I, who was reincarnated as the villain character in a game, was secretly enjoying my role as the villain while pulling off heroic moves behind the scenes. However, my actions were exposed to my fiancée, who absolutely despises me - Episode 66

Episode 66

Bringing in more talented individuals from elsewhere is an option, but the officials are human unlike in the game…

In the game, it’s common to utilize more skilled characters, but suddenly replacing the current officials wouldn’t be enjoyable for them either.

Who knows how the other subordinates would react… While meritocracy is important, neglecting emotions could cause people to drift away.

Of course, if they were causing any issues, it’d be different, but abruptly saying, “This person is more capable, so they’ll take over,” wouldn’t be good.

If anything, since they’re all of a certain age, it might be just right to bring in S-rank individuals as subordinates and eventually have them take over…

In the game, characters were just pieces, but here, they’re humans. It’s a lot to think about, but well, for now, I was enjoying the feeling of playing a new game.

After finishing the meeting, I reflected on the current state of Validor.

…It’s surprising how everyone has been living peacefully without any riots so far.

Perhaps, if I had been managing a territory like this in a game, wouldn’t I have been sent assassins several times?

Maybe some unseen force had been activated to preserve the original story. I have to think that way; otherwise, the situation is too unnatural.

…But if that were to happen, I wonder what would become of me.

I’ve clearly deviated from the main game storyline and achieved something.

In the future, will the world move to return me to the game’s story? Or, as an irregular who has already deviated from the original story, will I not be affected by such things?

I wonder what will happen to Lady Fylia…

…I don’t want her to die.

I don’t like stories where someone has to die…

I want a happy ending where everyone can smile, no matter how absurd it may be.

While going through documents in the study my father used in the past, I was interrupted by a knock on the door.

Judging by the magical signature, I knew it was Reem.

“You may come in.”

As Reem opened the door, she bowed gracefully before entering.

“Welcome back. Did the meeting go well?”

“For the time being. Now, all we can do is watch how things unfold.”

“That’s a relief. Also, these are all letters from within the Validor domain.”

“…Ah, thank you.”

Reem’s administrative abilities might not be at S-rank status at this stage, but she’s a character who will eventually reach that level.

As Reem suggested, there were several letters from the nobles entrusted with the Validor domain.

…Along with words of congratulations, they expressed a desire to visit for greetings.

“It might be good to host some sort of party in Validor.”

My debut hasn’t happened yet. Frankly, I’d like to brush it off as I don’t have time, but I don’t want to decrease my reputation or create more trouble.

“Well, yes. First, it’s only natural to greet the people of the Validor domain… But you’ll also need to greet people from other domains and nobles, right?”

“Well, in due time. There will probably be a party hosted by that king who loves parties, and we can greet them then.”

I’ve sent letters or envoys to the territories I had some connection with upon assuming office.

For others, I don’t know if it’ll be a dinner party or a ball, but it has to be in Validor.

It’ll work out somehow, I think…

I’m tired.

I’m not particularly fond of entertaining.

It starts with choosing a venue, then where to sit, how to pour beer, and you constantly have to flatter the other person, so honestly, it’s a hassle.

…Well, it’s a good thing I’m still a duke. If I were in a lower position, I would have had to grovel even more.

“Well, if there’s anything, leave it to me. I’m quite experienced in these matters.”

Well, Reem does get invited to such places often.

Her family’s territory is quite vast, with her father being dispatched here and there to assist in monster hunting, so she seems to have quite an extensive social circle.

Saying that, Reem sat on my lap and leaned in closer.

Original Author’s Comment:

―――――――――――

Thank you for reading this far! I appreciate it!
I had fun! If you’re curious about the continuation, I would be delighted if you could leave a ☆☆☆ or bookmark it!