After Retirement, Living a Stud Life in Another World - 77
Chapter 77: The Use of Slaves
Indeed, to the east, north, and west of Belzenbruck lie vast open lands, but to the south, there stretches an undeveloped forest known as the “Forest of Demons.” In this dense and dark forest, various sizes of monsters roam freely, occasionally overflowing and raiding nearby villages. It’s quite a troublesome place. Although clearing the land and turning it into farmland would make it less habitable for these monsters, there’s a shortage of manpower to rapidly advance the development, and if one were to slowly cut down trees, the monsters would gather in groups and hinder progress.
Therefore, the areas near the forest have been left neglected for centuries by every noble family, as they don’t desire them as part of their territory, and the land remains unmanaged by the state, thus not yielding any taxes. As taught in the “Political Science” class, how to deal with this “Forest of Demons” has been an important and unresolved issue for the queens of Belzenbruck for several generations.
However, under the reign of Queen Alt, who dislikes territorial disputes with other countries and seeks to further develop the nation, I believe there’s no other option but to develop the “Forest of Demons.” If we are to eventually tackle it, why not make use of the twenty thousand prisoners who have come rolling in, not to mention the nearly thirty thousand prisoners from the principality? Let’s utilize them.
“We cannot simply send them back to their country in silence, as they will undoubtedly come back to attack again,” said Beatrice.
“We should demand ransom!” exclaimed the old lady.
Once again, the old lady started to protest. Can’t she just stop already?
“Yes, demanding ransom from the entire army would indeed leave the empire with no spare resources for war. However, wouldn’t the empire most likely only pay ransom for high-ranking nobles? Do you think the emperor would pay for the majority of ordinary soldiers, Lady Natalia?”
“W-Well…”
“If we can’t get ransom, the custom on this continent is to sell them as slaves in distant countries. Our own countrymen who were once captured by the empire have suffered such a fate. So, although I’m not against selling them this time, our beloved Queen Alt is a compassionate ruler. She wouldn’t approve of treating people as commodities to be bought and sold.”
As she said this, when looking towards Her Majesty, it seemed she averted her eyes somewhat awkwardly. Well, Her Majesty seems to understand that she’s much more lenient compared to other monarchs, and she seems to feel a bit guilty about it.
“In that case, let’s have them work to repay the damage they caused to our country. It’s not about oppressing them. We’ll provide them with treatment that preserves their human dignity and have them work for as long as possible. If the treatment is good enough, some of them may come to like our country’s way of life… For such people, we can release them from their slave status and let them become citizens of Belzenbruck. However… in the southern lands.”
Yes, it wouldn’t be ideal to have only slaves in the land we’ve worked hard to develop. If they can take root in the land we’ve pioneered, we can grant them the status and rights of ordinary citizens. However, since we must prevent them from returning to the empire in droves… there will be certain restrictions on their movement.
“What do you think, Beatrice? Is my plan reasonable?”
“It is rational. It can be implemented.”
“In that case, this…,” I began to say, but before I could finish, “Such a proposal will never be accepted!” the old lady interjected.
Hey now, enough is enough. If I’m constantly interrupted like this, my anger control training from my previous world will reach its limit soon. Isn’t it about time I lose my cool?
Just as I took a deep breath, preparing to unleash a barrage of poisoned insults on the old lady, a cold but resolute sound of Alto’s voice echoed throughout the room.
“Lady Natalia.”
Though her words were short, the quiet pressure contained within them caused the old lady to involuntarily take a step back.
“Why do you, as my trusted spouse, interrupt a conversation seeking the opinions of trusted advisors when it comes to important decision-making for the future queen? Since when have you become so significant?”
“W-Well, I am… as Her Majesty’s advisor…”
“I see. I have never heard of such a position as ‘advisor,’ but when was such a position established?”
“Well, it’s just a figure of speech…”
The emerald eyes widened even further. Those eyes burned dimly with obvious anger.
“You are nothing more than a mere royal secretary. Claiming to be an advisor is the height of disrespect.”
「……」
“Let’s assume, for argument’s sake, that my mother had a personal advisor she trusted. But if that advisor were to obstruct the decision-making of the future queen, one would have to suspect treason, wouldn’t they?”
“W-Well, I… I would never…”
“Then cease speaking out of turn, Lady Natalia! Her Majesty has entrusted me with full authority on this matter. And I am deeply convinced by the wise deliberations of Lord Ludwig here.”
Being praised to such an extent is embarrassing… Well, this exaggerated expression is probably deliberate to restrain this old lady.
“I have decided. I recommend surrender, and those who comply will be put to work developing the ‘Forest of Demons’ as slaves.”
“Beatrice-sama! That’s unacceptable!”
“Noisy.”
Beatrice’s voice, spat out, felt colder than ice.
“What?”
“Didn’t you hear me? You’re noisy. Are you trying to interfere with everything I do, acting like a guardian or something? Shut your mouth and get out.”
“But…”
“I thought I could tolerate your noise, but disrespecting Lutz is unforgivable. Leave now, or else…”
The old lady, noticing that Beatrice’s gaze had become piercingly sharp, began to sweat profusely from her temples.
“Ugh… You brat, remember this!”
With those parting words, the old lady stormed out of the tent.