Two days later, Alto personally met the water conservancy expert. The man was deeply honored by the lord’s attention. After Alto charmed him a bit, he pounded his chest, vowing to give his all.

Hmph, Alto’s so sly now—learning to smooth-talk people.

But with the water tech secured, I can have Doria start my work-for-relief program. If I handled it myself, I’d probably mess it up worse than her.

I’ll focus on overseeing Baha Balm’s economic flow. This isn’t something to take lightly.

Once everything settles, I can roll out my next business moves.

Heh, all going as planned.

Just as I pondered in my study—

“Strategist.”

Chining called from the window.

“So, what is it? And could you stop scaring me?!”

“I had no such intention. Besides, the Strategist is always so composed.”

“Hmph, aren’t you tired of climbing windows with that big sword on your back?”

“Not at all, Strategist.”

“...”

I rubbed my forehead in pain. Why had such an elegant warrior turned like this?

“Strategist, the lord summoned you.”

“Alto? What about?”

“Someone arrived with our recruitment notice.”

“I’m on my way.”

I galloped to the castle, arriving in under a quarter hour. Inside, I spotted the newcomer—a middle-aged man with a long beard, his phoenix eyes half-closed. Dressed in dusty hunter’s garb, he clearly traveled far. Yet his arrogant aura remained undimmed.

The scene felt off. Too quiet.

I swallowed my nerves and approached Alto.

“What happened?” I whispered.

“I asked about his strength. He just closed his eyes, ignoring me...”

He didn’t even respect the lord. No wonder it’s so awkward. This man’s incredibly arrogant.

“I can’t sense his exact strength. It’s too elusive,” Chining added.

Chining couldn’t tell? I knew his ability to gauge power was spot-on back in Leahdon. Was it failing now?!

“Ahem, greetings.”

“Spare the formalities.”

The man was terse—only four words. Awkward, but I had to stay calm. Couldn’t let the tension thicken.

“Then, sir, why come to Baha Balm?”

He glanced at me with narrowed eyes. “Hmm, for sustenance.”

“And how will you earn it?”

“With my strength.”

I didn’t plan to question his strength... I guessed his pride wouldn’t tolerate doubt. But not knowing his skills is really frustrating.

“Hmph, you could seek sustenance anywhere with strength. Why here?”

“Because here, talent is valued over origin.”

“Then I appoint you as deputy general.”

“Good!”

He looked at me with appreciation, leaving me conflicted inside.

“May I have your name, sir?”

“Mentu.”

“I’ll arrange lodging for you, Mr. Mentu.”

“Hmm, thank you.”

I had someone escort him to temporary quarters. After Mentu left, I breathed a sigh of relief.

“You just gave him deputy general like that?” Alto stared at me, surprised. He wasn’t upset I acted without consent—he was shocked I’d appoint Mentu so readily. No one knew his strength.

“Such an arrogant man... if he’s not incredibly strong, he’s just a narrow-minded fool.”

“You want him to prove himself?” Alto guessed my intention.

“Yeah. If he’s a fool... surviving the battlefield alive is a kind of strength too.” Deputy generals fight on the front lines. Without power, he’d be dead in minutes amidst the chaos.

“I see. You’ll have him join the raid on the bandit camp in a few days?”

“Exactly!” If he’s strong, Baha Balm gains another warrior.

Seriously, talking to such a person is so hard... Making the audience this awkward is a skill in itself, I guess? It’d be better if he were more talkative.