Ch.181Epilogue. The King’s Inspection (2)

The next morning, I announced to my wives that I would be leaving for an inspection.

“An inspection? Given your personality, I doubt you’re planning a surprise check. …Ah, perhaps you want to clear your head?”

Ember, who had now reached her mid-40s, let out a soft exclamation.

She was a grateful comrade who had stayed by my side all these years along with Hannah.

Even now, Ember was deeply involved in the overall operations of the “Security Ministry,” the Empire’s only intelligence agency. At first, she merely monitored the movements of nobles, but now her area of responsibility had greatly expanded. Ember continued to be involved because she couldn’t find the right timing to step back.

“It won’t take long. I’ll go quietly by myself.”

“That’s a good idea. It might be nice to catch your breath while you’re at it.”

Naturally, Ember seemed to have figured out my intentions. Hannah, who was feeding gelato to the baby beside her, seemed to understand as well.

‘Well, of course they would know.’

Even at my current age, I still spent most of my time with Ember and Hannah.

They were the only ones I could speak openly with.

This wasn’t just about them comforting me.

We had discussed and implemented everything together—from reluctantly absorbing twenty-five territories as direct imperial domains, to meticulously working on nobles who couldn’t keep up with reforms and demoting them to commoners, and even more cruel matters.

It was also thanks to them that I could take a brief absence.

“Experiencing Erick’s absence once will be an important lesson for the officials. Since each department has its own people, I’ll keep observing the situation. Perhaps this opportunity will help separate the wheat from the chaff.”

“Keep a close eye on the Foreign Ministry in particular. After all, our Arthur…”

“I’ve already noticed people from Lessotona and Inel Kingdom trying to approach our child.”

“They’re certainly quick.”

“They seem to be feeling quite desperate. Don’t worry, Erick. I’ve made arrangements to prevent any foolish actions.”

“…”

Ember smiled, her lips forming a natural arc. I looked at her and nodded.

There seemed to be no need to offer Ember additional advice. When it came to political affairs, she moved almost as one with me.

‘I didn’t even need to make any requests.’

Thinking I should just finish my tea and leave, I turned my gaze toward Hannah.

Hannah was soothing our youngest daughter, Diane, who had just turned two.

A child with black hair and black eyes. Among the four children I had with Hannah, she was the one who particularly resembled her mother. That’s why we named her Diane. Hannah said it was one of the most common names in that world.

Unlike Ember, Hannah wasn’t deeply involved in politics.

She simply fulfilled her duties as Saintess occasionally and focused on raising the children. If she had any other interests, it was perhaps her involvement in nurturing artists? Living comfortably seemed to keep her looking much younger than her actual age.

“Hannah. While I’m gone…”

At that moment, Hannah spoke first, saying something unexpected.

“Um, Erick? Since you’re going, please take the Holy Sword with you.”

“Huh?”

“The Holy Sword. I think it would be good to take it with you.”

The Holy Sword, suddenly?

Of course, I was still the Hero, the only one who could use the Holy Sword.

However, I didn’t usually carry the Holy Sword around.

Normally, I used a hammer, and when I wanted to use a sword, I used a mythril arming sword that dwarf craftsmen had made for me free of charge. I only wielded the Holy Sword occasionally during public events to show it to the crowds.

“You just want to refresh yourself, right, Erick? It might help.”

“…”

I was about to ask, “Did you receive a revelation from the Goddess?” but just nodded instead. It’s true that I don’t usually get along well with the Holy Sword, but it wasn’t a difficult request.

I went down to the armory in the Grand Duke’s residence to find the Holy Sword.

The Holy Sword didn’t emit a brilliant radiance, nor did it vibrate intensely in my hand to express dissatisfaction with being neglected. It simply displayed its sharp edge.

Afterward, I left the Grand Duke’s residence with my family seeing me off.

Ember and Hannah. And the six children they had given me.

There was nothing particularly moving about being seen off by family, but the bustling feeling wasn’t bad. It was incomparable to the times when I felt hopeless due to lack of allies.

A smart child, a child good with swords, a kind-hearted child, a doll-like pretty child, and children still too young to predict how they would grow up. They were children who inherited the blood of me and the women I loved.

“I’ll be back… no, I’ll take a short break and return.”

I kissed the youngest and turned away. The murmuring voices behind me somehow felt endearing.

***

Wellington City, the capital of the Wellesley Duchy.

“Erick is here?”

“No, Administrator. How dare I address him by name.”

“It’s fine with me. How many times must I tell you that Erick is our son’s godfather? …Anyway, I should go greet him quickly.”

Bingo, a short and stout middle-aged man, brushed aside his aide’s concerns with a smile.

Bingo was residing in the capital as the administrator of the duchy.

When Erick first received this territory upon being promoted to Count, it was merely the main castle of an insignificant county, but now it had developed rapidly to become known as the Empire’s second city. This was thanks to using it as a test site whenever new businesses were launched.

Until nine years ago, it was governed by Gregory Hyde, the father of the Grand Duchess, but since his retirement, Bingo had been in charge of governance.

Bingo wasn’t particularly overworked. In the past, he used to handle everything himself, scurrying about on his short legs, but now he had delegated tasks to well-educated young administrators and worked with relative ease.

‘Knowing Erick’s personality, he wouldn’t just come to play… what could it be?’

The duchy was still running very well. If something had happened, Bingo would have contacted him first.

Did I do something wrong? Bingo wondered as he went out to greet him.

But then.

“Let’s take a walk, Bingo.”

“Sure. Wait… what?”

It was Erick, who had flown in alone on a wyvern and suddenly suggested a walk.

He didn’t look like someone who had come urgently on business. It was an unfamiliar and somewhat frightening side of him that he had rarely shown before.

What could it be?

Bingo’s expression grew increasingly serious as he walked beside Erick, constantly licking his lips.

“Erick, perhaps…”

“It looks natural. The wig.”

“Oh yes. Since establishing the wig factory, the craftsmen’s skills in making fixtures have improved greatly. The factory is over there, in the capital’s 3rd district.”

“I see. I’ve heard about it.”

Erick was bringing up trivial topics while walking at a pace matching Bingo’s short stride. Not that wig factories were truly trivial, but Erick wouldn’t normally concern himself with factory operations.

So was he really just here for an inspection?

It didn’t suit Erick’s personality, but anything was possible. Though he still looked young, Erick was approaching fifty.

Bingo decided to stop overthinking.

‘So what should I show him that would satisfy him?’

A water treatment plant or printing house? Or perhaps a coal mine and coke factory? No, those were good too, but showing hardworking laborers like ants didn’t seem sufficient.

Yet touring everything would be too much for Bingo’s physical condition.

He was no longer a junior administrator running dessert errands but a powerful ruler of the duchy. He was older now and too accustomed to a comfortable life.

Fortunately, an idea came to Bingo’s mind shortly after.

“Ah, Erick. Come to think of it, today is Saturday. The factories close a bit early.”

“…?”

Erick looked skeptical for a moment but obediently followed Bingo’s lead.

They arrived at a park on the outskirts.

It was still early afternoon, so the place was mostly empty. Only a few people, presumably clergy, were enjoying “bowling”—knocking down pins by rolling a ball.

It was a game commonly played in monasteries that had been systematized and named “bowling” based on the Saintess’s advice.

“It’s quiet.”

Just as he said this, the park suddenly began to bustle.

Workers from city-operated factories were flocking in to play football or wrestling. This was a scene that repeated every Saturday afternoon.

“Look. Those guys work at the coke factory. The ones in white clothes work at the textile mill. They practice together for a few hours on Saturdays and then have official matches on Sundays.”

“…”

Soon the workers began playing with a single ball.

Bingo stood beside Erick and started chattering about various things.

The miners are the strongest, nowadays they select workers who are good at kicking the ball and treat them almost like semi-professional players, when they have matches against teams from other cities in the duchy, admission tickets (and betting slips) sell by the thousands, and so on.

Of course, he wasn’t really trying to show Erick the ball game. After all, Erick was the one who had promoted sports policies, saying that commoners needed entertainment. Bingo had something else he wanted to convey.

Fortunately, Erick seemed to understand.

“…I suppose this means they can afford to rest for weeks if they get injured without affecting their livelihood.”

“They’re all skilled workers, so their wages are quite good. And they don’t need to rest for weeks. They collect dues among themselves, donate a bit to the church, and receive treatment. They also eat well enough that they can work and exercise without wearing out their bodies.”

“…”

It meant that more people could afford to spend time, money, and energy on leisure.

Of course, not all commoners in the Empire enjoyed such a life, but there was no need to mention that. Erick would know much better.

“Good. They’re living well.”

Erick’s reaction wasn’t bad.

Bingo was about to say something flattering but decided to keep quiet.

He had finally realized why Erick had come on this inspection. He probably wanted to see with his own eyes that his efforts over the years hadn’t been meaningless.

‘Well, I might not need it, but he does. It’s about time.’

Color had returned to Erick’s still-young face. Bingo thought this was fortunate as he stayed by his side. His knees were starting to ache from walking so much after a long time.