"Indeed, then this coming-of-age ceremony, I must attend." "Really!? I'll be able to go with you?" "Yes, let's prepare together. It will be a special day."
The Duke's face slowly closed, and between him and me, only an awkward silence circulated. For a moment, the Duke squeezed his eyes shut before his lips parted again.
"Count, it absolutely cannot be Merilda." "I have never even considered it. Please be assured." "Hmm..."
With an uncomfortable expression, the Duke glared at me. I really haven't thought about it, why is he so suspicious?
"Tsck... When Vanessa said she was worried about having many rivals, I couldn't understand what she meant. Was it meant in this way? I never imagined that those rivals would be young children..." "Did the Emperor really say that?" "Yes. The Count is like an impregnable fortress, quite difficult indeed, so her uncle, that's me, was asked to assist her somehow." "...Did she also not add that this should remain a secret from me?" "I don’t quite remember." "..."
I mean, surely the Emperor must have thought she would keep it a secret when she said that...? Now that the Duke has nonchalantly revealed it, I’m flustered and don't know what to do. Should I pretend I didn’t hear it and forget about it?
"In my view, Vanessa is overthinking it. Initially, the Count is not a rational man, so it could easily be brought down with a simple method. Vanessa is overestimating you and only thinking about a straightforward approach." "No. How can you say I am not rational?" "The Count repeats all sorts of irrational things when his slaves are involved, does he not?" "..."
Now that I think about it, he’s right.
"Vanessa should also stop trying to bargain with the post of national secretary and just create a fait accompli with a direct assault. Why make things so complicated?" "Duke..."
Direct assault? Indeed, it’s a mindset befitting a man with ten children. But thinking about it, it might actually make sense...
What if the Emperor hadn’t approached with gifts or positions, but in a different way? If she had started with a seduction strategy from the beginning, would I have unwittingly fallen for her schemes by now and been tormented with work as her national secretary?
"Of course, considering the Count's tastes, Vanessa may not ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) be to his liking, so it's unfortunate for her." "What do you think my tastes are?" "Isn’t the Count fond of only young children?" "...That’s not true." "I suppose it would be difficult to admit such a thing openly; it would ruin one’s reputation. I can't really understand, but I'll try to understand." "I truly am not, Your Grace." "Sure, sure. If you say so." "..."
[The evil god 'Kalri' curses in frustration at the Duke’s obtuseness!]
If you are reading this translation anywhere other than Novelight.net or SilkRoadTL, it has been stolen.
With a troubled expression, the Duke patted my shoulder. Suddenly, I was perceived as a vile man who goes crazy over any child. It’s not simply about liking children; I prefer nurturing pure, untainted children into adults who fit perfectly into my preferences. Explaining this seemed to make it even worse, so I decided to give up on clarifying.
Thankfully, at least Kalri understands me. Without her, I’d probably be miserably jumping up and down in frustration right now.
"Count, before you leave, there's something I must hint at... listen closely." "Yes, Your Grace." "The recent situation in the Demon Realm is unusual." "Has the frequency of monster appearances increased?" "On the contrary. There’s a scarcity of monsters. Even deep exploration shows no sign of them." "..."
The Duke relayed a significant message. Monsters disappearing from the Demon Realm... It sounds like good news at first, but the reality is not so pleasant.
The Demon Realm is an environment with a high concentration of mana, making frequent monster appearances inevitable. If monsters are disappearing, it could mean that the entire realm has become inhospitable for life or that the monsters are congregating somewhere. Either scenario is not particularly welcome news.
"I decided it’s better to inform the Count in advance. We’ll likely handle it within the fortified cities for now... but in the worst case, we might need your help." "..."
Was that a leak of confidential information? It seems I am trusted enough for that. After all, I've been resolving issues with odd tricks whenever something happens, so being seen as a trump card is not strange.
However, this development is truly unknown to me. Having only played one chapter, what did I know of the unfolding events?
"I will personally report the investigation results. But don’t worry too much for now. It’s more likely to be a minor issue than something to be concerned about." "Yes, I will keep that in mind, Your Grace."
I’d like to dispatch an investigation team from Vermont Security, but that might draw too much attention, so I left it to the Duke.
Now, what could be brewing in the Demon Realm that I can’t even guess at...? If a massive wave of monsters is about to break, I must stay alert to defend the fortified city of Ester at a moment’s notice.
'Yuri’s report card... It’s been a while since I’ve seen it.'
Before leaving the Academy, I took the opportunity to meet with the dean to obtain Yuri’s grades. He seemed much older already... There’s nothing I can do for him except hope he completes his remaining tenure well.
I think it’s the first time I’ve seen Yuri’s report card since his first midterms. After all, I never insisted on reporting every detail...
"As expected..."
Unfolding it, the report was filled with a plethora of A+'s. Despite having filled regular and seasonal semesters with courses, all were either top or second in class. Although I anticipated this, seeing it firsthand made it irresistibly funny.
He did, however, significantly reduce his course load this semester. Likely, my advice to take it a bit easier had an effect. He used to be obsessed with gaining as much power and knowledge as possible in a short time, but it seems he's now choosing his courses more judiciously.
More leisure during the semester is fine by me. Surely he'll visit the mansion more often, and naturally, our encounters will increase.
"Hmm? There’s a grade that’s not A+."
Neither top nor second, not even an A+. His first semester had an A-, the second a B... Not terribly low, but quite modest compared to his streak of A+'s.
Y
uri struggled with a course this much...? Wondering what subject it could be, I checked—
"Magic Arts..."
New n𝙤vel chapters are published on freewebnovel.cσ๓.
It was Yuri’s major. While he scored perfect marks in the history and theory of Magic Arts, his practical skills were dismal.
He had no talent in this area... The major I chose for him, of all things. I couldn’t help feeling a bit guilty.
"Dark Lord, Dark Lord!" "...!?" "Here’s a letter for you!"
Then, with a rush, Charlotte burst through the door, beaming as she handed me a letter. She called me 'Dark Lord,' and I was startled for a moment, thinking it was Yuri.
"You scared me..." "Hehe! It looks like it’s from Yuri at the academy dorm, for the Dark Lord!" "..."
I sighed deeply and took the letter from Charlotte. This kid... She surely wouldn’t reveal to Yuri that he refers to me as the 'Dark Lord,' would she...? Suddenly feeling uneasy, but it’s too late to recollect spilled secrets, I resigned myself.
-To the Dark Lord, -Sir, I’ve turned 16. I’m not sure of the exact day since I don’t know my real birthday, but I’ve decided it has passed. -So, I plan to have a modest coming-of-age ceremony... You won’t come, will you?
"Gasp...!" "Sir? Are you alright?"
Reading further, I was nearly breathless with shock. Indeed, in this world, the coming-of-age ceremony is held at 16. And this year, Yuri turns 16...
The year I planned to propose.