Chapter 13, Discussing Future Plans

Translator: Lizz

 

Sylvia woke up because she smelled breakfast.

 

She sat up and, first thing, said,

 

“Edward is a genius.”

 

“Yes yes, good morning.”

 

“Good morning, Lady Sylvia. Let’s wash your face first.”

 

The two greeted Sylvia, and Gina took her to the washroom.

 

Watching them, Edward thought that Gina was doing a decent job as a waiting maid, but for Gina, it felt just like taking care of a small child. She was used to it because she had experience taking care of the craftsmen’s children.

 

After Sylvia washed her face, Gina gently wiped it, helped her change clothes, and combed and tied her hair.

 

Quickly finishing the preparations, she seated Sylvia on the sofa.

 

“Let’s discuss our future plans after we eat.”

 

“Yes, let’s eat.”

 

Edward said, and Gina agreed, and they all began to eat.

 

Scrambled eggs, soup made with rehydrated dried meat and vegetables, and crackers.

 

It wasn’t anything special because it was made from emergency rations they had on hand. Sylvia’s magic had evolved after eating Edward’s food, allowing her to produce mysterious substances that seemed like vegetables and meat. So, during their journey, they had been cooking with the mysterious ingredients Sylvia produced.

 

Still, it was fortunate that Edward had insisted on buying emergency rations, saying that you never know what might happen. Even when Sylvia collapsed, they managed to cover dinner and breakfast.

 

The eggs, however, were freshly laid by the chickens just a while ago.

 

Despite the meal being simpler than usual, Gina and Sylvia were smiling as they ate.

 

“I’m sorry it’s nothing special.”

 

Edward said, but both Gina and Sylvia shook their heads simultaneously.

 

“Edward is a genius.”

 

“It’s very delicious. Thank you as always.”

 

Incidentally, Gina was terrible at cooking. Her dexterity and agility didn’t seem to apply there.

 

After finishing the meal and serving tea, Edward spoke up.

 

“Lady Sylvia, could you please prepare the wild grass for the livestock’s feed  later?”

 

“Yes, I’ll do it.”

 

Sylvia nodded.

 

“…So, what are your plans for the future, Lady Sylvia?”

 

Sylvia looked a bit troubled when Edward asked her that.

 

“I was planning to come alone, so I hadn’t thought about it. We can live with my magic though.”

 

She said shyly.

 

Gina was also troubled.

 

She intended to serve Sylvia, and since she had been working without pay until now, she didn’t mind that at all. However, she wondered if it was okay to live a life entirely dependent on Sylvia’s magic.

 

Seeing the two troubled, Edward began to explain.

 

“–First of all, Lady Sylvia is the Lord of this fortress. That is a decided matter as there is an official decree. Therefore, if there is a town or at least a village under this fortress, we can collect taxes. I don’t know how it has been managed until now, but for now, let’s negotiate and secure tax revenue.”

 

Sylvia and Gina both widened their eyes.

 

Their expressions seemed to say, ‘Is that really possible?’

 

“Receiving a castle means just that. If you are appointed as the lord of a castle, it is natural to obtain tax revenue to maintain it. Since there was no lord until now, it might have been tax-free, but now that Layd Sylvia has been appointed as the lord, she will collect taxes from now on.”

 

Edward said firmly.

 

Edward intended to push through with this reasoning, even if it was forced. Regardless of why the duke house had appointed Sylvia, as the lord of the castle, she had to maintain it. Unless the appointment was revoked.

 

Eventually, it might be discovered, and the appointment might be revoked, or the tax revenue might be taken away. But until then, he planned to build up some wealth and make a run for it.

 

Sylvia’s magic was quite useful. Even if things got troublesome and the three of them had to flee, he was confident they could escape. Especially since this area was close to a neighboring country. If it came to that, he was determined to flee to the neighboring country.

 

Sylvia and Gina blinked in surprise and looked at Edward, who had a determined expression on his face.

 

“I don’t understand, but I get it.”

 

Sylvia replied.

 

“Yes, after we prepare the livestock’s feed, let’s start by looking around and going to the front gate.”

 

Gina suggested, prioritizing their immediate actions.

 

With their course of action decided, the three of them first headed for the livestock.

 

After praising the hardworking animals, Sylvia used her magic to grow the wild grass that the livestock liked.

 

“Now that we’ve arrived, you can explore from here,” she permitted.

 

While Sylvia was playing with the livestock, Edward approached Gina and spoke to her quietly.

 

“…Gina, would you be interested in learning some self-defense?”

 

“Huh?”

 

Gina looked puzzled.

 

She wondered why he was asking, though she wouldn’t mind learning to fend off pursuers.

 

“Rather than a maid who can make delicious tea, what Lady Sylvia needs is a maid who can protect her in times of need. Or a maid who can protect herself, since Lady Sylvia can fight on her own. Right now, the weakest one is you, Gina.”

 

Hearing this, Gina looked down. She realized that she had no skills other than sewing, and felt disheartened.

 

Edward hurriedly followed up. He didn’t mean to put her into a bad mood.

 

“As a maid, you’re doing well as you are in everyday activities. It’s just about handling emergencies. You don’t have to be able to fight seriously, just being able to fend off someone who’s caught off guard or make them unable to fight would be useful for protecting yourself in the future.”

 

“Thank you. …I have my own reasons, so learning self-defense is something I would welcome. Please teach me.”

 

Gina bowed her head to Edward.