Chapter 73: Isabella
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 73: Isabella
A few days later, a Dragon Spawn arrived from Iorga.
“Greetings. I am Isabella Iorga, sent on dispatch. I have arrived to begin my duties as an administrator here at Valdrova Castle.”
As expected of the Iorga lineage, the pair of horns on her forehead were rounded and non-threatening. Her eyes were sharp, and her movements were so disciplined that she gave off the impression of a strict dorm warden just by standing there.
Ferda had heard a Spawn would be arriving, but there was a discrepancy in the paperwork.
“I received word of the dispatch, but I was told the Spawn coming here was named Yuria?”
“I volunteered in Yuria’s place. Rest assured, as Tower Master Erica’s chief secretary, I pride myself on administrative capabilities far superior to Yuria’s. Within the Tower, I am known as the ‘Coldhearted Secretary.’”
Isabella pushed up her glasses with a solemn expression. While her self-confidence was evident, there was no way to know if she was truly as capable as she claimed. Ferda was already well-acquainted with the typical arrogance of Dragon Spawns.
“I see. Very well.”
“The declaration of the alliance is scheduled for one week from now. It will be based on the document personally signed by Lord Blancaros and will be announced throughout the Serdes Continent. Do you have any questions?”
“Tower Master Erica explained that part in her letter, so I have no further questions regarding the matter.”
“Understood. Please review the terms of the alliance to be sent back to the Tower Master and affix your seal.”
Since it was an important document, Ferda checked every single word before stamping it with the Royal Seal. He thought that was the end of it, but another document was promptly placed before him.
“This document is a consent form for the authority required as an administrator. This is a power of attorney delegating judicial and tax collection powers to me, as well as the authority to make decisions when subcontracting is required for administrative tasks…”
The summary was simple. Ferda would personally approve major tasks like tax collection, legal enforcement, and diplomacy, but Isabella, as the administrator, would directly handle smaller matters, private disputes, and the management of the tax collection system.
“All documents regarding the delegation of authority are complete.”
“Is that all?”
“It is only the beginning. We need to meticulously review the security clearance levels within the castle. With the exception of permanent residents, all laborers and those below the required grade will be moved outside. And—”
From there, they dove into the castle’s administrative operations. She persuaded Ferda by fluently explaining how the changes he had discussed with Mori would work in reality, citing reasons of efficiency and aesthetics.
As the discussion neared its end, Isabella glanced out the window. Below lay a forest, eerily devoid of the sounds of beasts.
“I had heard rumors, but it seems there truly is no city beneath Valdrova Castle.”
“I was told it’s difficult for ordinary people to live here.”
“Where do you plan to house the adventurers?”
“Wouldn’t Count Consilus’s territory suffice?”
“That is a poor idea,” Isabella replied coldly. “To build national power, population is the highest priority—above capital or food. We must begin designing a city in this vicinity to accommodate the adventurers.”
“I believe you are overlooking the fact that it is difficult for ordinary people to live near here.”
“That is only true if there are no experts capable of wielding magic. I will request that the Blue Eye dispatch mages to manage the magic circles. Of course, this is a matter of employment, so I will prepare a budget proposal for the formation of a magic platoon for your approval. If we can resolve the anxiety caused by Dragon Fear, this city will be more than fit to serve as a capital.”
A capital…
Olivia Arken had said the same thing. She hoped this place would become a Second Capital. It was planned for the future, but wasn't it too early?
“What about the Empire’s interference?”
“One does not stop making soy sauce for fear of maggots. They will not be able to act recklessly. Adventurers will gather in the Land of Demons, and it is only natural for that gathering to form a city. We have the justification of the Eastern Conquest; if they dare to block us, Iorga will show its will to resist.”
The Empire likely viewed Valdrova as nothing more than a guard dog until now, but Iorga was a group of mages that exerted influence across the entire continent. Ferda was satisfied with her assurance that they would provide proper support.
“We need to recruit merchant houses, and I see you have already brought one in, Regent. The Pascal Trading Company, correct?”
“That’s right.”
“A single large merchant house is not enough. Even if we don’t include the western merchants, we must trade actively with the north and south.”
“I’ll have to speak with Stephan about that.”
“I will handle it as the administrator. I am sure I can find sufficient common ground with the Pascal Trading Company as well.”
“Very well.”
The ideas continued to pour out of her without pause—road reorganization, investment and donation structures, urban planning strategies. Ferda thought he had studied quite a bit, but compared to Isabella, his knowledge was a mere drop in the bucket. She effortlessly spun new ideas into a cohesive strategy, utilizing Ferda’s existing resources in all the right places.
She truly is worthy of being the chief secretary.
She didn't use flowery rhetoric or wordplay; she summarized the core points and delivered only what was necessary. She was firm on important issues and flexible on minor ones, emphasizing practical benefits.
I thought I was settling for second best, but a phoenix has landed in my lap instead.
She was certainly a reliable talent. So reliable, in fact, that it was almost frightening.
Why did such a talented individual come to this castle?
Ferda was curious. If a Spawn like Yuria had come, he would have assumed Erica sent her, but Isabella had volunteered. The descendants of Iorga were Dragon Spawns. Their foundation was an unparalleled pride in their distinctiveness. In particular, their pride in the Blue Eye created by Iorga was so immense that they loathed leaving the Magic Tower. Being dispatched to Valdrova Castle was practically equivalent to being exiled. Why would such a capable secretary choose to come to an exile site?
As he was thinking this, Isabella organized the spread-out documents.
“For now, this concludes the brief overview. We will draft the roadmap together later. I will end today’s work here. You have worked hard.”
“Yes, good work.”
“May I ask one question?” Isabella asked, her expression turning solemn.
“Do you happen to enjoy alcohol, Regent?”
“I don't touch the stuff.”
When Ferda answered flatly, Isabella flinched slightly. The woman who had been speaking so fluently just moments ago now showed a hint of fluster.
“It is a matter I should have checked beforehand… but surely a prohibition law hasn't been declared in this castle, has it?”
“Nothing like that. I simply don't drink.”
“I see. Noted.”
She immediately looked relieved. For some reason, that bothered Ferda, so he threw a question back at her.
“Do you enjoy drinking?”
“I drink a modest amount. The drink after work is particularly special.”
“Hmm, I see.”
Different race or not, a mage was still a mage. A mage’s best friends were booze and women. He wouldn't complain if she did both, so he could certainly tolerate one.
Knock, knock.
Someone knocked and entered the office. It was the girl in the maid uniform, Ruri.
“Lord Ferda, at the castle gate… Huh?”
She had been coming in for business, but her attention was snatched away the moment she spotted Isabella.
“So you’re the one dispatched for Lady Valdrova this time.”
Ruri walked toward Isabella with a furrowed brow. Stopping about three steps away, the height difference between them was stark. However, Ruri didn't back down, initiating a silent battle of wills.
“Since it’s your first day, I’ll be clear. I am the one who has served the longest in this castle. If you remove or replace items without my consent, you won't be able to avoid conflict.”
The atmosphere was incredibly serious. It was a declaration forged from a firm resolve to start a war if her things were touched.
To Ferda, it looked a bit different.
She’s like a dog marking her territory.
Preconceptions are a scary thing. To Ferda, it looked like nothing more than a Chihuahua yapping away.
Isabella looked down at Ruri. Her rational eyes gleamed as she opened her mouth.
“So small and dainty…”
“Excuse me?”
Isabella pushed up her glasses with her middle finger. Her next words were cold, as if the previous comment had been a hallucination.
“I heard that you, Ruri Silverwind, handle all the management duties here.”
“That’s right.”
“I shall call you Miss Ruri from now on. I have confirmed that the level of cleanliness here is higher than that of our Magic Tower. However, the administrative work is a total mess. Many things are inefficient and impractical.”
“Fretting over such things does not suit the dignity of a Dragon.”
“We must fret over them. Among the confirmed Dragons, Lady Valdrova’s assets are the smallest. It’s to the point where the budget I originally intended to set had to be scrapped.”
“Are you complaining, then?”
“It’s not a complaint so much as a statement that proper wealth management is required.”
Ruri was offended by the comment about the lack of assets, but she couldn't find a way to refute it. In truth, Valdrova had lived her life without any interest in rare treasures.
“There will be changes within the castle for administrative reorganization, but I will seek Miss Ruri’s understanding before proceeding. Will that be acceptable?”
“As long as you do that, I don't care.”
“Understood. Then, I shall take my leave. I will see you tomorrow, Regent Ferda.”
“Very well.”
The sound of heels clicked against the marble. Like the chief secretary of the prestigious Iorga Magic Tower, she withdrew with an elegant gait. Ruri watched her back with a look of disgust.
“I don't like that woman.”
“Are you jealous?”
“No! Why would I be jealous of those water lizards? I just don't like her.”
Ruri had felt a strange sensation when Isabella looked at her. She had clearly won the confrontation, yet it didn't feel like a victory. It was an unpleasantness stemming from the gaze behind those glasses.
Of course, Ferda didn't care about that. He simply thought she was being territorial.
“So, did you come here just to mark your territory?”
“Please don't talk to me like I’m a stray dog. President of Escoleia has arrived.”
President of Escoleia. In exchange for saving his life, Ferda was supposed to receive the blueprints for the Monster Appearance Prediction Device. He hadn't rushed him because of the major events occurring, but it seemed the President hadn't forgotten.
“He’s come a long way. See that he’s treated properly first. Tell him I’ll see him in two hours.”
“Understood.”
Ruri withdrew. Ferda wanted a moment of rest, but there was another matter to attend to. The crystal ball on his desk, inscribed with communication magic, was blinking. It meant someone was trying to contact him. Ferda placed his hand on the crystal to receive the telepathy.
—Hello, Regent Ferda.
It was Erica Iorga.
“Yes, Tower Master Iorga.”
—You won't cut off the communication this time, will you?
“I can cut it off right now if you wish.”
—Don't be so heartless. We’re about to be allies, aren't we? I received the document confirming the alliance terms.
“Is that why you’re contacting me?”
—That, and other things. A different child went instead of Yuria, right?
“Yes. She said her name was Isabella.”
—Yes, that’s right. How is she? If you don't like her, I can send Yuria as originally planned.
For some reason, it sounded like she was trying to get her chief secretary back, which triggered an instinctive refusal in Ferda.
“There’s no need for that. I found her to be exactly the kind of sharp talent I need.”
—True, she is excellent at her job. She is my chief secretary, after all. She’s so interested in practical affairs that she even went to Escoleia in secret to earn a doctorate. But…
She let out a long sigh.
“Is there a problem?”
—No. Let’s not talk about it. It’s better if you find out slowly. It’s not that the child is bad or anything. She’s perfect when it comes to work.
Her muttering only made him more curious. What on earth was wrong with that woman to make her act like that? It was likely the type of problem that was annoying but didn't interfere with work.
—As I said, the declaration will be in a week. That gives you some time, so please prepare well.
“Understood.”
—Well then. For the sake of our alliance, I’ll be in touch often.
Erica spoke with a voice that sounded like she was smiling before cutting the connection.
The declaration is in a week…
They say well begun is half done. Ferda could already foresee a mountain of paperwork. It was a headache, but it wasn't bad. This, too, was for Valdrova’s sake.
Ferda looked outside. Right now, it was a forest overgrown with tangled trees. Soon, it would be filled with buildings and people. The streets would be bustling with carriages, and they would sing Valdrova’s name and praise her.
And so, Ferda would endure this hardship.
For the sake of his one and only fiancée.