“Fuh…I understand the details now. However, Reed, you are a nobleman meant to lead by example. You should not be the one taking the stance that ‘as long as the results are good, anything is permissible.'”
 
Looking me straight in the eye, Father continued to admonish me sternly yet instructively.
 
“Do you know why there are disciplines in place for nobles, the knight orders, and the military? It’s because if everyone acts recklessly in pursuit of glory, organizations cannot function. Certainly, in some cases those actions may produce the right results. But that was not the case here. Could you … Read the rest

Zack shifted his eyes back to me, his expression suddenly exuding a sharp intensity that contrasted starkly with his usual gentle demeanor.
 
“Lord Reed, you possess remarkable talent. Words like prodigy, genius, and divinely gifted all describe you aptly. You also have both the strictness and kindness required to lead others. But talent alone is not enough to protect the people most precious to you.”
 
“Are you saying that’s why I need a shadow?”
 
Zack nodded silently and continued.
 
“Precisely. And this is also a request from our king, His Majesty Elias. Capella has been chosen … Read the rest

Retainers
 

After dealing with various matters, I finally returned to my room in the reception hall. I quickly changed out of my maid outfit and jumped onto the bed. For a while, I lay face down, pressing my face into the pillow. Eventually, I lifted my head.
 
“Phew…I’m finally back.”
 
For your information, I had bid farewell to Chris in front of the reception hall. And until I returned to my room, Diana was considerate enough to keep an eye on my surroundings. Thanks to those two, I managed to get back to my room without being … Read the rest

“Sorry, Chris. Would you be willing to cooperate?”
 
“Wh…what’s with that coy look? …Haa…very well. But please don’t ask me to do anything this outrageous again.”
 
“…Yeah, I’ll be careful. Thank you.”
 
Though sighing and making a “geez” gesture, Chris guided us to the castle gate. The soldier gate guards stopped Chris, but we were promptly allowed through after she identified himself as associated with House Baldia staying at the mansion. The moment we entered the castle, I softly said “Thank you” to Chris. In response, she nodded with a somewhat exasperated look. Walking a bit further … Read the rest

 
From Nikīku’s eyes and words, I got the impression that he thought of mana depletion syndrome as a sworn enemy of sorts. But what was the trigger that made him realize it wasn’t occurring in this country? When I thought that, Nikīku exclaimed “Ah!?” and bent over, holding his forehead while muttering bitterly.
 
“…Dammit. I forgot there was one problem.”
 
“What’s wrong?”
 
When I asked with concern, he continued with a troubled look.
 
“There’s this bastard named Marein who runs things around here. He’s been keeping an eye on me, so I can’t really move … Read the rest

“Isn’t there anything? I think there must be some medicinal herb that only grows in the Magical Forest…please. Anything…do you have any information at all?!”
 
Seeing the shift in my demeanor, Nikīku gave me a puzzled look, then eventually asked us in a low voice.
 
“……Seems like there’s a story behind this, but I can’t say anything without knowing the details. If you’re asking for my help, no secrets allowed. If that’s a problem, then unfortunately you’ll have to leave.”
 
After saying that, he swiftly returned to his compound preparation work. Then Chris, who was nearby, supplemented by telling me … Read the rest

 
After listening to Chris story, I bowed my head there to ponder again. Sorting through Chris’ explanation, the one who killed the kingdom’s soldiers and Marein’s butler must be somehow connected. Additionally, the [Red Windmill] likely contains some kind of code phrase.
 
From the words of the rugged soldier that she overheard, Marein may no longer be in this world. Even if he were still alive, he may never again be able to bask in the light of day.
 
However, as I organized Chris’ explanation, one question arose. Despite the existence of an organization capable of secretly … Read the rest

Reflections, Admonitions, and the path to one’s goal
 

 
“Phew…I think we’re okay if we’ve come this far.”
 
Myself, Diana, Ellen, and the two monsters left Marein-Condroy’s mansion as inconspicuously as possible when the soldiers rushed in. Of course, Farah, Asna, and Chris were aware of this. To begin with, this place is neither the Empire nor Baldia’s territory. If we caused a disturbance in such a place, various problems could arise.
 
The strong opposition will likely not surface due to Norris’s downfall. However, if I show any openings, there will definitely be those who will try … Read the rest

Karma and Toothpicks
 

 
“Dammit!! I won’t let it end like this… Hurry and escape through the hidden passage! Bring the prepared luggage!”
 
“Y-Yes, sir!!”
 
Marein rushed back to his room as the royal army flooded into his mansion, barking orders at his butler. Anticipating the worst, Marein had already packed the bare essentials for an emergency escape. There were plenty of thugs in the mansion—enough to buy him some time as the soldiers struggled to subdue them.
 
Marein desperately plotted his escape. He’d flee through the hidden passage and make a straight run for Barst. … Read the rest

“Hey!! Marein, I don’t need the money!! But once I’ve dealt with these guys, I’m taking this woman for myself!!”
 
“U-Understood. Do as you please with her!!”
 
Marein immediately responded, shuddering as the Iron Masked Man glared at him. The masked man turned back to Asna, his leering grin visible even through the slit in his mask.
 
“Kukukukuku, once I defeat you lot, you’ll finally become mine, Asna. I haven’t forgotten about you for a single moment…!?”
 
“You’re a disgusting one. I already told you, I don’t know vulgar fellows like you…”
 
Asna took a … Read the rest