Chapter 177

The incomplete map.

Florence explained that he picked up something left behind by someone in Shatren.

“I wanted to dig deeper, so I hid myself, but after Shatren became closed off, it wasn’t easy. It was also hard to find the one who left it.”

So he wanted to tell this fact to Carsein as soon as possible.

He said that the item he should have delivered the previous spring outing day never had a chance to be handed over after he entered the hotel alone that day. Such conversations should be directly conveyed.

After that, Florence lightly tapped on my shoulder.

“Sorry I couldn’t help more. Please be careful.”

He left after saying that.

“…He really looks like a Vice President. Just like this.”

I stopped the first eldest, who was about to swing their hand at me, and then tried to persuade the woman. The Vice President scratched their head as if they felt sorry.

The senior and Florence overlapped strangely.

[Florence Cuernen Peselros]

[Friendship Level: 23%]

Come to think of it… Arshien being family with Florence also oddly feels like a President and Vice President.

“…Ah, it’s probably just my mood.”

This game has always been like this.

“Phew. Let’s put aside any other thoughts.”

Now is the time to calmly look at the reality before me.

*Ding!*

▶One of the branching points of the episode has been crossed. Episodes will be automatically selected based on choices.◀

▶Processing results…◀

…

…

▶Results processed!◀

▶Having successfully completed the first week, we have moved into the second week.◀

▶From now on, you can fully proceed with your plan. Various sub-episodes and events will be activated, and plans can be established through clearing them.◀

▶Caution! Residents may also react with opposition! Refusal or sabotage attempts may occur depending on affinity and recognition levels!◀

As soon as Florence left, the second week’s development began.

Though slightly late considering the time I should have left from Arina’s perspective, it didn’t differ much from the usual status window.

▶Select the next choice to proceed with Episode VII or gain additional information.◀

▶Where would you like to go?

Until the main episode is designated.

What to do next is already in my mind.

But.

“Hmm…”

◆Shabby Shatren Territory Map

[It somehow looks shabbier compared to the original Shatren Territory map. It’s difficult to use as a map.]

It bothered me.

A poorly made map.

This could be seen as a product of the lack of surveying and geography knowledge in this era.

How could it be accurate when drawn by personally exploring and recording the area? It would take a long time for a perfect map based on science and knowledge to be made, even if magic exists.

That’s why I predicted this map belonged to the Waglew faction. This shabby map greatly misplaces the direction towards Mount Waglew in the part showing Shatren.

Therefore, the information this map brings to me is significant.

“There are signs of an internal enemy and external interference…”

When there was only the former, I thought it was just a device to progress the episode. But now that the latter is present, the story changes.

Memorial also had Carsein say something meaningful.

“This must never spread outside.”

Clearly, he wanted to hide something. He wanted to prevent the story from spreading beyond Shatren, even involving the Duke House of Bargrand.

That means…

[3. Shatren – Carsein’s Residence] ☑

The plan needs to change.

There is an internal enemy and signs of external interference.

Is it really just a device to progress the episode?

I don’t think so.

***

“Phew.”

Isabella placed her pen down on her desk and rubbed her forehead while working.

“I hope she’s doing well.”

She was worried.

This symposium cannot be influenced by the head of the family.

Not only the power or knowledge of the family, but the ability of noble sons and daughters is tested.

Naturally, even if they were her own children, she worried about whether they were doing well.

Vassals called it excessive worry.

“They learn and acquire skills well, don’t they?”

“Indeed. There is no need to worry about such daughters.”

“They have learned well for several years under the mistress’s side. They also have experience managing not only the Bargrand Territory but also the territories of vassals.”

“Worrying over taking charge of a territory alone is more about our sons and daughters.”

The eldest daughter, who took over some of the Bargrand business early on and handled it.

The second daughter, who founded a boutique and gained immense popularity among nobles, leading fashion.

Even though the youngest is too young to show her abilities, she follows her sisters and gradually learns.

Given she had daughters capable of handling a territory test, it was almost a joke to express concern. However, they were indeed worried about someone.

Carsein, the only male heir, unlike his sisters, often caused trouble and had a high potential to cause problems at the nobles’ meeting.

Still, if Carsein caused trouble, Claire was prepared to take over both territories to preemptively prevent criticism.

For the vassals, the symposium was worry-free.

A few mentioned that Carsein bringing significant changes to Rusmaier could not be ignored.

“Yes, you’re right. My children have grown well enough not to worry. They should.”

“So, Mother, please use the Peselros privilege for Carsein.”

Though she couldn’t hear clearly due to the Imperial Guard intervening, the last sentence stuck in her mind.

Using the privilege, a rare opportunity to use the family’s power, for Carsein was unusual.

“Soon a report will come in.”

Privilege usage begins from the start of the second week.

She planned to make a decision when the first week’s meeting report came in.

*Knock knock.*

“Mistress, a letter has arrived from the Eastern Nobles’ Meeting Hall.”

“Come in.”

Here it is! Isabel quickly got up and snatched the letter from Heron.

“Hmm…? Why is Defense Time blank?”

Isabel rubbed her eyes as if she had seen wrong.

Seeing Isabel’s expression, Heron replied with a slight smile.

“Princess Arshien used the imperial privilege to extend Defense Time.”

“Peselros privilege?”

“Yes.”

Isabel’s eyes widened in surprise.

The imperial privilege is far stronger than the family’s power. Even if the Bargrand House is involved, they can’t match the Peselros privilege.

Thus, the imperial side rarely granted this privilege, and when unsatisfactory results continued recently, they either did not use it or significantly reduced its impact unless it was for skipping Defense Time.

However, Carsein produced an exceptional result.

Not during the final round, but from the very first week.

Not after the incident, but from the initial report.

The Peselros Imperial Palace granted him the privilege, and notably, for Defense Time skip, the most impactful use of imperial power.

“What a meticulous Princess Arshien granting Carsein such a privilege…”

Seeing Isabel’s surprise, Heron subtly hinted.

“Considering how strict Princess Arshien is, Carsein must have shown outstanding ability as the young master.”

Isabella’s lips curled up slightly.

“Yes. My son… has impressively shown such remarkable results from the first week.”

“Then, wouldn’t sending a gift be appropriate?”

“A gift…? That won’t do. The symposium is ongoing.”

“While direct influence cannot be exerted, a congratulatory letter wouldn’t be inappropriate.”

“…”

A congratulatory letter.

Isabella’s lips curved into a smile, different from the slight curl earlier.

“Heron, could you wait outside for a moment?”

“Yes, Mistress.”

“Wait. Please dispose of this.”

Isabella’s application form for the privilege, filled with worry, was neatly folded and handed to Heron.

No longer worried,

*Ding!*

▶Due to a successful first week, Isabel’s friendship level has increased!◀

[Isabella Bargrand]

[Friendship Level: 73%]

▶This message is displayed only to the player.◀

▶Successfully triggered an outcome beyond the choice!◀

▶Acquisition of the Peselros privilege pushes back the Bargrand House privilege usage event.◀

▶Trigger activated. A hidden event will occur if the player meets the conditions!◀

▶Discovering and clearing this event will greatly increase residents’ perception rank!◀

[Hidden Event: Proof of Lord II]

***

After finishing the first week’s meeting report, choosing the next episode is part of the branching point when meeting Arina.

This branching point includes a day’s grace period, during which the next episode is initiated only after this period ends.

Therefore, what happens during this strange day.

The influence of this peculiar day determines the course of the main episode.

Rushing during this time often backfires, inevitably causing a sub-episode to arise, which then worsens when a family member interferes.

Among these, the worst is the eldest, Arina. Even after time passed, she could never handle the sub-episode.

Thinking back, it’s terrifying.

That’s why I had to spend the day alone without meeting anyone. To accept the main episode.

▶Episode VII: Managing Shatren’s Agents in progress.◀

▶Recruit two more agents.◀

But wasting this entire day isn’t right.

Using an agent’s power to do something would be better.

However, there was a slight unease.

Agents have different abilities based on NPCs when recruited by players.

While these abilities directly aid Carsein in managing the territory, using an inappropriate one could lower the rank and reduce efficiency.

I was concerned if using Ferdy would cause issues, but in conclusion, there were no problems.

[Shatren Territory Agent List]

[1. Ferdy]

▶Rank: B-

▶Ability: Information Gatherer.

[Can send to Shatren Territory for a certain period to gather information.]

The early useful ability is undoubtedly the information gatherer.

Being a detailed informant about what’s happening in Shatren, this allows obtaining the highest territorial investigation rate.

In this aspect, Ferdy is top-notch.

The rank is decent, higher than acceptable.

Trisha, the most frequently used agent in the game, had a C- ranking as an information gatherer, three ranks lower.

So, I already sent Ferdy to Shatren.

▶Agent 1, Ferdy’s ability usage complete.◀

“Bro! I’m here!”

Oh. Already?

It seemed like it took about three hours for Trisha.

With an excited heart, I asked.

“How did it go?”

“It seems to have been successfully delivered. There hasn’t been much friction with the people of Rusmaier.”

“Really?”

*Ding!*

▶Received information from agent.◀

[Shatren is not hostile towards Rusmaier.]

[The people of Shatren are unaware that this was sent by Lord Carsein of Rusmaier.]

I wondered if the residents might reject Rusmaier’s touch due to me being the temporary lord, but it didn’t seem that problematic.

Actually, it wasn’t much different from Trisha’s case.

Since Shatren isn’t hostile towards Rusmaier, they wouldn’t immediately incite a rebellion.

That means no one will push a knife in my back in this territory.

“That’s good. You’ve done well…”

“But… This is just my thought.”

Hmm? Isn’t that all?

I nodded to Ferdy, signaling him to continue.

Then Ferdy paused and spoke again.

“Some of what was received from Rusmaier is being re-exported.”

“What?”

“What, what kind of nonsense is this?”

“It might sound odd, but Shatren still believes they can harvest Shatren strawberries and grapes like in the old days!”

*Ding!*

▶Received additional information from agent.◀

[Shatren continues to plant strawberries and grapes in their territory.]

[Agricultural ratio is in disarray!]

Could it be?

“Ferdy, could you explain that in more detail?”