REINCARNATED ARISTOCRAT CHAPTER 230: SOLICITATION

　It was Maika who approached me. Her brows was wrinkled and she was staring at me. She seemed to be angry.

“You have been staring at me as if you were examining me from a few minutes ago!　What do you want? Are you horrified by my talent that you want to assassinate me?　Or are you going to kidnap me so that you can possess my beauty? Now, tell me!” (Maika)

　Apparently, my gaze had been noticed. And I’m misunderstood.

　I hastily deny it.

“It was a misunderstanding. I was not trying to do any of that!” (Ars)

“Then why were you staring at me!?” (Maika)

　My escort, Ritsu, stands in front of me and takes a stance in the face of Maika’s sword stance.

“Mmmmm… What is it? What is your goal?” (Maika)

　Maika flinched.

　I guess that’s a natural reaction, since she is not a strong fighter.

　Then Rikuya, who was looking at the poster, also noticed us and came rushing toward us.

　Rikuya has a sword at his waist.

　He is armed and dangerous. Ritsu puts his hand on the sword at his waist and assumed a fighting stance.

“Oh, brother! You’re just in time! These guys are…!” (Maika)

　Will this end in a fight?　

　Just as I worried, Rikuya dropped his fist on Maika’s head.

　Smack! A dull sound echoes.

“Oucccch! What are you doing, big brother!” (Maika)

“Maika! I told you not to bother the townspeople!” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya scolds Maika, who is screaming with tears in her eyes.

“I-I’m sorry! This guy was acting strange!” (Maika)

　Rikuya bows his head in apology.

“Hey, lower your head too!” (Rikuya)

　Furthermore, he then brought his hand to the back of Maika’s head and forced her to bow.

　Seeing this, Ritsu decided that there seemed to be no danger and removed his hand from the sword.

“No harm has been done, and there is no need to apologize. Raise your head.” (Ars)

　I urged them to do so, and they lifted their heads.

“Oh, thank you.” (Rikuya)

“Muu…” (Maika)

　Maika had an unconvinced look on her face.

“Well then, we’ll take our leave.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya tries to leave us as soon as possible.

　I originally intended to call out to him to solicit, so I don’t want him to leave here.

“Wait a minute.” (Ars)

“Eh?” (Rikuya)

“Are you guys looking for work?” (Ars)

“Yes, but…” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya looks doubtful. It’s like he doesn’t understand why I’m asking such a question.

“I can introduce you to a job, are you interested?” (Ars)

“Eh? You?” (Rikuya)

　His reaction was one of disbelief.

“Oh, first of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Ars Louvent. And this man here is Ritsu Muses.” (ARs)

“Huh…? Um, I’m Rikuya Fujimiya…” (Rikuya)

　When I introduced myself, Rikuya returned the self-introduction with a puzzled look on his face.

“The name Ars Louvent is the name of the Canale county lord. I’m sure I saw your poster earlier for recruiting vassals. I see, so you have come to recruit us because of our strength.” (Maika)

　In contrast to Rikuya, who was still not understanding what was going on, Maika seemed to understand perfectly what I was talking about just by saying my name.

“Hey, wait, enough of this. How can a kid like this be the county lord…” (Rikuya)

“I heard that the age of the mayor of Canale County is 14 years old. Did you not hear about that, big brother?” (Maika)

“No, we just came to this town… Where did you hear that?” (Rikuya)

“I heard it from a customer in the tavern.” (Maika)

“No, I don’t listen to other people’s conversation, so I don’t remember any of them.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya said in alarm. Maika seemed to be highly observant and had a good memory.

“I thought for sure you were just some rich kid with nice clothes, but… Are you really the county lord?” (Rikuya)

　I nodded.

“Well, I get that you are the county lord, you are not really recruiting us as a vassal, right? I mean, you probably have some dangerous jobs that can’t be entrusted to ordinary citizens, but here you are trying to get us to do it…” (Rikuya)

“No, I really want to recruit you as vassals.” (Ars)

“Are you serious…?” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya with a washed out expression, he seems to be  quite surprised.

“Fufufu, it’s not surprising. It seems that my talent cannot be hidden.” (Maika)

　Maika said, folding her arms and smiling wide.

“I’m late in introducing myself. My name is Maika Fujimiya! I am the most gifted military strategist in the land of Yo.” (Maika)

　She announced her name with a flourish.

“I don’t deny that you’re smart, but you have zero track record as a military strategist…” (Rikuya)

“Hmph, that is only because our late brothers did not adopt my perfect strategy.” (Maika)

　They have a conversation that only the two of them can understand. There is something going on here.

“I’m sure they’re not after you, since you look like nothing more than a shorty to someone who’s never met you before.” (Rikuya)

“Sh-shorty…!?” (Maika)

“I’m also mediocre looking… oh, I see, it must be Takao, he sure looks crazy strong. I’m sure they are looking for a very strong looking guy.” (Rikuya)

“There are some things you are allowed to say and some things you are not allowed to say, even if you are my brother!” (Maika)

　Maika looks incensed, but she’s tiny so she’s not looking scary.

“Hey, where is Takao?” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya looked for Takao’s location.

　He soon found him.

　He was lying down near the bulletin board where I first saw the three.

　He seemed to be sleeping.

“He… he’s sleeping on the side of the road again…” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya had his head in his hands.

　The fact that he said “again” suggests that this is a common occurrence.

“The one sleeping over there is Takao, who is quite strong as he looks, but he is a massive idiot. I don’t think he’s the right person to take as a vassal.” (Rikuya)

“No… it’s not just him I want as a vassal, but all three of you.” (Ars)

“Eh…? Is that it? You mean you want Takao?” (Rikuya)

“No, I believe you three had talent.” (Ars)

“Why do you think that?” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya sent a direct inquiry.

　So, I try to briefly explain my appraisal skill.

“Fufufu, so my overflowing talent cannot be hidden, is it?” (Maika)

　Maika folded her arms and said with a smug look on her face.

“Look at this brat. She is just a little shorty but acts like a pompous fool, too. If I didn’t know you well, even I wouldn’t take you as a vassal.” (Rikuya)

“No! I will not tolerate it, especially saying it twice!” (Maika)

　After being called a “shorty” twice, an angry Maika hit Rikuya with a slap. However, because of her lack of strength and poor slapping technique, Rikuya did not even looked fazed at all.

“Um…they are interesting people, but is it really okay for them to become your vassals?” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu asked quietly.

　He seemed to be worried about whether he would be able to serve as a vassal after seeing the series of events.

　I am a little worried too.

　Takao and Maika, in particular, had unique talents, but they also seemed to have unique personalities.

　Well, I’m sure they have talent.

“They’ll probably be fine. Anyway, they also seem to be suspicious of me, so I’ll have to persuade them.” (Ars)

“I understand.” (Ritsu)

　I whispered back.

“Fuu… fuu… well, I’ll let you go with just this for today…” (Maika)

　Maika is out of breath, as if she is tired from the beating.

　She is clearly exhausted, but Rikuya does not seem to have received any effect at all.

　After that, Maika took a deep breath and put on a serious expression.

“Phew, well, I’m well aware that I just look like a frail, beautiful girl.” (Maika)

“If you were aware of it, don’t be offended… Hey, did you call yourself a pretty girl?” (Rikuya)

“That’s not the part you should focus on.” (Maika)

“No… Well, if that’s what you believe, I won’t question it.” (Rikuya)

　Don’t you think you were going to get in trouble because of the staring? Rikuya’s face said along with a look of confusion.

　By the way, Maika has a well-defined face, so I don’t think it’s wrong to call her a beautiful girl.

“Besides, women are usually underestimated. Besides, we are obviously strangers, and it is certainly suspicious to be asked to be a vassal at the first meeting… but I think we can trust him.” (Maika)

“Why?” (Rikuya)

“The sign I just saw said that any man of talent would be a vassal, right? It said that he would take any talented person as a vassal, regardless of race or sex. That man who is following him as his aide is clearly not one of those who live in the Somerforce Empire. He is a Marcan. They were be discriminated heaving in the Somerforce Empire.” (Maika)

“Marcan… I’ve heard of them. Is he one of them?” (Rikuya)

“I’m witnessing this for the first time, but it matches the characteristics I’ve heard about. I suppose what was written on the sign must be true since he has a Marcan in his close vassals.” (Maika)

“I understand that, but that alone doesn’t make someone want to make us his vassals.” (Rikuya)

“The fact that he will take any talented person as a vassal should also mean that he can accurately measure a person’s talents. I don’t know if it’s really possible to do that or if he has just happened to be right so far, but I’m sure that’s how he has been able to recruit talented people so far.” (Maika)

“…If he can really spot talent, that’s great, but you just can’t spot them just by looking at a person, can you? You’d have to have them take a test or have an interview.” (Rikuya)

“Only he himself will know how it works. Just looking at a person may be enough. In fact, if you interview people or have them take a test, you won’t really know if they are a useful person or not.” (Maika)

“Hmm…” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya seemed to be troubled by the fact that Maika might have a point.

“But since he’s choosing to recruit us, that kid’s ability to see through people may be real.” (Maika)

　But it was predicted from the recruiting poster alone that I might have appraisal skills. After all, Maika seems to have an agile mind.

“Can you really see through people’s talents as Maika says?” (Rikuya)

“I can.” (Ars)

　I answered honestly.

　It would be easier to talk about it here than to hide it.

“And you can do it while just looking?” (Rikuya)

　I nod.

“Seriously… If I had that kind of power, I wouldn’t be in this situation… No, asking for things I don’t have is foolish.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya shook his head.

“Does your power see through someone’s current ability, or can it see through a person’s potential?” (Rikuya)

“Both.” (Ars)

“Either way… I’ve always been able to learn everything easily, but on the other hand, I’ve never had any outstanding talent. I’ve always been treated as a good student, but I know that behind my back I’ve been called all-average.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya suddenly began to talk about himself.

“I have lived my whole life wishing I had some dormant talent, but I never found it, and I was about to give up. The fact that you are inviting me to be your vassal means that I have some hidden talent.” (Rikuya)

“No… Well… To be honest, I didn’t see any outstanding abilities from you, I mean. You could do everything skillfully, you have good overall ability, you are a competent person.” (Ars)

　It was a little difficult to say, but I told him honestly.

“Yes, I am just a good all-around person… Well, you said it in a pleasant way… In other words, my reputation for being average at everything I do was correct, I am just average, right?” (Rikuya)

“I guess you could say you are versatile.” (Ars)

“Versatile and average mean the same thing!” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya seems to have a complex about his abilities and is now looking depressed.

“You! My brother is an ordinary person, and he was always worried that he had no special characteristics! From my brother’s point of view, being versatile is nothing but a curse!” (Maika)

“Ordinary person!? Ordinary!? I am nothing special.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya felt even more depressed as Maika’s words pierced his chest.

“Look! Because of you, my brother is depressed…” (Maika)

“It’s mostly your fault you idiot!” (Rikuya)

　With teary eyes, Rikuya screams.

“Big brother, big sister… I’m hungry.” (Takao)

　Suddenly, Takao appeared from behind.

　He was asleep until a while ago, but it seems that he has woken up.

　His hungry stomach is rumbling loudly.

“You just had a meal a while ago, didn’t you? Be patient.” (Rikuya)

“That’s not a meal… Just a snack…” (Takao)

“That’s a meal for the average person. We don’t have money, so you have to put up with it.” (Rikuya)

　When Rikuya said that, Takao dropped his shoulders. He looks very depressed.

“Anyway, I understand that you want us to be your vassals… But…” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya folded his arms and looks worried.

“I am no good after all. We can’t become your vassal.” (Rikuya)

　He thought about it for a while and came to this conclusion.

“As for your salary, I can pay you a lot.” (Ars)

　I pay my vassals more than they could have earned in any other job.

“It’s not about money. Well, it’s true money is currently a problem.” (Rikuya)

“What is it?” (Ars)

“There are various circumstances…” (Rikuya)

　He didn’t want to go into too many details. I’ve just met him, so it would be better not to force him to tell me.

“Big brother, let me just say that with becoming a vassal here, there is a possibility that our earnest wish will be fulfilled much sooner.” (Maika)

“Hmm…” (Rikuya)

　After hearing that from Maika, Rikuya thinks again. It seems that Maika is willing to become a vassal.

“No, no. We cannot become vassals.” (Rikuya)

　After thinking about it, Rikuya came to the same conclusion.

“I see.” (Maika)

　Maika did not seem to intend to argue any further. Maika, who has a strong personality, seems to have left the final decision to Rikuya.

“I was honored by your offer to make us vassals, but I still can’t accept it.” (Rikuya)

　Once again, he refused.

　I didn’t want to give up so easily, so I wondered how I should respond,

“That’s a pity, Lord Ars. By the way, how long do you three plan to stay in Canale?” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu asked.

“If I find a job, I will stay for a while, but if not, I will go to another town.” (Rikuya)

“I see. If you want, I can introduce you to a job. If the Louvent family talks to them, it should be easier for you to find a job.” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu suggested.

　Well, that would at least allow the three of them to stay in Canale for a while and also earn gratitude. It seems that they are saying that they cannot become vassals for some reason, but maybe they will change their minds after some time. It was not a bad idea.

“Huh? Seriously! Even though I refused… You’re a good guy!” (Rikuya)

“Big brother… You’re a little too straightforward. They are going to keep us in this town and gently recruit us. If you feel gratitude, it will be easier for us to comply with their requests. Gratitude is not for people like us. That’s what this means.” (Maika)

　Rikuya seemed to believe us because he is very honest, but Maika seemed to see through our aim.

　Well, it’s easy to understand.

“I see…” (Rikuya)

“I think we should take it because it’s a good offer. Even though we are obviously strangers, we can get jobs with the help of the county lord. If we continue to wander around as we are now, who knows when we will find a job? It’s not that we are going to be a vassal to get a job. Wouldn’t that be fine with you, big brother?” (Maika)

“That’s true, but…” (Rikuya)

　Hearing Maika’s words, Rikuya looks troubled.

“If we can find a job, we should do so. If we have a job, we can eat more food than we do now.” (Takao)

　This time Takao said so.

“Do you only think about eating? …No, but it is important to be able to eat.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya seemed to have decided on his plan, and looked at Ritsu with a serious expression,

“I’d really like to hear more about that.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya said.

“I would like to do the same. We will discuss the details tomorrow, so please come to Canale Castle tomorrow.” (Ars)

“I understand.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya nodded.

　Anyway, now we have managed to keep the three of them in Canale.

　Well, I don’t know if they will become my vassals, but it would be better for them to stay in Canale than to go somewhere else.

　Then we parted from the three of them and returned to the Canale castle.