Chapter 45

It was the first time I had returned to my family home in a long while, and I found that my room was gone. It seems that the third and fourth ladies now live in the building where my mother and I used to live.

The room assigned to me was the VIP suite, a luxurious setup that would likely cost 300,000 stones per night in a hotel. To be honest, I couldn't settle in.

Moreover, I was isolated from my vassals and left alone in a spacious room. I suspect they think the prosperity of Bouble is due to its excellent vassals. They must have separated me from my vassals to prevent me from gaining wisdom.

My schedule during my stay was set as follows:

Day 1: Family dinner (including the third and fourth ladies)

Day 2: Morning, tea party with Adeline and her friends; Afternoon, personal training (no outings allowed); Evening, party with influential knights and merchants in the territory

Day 3: Match with Chaos (Acorde Knights' Arena)

The match with Chaos is scheduled for three days from now. If it were me, I would have the match on the same day while the opponent is still tired from the journey, but it seems knights care about their dignity.

In fact, I still have energy left. When traveling to enemy territory, conserving physical strength is a basic principle. More importantly, I need to get back quickly to resume my political duties, or I'll end up with a series of sleepless nights.

(In a game, you could adjust your level before mandatory events. The only time I can think of to prepare is the afternoon of the second day.)

In a game, you might learn special moves or get new weapons and items, but in reality, such convenient events don't happen. Even if I could learn a special move, I wouldn't have enough time to master it for actual combat.

The match is a best-of-three, using practice weapons, and attack magic is prohibited. Considering the reach difference with Chaos, I am clearly at a disadvantage. The only advantage I have is that Alan and the others don't know I can use magic.

(I need to think of a spell that Recolt doesn't have and test it in the afternoon of the second day.)

Even in a game, using a spell in actual combat is a challenge, and I can manage at most one.

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For the first time in my life, I admired Alan. He was calmly eating dinner surrounded by my mother, the second lady, and the third and fourth ladies, whose eyes were dead. The atmosphere was so tense that even I, an outsider, lost my appetite, yet he was drinking wine and eating without a care.

"What's wrong, George? This is your home. Don't hold back and eat."

Alan said this with a bright smile. I wonder how thick his skin is to be able to smile so brightly in such a toxic situation.

"Alan, George is tired from a long journey. Besides, he has a mock battle with Chaos the day after tomorrow. He must be nervous."

And, surprisingly, my grandmother Adeline came to my defense. Though her support was misplaced, she was the only one who could speak up against Alan, so I was grateful.

"Nervous about the mock battle... George, if you lose to Chaos, you will join the Acorde Knights."

"But I have political duties in Bouble."

To be honest, joining the Acorde Knights wouldn't teach me anything. Mr. Bolf's training is much more rigorous.

"Don't worry. I will handle the political duties in Bouble. I used to handle the political affairs there myself."

There it is, a declaration of taking credit. Alan wants the rapidly developing Bouble. However, without a reason, Grandpa would intervene. So, he intends to take Bouble by making me fight an opponent I can't beat.

I never intended to lose from the beginning, but now I can't afford to lose at all.

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Is this part of a plan to wear down my mental strength? On the second day, I was invited to a tea party hosted by my grandmother Adeline, but it turned out to be a nightmare. All the ladies present were of a certain age and held a certain rank.

(Their noses are crooked. They wear too much makeup and perfume.)

Everyone was heavily made up and doused in perfume. The mixed scents in the room were overwhelming.

Normally, I would pinch my nose, but these are noble ladies. Any inappropriate action would be considered rude and create enemies.

"Oh, Master George, you have such a cute face... especially those adorable freckles."

"Master George, you're having a mock battle with Chaos... I'm glad it's not a beauty contest."

"Truly, you are a remarkable lord of the rapidly developing Bouble. Your manners towards women are impeccable... no doubt due to the brothels you've established."

And the insults began. However, this was expected, and I had prepared accordingly.

"Grandmother, thank you for inviting me today. Please accept this small token of my appreciation."

I handed Adeline a ring. It had a water-blue stone the size of a one-yen coin in the center, surrounded by colorful stones.

"Oh, these are all magic stones."

"I've never seen magic stones of such clarity."

"What a luxurious ring, with such intricate decorations."

As expected, the ring captured the ladies' hearts. What was considered junk magic stones became a hit when made into a ring. Everyone eagerly placed orders, which was a huge relief.

One woman spoke up.

"I didn't expect Master George to understand women's hearts so well. Since you've established brothels for men, could you create a place for us women to relieve stress?... Of course, not with vulgar male prostitutes."

A chorus of approval followed, and the women began to voice their agreement.

"George, this is an order. Your brothels have caused many women stress. Fulfill their request."

Yes, Adeline's order came. If I lose to Chaos, this might be overlooked, but if that happens, I'll be left with nothing. Even if I win, I have to deal with this unreasonable request.

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While greeting various people at the party, a couple approached. Both were dressed in expensive clothing, indicating their high status.

The man had bright silver hair and a friendly appearance. The woman was a rabbit girl with a light green hair.

(Probably a noble's son and his fiancée.)

"Hey, George. I'm Varm Nubore. The lady next to me is my lover, Marur."

I quickly accessed the Recolt character dictionary. Varm seems to be the eldest son of the Nubore family. What caught my attention was the collar around Marur's neck. It was clearly a slave collar.

"George Acorde. So, Marur is...?"

No noble would bring a slave as a party partner. Bringing an unmarried noble to a party is the same as declaring them engaged... by the way, I came alone.

"Yes, Marur is my slave. But I love her. That's why I brought her to the party. George, in matters of love, status doesn't matter."

Varm said this with a determined look, but if he truly loved her, he should free her... In conclusion, getting involved with him is a loss.

"R, really? That's amazing. Well, see you later."

"Wait a moment. I called you for a reason. George, would you like to join the Slave Status Improvement Association?"

To improve the status of slaves, the best thing is not to buy them. Without demand, there would be no supply.

"Sorry, I don't own any slaves."

Beast people in Bouble are easily enslaved. I have no interest in owning such a distasteful thing, and from a governance perspective, it's best to avoid it.

"That's not right! To reduce the number of unhappy slaves, every noble should own at least one."

Being a slave means being at the bottom of unhappiness.

"I'll consider it. It depends on tomorrow's match."

"Alright? Marur, let's go to the terrace and talk about our love."

Varm headed to the terrace with a smug look, and Marur followed obediently... I'm at my mental limit. I'll say I'm not feeling well and leave the party.

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On the day of the match, I couldn't believe my eyes. The arena was packed with spectators, all clearly cheering for Chaos. Even at my family home, it felt like an away game.

"You came without running away. I'll give you credit for your courage."

Chaos said this with a smug smile. But I won't praise his courage, because he's wearing full armor.

"Showing up in full armor for a mock battle with a kid. You might want to think of an excuse for when you lose."

It's a perfect villain's line, but I have confidence in beating Chaos. This is the debut of my new magic.