"It's really not possible from an imperial point of view, such as the negligence of the military. ...... If it were exposed, the heads of all those involved would roll, even down to their own families and grooms."

"So is mine. Normally, yes.



　A young man in the Popular Army complains.



"That's why we've been trying to get this country back to what it should be," he says.

"Well, that's over, too. With the butler, who was the limiter of the selfish princess, gone, there's no way we can suppress our discontent no matter what we do.

"I don't care if we don't have to rebuild the country, as long as I don't have to follow that lawless royal family."



　Callum ponders the words of the People's Army, or rather the king's people.

　The politics of the kingdom are normal, for better or worse. It is only natural that the less fortunate should be dissatisfied with it. But it was the duty of the royal family and the nobility to manage it.

　The royal family of Asterita, or rather their only daughter Kilik, was oblivious to the discontent of the people and continued to provoke it. And the king did not remonstrate.



　All because, if we are to believe their story, a single man controlled the emotions of the people in place of the princess.



　But .......



No monster butler. The country will be in turmoil in response to our move."

"In some cases, it might be more peaceful if Lord Callum just took everything already."

"Nonsense. ......"



　But if it comes to that, ambitious Callum is secretly gloating.

　He has succeeded in drawing out the inner workings of a kingdom that has been so difficult to deal with, and in this way he is advancing his plan to chip away at its territory.

　Once again, Callum is convinced that he will soon be recognized for his great contribution to the empire.



"Well, good. Anyway, this makes your country, west of Asterita, my territory. And that will be your new home.

"Thank you!"

Proceed as planned. Do it well."

"Yes, sir. Thank you for your continued patronage, Lord Callum."



　It is extraordinary that the impact of a single butler can be perceived as so great.

　But it has made things easier for Callum.

　He lends his troops to capture Kilik, the source of the people's discontent, and takes advantage of the chaos to seize the kingdom's lands.

　The Resistance had intended to kill Kilik, but they managed to restrain him and convince him to be used as a bargaining chip. In exchange for Kilik's body, they would receive a huge amount of territory.



"Everything is going so well!"



　Callum gloats alone in the hut where the Resistance has disappeared.

　Callum was thankful for his good fortune.

　He had already received word that the steward was in the empire.

　And his son, Geek, has been keeping him informed of his abilities.



"I guess the kingdom was just a small thing, not even close to the great empire."



　A calm comparison between the story of the Popular Army and the report from Geek reveals the meaning of this.

　He was only successful because he was from a small country. In the empire, their talents are the same as those of the rest of us.

　Geek reports that he is a somewhat capable man, but he does not seem to be the kind of man who could run a country on his own.



"I don't care what happens to the princess or those youngsters, but they're a bunch of blind men."



　Callum laughs with genuine amusement.



"Now my territory will be doubled...... and the Emperor will no doubt be pleased with the achievement."



　Alone in his empty hut, Callum is basking in his good fortune that is sure to come his way in the near future.

　He is completely unaware that someone is watching him. .......