Episode 23 — The Embodiment of Sloth Begins to Move
When I welcomed Gustav and Bartos at the entrance, both of them bowed way too politely.
I mean, I appreciate respect, but this level just makes it awkward.
Still, I guided them to the living room and had them sit on the sofa.
Tama hopped onto my lap, tail swaying as she observed the two.
“Relax. You don’t have to be that tense. Sit.”
“Y‑yes…! We are honored, Master Zect!”
Yeah, still too stiff.
Bartos sat with his back perfectly straight, and Gustav kept his hands tightly folded on his knees.
My sofa isn’t some royal artifact, guys.
“So, what’s up today?”
The moment I asked, Bartos shot to his feet.
“First, our report! One month ago, we implemented all of your proposals:
the shift system, the placement of outposts, the silent night patrols—everything!”
“O‑oh… you actually did it.”
“The health of our knights has improved greatly, and morale during training has returned.
As a result, individual skill levels have risen, and the Felsen Knight Order is now far stronger than before!”
(...I just said that stuff casually.
It works that well?)
Bartos continued, fired up.
“Additionally, we strengthened the forest security and distributed the outposts into three locations!
If anyone approaches your sanctuary, we can respond immediately!”
“No, respond gently. Just turn them away, okay?”
“Of course, Master Zect!!”
Yeah, he definitely didn’t get it.
Gustav stepped forward and bowed deeply.
“Master Zect. Thanks to your guidance, Felsen is moving in a truly positive direction.
And today, we have one more request.”
“Hm? What is it?”
Gustav swallowed hard.
“We wish to assign Bartos… as your personal retainer.”
“Personal?”
“Yes. For communication, and above all… as your constant protector.”
Bartos dropped to one knee and placed a fist to his chest.
“I shall protect you even at the cost of my life!”
(...So I get a personal bodyguard.
Nice. I’m not planning to go outside anyway, but having one is convenient.)
“Sure. Go ahead.”
“Haah!! I, Bartos, shall devote my entire being to your service!!”
Gustav continued.
“And furthermore… we wish to build a small garrison next to your residence.
Only a minimal number of knights, so as not to disturb your silence.”
(A garrison next door… well, whatever. Doesn’t affect my life.)
“Do what you want.”
Gustav trembled with emotion, and Bartos looked like he was about to cry.
“Master Zect…! Such generosity…!”
“Mrow. (He’s just lazy.)”
“Yeah yeah.”
I petted Tama’s head and suddenly remembered something.
“Oh right. I have something to give you two.”
Both of them snapped their heads up.
“From… Master Zect… to us…?”
“Yep. Hold on.”
I took out my phone and opened Lumina Shopping (Japan edition).
Searching “walkie‑talkie” brought up results instantly.
(Walkie‑talkie set of two, hands‑free, 4000L… cheap.
Compared to this world’s tech, it’s basically free.)
Next, I searched for “solar panel.”
(Foldable solar panel, USB‑C/USB‑A/DC output, 8000L…
Also cheap. How does the logistics even work?)
I added both to the cart and hit order.
—Ding‑dong.
The doorbell rang.
I stood up and opened the door.
As always, the items were sitting there silently.
“Alright, they’re here.”
I brought the walkie‑talkies and solar panel back and placed them in front of the two.
“What are these…?”
“Communication tools. With these, you can contact me, and I can contact you.”
Bartos picked up the walkie‑talkie with trembling hands.
“T‑this is… a magic tool…?
No… I sense no magic at all…?”
“Mrrp. (Because it’s just normal technology.)”
Gustav spoke with awe.
“Master Zect…! Such a precious divine artifact…!”
(Divine artifact… well, I guess it looks like that to them.)
“It’s simple. Just press here and talk.”
I explained how to use the walkie‑talkies and how to set up the solar panel.
When I finished, Bartos nodded with absolute seriousness.
“Understood! I shall keep this divine artifact on my person at all times!”
“No, don’t keep it on you. Install it in the garrison like I said.”
I returned to the sofa, Tama settling on my lap again.
(...A personal guard and a garrison next door.
My life is getting more convenient by the day.
If anything happens, I can just call them with the walkie‑talkie.)
“Mrow. (You’re being misunderstood on every possible level.)”
NEXT→