18 - Liel's Ambition
The residence of Lord Darion.
This is my second visit, but the atmosphere is a bit different this time.
Last time I played the fool, but since I'm on my way back from the guild, my clothes are quite casual.
Normally, it would be better to change, but Zelfie-san told me to hurry.
As Zelfie-san and I passed through the gates of the estate and entered, Bentlar-san, the lord, was already waiting in the room.
(I see, that's why she made me hurry.)
Zelfie-san probably felt that making the employer wait was not ideal.
I greeted Bentlar-san, who welcomed me with a smile while drinking tea.
"Thank you very much for your support this time—"
"Let us skip such greetings. Right now, I consider you to be the adventurer Liel-dono."
In other words, it seems he has judged that I am not seeking to return as the heir.
(I wonder if he heard it from Zelfie-san.)
Zelfie-san probably reported it the moment he determined I was a member of the Walt family.
(He probably got curious and looked into it when I used magic.)
The Seventh, who is in charge today, evaluates the opponent.
'I see, so he is not what he seems. Truly excellent.'
As we sat on the sofa, Bentlar-san asked the question he wanted to know.
The real objective.
"I have heard from Zelfie. That you two are not particularly trying to become nobles, but truly intend to live as adventurers. However, this recent incident seems to have been driven by different motives. If you wanted to make a name for yourself, you should have operated with a small, elite group from the start. Now, you are being called the 'idiot son of a former noble.'"
I understand why people would say that based on my actions.
I prepared many times more people than necessary and scattered money just to subjugate a single band of bandits. There were plenty of more efficient methods.
Normally, it would be a massive deficit. Whether as an adventurer or as a noble's son, it's only natural to be called an idiot.
However, for me, I achieved my goal, and far from a deficit, I gained sixty gold coins.
It was more than enough of a plus.
"As for that, I suppose it was for my own personal gain."
"Personal gain was involved in this bandit subjugation, you say?"
Hearing this, the Seventh muttered under his breath.
'It was to lift the restrictions on his skills. Though he won't be understood even if he says so.'
That is exactly right.
I agree with the Seventh's opinion.
Then, for some reason, Zelfie-san brought up Rockwood-san's name.
"Were you moved by the request of Lady Aria? Or perhaps, an ulterior motive?"
"Eh? No, that's not..."
Then, for a moment, Zelfie-san gave me a very sharp glare. She might be telling me to go along with the story.
The Seventh said "Hmm" and then gave me advice.
'Liel, just go with the flow. It will be a pain if the First starts making a fuss about Aria.'
Without fully understanding, I affirmed it.
"W-well... that, you know. ...Right?"
Giving a vague answer, I stole a glance at Novem.
Novem wasn't angry, she was just drinking her tea.
(Good, Novem understands the flow too! I mean, from the outside, it really does look like I acted for Rockwood-san's sake.)
Thinking so, I continued to give vague affirmations to Bentlar-san's words, following Zelfie-san's lead.
If I said it was for the sake of my skills, I wouldn't be believed, and if I didn't provide a plausible reason, I would be viewed with suspicion.
"I see, Liel-dono is a man after all. My, being young is wonderful. Faithful to one's desires."
Bentlar-san was laughing, but I didn't feel praised at all.
Without even grasping the flow of the conversation, it had become that this bandit subjugation was something I did for Rockwood-san, whom I had taken a liking to at first sight.
(This is a bad direction. I wonder what Novem thinks?)
I kept glancing at Novem, but she didn't look angry at all.
Internally, I trembled, wondering if she was deeply appalled, but there was no sign of that.
"Hmm. In that case, would it be acceptable if my reward was Lady Aria?"
"...Reward?"
Bentlar-san nodded.
"Regarding this incident. I also gained profit thanks to Liel-dono. If Liel-dono desires Lady Aria, I shall leave her disposal to you. After all, the head of the Rockwood family was connected to the bandits."
Based on the bandits' actions until now, Bentlar-san had suspected there was a collaborator in Darion and investigated.
As a result, the connection was with the Rockwood family.
Rockwood-san, upon learning this, seemed to have suffered a terrible shock.
"Jewel Orbs that possess multiple skills are certainly not the mainstream in this day and age. However, he should have understood what the result would be if he sold such a thing to bandits. Furthermore, if he was cooperating with the bandits... he must be punished."
He probably wanted to make an example of those who cooperate with rebels.
Or rather...
'S-sold it... Liel! I'm going to beat the hell out of that head of the Rockwood family right now! Selling Alice-san's Orb is just wrong as a human being!'
As usual, the Second stopped the First.
'You're the one who's wrong as a parent. Anyway, listen to the story. This is about what will happen to the precious Lady Aria.'
'That's right!'
Once the ancestors fell silent, I looked at Bentlar-san.
"Naturally, I intended for Lady Aria, as a family member, to take responsibility as well. It seems it is already just the father and daughter. Honestly... despite Zelfie lending me a hand and them being able to live in Darion because of that grace."
"Excuse me, but what exactly did the Rockwood family do?"
When Novem asked, Zelfie-san explained while covering her face with her left hand.
"They used their position as military officers to connect with the rebels and overlook their crimes. Because of that, the Rockwood family's reputation fell to the ground. Though, the spending had been extravagant since the time of the current head. My father was also kicked out, and we left the royal capital as a family to come to Darion."
Bentlar-san took over Zelfie-san's explanation.
"A knight who was a subordinate and got kicked out would feel uncomfortable in Central due to the eyes of those around him. Zelfie-san's family seems to have struggled greatly. After all, a knight became an adventurer to support his family."
However, Zelfie-san's expression became indescribable from there.
"Lady Aria witnessed the fall of the Rockwood family with her own eyes. On top of that, knowing they were connected to the bandits, well..."
"That is indeed—"
Novem was also at a loss for words.
Some build a house in one generation, and some destroy it in one generation.
(I can't really talk about other people, though.)
The Seventh said.
'The fact that the clan and the parties involved were not executed was due to their past achievements? In my era, everyone would have been executed. No, was the Rockwood family pro-royalty? It must be the Emperor's mercy.'
Apparently, there were circumstances regarding that.
I too was kicked out of my home, and if Zelfie and Novem hadn't been there, I might have died in a ditch by now.
It didn't feel like someone else's problem.
Because Zelfie picked me up, I was able to obtain the Jewel Orbs.
"...What will happen to the Rockwood family?"
When I asked, Bentlar-san's expression became serious.
He had been tolerant toward the nuisances in his territory until now. But they sold an Orb possessing multiple skills to rebels for a pittance.
Additionally, they cooperated and even helped the bandits slip into Darion.
He has no intention of forgiving them.
"I let them live in Darion at Zelfie-san's request, but that has reached its limit. Keeping a troublesome existence that has lost both its title and position is only a disadvantage."
Just as they were kicked out of Central, the Rockwood family probably drifted to Darion.
It's easy to live in, and the location is close to Central.
But Darion probably didn't want to accept a military officer who had connections with such rebels.
He had accepted them only because of Zelfie-san's wish.
Zelfie-san seems to be quite a loyal person.
"It is a fact that they had connections with the bandits and brought them into Darion. If one investigates, who knows how many evil deeds will come to light..."
The Orb that was thought to have been stolen was sold to the bandits.
Moreover, if they were connected to the bandits... the crime of the head of the Rockwood family is heavy.
"The head will likely be sent to the mines. Normally, given Lady Aria's appearance and youth, she might have become a prostitute elsewhere."
Forced into hard labor as a slave in the harsh mines.
And for Rockwood-san, the path to becoming a prostitute awaited.
"However, I did not wish to dispose of such a devoted daughter in that manner. Well, if Liel-dono desires her, I can leave her to you."
I tilted my head, looking at Bentlar-san's smile.
"...Eh?"
Then, Zelfie-san started slapping my shoulder repeatedly.
"Isn't this great, Liel! Lady Aria is a beauty. Truly wonderful. Ahahaha!"
"Eh, wait a minute... eh?"
Zelfie-san, who was forcing the conversation to a conclusion, didn't seem likely to listen to me.
I looked at Novem as if seeking help.
Then, Novem said to me—.
"You did it, Liel-sama. With this, you've taken a step closer to your dream."
"Eh, dream? Eh? Eh!? Huh?"
While I was in confusion, the conversation continued.
'H-hey... what does this mean?'
The First was also bewildered.
The Second was the same.
'Eh, no... the flow should be to save her! Look, go along with it for now, and the flow is to make sure Liel doesn't let Aria become a prostitute!'
But the Third's opinion differed from the two.
'Is that so? It feels like everyone has their own motives...'
The Fourth was troubled by Novem's reaction.
'Novem-chan, wake up! This flow is no good!'
The Fifth complained about Bentlar-san.
'This lord sent Aria to Liel as revenge for being deceived. This old fox is probably laughing his head off internally right now seeing Liel in trouble.'
The Sixth seemed to be concerned about Zelfie-san.
'Even for an adventurer like Zelfie, she is desperate. However, Novem's response was unexpected.'
The Seventh didn't seem to care much.
'Novem is also a daughter of the Foxuz family, so perhaps she doesn't mind if there are concubines besides the wife? Or rather, as for me, I'm more worried about Liel?'
I realized there were no allies for me around.
After all, the guard standing next to the lord grinned when he locked eyes with me.
(...W-was I schemed against? B-but why?)
For a moment, I thought it would be better if Zelfie-san just took in Rockwood-san, and I'm sure I wasn't wrong.
Yet, now it has become that I am the one taking her in.
Having returned home after a long time, I was facing Novem to talk with her.
Preparing a meal was a hassle, so I had eaten out.
I had taken a bath and brushed my teeth.
(I-I have to get pumped up!)
Steadying my breathing, I decided to convey my feelings.
This wasn't because the ancestors told me to.
It was because I wanted to respond to Novem, who supports someone like me.
More than anything... I love Novem.
I was so nervous that I started sweating. The words wouldn't come out well.
"Novem... I love you. I know I'm not much, but I want you to marry me."
"Liel-sama... I'm so happy."
Novem covered her mouth with both hands, her face turning red as she shed tears.
"Y-yeah! S-so, you see... that... I love Novem, and I don't have romantic feelings or anything like that for Rockwood-san. I think the flow this time somehow moved toward saving her."
I feel like a useless man making excuses, but right now, conveying my feelings to Novem is the priority.
However, the ancestors are noisy.
I want them to read the room and be quiet.
The First and the Second said.
'What a pathetic statement... be more decisive.'
'Coming from you, who couldn't even speak to your first love, there isn't a shred of persuasiveness.'
I tried to tell Novem that I only need her by my side—
"So, I want you to stay by my side forever. I thought it would be good if the two of us, well, could live together..."
'Well, as it stands, it's a confession that lacks impact. Or rather, I think Liel should create more of an atmosphere. You have to be firm about the present or the place of confession...'
The Third also gave me a critique.
I know. But I felt that if I didn't say it here, it would become irreversible.
Wiping her tears with her finger, Novem said.
"Thank you, Liel-sama... however."
(H-however? Wait, is this a rejection flow? B-but she just said she was happy!)
"As a man, you must not change the dream you have raised so easily. To become an adventurer and live an interesting life surrounded by women. ...To realize that dream, you must firmly possess strength as an adventurer. To realize Liel-sama's dream, you must indeed become a first-class adventurer."
Told this by Novem, I couldn't understand what she was saying.
A first-class adventurer?
I became an adventurer because I wanted a means to make a living, I hadn't decided on things that far ahead.
"...What do you mean?"
'Liel! You had such an ambition!'
The Fourth's shout could be heard.
But I don't remember saying such a thing. In the first place, I wasn't that obsessed with being an adventurer.
Novem continued.
"I also know the family precepts of the Walt family. Aria-san is a person worthy of becoming a woman of the Walt family. Therefore, please feel free to add her to your harem."
At Novem's statement, the First was surprised.
'W-what...?'
"Stop. Novem-san, stop."
I mean, I don't want any such harem—.
Just as I thought that, the Third said.
'Ah! Liel, you said it! You did say it, didn't you!'
(I didn't! For the most part, I'm not so stupid that I'd run to another woman in front of Novem, who devotes herself this much!)
"I didn't. I didn't say such a thing."
"Liel-sama?"
While Novem tilted her head, the Third continued.
'Look, it was the first time! Before you knew of our existence, didn't you say it to Novem on the wagon!'
Hearing that, the Fourth also seemed to remember.
'That time!'
The Second confirmed while bewildered.
'B-but that was to make Novem-chan go home, right? Huh? Isn't it strange that Novem-chan didn't notice that?'
Being told that, I remembered.
It was when I tried to make Novem disillusioned with me so she would go home.
[I have no such intention. I'll become an adventurer, keep women around me, and live freely. I'm actually refreshed to have been kicked out of my home.]
"I said itttt!!"
As I screamed in confusion upon remembering, Novem placed her hand on my shoulder in concern.
"Liel-sama!? What happened, Liel-sama!"
The First said in a low voice.
'Y-you... despite being a coward, you had such an ambition.'
The Second said to the First—.
'Think about the flow of the conversation! She just believed the lie Liel told!'
The Third was thinking for a bit.
'But I can't believe Novem-chan didn't notice that?'
The Fourth gave me a critique.
'Liel! What are you going to do now! Even though Novem-chan is here, are you going to welcome that Aria girl? It's obvious which one you should choose!'
The First shouted at the Fourth.
'Are you planning to make fun of Aria-chan, who is the spitting image of Alice-san! You bespectacled brat, come outside!'
The Fifth seemed to share the Third's opinion.
'True. I can't believe she didn't notice. Or rather, does Novem have her own objective? That might be why she approached Liel.'
The Fifth's opinion was ignored.
The Sixth evaluated Novem like this.
'Novem is... a woman who, if she takes one wrong step, will create a first-class useless man.'
The Seventh didn't seem to care.
'Liel is the heir to a former count's family. Moreover, he is a chosen existence who carries the blood of the royal family, right? There's also the education of the Foxuz family, so he wouldn't make a fuss over one or two concubines.'
At the Seventh's opinion, the Sixth muttered.
'...You, after saying that, only had one wife.'
The Seventh shot back.
'Looking at Father (The Sixth) and Grandfather (The Fifth), it's impossible for me to envy a harem. Well, if it's Novem, she will surely manage the inner household well, so there is no problem.'
(Right now, instead of that, please give me some brilliant idea to resolve this situation!)
To clear up Novem's misunderstanding, I stood up and grabbed both of Novem's shoulders.
Ignoring the unreliable bunch, I steeled my resolve.
"Novem!"
"Y-yes!"
I steadied my breathing.
Then, I gazed into Novem's purple eyes.
"I don't need a harem. As long as I have you, that's enough!"
"Liel-sama... I am sorry."
I told her clearly so that she wouldn't misunderstand.
I thought that a vague response would be no good.
And yet...
"Eh?"
When Novem said she was sorry, the bell installed at the house door rang.
"I have already called Aria-san. It seems she was kicked out of her home, and Zelfie-san said she couldn't take her in because she lives with her fiancé."
"What about my opinion!"
It was the first time I learned Zelfie-san had a fiancé, but right now, Rockwood-san's situation was more important.
"Therefore, I am sorry. Ah, I'll go welcome her."
Novem, who walked away from me, seemed to be smiling slightly.
Like a mischievous child, yet looking happy.
(W-what does this mean?)
I slumped down on the spot, clutching my head with both hands.
I have a woman (Novem) who devotes herself this much, and yet I've ended up bringing a new woman (Aria) into the house.
From the outside, I am clearly a useless man. There's no way to make an excuse.
"This really makes me a useless manttt!!"
At that moment, the Fourth's words pierced through.
'Huh? You're a useless man no matter how you look at it.'