It's Not Like I Want to Play the Role of a Misunderstood, Good-for-Nothing Prince in a Villainess Story! - Chapter 63 – Hot Spring Facility Inspection

“Please watch your step.”

The escort soldiers stood in formation while watching the surroundings.

Right now, this place probably had the most strict security in the country.

A school vacation day.

I was currently here with Father on an inspection.

An inspection of what? The steam visible over there.

I was at the construction site of the hot spring facility I had proposed.

“Your Majesty, and Prince Zeke as well—to think you would grace such a place with your presence… This way, please.”

Count Tufal, who was in charge here, guided us.

Well, it’s not like he’s the one doing the work.

Looking around while walking, it appeared to be quite a large-scale construction.

I thought they’d just roughly build two hot springs and make a rest area and call it done, but apparently they were constructing various other buildings as well.

What had been covered with trees had been cleared to become a wide area of land.

Looking over, they seemed to be building quite a large building.

“What are they building there? It looks like a rather tall building.”

“That is planned to be an accommodation facility. Furthermore, we will construct high walls around the perimeter for monster countermeasures, and we’re thinking of also establishing a knights’ garrison… In the long term, dignitaries from other countries are expected to visit.”

“I see.”

“Hmm… Count. How is the recruitment going?”

“Yes, as Your Majesty instructed, arrangements are being made. The roads are being paved, and there is potential for development as a town.”

“Mm, excellent.”

Huh, if Father is also giving input, that means he’s pretty enthusiastic about it.

As I was nodding along, Count Tufal suddenly fell silent and guided us into a hut on a hill.

Inside the room were me, Father, Count Tufal… and Sebastian standing behind us.

I vaguely thought this before, but Father seems to trust Sebastian and Count Tufal quite a bit.

“Well then, is there a problem?”

When Father broached the subject, Count Tufal narrowed his eyes while relaxing his mouth.

“Speak.”

“…This place has a bit too much potential to be merely a state-managed resort.”

“The surrounding nobles are showing interest?”

Count Tufal nodded at Father’s words.

I see. This place was undergoing quite large-scale construction, shops would come, soldiers would be stationed, there were hot springs—it was far too excellent as a recreation area and definitely a place that could make money.

Surrounding nobles would want it too.

“What about you, Count? You’re close by.”

Father directed the question, but Count Tufal shook his head.

“I’ve already been granted rich territory near the capital. People would suspect me even when I’ve done nothing wrong.”

“What about the surrounding nobles?”

Count Tufal named several, but none were particularly large, and apparently they were nobles he didn’t want to let gain power carelessly.

“Then shall we bring someone in?”

“The trustworthy nobles are all competent without exception. They won’t want to leave the territories they’ve carefully cultivated, and they’ll likely be reluctant to manage a detached territory.”

“…………”

Father looked at Count Tufal with a serious, glaring expression.

Count Tufal sweated from his forehead while placing his hand near his mouth.

They were planning to pave roads from here as well, and this place was better than I’d thought.

In a sense, it was convenient.

I glanced at Sebastian, and Sebastian made eye contact with me before slowly closing his eyes and nodding.

Fifty-fifty, or good enough.

“Your Majesty.”

“What?”

“If we can’t bring someone in, how about raising someone up?”

“…………”

Father glared at me silently.

Probably this feeling wasn’t anger, but rather “try saying it.”

“I have a classmate whose parent is a quasi-knight baron. According to information gathered through Sebastian, he originally became a quasi-knight baron through distinguished service with the sword, but his current job is tax management official, and his reputation isn’t bad.”

“Name?”

“Doldi Warden.”

“Count, do you know him?”

“No, he’s probably not of high status.”

“Yes, but someone who made his way with the sword has shown reasonable talent even as a civil official handling taxes. If we entrust him with this currently unpopulated place and it develops smoothly, everyone will praise Your Majesty’s keen eye.”

I say “if it develops,” but it’s definitely going to develop—only those in the know would understand this.

Therefore, from an outside perspective, it would look like Father appointed an unknown talent and made it develop! Amazing! is what I’m thinking.

Father looked at me silently for about a minute before turning his gaze to Count Tufal.

“Count.”

“Yes!”

“Meet with him as soon as the quasi-baron arrives.”

“Yes sir!”

Hm? Does this mean he’ll have Count Tufal back him up? Also, quasi-baron?!

That’s a two-rank promotion! …He won’t die, right?

Father glared at me.

“Zeke.”

“Yes.”

“Go meet him as soon as he arrives.”

“Understood.”

“Absolutely do not nullify the merit of your recommendation.”

“…? Understood.”

“I’ll return to the carriage first. Sebastian.”

“Yes sir!”

Father and Sebastian left the hut.

What does he mean by “don’t nullify”?

As I tilted my head, Count Tufal called out to me.

“Prince Zeke, this person has no shady background, correct?”

“Eh, well… probably.”

The moment I said “probably.”

Count Tufal placed his hand on my shoulder and whispered in my ear.

“If things go wrong, there’s a strong possibility that both you and I will be held responsible. Let’s both be very careful that doesn’t happen.”

“…………”

“Well then, I’ll head to the site supervisor… May the person Prince Zeke recommended be good talent.”

Count Tufal left the hut while saluting with his hand.

Wait? If this fails, won’t my position be in trouble?