Thud.
The teacup settled on the desk in the office.
Silvia shot me a glare that seemed to say, "Why am I being given these trivial errands?" as she prepared to leave.

That was a bit irritating.
I called her back immediately.

"Silvia, starting today, I'm going to start a business."
"...What kind of business are you talking about?"

Gulp.
Silvia swallowed nervously, her expression tense.
I understood her concern.
Aslan had ruined more than one business up until now.

"It's a security service. How about calling it... Vermont Security?"
"Why are you suddenly interested in that?"

"Recently, we've had a massive cleanup of corrupt employees, so the Vermont mansion is short on security personnel."
"Yes, I'm well aware. I'm covering for that right now."
"Of course, the simplest way to quickly increase personnel is to hire experienced staff. The problem is that because of Leon, the Vermont estate has gained a reputation for being a place where embezzlement happens easily. It would be fine for other professions, but we can't just hire anyone to protect the mansion."

"I understand. Honestly, while it's physically tougher for me right now, it's mentally easier since a lot of the frustrating guards have disappeared."
"Oh? So you'd rather have it physically tough than mentally tough?"
"...!"

She hesitated.
Silvia's face turned pale, and she took a step back, looking as if she had seen a ghost.

"So, what does the lack of security personnel have to do with starting a security service? How are you planning to operate a security company without any guards to protect the mansion...?"
"We'll need to go through a training period. Training rookies into proper guards with my funding would be quite burdensome. That's why I'm suggesting we use business funds for that. We can quickly expand the security personnel, subcontract the mansion's defense to them, and allocate the remaining personnel for other tasks. That’s the plan."

Creating jobs is a bonus.
Moreover, if we find promising commoners among them, it would be a windfall.
Including Charlotte in the training program would be a great help as well.
This could be a very profitable venture in many ways.

"I completely understand the purpose and benefits of the business. Then, who will be the instructors?"
"You’re asking even though you already know."
"...Lord Soga."

Silvia glared at me with wide eyes.
Oh, she's about to hit me.

"Are you kidding me? You want me to be the instructor for the security company and train the rookies into guards?"
"That's correct."
"Lord Soga! I am dedicated to the Vermont family day and night, and I'm already overloaded with my current duties, so I don't have the spare capacity for other tasks...!"
"Salary reduction."
"...!"
"I'll shorten the period. If you succeed in the security business, that is."
"R-really?"

Silvia's eyes widened, and her pupils began to shake.
It had been several months since Silvia had been punished for her misbehavior.
Given that her contract conditions weren't great to begin with and that she'd have to endure a salary cut for a long time, it was essentially slavery.

Even though it was all a consequence of Silvia’s own mistakes, I felt a little pity and decided to show some leniency.
This was the so-called carrot and stick approach.
The carrot after being beaten by the stick is always sweeter than ever.

Silvia's eyes were now filled with moisture, touched by my words.
What a brat.

"I will do my best! Should I start by posting the job openings?"
"Yes. I'll leave it to you. You can design the training program based on what you learned in the military."
"I will definitely succeed! I will make the Vermont family into a fortress of security!"

Silvia turned back, filled with enthusiasm.
At this rate, she would probably work herself to the bone without suspicion for a while.
That is, until she realizes I haven't specified what the criteria for "succeeding in the security business" are.

"From now on, I'll only trust contracts that have been signed, Silvia."

Oral agreements are not contracts.
I've just imparted this invaluable life wisdom for free.
I wonder if I can just give it away like this.

For now, the reason for starting the security service is partly because the mansion's defenses are lacking.
It also seems like the number of people (important figures) to protect will only increase.
The first among those figures is Jacob the Dwarf.

"W-what is all this, Lord Soga? What on earth is happening in my smithy?"
"All the equipment was outdated, so I've decided to install new facilities. It will take about a month to complete, so until then, you can come and live in the mansion..."
"N-no! I'll stay at a nearby inn!"

Jacob bowed his head and flustered.
The smithy, which had only been a pile of dust and a broken forge, was about to undergo a major overhaul.
I felt slightly uneasy about demolishing my grandfather's legacy.
But seeing Jacob's eyes shining with anticipation, all that unease vanished.

"If you need any equipment, just let me know."
"Thank you so much for saying that, Lord Soga."
"This isn't just empty talk. Seriously, let me know what you need. You can make whatever you want and sell it. I'll handle getting contracts and connect you with customers."
"W-wait, does that mean I'll be doing blacksmith work under the name of the Vermont family?"
"Of course. We signed an exclusive contract yesterday."
"...!"

Was that a shocked face?
Or was it a moved face?
I can't quite tell.

"He's one of the few mana power users in the world. I need to support him properly."

Whether Jacob likes it or not, he'll have to hammer away diligently under the name of the Vermont family.
Whether it's blades or farming tools, it doesn't matter.
If he utilizes mana power, he can create anything of exceptional quality, and soon he'll gain a reputation as a luxury brand.

"The profit-sharing will be 60-40, so keep that in mind."
"Am I getting 40%?"
"Did you not read the contract? Of course, you're getting 60."
"Excuse me...?"

Did I get hit in the head?
Just because I set up some equipment in the smithy and took on some contracts, am I going to take 60% in commission?
Honestly, even 40% feels a bit excessive, but I plan to adjust the conditions for a renegotiation later once Jacob's name becomes more valuable.

I could see tears brimming in Jacob's eyes.
Why is this guy suddenly acting like this?

"I'll do my best! I won't tarnish the name of Vermont! I will make sure to create only the highest quality products without missing any deadlines!"
"Right. Work hard."
"Yes!!!"

Jacob wiped his tears and ran off, and I watched his back, laughing out loud.

"With this, I've managed to promote the Vermont family for free."

It's fan service for Carly.

[The Evil God, 'Carly,' beams a bright smile.]

The first step toward improving the Vermont family's image is none other than the master craftsman Jacob.
As he gains recognition as a master craftsman, the name of the Vermont family will inevitably become famous too.
Of course, that will come with its own side effects.

"I can't let him end up assassinated like his grandfather."

There are very few craftsmen who can use mana power worldwide.
In extreme cases, the rare workforce can often fall victim to assassination due to its value.
That's why I'm in a hurry to launch Vermont Security.

To protect Jacob, I need skilled and reliable bodyguards who are loyal only to the Vermont family.
Of course, I'll eventually have to protect several other people besides Jacob.
Silvia can't handle all that security by herself.

In reality, I'm actually reducing the amount of work Silvia has to do.
But she doesn't seem to understand my feelings...
Sigh, it's quite disappointing.

"I have way too much to do."

I’ve entrusted quite a few tasks to Silvia.
However, aside from the hands-on work, most of the tasks still fall to me.
I have to frame the structure of the business, of course.
Since both Jacob and I have credit scores close to zero, I have to work hard to secure contracts personally.

And as the size of the smithy increases, I'll have to hire several employees.
My involvement in the management is inevitable.

"Hey, mister! Can I try out the Super Strong Sword test on the playground?"
"Go do it on the back mountain so no one gets hurt."
"Okay!"

"I've recently started to understand the voices of the spirits. They really dislike you. Did you do something to the spirits?"
"Not that I know of."
"Hmm, okay. I'll take a nap later, so lend me a hand."
"..."

Moreover, with the kids coming to visit at all hours, I’m starting to doubt if I've become a nanny.
Also, when Yulia goes to sleep, I have to stay tied up for a solid nine hours.
It's strange.
I clearly don’t need to sleep, yet I feel like I have less time than others.

Maybe if I hire some staff and get the business on track, things will improve?
By then, I might have some spare time, and a peaceful future without worrying about being assassinated might be in sight?
That was the vague hope I was holding onto.

"...!"

BAM!
With a deafening sound that sent shockwaves through my legs, the ground shook.
It was a blast that couldn't compare to when Silvia cast her magic.
Startled, I rushed outside, and what caught my eye was Charlotte sprawled on the ground.
And...

"I'm so sorry, mister..."
"What on earth did you do?"
"I... accidentally split the mountain..."

The back mountain was split in half.
No, that direction is towards the imperial capital, isn't it?