The city of Seirios was shrouded in the darkness of night.
　Light still leaked out of the windows of the mansion built in the center of the city, even though it was late at night.
It was around mid-afternoon today when I returned to my estate after being away for over a year after the celebration held in Piraeus, the royal capital of Roselia, and returned to my estate.
　Since then, I've been sitting in my chair in my office, busy with paperwork, with no time to catch my breath.
　But there is no rest for Ryojin now.
(Just a mirror of an aristocrat.......)
　A smile of self-mockery escaped him.
　Ryoma propped his elbows on his office desk as he flipped through a thick stack of reports.
　In it was a detailed description of the plan that was to be spread throughout the entire Woltenia peninsula in the future by O'Iganzaki Igor, regarding counterintelligence.
(Suggestions for improvement to the problems noted. It is prioritized. Both Gen O and Bolz aren't getting any older.)
　Ryoma nodded a small nod of satisfaction at the results that exceeded his expectations.
　Of course, the two of them weren't civil servants, so they weren't very good at paperwork.
　The text described is also not of high quality. It's true that the writing style is uncharacteristically martial, and it's easy to see that they are not used to paperwork.
　Perhaps if you showed this document to the civil servants of the Royal Court of Roselia, they would probably trash it without even reading it after receiving countless remarks that it was scribbled by an illiterate barbarian.
　But while the importance of producing legible and formal documents was certainly high, it was not essential for Ryoma to do so.
　What the Woltenia Peninsula needs most right now is someone who can build an overall picture of the ideal organization and imagine the route to reach that ideal.
　And even though there was no one else who could be entrusted with the job, Ryoma had never left the peninsula to the two of them without any chance of success.
　The basic idea for managing and operating an organization is always the same.
　Short term goals, medium to long term goals. Prioritize each of these goals, clarify the risks and benefits, and then deal with them.
　This is a way of thinking that is fully applicable in today's society. It is a way of thinking that is needed no matter what time of year it is, and it is a way of thinking that can be applied to everything from grand national projects at the top, to ordinary people's finances at the bottom.
　But while it is an essential concept for building and operating an organization, there are surprisingly few people who can understand and implement it.
(You were right to leave it to those two.)
　The overwhelming value of experience that the two of them have as predecessors in life. That's what they call the gong of age.
　That is one of the most important treasures for Ryoma nowadays.
　Gen O has led the organization Igazaki-shu for many years, and his perspective is stern and accurate, and it's the same with regard to the Bolz report that I just finished reading.
　From this result, I can say that Ryoma's decision was accurate. If I had a complaint to make, it would be to write it more concisely and with nicer handwriting.
(Well, I guess you could call it a charm.......and I don't have the confidence to make it either, if I was asked to.)
　The faces of the two of them working on the unfamiliar paperwork in a desperate manner come to life, and a wicked human smile appears on Ryoma's face.
　I shelve the fact that I can't make them either.

''Huh ... we're almost there.

　After finishing reading the last page, Ryoma stretched widely with a sigh and handed the report he had finished reading through to Laura, who stood beside him.

''Yes, the rest of the report is Simone-sama's report, which is the last one.

Yes, sir.

　With a slightly disgusted expression on his face, Ryoma honestly turned his gaze to the documents handed to him.　
　It's natural to get tired of spending all this time in the office since returning to the Woltenia Peninsula, checking reports.
　But on the other hand, he also understands the importance of this barren task.
　Ryouma trusted people like Boltz and Yan Ou, but he did not trust them unconditionally.
　The difference between trust and confidence. And there's a difference between trusting them and letting them do their job and leaving them alone.
(That's a difficult part...)
　If you interfere too much, people will rebel against you, thinking you don't trust them, and if you leave them too much, they will rot, thinking you don't care about them.
　It's essentially the same thing on a different scale, whether it's a family, a company or a society.
　And......

'If you understand the essence, you can apply it.... I see.

　It was a word that Ryo-ma's grandfather, Koichiro Mikoshiba, had said to him many times. It had been repeated so often that it stuck in his ears, and Ryoma couldn't help but smile bitterly as it flashed through his mind.
　When he was living in Japan, he had thought them to be nagging nonsense, but since he was called to this other world, it was those nonsense that had saved Ryoma's life.
(I didn't know that the way of thinking I learned from my grandfather ≪Grandfather≫ could be used here, too.
　It's a tedious task, but this kind of paperwork is basic. If you neglect them, you can't manage the organization.
　And just like in the case of warfare, the inner secrets exist beyond the basics.
(And moreover, what I want is beyond that........)
　As soon as he envisioned his ultimate goal, an electric current ran down his spine.
　This was a feat that could not be imagined from his life in Japan, a country that is a picture of peace.
　Every man must have dreamed of this at least once in his life. But it is a fantasy that has no chance of being realized.
　And that's not an end in itself. It was only a means to reach Ryojin's desire.
(Well, let's do it without hurrying. There's a long way to go.)
　Ryoma takes a deep breath to submerge the raging thoughts and slowly lets them out.
　The fire of ambition and hatred hidden in the depths of his heart still burns in Ryoma's heart. But it would destroy him if he was swept away by it.

'You must be tired. I'll bring you some tea now.''

'Yeah, I guess so. Let's take a breath.　

He was probably aware that he was losing his concentration as well. At Saara's words, Ryoma nodded honestly and lightly turned his head.
　Paper is quite a valuable commodity in the earth world where parchment is common, but it's not much of a pain for Ryoma right now.
　Securing and a stable supply of paper, along with earning money for the development of the territory, is quite a high priority among the several things he had ordered Simone to do.
　The fact that I succeeded in securing this was truly a joyful achievement for Ryoma.
　
(Mostly as planned, but I don't like it a little bit... well, there's no way everything is going to turn out the way I want it to.
　There are plenty of things that don't go according to Ryojin's wishes. The problem is, is it just because things didn't go the way you wanted them to, or is it just because you're trying to make some changes to go along with your intentions?
　Ryoma wrinkled his brow as he read more documents in his hand.
　Of the work he ordered Simone to do, the securing and supply of resources such as paper, iron and lumber have generally been satisfactory. The building of an intelligence agency was also going well, and they had succeeded in building a fairly thorough intelligence network for the three countries in the eastern part of the western continent.
　Simone has achieved more than an above average result. An achievement that could be called almost perfect. Yes, except for one thing.
　Sipping a sip of the tea on the desk, Ryoma submerged himself in the sea of thoughts again.
(It's not even half of the amount of money I planned to spend.......well, it's not like we have the right plans to spend it in the near future, and since trade seems to be going well, we'll be able to cover it eventually.......)
　This is the top priority I ordered Simone to address. Raising funds for the development of the territory, but it has not been more successful than expected.
　The amount of money recorded in the document is about 300 million baht. That was initially only about a third of the amount of money that Ryoma had envisioned when he and Simone had met with him before he left for Zaruda. And the problem is that there is no reason stated anywhere for it.
(I don't think there's anything wrong with Simone's management skills.)
　In fact, Simone's management skills are outstanding.
　Initially, the Chamber of Commerce's galleons, which were only two ships, have now grown to eight, and are now plying the waters of the northern part of the western continent with a full complement of trade goods.
　It is true that the commercial sphere had expanded thanks to an agreement between Ernesgula and the three eastern countries. It is not completely free trade, but it is still much easier to do business than ever before. And the astute Ernest Gura and Mist, under the leadership of the state, were working with the country's leading merchants to increase the production and import/export of their products.
　A great commercial opportunity. But at the same time, it meant that the battle with their peers became more intense.
　It would not be possible to say that Simone didn't have business acumen, since she was certainly making a profit in such a situation.
　But then the problem becomes even more serious.
　The words of advice told to him by King Julian of Zaruda came to mind in Ryoma's mind.
(Disgusting.)　
　There wasn't any solid support for that to be relevant to this case.
　However, Ryouma's instincts sounded the alarm incessantly.
　Perhaps Simone deliberately did not state the reason.
(The question is whether she couldn't or didn't write it down.......let's check with Simone......)
　The hands of the clock on the wall pointed to one o'clock in the morning. It's not an appropriate time to summon a young lady, but it can't be helped.
　I have a feeling that this is a turning point that will somehow change the way we move in the future.


(Is it that case after all........)
　There was no confusion on Simone's face, despite the urgent call in the middle of the night. He had included details in the documents he submitted, but not just about that matter.
　Considering Ryoma's personality, it's easy to expect that he would want to confirm it directly.
(But well, I didn't expect to be called out at this time.... I guess I wasn't reading it right. But it's just as well. I also have something I want to ask you in person.
　As Simone, she had planned to request a visit after dawn, but Ryoma seemed to be paying more attention to this matter than that.
　However, this was a woman who got ready in a big hurry after her sleep was interrupted, even though she had some foreknowledge of it. She reached for her hair, a little uncomfortable with its shape because she hadn't had enough time to set it up.

'Lady Simone Christophe is here to see you, sir. May I let her come in?

　The guard guarding the door to the office announces Simone's arrival. He's a young soldier, an older soldier who still has a young age on his face.
　But he is skilled enough in his behavior.
(How dare you even plant etiquette on those kids........)
　Of course, the quality is somewhat inferior to the unskilled servants that can be used in the mansions of senior aristocrats, but even in the eyes of Simone, who has many opportunities to deal with the nobility due to her business, it is well within an acceptable range.
　On top of that, this guard should be an excellent soldier as well, not to mention young in age.
　After all, in the Woltenia peninsula, where all soldiers are trained in martial arts, they guard the door leading to that ruler's office. It's only natural to choose someone who is loyal and skilled.　

Yes, send her in.

　A voice like the ringing of a bell.
　The door to the office is slowly opened and Simone's body moves forward.
　Ryoma's face, which he hasn't seen in a long time, has the same calm smile on it as usual.

　Seeing the twin sisters with gold and silver hair waiting like a shadow behind them, Simone felt a feeling well resembling jealousy well up from the depths of her heart, and she couldn't help but smile bitterly.
　Was it because of her frustration that Mikoshiba Ryoma had never made a pass at Simone in the past?

''I'm sorry about that in the middle of the night.''

No, I hope you don't mind.

　I followed Ryoma's recommendation and sat down on the sofa. It's one of the most expensive pieces of furniture Simone bought the other day, and it's very comfortable.
(No........I have to focus on my work right now.)
　Simone gently stretched the wrinkles in her skirt as if to hide the frustration of womanhood that was bubbling up, and she turned a serious expression to the young man sitting across from her.

'I see, I guess it was a good decision to ask him directly.

'Yes, I thought it would be best for me to take my time at the earliest opportunity...I just didn't expect to be called back so soon after you returned.

　But what is hidden in those words is not a sarcasm towards Ryoma for calling him out at an insane hour. In fact, Simone considers Ryoma's quick decision making worthy of praise.

'I'm sorry, well, I was wondering what I should do about it too, but I had some advice from the King of Zaruda.

You want my advice?

'Oh, I'm not sure it's relevant to Simone's story, but...'

　A question mark appeared on Simone's face at Ryoma's unusually crisp words.

'What kind of thing is that?'

　The words of Julian, King of Zaruda, who is famous for being a mediocre king.
　As for the upcoming battle, the assessment of Julianus' choices within the Kingdom of Roselia is cold.
　In fact, Simone herself has doubts about it.
(In the first place, it's strange that this person honestly backed down after hearing that peace........First of all, if the war ended there, the original plan would be destroyed if the war ended there.......)
　A lazy decision.
　At least that's how Simone felt.
　But Ryoma interrupted his words, as if he didn't intend to answer the question.

'I know what Simone wants to hear. I've been questioned a lot by Lionne-san. But I'm sorry, but let me put it off for now. I'll have to explain it to Gen O and Bortz anyway.

　If the Lord says that much, as Simone, I can only nod silently even if I feel some dissatisfaction.　　

Then it's time to go. Let's hear what you have to say right away........

　Simone slowly opens her mouth at Ryoma's question.　
　The discussion that took place between Simone and Ryoma that day continued until dawn.