Chapter 119

Granting a Title (4)
The gathered nobles were staring intently at Lyrica. Lyrica looked extremely uncomfortable. Naturally, she would be—though different in context, I too am quite familiar with such gazes, and they are never pleasant. You simply have to get used to it. However, before that could happen, Marza was already fuming, veins bulging on his forehead. As I had suspected for a while, Marza seemed to be quite the devoted husband.

"Now then, about the proposed relocation site..."

I raised my hand. I have a great idea—look over here, Father.

But Father glanced at me briefly, then immediately turned his eyes away. Big brother didn’t even glance in my direction. They’ve realized it, haven’t they? They’ve realized I intend to meddle.

"If His Majesty chooses to ignore me, perhaps I should retire... maybe retreat to some remote corner of the kingdom."

As I muttered this under my breath, the two of them broke into cold sweats and turned back to face me. That’s what you get for ignoring me.

"Ah, yes, indeed. Alicetia seems to have a promising suggestion. Let’s hear it!"

"Y-Yes, Father. We must listen to her immediately."

The whispering nobles and the ministers deliberating relocation details all went silent, their faces tense. This was the first time I had ever spoken up on a political matter.

Truthfully, I am far from suited to politics. If someone were to ask me how to increase tax revenue, I’d only manage a vague "increase the population and boost employment... specifics unknown" level of response. Even Madame once threw up her hands in surrender, declaring, "Princess Alicetia meddling in politics would be catastrophic. It would plunge the kingdom into chaos." I still don’t understand what went so wrong. The “Three O'Clock Snack Act” is an absolute necessity, and I haven’t given up on it yet. One day, I will make snack time universally recognized.

"I will recommend the Dardon Plains that we cleared previously."

After my Father and I defeated the land-dragon, the unclaimed monster territory we liberated was given this provisional name. Initially, it was almost named after me, but in the end, they chose a name from Arland’s history instead. This placeholder name would change once the land became part of a noble estate. Since no one lived there, the naming felt all the more arbitrary.

"There’s nothing there, though. While it’s close to the royal capital, that’s rather cruel, isn’t it?"

It’s true, of course. Normally, nobles are granted territories that are at least somewhat developed. There are lands managed by stewards that could serve just as well.

But expecting those villagers to assimilate into existing lands immediately seems impossible. They’ve lived far too detached from civilization. Tensions would inevitably arise.

"Indeed, that would be most fitting," one of the nobles interjected.

However, the nobles agreeing were those from the assembly. They were likely thinking something along the lines of, "Let the country bumpkins settle for barren lands." Other nobles and ministers visibly frowned. It was, indeed, an unconventional proposition.

Marza already had a village under his care. Handing him a barren land with no resources would lead to nothing but deficits. I fixed my gaze on Father and Big brother, silently persuading them.

After a few seconds of glaring, they relented. It seems they’ve decided to leave this to me.

"Very well. That land is spacious enough to qualify as a viscountcy with proper development. Furthermore, it is near the royal capital, and the proximity ensures considerable traffic. We will grant the entire Dardon Plains as the new territory. Does anyone object?"

The ministers, evidently puzzled by my sudden involvement, remained silent. Even the other nobles, who had initially frowned, held their tongues. The location’s potential was undeniable—it just needed development.

"Then it is decided."

"Father, considering the potential of the land, the kingdom should provide ample support to accommodate Baronet Barel’s circumstances. Specifically, I propose that my magic devices be implemented comprehensively."

"Very well... I understand. I leave this matter entirely to you, Alicetia."

Perfect. Now I can intervene freely. I had already discussed this with Marza beforehand. However, direct favoritism from royalty toward a single noble is not ideal—it invites scrutiny, and suspicion is a nuisance to deal with.

By framing this as atonement, I can step in without issue.

Marza will leverage Earth-based technologies for efficient land development. Meanwhile, I’ll use this opportunity to test and refine magic tools. After all, flaws and inefficiencies often only come to light through practical application. I’ll support the endeavor until their new settlement reaches the level of Marza’s current village. It’s mutually beneficial.

Of course, should any losses arise, I will cover them. Housing and other infrastructure will also be handled on my end. I’ve already established connections with the Guildmaster of the royal capital’s Carpenters’ Guild. He’s probably enjoying a drink at the guild right now, lamenting about having little work lately.

Those present seemed satisfied with my plan. I would never tell someone to develop a barren land without any support. While some disliked the idea of my influence in a new territory, my father shut them down with, "Then would you like to offer the same level of support?"

The ennoblement ceremony concluded smoothly. Those plotting marriages between Marza and their daughters seemed to drop the idea entirely. Perhaps they deemed Lyrica’s beauty and my involvement too formidable an obstacle.

Finally, I handed Marza a storage bag filled with gold coins to cover initial expenses. He would likely use it in the capital to purchase seeds, saplings, cloth, and various other necessities.

"I’ll be stepping out for a bit," I announced after the ceremony, handing the prime minister a stack of documents before preparing to leave.

"Where are you going?"

"I’m off to grab some snacks. I refuse to work after three o’clock."

"Very well."

Father and my brother, aware of my real plans, made no further comment. Periodically, I assist someone—a person who, despite being surrounded by enemies, once helped me sell magic tools to Father.

"Welcome!"

Today, Alicia is outside on patrol. For this meeting, even Alicia won’t be present, as her presence might sometimes be a hindrance.

"Tea and cookies, please."

"Understood."

I came to a café called Mari's today. Alongside Silver Moon, it’s one of my favorites. Unlike Silver Moon, which often has long queues due to its small size, Mari's café is spacious, and there’s no need to wait.

As I enjoyed the tea and cookies for a while, a robed figure took a seat at the table behind me.

"Thank you for waiting, Your Highness."

"How are things lately?"

After ordering tea, the robed man spoke to me. This was the usual routine.

"It’s all headaches these days. There seem to be some factions making suspicious moves, but I’m working with Old Man Donald to keep them in check. However, the spread of pro-empire sentiment and anti-monarchist ideologies is undeniable.

Unless there are fundamental reforms, we won’t be able to suppress them completely."

I knew it. Poverty remains a constant issue in every nation. In this world, where civilization is underdeveloped, poverty often leads directly to death. Still, the emergence of anti-social movements as a byproduct is troubling. He and a man called Old Man Donald are doing what they can to suppress such activities.

I have never met this Old Man Donald myself. He’s someone my father supports.

The man before me is a former knight who served at the castle. He was once considered a promising figure but, upon witnessing the harsh realities of the slums, he was driven by righteous anger to abandon his knighthood and live in the slums. A peculiar individual named Marcus.

Since he worked at the castle, he became an acquaintance of mine. When he decided to resign, I happened to cross paths with him, and that’s how our association began.

In the slums, Marcus identified and trained those with aptitude to become adventurers, formed a vigilante group to maintain a semblance of order, and even provided intelligence about criminal organizations to the capital’s guards. Understandably, he has many enemies.

In the slums, he holds the position of a young community leader. Apparently, there are several such leaders besides him.

"I see. Well, this is perfect timing. A piece of good news for you: the land my father and I liberated is to become a new noble territory."

"That’s certainly enviable. But we have no way to stake a claim there."

"Not necessarily. Gather 300 people. Families, preferably those with children—children shouldn’t remain in the slums.

So, we need people who are relatively free of complications to become residents of that territory."

Marcus gasped. The fact that I was discussing this as a decided matter indicated my direct involvement in this new land. This wasn’t just the new lord’s decision; it bore my influence.

"The new territory will receive my support until it’s established. There’s plenty of land, so creating a separate village for slum residents won’t be an issue. However, they likely won’t be able to coexist with the current villagers in the same settlement, considering the potential for conflict.

To minimize problems, a separate village will be constructed."

The villagers under Marza’s leadership, with their semi-nomadic lifestyle, live at a level arguably lower than even the slum residents. The only saving grace is that they haven’t faced starvation.

"I understand. I’ll start the recruitment immediately. With Your Highness’s blessing, we’ll gather people in no time."

"Once this matter is resolved, I’ll address the slums properly. Someday, I’ll visit the slums myself."

"I oppose that. It’s too dangerous."

"I can’t act without seeing things for myself. If I don’t know what’s needed, I can’t make informed decisions. Well, I’m still working on how to approach it.

By the way, go to the Panapp Trading Company this time. Hand them this, and they’ll provide the necessary supplies."

For safety’s sake, the resources I provide are sourced from multiple trading companies. I’ve established enough rapport with each of them to ensure reliability. While Ponpoko Trading Company is my closest ally, focusing all profits on one merchant would stir envy among others. I’d rather see Ponpoko Trading Company grow enough to dominate the sugar trade, but for now, balance is key.

"Thank you as always."

"Be careful with the new medicines. Some of them are experimental, so ensure proper usage. Overuse can be toxic."

As someone who specialized in both science and medicine, I don’t just make magic tools. My other creations include new medicines, ranging from potions to pain relievers inspired by my former world. Though I’ve sold some formulas to my father, refining them remains a challenge. This world, heavily reliant on magic for science and medicine, struggles with stagnation due to its dependence on individual magic users.

Furthermore, these magic users often guard their knowledge jealously, making the dissemination of information a chore. It’s an inconvenient world.

"Understood. The idea of a medical field not reliant on magic, where individuals can learn through effort, is truly remarkable. It’s great that even non-magicians can benefit."

"I’m considering establishing a medical school someday, but the cost would be astronomical."

Both medicine and drug development are expensive endeavors.

"Indeed. Someday, I hope we can create a society where everyone can freely access education.

Well, I’ll take my leave now."

Marcus finished his tea and left the café. After savoring my cookies for a bit longer, I also departed. My next stop was the carpenters’ guild. The foremen must be bored out of their minds, so I’m bringing them an enormous workload.