Chapter 182
To summarize His Grace the Duke's explanation, it seems the politicians in this world are (though not all) essentially muscle-brained groups who don't understand the first thing about governance.
As someone who enjoyed FBO, I'd vaguely suspected this might be the case, but hearing it stated so bluntly is quite shocking.
"...Should we really be focusing on establishing adventurer schools right now?"
Ah—having understood and accepted this reality, I couldn't help but think we should prioritize education over physical training. That governance requires intelligence rather than brawn is common sense, and now that it's clear the country's problems stem from letting fools run rampant, those words slipped out.
"I've repeatedly advised His Majesty about establishing institutions to train civil officials. But we lack the budget, and there's considerable opposition. The prevailing view is that each household should handle their own training, and that this somehow works.""Except it doesn't work at all."
This "working" just means burdening a select few to barely maintain functionality—it's really just sustaining an unhealthy system.
The Duke shook his head at my dismay, as if to say "don't criticize."
"However, in a world threatened by monsters, we cannot neglect martial prowess. And our current environment isn't conducive to cultivating intellectuals who can match that martial strength."
This world's conventions hinder civil officials, yet these knowledge-based professions are vital for national administration.
"..."
While I want to change this, it's self-evident that non-combat professions can't outperform pure combat builds.
"Wait a minute."
But then it hits me—they don't need to win, just defend themselves, right?
The current environment leaves too many civil officials intimidated by martial force, unable to speak freely, causing governance issues.
So why not change that environment to let them voice their opinions?
"You've thought of something?"
The Duke leans forward eagerly at my muttering, as if seeing hope.
"Well, it's just a rough hypothesis...""Out with it. Even speculation would help."
Knowing improvements could enrich the nation, the Duke's expression makes me nod—no point hiding this.
"Civil officials can't advocate strongly because they're low-level and stat-checked, right?""Indeed.""And they're typically studious but physically inept?""Correct. Many in this world dislike combat, avoiding leveling up. They can't wield swords or cast spells."
The pattern is clear: prospective civil officials tend to avoid martial arts not just philosophically but due to physical aversion.
While they delight in reading and acquiring knowledge, many shun strenuous activity. Such individuals often view combat as barbaric—a perception hard to dispute when politics relies on violent coercion.
Even commoners avoid monster fights, keeping levels low. Changing this mindset is the first step.
"Then we must address their aversion, but you need immediate results, right?""Precisely.""So realistically, we need to create polymaths.""I wouldn't say none exist... Are you going to say your usual line?""Are you expecting something?""This time, I'm more hopeful than surprised."
But human perceptions aren't easily changed. That's our nature.
Thus, rather than reforming current officials, creating new ones seems the fastest route, albeit troublesome.
"Then I'll meet your expectations: It's possible.""Heh. Never thought I'd find your words reassuring rather than shocking."
Normally, producing polymaths would seem impossible. But as a player who's nurtured countless characters, I know it's theoretically feasible.
"Liberta, how will you create these polymaths?""Standardized leveling and combat-irrelevant skill sets tailored for civil service.""Elaborate.""Understood."
In FBO (and this world), numerous non-combat "joke skills" exist—enough to fill guide sites under categories like "novelty skills."
The "Good Sleep" skill is one example.
Among these, many could aid civil officials: bookkeeping, arithmetic, mental math (basically accountant skills), plus fast-writing, calligraphy, and editing skills (perfect for documentation).
I recall player-made novelty builds like "Prince Shōtoku" or "Zhuge Liang"—pure governance builds with zero combat skills. Using those as templates, we could mass-produce polymath civil units.
"True, some officials have such skills.""But their levels are too low to unlock many slots?""Exactly."
The Duke had similar ideas, but leveling remains the bottleneck. While possible without combat, paperwork grants negligible EXP, and class advancement is nearly hopeless.
"Thus, I need three criteria for recruits.""Three?""Integrity, academic ability, and physical health."
For rapid polymath training, combat leveling is optimal—ignoring EXBP, skill slots, job/title optimization.
"That's all?""It's demanding. Assessing integrity requires observing conduct, plus finding scholarly, healthy candidates.""Pah. Failing at that would disgrace my ducal title."
A month should suffice for training. Skill scrolls can be sourced through the Duke's connections.
"How many do you need?"
Seeing no signs of improvement ahead, I resolve to fully assist in replenishing the Duke's administrative corps. My leveling efficiency research won't go to waste—I can deliver instant polymaths.
"Can you enhance existing personnel?""Veterans are necessary. Leveling them up is feasible, but those refusing combat are hopeless.""I'll order them. If strength improves work, they'll comply.""What's the average level among current civil officials?""Aside from outliers like Lotus, most are Class 1—highest around 30, lowest mid-teens.""...That's slacking.""This is normal. Your rapid leveling is the anomaly."
We can't replace all veterans. Upgrading experienced officials also works.
"Really? With magic tools, even your house could manage this now.""Not before. Thanks to you, we're overflowing with spirit stones. Those will help?""Yes. With those, I'll produce dozens of Class 3 units monthly.""Then prepare a hundred. That should suffice.""In return, govern properly.""Naturally."
This plan should improve public order beyond the original timeline—a worthwhile investment.
Who knew "joke skills" would prove useful? Skills once only good for historical figure roleplay now see the light—quite poignant.
"Incidentally, we should stockpile skill scrolls. Prices may spike later.""Agreed. I'll have Lotus arrange it. Any other skills useful for governance?""Less governance, more stress management: Good Sleep for rest, Toughness for stamina, Telepathy for communication networks, Transcription for document copying."
This is essentially the "corporate slave" novelty build—maximizing work efficiency through sleep optimization, overtime endurance, and paperwork automation.
"Somehow this feels dark.""Overtime is universally dark.""...Fair."
This build has variants: Transport skills for logistics, leg strength for sales, or adjusted for caregiving.
The Duke seems concerned, but I reassure him. Work isn't all fun—we labor to resolve darkness.
"I'd like to train His Majesty's retinue eventually.""Then manage their training yourself. I'll provide manuals and safety protocols.""You dislike royal involvement?""I foresee endless demands if successful. I'm only helping this much because it's you, Duke.""Understood. You'll be properly compensated.""I'll accept payment, but your true reward is winning politically so we can adventure freely. That's what matters."
Corporate life isn't fun—we work to enable enjoyment. If my help improves this exploitative system, so be it.
I'll keep EXBP secret for now, but sharing safe leveling methods should be fine. This will make the Edelgard Ducal House's average level skyrocket.
"Paying you normally would be simpler.""Exactly~ Relying on me is expensive~ Don't make it a habit~"
As in games, public order is crucial. Turmoil prevents stable activity or base establishment.
Wandering has its charms, but lacks stability.
With these thoughts, I half-jokingly warn the Duke while inwardly sighing at my growing workload.