Chapter 44

I'm riding in a carriage on my way back to my hometown, but my mood is low. Even as I check the documents, I can't help but sigh involuntarily. Mr. Volf, hearing my sigh, opened his mouth with a look of exasperation.

"It's been a while since you've come back home, yet you're sighing so heavily... You never know who might be watching, so be careful."

Indeed, it's not good for the heir to be sighing so much when meeting his revered father after a long time. That's why I need to act as the straightforward and sincere heir, George, who reveres his father.

"Father, I am so happy to meet you, Father. I was lonely not being able to see you, but I worked hard to meet your expectations."

Just thinking about it makes me feel sick.

"I know, but when I think about the expenses this time, I can't help but sigh."

The accommodation fees for the retainers, the travel expenses, the souvenir expenses for Alan and Adeline, and the souvenir expenses for Boubel Castle... With Alan having taken a third and fourth wife, the total amount was astronomical.

"Well, it's good that the magic stones sold for a high price. But, what does Lord Alan want with you, George?"

As Mr. Sander said, the expenses this time were covered by selling the giant magic stones that were being cultivated for experiments. The pure, clear-colored giant magic stones sold for a high price to collectors.

I really wanted to use that money to make a Machineka G... but I'll insist that it's original.

"Who knows, the thoughts of the great are beyond the understanding of commoners."

The party I was called to the other day was just to show off new clothes. The total cost of the outfit was 4 million stones, and with the party expenses, it was an astronomical amount.

"Well, we'll see when we get there. By the way, what happened with the goblins?"

"I marked 50 goblins, but only 3 were found in Boubel. And they were all found inside bear bellies."

It seems that the probability of goblins, who are considered weak in nature, reaching Boubel is lower than expected.

"But if a pair of goblins settle down, they will multiply quickly. It's impossible to build a wall around all of Boubel."

"I have a plan that can be done at a low cost. If it works out, it could become a new export for Boubel."

However, there is a risk that my reputation will plummet in some circles. But if it works out, it could significantly improve Boubel's public health.

I don't want to, I just want to go home. I am the legitimate heir of the Akogi domain. When I arrived at the castle, I was greeted with a grand welcome.

My father Alan, who is unnecessarily handsome, my grandmother Adeline, who is as flashy as ever, my undeniably cute sister Ami, and my always sexy stepmother Lumia... So far, so good. The problem is the third and fourth wives, whom I'm meeting for the first time.

(Their eyes are dead. And the thing around their necks...)

Both the third and fourth wives are incredibly beautiful, but their eyes are dead, making them look like dolls. But the biggest problem is the black collar around their necks.

(No way. Alan is popular, but... I'll check it just in case.)

**Appraisal Result: Subjugation Collar - Effect: Makes the wearer unable to disobey the registered master [Luna Trading Company]**

(This is the worst case scenario! Slaves? No wonder their eyes are dead... And they were bought from the Luna Trading Company?)

I was stunned by the cliché. I tried to pull myself together and bowed to Alan.

"Father, thank you for inviting me. I am so moved to see you again, Father, my body is trembling."

To be honest, my body is trembling from the horrific situation.

"Hmm, you look well. Boubel has developed remarkably, and I am proud... By the way, George, what do you think the role of a lord is?"

"Sir, I believe it is the well-being of the people and the development of the domain."

A lord or knight alone can do nothing. The domain can only stand with the people and soldiers.

"Kindness alone cannot govern a domain. When I was your age, I spent my days in battle."

Alan is 38 this year, which is the age when middle-aged clichés start to appear. Besides, there hasn't been a war in Orizon for decades.

"Following Father's teachings, I have not neglected my martial training."

Indeed, my martial teacher is the assassin Mr. Volf and the mercenary Gigari. My fighting style is the complete opposite of Alan's knightly training.

Knights prefer to fight honorably and straightforwardly. On the other hand, I use a variety of tactics, including long-range archery and magic, and close combat that involves exploiting the opponent's weaknesses and incorporating grappling. Victory is the goal, and I plan to spread this philosophy in Orizon.

"Then, show me proof. Chaos Light, come forward."

"Yes, Lord Alan."

A man in his early twenties, with a refreshing and handsome appearance, stepped forward. He had golden hair down to his shoulders and a lean, muscular build. He is definitely popular, and it would be strange if he wasn't.

"George, you will engage in a mock battle with Chaos. Chaos is the best among the young knights of the Akogi Knights."

Come on, are you making a middle schooler fight a college student? And why is Chaos glaring at me? That's not very mature.

"Yes, I would like to borrow Chaos's skills."

"If you lose to Chaos, the engagement with Marina will be null and void. Got it?!"

Seriously? I'll pretend to lose and have the engagement annulled.

"Lord Alan, that's unfair... The difference in skill between me, trained by the Akogi Knights, and George, who plays with dirty beasts, is too great."

...What is this idiot saying? I don't mind the insults. It's normal for a middle schooler to be weaker than a college student.

"Father, I am disappointed. The proud Akogi Knights do not teach manners... Hey, you brat, I'll teach you the harshness of the world."

"Lord Alan, what are you saying? A spoiled brat who forced Marina into an engagement with you, what are you talking about? I swear, I will save Marina Lightek from George Akogi's evil hands."

Come on, I'm the legitimate heir. You're a rookie in the knights. Do you understand your position? ...It's more reasonable to think you're provoking me on purpose.

As evidence, Alan is not reprimanding Chaos for his rudeness. If I lose, he might find a reason to take Boubel away or make Chaos Ami's fiancé. If I win, he will boast that his son has martial skills.

---

"George, that brat is apparently quite strong."

Mr. Volf investigated, and it turns out the Light family is close to the Lightek family, and Chaos and Marina are cousins. Chaos also doted on Reisen Lightel like a younger brother.

In other words, to Chaos, I am the hateful one who used the lord's power to force Marina into an engagement and exiled Reisen.

"I didn't think I was called here for a mock battle... Mr. Sander, what do you think about owning slaves in Orizon?"

The issue of Alan buying slaves from the Luna Trading Company is more important than that brat.

"Public opinion is not favorable. The nobility are divided into those who actively promote the purchase of slaves, those who keep slaves as pets, and those who oppose slavery."

"Which side is stronger?"

I hate the slave system, but I don't think it's wise to openly oppose the mainstream.

"The strongest are the promoters. The opposition is led by Lord Lauren and the Gilliam Trading Company."

"Then we'll be on the opposition side. But we won't actively oppose it; we'll wait and see. After all, the lord of our domain has a wife who is a slave."

But, with those dead eyes, how does he manage to get it up? I would become impotent from guilt. If you live in the Kanto area, please check the activity report.