episode_0030

Regular monthly meetings.

The royal meeting in Lunarien County was just a meeting for the sake of talking, but it was just like a small meeting where four people, including me, gathered together and decided ‘what should we do this month?’

Even so, Lord Luna trusted my words almost completely, so it was often over in less than an hour.

However, Brans-kun’s situation is different.

Every month, more than a few dozen people gathered to propose orders to Lin, receive missions, and carry out them, all participating, from the most basic subordinate generals of Anel Castle to castle lords in charge of actual administrative processing of surrounding castles.

It occurred to me that perhaps this was my first time doing this ‘monthly meeting’.

“First, I will receive last month’s report. Lords of the castle, come out one by one and talk. The order is the same as last time.”

“Old!”

First, a blond middle-aged man on the far left of the procession walked out.

“This is Rasion, the lord of Kelstein Castle. I will report on this month’s goals of ‘training’ and ‘military build-up’. The number of soldiers increased by 3,300, with a total of 39,000 soldiers currently stationed there.”

Nice to see a familiar face.

Rasion.

He’s just an A-level general, but he’s an ordinary good general who pays his bills no matter what he orders.

He was not a very loyal person and almost surrendered when captured, but for that reason, he was a general that I often saw whenever I played the game.

I also used Racion quite a bit.

The portrait taken with dots was just an extra guy, but in reality, he had quite a dignified style.

As the world in the game became the real world, it felt like all the dot characters were receiving a huge upgrade.

“Any other special details?”

“Two new talents have been recruited, and the small fortress that was started to be built in front of the castle under the leadership of Kalinz is expected to be completed by next month.”

“Okay. As for the general in charge of the fortress’s defense, I think it would be okay to just ask Kalinz to do the same. Please tell me.”

“Yes! Okay.”

After politely bowing, Racion took a step back.

The man next to him walked over and said.

“This is Daltrik from Jog Castle. First of all, I will report on the performance of the month.”

In this way – each castle lord’s presentation continued.

The territory of Brans County was large, and there were 9 castles in total, including large castles and small castles.

After the castle lords’ announcement, Lin looked down at everyone and said.

“Now. Today, I plan to appoint the lord of Zeeland Castle, which has become the new territory of our Brans County. Also, since I have selected a list of people who will go over to that castle and work there, please direct the assigned people to Zeeland. If there are people who cannot attend, the head of the castle to which they belong will deliver it on their behalf. Then call me?”

This atmosphere.

It’s unfamiliar, but familiar at the same time.

okay. I felt like I was a trainee waiting for the announcement of my position.

“I will appoint Aneka Rem to Seongju. Banya, Mirika, Yuzu, Diaca, Bran. The following 5 people work as part of Zeeland Castle.”

“”Okay!””

Several people responded.

After that, Rin stood up from the throne and spoke.

“Now. Then, we will decide on the code of conduct for this month. Anyone have any good ideas? Please talk freely.”

Although it was called a code of conduct, it was the same concept as ‘presenting opinions’ at the Lunarien military meeting.

As a newbie, I decided to listen rather than take action and kept my mouth shut.

In fact, a few people raised their hands and began to offer opinions.

“I think the most important thing now is to reorganize internal affairs. I think it would be better to implement policies that focus on internal affairs, such as commerce and agriculture.”

“As we are surrounded on all sides by enemy countries, we propose to implement a policy focused on increasing military spending.”

“Chelam Castle in Roland County in the south has weak defenses, so you must prepare to attack. The entire nation must do everything in its power to recruit and train new soldiers to Sainteika Castle on the southern border.”

One by one, each person raised their hand and offered their opinion.

I could sense it instinctively.

The people who are raising their hands here and saying what they want to say are all good people who are doing more than just one person in Brans County.

In the first place, that is probably why they present their opinions to the monarch so freely.

at that time.

“Master. Is it okay if I also have an opinion?”

Lin nodded at the words of Farfalle, who was standing next to Lin.

“Try it.”

“After checking, it seems that you have been paying attention to the West all last month, but I recently received intelligence that the Aethus Army in the east is planning to raise an army and punish the Alefel County in the west.”

“Really? If that’s true, isn’t it a pretty good opportunity?”

Farfalle nodded and said, as if she strongly agreed with Lin’s rebuttal.

“That’s right. This is a golden opportunity to mobilize 56,000 soldiers and invade the Aethus army’s Balharat Castle. I think it would be a good idea to prepare for an invasion as soon as the armistice agreement ends.”

“Really? Do you have any faith in something?”

Instead of answering those words, Farfalle smiled slightly.

Rin nodded and then spoke to us.

“Um… … Anyone have a different opinion?”

at that time.

There was someone who broke the silence and raised his hand.

“Master.”

A woman’s voice that is now somewhat familiar.

It was Iren who expressed his opinion.

“… … Tell me.”

“I think Serpina-kun has been quiet for quite some time. Rather than focusing on the other side, it would be better to deploy more troops to Kelstein Castle in the north to strengthen the defense.”

“Really? North?”

Lin, who heard Iren’s words, spoke with a sour expression.

“Didn’t they build a new fortress there? Kalinz is also there. The largest number of troops are already deployed among all borders. Do I really need to send more here?”

“That… … .”

Rin raised his hand to stop Irene from explaining what she was doing.

“No. Well, everyone is free to express their opinions.”

Rin was smiling while saying that, but-

I felt that the words were full of thorns.

A strange atmosphere is created in the conference room.

The flow of the atmosphere itself was aimed at Iren with the will of the Absolute.

This pressure.

Even I, a third party, feel intimidated… … Has Irene always been treated like this?

“… … .”

Iren did not continue speaking, but bowed his head and obeyed.

Lin said as if summarizing the situation.

“Now. Anyone want to give an opinion? Isn’t there more?”

Soon, Lin summarized the opinions that had been expressed so far.

“First. Implement policies focused on internal affairs. Do you think this might be the best way for us Brans County? If so, raise your hand.”

Upon hearing that, several people in the hall raised their hands to express agreement.

I felt like I understood this system.

In the game, the generals expressed their opinions, and the player, the monarch, usually implemented the policy decided by majority vote.

Of course, it was okay for the monarch to ignore the results of the meeting at will, but if he did so, the loyalty of the generals would decrease and relationships would worsen, except for the most loyal generals, so unless it was a concept play, he didn’t bother to do so.

It looks like it is decided by a majority vote here as well.

If it were a weak country with very few people, like the Lunarien army, ignoring the result decided by majority vote would be a burden even for the monarch.

‘where.’

I typed the question, ‘Is it most efficient to implement an internal affairs-oriented policy in Brans County?’

The conclusion was [no].

‘First of all, in order to give the impression that you are working properly, it would be better to choose what you think is ‘right’ here.

Of course, since opinions were only expressed, there was a possibility that the answers to all questions were [no].

In this case, if Lin decides to do so, it can be resolved by asking me, like Luna did, ‘What is the most efficient way to do it?’

I just wanted to be moderately helpful, and I didn’t want to be ambitious and take credit.

Luna would unify us anyway if we tried, so there was no need to relax.

So let’s move on.

“Then the second one. I think it would be best to implement a policy focused on increasing military spending. Raise your hand.”

This time too, a few people raised their hands.

I didn’t raise my hand.

“Third. I think it would be best to gather forces in the south and prepare to invade Chelam Castle. Raise your hand.”

This time, surprisingly, only one person raised their hand.

The planner who spoke confidently looked a little embarrassed, but what can you do?

If not, he should have at least laid out a proper line for people to follow his words.

Of course, this time I didn’t raise my hand.

“Fourth. Mobilize 56,000 soldiers and attack the Balharat Castle of the Aishus army. Who agrees?”

and.

Many of the subjects who had been hesitating so far raised their hands in unison.

Farfalle witnessed the scene and smiled with satisfaction.

Farfalle.

She was the national military officer of Brans County.

In this game, it is safe to say that a state advisor is someone who serves the monarch from the closest location and can be deeply involved in the monarch’s various decisions – in a way, it is the highest position a subject can attain.

Of course, if the territory became larger, it would be possible to have a corps commander or something like that, but that was a story for later.

In any case, it can be said that it is a good way of dealing with Farfalle to deepen your relationship with her by giving her the image that you agree with her opinion.

I entered her opinion into my head.

‘Is it the best idea to attack Balharat Castle?’

[Not like that.]

‘Hoo.’

I believe her intelligence is over 90.

So, I also planned to moderately support her opinion. If your intelligence is high, you will most likely say the right thing.

But it seems that wasn’t the case this time.

If you agree with an opinion, the number of generals who expressed the opinion and your likeability increase.

If the opinion of Farfalle, the bookkeeper, is not absolutely correct, then you should just agree with Irene’s opinion and increase her likeability rating.

I was dealing with this issue really lightly.

“It’s almost decided.”

Rin said without hesitation and then opened his mouth.

“Last. The best way is to prepare for an invasion by the Serpina army by adding troops to Kelstein Castle in the north to further strengthen its defenses. Who agrees?”

And this time.

Except for the planner, Irene, not a single person agreed with her opinion.

Irene was a person outside of Lin Brans’ eyes. Only her talent made it possible for her to even participate in these meetings.

However, in this kind of organizational life, it seems that it is difficult to find anyone in this world who is loyal enough to take the side of someone who is outside of the leader’s eyes.

‘If I raise my hand alone, my likeability will increase, right?’

At this time, I thought so and typed her question into my head without thinking about it.

‘Is it right to gather troops at Kelstein Castle and prepare for the invasion of Serpina’s army?’

And, the results come out.

[Almost close.]

‘… … uh?’

what?

Not ‘no’, but ‘almost close’?

‘What’s going on in the North?’

Honestly, I thought I would agree with Irene, but-

As Rin said, a fortress was being built there, and the most troops were deployed there.

There doesn’t seem to be a need to do that, but does that mean this opinion is the most efficient one?

“Is there anyone?”

I quickly raised my hand at Lin’s words.

Due to my actions, the eyes of all the generals here were focused on me.

Their perspectives were very diverse, but they were eventually able to be summarized as one.

‘What makes you take her side?’ It meant something.

Irene was also looking at me with a little surprise, as if she hadn’t expected me to raise my hand.

Irene. Hold your head high. Surprisingly, Irene’s opinion is said to be the most efficient among these.

at that time.

“Hoo.”

Lin slightly raised the corners of her mouth as if she was amused by this situation, then pointed at me with her hand and said.

“Swen. You raised your hand to Iren’s opinion?”

At Rin’s words, the gaze that was already on me was fixed on my face.

Although I felt intimidated, this was nothing compared to the time when Rin held a knife to my throat.

“Yes.”

“Ho? Why?”

“Because I agree with what she said.”

“Then, do you think we should send troops to the north? Are they already building a fortress and have the most soldiers?”

“Yes. Yes.”

“Hey.”

She smiled as if it was fun, looked at Farfalle next to her and said.

“That’s right, farfalle? What do you think?”

“Yes, well… … .”

What is Lin thinking?

At this point, one thing occurred to me.

‘no way.’

“Farfalle. Would you like to have a discussion after a long time? Don’t you want to hear what the newbie thinks?”

“… … .”

debate.

It meant a 1:1 discussion within the game, more commonly referred to as a war of words by users.

Debate was an intellectual version of a 1:1 fight in which generals with high military strength competed against each other.

As it was a world based on the world in the game, the system seemed to exist at least formally.

Farfalle heard those words and nodded as if she realized something.

“I see. Okay.”

Lin looked at me and asked if she was satisfied with the answer.

“What do you think, Swen? It’s okay if you’re not scared though.”

It seemed like she was trying to test me.

why?

By taking the side of Irene, who you don’t like?

Or is it because he acknowledges my abilities to a certain extent, but wants to be persuaded himself?

In any case, I had no choice but to step forward once things got like this.

The more passionately I take sides and defend Irene’s opinions, the more favorable she will be toward me.

I said, thinking only about that.

“If you say so, I would like to dare to persuade you, Master, and the Brans Army here.”

“Ahaha. It’s fun!”

Rin giggled as if she liked my bold attitude.

And then, Farfalle slowly walked in front of me.

I also moved slightly and stood in front of her.

“Are you okay, Inspector? I would like to ask you a favor.”

I lowered my head and spoke in a very polite tone.

After hearing what I said, Farfalle slowly nodded and said.

“Please do me a favor. I am welcome anytime. If you can convince me, I will follow General Irene’s opinion.”

“Then.”

I slowly walked out to the center.

She too was next to the throne, and walked in front of me.

While facing each other-

I started my first 1:1 discussion.