<h4>Volume 7, Chapter 13 “Reward”</h4>


    Part 1


    When I returned to Luxion’s main body, I felt sick and nauseous.


    Of course, the use of body strengthening drugs is at fault, but it’s even more mentally demanding.


    “This sucks. I don’t want to fight cheat battleships again.”


    [This time, too, there was a parade ofments that stung me. I was surprised that a new sacred tree was born on the site of the old one.]


    ” ――That’s it”


    The young tree in the ce where Lelia woke up was seemingly a sacred tree.


    I say “seemingly” because it suddenly appeared as a young tree, and there are many parts that are unknown.


    Lelia was hugging a young tree and screaming Emile’s name, wasn’t she.


    [Lelia got everything she wanted in the end, and it looks like she lost everything.]


    Emile knows that Lelia is a reincarnated person, but he seems to have epted her.


    She had found a man who had epted her, including her previous life, and after confirming their love for each other, it was time to say goodbye. I feel sorry for Lelia.


    “It’s Emile’s curse.”


    [Isn’t that a blessing?]


    “It’s a curse. To Lelia, it’s like having her happiness stolen from her. She’ll always be thinking about the dead Emile, won’t she?”


    It would have been easier for Lelia if she had been badly rejected.


    Isn’t Emile actually a great tactician?


    He has seeded in binding Lelia even after his death.


    But if this ispletely well-intentioned, it’s unnecessary bad quality.


    Lelia has lost a man like Emile who epts her even though he knows everything about her, and from now on she willpare other men to Emile.


    She would regret letting happiness slip away from her.


    [Master must be careful too]


    “You’re right”


    I admit it honestly, but Luxion is worried about me.


    [You’re awfully honest today. Shall I perform a thorough examination?]


    “I’m not feeling well, but I’m normal. I can reflect on that too.”


    [You can say anything in words.]


    “You are a really unpleasant guy!”


    I was resting in Luxion’s main body, and I got a transmission.


    [Master, it seems that Alberg has something to discuss with you]


    “From Alberg-san?”


    .


    Part 2


    When I moved to Einhorn, the masked knight was gone before I knew it.


    Julius is attending the meeting with an unconcerned look on his face, and Greg and the others are badmouthing the masked knight.


    “That bastard, despite his joking manner, was capable ofmanding.”


    “I see”


    Julius was pleased to hear Greg say that he hated the masked knight, but recognized his abilities.


    ―― Are you guys still going to continue that farce?


    As for me, I’m trying to wrap my head around a request from Alberg-san.


    The content is――the Holy Kingdom of Rachel.


    They may call themselves the Holy Kingdom, but their methods are dirty and underhanded.


    And since they have a hostile rtionship with Milene-san’s parents’ family, they are my enemies.


    Milene-san’s enemies are my enemies. That’s why I can’t forgive Rachel.


    “Is the fleet of the Holy Kingdom of Rachel upying the republic?”


    “Yes. They took advantage of the fact that we couldn’t do anything about it and took over the Favel House’s territory with the fleet they sent to the Republic. I’m sure Rachel will send reinforcements in the future.”


    It seems that Rachel is nning to take over all of the Republic’s territory.


    Brad, who was at my side, decides that this is a bad situation.


    “Rachel is also an enemy of Horfalt. We don’t want them to have too much power. Besides, if we give them the Sacred Tree, we’ll be in trouble.”


    “Should we kick them out?”


    “The problem is that this is an issue of Arzel Republic. It has nothing to do with the Kingdom of Horfalt. We don’t have a great cause, and most importantly, we don’t have the strength to fight.”


    “Can we do something?”


    “It will be ~”


    Brad tore his gaze away from me and made a show of not wanting to say much.


    “Say it”


    ” ―― Let’s be honest, even if we turn them away here, Rachel will attack again. Even if we lend a hand, it’ll only be a stopgap measure.”


    Until the Republic is back on its feet, we can’t protect it forever.


    Brad says that helping here is likely to be futile, so he talks about how to solve it.


    “So it would be better if we took over the Republds ourselves.”


    “―― You’re a fool, aren’t you?”


    What do you want us to do, take over the Republic when we’re trying to protect it?


    “I don’t want to be told by you?”


    Brad was angry, but Alberg-san put his hand on his chin and nodded.


    “No, it’s possible.”


    “Eh?”


    When I couldn’t understand, Jilk, who was standing beside me, exined to me. He looked at me strangely, as if I was a fool.


    “I’ll try to exin it simply so that Count Bartofalt can understand it. The story is simple. If the Republic is insulted, Count Bartofalt can take over and dere, “This is Kingdomnd!” Rachel won’t carelessly stick out their hands.”


    It was more effective to use the name of a kingdom ―― a foreign country than the sign of a republic that had fallen to the ground.


    A nation that can only rely on foreign nations is pathetic, but the Republic is as copsed as it can be in its current state.


    Now that it will take time to rebuild, we have to rely on somewhere else.


    “Until the Republic is revived, we can lend our name.”


    “Right”


    I looked at Alberg-san and he was nodding. He seems to be epting our n.


    However, there seems to be a problem.


    Jilk makes a troubled face.


    “However, it means that we need speed in solving this problem. If we wait for the home country to make a decision, it will be toote to take action. But if we move on our own, His Majesty will be inconvenienced.”


    I smile out of the corner of my mouth when I hear that Rnd will be in trouble.


    The people around me were aghast, but I didn’t care and decided to go ahead with this n.


    “That’s good”


    If Rnd suffers, I’ll be happy to lend a hand to the Republic.


    Helping people and making Rnd suffer are like killing two birds with one stone.


    .


    Part 3


    The fleet of the Holy Kingdom of Rachel, deployed over the territory of the Favel House, was about 60 ships.


    These were the advance party, and there were still over a hundred airships waiting in the wings to follow.


    It was originally intended to support the Revolutionary Army.


    But the revolutionary army has been defeated and the Republic is in chaos and anarchy.


    Realizing that he should not miss this opportunity, themander proceeded to the territory of Favel House in order to seize the Republic’s territory.


    However, what they found there was ――.


    “Why is the fleet of the Kingdom of Horfalt here!”


    ―― It was a fleet of thirty ships of the Kingdom of Horfalt led by Leon.


    In the face of an elite fleet of thirty ships that had defeated the Revolutionary Army, the fleet of the Holy Kingdom of Rachel was twice asrge, but was unable to attack.


    The biggest problem is Leon.


    Einhorn acts as a gship and goes forward to dere to the Holy Kingdom of Rachel.


    “From today, this is thend of the kingdom. If you’re going to attack, you’re prepared for it, aren’t you?”


    Standing on the deck of the Einhorn was Arroganz.


    In his hand, he holds the g of the Kingdom of Horfalt, swaying in the wind.


    Themander orders his men in front of an enemy ship half their number.


    “They are only half of us. We have allied reinforcements. Now is the time to make a name for yourself by defeating the heroes of the kingdom! All ships, prepare for battle!”


    At themander’smand, the airship of the Holy Kingdom of Rachel shows the side. The cannons lined up there were aimed at the kingdom’s airships, but Einhorn fired his cannons while facing the front.


    The airship shook violently as it hit the gship on which themander was riding.


    “You mean you can reach us at this distance?”


    It was too different in power and range from the cannons they had, and their allies were agitated.


    In the meantime, Arroganzes aboard their gship with the g of the kingdom.


    “Oops”


    It looks like he stuck a g through the ceiling of the bridge. Themander is offended by this insult.


    “Did you stab the gship with the g of the kingdom? This fake hero of the kingdom, you should know your ce! Take down that armor with all your ships, and your reward will be whatever you want it to be!”


    One after another, armor sailed out from their allies and rushed at Arroganz, but they were hit and blown away. Rifles were also bounced off the armor, and shing at him did not even scratch him.


    Because he was on the gship, the allied airships could not even fire at him.


    “Damn!”


    Themander was wondering what to do.


    If the bridge was taken right above us, their allies would not be able to attack well.


    It was almost as if he had lost the battle ―― but here Leon made his move.


    He moved Arroganz to the bottom part of the gship and then continued ―― pushing the airship into the kingdom side.


    The airship has been pushed by Arroganz and has been split off from their allies.


    “W-What are you doing!”


    Leon replies to themander’s voice with augh.


    “What, you said? You’re invited, of course! Wee to the Kingdom! We wee you, people of Rachel! We’ll treat you like prisoners of war!”


    The gship is taken by theughing Leon, and the Holy Kingdom of Rachel decides to retreat.


    .


    Part 4


    Reports wereing in from the Republic every day at the royal pce of the Kingdom of Horfalt.


    One day the Republic is undergoing a revolution, the next day it is crushed by Leon.


    The sacred tree fell, and a new sacred tree was born.


    When a skirmish broke out with the Holy Kingdom of Rachel, Leon chased them back and dered some of the Republic’s territories upied in the name of the Kingdom.


    The situation was changing every day, and even when people were dispatched, the situation changed so much that it was confusing.


    In the royal pce, there is a man who is unhappy with Leon’s behavior.


    ―― It was King Rnd.


    “That damn braaaaat!!”


    Rnd tore up the report he had just received, annoyed that his daily meetings were going to waste day after day.


    He was so busy because of Leon’s activities that he could not sleep well.


    “I won’t forgive him. I’ll never forgive him. I’ll do whatever it takes to get revenge on him!”


    Just the thought of Leonughing at him made Rnd angry with frustration. Thinking about revenge against Leon was the only thing that soothed his mind at the moment.


    Rnd’s sh of inspiration gave him a refreshing smile.


    “That’s right! Let’s knock that damn kid down to hell!”


    As soon as he thought of it, he acted immediately and wrote a letter to Alberg in the Republic.


    “It’s a present from me. You’ll take it, won’t you, kid.”


    Rnd begins his dark plot for revenge against Leon.


    .


    Part 5


    It had been a month since Serge had started the revolution.


    The Republic was calmer than before.


    The territory of the former Lespinasse House was badly damaged, but the rest of thend ―― the territory of the former six great noble houses is unharmed.


    However, the nobles who have lost their crests cannot use the weapons they have been using.


    Fortunately, I’ve heard that the new young trees can just barely provide enough energy for the Republic’s needs.


    It seems that the Republic will have a new governing structure with Alberg-san at the center.


    But ―― we had orders to return to the Kingdom of Horfalt.


    So far, I’ve been helping with reconstruction and other things, but that’s as far as it goes.


    As Einhorn was getting ready to leave, a crowd of people came to see us off.


    Julius is shaking hands with the old man of the food stall and Brad is chatting with the manager of the theater.


    Chris was ―― in a circle with a group of men in loincloths and happi coats, shouting something loud.


    Greg? He is surrounded by arge group of men. They’re all men in muscr armor.


    ―― There was not a single female presence in them, but these guys seemed to be enjoying themselves.


    Jilk? He is surrounded by rich people and is being pampered.


    Once hemitted fraud, it was all because he was genuine and respected as a rare antique dealer.


    Even though he’s a scrapper.


    And for me, Jean, a friend I made in the Republic, brought me a lucky charm.


    “Count, take this. It’s a talisman for my hometown.”


    I took the amulet, which looked like a good-luck bracelet from a string, and wrapped it around my left wrist.


    “Thank you”


    “Actually, everyone from the academy wanted toe, but they were busy with other things, so I became the representative.”


    “I see. The academy’s in trouble, too.”


    “That ―― I think the Count will have a tough time from now on, but please do your best!”


    It’s a good thing I made some friends in the Republic.


    While I’m chatting with Jean, Lelia arrives with Clement.


    As the surroundings buzzed and gave way, Lelia came in front of me.


    Jean thoughtfully steps back, but I shrug my shoulders.


    “Is it okay for the priestess-sama toe to this ce?”


    Now Lelia has been appointed as a priestess of the Republic.


    In her right hand, she carried a crest and had be the new hope of the Republic.


    “That’s why. I’m here to thank my benefactor. But I need to talk to you. I’d like to meet Marie, too.”


    “Then, should we go inside the ship?”


    I take Lelia and board the Einhorn.


    .


    Part 6


    A room in Einhorn.


    That’s where we’ll meet, me, Luxion, Marie. And Lelia.


    When will the three reincarnated people be able to talk together again?


    It will be difficult this time because of our mutual position.


    Lelia forced herself to smile.


    “It really sucks. I was the one who was the least helpful. Aneki is badly injured and won’t be able to move for a while, and the Republic is in tatters and in need of reconstruction.”


    Marie put her hands in her pockets and turned her head away from Lelia. She wasn’t being rude because she didn’t like Lelia, but because she didn’t like the path Lelia had chosen.


    “So you want to be a priestess? You know how hard it is to be a priestess, so why do you choose this troublesome path?”


    She is a priestess of the Republic, but she is hope for those who seek to rebuild.


    She is the face of the country, and Lelia has chosen a life of inconvenience for herself.


    It’s a choice I can’t imagine making.


    “I took so many things from aneki, I have to be a priestess to make up for it.”


    Marie is not convinced.


    “Do you really think you can have a free love life in your current position? No matter how you look at it, it’s tough.”


    This is a republic that once fell to the ground. It will take a lot of work to recover from this, and Lelia will have to bear a certain amount of responsibility as a priestess.


    Working for the country, marrying for the country ―― there would be little freedom in that life.


    “You’re such an idiot. Why don’t you just run away.”


    When I say that, Luxion interjects.


    [Not everyone runs away from their responsibilities as Master does.]


    “Shut up. When did I ever run from my responsibilities?”


    [During the engagement ceremony――]


    “Okay, this conversation is over!”


    I was about to change the subject when things got bad, but Lelia was looking at me.


    “Take care of my sister. I want her to be free from now on. I know things are tough, but she’ll be safe with you.”


    “――Are you sure about that?”


    The path that Lelia has chosen is not as enviable as people think.


    “Because of me, a lot of people have be unlucky. If I don’t do anything about it, I’ll be truly the worst person. Give my regards to my sister. Don’t worry about the Republic, just think about her own happiness.”


    Lelia, who looks as if the possession has fallen off, said that and left the room.


    Marie had a face that said she didn’t understand.


    “Why does she have to carry the burden instead of Noelle?”


    “It’s a curse”


    “What curse?”


    “I’ll tell you about it another time. Anyway, are you ready to go?”


    “You didn’t have to tell me. ――Nee~, aniki.”


    “Huh?”


    “Is this all right?”


    Are we d we came to the Republic? Marie seems to be struggling with that question. I can’t give you an answer either, but Luxion will make aprehensive judgment.


    [Even if Master and others hadn’te to the Republic, there would have been problems anyway. Isn’t that a better development that Master and others would prefer? It’s not a happy ending, but isn’t it better than a bad ending?]


    The foul-mouthed Luxionforts her.


    Marie seemed unconvinced, but she epted it and asked us what was bothering her about the incident. It was the reason why Luxion and I were having such a bad time.


    “It’s not so easy to separate you two. Come to think of it, aniki and Luxion suspected Ideal all along, right?”


    “He smelled fishy to me. I guess my instincts aren’t too far off.”


    “What were you going to do if you were wrong?”


    “I wouldn’t do anything”


    “Was it just a hunch that you two were having a heated argument every day?”


    [There was a possibility that Ideal was watching us.]


    Marie is upset.


    “Then tell me first! I thought you were really fighting!”


    ――Honestly, we had a bit of a fight, though.


    “I was actually going to be more moderate. He’s beenining about it more than I thought he would.”


    When I told her what had happened, Luxion didn’t keep quiet either.


    [It’s true that I was angry with Master, so I just expressed some of my usual dissatisfaction. I’m sure it’s about thirty percent, I think?]


    ” ―― Oi, what do you mean, 30 percent? Do you hate me?”


    [Did you think I liked you? Overestimating yourself is a problem.]


    “Why don’t you try to understand how I feel after all the times you’ve been nagging me? Why don’t you mend your ways a little like Ideal.”


    [I’m the serious type, so I can’t.]


    “Serious guy neverins to their Master!”


    Marie shrugged her shoulders in disgust as we started to fight.


    “They really do look alike, don’t they.”


    We argue against Marie’s opinion.


    “Where?”


    [It seems that Marie has been misled. You’d better change your mind right now.]


    .


    Part 7


    When I went out on the deck, Louise-san was waiting for me.


    “It’s been a while”


    “Right”


    I hadn’t seen Louise-san for almost a month. The reason was simply that I was busy. Both Louise-san and I had a lot of things to do, and before I knew it, we hadn’t seen each other for a month.


    Well, there’s also the matter of Serge.


    “I came to say thank you today.”


    “Thank you? Then I want a beautiful woman’s kiss as my reward!”


    When I tried to make a joke out of it, Louise-san smiled sadly.


    My mouth slipped and cleared my throat on purpose.


    “Aa~, that’s a joke.”


    “I know. I’ve learned a lot about you in the past year. Really, how could I have thought you were my brother? My Leon was much calmer and more of a gentleman.”


    That’s outrageous. I’m trying to be a gentleman like my master.


    “It can’t be helped, I was raised badly.”


    “It’s not about how you were raised, it’s about your nature, isn’t it? You’re really twisted.”


    Nature, huh. Well, I guess it’s not wrong. I’m aware that I’m a bit more twisted than normal, partly because I’m a reincarnated person ―― someone who has a previous life. ――Just a little.


    Louise-san looks down.


    “Ne~e, just onest time――call me onee-chan.”


    “Are? I haven’t said that?”


    Then, Louise-san looks up at me and protests.


    “You haven’t said that! Definitely never say that!”


    Is it really that important?


    “I intended to say”


    Iughed, and Louise-san turned away.


    “You’re really mean. That’s enough. I’m going to go, and you take care of yourself.”


    I waved at Louise-san, who was about to leave.


    “――See you again, onee-chan“


    I said to Louise-san’s back, and then I turned my back and started walking. I hear footsteps behind me, but I stop without looking back.


    Louise-san hugs me on the back.


    “Why are you saying that now? Even though I tried to be patient. I was trying to be patient because it was going to be hard to part with you!”


    Louise-san, who pressed her head against my back and started crying, seemed to have been enduring in various ways.


    It’s hard to say goodbye when you are so well loved.


    I talk to her with my back to her. To have a conversation with her as a brother. If I turn to face her and talk to her, to make her clearheaded, I won’t turn back.


    “We’ll meet again, onee-chan“


    “Absolutely. If you don’te to see me, I’lle to see you.”


    I didn’t think that the existence of a sister could be so cute. Isn’t the sister in my parents’ home actually something else?


    As I’m thinking such a silly thing, Louise-san pulls away from me.


    When I turned around, she kissed me unexpectedly.


    “Eh?”


    I was surprised, and Louise-san looked at me like she had done it.


    Her eyes were red from crying, but she was smiling now.


    “Your reward, a kiss from the beauty. Take it dly.”


    I was in a state of a daze as I pressed my lips with my fingers.


    As Louise-san took the ramp from the deck to the harbor, she turned around and gave onest big wave hands.


    “Come again, Leon!”


    I also wave my right hand and respond.


    ―― Onee-chan, huh? It might be nice.


    .


    Part 8


    When we returned from the Republic, we were summoned to the royal pce.


    I was told that I would be given credit for this work, and that we would have a detailed meeting before holding the ceremony in the audience room.


    It’s called advance preparation, and it doesn’t matter if your etiquette is shaky.


    It’s just me and five idiots, Marie is waiting in another room.


    That girl is in a different category because she was pretending to be a saint and caused a lot of damage to the kingdom.


    Ange and Livia, but they were not here because they are at my parents’ house now.


    After this meeting and ceremony, we will meet up at my parents’ house.


    However, normally this would end with a discussion with the officials, but only today was Rnd present.


    Even if a little rudeness is allowed, he is still the king.


    I’m trying to be polite at least.


    “You don’t look well, Your Majesty? Maybe you can’t sleep?”


    I ask him with a grin, Rnd will re at me with bloodshot eyes.


    “You understand well. Thanks to someone, I was losing my sleep time. Why don’t you be a little quieter, kid?”


    “I’m quiet, but people keep messing with me.”


    “You stirred it up, right? It’s written all over your shameless, hateful face.”


    “Your Majesty is good at joking. I can’t believe you would say such a horrible thing to this vassal of yours who is so earnest and loyal.”


    “Earnest and loyal vassals won’t cut off my sleep time.”


    As we wereughing and staring at each other, Minister Bernard, who attended the meeting, cleared his throat. Nevertheless, there were many big names in attendance, including Minister Bernard.


    Ange’s dad, the Duke Redgrave, is there too,ughing.


    “I’ve heard about your performance in the Republic. It was really quite exhrating.”


    Ange’s Papa is also very pleased.


    I’m d I did my best. And it was even better to be able to damage Rnd.


    Milene-san was also present at the meeting.


    “Your decision to expel the Holy Kingdom of Rachel was a good one. Thank you, “Marquis” Bartfalt.”


    “Leon here, doing his best for the queen ―― Hmm?”


    Are? The Queen made a mistake in my title.


    Just now, I was called Marquis, not a Count.


    Marquis ―― It’s one rank below a Duke, and in the Kingdom of Horfalt it’s a rank that can only be given to families that are rted to the royal family.


    In other words, it is a title that cannot be imed unless you are connected to the royal family.


    I’m from the Poor Baron family, there was no way I could be rted to the royal family.


    “Milene-sama, my title is Count?”


    Then, Milene-san was embarrassed.


    Apparently, she was embarrassed that she had made a mistake.


    U~n, cute.


    “What am I saying. If I don’t tell him first, Leon-kun will get confused.”


    “Hmm?”


    Julius and the others looked at each other, thinking that there was something wrong with the situation.


    “Oi, what do you think?”


    “If it’s possible or impossible, it’s just about possible.”


    What are you talking about?


    As I was puzzled, Minister Bernard ―― rice’s papa, began to give me a detailed exnation.


    “Count Bartfalt. Your achievements are highly valued by the kingdom. In order to reward you for your services, His Majesty will grant you a third rank along with the title of Marquis.”


    It’s a lie, right?! The Marquis rank is one thing, but the upper third rank is a rank that can only be obtained by someone rted to the royal family. Just when I thought my career was practically over, I get another promotion?!


    “Even so I get a promotion is strange, right?! I’m not even royalty!”


    Rnd, who had been watching my distraught state, gave me a very refreshing smile.


    Then stand up and spreads his hands.


    “You can! You may have forgotten, but you’re engaged to the daughter of the Duke Redgrave. That means you’re also rted to the royal family in a broader sense!”


    What are you doing! What’s with the look on your face?


    In the first ce, a Marquis is not an easy title to bestow.


    The fact that I’m Ange’s fiancé shouldn’t be a reason to give it.


    Royalty is such a heavy position. ―― It’s hard to realize when I look at Rnd, but anyway, it’s not a position that can be given so easily even in the Kingdom of Horfalt.


    “That’s impossible!”


    “I said it’s possible! I’m the king. I’m the rule!”


    Rnd smiles with his bloodshot eyes wide open, a look of triumph on his face.


    I turned my gaze to Minister Bernard and the Duke Redgrave, but they both nodded their heads.


    “I’m sorry, but Your Majesty is right.”


    “His Majesty has persuaded the lords to reward you for your service.”


    ―― What an unnecessary thing to do, King! I re at Rnd.


    “I refuse!”


    “Hmm, I refuse that refusal!”


    “Bastard, this son of a bitch!”


    I grabbed him and Rnd punched me,ughing.


    I was so angry that I mmed my knee into his stomach, but the people around me didn’t try to stop me.


    The guards are also ignoring it.


    Rnd took out his daily frustrations on me.


    “Because of you, I’m losing sleep!”


    “You need to work a little!”


    “That’s right. That’s why I worked so hard to get you promoted!”


    Isn’t it harmful to have a king who works hard on useless things?


    Tired of all the fuss, we both breathed on each other’s shoulders, and when we calmed down, I theorized that I couldn’t do it.


    By no means, it’s not a useless resistance.


    “I have no territory and no position!”


    But Rnd, as if he had been waiting for it, took out a letter from his pocket and thrust it at me.


    The letter was signed by Alberg-san.


    “Th-This is?”


    “When I told him you had nonds, he offered me a portion of the former Favel family’snds. He has been generous enough to cede usnd with a port.”


    “You’re lying right!”


    “I’m not lying. I misled him into thinking you were in trouble, and Alberg-dono was so heartbroken that he gave you the Republic’s territory. I’m d to hear that he trusts you. Ah, I heard that Alberg-dono will take care of thend. All you have to do is lend him your name. He offered to give you the customs, but the Republic is having a hard time rebuilding, isn’t it? I’ve turned it down on your behalf.”


    I was the owner of thend, but the Rault House ―― Alberg-san was the one who practically managed it. Just because I have a territory, Rnd was prodding me for ie and various other benefits.


    No hassle, but no ie in return.


    Rnd had been working behind the scenes just to make me a marquis.


    Alberg-san epted the proposal out of the goodness of his heart.


    “Oops, I have a message from Alberg-dono. He said, “I’m d if I can repay you even a little.” He was a really wonderful man.”


    “You are the worst, though”


    “How does it feel to serve that worst king? I’d love to know.”


    When I gritted my teeth in frustration, Milene-san red at Rnd and scolded him.


    “Your Majesty, no more ying around.”


    ” ―― Well, that’s all right. The boy is a marquis and upper third in rank from today. I’ll make a formal announcement at the uing ceremony, so keep that in mind.”


    I couldn’t resist after all this.


    As my shoulders slumped, Rnd continued his attack on me.


    “Also, as a marquis, you need a vassal, right? Since I’m a kind man, I’ve decided to send you a vassal from the direct vassge of the kingdom.”


    In modern terms, subordinates would be sent from the head office to the branch where I became the branch manager.


    “I do not need it”


    When I refuse, Rnd grins and calms me down.


    “Don’t say that. I’ve selected for you a group of exceptionally talented young men. Now, say hello to each other.”


    There were no knights in the room who could be called young men.


    I turned my head to see Rnd looking behind me.


    ―― I break out in a cold sweat.


    “D-Don’t tell me”


    “Congrattions! Jilk, Brad, Greg, and Chris are your subordinates from today! You can call them foster sons. In other words, you are the parent ―― you’re the one who’s in responsibility!”


    I felt the blood drain from my veins.


    I turned around, shaking, and saw four of the five idiots looking at me,ughing.


    Jilk was smiling.


    “Marquis Bartfalt is our superior? It’s a strange thing, isn’t it.”


    Brad was holding his hands behind his head.


    “After all we’ve been through, we’re lucky to get away with this, right? Best regards, Bartfalt.”


    Greg crossed his arms and nodded.


    “If you are the boss, I won’tin.”


    Chris corrected the position of his sses and looked pleased.


    “But it seems a bit impolite to keep calling you by your surname, Bartfalt. If you’re our godparent, we’ll affectionately call you Leon.”


    ――Why do you guys look so happy?


    “You should hate it a little bit! Don’t you guys have anyints about working for me?!”


    The former nobles sound nice, but they are now parasitic pimps of Marie.


    I felt like I was forced to deal with four bad guys.


    Jilk isughing.


    “I’m certainly dissatisfied, but I still think highly of you, Leon-kun. I look forward to working with you from now on.”


    In addition to the sudden name-calling, the four of them show no refusal.


    My head started to spin.


    Rnd is saying the final blow.


    “And while you’re at it, you can take care of Miss Marie.”


    “Why?”


    When I was surprised that I was even officially forced to take care of Marie, Miine-sama looked apologetic.


    “Normally, I would push her somewhere, but Marie has the power of a saint even if the temple doesn’t recognize it. I can’t leave her in a bad ce, and separating her from them might cause problems.”


    If we separate Jilk and the others from Marie, these idiots will cause more trouble.


    They want to put her under my care to keep an eye on her.


    As I sat there with my head in my hands, people around me looked at me sympathetically.


    Of all of them, only Rnd wasughing.


    “This is what happens when you make me angry. Are you feeling a little repentant?”


    “Remember this. I’m a man who always gets his revenge, no matter who it is.”


    “I’m looking forward to it. If you ever want to get promoted again, you can always call me. By the way, I’m a man who always pays back.”


    What an awful conversation!


    If this was the case, I wanted to stay in the Republic and y with Louise onee-chan.


    Then Julius is looking at me sadly.


    “――What?”


    Julius looked at us and envied us.


    “Bartfalt――no, Leon. Can Ie and be looked after at your ce?”


    “Why? You’re a prince!”


    “I-I’m lonely! It’s unfair, you guys only.”


    What do you mean, “unfair”? Why do you want to be my subordinate? If you had been more firm, I wouldn’t have risen so high!


    .


    Part 9


    When the meeting was over, Julius and the others were taken to another room to talk about the future and be lectured by Milene-san.


    I also feel like noting back, but at the same time, I feel like I want to be scolded by Milene-san.


    I envy those guys.


    When I came back to the waiting room, I was greeted by Marie, Kara, and Kyle.


    “Leon, what happened?”


    ” ―― I was told to take care of you guys.”


    “Eh?”


    I tell Marie and the others that Rnd set me up at the meeting.


    And heins alone.


    “It sucks. I’ll have to take care of Julius, too. I was able to bear it while I was in the Republic, but toe back to the Kingdom and have to take care of you guys ――te ――Oi.”


    Marie was clinging to my legs, and Kara and Kyle were clinging to me as well.


    “What are you doing?”


    When the three of them were unsure of what they wanted to do, Marie shouted.


    “I will never let go!”


    “Ha?”


    Marie shouted, and Kara following her.


    “I can’t take care of those people without the Marquis Barthofalt. Please, don’t abandon us!”


    “Don’t talk to me like that! I don’t remember picking you up in the first ce!”


    Next was Kyle.


    “Please. Please hire me. If you throw us out, we won’t be able to make a living! We’ll do our job properly!”


    “Why are you even clinging to me? You’re supposed to be the cool, cocky one who looks down on Marie and the others!”


    I tried to pull the three of them off of me, but Marie was holding on to my legs with the most strength.


    W-Where does this girl’s powere from?


    I grab hold of Marie’s head and push to pull her off.


    “G-Get away from me!”


    “No! I’ll never let you go. I’m never separating from you!”


    Then Marie leaks out in a whisper so that the other two can’t hear.


    She had a slightly dark smile on her face and her eyes with the lights gone.


    “I’ll be with you forever, aniki“


    I can’t help but feel scared when my younger sister from my previous life, who would chase me even if I died, says this.


    I broke out in a cold sweat, my voice faltered, and I screamed.


    “G-Get off me!”


    That day, Marie was so scary that she was in my dreams.