassing.

"Get the carriage ready."

"But sir, it's dangerous in this rain. In case something happens—"

"It's your job to handle that. I couldn't care less about your fate."

Today, too, I ordered the servants to prepare the carriage for me to go to the neighboring territory, but they started saying that they can't because of the heavy rain and strong winds blowing since the morning.

What laziness.
It's the servants' duty to obey orders no matter what.

"Shepherd, don't be unreasonable."

"But..."

"You two, just step aside."

"Master..."

My Father made the servants step aside.

"Shepherd, there's even an evacuation advisory in this rain. It's not just the horses, but the coachmen are also at risk."

"And what of it?"

"What will you do if something happens to them?"

"And what's your point?"

It's the servants' duty to obey their master's orders no matter what, even if it's just a mere evacuation advisory.

It's not like they're going to die or anything.
Besides, what does it matter if one of the coachmen gets hurt?

It's only natural for commoners to risk their lives for the nobility.

And yet...

"Shepherd, the servants are not slaves!"

"They're no different from slaves."

"What are you saying!"

He couldn't even treat the servants with dignity.
That's why they're getting too full of themselves.

 

With poor harvests continuing, the peasants who couldn't pay their taxes came seeking help.

"We can't allow such selfishness. What will become of our lives?"

"That's right. We should squeeze them properly."

And yet that man—!

He wouldn't listen to me or my mother.
If there's a poor harvest, there must be other ways to collect taxes.

There should be ways to smooth things over.

But still.

"You! Are you trying to make our lives miserable?"

"Don't be ridiculous! Charity work is what crazy nobles do to pass the time!"

That man reduced the peasants' taxes using our living expenses.
Can you believe such nonsense?

"My business has benefited a little. All that's left is to live a little more modestly... Dania, you've been getting new dresses lately, haven't you?"

"That's not the point."

"Shepherd, you've been gallivanting around lately too. Just cut down on the waste."

I couldn't understand.
Why should I help those people at the expense of making my own life difficult?