Book 11: Epilogue
An imperial fleet of hundreds of thousands of ships overlooking the capital planet of the High Kingdoms.
On the bridge of the flagship Argos, the members of the fleet were discussing the members who would be descending.
"I'm going down because I'm going to destroy the High King."
When I told them that I would be the first to disembark, Klaus and the other leading members of the fleet were blatantly reluctant to do so.
"It's dangerous. Please make sure it is safe before you descend."
I responded to Klaus' suggestion with a shake of my head and looked down at the planet projected on the floor.
"No. We are wasting time. We don't have time to waste."
When I told them I didn't have time, everyone but Marie looked at each other and nodded their heads.
Tia asks my permission to speak.
"Liam-sama."
"What is it?"
"You have been in a hurry for some time now. Is there a reason for this? I haven't heard of any problems on the planet."
Marie, seeing the curious reactions of the people around her, mocked Tia.
The fact that you are the only one who knows what's going on in this place probably gives you a sense of superiority.
The Rosetta matter was kept secret, and the soldiers who came to deliver the message to me had not been told the details of the situation.
I had assumed that I had already told them, and as I remembered, I let them know.
"I forgot to tell you, didn't I? A child is born."
"Congratulations to you.--What!?"
After Tia congratulates me, I freeze in shock.
After Tia speaks her congratulatory words, she freezes in shock and amazement.
People around me reacted, "Whose kid is that?" but they guessed it because I went all the way back to the main planet during the war.
Even the normally calm Klaus was taken aback by the mention of a child.
Marie, on my behalf, informed everyone of the situation on the planet.
"The young master is born. Liam-sama can't stay involved in the High Kingdom forever. It is the right thing to destroy the High Kingdoms and return to the home planet in the shortest possible time."
Marie, who accompanied me back to the planet, was the only one who knew about the child.
She didn't tell anyone after she returned because she thought she was the only one who would know the truth?
But Marie's judgment is wrong.
"Who said I was going to destroy it?"
"Huh?"
I talk to Marie, who is surprised, about the future of the High Kingdom.
"Let the High Kingdom continue to exist as it is."
People around me looked at me and said, "What are you talking about?" They looked at me like that, but no one complained.
Klaus clears his throat.
"We will discuss the matter of the High Kingdom later--Liam-sama, why did you not tell us about the young master?"
Tia, who had been restored to life, looked like she was about to cry.
"Oh, that's right! The birth of the heir is a matter of congratulation for the Banfield family!"
"It has nothing to do with the war. Besides, the child has nothing to do with it--I just want to get back as soon as possible."
When I showed a lack of candor, Marie nodded, as if she understood.
"You want to go back home for the young master quickly, don't you?"
"Who said that?"
I'm miffed, but everyone around me convinces themselves that I want to go back home to my kid.
--I'm really pissed off at these guys.
Be prepared for controversy.
Tia cleared her throat, then stepped forward.
"Now the major problem of the Banfield family has been resolved. No, but it will be a problem for the young master alone in the future. Liam-sama, I think you should provide a younger brother or sister for the young master. I am afraid that I, Tia, will have to run for the position of the mother."
The sight of a beautiful woman offering to bear my child herself would have been delightful if I had not known anything about it.
Marie makes a show of herself against Tia.
"Liam-sama, please choose this Marie here!"
The people around them who were watching the two competing with each other had cold eyes.
Rinho, Fuuka, and the others are not interested in them, but their private conversation is increasing.
"Is it the senior brother's son? Do you think the senior brother will teach One-Flash to the child, after all?"
''Is he like a nephew? Do we have to bring him something as a souvenir?"
"The High King's head?"
"Wouldn't a sword be better?"
A grafted head and a sword, these guys' choices are problematic.
And neither of them are ready yet.
I am disgusted, but I tell Tia and Marie.
"I don't expect you to play the role of a mother."
As I stated firmly, Tia and Marie turned to look at me.
"H-huh?"
"A-uh."
If they had only been rejected, they would have been told that they could not be seen as women, and they would have stiffened up.
The people around them were also turning away from them.
I turned my attention to Klaus.
"Klaus, I will discuss the future of the High Kingdoms with you. You've been very busy this time, haven't you?"
"What? Ah, yes."
I'm going to be the first one to get a hold of them.
"Rinho, Fuuka, you guys come with me. We are going to visit the High Kingdoms."
"Brother, can I slay the High King?"
"I don't care about anybody as long as they're strong."
"This time, stay quiet. Just--cut down all the idiots who try to pick a fight with you."
I leave the bridge with Klaus and my Junior sisters who are concerned about the two of them.
The castle where the High King lives.
I sat down on the throne with Rinho and Fuuka standing next to me.
The sword they are holding has blood on it.
"I'm not going to say it again."
"The next one is not here? Come on!"
I had them deal with the idiots who were slashing at me, but the people of the High Kingdoms were quiet, as if they understood the overwhelming difference in power.
I will give the High Kingdoms a report.
"As for the territories, I will return them to the way they were before the war started. But from now on, you will work for me."
The civilian and military officials in the audience hall were in an uproar when I did not say that I would destroy the High Kingdoms.
The one who made them quiet was the current High King.
A big, muscular man, he had an atmosphere different from those of the others.
Even the High King was no more than a small fish in front of us.
Nearby, I saw Aluna, who was still recovering from her injuries.
The High King goes in front of me.
"Let me hear why the victor does not destroy the vanquished."
Rinho and Fuuka seemed to be irritated by his imposing attitude.
"Hey, don't be so high and mighty against our Senior brother."
"The losers should grovel on the ground."
I stopped them from slashing at him with a small raise of my hand, and then I let the High King hear my reasons.
"I'll tell you what you need to understand. I have only been ordered by the Empire to fight you. I have no orders to destroy you."
Why should I destroy the High Kingdom for the sake of the Empire?
I'm just fighting for myself from the beginning to the end.
"If you work for me eventually, I will leave the High Kingdom to you. How's that?"
When I offered him a good deal, the High King put his hand on his chin and pondered.
As I was thinking that I would slay him if he got carried away, the High King came up with an additional condition.
"If you want me to work for you instead of the empire, I will accept. But I have one condition."
"What is it?"
"I want a child of yours. I want your genes."
"--What?"
If a child is a child, then a parent is a parent, huh? Like parent, like child.
I was stunned for a moment, but then I turned my attention to Aluna.
For some reason, she blushed and averted her gaze when she saw me looking at her.
She seems quite maidenly, but I am pretty well numb to this.
"If it's about Aluna..."
When I try to refuse, the High King shakes his head.
"No!--It is I who desires your genes."
"Hmm?"
"I want your genes."
The High King declares as he turns his head.
"I, the High King, want to bear your child!"
For a moment. For a moment, I really did not understand what was being said.
A large, brawny man declared that he wanted to give birth to my child.
[TL/N: Please remember that it was stated in the previous chapters that the High King was a former woman. He changed his gender to become stronger. Liams confusion is understandable though kekw.]
The people around me were stunned by this statement, but the civil and military officials of the High Kingdoms were in a state of excitement.
"As expected of the High King!"
"A maiden, indeed!"
"If it is the child of the High King and Liam-dono, he will be the strongest warrior!"
In the audience hall where the cheers echoed, I shook my head in incomprehension.
I'm tired in so many ways. --I want to go home.
When I return to Argos, Klaus, who has been waiting for me, comes running up to me.
"Liam-sama, we are in trouble!"
"What?"
A man confessed to me that he was struck by the wide variety of cultures in the interstellar nation.
Sure, a sex change would have given me a child, but the image of the original was too strong.
As I was thinking that, those two were in trouble this time.
"Christiana and Marie are making a fuss about having a sex change."
" Lead the way."
Those two really irritate me.
I took Klaus to the section where the medical facilities are located.
The superdreadnought has a variety of facilities.
There are sex change devices, but not many of them.
Tia and Marie, dressed in sporty underwear, were grappling with each other over a single device.
"Let go of me! I'll be the man first!"
" You let go first! If you don't want me as a woman, I'll at least be the best knight you can be!"
It seems that because I had said that I would not wanted a woman, the two of them decided to become men and be recognized as knights.
I guess these guys must really be close to each other, as they come to the same idea.
Klaus is holding his forehead with his hand.
"We are having this trouble. What happened to you too, Liam--Liam-sama!"
I was covering my face with my hands.
Klaus was surprised to see me blushing up to my ears.
"'Master Liam, what's the matter?"
I am very picky about what I like in a woman.
I have my preferences.
One of them is that I don't wear flashy underwear.
As of right now, their sporty outfits were a big hit with me.
I was so embarrassed that I was surprised at myself.
"Put your clothes on."
"What? Ah, yes. Liam-sama is here, both of you."
The medical staff waiting around them had the two of them put on their bathrobes.
When they found out I was there, both Tia and Marie fell to their knees.
The fact that both of them are dejected is evidence that my words were quite hard to bear.
Seeing them like that reminded me of the High King.
--I think I'm going to be seeing him in my dreams for a while.
Now that I think about it, he is a more formidable foe than Izel and Aluna.
The High King annoys me the most.
He was a really formidable foe.
"Tia, Marie, raise your head."
"--Ha."
Their replies overlapped, and they looked up.
The most important thing to remember is that the High King is not a man.
Compared to the High King, she seems to be worth more just because she is a woman.
"You guys are fine as you are. --I'm sorry about that. Please continue to serve me."
It seems that the incident with the High King had done more damage to my heart than I had imagined.
I was so depressed that I said kind words to both of them.
Also, I'm embarrassed when I remember the way I looked earlier - my face gets hot.
As I turn my face away, Tia and Marie stand up.
"Liam-sama, that made you excited, didn't it!? Then please, please, take this Christiana!"
"Move aside, mincing bitch! Liam-sama, this Marie belongs to you in body and soul. You may do what you want witm me as you please!"
The two who saw that I was aroused by them both appealed to me aggressively.
I'm afraid that even these two are better than the High King.
"I'm leaving."
Klaus, standing beside me, sees how depressed I am and immediately tries to take me back to my room.
"Liam-sama, if you are tired, please go to sleep right away. I'll take care of the rest."
"--Yeah."
I'm sure Klaus is the one I can count on at the end of the day.
"In that case, Christiana here will sleep with you."
"No, this Marie will be Liam-sama's cuddle pillow!
I ran away from them.
--When I returned to the estate, there was a demonstration.
"What the hell is going on? Why are they demonstrating when a baby is already born? Is it that? Because there was too much damage from the war? Fine, I'll sanction them thoroughly as their evil lord!"
The Banfield family has made great sacrifices in the war against the High Kingdom.
I had anticipated in advance that there would be calls for me to take responsibility for that.
However, I did not expect that they would even stage a demonstration.
In the office of the mansion, Amagi and Brian are present.
"The damage caused by the recent incident has certainly caused dissatisfaction among the people of the estate that cannot be ignored. Some of the people who are demonstrating are probably venting their frustrations."
"--What do you have in mind when they are demonstrating?"
If not because of the damage, what are they demonstrating against?
I tilt my head and Brian, who is operating a tablet terminal, happily explains.
"Ha! The demonstrations that are occurring now are all on planets that have been ruled by the Banfield family for several decades. Most of the demonstrations are for a second child, but we are also celebrating the birth of the first child, Edward-sama."
"Oh, they're having a festival and a demonstration at the same time? Are my people idiots?"
What are they thinking of doing both at the same time?
Are they just trying to make a fuss?
As I'm getting a headache, Brian tells me the rest of the story.
"Take good care of Lady Elysia!" in the demo. There is a faction present, and it has increased by a few percent since the last time." When he informed me, Brian was overjoyed.
"What the hell are you doing!?"
Not only the people in the fiefdoms, but also my subordinates were all idiots.
My people, who hold such a low-level demonstration of procreation, seem to be willing to do anything as long as there is a reason to make a fuss.
I thought about cracking down on them, but even my subordinates were happy to join in.
Why should I be bothered by this?
I get angry and sit down violently in my chair, and throw my work away in frustration.
"I'm sick of it! I'm not going to work today. I'm going to just lay here like this."
Couldn't I just make a strong plea to my guide to help me out of this problem?
As I'm thinking of all the convenient things to do, Amagi looks at me and gives me a slight look of dismay.
''Master, you have an important appointment today."
"I remember."
I got up from my chair and headed for the audience chamber.
At that time.
On the Empire's capital planet, a guide was shaking as he picked up an electronic paper.
"Liam has his first child? Everything is going in his favor without my knowledge."
Shaking with frustration, the guide lives in a garbage dump in a back alley.
For some reason, he feels at home here. He looks up at the artificial sky of the capital city.
"If there had been a baby, I could have used all sorts of tricks. But if I go too close to the Banfield family's main planet, I'll get burned again."
This is a chance for Liam to suffer psychologically, but the guide, who has seen the pain on the main planet of the Banfield family before, is worried.
There is a possibility that he could do something if he pushed himself, but the consequences of a serious injury would be disproportionate.
The spirit of a dog with bared teeth appears at the side of the guide who is troubled by many things.
It is a blessed feeling that the dog delivers to the guide who is about to harm Liam's child [Edward].
The dog has come to deliver to the guide a mass of blessings for the birth of Edward.
He releases the blessing from his mouth, and it rolls down to the guide's feet as a ball.
It hit the guide's leg.
"What is this? What the hell is this!?"
At first, he did not realize what it was.
It was wrapped in something, and the guide could not fully grasp it.
He would have been able to recognize it, but he was too weak to do so.
He reached out his hand carelessly, unaware of the identity of the ball he should have been able to see.
When he picked up the lump of emotion, which was not the same as gratitude, it popped easily and the contents were splattered on the guide.
It burned the guide's body like poison.
"Hi-yaaaaaaaaaaahhhh! It burns!! I didn't even do anything!"
The dog spirit made a spitting gesture and moved away from the guide.
The guide laments that his regenerated body has been burned to a crisp and disappeared.
"It's terrible. What have I done? I'm just spreading a little misfortune, but this is too much!"
The words are selfish to the point of being self-indulgent.
However, the guide returned to the state of only prevention, but not despair.
"Something's wrong. Something is wrong. How can gratitude and blessings of Liam's origin, so far away, reach me? It shouldn't be normal."
At the same time, he finally began to realize that there was something that had caused him so much pain.
"Is something standing in my way? --Then be prepared. I will rise again and again! There is a lot of negativity that has accumulated over the years on the capital planet of the empire. In my original form--nay, with my power more powerful than before--I will give hell to Liam, to the beings who torment me, and to all of them."
The guide laughs eerily - but his appearance is pathetic: a hat with tiny arms and legs.
The war with the High Kingdom has ended.
Looking at the results alone, the battle ended only with the elimination of the High Kingdoms' fleet.
The Banfield family lost half of its fleet and gained nothing.
From the outside looking in, the battle was fought poorly.
--But there were some gains.
The audience chamber.
In front of me were those who had played an active role in the battle.
"This battle was really meaningful. I have eliminated all the mediocre ones, and now I have you capable ones in front of me."
It would be insulting to those who participated in the same war to hear me dismiss my allies as mere mortals.
However, it is a fact that there were those who committed the cardinal sin of fleeing before the enemy.
I will show that I will not tolerate such people, and I will offer rewards to those who have done well.
"I have prepared promotions and lump sums of money. I promise generous guarantees to the families of those who died for me, but it doesn't end there, does it?"
Tension ran high in the audience chamber.
"I had given only Klaus the number for a while, but this doesn't make any sense. Since we're here, why don't we decide on the second number and onward?"
The audience room was buzzing with excitement.
I can see Tia and Marie looking at me expectantly, but since you two have annoyed me, I'll let you off the hook this time.
"Kukri, show yourself."
A man in a black cloak and mask suddenly appears from the floor of the audience chamber.
He is the man in charge of the dark side of the Banfield family.
There is a sense of disquiet in the audience chamber.
"The dark side?"
"No way, it's a Knight number!"
A lot of people think it's a number they give to knights, but I don't remember saying that.
"I'm grateful for your work, Kukri. After Klaus, you're the one to receive the number."
"Kihihihihi-Liam-sama, such a title is not necessary in the Dark Division."
" You have my seal of approval. Now shut your mouth and take it."
"Hah!"
Kukri kneels down and sinks to the floor and disappears.
He does not want to continue exposing himself in front of so many people.
"Now, then, the next thing -- step forward."
I looked at the red-haired female knight who was waiting in the back, and she came out in front of me with calm steps.
The young girl, who didn't look the least bit flustered, kneeled down and bowed her head.
"Ellen Tyler--or is it Ellen Sera Tyler, now a Knight of the Empire?"
Ellen's long red hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and one side of her hair was extended to form an asymmetrical fringe.
She had been sent to war with the High Kingdom and had consumed a lot of time in the preparation period, etc. - but in the meantime, Ellen had completed all of her training.
Rinho and Fuuka, who were lined up on the side of the military officers, whistled.
"Ellen's back too."
"You've grown taller. --It's about time for you to come at us?"
Ellen smiled as she met the curious gazes of my Junior sisters.
''You two are still the same as ever, aren't you?"
She looks slightly childish on the outside, but she's an adult on the inside.
I have Ellen stand up.
"Stand up."
"Yes."
Ellen stands up, and I see that she has grown a lot in the time I've left her there.
"You look different."
"I've been training for the past few decades. I've been in a lot of trouble with Kurt-sama as well."
She worked for Kurt for a while as a soldier, so he must have trained her well.
"I have no problem with that. I will give you One-Flash's seal of approval later. But first, the number three is yours."
"Ha!"
Ignoring Tia and Marie, who were eagerly waiting for their turn, I said, "This is the last one."
"Emma Rodman, step forward."
When I called out her name, a female knight younger than me, who had not expected to be called this time, came in front of me with a panicked look on her face.
"Ye, yes!"
The lady knight with brown bob-cut hair, who retains her simplicity, is a native of the Banfield family.
There is a reason why I chose her.
She is an example of a successful upstart.
If she stands out, she will probably be criticized, but those who want to rise to the top will do their best to make themselves the next one.
She is not the most prominent person in the group, but she has been active up to this point.
When Emma's name was called, Tia and Marie also had complicated expressions on their faces.
Some of the people in the audience room were welcoming.
-Surprisingly, she's a popular person.
"I expect great things from you in the future."
The female knight was restless, but her expression tightened as if she had made up her mind.
In my room.
On the big bed, I lift Edward up as he face down.
Rosetta is looking at me and Edward, smiling.
"Isn't he getting big now?"
If I hadn't been back on the main planet for almost a year because of the war and cleanup, Edward would have grown up.
Even on this world, babies grow up fast.
And Edward is looking at me, but not smiling.
"If I don't see him for a year, will he even think of me as his father?"
Rosetta strongly denies it.
"Of course not! I've been showing him images of Darling every day. I tell him every day that his father is very busy."Qqqqqqqq"--Do you really need to go that far?"
"It's absolutely important! Besides, even Edward wanted to see Darling. He said "da-da" as he watched the video!"
Maybe she just misheard him.
I pulled Edward's cheek.
"Grow up fine for now. If you keep this up, eventually you'll be the next--"
"Duke" I stopped myself from saying.
Edward was never going to be a duke, that was a given.
But for now, let him grow up healthy.
Let him have a good life as the son of an evil lord.
--I don't know when the good times will end, though.
I'm sure he'll be fine while I'm here, but I don't know what will happen to him.
I'll leave Edward with Rosetta, and I'll thank my guide again today as I lie on my bed, sprawled out on my back.
--I thought I hated children, but surprisingly it wasn't so bad.
Today I thanked him more than usual, and for some reason I thought I heard him scream.
It must have been my imagination.
But that guy is shy.
He might just be shouting to hide his embarrassment.
When the guide was slumped over in gratitude from Liam.
In the capital planet palace, Baglada was smiling wryly at the outcome of the war with the High Kingdom.
"Good. A lot of blood and hatred has been generated. That's good."
Baglada had an aim, for he could have hunted down Liam, but he did not.
"The more active the duke is, the closer he gets to what I want. If--in due course--it is fulfilled."
The outcome of the war is not important.
For Baglada, the war itself wasn't important.
"I thought it would take a little longer, but thanks to the Duke it looks like it will speed up the planning. I look forward to more in the future, Liam-dono."
[Extra] Number 4, Emma Rodman.
(I'm insanely nervous...!)
It was [Emma Rodman] sitting on the sofa, shrinking down.
The place was the lounge in the Banfield family mansion.
However, only a few people who were given a number by Liam were allowed to enter.
The only other people authorized to enter the lounge were Liam himself, Amagi, Brian, and the maid robots that do the daily cleaning.
The only exceptions were those who were given temporary permission by Liam.
Two such exceptions were invited this time.
Christiana Sera Rosebrae.
Marie Sera Marian.
They are sitting on the opposite side of the room from Emma - but at least ten meters away.
The sofas were arranged in a circle, so that they sat facing each other.
Next to Emma, who is stiff and nervous, sits a red-haired female knight.
The female knight, whose weapon is a sword, was given the number "3" this time.
She was sitting about a meter away from Emma, a delicate distance to talk to her.
She, too, was sitting with her legs crossed, playing with her hair in a disinterested manner.
Turning her head to the wall, she saw a large man in a black cloak, wearing a mask, standing there.
This is Kukri, the man in charge of the dark side of the Banfield family.
Emma was honestly surprised to see this eerie figure in sight.
Emma was not at ease, as it was rumored that he would kill anyone who saw him.
As she waited in a cold sweat, the lounge door opened to the left and right.
Coming over is Liam with a child on one arm - with both Amagi and Brian.
Brian looks at Emma and smiles for a moment.
Emma's nerves relax a little at the sight of that smile.
(--Grandfather).
To Emma, he is not her real grandfather.
He's just someone she's known for a long time.
Behind him is Klaus Sera Montt, the first of the Numbers.
He looks at Emma, who is nervous, and smiles slightly.
She is relieved to see her former boss.
(Captain Klaus - not. The general chief came to see me.)
Both Cristiana and Marie were acquainted with her, however, they were not in the least bit happy to see Emma, who had joined Numbers ahead of the two of them.
Everyone stood up and kneeled at Liam's entrance.
Liam sits down on the couch and talks about the child he is holding in front of the Numbers.
"At ease. --Now, Marie, you knowthat this is my baby."
Emma breaks out in a cold sweat in front of Edward, whom she had heard so much about.
After all, if he is Liam's child, he is now an only child.
As the future duke, Edward is like the crown prince in the Banfield family.
Only a select few can get close to him.
The fact that she has been recognized by some of them is the reason why Emma is so impatient.
I've come so far.)
As she ponders why she is here, Liam begins to tell her why he has gathered the Numbers.
"This lounge is for your exclusive use. Use it as you please."
Klaus, the head of the Numbers, answers.
"If you give too much preferential treatment, the other knights will complain."
"What's wrong with favoritism? I have high expectations of you. Besides, I've decided to show off my boy."
Edward's appearance has been shown on video and other media, but seeing him in the flesh is a different story.
Although she must be trusted that much - Emma was in trouble.
What should I do? Edward-sama slapped Liam on the cheek).
Edward is laughing and slapping Liam's cheek.
Flattening. Many times.
Liam acts as pompous as usual, but Edward leaves him alone and continues talking.
That was strangely funny, and as I was holding back my desire to laugh--.
"Master, may I ask you one thing?"
Number three, [Ellen Sera Tyller], stood up.
She is the heir to One-Flash and Liam's direct disciple.
She has no achievements in the Banfield family, but this time she is allowed to join the Numbers.
Liam was smiling wryly as he stained his clothes with Edward's drool.
"Say it."
"Yes, sir. Then one thing. I would like to take the opportunity to silence those around me."
"Haa?"
Liam, the absolute ruler, raises one eyebrow in discomfort.
"I'm the one who approved you. Who could complain about that?"
Ellen continues to speak without fear.
"You won't say it, but I'm not convinced."
"--now you're talking."
Liam stared at Ellen for a few moments before breaking face.
Edward repeatedly head-butts Liam, wondering what's so funny.
(Oh, he's wiping his snot with Liam-sama's clothes.)
When Emma is all that concerned, Liam makes a suggestion.
"That's just fine then. Why don't you and Emma Rodman go pirate hunting together?"
As Liam says this, a three-dimensional image appears in the center of the sofa arranged in a circle.
"The home base of the idiots who betrayed me is trying to become independent. The military force is as good as the regular army when it comes to equipment, let alone training. It's too much trouble to leave them alone. You guys should crush them."
A fleet betrayed in the war with the High Kingdom.
On the planet where that fleet came from, they must have thought they had displeased Liam.
There was a movement for independence.
The Banfield family's relations with the Empire were deteriorating, so now they could become independent and turn on the Imperial side, they thought.
They have a home base and equipment comparable to that of a regular army.
Liam describes them as pirates.
"Can you do it?"
Ellen nodded quietly when asked.
"Of course."
Saying that, she turned her gaze to Emma.
Emma stands up, straightens her back, and replies in a muffled voice.
"Hai, yes! I'll do my best!"
Liam was miffed at her reply.
"You don't have to work hard. You just need to get results. If you want to cut corners to satisfy me, that's fine."
Hard work is not worth the effort.
Liam's words left Emma perplexed.
"Oh, um..."
Emma is a very talented person who has made it to the top of the numbers.
But why is she confused?
(Oh, God, I'm talking to Liam-sama right now!)
--Emma is a fan of Liam.
[Extra 2] Number 1, Klaus Sera Montt.
The main planet of the Banfield family.
The huge mansion of Liam, the lord, is the size of a city.
There are people who live in the compound.
Among them, there is one knight who has been given a magnificent mansion.
His name is Klaus.
He is the first knight of the Banfield family and the strongest knight of the empire, known not only in the Algrand Empire but also abroad.
The knight number is given to knights recognized by Liam.
The knight with the number "1" has returned to his overly respectable home.
"I'm home."
A knight who is worried about his status, which is disproportionate to his abilities.
He stands in front of the huge front door with a tired face, and the door opens.
Waiting for him inside are the servants, all of whom are in line.
They bow in unison to Klaus.
"Welcome home, Master."
The house, which could be called a castle, was prepared for Klaus by Liam.
He only ordered to "prepare a house suitable for Klaus," but the person who received the order said, "This is normal for the first knight of the Banfield family!" The result was that the person who received the order was so enthusiastic about the construction.
Klaus himself was horrified by the excessive treatment.
I feel uncomfortable in this house. --The house is too big and there are too many servants.)
He had been working his way up the ladder ever since he joined the Banfield family.
He used to have a house outside the mansion and hired servants because it was too big for the family to live alone.
Still, it was a life that he considered luxurious compared to the life he had before he served the Banfield family.
It was a time when he was happy that his family was also happy and was willing to put up with a little bloodlust from his colleagues.
But then, by mistake, he rose to the position of first knight.
His bloodthirsty colleagues were after him, and before he knew it, he had risen to the top of a huge faction, and now he had gained the trust of his superiors.
The problem is Liam's trust.
When a lady comes stumbling down the wide staircase at the back of the hall when she learns that Klaus has returned.
It was Klaus' wife.
"Dear, welcome back!"
The wife greets him happily, surrounded by her maids.
The maids are a little perplexed by his wife's indiscreet behavior, but they are willing to pretend that they did not see her, as if Klaus had returned.
"I'm home. I'm glad to see you are well. How are the children?"
He looks at his wife with a smile on his face and then asks her how the children are doing.
His wife looked at him with dismay.
"They're on their own now, aren't they?"
"Yes, of course they are."
They left home together, didn't they? I miss them.)
Klaus was sad that he could not watch his children grow up as he had been working alone for so long.
His wife, perhaps sensing Klaus' feelings, tells him how the children are doing.
"I told them you were coming back, and they said they would see you in a few days. They said the people at work told them to take some time off."
Klaus looks at his wife's smiling face and inwardly pulls in his cheeks.
(Does that mean that the workplace pushed them too hard to make time for me? No, maybe there was an order from higher up!)
Although Liam is a brusque man, he sometimes shows kindness to his subordinates.
He also began to care about following up with his subordinates after Rosetta was able to meddle in the territory's business.
Maybe they cared for Klaus.
But would the two of them go out of their way to go that far for him?
It is not impossible.
Another possibility is that they are trying to curry favor with Klaus, who holds power in the Banfield family after Liam and Rosetta.
Either way, Klaus was sorry to have bothered them.
"That'll be fun. We should all have dinner together."
While thinking about delivering some souvenirs to the children's workplace later, his wife calls someone over.
A servant came with a pre-adult child.
A servant came with a pre-adult child.
"Honey, this is the child we've been taking care of for a little while now. But I think you know that."
Klaus looked at the child and inwardly broke out in a cold sweat.
"--Yasuyuki-dono, is that you?"
"Oh, at your service! Master Klaus Sera Montt!"
In front of the tense child, Klaus was also nervous.
The reason being, it was [Yasuyuki] who was going to be taken care of at Klaus' mansion.
He was asked by Liam to take care of the child in person.
He is the biological son of Yasushi, who is called the Sword God.
(I see. It was already time to take care of him.)
He had been so busy that he had forgotten about it, but it was time for Yasuki-kun to leave his parents and begin his training under Klaus.
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