The Struggle of a Weak Aristocrat in a Different World Our Domain is Surrounded by Large Aristocrats

C88: Countermeasures

I put away all the documents related to the announced policy and put my pen back.

The candle in front of me is still long, and I stare blankly at the flickering fire. I put my elbows on the desk, put my palms to my chin, and let out a sigh, not feeling like getting up, even though I had finished everything early.

I promulgated a policy of paying for salt water selection and farmers’ training. The reason for this was because I had told the Marquis of Alcala about the policy and he had no choice but to implement it.

Perhaps it was because there were so many exiles, but from day one, there was an unexpected rush of people who wanted to live in my territory. In addition to being able to live as a farmer, they would also receive a wage. I guess it’s not surprising.

However, so many people had gathered that we had to select the farmers through a strict screening process. Already now, the house is helping to settle the farmers who were selected early. It won’t be long before I have a number of farming villages in the southern part of the territory.

And even though the policy has been a success, there has been no approach from the concerned House of Orrard. When I asked Yulis about it, she said, “They probably don’t want the Alcala family to monopolize this booming business.”

Even if the Orrard family’s merchant association leaves, it won’t affect our territory if the Alcala family’s merchant association stays, but they didn’t want to leave and give up their position to the Alcala family.

If so, they thought it would be more profitable to do business and make a profit in this booming economy.

When I returned, I could say that most of the problems had been solved. Rather, the population has increased, the defenses have been heavily fortified, and the territory has become richer.

But now that I’m back, I’ve got a problem that’s weighing on my mind like a ton of bricks.

“Claire…….”

The door of the smoky room, which I can’t tell if it’s candle smoke or my sigh, opens. The smoke sways softly, and the usual silver-haired siblings appear.

“We’ve come to get your documents.”

“Yeah. It’s right there.”

I pointed to the pile of papers I had piled up for Hal. He rolled his eyes when he spotted it.

“You’ve already done it? I’m so glad you did.”

“Haha…….I just didn’t want to think about anything else, I was concentrating on my work.”

I chuckle dryly, and Hal, with a pained look on his face, smiles the same as I do.

“Yulis, what should I do?”

“I think you should do what you want.”

Yulis shrugs and turns away. For some reason, she is uncooperative when it comes to Claire.

I don’t mind, because I just muttered to share my worries with her. I feel that asking her for advice on interpersonal relationships is too delicate.

What I’m worried about is my relationship with Marquis Alcala. As Yulis had said before, it would be too dangerous to get engaged to Claire now and become a part of the Alcala family. So I have to lose Claire’s favor.

If Marquis Alcala retreats now, I’ll be in trouble. And if I’m not an ally when Marquis wins the war, I’ll be destroyed.

“Ahhhh! Somebody lend me some wisdom! I’m almost done with my vacation!”

I shouted out my lament.

After much worrying, I came up with the idea that the best way to solve the problem would be to eliminate Claire’s romantic feelings for me, while keeping her opinion of me as a capable person.

However, I had no idea how to do that, and the time limit for the school opening was getting closer.

“I have no choice. I’m the adult here, so let me tell Chris-sama about women’s hearts.”

Hal shook his head and slapped his chest.

“If I don’t understand it, then how can a single man over 30 understand the delicate heart of a 16-year-old girl?”

Perhaps my mind was too troubled, but those words came out of my mouth on their own. Hal then instantly had tears in his eyes and started to speak up.

“I work from morning till night like an idiot! I don’t even have time to go home, so I can’t do anything!”

“I’m sorry. How about Julietta, our long-time maid? She’s also a successful woman like Yulis…….”

–Tsun.

Something crossed my ear and a sound came from behind me. I turn around to see a fruit knife stuck in the wall.

The place went silent for a moment, and then it suddenly turned cold. A few moments later, Yulis asked me in a voice so icy that I thought it was colder than ice.

“Did you say something?”

“No, no.”

I buzzed and shook my head.

Yulis looked at me and lightly shook her head without saying anything.

“How did she come to like you in the first place….?”

Hal stammered a little as he asked, perhaps trying to change the atmosphere.

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say that before. I have no choice but to ask you.”

“Actually, I almost beat Claire with a sword during the entrance exam.”

“What’s that about?”

“There’s a deeper reason for that.”

I explained to both of them about Claire’s situation and told them that she had developed a yearning for love and thought that if someone was stronger than her she might be able to fall in love.

I see. So that’s how it happened. In that case, there’s only one solution.”

Hal said in a light tone.

“What should I do?”

I wondered how easy it would be, but I jumped at the chance just to get rid of this heavy feeling.

“As soon as the school opens, there will be an event called a mock battle. So why don’t you have someone beat Alcala’s eldest daughter and show her that there are other men stronger than her?”