# Episode 49: Cedric the Servant (15) – Three Problems, Three Solutions
“Lord Redbell wishes to see you.”
It was an entirely unexpected summons, as sudden and shocking as a bolt from the blue.
The Redbell family indirectly or directly governs numerous fiefs, which are populated by countless retainers. However, only a select few are ever called upon to speak directly with the viscount.
This is not merely the case for retainers situated in distant fiefs but even applies to those who serve in the main house where the viscount himself resides.
Even those retainers from the esteemed Fongsin family, most of whom are of noble birth, rarely meet the viscount. For commoners who serve as servants? Such an occurrence is almost unheard of.
So why would the viscount summon Cedric, a simple servant employed by the youngest lady of a distant fief?
The retainers and servants who accompanied Claudia were all equally bewildered, as were those who had come with her siblings.
“I understand. Please lead the way.”
Yet Cedric, seemingly unfazed by the reactions around him, continued on his way with composure.
His calm demeanor, devoid of any tension, caused a faint flicker of surprise to appear on the otherwise stoic faces of the main house retainers.
Though skilled at concealing their emotions, the main house retainers still feel them. They found it strange that the viscount, who presides over such a prominent house, would take an interest in a mere servant from a distant fief. Witnessing Cedric’s composed, almost audacious demeanor, they began to conclude there must indeed be a reason for this unusual attention.
A short while later…
“The face is a little different than I expected.”
Deep within the mansion’s garden, before Cedric could even offer a greeting, the viscount spoke first.
The servant who had led Cedric in thought he would appear flustered and mentally pitied him. However, Cedric simply smiled and responded.
“Is it? I’m quite curious to know what you expected.”
“I thought you were the soul-stealing type who could charm my daughter to distraction with the face of a heavenly beauty. But now that I see you, your harmless looks do conceal a dangerous air. Round and approachable, yet deceiving.”
“Your praise is much appreciated.”
“Does it sound like praise to you?”
“Isn’t it supposed to be taken as such?”
The casual exchange left the surrounding retainers visibly disconcerted.
Even important merchants or minor kings within their own lands would tense up and carefully choose their words in the viscount’s presence, yet Cedric’s natural ease was perplexing.
Some of the nobility, though rare, occasionally show a casual indifference and mingle freely with commoners, but Viscount Redbell was not of this type. For him to show no anger at the bold words of a mere servant was extraordinary.
“You interpret it as praise; quick on the uptake. But also a bit insolent.”
“Clearly, I still have much to learn. My apologies.”
“To hear ‘I’m sorry’ from someone who doesn’t feel a speck of regret must be its own kind of art.”
“Is that what you think?”
“Hmm.”
The viscount stroked his beard.
He stared intently at Cedric as if trying to peer into his mind, yet Cedric stood calm and composed.
“So, what’s your purpose here?”
“Because of my incompetence, I can’t seem to grasp what you’re insinuating. Would you kindly elaborate?”
“What are your intentions with my daughter? Are you after her wealth? Her person? Or…”
As he spoke, a giant creature revealed itself at the viscount’s feet, its presence as imposing as a surging tide of blood.
-■■■■■……
A lion’s head at the front, a goat’s head sprouting from the middle of the torso, and a snake for a tail.
The viscount, who had once led the Redbell household back from the brink of ruin, had survived countless crises alongside this Chimera, a creature embodying loyalty.
A Chimera whose majestic and intimidating aura far surpassed the one Claudia had encountered.
Showcasing the might of a fifth-tier Chimera, one of the strongest forces under the Redbell viscountcy, its low growling set the retainers’ faces ashen with fear, even though they knew they weren’t its target, driven by primal fear.
“…Is it the power of this house that you covet?”
The moment Cedric gave an unsatisfactory answer, the creature would undoubtedly tear him apart.
In the viscount’s mind, it was possible – the Chimera had detected this through its animalistic senses. And indeed, its instincts were correct.
Unlike Bern, whose base rank was 4 and who could temporarily reach fifth-tier strength in battle, Cedric’s pure combat abilities only ranked at level 3.
With potential side effects aside, Cedric could just barely match a fourth-tier fighter. But even pushing his limits, defeating such a Chimera was out of the question.
Despite this, Cedric’s response carried no trace of fear.
“My purpose is simple: to ensure that Lady Claudia becomes an excellent ruler.”
“An excellent ruler? Do you mean more power?”
“Power is merely a means.”
Cedric looked directly into the viscount’s eyes and spoke frankly.
“Lord Redbell, to be honest, the power-holders of this nation are the worst.”
A gasp rose from the onlookers.
The viscount himself furrowed his eyebrows for a moment but did not order the Chimera to silence Cedric.
“Monsters roam freely throughout the realm, while those in power do nothing. They allow suffering among the citizens and indulge in lazy, self-centered pleasures day after day. There are quite a few nobles whose actions raise doubts about their very intellect.”
“Are you accusing me, sitting atop the nobility?”
“That’s a question I’ve thought about, yes. But not today.”
“Why?”
“Because while Your Lordship might not adhere to the ideal of ‘good’, you understand and practice the principle that protecting the citizens and stabilizing their lives is beneficial in the long run.”
In comparison to the disinterested and incompetent nobles witnessed by adventurer Bern, the lords and their agents dispatched from Redbell at least fulfilled the minimum responsibilities expected of rulers. Though not proactive in matters of territorial improvement or people’s welfare, they did handle necessary tasks like fending off bandits or monster attacks.
“This kingdom is full of people who cannot even manage these basic responsibilities. In doing so, they are unknowingly nurturing cancers that one day could lead to the downfall of this nation. I believe Lady Claudia has the potential to address these issues, and thus I am here to assist her.”
“You’re from the Aizern Empire. What does the welfare of Virka matter to you?”
“Let me return the question: if your neighbor’s house is on fire, would you simply say, ‘It’s not my house, so it’s none of my concern?’ and let it burn?”
“…Though I don’t agree, I understand.”
The viscount paused as if contemplating something, then continued.
“There are three problems.”
“Please, elaborate.”
“Corrupt officials aren’t easy to root out. There are many fools who care more for their comfort and habits than the health of the nation. The more influence Lady Claudia gains, the more these people will oppose her. How will you handle that?”
“That problem is already solved.”
“Hmm? Why?”
“The Lady Claudia I know does not hesitate to toss such fellows to the dogs, without a second thought.”
Claudia’s character does not lend itself to flattery.
Impulsive, quick to anger, and rash.
But this impulsiveness gives her the drive to act when others would shy away out of fear of the consequences.
“Rather than trying to win over or compromise with such nuisances, she will simply eliminate them. Hence, it’s no problem. Ah, indeed, this fellow is a dangerous character, isn’t he?”
The viscount’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“Well then, the second problem. The security reforms Claudia is making depend largely on her Chimera’s abilities. It might work in a small fief, but implementing a similar system across the entire kingdom is impossible. What will you do about that?”
“That problem is also solved.”
“Go on.”
“I’ve succeeded in modifying Chimerae so they can reproduce with regular animals.”
“…?”
The viscount blinked in confusion.
Then, with disbelief, he muttered.
“Are you mad?”
“I am perfectly sane.”
Cedric’s eyes turned toward the Chimera standing by the viscount.
“The vision for Redbell is admirable. They are loyal, capable of standing steadfast in battle, and can withstand rough handling—qualities that make them rare allies in personal defense. However, their dependency on the master’s blood and mana limits their numbers.”
The viscount originally wanted to explain that the Chimeras weren’t designed for mass deployment but decided against it. He was curious to hear more of the servant’s innovative ideas.
“These new Chimeras won’t be fully fabricated from head to toe. Instead, they will possess parts of existing Chimeras grafted into animals like stray dogs or cats. While they’ll lose their regeneration capabilities, shrinkage ability, and formidable combat skills, they’ll retain a basic loyalty and limited comprehension for communication. Most importantly, they’ll be able to breed naturally, like regular animals.”
“Will their offspring retain the Chimera traits?”
“Though subsequent generations dilute these traits over time, my calculations indicate enough strength remains to cover a country’s needs.”
“Even if it sounds like exaggeration, if it works, the practical applications are incomprehensibly vast. Should it exist, I’d want to learn the technique myself.”
“It’s impossible. It’s specifically customized for Lady Claudia.”
“Hoho! If you want me to use it, stop selling it off somewhere and keep it close! Truly, you are a loyal servant.”
The viscount made a dismissive sound through his nose.
But his eyes burned with the fervor of one who believes they have discovered a path to higher authority.
“This last question concerns the matrimonial proposal for Claudia. Officially, the royal family has proposed the match, but in reality, it’s a plot by a rival’s son to hinder her rapid ascent. The deal has already advanced too far; reversing it now would cause me significant losses. And I am not a romantic who would bear the losses on just a servant’s words. What have you planned for this? Is that also already solved?”
Cedric answered.
“I’ll sort that out soon enough. By the way, may I submit a request to Lordship?”
“If we’ve come this far, let’s hear you out.”
“It may be uncomfortable to hear, but are you sure it’s alright?”
The viscount gave him a pointed snort.
“Just get on with it.”
Cedric spoke.
“Do you even know what topics are appropriate to discuss with children? Your loneliness in old age will be your punishment.”
“…”
The great dark lord thought to himself.
What kind of servant is this madman?
