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118 Viscount Tigarood
Arrived
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Translator : PolterGlast
Twelve village and
town heads resigned. That's almost half.
Eight of them were
criminals, so they probably didn't want their record cards to be checked.
The other four were
embezzlers, but their record cards were clean. I wonder if they resigned to
spite me. Or were they afraid that if they continued as heads, they would
eventually become criminals?
In the midst of all
this, I went out to inspect the town.
When I tried to go out
in commoner clothes, Gandarvan gave me a disapproving look, but I convinced him
it was a secret inspection.
Banarji was
exasperated.
My companions were
Rosalina and Jojok.
Frankly, I'd be fine
alone, but Gandarvan and Banarji insisted I bring company, so I took the two of
them with me.
By the way, what does
it say about me that my companions are the assault captain and his
vice-captain?
"There are stalls
in the square, and it's quite lively."
"Merchants seem
to visit often for salt trade."
"If there were a
dungeon, it might prosper even more."
Though explorers would
gather, and the security might worsen.
As I observed the
people in the square with Detailed Appraisal, I spotted a rather important
person.
"Why is he
here?"
My territory is
surrounded by four others.
Count Parton's
territory to the west, Count Lafond's territory to the north, the royal direct
domain of Zawalifi to the east, and Viscount Tigarood's territory to the
southeast.
At a stall right in
front of me, Viscount Tigarood was buying grilled salted fish.
Upon closer
inspection, there were several figures disguised as soldiers—knights in
disguise—presumably his guards.
Viscount Tigarood is
21 years old and looks like a flashy guy with blonde hair and piercings.
This is a problem. I
should have brought the sociable Barth with me.
Rosalina is not the
type to handle nobles, and Jojok is a quiet man, so communication with a
first-time meeting would be difficult.
And the same goes for
me...
Should I approach him?
But Viscount Tigarood
looks like he's having fun eating from the stalls.
"Okay, I'll
ignore him."
Ignoring him would be
the best option!
He's here in disguise,
so he probably wouldn't complain if I just walk past him.
"Is that person a
problem?"
Jojok noticed Viscount
Tigarood, who I was looking at.
"No. I was just
thinking he's enjoying his fish."
"Yes. It looks
delicious-nanodesu!"
Rosalina's stomach
rumbled.
"Alright, let's
get something to eat too."
"Yes-nanodesu!"
"Rosalina..."
Just as Jojok was
about to warn Rosalina, three rough-looking men started causing trouble for
Viscount Tigarood.
"Hey, kid. You
got my clothes dirty."
"You said this
was your best clothes, right?"
"Yeah. My best
clothes!"
"Hey, kid. How
are you gonna pay for this, huh?"
That was a perfect
example of picking a fight.
I almost applauded.
But you guys picked
the wrong person.
"Oh, my
apologies."
Viscount Tigarood
apologized to the thugs without any hesitation.
"An apology isn't
gonna cut it!"
"Yeah, what are
you going to do about these clothes?"
"Hey, kid. Come
over here."
The three men led him
into a narrow alley between the buildings.
Wait, why are you
following them?
Hey, guards! Do your
job!
But I wasn't worried
at all.
Even if the three
thugs ganged up on him, they probably couldn't beat Viscount Tigarood.
" "
"Agh!" " "
The thugs were
repelled by Viscount Tigarood and ran away with their tails between their legs.
"That person is
quite well-trained."
"But he made a lot
of unnecessary movements."
"Indeed. He would
have a hard time conquering the 6th floor of the royal capital dungeon with
those moves."
Viscount Tigarood's
job is Sword Master, and his level is 23.
Generally, this is
considered a very strong job and level.
Dealing with thugs, a
single pinky finger would suffice. He's that strong.
Viscount Tigarood, who
had just sent the thugs flying, and I made eye contact.
I quickly averted my
gaze and was about to leave as if I hadn't seen anything... but then...
"You, sir. You're
quite skilled, aren't you?"
He called out to me.
Is this a new kind of
pickup line?
And he called out to
me, not to Jojok, who obviously looked strong.
"I'm not that
great."
"Don't be so
humble. I'm lucky. I met such a strong-looking person!"
I'm unlucky. I got
caught by a weirdo.
"I'd like to ask
for your guidance in a match!"
"No, well..."
"Please!"
This guy is really
pushy.
He's not as forceful
as Barukan, but he's still hard to turn down.
"How about my
companion, Jojok, instead of me?"
"This person also
looks strong."
"If you beat
Jojok, then I'll fight you."
"Then let's get
started!"
"We can't do it
here, so please follow me."
And so, we headed to
the training grounds where the soldiers were practicing.
Viscount Tigarood's
guards followed at a distance.
"They're welcome
to join us."
"Hmm. You noticed?"
"Yeah, I
guess."
"They need more
training in stealth. Well, then, I'll take you up on your offer."
Viscount Tigarood
called his guards over.
"You should all
learn to be more discreet."
You should stop
traveling in disguise to other territories first. Even I refrain from doing
that.
"Our sincerest
apologies."
The five guards bowed
their heads.
You shouldn't take
your eyes off your target when you're on guard duty.
"Hmm, this place
is..."
"This is our
training grounds, Viscount Tigarood."
"Don't tell
me..."
"My apologies for
the late introduction. I am Toi Footscythel. I am the lord of this
territory."
"Hmm. You knew I
was here for fun?"
Is it really okay to
call this "fun"?
"I just noticed
you now. When you were tangled up with the thugs, Viscount Tigarood."
"Hmm. How did you
know...?"
"I have heard
from Banarji, the former magistrate, about the appearance of Viscount Tigarood,
who is known for his militant ways."
"Ah, Mr. Banarji,
huh? I've met him a few times."
I have a general idea
of the nobles in the surrounding area. Banarji told me to remember them well.
When we entered the training
grounds, there were soldiers lying down again.
Viscount Tigarood and
his guards' eyes widened in surprise.
"Your Excellency.
Do we have a guest?"
Barth ran up and
saluted.
"It's Viscount Tigarood
and his subordinates. I brought them here because the viscount wanted to train
with Jojok."
"With Jojok...
Then I'll have them make some space immediately."
"My
apologies."
When Barth gave the
order, the soldiers slowly stood up and moved to the edge of the training
grounds before collapsing again.
They've at least
learned to follow their superior's orders in this short amount of time.
Jojok and Viscount Tigarood
warmed up with wooden swords.
As expected of a Sword
Master, his movements are good. For his level.
If Jojok were to get
serious, the match would be over in an instant. I wonder if I should let him
have a small victory so it doesn't affect our future relationship?
"Jojok. You
understand, right?"
"Yes. Leave it to
me."
He seems to
understand, which is good.
"Gwaah!"
Or maybe he didn't!
Viscount Tigarood was
sent flying through the air in an instant.
"I taught him the
difference in our abilities."
Jojok...
I meant to let him
have a small victory, but Jojok seemed to have interpreted it as "show him
the difference in our abilities."
"What
overwhelming strength! I am impressed! Jojok, was it? Please take me as your
disciple!"
Things are getting a
bit weird now, aren't they?
"Jojok! No,
Master Jojok! Please take care of me!"
In a way, this
viscount is even more troublesome than Barukan.
"Ah, Viscount Tigarood.
We can discuss this at the mansion."
"O-Oh. Right.
I'll be intruding on you then, Viscount Footscythel."
"Barth. Send
someone to the mansion to let them know Viscount Tigarood will be
visiting."
"Ha. I've already
sent someone."
"That’s a great
help. As expected of you, Barth."
Barth is good at
paying attention to these small details.
With just Gandarvan
alone, the soldiers might not be able to keep up because he's too strict. But
Barth is a good counterbalance.
I hope he uses a
carrot-and-stick approach to raise them into obedient and brave soldiers.
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