My hospital stay ended amidst a life that couldn’t be called peaceful, with the president becoming my guardian and receiving great things from five generals.
“……What should we do?”
“……Indeed.”
“Is there something troubling you?”
“No.”
That night, the same day I was discharged, I didn’t hesitate to propose a family meeting after dinner. After all, it was about what I had received. I couldn’t keep quiet about it from Suella and the others. And as expected, this was their reaction just by showing them the lineup. Suella, sitting on a chair beside the baby crib where Sachiera and Yukiera had been put to sleep near the living room, and Memoria, sitting beside my sofa, were both perplexed by the contents of the presented catalog. In contrast, Himik, sitting on the sofa opposite us, and Evia, sitting on the adjacent personal sofa, were drinking their respective beverages with no particular concern. Judging from their reactions, Himik seemed to be in a “take what you’re given” stance, casually overlooking the monetary value due to a lack of worldly experience. Evia, on the other hand, seemed to accept it as unproblematic, with the financial sense befitting a great noble.
“……”
“……”
Suella and Memoria, who appeared troubled, had different thoughts. Suella, if I may say so, had more practical, everyday thinking, much like myself. While not necessarily frugal, she considered anything over a hundred thousand yen a significant purchase. Faced with items that seemed beyond anything she had ever possessed, she was bewildered as to how to handle them. Unlike Suella, Memoria approached it from a merchant’s perspective, considering how much work was expected of me in return for this remuneration. She contemplated the concept of compensation for labor.
“The president and Evia said it was okay to receive it, but honestly, is it okay to spend this much money?”
Beside the catalog was a bankbook, likely showing the remuneration transferred by Instructor Fushio. The boxes Evia brought were piled on the table, containing items like diamonds, letters of introduction, and keys to activate something. At the edge of the living room, a divine sapling was displayed as a tasteful interior decoration. As a side note, I might as well mention that my daughters’ reactions to seeing this World Tree seedling were quite positive, perhaps due to their Dark Elf heritage.
“That’s not something you say after receiving gifts.”
“What else can I do? When I earn money in dungeons or the like, I spend more than half of it on expenses, but this is personal wealth. From the perspective of a former ordinary person, this remuneration is exceptionally high.”
Evia laughed with a hint of exasperation at my honest words, but I staunchly defended my point. After all, I was a corporate slave who had fought in a black company. I hadn’t even conceived of the idea of quitting the company by buying a lottery ticket; my corporate slave mentality was that deeply ingrained. Yet, since coming to this company, my money had only accumulated. And I wasn’t exactly someone who spent lavishly. I had a car, and the company provided housing. My hobbies weren’t particularly expensive, and the instructors would often buy me expensive alcohol. The most I spent was honestly on work-related tools. Next would be gifts for Suella and the others, date expenses, and travel costs. In the future, I’d also have to account for child-rearing expenses, but I didn’t feel the slightest bit of worry about that. Nevertheless, being presented with such rewards left me at a loss. The diamond Instructor Kio gave me could simply be turned into wedding accessories for Suella and the others. That was fine. As for the president’s offer of guardianship, I could put it aside for now. But regarding the remaining rewards, I genuinely didn’t know what to do with them. Money in the tens of digits was only enough for a down payment on a house. As for a craftsman of national treasure caliber, I could only ask them to make party equipment. A magically powered mobile battleship? It seemed like it would just be an enormous piece of interior decor. Or, perhaps, an inverted idea: what if I lived inside the battleship? If it could be called a battleship, its defenses would be perfect, and in a way, it could utilize Evia’s land, but it wouldn’t be good for the children’s education, and it was questionable whether Suella and the others would want to live in a battleship. The World Tree, I thought I might plant it in the garden for the children and do some gardening, but I would need to study how to care for it. Conclusion:
“Honestly, if I’m to make use of Instructor Fushio’s money, Evia’s land, and the rewards from the Giant King and Tree King, I can’t think of any use other than a house.”
I couldn’t think of any other use.
“Indeed. I believe that’s the most reasonable conclusion as well.”
Suella seemed to agree with me. Resting her hands on the edge of the baby crib, her wry smile mirrored my own expression.
“That’s reasonable. If it’s within my dungeon, then as long as that person governs the country, there will be various national guarantees. I don’t think it’s a bad idea.”
It was probably better than dabbling in investments. Evia didn’t seem to have any complaints either.
“Excuse me, may I say something?”
I expected the conversation to turn to houses next, but Memoria raised her hand, interrupting the discussion.
“What is it?”
Perhaps she had made up her mind, or perhaps she felt this was the time to say it. In any case, she hadn’t been interrupted. I turned my attention to Memoria without concern. Her small stature, juxtaposed with my position next to her, created a dynamic where I looked down and she looked up at me. Realizing I found her upward glance endearing, confirming my affection for her, I felt a slight annoyance from the surrounding women. Noticing the faint blush on Memoria’s cheeks, I prompted her to continue without acknowledging the reactions of the other women. Thinking it would be a difficult evening, I braced myself as if it were someone else’s problem, and Memoria, having gathered her thoughts, began to speak.
“Could I borrow the magically powered mobile battleship that Jiro-san received from the Machine King?”
“A battleship?”
It was for the very item I was having the most trouble deciding what to do with. I briefly wondered if she intended to use it as a combat force but quickly dismissed the idea, knowing Memoria wouldn’t think that way.
“What do you intend to do with it?”
Evia seemed to share the same thought, her words sharp but her tone gentle. It was understandable that she was cautious due to the lack of a clear objective. From her perspective, Memoria was an equal as a woman, but socially, they were in a military-merchant relationship. Giving a battleship to a merchant would be a problematic act. Naturally, Evia didn’t believe Memoria, who was aware of this, would suggest such a thing for personal reasons. However, because the request itself was problematic, Evia initially adopted a formal stance. With her arms crossed, emanating an aura of not tolerating falsehoods, Memoria nodded in understanding.
“Yes, I will explain thoroughly.”
There was no hesitation in her words. Himik and Suella, who had been watching uneasily, decided to remain silent and observe.
“Currently, our country is exhausted from various attacks, including the recent assault by the angels.”
“Yes, that’s true.”
Setting aside any pretense, Memoria began to discuss the current problems of the country, now governed by the president, rather than the Demon Lord’s Army, directly with Evia.
“Our trading company is also sending supplies to various places and assisting in reconstruction efforts.”
“Ah, I heard about that in the reports… No, wait, could it be?”
What followed was that Memoria’s family’s trading company was participating in war disaster reconstruction. While I pondered if there was a connection between these two facts, Evia’s eyebrows twitched as if she had suddenly realized something.
“Yes, we would like to use the magically powered mobile battleship to transport those supplies. Under Jiro-san’s name.”
“Using it under my name?”
“Yes.”
“I see, it’s becoming clear.”
Evia tapped her folded arms with her finger, seemingly mulling over Memoria’s statement, but neither I nor Suella or Himik understood the full picture. Using a magically powered mobile battleship loaded with relief supplies to cooperate in reconstruction efforts, under my name? What was the meaning of that…?
“Are you saying the Toris Trading Company will be Jiro’s supporter?”
“Yes, more accurately, it would be under the pretext of supporting Jiro, who will likely attain a ‘General’s position’.”
Initially, lacking the puzzle pieces, I couldn’t grasp the intent behind Memoria’s statement. But as they continued to speak, it clicked.
“To be frank, isn’t there currently no one in the Demon Lord’s Army whose combat power surpasses Jiro-san’s?”
“……I won’t deny it. But that’s not entirely accurate. If you don’t include personality, there are individuals with combat power on par with Jiro, worthy of a General’s rank.”
“I see.”
Was Memoria trying to build a foundation for my advancement?
“Yes, precisely, Jiro-san. I believe this opportunity is a chance to solidify Jiro-san’s position.”
Opportunity in times of crisis. I thought it was a very merchant-like way of thinking. With this statement, Suella also understood why Memoria wanted the magically powered mobile battleship. Himik, as usual, tilted her head but remained silent since no problems seemed imminent. Memoria looked up at me again upon my understanding and nodded.
“Jiro-san has demonstrated solid achievements, but that is solely as an individual. To attain a higher position, you need the support of the power holders. This commotion is an unparalleled opportunity to gain those supporters.”
“……I’m not too keen on exploiting the weakness of war disaster victims, though.”
Memoria’s proposal was, in a way, like a campaign vehicle. My former company, Toris Trading Company, would provide relief supplies, and I would use the magically powered mobile battleship I received from Amili-san to support the war disaster relief. A flying battleship. Its transport capacity would be extraordinary. The profits and goodwill generated by this would likely be immense. However, now that I understood the details, a part of me found it difficult to accept. As Memoria said, I would gain certain benefits. I understood the logic: curry favor and gain support. I knew the world wasn’t made of just pleasantries, but… If asked if it was necessary now, I harbored doubts. But.
“Evia.”
“What is it?”
Currently, I was expected by the president as a combat force. Various reasons were being prepared for me to stay in this organization.
“Is what Memoria is trying to do necessary for me?”
“……”
To what extent should I let personal feelings interfere with that? I asked Evia for confirmation. While becoming a cog in the organization had a negative connotation, if I transformed myself into a large cog, it would mean something different. A large cog to turn smaller cogs. I felt like I was standing at a crossroads, whether to become that or not. There was no hesitation in her eyes as she gazed at me.
“To stand beside you all in the future, and to be a man you can proudly boast about, is this necessary?”
I asked Evia further. The reason I was in this company now was partly because I liked this work, but more importantly, I found the cycle of being expected and fulfilling that expectation comforting. Suella, Memoria, Himik, Evia. These four women, in their own ways, looked upon me with affection and love, and I wanted to reciprocate that feeling.
“Fuh.”
Perhaps sensing my resolve, Evia’s usual cold expression softened, and a warm smile graced her face.
“Fool, don’t be so uptight. It’s not like you.”
Her words, even for the short time I had known her, gave me confidence. Himik nodded, Memoria squeezed my hand, and Suella stood up, placing her hand on my shoulder and smiling.
“You’re overthinking it. Whatever choice you make, you’re still you. Don’t leave it up to me. Do what you want.”
Evia gently chided me and gently pushed me forward with her words. From a political standpoint, I was the authority figure Memoria was referring to. I had been taking the act of currying favor with the land administrator too seriously. Relaxing the power that permeated their expressions, I let out a soft breath.
“Memoria.”
“Yes.”
Calming my hurried thoughts, I told Memoria, who had made this proposal, my decision.
“I will use the rewards from Instructor Fushio, Amili-san, and the Giant King to support war disaster reconstruction. You don’t have to use my name.”
I had received too much in rewards. If I didn’t do good deeds here, I felt I might face dire consequences as a backlash. It might be seen as a naive decision. I might be looked down upon for discarding such a valuable opportunity. But this was fine. How I used the rewards I received was my own business; let them call it hypocrisy if they wished. Yes, it was hypocrisy. It was my personal, imposed hypocrisy for the sake of my future well-being. If that hypocrisy could help someone, wasn’t that enough?
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. There’s no need to hide it, but there’s also no need to publicize it. Just answer if asked about my affiliation.”
Actually, I felt refreshed. Memoria asked me if I was really sure, and when I nodded without hesitation, she looked relieved. Perhaps this proposal wasn’t her genuine preference either. But Memoria voiced it because it was necessary.
“Thank you, Memoria.”
That’s why I was grateful to her for making me realize this.
“That’s sweet.”
“Sorry.”
“However, I think that’s for the best.”
Evia, while calling me sweet, nodded with satisfaction. If I had tried to gain power recklessly, there would have been inevitable friction. I might have gained strength, but I don’t want the price to be the disruption of this life. Thankfully, I was able to protect this warm and comforting space amidst this commotion. For me, that was sufficient as a battle achievement. Evia smiled gently, and Memoria, relieved by my gratitude, smiled back. Suella rushed towards our daughters, who had started crying at night, and Himik went to help her. I wished this scene could last forever.
“Well then, let’s think about how to utilize the land I received from Evia. For now, let’s focus on building my own home.”
“Hmm? Why a house, Jiro?”
“We’ll have more children. It’s fine to build a large house first.”
“Then we’ll have to call Tatte and make it large enough for the servants to live in.”
“In that case, I’ll dispatch some excellent personnel from the trading company.”
“Yes, and I’d like a garden where the World Tree can be planted and the children can play.”
“Please, let’s keep it within the scope of my salary.”
As long as I could be with them in the future, I felt a little hypocrisy would be permissible. For now, let’s consider the matter of our home with them.
Today’s word:
How one uses what they receive is up to them.
Thank you as always for your comments and for pointing out typos. If you found this interesting, please leave comments, ratings, and bookmarks. The current arc is scheduled to end with the next or the one after next.
*The first volume of the book has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year. The second volume was released on December 19. The third volume was released on February 20, 2019. The content includes revisions, additions, and previously unpublished interlude chapters from the serialized version on “Shosetsuka ni Narou.” Please do check out the new releases!
Thank you for your continued support of this work.
