Chapter 339: The Knights' Words

I have one hour to conduct a hearing with the members of the Chivalric Order. This is a task of high difficulty. The key will be how close they are to me. If possible, I’d be grateful for a spot where five or ten of them are gathered together.

With that in mind, the first idea that struck me was to speak to the knights guarding the lord’s manor. Once decided, I resolved to immediately catch the knights on guard duty at the entrance.

Although the lord’s manor is located within Seatoh Village and is relatively safe, it is still properly guarded. Well, seeing as quite a few people now come to Seatoh Village for business or pass through on their way to the Kingdom of Yelenetta, that makes sense. I feel like the number of unfamiliar faces has increased significantly.

Now, putting that aside, it is time for a surprise interview with the manor’s security detail. Since I didn’t pass anyone on the way to the entrance, they must be outside.

I pushed open the double doors at the front of the manor and peeked outside.

“Oh? Lord Van. Are you heading out?”

As expected, a young knight in his late twenties was standing there. Incidentally, this young knight is one of the oldest members, having joined when the Seatoh Chivalric Order was first launched.

“Are you busy right now?”

Since he was on duty, I asked just to make sure. The young man gave a wry smile and shook his head.

“I might get scolded for saying this, but since we are inside Seatoh Village, there is no danger and I’m actually quite bored. Is something troubling you?”

He was bored. It is best when doctors and police are bored. Nodding at the fact that Seatoh Village’s peace was a good thing, I decided to conduct my first interview with the young man.

“I was just wondering… do you have any complaints regarding the salary or treatment of the knights?”

When I asked that, the young man’s eyes went round with surprise.

“Eh? I don’t have any complaints. Why do you ask?”

The young man answered effortlessly. This is no good. If I think about it, there is no way he would voice such complaints to me, the lord.

In other words, it is no different than a CEO going around asking regular employees, “Do you have any complaints about our company? If you have a problem, say it.” That makes me a terrible power-harasser.

“R-Really? If there are any areas for improvement, please tell me anything, okay? You know, like wanting a higher salary, or wanting some time off……”

I hurriedly rephrased the question to be gentle and polite. Even so, it might still reek slightly of power harassment. I waited for the young man’s answer with bated breath.

However, the young man let out a short breath and laughed, as if he had heard an amusing joke.

“No, no, I don’t have any complaints. Really, I don’t. After all, we used to live day to day, never knowing if we’d have anything to eat. Now, I can sleep and wake up in peace every day, and I get enough money to eat whatever I like. If I complained about this, my comrades would beat me up.”

Saying that, the young man shrugged. Judging by his expression and the way he spoke, it didn’t seem like a lie. However, he might just be desperately hiding his true feelings in front of the Power Harassment CEO.

Thinking that, I raised my hand and spoke.

“Strategy time! Just wait a moment!”

“Eh!? Strategy time!?”

Ignoring the surprised young man, I closed the door and called out to Khamsin.

“Please, could you ask him for me, Khamsin? If I ask the questions, he might not feel able to voice any complaints.”

When I said that, Khamsin blinked and tilted his head.

“Eh? I don’t think that is the case……”

“Khamsin, power harassment is wrong, okay? ‘I didn’t notice,’ or ‘I didn’t know’…… we cannot dismiss it with such words. I have become the head of a Viscount family now. I might be unknowingly exuding dignity and intimidating everyone. That is why……”

“I-Is that so……?”

Perhaps because he is always with me, Khamsin asked back with a puzzled look. Come to think of it, Khamsin is a solid lump of loyalty.

“Think about it, the head of a Viscount family is the same rank Panamera held just a little while ago. There are plenty of members in the Seatoh Chivalric Order who are terrified of Panamera.”

“T-The same rank as Lady Panamera…… Indeed, when you put it that way……”

When I added that supplemental explanation, Khamsin gasped and nodded deeply. Good, he understands.

“Alright then, Khamsin! I’m counting on you! While you’re at it, could you ask around ten knights working within Seatoh Village?”

“U-Understood! You want to know about dissatisfaction with the Chivalric Order, correct? I will investigate!”

Upon my request, Khamsin nodded with a serious face, opened the door, and went outside. I’m counting on you, Investigator Khamsin.

“……I do not think there is anyone with complaints about the Chivalric Order, though.”

“……I agree. I believe the treatment is exceptional compared to other territories.”

Till and Arte were having that conversation behind me, but I must not let such kind words make me complacent. I must discipline myself and bid farewell to power harassment. Aim for a White Territory. My goal is to be a White Lord.