▪️×▪️×▪️×▪️
▪️
▪️
▪️
A week after my promotion ceremony, Mephisto-jiisama came to his mansion in Capital Lilith and handed me a folder.
"Rey, this is for you."
"Hm? What is this? .... And please sit down, Mephisto-jiisama."
I received the folder while tilted my head slightly and invited Mephisto-jiisama to sit down.
"That is the certificate of ownership of the territory you will control."
Mephisto-jiisama answered and then sat down.
"Ah, so it's been decided...."
"Aye."
Indeed, in the decision regarding my promotion, apart from gaining the status of a High-class Devil Noble, I was also allowed to re-establish the Rofocale Family and become the Head of the Family. That's why I gained a territory too.
"Please have a tea, Mephisto-sama."
"Thank you."
Sakuya-san served Mephisto-jiisama a cup of tea and Mephisto-jiisama sipped it.
Meanwhile, I opened the folder and took out its contents.
And after I opened the file and read the contents of the certificate, I found a map on the next page.
And I was quite surprised after seeing the map.
"This...."
"Mahahahaha.... What do you think?"
Mephisto-jiisama chuckled and asked with a slightly proud grin.
"Isn't this the lake where I trained before? The territory given to me is there?"
That's right. On the map, there are an area marked with different color than the surrounding areas and delimited by dotted lines.
And I recognized that the area was near a large lake where I had been practicing for two years.
"That's right.... More precisely it's near the large lake, Tlaga, which bordering between the Devil and Fallen Angel territories."
So the name of the large lake is Lake Tlaga. I just knew that.
"I was the one who proposed giving you that border area. Apart from the fact that you are already familiar with that place, another reason is because there is the border area between the Devil and Fallen Angel territories. So if for example you want to make contact with Azazel or vice versa, that won't be too difficult."
"Oh. That's good indeed."
I nodded slightly.
It is true that I and the others are not unfamiliar with that area and it would indeed make it easier if for example I wanted to go to Governor Azazel's lab or vice versa.
"But, because the area has never been developed, you may have to build infrastructure such as roads or something to make access easier. You are also required to build at least one town as the central of your territory."
"I understand that.... But... I don't have the capital for that, right?"
I said with a slight blush and looked away.
Yes. That's embarrassing indeed. But it can't be denied that I definitely don't have any money!
Mephisto-jiisama laughed.
"Mahahahaha! You don't need to worry about that, Rey. You also get a bit capital from the Palace for construction of your main city. And I myself will also provide additional capital and employ people to handle the construction."
"Is that okay?"
"It's okay. Besides, I have a lot of unused money. Moreover, I consider you like my own grandson. So just accept it."
"Then thank you very much, Mephisto-jiisama."
Thankfully, I also received allowances and capital assistance for development.
If not, I don't know where to get capital from.
Don't tell me I have to borrow from the bank or something?
But I don't want to be in debt when I was still a brat like now.
No.
I don't want to be in debt now or ever!
▪️
▪️
▪️
"Apart from that, I will also promote your area to attract residents to move there."
Mephisto-jiisama said and then went back to sipping his tea for a moment and then continued talking.
"After the construction is complete and the residents arrive, the rest is the management of the territory. And about that, as the ruler of the territory, of course you have to handle it yourself."
I nodded slightly as a sign of understanding.
"But it's fine if I appoint someone to help manage and look after my territory, right?"
"Yes. You have autonomy. So it's up to you how you want to manage your territory. The important thing is not to abuse your authority. If not, your title and territory will be revoked."
"That's good."
Even though I had known since before that I had autonomy over my territory because my Rofocale Family was an Extra Family, I heaved a slight sigh of relief after getting confirmation that I also had enough freedom for the management of my territory including appointing someone as a kind of viceroy.
"Do you intend to perform a Summoning to find someone who can help you with that?"
Mephisto-jiisama asked with a slightly serious look and tone.
"Uhh.... Right."
I answered with a little hesitation and awkwardness because it seemed like I was intending to throw my responsibilities to others.
And I will also feel a little guilty if it turns out that the person who will be summoned is someone who is too overwhelming like Scathach-sama who is a God-slayer Goddess or Kulshedra-san who is a Destroyer of Civilizations.
"Hah~.... Try not to summon someone who isn't too exceed the limits, Rey...."
Mephisto-jiisama took a deep breath and said while slightly glaring at me.
"I-I'll try."
I answered with a slight wry smile.
But, since I just want to summon someone who can help me manage the territory, that means what I need is a bureaucratic person who is good enough at management, understands a little about politics, and has enough maturity in EQ and IQ. So those who will be summoned shouldn't be too overpowered, right?
Right.
I hope.
Probably.
No!
I'm certain!
"I will also help you find people to be your staffs and subordinates. After all, you are a noble who rules a territory and will live in a castle. So you will need low-level staff or subordinates such as guards, servants, etc."
Mephisto-jiisama said again and I then gave a small nod.
"You're right."
Since I will be managing the territory, such low-level personnel are indeed important.
Moreover, it is clearly impossible for me and the people who will become members of my Peerage to handle everything.
"Of course I will look for people with characteristics and personalities who are quite good and trustworthy. So there's no need to worry."
Mephisto-jiisama said again.
Yeah. It would be better if the people who would be my subordinates were people who had good traits and personalities.
After all, if a noble's subordinates showed bad behavior, it would also tarnish their master's image.
And they must also be people who can be trusted! Because I and others are sensitive people who have many secrets. It would be bad if any of the staff or subordinates who worked for me turned out to be spies from other parties.
"Thank you, Mephisto-jiisama."
"No problem."
After I thanked him, Mephisto-jiisama smiled slightly and then returned to sipping his tea.
▪️
▪️
▪️
▪️×▪️×▪️×▪️