Volume 2 Chapter 40 Work at Frontier Count Shield IV
The awarding ceremony ended, the office layout was restored, and tea was prepared. Margrave Shield, Aisha, Lydia, Cain, the knight captain, and the steward remained. As they enjoyed tea and snacks, the conversation began, but Cain couldn't hide his confusion, not understanding the meaning of the sudden nobility ceremony.
"Well, it's about time I explain this to Lord Cain."
Margrave Shield began to explain with a slightly amused smile. To summarize, Cain is currently only the 4th son of Viscount Sanroze. Margrave Shield is his guardian, but not all dealings are conducted through the guardian. So, if a higher-ranking noble notices Cain's potential and tries to make him one of their subordinates, there's nothing that can be done to stop it. For example, they could take Cain in as a son-in-law, despite him being the 4th son.
This time, since Cain became a knight under Margrave Shield, no one can take him in without Margrave Shield's permission. That said, Margrave Shield can't refuse the royal family's request, so after returning to Sanroze territory, he'll report by letter and then personally go to the royal capital after Cain returns.
"This title is for Cain's protection, so you can continue living in Sanroze as before. On the surface, we'll treat it as a temporary assignment to Sanroze territory, and you'll work as a subordinate to Viscount Sanroze. So, I want you to continue living with the Sanroze family as you have been."
"Thank you, Margrave Shield."
"Cain, outside of official events, I want you to keep calling me the same way as before. It's the hardest part of all, protecting you."
Everyone in the room laughed.
"Now that you're a knight, we need to decide on a family name. Do you have a preference, Cain?"
"Huh, can't I use Sanroze? I really like the name Sanroze."
"Hmm, how about adding Sanroze as your middle name?"
"Please, I beg of you," Cain answered immediately.
Afterward, they discussed what family name would be best for quite some time, but no good ideas came up. By the time they returned home, it was decided that Margrave Shield would come up with something. Cain's promotion to knight was announced during dinner, and Alice's reaction──her eyes nearly popping out──was truly unforgettable.
The next day, Cain continued to work energetically as usual. The staff of the Maintenance Bureau were brainstorming different ideas, changing the designs for each street. The idea was that if the designs were different, people would be less likely to get lost. Since there were no signposts or maps like in the original world, there were many people who got lost, which led to this idea being brought up.
There was one place in the "cobblestone" worksite that made Cain's heart race. It was a street and square in the entertainment district, which was common in large cities. Of course, they worked during the day, but even then, shops were open, and people working in them were walking around. The spectators were different from usual, with many young women, and the looks they gave were often quite suggestive. Every time Cain used his magic, the cheers seemed to be higher-pitched than usual, and when he glanced at the women watching, they waved at him.
In most places, Cain's "cobblestone" work was accepted, but as expected, there were streets in the big cities that couldn't be cobblestoned. Mainly, the backstreets and areas close to slums were excluded. Cain himself didn't choose the areas, but some people still came to speak with him directly. Sometimes, elderly people would even prostrate themselves before him. His knights and Doughton would explain and send them away, though there were some who came nearly every day.
"Mr. Doughton, that person is here again today. Is there no way we can fulfill their request?"
"The place they are requesting is near the slums, and we can't guarantee safety there. Besides, if we fulfill that request, we'll have to meet every demand they make, and it will push us past the deadline."
With Michio's memories, Cain knew that in business, prioritizing tasks based on profit was a golden rule. However, he believed that principle didn't apply to public works. This was something he needed to discuss with Lydia.
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