The Villainous Noble Son Wants to Capture His Stepsister! - Chapter 42.2

“I hereby appoint Kraut von Wertheim as the head of House Wertheim. I have high expectations for you.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I swear upon the Flower Crown to dedicate myself to the kingdom and its people.”

During noble appointments, one swears their oath to the Flower Crown.

The first king, who founded the kingdom from nothing, was too poor to afford an ornate crown. So, his daughter crafted a flower crown and placed it on his head.

What a beautiful story.

And with that, my oath was complete.

I was now, in both name and authority, the Duke of Wertheim.

Which meant…

“Appointing a Deputy”

“I need to choose a deputy.”

“Indeed.”

“Is that necessary?”

Sebastian nodded in agreement, while Heliotrope tilted her head in confusion.

Even though she was a former noble lady, she wasn’t too familiar with this aspect of governance.

“As Duke, I’ll have numerous obligations to attend to. Eventually, I’ll also have to enroll in the Royal Academy of Magic.

That means I’ll be spending more and more time in the capital.

I need someone who can stay behind and manage the domain in my place.”

“I see.”

“Sebastian, do you have anyone in mind?”

“There are a few competent officials…”

“Hmm…”

Just like in my previous life’s Japan, bureaucrats tend to have a very rigid mindset.

What I need is someone who can gather and organize all information and report directly to me.

In other words, I don’t need a bureaucrat.

What I need is…

“A Merchant’s Perspective”

“…So you’re coming to me for advice?”

“Yeah. Merchants tend to have a more flexible way of thinking.”

I was currently at Ventz & Co., discussing my deputy search with its owner, Ventz.

Merchants gather information daily and make quick decisions based on multiple factors.

They have a broader perspective than government officials.

“…I might know someone.”

“You don’t sound too sure.”

Ventz was usually decisive.

For him to hesitate was unusual.

“They’re undoubtedly capable. In terms of ability, they surpass even me.”

“…Then wouldn’t they already be holding an important position somewhere?”

Ventz himself was an exceptionally talented merchant.

If someone was better than him, every major organization would be fighting to hire them.

“…It’s my sister.”

“Oh. I see.”

“A Society That Overlooks Talent”

This world, like many medieval fantasy settings, has a strong male-dominated culture.

Someone like Enzi—who has combat skills—can carve out a path as an adventurer.

But for women in intellectual fields, opportunities are scarce.

Government positions and official roles are almost exclusively held by men.

That’s why Ventz hesitated.

He wasn’t sure if I would seriously consider appointing a woman as a deputy.

But to someone with a modern mindset like me, that wasn’t an issue at all.

“I’d love to meet her. Can you introduce us?”

“…If that is your wish, Kraut-sama.”

Though reluctant, Ventz agreed.

“Meeting Schefflera”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Kraut-sama. I am Schefflera, Ventz’s sister.”

“Likewise. I am Kraut von Wertheim.”

A few days later, Ventz arranged a meeting.

Schefflera appeared to be in her early twenties.

A stunning intellectual beauty, glasses complementing her sharp features.

She carried herself with an elegant, upright posture.

“My brother has told me about you.

But do you truly intend to appoint a woman as the Duke’s deputy?”

Her voice was skeptical.

In this world, where women rarely held positions of power, my proposal probably sounded too good to be true.

“Well, first, I’d like you to try out the role.

After all, we don’t really know each other’s abilities or personalities yet, do we?”

“…From the way you phrase it, if I perform well, I will be officially appointed as deputy.”

“If there’s no issue, why not?”

“…I see.”

Her cool, calculating gaze reminded me of Heliotrope.

Wait—so I’ll be working with two ice-cold beauties in government?

Would I be able to focus at all?

…No, no, I do not have that kind of fetish.

As I pulled myself out of that absurd thought—

“…Kraut-sama. I may be inexperienced, but I will give my utmost effort under your guidance.”

Schefflera lowered her head in a graceful bow.

“I look forward to working with you.”

“Kraut-sama, I entrust my sister to your care.”

“I’ll make sure she’s in good hands.”

Ventz and Schefflera exchanged a rare sibling smile.

For a brief moment, I thought—ah, they really are family.

“Deputy Schefflera: The Workaholic”

After a short trial period, Schefflera was officially appointed as deputy.

And then—

“Kraut-sama, these documents must be signed by the end of the day.”

“Understood.”

“Kraut-sama, this project requires prior approval from His Majesty. Please visit the palace this week.”

“…Alright.”

“Kraut-sama, these—”

“PLEASE LET ME REST!?”

For years, Schefflera had longed for a job that allowed her to use her talents.

Now that she finally had one—

She became a complete workaholic.

And so, myself and the other officials were thrown into a never-ending spiral of overwork.