Today, Maja took time out of her busy schedule to meet with me at the church.
I'll start with today's topic, how to fix Lakra's clunker.
"What kind of a cataclysm is that?
Master Maja!
This discussion will be conducted by the members of the Iliad family, with the addition of Maaya-san. However, I've had Wolfe read the book, so it's actually a discussion between the four of us.
Lakra is not a complete piece of shit, but she has her strengths. So I'm going to do the usual and then analyze Lakra.
"And by usual, you mean understand your opponent.
Exactly. I'm going to ignore the catastrophe I'm wreaking and find the right way to use Lakra by understanding him as an individual. The reason I asked for your time, Maja, is to get your perspective on the Yugoslavian religion.
I see. I understand.
As for me, I'd be happy to be fed by the Shosho.
"Rakhla, sit up straight in your chair.
Now, let's start with some background information about Lakra.
Lakra Sarv, 25 years old, single. Picked up at a Yugoslavian orphanage in Mejlis.
She likes to interact with other people, but once she gets to know them, they start to drift away from her.
The specific reason for this is that Lakra has been causing happenings since she was in the orphanage, and the people around her are usually involved.
However, she is not ignored or bullied, and grows up smoothly with moderate friendships.
After leaving the orphanage, he became a clergyman working at the cathedral, the holy place of the Yugra religion. The reason why he wanted to become a clergyman was because he was told that he had more qualities than other clergymen he had met in the past, and he became interested in it.
However, he was not good at detailed work, was hopeless at office work, was avoided by his peers, and was constantly berated by his superiors, so he immersed himself in practical training as if to escape. At that time, he had mastered all kinds of magic.
It was Archbishop Ucka who first noticed Lakra's abilities, witnessing her training and taking her as his apprentice after noticing her strength. However, Archbishop Ucka was usually busy making connections with others and rarely gave direct instruction to Lakra.
In the past, he had been very busy with his own personal life.
Under the guidance of these one-offs, Lakra refined his abilities. And in his first attempt to conquer a demon, he made an outstanding performance and quickly rose to become a priest.
However, as usual, he is not good at anything else and has been working under Archbishop Ucka without being able to get involved with other Archbishop's groups.
Archbishop Ucka excelled in connections, but lacked in other talents. But he's worked hard to bring them all up to a minimum standard. It is through his efforts that he is able to be an archbishop even though he is average at everything.
"So, like Lacla's boss, he's a specialized person. And unlike Lacla, he's not a clod.
Yes, but when he gets carried away, he usually gets into trouble.
It's a rare person who is prone to pride despite being a hard worker. I wonder if he has fallen because he got a taste of success. In the case of Lakra, he hasn't even succeeded yet, but he's in this state.
"So, have you been able to analyze Lakra?
I look at Lakra. He's lying on the ground, his legs numb from sitting on them.
"Yeah, well, pretty much. Lakra is the type of person who, at worst, can't handle more than one thing and, at best, can concentrate on one thing to the utmost limit.
This is similar to what is known today as Asperger's syndrome. This is a case where a certain level of disability can affect communication skills, but Lakra's interpersonal skills are not much different from normal people. However, the interpersonal skills of Lakra are not different from those of normal people.
If anything, she has a special form of talent. And her life is the result of her ability to make good use of it.
There are multiple processes in a single job. Lacla had a tendency to lose her concentration when she had to keep switching between these tasks.
When Lakra came to the Iliad's house and was given the task of cleaning, there were several shouts. This was happening while they were working, but there was a certain interval between the shouts.
The trouble was that he lost concentration when he switched between sweeping, dusting, and tool handling. But each step was done well. I looked at the room and saw that it had been cleaned very carefully.
I also saw him concentrating so hard on his meal at "Dog Bone" that he lost control of his drinking.
Archbishop Ucka's teaching methods were also effective. He didn't make them do several things at once, but had them master one thing before moving on to the next. That's why Lakra mastered all kinds of magic in a short period of time and has a high level of sophistication in practical skills.
"Yes, but with that reasoning, isn't it strange that they excel in combat? But isn't it strange that he excels in combat, because in real life you have to do a lot more than just monotonous tasks?
"That's where we can see that Lakra is developing properly. Lakra had continued to train monotonously and had adapted his various skills to the point where they were as good as his own limbs. In this way, each process in combat is like moving a limb for Lakra. In other words, he was in a state where he could concentrate on a single process: combat.
If the training had been inexperienced, Lakra would have perceived it as a combination of multiple processes and would have wreaked havoc in actual combat. However, escaping the devastation of office experience, Lakra focused solely on training and mastered each process perfectly.
And Archbishop Ucka's one-shot teaching policy was perfect for her. As a result, each process she mastered was downgraded to a single action, allowing her to focus on the combination of actions in combat as a single process.
I'm afraid that if you make him switch between attack and support during the battle, Lakra will destroy himself immediately. I don't think he was instructed to do so in his first battle. That's why Lakra, who was able to concentrate on the battle, was able to achieve more than others.
"I see. So, based on that, how can we entrust Lakra with the job?
"Yes, if you entrust her with one simple process over and over again, she should be able to move more efficiently than others.
Maja folded her arms and thought. Then, as if she had thought of something, she brought out her sewing kit. A closer look at what she had prepared revealed some embroidery tools.
If what the boy is saying is true, we should just focus on one thing, right? Lakra, try this for a while.
He then handed Lakra the embroidery set and showed her a drawing of the design. Wow, what's with the elaborate architecture?
Oh, it's a cathedral! I should make this, right?
Lakra immediately begins to work. Although she drops her tools on the ground when she starts threading the thread, she works silently once she starts.
No, it's not only that, it's fast, it's crazy fast. At first it was slow, but now the thread is swimming on the cloth as if he were working on a sewing machine. In fact, I haven't even looked at the drawing yet. Soon, the embroidery was complete, just as I had designed it.
"It's done!
"...... I see, it's amazing.
It has its drawbacks, such as not being able to do normal work, but depending on how you use it, I think it can handle the work of several people.
However, it's still a clunker. And I don't mean that in the sense of ability.
I think I can think of a job that I can entrust to Lakra.
"Really? But if only I could get Shosho-sama to provide for me like I am doing now. ......
This guy was mentally depraved. Not only does he have a lack of concentration, but he also has a short-sighted and easy-loving mental structure.
That's why I saw him using without hesitation a charm spell that he knows he doesn't like because it's easy, and why he rarely expresses his opinion when searching for books. This is something that cannot be defended, especially in front of Wolfe.
'Ilias, from now on, you are to collect the rent and food money. I'll pay for Wolfe's portion. Kick out anyone who can't pay.
Master Shosho! You can't feed me! We're on the same side!
Shut up! Even if we become husband and wife, I'll still pay for your living expenses and rent!
Oh no! If we're going to be husband and wife, I'll at least pay the rent!
Thus, Lakra was able to get a job at the Yugra church again. However, Maja refuses to collect Lacla, and the Iliad family is left with a clumsy clergyman.
I suspect that Ms. Maja kicked Lakra out because she essentially sensed her spiritual scumminess.
I see, I've been sensing something unhealthy from Lakra, but I guess that's what it was.
While taking a break from learning about other worlds, I tell Marito about the history of Rakura. Marito must have sensed Rakura's depraved side, even if only faintly.
He said, "I've been wondering why your words to her were rather harsh. At first I thought you were just a good friend like Lord Ratzel, but then I realized how sloppy you were being with her.
I'm sure you've heard of ......, but I've always thought there was a slight difference in the way you treated me. ......
Oh, yeah, I wasn't aware of that.
If I recall correctly, my language for Lakra became more broken when I sensed her bad side.
I guess I sensed it instinctively, but if I think about it, my interpersonal sensor is still active.
It's a nice place by the way.
He has always felt suffocated indoors, so he is currently taking a walk in the gardens of the castle. The size of the garden and the level of care are truly magnificent, and it makes me realize that I am in the Western world.
It's my pride and joy. I'm proud of this garden. Even the untrained eye can see the craftsmanship.
"Yes, on Earth, it is very similar to the large gardens favored in the West, on the western continent. I've seen some of the finest gardens in the world, but this one is second to none.
"Yes, I suppose it is. Yes, I suppose so, but in your country you don't see gardens like this, do you?
Yes, in Japan, there are many gardens that emphasize wabi-sabi rather than glamour. They are simple, lacking in simplicity, yet profound in their beauty and lack of it.
"Luxury is not always a good thing. It's not necessarily that luxurious is good, but it's more like they're trying to show the beauty of the gardens when they're not in bloom.
"That's a good feeling. If you actually saw it with your own eyes, you would be in awe.
After all, the beauty of a stone garden can only be conveyed by viewing it in person, rather than explaining it in words.
I once saw a scene of a stone garden pattern being made in the media, but I should have remembered it better. I don't think I could have copied it overnight, but I could have at least conveyed the feeling.
There is another kind of bonsai that grows small trees in pots. Bonsai is another way to grow small trees in pots. Reproducing trees outdoors in small pots is a great way to enjoy your retirement.
"That's interesting. Do you think I can do it indoors?
As long as it gets sunlight, I think it will be fine. ...... Oh, in this world, magic power can be a source of sustenance, so it could be substituted.
I'm sure you'll be able to figure out how to do it. There are some rare plants in the forest where the Kuro Wolves live. Maybe I'll try to get some next time.
"It will be hard to grow them in a different environment, though. Speaking of beautiful plants, the trees in the Mountain of the Kuro Demon Slayer were especially beautiful. The trees looked as if they were made of crystal, and they glowed beautifully at night.
"I've heard of it, but I'm not sure I want to get my hands on it. It's a deadly mountain from which no one ever returns alive. If I let the knights go get it, it might ruin my reputation as a king.
A mountain inhabited by slimes that prey on anything with magic. If you ask me to fetch the plants there, you are asking me to send out the dead. I feel it is similar to the five challenges of Princess Kaguya.
If you're a human without magic, the threat is somewhat reduced, but that doesn't mean I want to go there. The only people in this world are children, but a king who forces them to go on a deadly adventure will not have long to live.
But I'd like to see it just once. Isn't it wonderful?
"Yes, it was the first time I've seen this world, but it was so fantastic that I knew it was another world at first sight.
Marito was deeply envious. Ilias was quietly watching them as they talked about plants. The difference in tension is apparent at a glance.
"Ilias, you look bored.
"No, I can see that they're having fun. It's just that I'm not feeling very sympathetic.
"Sir Ratcliffe may not appreciate trees, but he does love flowers, doesn't he?
No. ...... Oh, there are times when a weapon attracts my attention and I love it!
I'm not sure what to make of this. I'm sure he has a similar look on his face.
As Ilias tilted his head, he made a mental note to teach Wolfe about the beauty of nature.
You're old enough to start a family. Would you be interested in an arranged marriage?
"That's very abrupt, but I guess you could say that about Marito.
No, in fact, considering the inevitability of an heir, you're in a position where you need to hurry more than anyone else.
"Yes, that's what people around me always say. But I haven't been able to find a woman I like.
Do you go on blind dates?
"I occasionally go to dinner parties and talk with the daughters of the nobility. But I haven't met any girls like this.
"Oh, by the way, polygamy is possible on Earth in this historical context, but in modern times, bigamy is illegal in many countries. What about over here?
"Bigamy is not illegal. It is necessary for a king to take multiple wives in order to secure an heir. I've been told by people around me that I should have at least a third queen. Some powerful noblemen also take multiple wives. However, the basic rule is monogamy.
It must be hard to have three wives when even one is rushed. I can count on two hands the number of women I know.
By the way, does Marito have any half-brothers or sisters?
"Yes, my father married three queens, and I was the first prince. My father married three queens and I was the first prince. The other two could only produce girls and I have four sisters.
It looks like there won't be any trouble over who will be the heir.
Yeah. Believing it to be a revelation that I was the only male born, my father simply abdicated the throne and retired. I was suited to be a king regardless of gender. There were few problems.
The first prince was brilliant and the only other heir was a woman. That would have made him king with little opposition.
I haven't met any of them yet. Have they married yet?
Yes, my father and his queens all live in a remote part of the castle grounds. My sisters have left the country to marry whoever they want or to become adventurers.
They became adventurers?
I've considered political marriage, but no country has much to offer, and the ones I prefer are either too old for the king or too young for the prince, so it's not a good time. I told him to choose what he wanted rather than leave it to the country.
That's an unbelievable generosity considering the common royal custom, which is probably why there's little regret. But then, there is not enough insurance in case something happens to Marito. It's understandable that people around him are looking for a queen.
So, back to the topic at hand, would you like to join the dinner party? I feel like I'm going to be mentally ill if I have to go through all these vain blind dates by myself.
A nobleman's daughter. Sounds like a lot of polite girls.
Outwardly, yes. But they either have a big belly or they're very naive. I'm not sure I'd love them.
The only people who treat Marito in such places are women who want to be queen, or girls who are forced by their parents to join.
It's also possible that she'll show up for a meal or a drink like Lakra, but that's a no-no.
I'm not too keen on that. I'm not too keen on the idea. It's not someone you can mess with.
There are a lot of beautiful girls out there, so I'm sure they'll be a sight for sore eyes.
Hmm.
If that's the case, then it's probably okay to go out with her. There is a great potential for emotional healing, albeit only on the surface.
"But, Your Majesty, he prefers older men to younger ones, so it may be difficult.
"Oh, really?
Suddenly, the Iliad cut in. I was stunned for a moment, but then I came back to myself.
"Ilias, why the suddenness? Don't give Marito the wrong idea.
"...... Isn't that right? That's the conclusion I've come to after watching you in my own way.
Tell me about your process.
The way you're treating women, I'm assuming you prefer older women like Maja.
I do treat my superiors well. If you're asking me if Maja is within my range, I'd say she is, but it doesn't mean I like older women. I have a wide range.
"What's ......? ......?
A look of surprise crossed Ilias's face. Did you really think so? And Marito, don't laugh out loud.
"No, but judging by the way you treat women...
"I'm just trying not to look at her like that because she's in a position where she's decided to take care of Wolfe. Lakra looks good on the outside, but she's terrible on the inside, so she gets that treatment.
"What about me?
You're a brainiac, just like Lakra. Yeah, I like the way you look.
Oh, yeah?
You know, when I first started taking care of you, I told you that I couldn't control myself if you crawled into my bed.
And also when Cyra tailored Wolfe's clothes. I'm used to seeing Ilias in armor. Especially if you're used to seeing Ilias in his armor. In that sense, I feel safe with Ilias.
"......, that's what I thought.
"Well, don't worry, I'm not looking at you the wrong way. You don't like to be treated like a woman, do you? I was at least a little careful about that. Just at first.
First time? ...... What about now?
I think you're a guy who does everything by force, regardless of gender. I'm sure there's still a corner of your consciousness that says your gender is female.
"Mugugug ......
In the beginning, when I heard about Iliad's situation, I tried to avoid treating her as a woman. This is true. However, as I watched her mowing down bandits and forests, all I could think of was, "She's a gorilla.
If you erase these memories completely, you can recognize her as a beautiful woman. ....... And how long will Marito be in the bottle?
And how long will Marito be in the bottle? That's why Lord Ratzel doesn't complain about being a woman and being in his current position. This is hilarious.
"You're laughing all the way to the bank. You're trying to get me to start a family so you can keep me on the TARDIS, aren't you?
Of course I am. Now that you know what the book is about, you have no reason to stay here at Taze. But as far as I'm concerned, Taze needs you. I'm willing to do whatever it takes to get what I want.
I'm not leaving anytime soon.
For now, but after the meeting with Pope Euphro, then we'll see. Maybe you'll go to the Medis to find a way to get back to your world?
It's possible. There is a possibility that there are other books left by the earthlings in Medis. If that happens, there may be a way to return to the original world.
I'm willing to help you find a way to get back to your world eventually, but it's you. I'd be happy to help you find a way to get back to your world, but you're the one who's going to disappear at a moment's notice. It's not that you don't want to meet new people. You wouldn't mind going out with me, would you?
That's true, but it doesn't add up.
If you don't like noblewomen, what kind of women do you like? If you prefer Lord Ratcliffe, I'll give you my blessing.
Your Majesty?
That's not so bad. Let the Iliad be a knight.
That's true. No, no, no, no, no, no.
Ilias's goal is to become a knight like his father, and forcing the head of the country to retire at this time is a terrible punishment.
But Marito is unabashedly saying that he wants me. You never know what kind of woman you'll end up with if you let him take the lead. But if I take too radical a stand, people will look at me differently. I have to think of a plan.
All right, Marito, let's make sure we're both fair game on this one.
"Hmm? Let's talk.
"If you're going to give me a family, I'm going to find you a wife. That's fair.
"So every time we suggest a woman to you, you suggest a woman to us?
Yes, because the king's wealth is too great to be attacked at random.
If you become Marito's wife, you'll be a winner, a queen. But I'm just a man from another world. I don't want to create a large number of women who will be used to hold on to such a man.
That's not to say that I'm not interested in them, or that I don't expect them. If the number of women is limited, we have to find the right one. I'm sure Marito will be able to analyze our preferences.
If we try to outnumber her, we will be outnumbered. You want me to find the right woman for you so that I can hold on to you without any burden. You can meet women that you can seriously recommend. It's also a contest to see which one of us has the better eye for selection. ...... I see, that's good.
I'm sure Marito's character would like to see some changes in his daily life. In addition, you can use this game as an excuse to escape to the people around you. "He promised to find me a suitable woman, I'll wait for it! Or something like that.
This is how Marito and I came up with our strange rules. They agreed on a set of detailed rules and vowed not to rely on subterfuge.
On the way back from the castle, Ilias complained to me in his usual grumpy way.
"You're the one who got His ...... Majesty involved in a strange game.
It's for both our sakes. It's also for the benefit of the women involved.
I don't like it when you drag me into your games.
Don't be so sure. The way Marito was acting, I wouldn't have been surprised if the king ordered you to marry him.
That's ...... undeniable, but even .........
Other women are the same. I can't stand the thought of being forced into a man like this by pressure from the king. If you're going to introduce her, you should do it with the other person in mind. I'm going to find the right man for Marith, so there won't be any problems.
It's not just the Iliad. If Marito's outburst twists the path you want to take, even if you can cover it up with conviction, you will regret it for a long time to come.
Marito is a wise king, but he is not a saint. For the sake of his country, he will truly consider all means.
Yeah, right.
I'd like to meet the woman he'd introduce me to, if he's thinking of me.
Thinking about you, ...... I have a simple question, what kind of women do you like?
I like pretty girls and pretty women, but I'm not biased. I like pretty girls and pretty women, but I don't have a bias.
You really seem to have a wide range of interests.
You can't know who you're going to like at any given time. You never know who you're going to fall in love with. You don't want to let your selfish ideals ruin that encounter.
"I see, that's your answer.
Ilias laughed in disgust. If she were a little more relaxed in general, I would be more likely to consider her as a woman, but let's just say that's also her personality.
"Does Ilias prefer a knight like his father?
"I'm sure he'd like that, but it's just an ideal that he admires. If I were to meet such a man, I don't know if I could fall in love with him.
I'd rather point my sword at him.
You might.
This is the kind of relationship I would like to have with the Iliad, regardless of gender differences. But no violence, please.