Starting the Strategy from Frieren

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"Well, let's put the discussion about governing the territory aside for now. What are your plans for the future?"

"What? Do you want me to go to Shattered Leaf City to help you?"

The steam rising in the bathroom condensed into droplets on the white marble walls, trickling down in thin lines. Flamme comfortably leaned back against the edge of the tub, not minding that Evan could see more of her beautiful curves.

"Having one more person naturally means more strength." Evan picked up a towel from the side. "Turn around; I'll help you wash your back."

"Okay."

Flamme complied, and as Evan leaned closer, their movements caused waves in the tub, splashing quite a bit of water outside.

"The Magic Association and the Royal Mage Corps are just getting started. We must rely on the power of the kingdom to quickly expand our influence, so I need to remain in the capital… Ugh! Don't touch strange places!"

"Sorry, my hand slipped."

Evan continued to gently wipe Flamme's smooth, fair back with the towel. His delicate touch sent tingling sensations through her sensitive body, making her shiver slightly with pleasure.

"If you can't leave the capital… what about Frieren? She should be able to stay and help me, right?"

"You must not have any bad thoughts about her. She's still just a child who doesn't understand anything."

"Right, right. A child over five hundred years old, huh? Are you just jealous?"

"Fine, Frieren can stay and help you. After all, experiencing the treachery of human nature is a form of growth too."

Flamme agreed to Evan's request after a moment of thought. After all, she had enhanced Frieren's mental resistance; drugs and brainwashing wouldn't work on her at all.

Moreover, based on elves' indifference toward reproduction, her threat level was almost zero from a gender perspective.

Additionally, Frieren had already mastered electromagnetic cannon magic during her last practice session. Even if she wasn't by her side, it wouldn't matter.

Compared to the capital, Shattered Leaf City had more opportunities for actual combat with demons.

With her worries about Frieren alleviated, Flamme returned her thoughts to the present.

"Evan, I'll be setting off back to the capital tomorrow. We won't see each other for a long time; don't you have anything special you want to say to me?"

"Of course I do. But rather than words, I prefer to express my feelings through actions." Evan pulled Flamme into his embrace. "Your back is already clean; now it's time for the front…" The next day…

As Evan watched the king's convoy depart, he began planning his own affairs regarding his new position.

First was the issue of personnel; it sounded cool to take office alone on horseback, but there would undoubtedly be a mountain of troubles. He needed to establish his own team first.

The village chief, Miss Winley, who had a talent for internal affairs, was the first to be recruited. As both a hero and a viscount, she couldn't disobey his orders.

Next were the hunters from the village; after explaining his situation, twelve were willing to follow him.

Among them were eleven young hunters who hadn't yet started families or widowers who had lost their homes. Only Lindon—a family man—brought his whole family along because not only did he want to repay his life debt but also because his daughter Martina was summoned by Evan.

Last night's performance had made Flamme deeply understand Evan's feelings. Before leaving, she had spent considerable effort testing everyone's magical talent in Sword Village. Among them, Martina stood out among ordinary people; naturally, Evan wouldn't miss such an opportunity.

In addition to these villagers, adventurer teams were also targets for Evan. He approached the blonde captain.

"Good! Have you discussed with your teammates whether you want to continue on unknown adventures or follow me for a chance at a better future? Opportunities are always given to those who are wise and decisive."

"The unknown adventure is indeed tempting," Good replied. "But we are no longer inexperienced fledglings. Given our goal of defeating the demon king, it's clearly more hopeful to follow you—the one who drew out the holy sword."

Good knelt on one knee in loyalty while other adventurers followed suit; after all, this was an opportunity presented before them—missing this village meant losing their chance altogether.

Thus far, Evan had gained five warriors skilled in fighting spirit and three moderately powerful mages along with two commendable priests.

After counting their supplies, they set off toward Shattered Leaf City. Meanwhile, that loyal messenger from earlier wore an awkward smile as he explained some basic information about Shattered Leaf City to Evan—his tone and demeanor were humbly submissive.

The permanent population in Shattered Leaf City was around ten thousand people—considered a medium-sized city within the kingdom—and including surrounding towns and villages brought Evan's territory population up to about twenty thousand.

If most of the fleeing soldiers returned home, there would likely be around five hundred guards left in town; if they were lucky enough to have fifty knights fully armed remaining would be fortunate indeed.

"How much do you know about the former lord's family?"

"Baron Hicks' wife is the daughter of Count Flor from Flower City next door. Their marriage was a political alliance; they have a son who is eight years old now. However, there are rumors that Baron Hicks' relationship with his wife isn't good at all; there are even significant doubts about whether that son is truly his biological child."

"Do you know what forces in Shattered Leaf City might be useful for me?"

"Brave hero! I'm merely a messenger; I truly don't know about the power struggles between factions…"

"Hmm… I see. You may leave now," Evan said as he waved off the messenger who looked as if he wanted nothing more than to lick his shoes and turned his gaze toward Frieren.

"Frieren… did he lie just now?"

"The lie detection magic didn't react."

The so-called lie detection magic analyzes subtle physiological responses exhibited by humans when lying and has an accuracy rate of up to ninety-nine percent.

Of course, this only applies to humans; lie detection magic is completely ineffective against demons—whether they speak truth or lies—demons show no physiological changes whatsoever. Only ultimate lie detection magic at the level of world rules might detect demons.

"By the way… Frieren! What have you been doing with your life until now?" Evan initiated conversation as a way to pass time during their tedious journey.

"Reading books and studying magic," she replied flatly without any expression on her round face or hint of excitement in her eyes.

"I've been living like that until that day because for elves with nearly infinite time, it's essential to have something worth focusing their energy on; otherwise they will fall into endless emptiness… A friend of mine used to say this but unfortunately she has already passed away."