Chapter 40

If my little sister were to come to Boubel, I thought I could have a cozy summer vacation... There was a time when I had such thoughts.

It's been three days since Ami arrived in Boubel. We only see each other during dinner, and even then, the conversation is almost non-existent because of her table manners. According to what I've heard, she's been busy with dance and piano lessons.

As for me, I've been swamped with work. Normally, I juggle the roles of a lord and a student, but during the summer break, I focus entirely on my duties as a lord. The paperwork piles up like a mountain, and visitors come one after another.

Moreover, I started a new business venture, which has been my downfall... The busyness is reminiscent of the death march in my previous life, working from morning till night.

Today, I've been staring at documents since morning. I have to make the final decisions, so I can't help but be cautious... I apologize to the CEO and all the executives for thinking that stamping documents was an easy job.

"Sir George, it's time for lunch."

Anne saw that I had finished a section of my work and called out to me. The saying goes, 'A standing parent can be used, and a staying guest can be used,' and I've asked Luria and Ami's maids to help with the work at Boubel Castle.

"Please bring me a baguette sandwich and tea."

I know it's rude, but I replied without even looking up. A baguette sandwich is a type of sandwich, like a hot dog, where ingredients are placed between slices of bread. The Earl of Sandwich is said to have invented the sandwich for card games, but I, George of the Akogi family, prefer baguette sandwiches for desk work. Incidentally, during my salaryman days, I relied on jelly that could be drunk with one hand... I didn't expect to be so busy even after being reborn as a noble.

(There are more adventurers visiting the domain... Goblins sighted in Boubel? Seriously? We're already short-staffed.)

Don't underestimate goblins. They are omnivores and reproduce quickly, causing significant damage to crops and livestock. Moreover, the magic stones they drop are small, so adventurers are reluctant to kill them. As a result, goblin extermination falls to knights and soldiers. However, Boubel has seen an increase in tourists interested in dragons and golem carriages, leaving the knights and soldiers overwhelmed.

"I understand. Please don't overwork yourself... Ami is also worried about you."

"Got it. Sorry."

(What should I do? If I hire more people now, they'll be surplus when the summer break ends. Temporary hires have questionable background checks... But if I hire them full-time, the labor costs will be high.)

I've been thinking about creating a police force and fire department, but that's not something that can be done overnight. Moreover, increasing the number of soldiers could lead to suspicions of rebellion.

"If you succeed as the lord, the Akogi family will be secure."

Indeed, since I took over Boubel, tax revenue has increased dramatically, and the town has developed significantly. However, this was possible because Boubel had no powerful knights or wealthy merchants to hinder me. If it weren't for that, I would have been held back by now.

Fortunately, Alan is still in good health. I won't inherit the position for at least a decade, maybe even thirty or forty years. Until then, I need to build up my strength in Boubel and create an organization that can compete with existing powers.

"I'll work hard to meet expectations. How's life in Boubel? Is there anything that bothers you?"

People from outside often notice things. I'd like to conduct a Boubel satisfaction survey with the maids. Right now, there's a lottery for smoked Boubel chicken.

"It's a lively and comfortable castle. However..."

"However, what? Despite everything, I'm just a kid. Don't hold back; speak your mind."

Well, I might be worse than a kid because my mind is set in stone.

"I think it would be good for you to take an interest in dancing and fashion, Sir George. You will have to enter society, and those who are unfamiliar with fashion or can't dance are looked down upon."

Society is a world that nobles cannot avoid. Participating in it can expand your network and provide you with the latest information... I understand that, but... I can get by with basic knowledge of fashion and using appraisal skills.

The problem is dancing. Social dances are like waltzes and tangos, where men and women dance to music. However, Boubel has no dance instructors or orchestras. Moreover, I have no sense of rhythm... Music is about enjoying sounds, but for me in my previous life, music class was a torture of sounds.

"...Got it. I'll take your advice."

I know I shouldn't run away, but I can't seem to get motivated. I'll learn the basics of dancing to get by and become a patron of bards or orchestras to promote music-loving lords.

It's popular among nobles to have bards create theme songs for them. To me, it feels like a punishment... A march for George or a lovely George song would be enough to make me die of embarrassment.

"Catherine is said to be good at dancing."

Dancing with my mother? That sounds like a subtle form of torture... Incidentally, there's a dance event in the game, but George's partner is usually a veteran teacher.

(Wait... This is starting to feel like the game.)

Normally, my partner would be my fiancée Marina... But given the current situation, that's highly unlikely. Ami would happily be my partner, but I can't bear to embarrass my cute little sister. I'll keep my mother as a last resort, but asking someone from the housekeeping department... That could be seen as sexual harassment by a superior. Asking a new female employee to duet with me would be no different from an old man asking a new female employee to do a silver romance duet.

I'll try to learn the basics of dancing during the summer break, but that means even less free time.

---

It's been a week since Ami arrived in Boubel. During this time, Mr. Sanda went on a long vacation, and Mr. Bolf returned.

"Goblin sightings... What do we do?"

Since then, we've been receiving daily reports of goblin sightings. There haven't been any significant damages yet, but we need to act quickly to prevent a worse situation. The problem is where the goblins are coming from.

"The most likely source is our domain. We'll capture a few goblins, mark them, and release them to track their movements."

We'll put the goblins to sleep or paralyze them, then tag their earlobes before releasing them. If we find tagged goblins in Boubel, we can develop a strategy.

"Hey, how many goblins do you think are in the Akogi domain? If we can't narrow it down, it'll be a waste of time."

Mr. Bolf is right; goblins live all over the domain.

"We'll investigate the Vent Valley. The goblins are likely coming from there."

And I bear some responsibility for this situation.

"How do you know?"

"Probably, the goblins were driven out of their habitat by stronger monsters, like Goblin Thieves or Harpies."

The Vent Valley is home to wind-elemental monsters. Incidentally, the Sixth Demon Cardinal of Wind, Oboro, is a kunoichi. She is the fastest of the Six Demon Cardinals and excels in illusions. Oboro transforms into the wind heroine, Kaze Tsugumi, to confuse the protagonist.

To defeat Oboro, you need to find a certain treasure chest. Inside is a pendant that the protagonist gives to Tsugumi, who has recently developed an interest in fashion. The pendant has the power to break Oboro's illusions.

Don't ask questions like, "Why didn't Oboro break the pendant?" or "Wouldn't it be weird to give a present to a different girl in front of you?" It's for the smooth progression of the scenario, so let's overlook the convenience.

"Why do you know all this?"

I guess I need to explain.

"It's just a guess, but I think it's related to the fact that the dragon on Task Mountain has stopped attacking monsters. The dragon used to hunt high-level monsters, but now that it no longer goes to Vent Valley, the number of high-level monsters has increased. They have invaded the territories of mid-level monsters like Goblin Thieves and Harpies, who in turn have invaded the goblin territories... As a result, the goblins have been driven out and have fled to Boubel."

As the saying goes, "When the wind blows, the bucket shop prospers." By making the dragon an ally, we inadvertently brought the goblins to Boubel. The increase in adventurers visiting the domain is likely due to the increase in high-level monsters.

"You're the cause of this, aren't you?... So, you have a plan to deal with the goblins?"

"I'll have hunters hunt bears and wolves a few days after tagging the goblins."

I'll take responsibility for the mess I created and make the most of it.

"Got it. And about the beach trip, I'll teach you how to fight underwater."

...What? That would ruin my eye candy plan.

"No, I'm a good swimmer. I can dive too."

"Swimming and diving are useless if you can't fight. You lack practical combat experience. You'll be fighting monsters from now on, so be prepared."

Not good. Formally, I'm in a higher position, but I still can't stand up to Mr. Bolf.

"Are you taking away a teenager's secret pleasure?"

"What teenager? You're an old man inside... And there's some bad news... Noblewomen dislike tanning, so they won't wear swimsuits. They'll wear light summer dresses and relax under parasols. That's how noblewomen go to the beach."

Damn, now I'll have to look forward to seafood and the summer festival. The festival is held at night, so tanning isn't an issue.

---

A mountain that grows taller on its own... What is it? The answer is the mountain of documents on my desk... As the summer festival approaches, my workload has doubled.

(Why isn't it decreasing? But if I get through this, the summer festival and the beach trip are waiting.)

I can't see the swimsuits, but I'll spend a day with Ami to recharge.

Just as I was about to face the mountain of documents again, there was a knock on the door of my office.

"Brother, are you busy now?"

I saw Ami peeking through the door, looking hesitant.

"I was just about to take a break."

Ami seemed relieved and peeked out from the door.

"That's good... The summer dress for the festival has arrived. I really want you to see it... Is it okay?"

What a cute little sister. If Ami ever came to me for love advice, I'd seriously support her and cry like a man.

"It would be an honor. Please show me."

Ami blushed and entered the office. She was wearing a white summer dress with floral embroidery. She seemed embarrassed by the exposed shoulders, which were slightly trembling.

(I've decided! I won't let anyone have Ami unless I approve of them.)

"How does it look? Is it too early for Ami?"

If anyone criticizes Ami's summer dress, I'll lecture them for three hours.

"I'm so jealous that Ami is my little sister."

Well, she's only close to me because I'm her brother.

"You're so good, Brother. I'm looking forward to the festival."

Ami said this, twirled her skirt, and left the office.

(How long will she stay a 'big brother's girl'?)

It's a strange feeling, wanting to know and not wanting to know. When she grows out of it, I'll be happy about her growth but also very lonely.