I Reincarnated But Will Try To Live Without Using My Cheat Ability - CH 297

The next day, I found myself sleeping until noon.

It seems that Mil was very considerate and let me sleep.

When I entered the office, everyone greeted me with smiles.

“Thank you very much, I slept well.”

Kiara offered me a cup of tea.

“Here you go, brother.”

“Thank you. Kiara, I see that there are no pressing issues.”

“Yes, thanks to brother’s handling of the mourning, we have enough leeway today.”

That’s good to know.

I have to take care of some matters that were postponed because of the funeral.

Today, unusually, the Elite Guard Chief Jules was waiting for me.

“Sir Jules, I’ll look at the results of your shiphandling training tomorrow. We will inspect the castle that Sir Poncio is defending. Please have about 5 people stay behind to protect Mil and Kiara. Please coordinate around that.”

“Yes, sir!”

I had no work to do at all, as if people around me were paying attention to me.

Then I found myself falling asleep.

It was not looking good, so I decided to go check on Prytanis, the new advisor.

Prytanis’s office had taken over the teacher’s room.

When he saw me, he seemed surprised.

“Is something wrong, Lord Alfred?”

“I came to check on Prytanis. You’re working alone as an advisor, so I thought you might need some assistant, and I’m here to help you choose someone.”

Prytanis laughed when he heard my answer.

“I guess Lord Alfred has seen through me. It’s a little too wide a field for one person to cover…”

“If you have someone in mind, let me know. I will do my best to accommodate your wishes.”

“I won’t be polite then. Is it possible to get help from Magali-dono?”

I knew it…

That’s a bit of a stretch.

“I can’t move Madam Plunkett because she is an advisor to the mayor. If the capital were to come under attack, she’s a necessary personnel.”

“Are you considering the possibility of an attack on the capital?”

“Let’s say that I assume that it’s never going to happen, and I’m going to turn Madam Plunkett over to you. I am sure that Sir Oliver will go after the capital.”

At my assessment, Prytanis folded his arms and pondered.

“I wonder if our movements are that known to them.”

“That’s exactly why he’s using a familiar, and I’m sure they have some understanding of what we’re up to.”

“Speaking of which, why don’t we send a familiar to probe their movements?”

“The other party is the demon tribe, you know. They are very good at recognizing familiars. If it is discovered, it will cause a spark among the demon tribe.”

Prytanis looked unconvinced.

“If they are going to attack us either way, isn’t it better if we let them attack us while they’re unprepared? I’m sure you’re good at that kind of inducement, Lord Alfred.”

“Our preparations are too incomplete. I don’t think we will lose, but it will be a mud fight. The ensuing enmity between the two sides will be tremendous.”

At my point, Prytanis started wondering.

“Lord Alfred’s strategy has been elaborate and clear. This time it seems to me that you are being very vague. That’s exactly the kind of attitude that could be considered weak.”

“Well, it looks that way, doesn’t it? Because that’s what I’m doing.”

Prytanis’ gaze sharpened.

“In other words, do you have a purpose that you want to keep secret from everyone?”

“For now, I’m watching the reactions and taking steps… Everyone underestimates the demon tribe, after all.”

At my point of view, Prytanis looked bitter.

“Indeed… I can’t deny that point. But if they are really weak, there is no problem. My ancestors also won. I can’t help but wonder… if there has ever been a time when the demon tribe has won in an external battle.”

“Yes, and some among the demons may think so, too. Among the demon tribe, there are those who want to fight out of ideology and belief. Those who want to avoid fighting because of profit and loss. It will be a struggle between these two sides. And there’s one thing I know. If they have never won a fight, there is a possibility that they will have some kind of secret plan. The other side also has the brains to think. We must not forget that.”

Prytanis looked at me with serious eyes.

“So you’re sticking your hand in there. Hmmm, I still can’t read what Lord Alfred sees in the future.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his words.

You are so young.

It’s only in fiction that you can read the future completely.

“You are overestimating me too much… I am a human being too. What I can’t read is bigger than what I can read. I just try to be careful not to be in a situation where I can’t respond even if I can read it. What we’re doing is a late rock-paper-scissor game. If I can only get a rock even after I’m late, what’s the point?”

“In other words, it’s a mistake to think you can predict the future completely.”

“That’s right. The future is a clay sculpture. If you try to grasp it forcibly, it will collapse the more force you put into it. It is better to handle it softly until it hardens. If you leave it unattended after it hardens, it will soon weather and crumble. You should not miss the moment it hardens, and only then should you put some effort into it and get to it quickly.”

(T/N: I see…)

Prytanis laughed at my words, which were not at all enthusiastic.

“Just like nature. My grandfather said that there is no form better than the intangible. I wonder if he meant this.”

“And besides… if I’m all worked up, I’m sure people will get anxious or enthusiastic.”

Perhaps my blurted out line hit the nail, and Prytanis coughed as hard as he could.

“I am sure that’s true. As for the demons, I guess we’ll have to wait and see while we fortify our defenses. Back to the topic at hand, what criteria should I think about who will assist me?”

“Only you know that. It depends on the person. Teacher will be compatible with the type of person who is serious, detailed, and meticulous like Prytanis. So I think Prytanis should look for someone with a different point of view than you.”

Perhaps Prytanis was being cautious and avoided the subject of Teacher.

That is a needless concern.

I want you to take over in your own way, based on what Teacher did.

“I understand. I’ll think about it some more on my own.”

When I returned to my office after my discussion with Prutanis, I found Ardelheid, the Minister of Public Health, waiting for me.

I was relieved to see that she was not depressed.

“Ms. Ardelheid, how can I help you?”

“Lord Alfred, as the Minister of Public Health, I have a proposal.”

I’m open to suggestions.

I almost had a smile on my face, but… I don’t think you’re she’s about muscles… right?

“”

Seeing my difficult facial expression, Ardelheid almost blew up.

“I wasn’t talking about the Carnival. And that’s not about what I’m going to propose to Lord Alfred. I’m going to do that on my own. Never mind that, I’m talking about the health care of all our citizens.”

After the Teacher’s case, I guess Ardelheid thought about it in her own way.

“What did you think of?”

“I would like to conduct regular health checkups. However, the Ministry of Public Health’s budget was not enough to cover this, so I came to Lord Alfred for advice.”

Oh… I didn’t take many courses before my reincarnation, but it’s certainly necessary.

I’d completely forgotten about it.

“Permission granted. Please submit your plans and the necessary budget.”

“Thank you! I’ll get it to you right away!”

As fast as she could say it, Ardelheid flew out the window.

Sure, it’s faster that way, but…

Why would you fly with a skirt on?