[VOL. 1] CHAPTER 30 TACTICIAN

On that day I went to inspect the irrigation construction site.

Pikaru, hows the constructions progress?

Its progressing splendidly. Carlo-samas instructions were very effective.

Pikaru lowered his head respectfully.

Good, good, looks like the construction is progressing favourably.

My instructions that Pikaru mentioned were roughly three.

The first instruction was to divide them into groups and make them compete, inspired by Hideyoshi.

You guys arent going to lose to the other groups! You want to let your mothers eat something delicious, dont you?!

Yeah, we absolutely wont lose!

A loud motivating voice echoed through the scene.

This is all going according to my expectations.

Another instruction was the use of earth magic in the construction.

I hear this was an unprecedented endeavour but it was a huge hit.

They could move around the soil just like they intended.

Its a problem that they cant do too complicated things because there were only a few earth magicians and most of them here used beginner class magic but this drastically increased our efficiency.

Everyone, be careful, we are going to blast that spot! 3, 2, 1

Boooooooom!

Earth and sand vanish with an explosion.

I had Knopf provide us with plenty of substitute dynamite.

Another instruction was about a certain person.

That persons name was Nals. (TN: Some duuuuude~)

Hes one of the people I was looking for, he was a tactician appearing in my novel who supported Carlo in diplomacy and military affairs.

When that name left Rozeas mouth I was so surprised she started laughing at me.

I had Rozea write a letter of introduction and then I immediately went to meet Nals on foot.

Im sorry for having caused you trouble in expressly coming here, Carlo-sama.

When I heard from Rozea theres such an excellent person here I immediately rushed over. Im intruding on you. Sorry.

Honestly I was in the midst of reading but one cant meet the feudal lord every day. So, what kind of business do you have with me today?

Mmm, his reaction is brusque.

Nals is a sharp-minded person in scholar skin and also a character who liked Carlo.

He was a weird person blessed with a sharp tongue.

Lets not beat around the bush. I want you to lend me your power for this border territory, Nals. Although it may be annoying

To be honest, it is annoying. And even if I lend you my power what would you make me do?

Well, thats right.

Mmm, how should I do this?

I want you to lend me your strength as a tactician. To make this border territory even wealthier Nals power is- -

I got until there when my eyes got stuck on a shelf at the wall.

A soldier, a magician, a maid, a knight, a nurse, all of them were girls.

Their size was around 15 centimetres each. (TN: Figurines~ so the Tactician has a hobby of making figurine~. Youll get along well, I guess?)

They werent just dolls either.

The soldier raised her sword, the magician raised her wand and chanted an aria and the maid swept with her broom.

Besides, each one is carefully painted.

T, this is

I unconsciously stood up and stared into that shelf before I noticed it.

Is the scale 1/10?

But its enough to convey the creators enthusiasm.

Who made this?

I made it. Are you interested?

Yeah. Its well made. Unfortunately, its the eyes, huh? If the eyes had more power to them they would seem livelier.

Thats right, the eyes.

Since there are no decals it makes a big difference and all depends on the creators ability. (TN:Decalcomania)

The dolls Nals made were well done for wooden ones but their eyes were so doll-like because the emotions didnt reach them.

What? Are you calling the dolls this Nals made cheap?

No, I dont call them cheap. But I think this needs more feeI just know of a better way to draw the dolls eyes to make it match them.

Hohou, I cant ignore this. To think youd suddenly brag that you can draw the eyes better than this Nals, hmpf.

Nals snorted and I think he looked at me challengingly.

How about you show me, huh? Heres a doll I was planning to paint just now. Ill have you draw the eyes on it.

Oops, did I anger him?

But there are also some things I cant give up on as a person who loves figurines, a person who once aimed to be a modeller.

Fine, Ill draw them

Then, lets do it like this, if you cant convince this Nals youll immediately return. On the other hand, if you can persuade this Nals I will listen to anything you have to say.

Yeah, I dont mind.

Are you sure? Dont you think this Nals might not tell the truth even if I am convinced inwardly?

I breathed in, stared into Nals eyes and said:

Im not worried about that. This feeYoull understand it when you look at the doll. There is no way for a man who loves these dolls to use such daunting measures.

Nals looked back at me with a straight gaze.

Fine. Then go for it.

What Nals took out was the figurine of a girl yet to be painted.

The girls expression of her hands, her feet taking light steps, the spreading of her skirts folds, long flowing hair.

Everything is extremely delicate and yet lively.

I took the brush.

I dont have any idea what this paint is either.

I carefully tried to draw on a piece of wood first.

Good.

I held my breath and started working.

Nals seemed to also hold his breath and watched me.

I decided on the image.

Felicias lively eyes when she danced for me.

While remembering that scene I concentrated and drew it in one stroke.

What the, that is

After he saw the completed doll Nals was stunned.

How is it, Nals? I think those eyes are appropriate for the dolls Nals makes.

I was surprised. To think that just changing the eyes gives birth to such a lively expression

Nals looked into my eyes again.

This Nals admired it. But please tell me one more thing. Whats the most important thing when moving soldiers in battle? (TN: Talk about a quick subject change)

Thats a simple question, its logistics. Those who let soldiers starve dont have any qualification as the lord.

Is that so?

This was too easy a question for me as Nals uses this like a favourite phrase in my work.

After Nals closed his eyes and thought for a while he slowly opened them again.

This Nals thought about serving you even if you just answered with military power or spirit. There are only few who understand the importance of logistics.

After he said that Nals kneeled before me. (TN: Ding! Nals has entered the party)

This Nals will serve Carol-sama. Although my body is weak, please make full use of it.

Like this, the tactician became my comrade.

Nals didnt only demonstrate his talent in diplomacy and military affairs but also public work.

Like this, the construction progressed extremely smoothly.

By the way, I also asked Nals for the design of Balhart castle.

On another note.

I secretly took Nals to the Fawn Pavilion and let him meet Felicia.

Im doing the colouring.

Aah, I cant wait to see the finished product.

Thats feeI mean, lets settle on the irrigation construction (sweat). (TN:siiiiiiiigh)