That night.

As usual, I was having tea in the bedroom, but Elena had gone down to the mansion early to help with preparations for Alec’s dungeon expedition tomorrow, and today it was just Sera, Teresa, and me.

The topic of conversation was mainly about Zelkis.

It’s in a neighboring territory, so I regularly gather information, but even though my stay was less than a day, I still gained some valuable insights from actually seeing things firsthand.

What particularly caught my attention was that the frequency of maid replacements in the mansion had increased compared to when I was there.

Those who can work in a lord’s mansion are typically from good families among the commoners, and have received an education.

Yet, there are enough replacements happening within such a short time…

I can’t believe they’ve lowered the hiring standards, so this must mean that the education level in Zelkis’ territory has risen.

Even though they cut off the frontier areas that were holding them back, such a change in just a few years?

Right now, it’s only among the upper class, but at this rate, it won’t be long before it reaches the lower classes, and if we don’t start investing in the education of the commoners now, we’ll fall further behind.

I looked at Teresa, who seemed to understand the implications, her face serious.

As for Sera… She didn’t seem too interested and was more disappointed that the maid she was close to had retired.

Speaking of which, even during the post-lunch conversation in the lounge, when the topic shifted to policies, Sera hadn’t shown much interest.

“Sera.”

“Hm?”

“You’re not interested in politics?”

Now that I think about it, I never actually confirmed this with her. How does she feel about it?

Even daughters of commoners occasionally take an interest in politics.

Such individuals usually end up in a guild, and if they’re recognized for their abilities, they may be recommended to work under a magistrate.

This would allow them to become involved in politics, at least as civil servants.

If they’re further recognized, they could rise even higher… Though the odds are extremely low.

In any case, Sera will become the adopted daughter of a high-ranking noble family, so if she wishes to get involved, she could. But…

“…Not really? It’s troublesome… I don’t have any connections…”

“I see…”

I understand. Indeed, in order to accomplish anything, one must rely on others, which takes both time and effort.

To move things along more efficiently, you need many people working for you.

One increases such people through their family or position, but Sera doesn’t have that yet.

More than anything, this girl is more suited to following orders than giving them, and in fact, that’s probably more efficient for her.

“Sera, did your father say anything?”

She should know how I plan to handle her, but first, let’s check what her father thinks.

Sera answered with a smile.

“He said to let me handle the troublesome things, and that I could do whatever I want for now.”

It seems he’s leaving it up to me.

Having her manage subordinates in the future isn’t a bad idea, but there’s no need for that now.

Still, politics isn’t just about staying in a room and working at a desk.

Since it’s a good opportunity, maybe I should make her study a bit.

“I’ll be going to the town tomorrow. Sera, you should come with me.”

“Eh? Well… okay… But isn’t it sudden? Won’t you be busy?”

“Yes, it’s fine. What I’m doing right now doesn’t require anyone in particular to handle it.”

If it were a petition, then perhaps, but it’s just a signature for a dungeon-related decision. As long as the upper brass have checked it, anyone can sign.

“I see… Okay, then.”

With that, Sera walked over to the window, muttering, “I wonder if it’ll get hot…”

“It probably will. Teresa, you should come too.”

“Yes. What about Elena?”

“I’ll bring her along.”

“Understood. I’ll send someone early tomorrow morning.”

“Should I go as well?”

Sera, who had been looking out the window, turned to face me and asked.

But…

“You won’t be able to get up in the morning…”

“Grr…”

She groaned, but given that she just returned from Zelkis, she must be tired.

Looking at Teresa, it seemed she had the same thought.

“Well then, I’ll prepare for tomorrow. Excuse me.”

With that, Teresa picked up the used teacups and left the room.

It seems it’s about time we rest as well.

◇

“…So ‘going out’ means work, huh?”

On the way back from the healing institute, Sera spoke up.

She had been quiet in the institute, probably because there were other people around, but she’s not admitting it, yet I suspect she’s a bit shy.

“This time it was the healing institute, but it’s also the duty of nobles to visit facilities in the towns and villages they’re responsible for and interact with the residents. Elsewhere, there are more elaborate preparations, like security, but it’s not a problem for us.”

That said, I had decided on this rather suddenly last night, so I may have overexerted her.

I don’t usually push things too far, but I must be careful with my restraint.

“You’ve been to the Adventurers’ Guild and the Merchants’ Guild, but you should also make an appearance here. With your ability to use 【Prayer】, you could help with treatments.”

The church also runs a healing clinic, but in Riana, to weaken the church’s influence, we’ve been actively sending personnel to the healing institute.

Adventurers also frequently receive treatment there, and while a guard is necessary, it’s a good place to make connections.

“Ah… that’s true. I could also help with potion deliveries, especially when the hunting grounds aren’t available. It could be useful.”

So for this girl, it’s just another way to kill time… Well, perhaps not having an ambition for power isn’t a bad thing.

There’s still plenty of time, so I’ll slowly teach her how to work.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera-【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Blessing of Mira】【Wind Garb】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・11 cards

Seriana-【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards

Elena-【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec-【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・8 cards