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Kazuto: Ah, I made a mistake again...
A box of sand makes a rustling sound and text becomes unreadable. I rewrite the text again while confirming with an example.
I can't use valuable paper for training, so I use a box of sand to practice... (Oh... I thought it was some kind of eraser for ink)
I never expected to learn a foreign language somewhere like that.
Though, it will be necessary from now on, so I should learn it better than English that I learned during classes. Well then, once again...
Kazuto: Wha!? (Of course, noone lets Kazuto work in peace)
I hear some sort of explosion from the entrance and something is sent flying. Something larger than me and wider than me... my room's door!?
...What a weird custom. I'm coming in! (Is that he idea of knocking?)
Kazuto: Wha! What are you doing!?
That's my question. What kind of custom is that when you have to knock the door down with all your might?
Kazuto: ...What kind of custom indeed.
Something you called [knocking], right? Karin-sama said it's your country's custom.
Kazuto: ...You're supposed to lightly tap it. Like knock-knock.
Kazuto: Or actually, you can just call me out from outside. Like "Excuse me!"...
...Say that sooner, you idiot!
Kazuto: Don't make it my fault!... Anyway, what are you going to do about it?
A stuff kept in the room got messed up and a door is laying proudly in the middle of the room... I sigh once.
We carried the door back to its original position.
Kazuto: Come to think of it...
What?
Kazuto: What do you think when you do your work, Shunran?
...Can I take that as a new kind of insult?
Kazuto: Don't take everything like that. How should I put it... not what you think, but what kind of goal do you work for?
I don't understand what you mean, but I'm always thinking of Karin-sama. (More like, that's the ONLY thing you and Keifa can think of)
Kazuto: About Karin?
Yeah. If I work while picturing Karin-sama's happy face, my motivation for work gets doubled!
Don't swing with your both hands there!
Kazuto: Ahhh! Hold that side properly...!
You sure worry about details a lot. You'll get bald fast.
Kazuto: Shunran just doesn't care too much...
Just be grateful I'm helping you, seriously...
And who was it who blew the door away in the first place.
Kazuto: ...But, I guess a lot of thinking led to you being Kakoton-shogun we know.
Luckly, I'm a skilled martial artist. If my achievements on the battlefield makes Karin-sama happy, I'll just keep doing that.
Kazuto: Hmm...
She looks like she doesn't think at all, but it seems she thought things through.
Is it different for you? You got picked up and was given food and shelter, it should be obvious for you to want to work for Karin-sama.
Kazuto: Hmm. I'm not sure myself.
You don't want to work for Karin-sama!?
Kazuto: Stop letting go!... Well, I'm also happy to see Karin's happy face. But that's a bit different from Karin having any expectations for me...
...I don't understand you well. I'm doing my best for Karin-sama and Karin-sama praises me for that. I'm happy being praised. That's good enough.
No, that's too simplified. (And she doesn't always praise you. She makes fun of you more)
Kazuto: I also don't understand. I'm just kinda thinking of that.
What do you mean?
I don't normally notice it, but this door is heavy. Now we just put it back and repair is done...
Kazuto: Come to think of it, did you need something? It's rare for Shunran to come to my room.
Right! There's no time to do this!
Don't throw the door! Door flies to the garden and hits a rock there...! (That'll hopefully teach you to finish things first and THEN talk)
Kazuto: Daaaaa! Just what are you doing!
It's broken! It's completely broken!
Leave it for later! Karin-sama is calling for you! (And of course he'll get scolded for being late...)
Kazuto: Later you say, you were the one who said that you'll get yelled at if they find out about it, so we should fix it!
You sure keep worrying about the details... Just hurry up and go!
Kazuto: Aaah, don't pull me!
You'll tear off my arm! She's planning to break me as she broke that door!
You're quite late.
Ah, I'm sorry! He took too long to prepare. (Of course)
Kazuto: Ah, she!
...Whatever. Shuuran.
Yes. Hongou, here.
Karin sighs and gives me a document. I glance through it quickly... okay, I can't do that, but even I understand most of it.
Kazuto: This is... plan? Umm... castle security... construction... Since it's a draft, I guess it's not finished yet, right?
Oh, so your studying has some results. Good boy.
Kazuto: Thanks to you.
Then, while you're showing the result of your studying, finish this draft. (Once again, this resembles Oda Nobuna and the "sell the rice" quest)
Kazuto: ...Eh?
I can barely read, but content is not that difficult. The reason I could understand it is that this draft is barely started...
I heard you finished sorting the archive yesterday, right?
Kazuto: Y, yeah. That's over, but...
But, what? Since you're not busy, you will do it, right? Or did you take over sorting the armory next or something?
Of course not. In the end, I guess I get to pick between "yes" and "understood".
Kazuto: ...Okay. I'll do it.
Good. Then, deadline is in three days.
Kazuto: Three days!? (Shuuran's face says it all)
Wait a bit! That's kinda...!
Karin-sama!? (Even Shunran is shocked...)
Karin-sama...
So? Have a complaint?
Ugh, so my choices are between "yes" and "understood" again...
Kazuto: ...I'll manage somehow.
I'll take notice of those words. Then, you don't have any time to waste here. Get started on it right away.
Kazuto: Yeah. And I want to say something... (Is this about the door?)
What? I won't listen to you if you say you give up, okay?
Kazuto: ...Who should I talk to about the repairs of my room's door? (I knew it. Nice one, Kazuto.)
Karin-sama...
What?
It's about Hongou yesterday... isn't it a bit unreasonable?
Oh. Do you object me?
I don't plan to... But, finishing that in three days... me or Keifa aside, it should be pretty hard for Hongou.
I bet. So, what is this Kazuto doing? His room got repaired, right?
When we got a report from the carpenter, I asked about it... and it seems he was in his room all the time while door was being repaired.
I see...
Oh, speak of a devil...
Kazuto: Karin! Finally found you....
What's wrong, Kazuto. Is the plan finished already?
Kazuto: About that...
I give Karin the documents I wrote. (And I think he fails miserably)
Oh. That was fast. Can I see them?
Kazuto: Yeah, here it is...
Kazuto.
Kazuto: Yes.
This... what are you really planning to do about it?
Kazuto: I won't know until we try.
Then, about this?
Kazuto: That too, until we try...
...Shuuran.
Yes.
Punish this incompetent man. I'll leave the method to you.
Karin-sama...
Kazuto: Karin.
I don't plan to hear your excuses. If you give something like that as a plan, I'll be doubted for giving something like that to you.
Kazuto: I never said it's the plan. (Oh, good one)
...What?
Kazuto: I've been thinking since then... but this is the limit of what my brain alone can do.
First of all, I'm not even sure what security does. So if I'm told to propose an improvement for it, I won't know where the problem is...
Then, are you telling me this is impossible for you? I said yesterday... it'll be more than hundred slaps or whipping.
Kazuto: I don't plan to abandon the work I got entrusted with. But, I need to ask you for something to finish it. I came here for that.
Go ahead.
Kazuto: Let me join the security squad. Three days... no, one day passed. Two days... no, even one day will do. If I get at least a bit of actual experience, I'll be able to make a better plan, I think.
Shuuran. What do you think about Kazuto's request?
I think it's not a bad idea.
...But, I don't think a single day on the job will show anything to him.
Kazuto: That's...
Right. At least ten days... no, starting from the basics, he'll need a month. (Shuuran is on his side, huh?)
Kazuto: ...Shuuran?
...If Shuuran says so, it can't be helped. Then, let's make it ten days. Look for the problems meanwhile and make an improvement plan and analysis. Is that okay?
Kazuto: ...Yeah! Thank you, Karin, Shuuran!
And starting with that day I was a member of the security force.
...So, Nii-chan ended up doing city security? I see...
Kazuto: Yeah. After all, without knowing how it is on site, I can't do any key improvements.
Three days passed since I became a member of the security. I barely did anything and can't say I'm used to this job... but I'm starting to understand what it's all about.
Kazuto: Or actually, Kii, you shouldn't be here, you're Karin's royal guard.
I'm on a break today. I heard from Karin-sama that Nii-chan is being a security guard, so I came to see if you're being of any use.
Kazuto: The part about being useful aside... I'm glad you worry about me... but, I'm kinda working right now, so have some moderation.
Yeah.
Kii sits next to me and starts dangling her legs while smiling. She is not listening.
Still, Nii-chan, what are you planning to do if something happens? You can't even use weapon.
Kazuto: Ugh... that's true... (No it's not. You're stronger than generic soldiers and civilians)
Guard: New kid! There's a brawl three streets from here! Stop playing with children and come!
Kazuto: Ah, yes!
Buu. I'm not a child...
I think that statement itself is childish... well, whatever.
Guard: New kid!
Kazuto: Well, I'll get going. Kii, be careful on your way back!
Yeah. Understood. Nii-chan, work hard.
Kazuto: Still, three streets away... that's pretty far. (Starting to make improvement plan?)
Won't the brawl end by the time we get there?
Two more days passed. (That's five out of ten already)
Oh, you're alive? I heard from Shuuran and came to see. (What's with all those trolling spectators?)
Kazuto: Shunran, huh. As you can see, we're really lacking people... (Following the same logic, next visit is even worse - Keifa)
A big patchwork is going nowhere. I tried to find any good points when I just joined the squad... but I still don't see anything.
Haha, looks pleasantly worn out. Suits you more than your usual outfit.
We all repair our own armor, so, while it might look bad, it's protecting me. Since our lives ride on this, we can't bother with its appearances.
Kazuto: ...True. I understand why Shunran said I'm not fit to be a soldier now.
Heh, you won't die from doing city security.
Kazuto: ...That's not true. There are people who go on a rampage with a knife. And there are drunk soldiers too.
That's all, right?
Kazuto: Well, it might be nothing for Shunran, but...
Just punch them before they go on a rampage. That's simple.
Kazuto: No, no, no. That's not how security works!
Why would we punish people on suspicion alone!
...I always do so, why? Shops get quieter and I can drink in peace. (I think security should deal with her first)
Kazuto: ...Just what are you doing, Shunran.
It seems you're on the side that we need to deal with. If someone did that before me, I'd need to restrain them.
...Though in her case, I'd get beaten with a counterattack.
Kazuto: Say, Shunran.
What?
Kazuto: Can we send some of main force's soldiers to security?
...Hmm. So you're lacking people that much.
Kazuto: Yeah... they seem to be quite lacking.
They're soldiers, but they don't get as much favor as army. And while they are treated badly, job is difficult, so not many join it... and since there's a lack of people, job gets even harder. A vicious cycle of a sort.
Though, I don't think that'll be easy. There's no problem during peacetime, but during war or training we'll have to recall them. And if we need to march somewhere, security will have to work with their original numbers meanwhile.
Kazuto: ...True.
A force that disappears when needed is not a good force. And security is pretty bad during war to begin with.
Well, think of something good that will not disappoint Karin-sama.
Kazuto: Yeah, I'll do so.
And three more days passed. (Eight already... you'd better hurry)
Kazuto: Ugh... I'm exhausted.
Muscle pain is normal. This squad's captain said that bones tend to hurt a lot here, but I bet I broke a few.
Kazuto: ...Hmm?
I sense someone's stare...
And it's not a heartwarming aura of someone guarding me from shadows, but it's an obvious hostility, or more like a killing intent...
No, even if you stare at me from that pillar's shadow. (What did she even come for? ***, Keifa)
Kazuto: Or actually, if you want something, come here already, Keifa.
...Why are you not dead. (Oh, that's why... I can ask you the same, Keifa)
So that's what she says after all this staring.
Kazuto: Still, that's unexpected. For even you to come check. (Yeah, we all know that's all some kind of her weird revolting tsun)
...Huh?
Kazuto: Am I wrong? (Probably not, but she won't admit it)
Of course. Why should I pay attention to you being dead or alive?
Kazuto: Then, why...
It's because Karin-sama ord... no, right, I was just shopping here! I heard you're getting overworked to half-death, so I came to laugh at you!
Kazuto: ...I see. Karin sent you.
N, no...!
Kazuto: Then, Keifa was curious after all. (Hmm... she made a surprisingly nice reaction and face here...)
That's absolutely not true! (Aaaand its gone)
Keifa swings with the package she's holding!
Kazuto: Ah!
I said I was shopping here! You should get slashed by a security soldier and die, idiot!
No, you say shopping... but this is a corner... (No shops here, huh?)
Guard: Hey, Hongou. You're going to patrol market today, right? I'll join you. (Oh, he already made friends... generic eyeless friends)
...Not happening. Ugh. (So, Keifa was of no help or advice...)
Tenth day... huh. And Kazuto never came.
True... I heard he was working since we entrusted it to him.
Really?
I heard it. You sent Kii and Keifa to check on him.
Heh, he'd get reserved if I went myself, right? He won't worry around Kii-tachi that much.
Yes. Kii went to check on him several times.
Though, we learned of Kazuto's limits, so we'll need to give him a proper punishment tommorow.
Yes.
...Well then, I'll sleep. Shuuran, join me at bed. (Karin... as I said before, you don't punish your friends)
...Yes.
Kazuto: Karin! (And who was it talking about knocking?)
Kazuto: U, umm... is it not too late yet?
...Wasn't it a manner in your country to [knock] before entering?
Kazuto: Ah... sorry.
Well, whatever. So, what do you want?
Kazuto: I finished the plan, so I came to show it... it's still the tenth day, right?
Come to think of it, I didn't decide on time.
Yes, I haven't heard of it either.
...Can't be helped then. I'll take a look.
Kazuto: Sorry.
And Karin started looking through my document with Shuuran by her side.
...Shuuran, what do you think about it?
...Yes. It's probably related to this one.
...Hmm, I see.
Kazuto: ...How's it?
Kazuto.
Kazuto: Yes.
Here. It says we should make stations around the city and assign soldiers to them... what calculation is that?
Kazuto: Right now there's only one station around four or five streets, right? So, even if anything happens, you can't get there right away.
Worst-case, everything is already over by the time they get there. So there's no point.
But both expenses and people needed will be too big.
Kazuto: I'll need you to transfer half the army to security during peaceful times. The rest we'll recruit.
...You mean militia? In that case.
Kazuto: Unless it's an emergency, militia won't gather. We'll pay them properly. If they get better treatment and exemption from the military service, more people will gather... and if anyone wants to join army, we'll give recommendations.
I see... they'll avoid conscription, but be a reserve of main force. (Hmm... so instead of army helping security in need, security helps army in need)
Kazuto: Yeah. It'll basically be a combat force as well. If enough people gather, they'll get training as a normal main force squad.
So, what about the expenses? If it's at this large of a scale, it'll need the funding of a whole different level from now.
Kazuto: If security gets better, more merchants will come. I've asked around before... if it happens, merchants will call for colleagues and we will fund them.
Kazuto: And there are people coming from other countries that can't find a job... actually, I had some of them help. I think we'll manage to employ more with the same method.
...Kazuto.
Kazuto: What?
I approve of this plan. It's not as bad as I expected and you made some researches. Your handwriting is bad and those key explanations are not written... but I'll ignore it this time.
Kazuto: ...I'll take notice of that.
...But, you promised merchants funding and hired help, you said? (What did you expect? If you won't fund security, you won't get it)
Kazuto: ...Ugh.
You know, Kazuto. That's not called planning, but a part of plan's execution! (Well, yeah, I guess he should've asked first)
And you hired soldiers... what about their payment? Did I give you funding or authority to decide that?
Kazuto: Well, since I was free anyway, I treated them to a meal and they promised to help...
Oh my! Are you... are you trying to give me bad reputation of a lord that doesn't pay her soldiers!?
Kazuto: S, sorry... that wasn't my intention...!
Hire all of those helpers as our army's security force. Calculate their pay for help you had and for delay in payment and pay them! Understood!?
Kazuto: Y, yeah...
And, I'll leave it all to you. Now that you worked behind-the-scenes, make sure you take responsibility for it until the end! Remember that!
Kazuto: Understood. First thing in the morning... (So... since she entrusted it to him, he got promoted, I guess...)
Do it right now!!
Kazuto: Y, yes!
...Seriously.
Karin-sama?
...Karin-sama.
Ah, this is so funny... did you see it, Shuuran?
Yes.
A man who couldn't even read a document recently... won against this Sou Moutoku! If that's not funny, what is...?
Okay, Shuuran. I'm in a really good mood today... so I'll love you until you forget how to sleep. You won't refuse, right?
...Yes!