Interlude 10 Part 2
The Vulture's Flag - Part 2: The Vulture's Oath
Translator : PolterGlast
It was a certain day when I heard that the Fearalt Principality
had regained its usual daily life, and the post-war processing in the Kyle
Kingdom had also settled down. Halim and I had come to Kylar,
the Royal Capital of the Kyle Kingdom, at the request of the Demon
Territory Count.
That day seemed to be the day after the awards ceremony were
held within the Kingdom, and the Royal Capital was in a festive mood. Halim
and I, looking at such clamor sideways, entered the mansion of Count Solis
(now Marquis) in Kylar.
Those who welcomed us in the reception room were His
Excellency the Demon Territory Count, who became the Archduke of Westlights
in the awards ceremony, the Big Sister, Boss Raphael, and another young
noble who somehow resembled the Demon Territory Count.
"Zahark, Halim, it's been a while.
Actually, I had you come today for a separate matter, but various unexpected
things happened at the awards ceremony... I'd like to proceed with the talk
starting from there."
"Yes, it has been a while. I too still engrave the days
I ran through the battlefield together with the military flag of the Demon
Territory Count Army in my heart as the greatest and highest honor, along
with all the residents of Salaam, with feelings of gratitude."
"I apologize for my long silence. If you give us any
order or command, everyone at the Tia Trading Company will gladly handle
it."
"Yeah, thank you. I count on you from here on too. So,
to get right to it, let's start with the lighter topic, the new request that
came up this time. Can you two... buy up the grain
that is in surplus within the Fearalt Principality at a low
price...?"
I unintentionally exchanged glances with Halim. I was
surprised, but a little happy.
"Well...
actually, talking with Halim and the others, I am also currently
proceeding with buying up grain from all over the Principality using the reward
received this time as capital..."
" Hoh, why
is that?"
At this time, the person unknown to me joined the
conversation for the first time.
"Yes, during this war disturbance, while staying in
this country, I also gathered information within my capabilities. First, the Kyle
Kingdom was attacked from four directions, and especially on the western
and northern sides, most of the harvest was requisitioned by the invading
armies, so I thought grains would be in short supply from here on. Next, in
various parts of the Kingdom, armies of unprecedented scale moved for defensive
battles. If so, I think it is reasonable to assume that a considerable amount
of grain was consumed as logistics."
"I see... just as Takuhir said, you are quite excellent. Sorry, please continue."
"Yes, on the other hand, although a civil war occurred
in the Principality, the regions struck by the ravages of war were extremely
limited. Many fruits were brought this year too, but this time the side
receiving it as tax, many great nobles, had their territories and wealth
confiscated and were abolished. Therefore, the grains lost their destination,
no, to be precise, concentrated in Fairy under His Majesty the
King."
"And the tax (grain) rapidly gathered in Fairy
flowed into the market and is in surplus?"
"As you say. Buying it up
at a low price and selling it at a reasonable price to places where it is
needed. I thought it would be part of repaying the favor if we can make this a
profit for the Lord Demon Territory Count. Reaching that thought, I had
been proceeding with preparations on my own."
"Hahaha, profit for the Demon Territory Count,
huh. You're already a splendid vassal of Takuhir. If so, it'll be easy
to proceed with my other topic as well."
"All of us residents of Salaam feel indebted to
Lord Demon Territory Count and are running around preparing to welcome
you as the new lord."
"Hmm? Wait a minute! Zahark, who did you hear
from that I am the lord of Salaam?"
I couldn't help but wonder why Lord Demon Territory Count
was panicking here. What does this mean?
"Everyone who is a resident of Salaam knows.
After all, when His Majesty Krieger left, he personally issued a
proclamation and announced to that effect..."
"Hahaha... all the groundwork is already done. What on
earth was I thinking about this and that for..."
Lord Demon Territory Count was holding his head while
mocking himself. Beside him, the Big Sister (Lady Yoltia) was chuckling.
"Then shall I tell you everything at once? Could you
sell that grain to Frontier Duke Hastburg, my
brother sitting here, who will newly enter as a lord in the western frontier of
the neighboring Kyle Kingdom? Of course, as a formal transaction,
ensuring a proper profit."
So that's how it was. He looks like Lord Demon Territory
Count with a bit of elegance (handsomeness) and fearlessness added, but if
they are brothers, it's natural they look alike.
"I'm counting on you. We'll be neighbors from now on, and I'll give
preferential treatment in terms of trade too, so first I want to trade grain
with top priority. I'm expecting great things from you."
Toward the person who said so and offered his hand with a
smile, I froze for a moment. His Excellency the Duke to me? Asking a mere
commoner for a handshake; it was impossible in my common sense.
『As
expected of Lord Demon Territory Count's brother. Both brothers are
outside the norm.』 Thinking so, I hurriedly took his hand.
"Yes, it is an opportunity I could not even wish for
either. I look forward to working with you from here on too."
This encounter would become one of the major factors for the
city of Salaam to achieve unprecedented development as a trade city.
Direct trade with the former Demon Territory Count's domain,
transactions with the Frontier Duke Hastburg
territory, and above all, various institutional reforms modeled after the Demon
Territory Count's domain became the driving force to rebirth Salaam
into a completely new city.
"So, I will entrust you with a letter addressed to His
Majesty Krieger stating, 'I wish to continue buying surplus grains
through Salaam,' so please deliver it to Fairy. Well, you two are
also on drinking terms with His Majesty, right."
Told so, Lord Demon Territory Count laughed. Needless
to say, the memories Halim and I had sealed away, forbidden to speak of,
revived, and we felt cold sweat running down our backs.
"Also, regarding this recent campaign, an expression of gratitude from me personally
anew, but... first, Zahark!"
An expression of gratitude? No, I've already received it,
but... Thinking so, when my name was called, I felt my spine straighten.
"As the Governor of the city of Salaam, won't
you bear the city's governance, maintenance of public order, defense, etc.?
Under the nominal title of Governor, I will entrust Zahark with a
Knighthood, so I want you to use it for governance."
"Yes... yeees!?"
Only this time, I too unintentionally let out a strange
voice out of sheer surprise.
Me, an official? More than that, Governor of Salaam,
there's no way I can serve such a thing. I am a denizen of the underworld. That
past cannot be changed. Originally, becoming a vassal was a story I couldn't
even wish for, but it was so far beyond imagination that I froze.
"Zahark, resign yourself. I too highly value
your abilities. Lady Yoltia also strongly recommended you. Even someone
like me is a noble, though I don't know how it turned out, and surely you can handle it too."
"No... Boss Raphael. That and this are..."
"You guys constantly used me as a side dish for drinks
saying I don't look like a noble. Next... you're joining my ranks too."
The Boss laughed happily saying so. No, no, such a thing...
there's no way I can handle it!
"Zahark, I too highly value you. The matter of
the grain this time is the same, and to develop it as a commercial city, it's
important that a man with a nose for business stands at the top. Besides... we
have few trustworthy people within the Principality. Don't worry, I'll send
several civil officials trained by my wife (Miseri) for governance, and impart some strategiesto you as
well."
Receiving Lord Demon Territory Count's final words, I
could only nod. 『Is someone like me really... okay?』
"Also Halim! As a personal expression of
gratitude for your various activities in this campaign, I will prepare branches
for the Tia Trading Company here in five locations: Teigoon, Ishtar,
Aegis, Gaia, and Deimos. I want you to accept them,
buildings and all, as sales bases."
"S-Such a thing, is it really alright?"
Halim also
received an unexpected reward, and saying those words was the best he could do;
after that, he was just dazed.
This was our beginning. I immediately returned to Salaam
and gathered the thugs in the city, including my subordinates.
"You guys, listen well! This time, from the Demon
Territory Count, the benefactor of this city, who has now become His
Majesty the Archduke of Westlights, I have undertaken the role of Acting
Governor of this city."
Having 'Acting' attached before Governor was something I
dared to request. In the unlikely event I mess something up or there is an
inconvenience, if it's 'Acting', I can be replaced anytime, and there is an
excuse so responsibility doesn't reach His Majesty the Archduke.
"Look at this flag! It's our flag! The flag of the
vulture, indicating the Salaam Government, received from the military
flag of the Demon Territory Count Army. Requesting His Majesty the Archduke,
I borrowed the design and received permission to dare to call it a
vulture."
At that time, everyone was still looking blank. But if they
know the meaning, their state will change too. I thought so.
"Listen well! Until now, we have lived in places away
from the sun as vultures scavenging for carrion. Preying on those who showed
weakness regardless of who they are, as humans (beasts) and an organization
greedily coveting profit. But even someone like me had a thought. I want to
return the favor received from His Majesty the Archduke in a proper form. For
that, I want to live with my chest puffed out under the bright sun. I want to
make a place for you who have nowhere to go. A place to live with our chests
puffed out together! In a city where slums and dens of criminals are eliminated,
where no one is oppressed, where we can spend time laughing."
This is the true feeling I always secretly harbored from
before, which had become faded someday in the process of becoming dirty. But
under those nobles and the former lord, under guys like that, I didn't even
feel like it...
"This is a flag of oath for us to bear our past sins
ourselves, and upon that, respond to the will of our benefactor, His Majesty
the Archduke. All those who have the will and resolve to live a new future
together with me, His Majesty the Archduke will pick up. Only those who can
swear to take pride in this flag and bear it, remain here! Those who cannot...
leave Salaam immediately! Such fellows are unneeded in the newly reborn Salaam."
I said this, but I knew the vast majority of those gathered
here would remain in Salaam. Like me, they too know that acting together
with the Demon Territory Count and his army, they changed.
Because they are now heroes who saved the city cooperating
with the Demon Territory Count Army, from being city thugs. I had seen
countless times the figures of those guys praised by the city residents,
embarrassed, not knowing how to respond, looking happily troubled.
Among them, those who turned pale and trembled were only the
criminals to the core. We, who know their true colors well, will turn to the
side capturing them next time. This must be a nightmare for them.
Based on this, I dismantled the organization and reborn it
anew. All of this is also the result of wisdom imparted directly from His
Majesty the Archduke.
[Security Company]
Even for men with only physical strength, there are plenty of uses. No matter
how much we say it's our own city, if soldiers of another country are
stationed, there are various problems.
- The
difficulty of dispatching soldiers to this far-off land.
- Not
creating unnecessary friction within the Principality.
- Consideration
for the nobles on the Principality side.
Considering these, the security company established by the
proposal of Lord Demon Territory Count was born as an organization
bearing guards and maintenance of public order, entrusted entirely with the
city's defense. Currently, based on the vigilante corps launched during the
civil war, it is an organization of around 200 people, but we intend to
gradually reinforce it from now on, aiming for a scale of 500 people.
[Vigilante Corps]
Many of the vigilante corps we established by copying what we saw during the
civil war also moved to the security company, but we plan to reform it anew
based on volunteers from the city, continue operating it, and aim for a
constant scale of 500 people. However, we are not in too much of a
hurry regarding this. The arrangement is to gradually recruit after the
shooting range currently under construction becomes
operational and crossbows permeate the city. We were also receiving such
guidance from the dispatched civil officials.
[Heal Trading Company]
Those well-informed and sharp-witted were
assigned here. It does not compete with Halim's Tia Trading Company,
but serves as a counterpart existence.
- To
eventually become a trading company with branches throughout the entire Principality.
- To
serve as a receptacle for supplies flowing into Salaam.
- To
mainly conduct trade with Frontier Duke Hastburg.
Since we put down roots on the Fearalt Principality
side and trade with the older brother
will be the main focus, it is a mutually complementary relationship cooperating
nicely with Halim, who conducts trade with the former Demon Territory
Count's domain and local store expansion.
And one more thing! As an intelligence agency sucking up
information within the Principality, the Heal Trading Company has a
hidden face. I strongly requested the name of this trading company from Lord Demon
Territory Count and received it. I think this sound is perfect for us, and
I feel like I've finally caught up with Halim and the others with this.
[Other]
Organizations where women work, such as taverns and brothels, were also
fundamentally changed receiving Lady Yoltia's proposal. Simply
transforming from an organization that treated them as merchandise to one that
protects them. Interestingly, when our organization changed, the unscrupulous
shops in Salaam could no longer secure manpower (women), and all such
shops went out of business.
Then, under the guidance of the newly arrived civil
officials, facilities that never existed in Salaam before—orphanages, clinics, schools that also serve as
daycares, reception offices, shooting ranges, and so on—were established one
after another.
Initially everyone had puzzled faces, but first, we sent
volunteers mainly composed of women to a thing called 'training' held in Teigoon.
『Zahark, to receive the training, the travel distance is long, and
the period spans several months. Therefore, if possible, I want the
participants to be on a voluntary basis. Of course, I'll pay their salaries
during the training period too.』
Saying so, Lord Demon Territory Count was worried
whether participants would gather. But needless to say, that was completely
needless anxiety. Too many applicants flooded from the city, and conversely, it
was difficult to narrow them down. Everyone in the city probably wanted to
catch a glimpse of the territory governed by the person they owed a great debt
of gratitude to. After a while, the unexpectedly large group departed, guided
by Halim who was going out for trade.
A few months later, when they, who had changed beyond
recognition, returned sequentially and new operations began, the aspect of the
city, and the eyes of those living in the city, began to change greatly.
Now Salaam is being reborn as a new city equipped
with various characteristics not found in the Fearalt Principality until
now: a city where territory residents do not suffer from heavy taxes or
oppressive rule, a city where slums, criminal organizations, and back alleys do
not exist.
All of this is also thanks to that person.
"Oops, I almost forgot the report to the Acting Governor.
Breaking news just came from the security headquarters. There was a herald saying that Viscount Erol's party will arrive this afternoon to
receive grain and other goods, make payment, and concurrently inspect the city."
"I see... Always receiving massive orders from them,
it's something to be grateful for. Lord Erol is the right hand of Lord Darek, the Archduke's brother. Are
preparations for guidance and hospitality all in order?"
"Yeah, of course, sir. I have strictly told everyone in
the city not to engage in bad business customs too. Though, with interactions
with the Kingdom increasing and new reforms progressing now, they are already
becoming a thing of the past. If there is a request, whether tavern or brothel,
we have preparations in place to guide them anytime."
"Hahaha, perfect. Well, the only one who would request
the last part is probably the noble with a bandit face, though..."
I recalled the face of that person.
"However... I'd like to exchange cups of sake to our
hearts' content with that person again someday, and make noise to my heart's
content. I have received such a great role, but occasionally, I envy Halim
and the others who go back and forth over there (Teigoon)."
Saying so, I looked up behind me again. There, the flag
catching the wind in the azure sky, the black vulture was flapping its wings
powerfully.
Salaam will
develop greatly from here on too, just as the vulture rides the wind and soars
high in the sky.
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