REINCARNATED ARISTOCRAT CHAPTER 233: THE REASON

　Even though I had expected it, I didn’t realize they were really royalty.

“Maika and Takao are both royalty as well, although their mothers are different. There was a rebellion in our country, and our father, the king, and many of our blood relatives died. We managed to escape from the Country of Yo with this sword and drifted to this country.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya explains why he is in Somerforce.

“I didn’t know that…” (Ars)

“Even though I am former royalty, I’d be subjected to immediate execution if I returned to my country, and since I don’t have any particular authority in this country, I am no better than a commoner now. Even if I’m from a foreign country, I’m no better than a commoner. You can’t even think of using me for anything.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya said to nail me to the wall, and I denied him, saying that I had no intention of doing so.

“Those who succeed the Fujimiya family will inherit this Dragon’s End Sword from generation to generation. It is a sword like a symbol of the King of Yo.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya said this while holding up the Dragon’s End Sword. It is certainly so expensive that it cannot be priced.

“I think it would be better not to sell such a precious thing.” (Ars)

“We need to sell the sword to return to Yo. So, we are going to return to Yeo and aim to rebuild the Fujimiya family. First, we must obtain gold and be able to hire soldiers.” (Maika)

“Are you aiming to rebuild?” (Ars)

“Of course. We can’t just end up as outcasts.” (Maika)

　Maika said with a serious expression.

　Is that possible?

　They would be gathering Somerforce soldiers and launching an invasion against the Country of Yo.

　Well, there are plenty of mercenaries in this country.

　As long as they have money, some may be willing to fight in a foreign country, and as long as they have money, it is not impossible…

　Still, can they really win a war against a country?

“The Country of Yo is extremely immature in the art of magic. If we can gather people who can use magic in this country, victory is possible.” (Maika)

　Maika seemed confident.

　If the opponent is inexperienced, it should be possible to advance the war to a favorable outcome.

“I understand that you need money, but if it’s just that much, shouldn’t you let go of it? When the three of you to Yo, you need allies in the Fujimiya family, but won’t that sword make it easier for you to make allies? Besides, there is the possibility that when you are returned to the throne, without that sword, you will not be considered legitimate a king.” (Ritsu)

　Ritsu said so.

“Y-yeah. That’s what I wanted to say! You’re Mr. Ritsu, right? That’s a good point!” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya agrees with Ritsu’s words.

“I agree that having this sword will make it easier for us to get allies when we return home, but there are priorities. If we have no power, it’s useless to have this. Even if we return to our own country with just this much, the people who control the country will take it away from us and that will be the end of it. We can’t get power without first having power on hand, so we should sell this sword as soon as possible. If we have to sell this sword to gain power, then we should sell it as soon as possible. In fact, the people who rule Yo would rule Yo by force even without this sword.” (Maika)

　Maika’s opinion seemed to make sense. It would be very difficult and time-consuming to earn a large sum of money through steady work.

　I don’t know how long it’s been since the Fujimiya family was kicked out of You, but the more time passes, the more solid the foundations of those who currently rule Yo, making it difficult to invade. It will be, so the sooner they gather strength, the better.

“There is no way to ensure the revival of the Fujimiya family in any way. We should choose the path of greater certainty.” (Rikuya)

“Muuu…” (Maika)

　Rikuya seemed unable to come up with a counterargument to Maika’s words. Even so, he also seems to be reluctant to sell the sword itself.

　I guess I think it is a very important item.

“Without it, I don’t think I can confidently call myself the head of the Fujimiya family…” (Rikuya)

“…you can’t be so weak-minded. Brother is without a doubt the head of the Fujimiya family, the one who has the legitimate right to rule as king over the land of Yoh. Sword or no sword, that will not change. How can you say you don’t have enough to say that you will wipe out those who are unjustly ruling the country at this moment and become the king?” (Maika)

　Maika said so to Rikuya who revealed his true feelings.

“Once you become my vassal, you might be able to achieve your goal without selling that sword, but are you willing to reconsider? I think I can pay you quite a bit, and if I can strengthen my domain as a lord in the future, I may even be able to lend you some of my troops.” (Ars)

　Here I tried again to recruit the three of them as vassals.

　Well, if I were to lend them troops and they returned to Country of Yo, would they cease to be vassals?

　However, it would be quite a big thing to be able to sell a big favor to the king of a country.

　Rikuya took me up on my offer and, although he was a little troubled, he came to a conclusion.

“…No, I still can’t be someone’s vassal. As royalty, I can’t be someone’s vassal. Or rather, if I become your vassal and attack the Country of Yo, it will be you who conquered the Country of Yo. If that happens, the country of You will not even be an independent country.” (Rikuya)

“Isn’t that… thinking too much…?” (Ars)

“No, I see. In that case, I can’t complain even if the Country of You is treated like a vassal state of the Louvent family. No, I see. You are a very black-hearted man with a pretty face.” (Rikuya)

“You are mistaken!” (Ars)

　I had hoped to build a normal relationship with him as an equal, but it was an unexpected misunderstanding.

“At first, I thought it would be good for us to become a vassal, but it’s an idea that depends on others. I thought it might be better to make our own way.” (Maika)

　Maika didn’t seem to be positive about becoming a vassal now either.

“Speaking of which, you said you were going to start a business, but are you confident that you will succeed?” (Ars)

“Fufufu, as long as I have a starting capital, it will surely do well. …Oops, I can’t give you specifics! I don’t want anyone to copy me!” (Maika)

　She seemed strangely confident, but slightly suspicious.

　In my previous life, with a similar expression on his face, my acquaintance said, “I’m going to be successful!” and he started a new company, but his company eventually went bankrupt and he was saddled with a huge debt.

　I’m not saying that Maika will be the same, but I’m a little concerned…

“I’m not saying you will make us look bad, but after all, as the head of the Fujimiya family, I can’t be anyone’s vassal. Unless something very bad happens.” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya added at the end.

　I don’t know what the big deal is, but it seems that they will not be easy to recruit.

　I would like to have as many talented people as possible as vassals, but I think it’s better to give up now.

“Well, then, let’s quickly sell the Dragon’s End Sword. Can we please proceed?” (Maika)

“Wait, wait! I don’t know if I really want to sell it.” (Rikuya)

“Brother, you know you have no choice but to sell it, don’t you?” (Maika)

“Kuh…” (Rikuya)

　Rikuya spent the next few minutes worrying.

“As expected, let me think about it a little more.” (Rikuya)

　He could not come to a conclusion after all.

“*Sigh*, you’re too indecisive…” (Rikuya)

　Maika said so with an exasperated expression.

　After that, I introduced the three of them to jobs as originally planned.

　They said they really had little money at the moment and needed to find a job as soon as possible to make ends meet.

　The job I introduced to the three was that of an innkeeper.

　Canale’s population is on the rise, and the number of tourists from outside the city is increasing.

　The demand for innkeepers has increased, and new stores are springing up.

　Existing stores were also remodeling to increase their size and hiring more workers, so there were many openings for laborers.

　Some of the work required heavy lifting, while others required a lot of thinking, such as keeping track of money. It was a good place for all three of them to work at the same time.

　The Louvent family was supporting the construction of a new inn in Canale, so it was very easy for them to introduce the workers.

“I’m a servant at the inn… I can’t change back…” (Maika)

　Maika looked a little unhappy.

　Well, if you think about it as a former royal family, it’s not unreasonable to have that kind of impression.

I’m glad you gave us a job today. I will definitely repay this favor sooner or later.” (Rikuya)

“Right. If the business succeeds, it will be based in Canale, and I will surely repay my debt then.” (Maika)

“It looks like it’s going to be a long way off.” (Rikuya)

“It won’t be long! I’ll pay them back right away! And as for the sword, when Brother decides to sell it, I’ll be back to talk to you!” (Maika)

“Oh, sure.” (Ars)

　The three have left Canale Castle.

　They may not become vassals, but if they have a positive impact on the city of Canale, it will be worthwhile to introduce them to work in this way, let’s hope.