I Reincarnated But Will Try To Live Without Using My Cheat Ability - CH 281

Did I let my guard down somewhere? There is no end to the questions we can ask ourselves.

Anyway, let’s wait and see how the accident investigation goes.

On a related matter, Ludvig, the Minister of Development, came to me.

“Is there a problem?”

Ludvig looked puzzled.

“Yes, some of the workers who were safe are troubled.”

Anxiety about danger, huh? Some kind of flashback, I guess.

“What kind of trouble?”

“The worker who died was well-liked by everyone. The first thing the workers thought, however, was that they were relieved it wasn’t them.  So they became depressed because they felt sorry for themselves.”

That kind of thing, huh… We need an expert in that area.

Maybe they can do something about it.

“Then, please consult with Mr. Odilon. I am sure he has a good solution.”

Ludvig tilted his head.

“The veteran adventurer? What do construction accidents have to do with adventurers?”

“There is no doubt that construction work also involves risking one’s life. And because it is a joint effort, there will be a strong sense of camaraderie. The pain of losing a colleague is the same whether you are an adventurer or a construction worker. It will give you a chance to get back on your feet.”

Ludvig nodded.

“I understand… I will discuss it with them. And…”

Is there something more? As I was thinking this, Ludvig bowed deeply.

“I appreciate the opportunity to make up for it without firing me.”

I chuckled and waved my hand.

“If it’s not cheating or negligence, there’s no reason to fire you. Besides, I’m sure you will do a better job because of this failure. Removing you from your post while Ignoring your past accomplishments for a single accident. We can’t afford that kind of luxury. It’s nothing personal, so don’t worry about it.”

Ludvig bowed and exited.

If it is not clear negligence, there is no reason to fire him.

There is a way to make him take responsibility and fire him, but….

If he made a mistake, he knows exactly how to improve.

And I don’t like the idea of ending up with a failed attempt myself.

As I was thinking this, Kiara started giggling.

“Kiara, what’s wrong?”

“No, it’s just that your perceptions of each other are off and it was so funny.”

Are we? I am not aware of that.

“What do you mean by “off”?”

“If a worker dies on a construction project, it doesn’t matter if it’s another nobleman. If they are behind schedule or over budget, they will be fired. But brother hates sacrifice. That’s why Mr. Ludvig thought he had offended brother and was prepared to be fired.”

Ah… so that’s why we’re off.

“Hmmm… that was a blind spot. Indeed, I don’t like sacrifice, but punishing someone for an accident isn’t the end of the world.”

That’s not much different than pretending you didn’t see it.

Unless you don’t have the qualities and won’t improve if entrusted to do so in the future.

If the blame goes to Ludvig, I’ll be the shield.

The authority of a big shot should be put to good use in times like these.

Kiara stopped laughing and turned a straight face.

“Normally, their first priority is not to go against their employer’s wishes. You crossed paths because you didn’t know what that standard was. You value human life, but that’s not the only criterion. I think this case will make brother’s intentions known.”

So it was it my assumption that I was getting through.

In any case, since my memory returned, my awareness of this world has been weakened.

The amount of information I have in 16 years versus 4X years is different, after all.

Did I unknowingly think and look at people with the common sense I had before in my previous life?

I scratched my head.

“Thank you, Kiara. I realized this before we crossed paths in a dangerous place in the future.”

After all, a person who speaks directly to you is irreplaceable above all else.

Kiara smiled.

“You’re welcome. I’m glad I could be of help to you.”

Two days later, we head to the building where Odilon is lecturing.

Looks like he is going to give a lecture on how to deal with an accident after receiving a consultation from Ludvig.

I think he have a solution for that consultation.

I personally wanted to know what it was about.

Odilon just grinned when he saw me.

I take a seat at the back of the room so as not to disturb the others.

The content of the lecture was really interesting.

It seems that when someone suddenly dies or is injured, the first thought that comes to mind is, “Thank God it wasn’t me”.

Or that it is not unusual to be glad that a close relative did not.

Then self-blame kicks in, and we tend to wish we had done more.

When in fact, it’s completely irrelevant.

“If only I had been more careful then.”

“Maybe I could have noticed the accident.”

or

“I should have told them when I saw the unfortunate signs.”

Anyway, they blame myself.

If left in that state, many people will be overwhelmed.

So, all parties involved get together and reflect on the accident.

Then everyone says it was their fault, and eventually they question it.

By the end of the reflection, everyone’s sense of remorse is lightened.

I was really impressed when he said that grief can be divided.

I realized that there was such a way.

I wondered how they could cut it off and get back on their feet because they were adventurers.

There would be a case for cutting them off as being responsible for their own actions.

But not about the accident during the construction, so I guess he offered another way to take care of them.

After listening to the lecture, I go next to Odilon.

My curiosity was aroused.

“Mr. Odilon, adventurers often have to deal with the deaths of their companions. I thought they would just say it was their own fault or that they were unlucky and move on.”

I myself thought I’d teach them how to look forward.

It wasn’t what I expected, but it made sense.

Odilon looked out with a slightly distant look in his eyes.

“I used to be the same way. There were a lot of people who felt responsible for it like that. It was useless to tell them to look forward. They all made bad decisions and died. I had to cut out the things that got in the way of my survival and just look ahead.”

Yes, it would not be such a sweet world.

“Just surviving is amazing in itself.”

Odilon sighed.

“I survived, but… all that was left was a battered body. And now it’s my turn to be cut down. I don’t hold a grudge, I’ve done that before. It’s just that it’s now my turn. It gave me a mountain of time to think. I wondered if it would have been better to throw it away so easily.”

I can’t say it’s easy to say good or bad.

I don’t share that experience.

“So you’ve given it some thought. But I suppose it’s because you left it behind that you’ve lived this long.”

Odilon chuckled and nodded.

“I didn’t think just living was this boring. I kept throwing things away and the only thing I have left is my crippled body.”

From a world where life is next to life to a world where there is nothing.

Adventurers are a kind of outlaw, floating above society.

When you spill out from there, there’s nothing more.

I had nothing to say in reply.

Odilon looked at me with interest as I remained silent.

“Anyway, for adventurers, life and death are at stake at any given moment. So the idea of throwing it away is not wrong. But construction is something else, I thought. I tried to think of a way to keep what I was throwing away from the land as much as possible.”

“I see. I’m really impressed. I can’t even begin to grasp the concept.”

Odilon grinned at me.

“Lord Alfred is really working me hard just like he said. I don’t have time to lament my physical disability. I don’t even have time to think about just being alive.”

I chuckled at Odilon, who seemed amused despite his words.

“Your wisdom and experience are invaluable, after all. It would be a shame not to squeeze as much out of you as possible before you die.”

Odilon started laughing happily.

“Thanks to you, I’m not even drinking as much as I used to.”

“So, do you want to take a break once in a while? I can arrange the hot spring for you.”

Odilon shrugged.

“Nah, if I’m at a hot spring, I’ll be too busy worrying about what to teach. I’ll just stick to the public baths.”

I chuckled and shrugged my shoulders as well.

“If there’s anything you want, don’t hesitate to let me know. I’ll do my best to accommodate you.”

“Well, I’ll think of something to look forward to.”