"Rest, be careful!" "Master Rest, please don't leave our side!"
The moment I told Viola and Primula I was heading to the Academy, they both insisted on coming along. Ever since we arrived, they hadn't left me for a single second, clinging to me as if they were a professional security detail guarding a high-profile VIP.
"Um... it's not like we're walking into a lion's den. You don't have to stick quite so close..." I gave a strained, weary smile.
I had come to the Academy today specifically to scout talent for my territorial development project. We had already entered the grounds and were making our way toward the main building, but for some reason, the twins were on high alert.
"Are you two... on guard against the other girls?" I asked.
"Exactly! We don't know where they might be lurking, so stay focused!" Viola barked.
"Sister, look—behind the school building to the right. There are two of them!" Primula added.
"Copy that! And there are three more coming up from behind. Stay sharp!"
"Are you guys expecting an assassination attempt? Isn't this a bit much?"
It made me wonder just how much they despised the idea of other women getting near me. Still, being the object of such intense jealousy wasn't entirely unpleasant; it was a clear sign of how much they loved me.
"...It’s not that I mind if you take more wives or concubines," Viola said, her expression shifting to something more serious. "I’m a noblewoman; I understand how things work. Besides, you’re strong and accomplished, Rest."
"Exactly," Primula agreed. "The problem lies with the worthless women trying to sink their claws into you."
Viola scanned our surroundings with a wary glare, while Primula puffed out her cheeks in annoyance.
"If it's a woman who is politically advantageous or someone talented enough to actually help you, then that's fine. We wouldn't mind them approaching," Primula explained.
"The issue," Viola cut in, "is the women who are only after your money. They'll try to seduce you into making them your concubines just so you'll buy them dresses, jewels, and mansions. We can't have parasites who will do nothing but corrupt you getting anywhere near you, Master Rest!"
"Ah... I suppose those types might exist."
I currently had enough wealth to keep an entire town's worth of women in luxury if I wanted to. To the more predatory students, I likely looked like a very lucrative prize.
"I'll be careful," I promised. "I'll make sure I don't fall for any suspicious honey traps."
"Yes, please do," Viola said. "Anyway... what's the plan? Are we heading to the classroom?"
"Let’s see... let's wait in the cafeteria until the lunch break. There should be students there who don't have classes this period."
Classes had already resumed at the Academy, but I had no intention of attending them. I was a Count now. As a high-ranking member of the nobility, my priorities had shifted toward the development and management of my territory.
Naturally, I had obtained permission from the Academy. It seemed quite a few students skipped school due to family circumstances, with some keeping their names on the roster while rarely ever setting foot on campus. In exchange for my absence, the teachers had buried me in a mountain of assignments, but that was a fair trade. If anything, the Academy was being incredibly generous; as long as I turned in my work, I could earn the status of a 'proper graduate' without attending a single day.
It’s a school for nobles, after all, I thought. I suppose they're flexible when it comes to things like this.
"I’ll start scouting one group at a time," I told them. "First our classmates, then students from other classes in our year. After that, I’ll look at the upperclassmen and students from different departments. For now, I’ll offer rewards to recruit people for monster subjugation. They have their own classes to worry about, so I’ll probably only be able to hire them for the weekends."
Even temporary, part-time help would be a start. I wanted to cast a wide net. Then, for those who proved their worth, I could formally invite them to enter my service as vassals now that I had my own title.
When I had visited the Academy previously, several people had approached me seeking employment, but most of them seemed like they were just looking for a free ride on my coattails. My current goal was to separate the wheat from the chaff—giving people a chance to work and then picking out the truly talented individuals.
"I'll see what I can find through the Ladies' Society as well," Viola offered. "There must be girls looking for prestigious positions for their lovers or fiancés."
"And I'll consult the Student Council," Primula added. "I'll see if I can use the connections of the other committee members."
"The Student Council... right. I should definitely look into the Executive Committee."
The members of the Student Council Executive Committee were the elite of the Royal Academy, especially when it came to combat prowess. They had proven their worth as a rescue unit during the recent Monster Hunting Festival.
"They're already experienced in fighting monsters. I'll reach out to them later."
With our strategy set, it was time to put it into motion. Flanked by Viola and Primula, I stepped into the school building.