Enjoying Internal Affairs as Duke
Seated in the office, I swung my legs while facing the crowd that had gathered. They weren't servants. They were the people who managed the territory's internal affairs, drawn here by the news.
"As you instructed, I've brought the budget plan from when Lord Marcus was alive. Will this suffice?"
"I've looked it over. Since Nigilia neglected things, there are many areas in disarray. Let's gather personnel and sort it all out at once. You can use the accumulated private funds or the gifts sent by King Remerus, so set the budget generously. Especially pay attention to the construction costs. If we handle it sloppily and have to redo it, we'll waste both time and money. Since we're at it, I'd like to handle direct purchases as well. Is that possible?"
"Direct purchases themselves are feasible, but this volume on such short notice is a bit..."
"There are trading companies the family has used since the previous generation."
"Hey, didn't they cut ties because of Nigilia's incident?!"
"They must have caught wind of something and showed their faces... Since Lord Marcus favored them, they're bringing up old connections..."
"...Albanya. Tell them I'm not interested in those who abandoned us when the family was shaken. Let's recruit trading companies with solid track records that will benefit both sides. With so much work and so many purchases ahead, don't limit it to one or two. Focus on those helpful to the family. And don't forget to make it clear we have no need for those trying to leech off us. I'll verify it myself."
"New exclusive merchants, then..."
"Yes...! We'll proceed accordingly!"
"Our house is currently a money tree. They'll swarm like bees, no doubt."
"And this is the letter you requested. We've already selected the recipients, so if you tell us, we can negotiate with the immigrants right away."
"Then I'll leave bringing in the skilled workers to you. Prioritize strong men if possible. We'll need manpower from now on. If there are people in the territory without work, let them know there'll be no shortage of jobs for a while. Don't forget to prepare an employment agency before we start in earnest."
"We'll handle that preparation."
"There will be a banquet later, and I'll be sending invitations, but about the guest list..."
"Before that, what about the leaked technicians?"
"We've discreetly spread word among the technicians. Since we've prioritized workshop repairs, there shouldn't be any further loss of talent."
"We'll try to lure back those who left as well. They may still have some attachment, and if the family stands firm again, some might return."
"Understood."
"Also, regarding the Four Kingdoms' discussion about stockpiling food in preparation for the barbarian invasion..."
"—Don't send them too much. Keep it just below the bare minimum regulation. Stockpiling itself isn't a problem, but support them only at a level that sours their mood."
"...Are you certain about this?"
"Ahem... If they have complaints, they can take it up with the Tebere royal family. Given what happened, they'll understand our intentions and surely give them a sharp scolding on our behalf."
"Oh... Lord Roman...!"
"As expected..."
"Yes, it's no longer the era when Nigilia bowed her head. Even if they're national nobles or landed houses, it's time to let them know we won't be exploited every time."
"I see~!"
"Excellent. We were worried how things would turn out, but..."
"This should put an end to those foolish rumors!"
People kept coming in with questions, but everything was somehow resolved. When the conversation grew complicated, I asked for explanations and requested past records when needed. Even if it took time to compare everything one by one, giving precise orders was important. They've all served this house far longer than I have. Along the way, some offered suggestions like "This part would be cheaper if handled this way," and I listened. On the other hand, when they couldn't make major decisions—especially those involving the royal family—I stepped in firmly on their behalf. This was something Nigilia couldn't do, so their expressions showed relief from their worries.
Right now there are still some clumsy parts, but after a few days I'll be able to make judgments without needing additional materials.
"Then let's pause the discussion for a short break."
"Yes. That would be wise."
Around the time I felt I had a grasp of how things worked here, we took a brief rest. Someone must have left it there—without thinking, I reached for a peach.
"Wait a moment!"
"Lord Roman!"
"Please, stop your hand for a second!"
"Why?"
"You can't eat that peach!"
"We brought it, but upon closer look the quality isn't very good...!"
"It looks fine to me?"
"It must be rotten inside! Yes, that's right! So we'll prepare a new one—could you please let go of it?"
"Hmm."
I smiled and withdrew my hand. They hurriedly took the peach and tucked it into their robes. I wore a chiton while they dressed as Western nobles—our clothing was different, and the sight of them hiding food in their robes was such a mismatch that it struck me as oddly funny.
"If you'd told the servants, they would've handled it."
"Because it's rotten~! It's fruit, after all—someone might eat it by mistake~!"
"Besides, there are many ladies present. Even if we tell them not to, it would be troublesome if someone gets sick."
"Is that so."
A blunt reaction. Cold sweat. Awkward laughter. Thanks to that, I realized why they were acting this way and naturally lowered my voice.
"In that case, don't feed it to the guard dogs either. If someone tries to make an issue of it, I won't be able to defend you. I don't want to lose capable retainers like you, so make sure you bury it thoroughly—even if you have to dig with your own hands—so it never sees the light of day again."
""""............""""
They fell silent for a moment. They understood what I meant.
"Don't put it in your robes. If you have any cloth, use that. Such fine clothes will only get dirty inside if you stuff things in them like that."
"...I was thoughtless."
"I would've done the same in your position. You're not the type to make the same mistake twice, so there's no need to scold you further."
Clang, clang~! I rang the small bell placed in the office, and a maid peeked her head in.
"I need something to dispose of trash. Bring a box and a shovel of appropriate size."
"Yes, young master."
The maid didn't even ask why and immediately brought them. Well-trained. Perhaps thanks to Lady Perpena's teachings.
"I'll rest a little longer, so you all go get some fresh air. But don't take too long. I'm still too inexperienced to handle all these matters alone."
"We'll do so without fail."
"On your way... would it be all right to bring some new refreshments...?"
"If possible, something sweet, please. Bite-sized would be even better. I also like commoner fare, so don't be shy when preparing gifts later."
"Yes..."
"Then if you'll excuse us...!"
The sight of grown adults rushing out in a panic, carrying shovels and boxes of fruit, was quite comical. Perhaps I've been influenced by Lady Perpena—I ended up threatening them in a way that didn't suit me.
『You were a mere grunt before death, but it seems administration is your true calling, my benefactor Duke~♪』
—Uwah?! That startled me! Suddenly Lady Perpena's voice...!
"Over here!"
"Oh?"
Looking to the side, I saw Lady Perpena's white hair and jade-green eyes peeking from beyond my shadow.
"Through the shadow—shwoop~! Ta-dah~!"
Before I could even be surprised, she revealed herself. Appearing from the shadows like that was very vampire-like, but since she's an Evil God, I suppose it's only natural.
"You can appear like that too?"
"I can go anywhere there's a shadow. Thanks to that, I've been hiding in my benefactor's shadow and watching all this time."
"Heh, how was it? I asked quite a lot of questions—do you think I can keep going?"
"Much better than Nigilia, of course! Naturally! You were going on about real SimCity and whatnot, but it really is your true calling~?! Above all, everyone was already dissatisfied with the royal family, so it was good you took a firm stance! You've also shown them favor—this will make your position as benefactor as solid as bedrock~!"
"Being praised like that is embarrassing. It feels like you're overhyping me so much my spine is tingling."
"It's not flattery—it's the truth. I was even considering supporting you directly, but I never dreamed you'd handle everything on your own. I was planning to help once the knight order was sorted out, but to think it would turn out like this."
"I almost got poisoned, though."
"......Poisoned?"
"Huh, wasn't it?"
"That was a sleeping potion. No matter how you look at it, with Nigilia in that state, would she really kill the head of the house? At most, she planned to borrow your name while you slept to clear the backlog of miscellaneous tasks. Whether good or bad, they're deeply loyal retainers, so don't be too suspicious."
'So I jumped to conclusions.'
Whoa, my face suddenly feels hot~! Did I scold them for nothing?!
"In reality, it was overstepping, and since they showed restraint themselves, it's all for the best. From what I see, you seem to enjoy internal affairs as well, so this body won't interfere."
"I heard about the knight order. And what Roman did before he died."
"You heard? That one's been a headache. The retainers you just saw have steadied their hearts after seeing you, but the other side is the problem—they've lost their minds."
"They must've heard about Nigilia too?"
"Mm. Still, I've managed to persuade some. There are knights here who heard the situation at the time and are on your side, but... they'll still cause trouble soon enough. As long as Nigilia is in that state, it's inevitable."
"Cause trouble, huh... I hope it doesn't get too big..."
"Your inauguration as head of the house and the celebratory banquet are coming up soon. Even if something happens, given the occasion, the Tebere royal family will attend, and that's when they'll make their move in grand fashion. With Princess Servilia and King Remerus hating you so much, they might even back them up. There's no better timing than this."
The worst possible timing. Since Lady Perpena can read the other side's thoughts, it's 100% certain.
"From what I hear, the Succubus Knight Order was something Roman created on his own. Then there must've been a knight order operating during Marcus's time as well. Where did those retainers go?"
"Some remain, but most have moved on. Between Nigilia and Roman, who would want to stay? Those who remained out of loyalty were absorbed into the Succubus Knight Order, and the ones I persuaded this time were from that group as well."
"Absorbed? That's a knight order made up entirely of women. Where did all the male knights go?"
"Even during Marcus's time the female ratio was high, so the few men there took this opportunity to disappear completely. He was quite the lecher as well. Thinking about it that way, maybe this incident isn't entirely Roman's fault."
Like father, like son... A man who was so infatuated with Nigilia that he neglected his legal wife until she went mad. Roman's size is one thing, but every time his name comes up, my opinion of him drops further. Without Lady Perpena, this house would've fallen into Servilia's hands long ago.
"I told you there'd be an uproar the moment you declare dissolution. Is there really no clever solution?"
"The servants and retainers have already turned, so we only need to deal with the women leading the rebellion. However, this time we'll need to be somewhat forceful, and my benefactor will have to step forward personally. After all, we're on the verge of rebellion, and if we respond half-heartedly, they'll all try to counterattack. Showing your dignity as head of the house while we're at it would be best. If that happens, we can wrap it up with the story that Nigilia killed Marcus."
"Even if you say I have to step forward myself..."
Territory work is one thing, but combat is impossible. So once again, I found myself hoping for "convenience."
"What are you worried about~? I'm an Evil God, and my benefactor is one blessed by me. When it comes to aptitude for curses, you're the best in this world aside from myself. Starting tomorrow, I'll teach you a few cheats to protect yourself, so look forward to it. It'll only take a few minutes, so it won't take up much time."
"As expected of Lady Perpena~! I thought you'd suddenly throw training at me at this age~?!"
"That would be boring~! I brought you here to enjoy yourself, so suddenly making you train would be going too far, even for mischief~♪"
With that, she reached out and rubbed my cock—rub, rub, rub~♡ She stroked it. Her cold, long fingers felt pleasant, but it wasn't the motion of giving a handjob.
'Huh, uh, what's this~?'
Along with my glans and balls growing heavier, something awakened.
"...Oh?!"
I felt something other than air touching my skin. A heavy sensation I'd never felt before... The countless particles touching my skin stretched like threads and connected to Lady Perpena.
"I've opened a path. It seems you've grown accustomed to this world's air, so you should be able to use telepathy right away. Give it a try."
"So I finally get my own personal phone. Are there any precautions for using it? Like, will I get a data bill if I use it like this..."
"Haha, why such a weird metaphor~! If I had to say... mm... it's forbidden to go from outside the territory to inside, or from inside to outside. Each territory has a shield prepared to prevent long-distance telepathy or teleportation in order to stop espionage. In important places like the royal capital or areas where telepathy is impossible, you'll feel distant from those around you, so you'll understand immediately if you experience it yourself."
"Where, where..."
Wanting to actually try it, I focused my consciousness. My mind then rode along transparent threads and reached Lady Perpena.
『Hello~? Knock knock~! Lady Perpena~!』
『Mm-hmm, I received it.』
『Oho~!!』
I could also reach people inside the mansion. But when I tried to go outside the territory, focusing my consciousness as if soaring high into the sky, the thread snapped in that instant. Just as Lady Perpena had said, they were fully prepared for such measures.
'What happens if I do this?'
"Heheh..."
Finally feeling like I was in a fantasy, I experimented for several minutes. Lady Perpena didn't interrupt and simply watched with a beaming smile. It was the expression of a parent watching their child take their first steps.
"How is it, my benefactor's first taste of fantasy? Do you finally feel like you've come to another world?"
"Whoa~!"
When I opened my eyes, the telepathy ended. If it's this convenient, more convenient than a phone, I can understand why my news spread in a single day. Maybe it could even be used sexually.
"This is amazing too, but I can't even imagine what you'll teach me tomorrow."
"I'll teach you something far more fun than mere telepathy... Hehe, you can look forward to it?"
"Whoa~! Really~~?!"
"Really, really real~!"
Having a goddess who knows my inclinations, my sexual tastes, everything, say something like that makes my expectations overflow.
"No, even now would be fine—just a quick explanation..."
"Hehe, I'll teach you tomorrow, so focus on your work for now~!"
I couldn't hold back and wanted to learn right away, but unfortunately Lady Perpena threw herself back into the shadows. I wondered why for a moment—then the office door opened.
"We're back!"
"We've brought some light refreshments. How about continuing the discussion while eating?"
"It looks like the conversation will go on for a while, so we've prepared drinks as well..."
I was working, after all... With no choice, I sat back down. Since she'd said I'd learn tomorrow, I decided not to get impatient and just enjoy real SimCity for now. Today is SimCity, tomorrow is magic, and when that's over, a fun time with the knights... My new life has become enjoyable again.