A soldier is a job where you protect the country and get paid for it.
People who don’t know any better think soldiers sacrifice themselves for their country.
That’s not wrong, but at the end of the day, soldiers are workers too, earning money to live.
In the military’s class system, treatment varies by rank.
The treatment for privates is different, non-commissioned officers get different treatment, and commissioned officers have their own perks.
Among officers, the benefits for those with stars far exceed imagination.
Just looking at the young man standing respectfully before me made that clear.
“Welcome, Lieutenant Colonel Allen. I am Philis Hantz, your new estate manager.”
His neatly styled black hair.
The crisp butler uniform exuding a cold aura.
The bright brown eyes behind the round monocle.
From first glance, Philis gave off an air of competence as he greeted me, prompting me to awkwardly extend my hand.
“Ah, yes. Nice to meet you. I’m Allen.”
Philis, who had been staring at my outstretched hand, carefully took it while saying:
“You can speak freely. We’re all servants under your command.”
“In that case, Philis, are you in charge here?”
“Yes. Besides me, we have one gardener, one chef, one butler, and six maids – a total of ten staff members assigned to serve Lieutenant Colonel Allen starting today.”
“Hmm… Not that I doubt your skills, but will ten people really be enough?”
I glanced uneasily at the massive mansion behind him.
There was no way ten people could manage a place this size.
It practically rivaled the Robert family estate…
Even if it were comparable to a prestigious family’s mansion, was that really appropriate for a personal residence?
“That’s a reasonable question.”
Philis nodded lightly before explaining:
“To be honest, even I didn’t expect such a magnificent estate. I assumed it would be typical for a lieutenant colonel’s assignment.”
“Yeah… Makes sense.”
As a lieutenant colonel, I could tell something was off about this mansion from Philis’ words.
Was it the Crown Prince’s consideration? Or someone higher up…?
Whatever the case, I should be grateful they went out of their way.
“To be direct, I believe the current staff count is insufficient for managing the lieutenant colonel’s estate. May I request additional personnel?”
After hesitating briefly, Philis asked clearly:
I nodded lightly in response:
“I’ll leave all estate matters to you. Manage it however you see fit. I don’t enjoy criticizing areas I’m unfamiliar with.”
The best approach is letting experts handle their field.
Upper management only needs to take responsibility after all.
If more staff is needed to manage my estate, why stop them?
“… Thank you. I’ll do my utmost to repay your trust.”
Philis wore a slightly moved expression before bowing respectfully.
Those standing behind him followed suit, making me feel strangely responsible.
“By the way, about your salaries…”
“They come from the lieutenant colonel’s dignity maintenance fund, I believe.”
Ah, so that’s what had him worried.
I grinned and patted his shoulder.
“Don’t stress about it. Spend generously. I’ll be away often due to missions, so since you’re in charge, I’d appreciate it if you handled things well.”
“… Yes! I’ll manage with my life on the line!”
“It’s not necessary to that extent… Hmm…”
Glancing around briefly, I snapped my fingers lightly.
It was to bring out the shy one hiding nearby.
Philis blinked confusedly at me, unsure of my meaning.
“… Hurry up and come out. I don’t want to look crazy.”
As I bluffed, I sensed movement behind me.
The Black Wolf appeared.
“… Heavens!”
Seeing Philis jump made me shake my head disapprovingly.
“See? You got scared.”
“Necessary for protection.”
“But I keep telling you it’s unnecessary.”
“I do it because I want to.”
“Ugh… Let’s drop it.”
Giving up on persuasion, I awkwardly smiled at Philis.
“This guy will be living here too. Prepare a room for him, though I’m not sure how useful he’ll be.”
“Yes. Understood.”
“Oh, and I thought about hosting a housewarming party.”
At my words, Philis looked troubled as he asked:
“What exactly is a ‘housewarming’?”
Only then did I realize I needed to explain quickly:
“It’s a celebration for getting a new home. I’m hosting a small party, inviting just a few acquaintances. Would it take too long to prepare?”
“Ah… Apologies for not being prepared. However, I can handle everything by tonight without issue.”
“No need. I need to send out invitations too. Let’s make it tomorrow evening instead. Can you recruit more staff by today?”
“Yes! That won’t be a problem.”
“Good. Feel free to use my name however necessary. Meanwhile, I’ll…”
“I’ll handle sending out invitations as well. Just provide the names of those you wish to invite.”
Is that possible?
He truly is as competent as he looks.
Impressed internally, I thought about who to invite.
“Hmm… Even though they might be busy, I should invite everyone anyway, right?”
If they can’t make it, there’s nothing to be done about it.
Having decided, I looked at Philis, who already had a notebook out, and began speaking.
“First, the Sage. Ah, Paulo Robert… Though he’s stepped down as patriarch, he’s still a marquis, correct?”
“That’s correct.”
“In that case, both him and Alderbaran Robert.”
Confirming with Black Wolf, I nodded and turned back to Philis.
He looked somewhat startled as he questioned:
“Excuse me, but are you referring to the Gold Eagle Palace and the Robert family patriarch?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Cough… Ah, understood.”
Don’t be surprised yet…
Shrugging, I continued:
“Next, from the Helios Dukedom… Hmm, I suppose inviting everyone would be best. Valkan Helios, Lea Helios, Leo Helios, Amy Helios. Oh, and Ariane Selene too please. I heard she’s at the Helios residence.”
Earl will probably follow on his own.
“… Yes…!”
For some reason, he looked like he momentarily lost consciousness.
Will he be okay?
“And Gliese Antarès, Gamifer Altaurphe. I believe these two are still in the capital, though I’m not entirely sure.”
“Yess! I’ll confirm and proceed accordingly.”
“Great. Anyone else…”
Should I invite the students I teach too?
If I recall correctly, quite a few have their main residences in the capital.
They should be home if they haven’t gone traveling.
Such events would greatly benefit the young nobles.
“… And Lucy Florea. Informing the White Crow information guild should suffice.”
“Understood. Anyone else?”
Philis nodded with a much calmer expression.
Seems like he’s adapting.
Now, let’s finalize the guest list with some finishing touches.
“Erias Saturn. And…”
“Wait, hold on…! Are you referring to the Master of the Mage Tower… Is that correct?”
“Yeah. Sending it to the mage tower should work, right? He’s a busy person, so if he can’t make it, there’s nothing to be done.”
“… Yes!”
Philis, who seemed concerned, instantly adopted an enlightened expression.
Is he thinking I’m bluffing or showing off?
Whatever, it’ll prove itself once proper invitations go out.
“Lastly… Will the staffing be handled through the Imperial Palace?”
“Yes. That’s correct.”
“Perfect. Since I’m heading there anyway, it’ll be convenient.”
“What do you mean…?”
“The last person to receive an invitation will be staying at the palace.”
“Ah, so you have connections among civil servants as well.”
Philis nodded understandingly.
While I do know some officials…
Civil servants don’t live in the palace, right?
Or do they? Are there residents?
Thinking about it, royalty could technically be considered civil servants.
Briefly pondering, I shrugged and spoke:
“Gu…uard…”
About to mention Sariel, I suddenly felt a chilling sensation down my spine and stopped myself.
Something told me I shouldn’t say it.
“Guard… It’s not personal. He’s the head of the royal guard.”
“Protector…! Understood.”
Gulp…
I heard swallowing.
Worried he might have a heart attack, I called out the final name.
“Finally…”
Should I say it?
Will this be the end?
We barely conversed, but I hope he continues supporting me.
Though deliberation was lengthy, decision-making was swift.
Somehow, it’ll work out.
“Lux Stella Sirius.”
“…”
“Theron Stella Sirius.”
“!!!”
Thud-
Looking down, I saw Philis’ dropped pen rolling on the floor.
Looking up, I saw his pale face.
“Are you alright?”
Momentarily… He seems to have stopped breathing.
Unlike my confusion, Black Wolf acted swiftly.
He slashed his cheek with a dagger.
“Snap out of it.”
“Wha… What…?”
Of course, it wasn’t meant to kill.
Just a minor cut causing slight bleeding.
How shall I put it? A sort of shock therapy unique to him.
Similar to pinching when someone chokes.
I quickly applied solid potion to Philis’ cheek before he noticed, ensuring he wouldn’t form a negative impression of Black Wolf.
“No, I invited too many important figures at once, causing your confusion. Anyway, please take care of it.”
Picking up the dropped pen and smiling gently, I handed it back.
Philis, still puzzled, nodded upon receiving it.
“Yes! I’ll handle it immediately.”
“Thanks. Everyone else, please take care.”
Vigorously responding, Philis and the others bowed deeply.
Their slight trembling likely stemmed from earlier shock, but I dismissed it as a mistake.
