When the Mid-Boss Villainous Noble Recalls Memories of a Past Life and Gains Game Knowledge. I Will Never Accept a Future Where I'm Called the Jealous Earl - Chapter 18

“Would you like something to drink? Perhaps it would help you settle down…”

Mina’s voice carried a note of concern as she looked at me.
“No, but thank you… I’m sorry, truly,” I replied.

“Um, you’ve been apologizing since we started our journey back. Did something happen that I don’t know about?”

“The wages,” I admitted.

Though I wasn’t squandering tax revenue like the corrupt nobles in my knowledge, my decisions as the Earl—prioritizing the Duke’s territory over my own—had inadvertently led to this situation. I owed my loyal servants an apology for their unwavering dedication despite the circumstances.

“I see… So wages are going to be cut further? If they’re reduced to 50 silver coins—a half gold coin—that would be hard, but I think everyone would manage with 80 silver coins.”

“Wait, hold on a second.”

Why was she being so cooperative about a potential pay cut?
“No, let’s clear this up right now. From now on, all household staff will receive double their current pay. I’m not increasing wages—I’m restoring them to what they should have been all along.”

“E-Eh?!”

Mina’s eyes widened in shock, her expression a mix of disbelief and confusion. I had expected her to be happy, but she seemed overwhelmed instead.

“Is that… financially feasible?” she asked. “Bosco mentioned the Earl’s estate was in a tight spot.”

“It’s true we’ve been stretched thin, but the primary drain on our finances—the Duke’s territory—will no longer be an issue. With that resolved, the estate will have more than enough resources to manage.”

The contracts with the Duke’s household, particularly those concerning the Redstone Disease, were clear:
“Upon identifying a cure, the contract is considered fulfilled.

The Dikaman family shall continue producing and delivering medicinal potions effective against Redstone Disease until the illness is deemed under control.”

Since the cure involved the use of magic-sealing stones, and no potion could treat the disease, the obligation to produce potions was void. This oversight in the contract, likely due to the Duke’s assumption about my family’s prowess with potions, worked entirely in my favor.

“So that’s how it is,” Mina said, her expression softening.
“Exactly. Everyone has worked hard despite the challenges, and it’s time they’re compensated fairly.”

I was adamant about proper pay.

The timeline of this world’s events was uncertain after my intervention, but in the original story, the protagonist’s revolution marked the end of the monarchy. Most nobles were executed, but those supported by their people were spared and integrated into the new kingdom.

While I had no intention of currying favor with the protagonist, preparing for any eventuality was crucial.

“Even if it’s rejected, I’ll ensure the pay increase is implemented,” I said firmly.

“But Khalil-sama, the estate provides food and housing for us. We don’t really need much money beyond that.”

“No.”

“Uh… wouldn’t most employers be thrilled if their workers agreed to a pay cut?”

I stood up and slowly approached Mina, who was clearly trying to resist the idea.

“Will you accept the pay increase?”

“…No.”

I took another step forward, and she instinctively backed away.
“Will you accept the pay increase?”

“It’s… not necessary…”

I couldn’t deny it: I was beginning to enjoy this odd exchange. Mina seemed to sense the playful undertone as well.

The mood shifted into something unexpectedly lighthearted—until a sharp knock on the door shattered the moment.

Knock, knock.

“This is Bosco.”

“Enter.”

“Pardon the intrusion,” he said, stepping inside.

It was time to get serious. I activated the anti-eavesdropping magic device and motioned for Bosco to sit.

“Let’s begin with the results of my visit to the Duke’s territory.”

I explained everything: the state of the Duke’s territory, the cure for the Redstone Disease, the survival of the Bertona family, and my plans for restructuring the Earl’s estate’s finances.

“That’s the situation. I’d like your input. Don’t hold back—tell me where I’m wrong or what could be improved.”

“Hmm… I see no fatal flaws in your plans, Khalil-sama, and I have no objections. However, suppressing the Duke’s household will be a formidable challenge. Before focusing on financial stability, we should prioritize preparing for potential resistance from the Duke’s faction.”

Suppressing the Duke’s influence would indeed be difficult.
One idea involved leveraging my knowledge to create a powerful potion and presenting it to the royal family as a gesture of goodwill. With their support, we would gain the strongest possible ally.

Delivering the potion to the capital might take less than a month if all went well, but any mishap could complicate matters significantly. Ideally, I’d deliver it personally.

For now, I was considering presenting it during the upcoming party where noble houses would announce their next heirs.

“Additionally, cutting off support to the Duke’s territory may sour our reputation among its people,” Bosco added.

“That doesn’t matter,” I said dismissively.

Frankly, I couldn’t care less about the opinions of those in that accursed land. If anything, their disdain might give the Duke’s household an excuse to dissolve my engagement, which would be a welcome relief.