"What?! You... you want me to be the Lord of Lodesto? Master Lloyd, are you for real!?"
Galilea’s eyes were practically bugging out of his head at my words.
"Yeah, I want you to do it. After Jade passed, you were the one who kept the Assassin's Guild together. You're used to leading people, right? I'm sure you can handle it."
I’d thought it over and decided to leave the lordship to Galilea.
Charles and Albert had suggested several candidates, but if I let one of them take the position, I wouldn't be able to do whatever I wanted anymore. In that regard, Galilea was already under my influence. Plus, he was surprisingly sensible and good at taking care of his subordinates.
I had to admit, it was an ideal choice. Yep.
"No, no, no, that's just crazy! A former thug like me could never handle being a lord!"
Galilea shook his head violently; he was clearly shrinking back from the responsibility.
"You won't know until you try. Thugs and lords are both just human in the end. The job itself probably isn't that different from what you've done before. The scale's just a bit larger, that's all."
"I think calling a few dozen guild members and hundreds of citizens a 'bit' of a difference in scale is a massive stretch!"
"I'll come by to check on things every now and then, so I'm happy to help. I'm only suggesting this because I believe you're the right man for it."
"B-but..."
He still looked uncertain. I suppose I have no choice but to push him a little. I stared straight into Galilea’s eyes and questioned him.
"Or was it a lie when you said you’d serve me with your life?"
"No! That's not it at all! I'm prepared to die for your sake, Master Lloyd! I just... I don't think I'm cut out to be a lord. I'm scared I'll fail you..."
"Good grief, you're pathetic for such a big guy."
A hand slapped firmly onto Galilea’s shoulder. It was Talia. Babylon and Crow were standing right beside her.
"We'll help you, too. Let's work together to build a proper territory!"
"He's right. Former crooks like us getting the chance to be lords? We'll never get another shot like this. My blood's pumping just thinking about it. Besides, Galilea, if we become big shots, we might even get a taste of the high life, right? Kuku."
"I will do whatever I can to help. Let us give it our best."
"Come on, Galilea, let's do it."
"You guys..."
Tears welled up in Galilea’s eyes. He wiped them away with his sleeve and looked me straight in the face.
"I get it, Master Lloyd. I, Galilea, gratefully accept the appointment as Lord of Lodesto. I'll give it everything I've got, on my life!"
"Good. I'm counting on you."
"Yes, sir!"
They all bowed their heads deeply.
Phew, that's one weight off my shoulders. Now I just need to drop by occasionally. I can use those visits as an excuse to study their abilities further. It’s killing two birds with one stone.
"...But to make people like us lords, what on earth is Master Lloyd thinking? Wait—I get it! He wants us to carry on Jade's legacy! Creating a city where Cursed Ones can live in peace without being treated like monsters... that was his dream. It was our dream, too. That's why we went to the mansion, even knowing it might be a trap. We believed in Jade. But he was already dead, and we were broken. Master Lloyd gave us this chance instead... Heh, so he saw through everything. As expected of Master Lloyd... I've made up my mind. I'll follow you for the rest of my life!"
Galilea was mumbling something, but he was too far away for me to hear clearly.
"Uoooooh! Let's do this, you lot! Follow me!"
And now he was howling. That gave me a bit of a start. Well, at least he was motivated.
"By the way, where did that girl Ren go?"
"Now that you mention it, she's not here."
She had been there when I brought them to Lodesto, but I'd lost track of her since.
"I'm sure she's busy with something. No need to worry about it, right?"
"Master, would it kill you to show a least a little interest in them...?"
"How rude. I like those guys plenty."
"You mean as research subjects... No, never mind."
Ignoring the muttering Grimo, I used Flight to head back to the castle.
"M-Master... Lloyd... welcome... back..."
Greeting me upon my return to the castle were Sylpha and a small maid—Ren.
"Ren? What are you doing in that outfit? Why weren't you with the others?"
"Ugh... Well, this is, um..."
Ren fidgeted nervously with her fingers. As I wondered what was going on, Sylpha spoke up.
"While you were heading to Lodesto, Master Lloyd, this girl came to me. She insisted she wanted to stay by your side and support you at all costs. Thus, I told her she must work as a maid. Your sphere of activity has expanded, and personal attendants with combat skills are valuable. I was already thinking it was time for another person to assist you, so I granted her permission on the condition that she first undergoes training under me. Provided you approve, of course."
So that's where she went.
"Of course, I don't mind."
Ren's face lit up instantly.
"I-I look forward to serving you! Lloyd... -sama."
"Ren, it is still too soon for you to address him so familiarly. You will call him Master."
"Ugh... M-Master..."
I gave a wry smile at her bright red face.
"You can just call me whatever's comfortable."
"I will not have it. We must maintain appearances. You have a mountain of etiquette, speech patterns, and proper conduct to learn."
"Y-yes. I'll do my... best... sir."
I burst out laughing at her clumsy attempt at formal speech.
"Hey! Don't laugh!"
"Haha, sorry, sorry."
"Now, now, Ren. You're forgetting your manners again."
"Ugh..."
She went quiet under Sylpha's stern gaze. Well, this worked out. With Ren nearby, I can study assassin techniques and abilities whenever I want.
As she turned to follow Sylpha out of the room, Ren looked back and whispered.
"Hey, Lloyd... are you really okay with this? Keeping a poison-spreader like me by your side?"
"Hmm?"
"I mean, I'm managing to control it now because of you, but I've killed so many people with this poison. I was hated for it. If something happens again..."
I placed a hand gently on her head.
"That only happened because you were inexperienced. Jade studied and understood his power until he could turn it into a Spell Formula. If you do the same and learn to control your power, you'll be able to refine your poison. Eventually, you might even be able to make medicine."
"My poison... into medicine?"
She looked at me blankly.
"Yeah. Poison and medicine are two sides of the same coin. They're often made of the same components. In fact, many detoxification spells fall under Poison System Magic. You've hated your power until now, right? But if you face it properly, I think your ability has the most room for growth. If you study seriously with me, you could become the world's greatest apothecary."
A poison that kills, or a medicine that saves. Every power depends on its interpretation, the knowledge behind it, and the person using it.
"So, work hard, Ren."
"Yeah—Yes! I'll do my best!"
Her eyes sparkled, and the darkness from before had completely vanished. If she develops her own abilities, it'll save me a lot of research time. Yep.
With new research subjects—comrades—added to the mix, my life as a mage is looking better than ever. As I watched her run off, waving her hand, I felt a swell of anticipation for what the future would hold.