Chapter 95

After seeing the ranking and reading the comments, I hurriedly checked, and to my surprise, my work had moved up to 25th place in the isekai reincarnation/transfer daily ranking…

(・Д・)

Thank you!

The next morning at 9 o'clock.

I had arrived in Lakanth, the capital of the Sardos Earl's territory, which is about 80 kilometers away from Solcoast.

I went to the port with excitement to join the Duarize fishing trip, but a problem arose.

A group of Orca-type monsters appeared on the route, and permission to set sail was not granted.

"Damn... I never thought I'd run into orcas at a time like this. My luck is really bad. The competition is in a week. I can only pray they'll be gone by then... I might have to go with a substitute."

No way.

After all, I've been told over and over how delicious Duarize is.

From what I've heard, Duarize is a type of tuna, the king of sushi ingredients. It's not uncommon for them to weigh over 500 kg, and they have a variety of flavors depending on the part, with a refined aroma, acidity, and fat.

Just imagining the ruby-red sashimi made me unable to sleep well last night.

After being told that there's nothing that can replace it, there's no way I can give up and settle for a substitute.

"Y-You've got to be kidding...!

Is there no other way?"

"…It's difficult.

If we had a monster-repelling magical device owned by the earl's family, we could pass, but it's an incredibly valuable item, not something you can get just by paying money..."

...Sigh.

There's no choice, is there.

I didn't want to use this hand, but...

I rushed to the capital of the Sardos Earl's territory, Lakanth, with body reinforcement magic at full power and burst into the front gate of the earl's mansion.

Then, I shouted loudly from in front of the gate.

"Da-ni-el!

A-so-bo!"

Naturally, I was quickly surrounded by the guard knights...

◆

At that time, in the Sardos Earl's mansion, an elegant tea time was being held in the dining room after a family breakfast.

"Even from the preliminary pass/fail judgment, I was sure he would do it, but to pass in second place overall after that Lio Zaitinger and qualify for Class A!

Daniel is truly the pride of the Sardos family!

It's only right that I, who poured all the Sardos family's experience into raising him, should be proud!"

The earl's mood had been excellent ever since Daniel, also known as Dan, was admitted to the Royal Academy with excellent grades.

The earl's wife, the countess, also blushed and nodded in agreement.

"Indeed, my lord.

With such grades, I can't even imagine how far he will rise...

Of course, the invitations to tea parties from other noble families in the Grauxs region are endless, and I'm dizzy from it all.

Bina, being of common birth, can't handle noble tea parties, so I will take care of everything and support you!"

Bina, Dan's biological mother and Mimoza's sister, replied with a mask-like smile.

"Yes.

I can't handle noble tea parties.

I will leave everything to Lady Brilante."

This response pleased the Countess Brilante, who continued.

"If Daniel secures a key position in the country, the Sardos family will enjoy unprecedented prosperity.

We have broken our hearts for you, now officially recognized as a full member of the family, so you must never forget this kindness and support Codi and the others, who will succeed the Sardos family."

Dan also replied with a mask-like smile, not revealing his true feelings.

"Of course, Lady Brilante.

I will never forget the kindness of everyone who has raised me."

Codi, who was riding high on the success, also chimed in with a grin.

"Hey Daniel!

Unlike you, who's on the knight course, I'm a brainy type!

If I get sent to the front lines by the military, it would be unbearable, so make sure to make lots of friends in the civil service course and build connections there!"

The younger siblings also followed suit one after another.

"That's unfair, Codi-niisan!

Why don't you tighten up that flabby belly in the military?

I will ask for introductions to nice classmates!

Preferably in the same A class as Daniel. If that's not possible, then from a family of higher status than an earl!"

"I'll be fine with a high-ranking official in the Grauxs region.

Preferably a place with no work.

A place where I can continue my hobby of horseback riding outside the military.

But, an introduction to a cute and capable wife would be nice too.

If she's from a viscount family, I can lord it over my own home easily enough."

"You're aiming too low!

Hahaha!

I, on the other hand, will—"

...They were the half-siblings who, like many others, had subjected Dan to all sorts of low and underhanded harassment when he was taken in by the family, calling him a lowly commoner and a bastard.

After receiving an A rating in the preliminary pass/fail judgment, indicating almost certain admission, and attending a gathering in the capital for top students, the overt harassment had decreased, but the cold attitude remained.

Dan, who had been raised by many craftsmen and grew up straightforward, had not taken their low behavior seriously, but he was now tired of the sudden change in attitude after his return home.

Just then, the butler entered the room and said.

"Excuse me.

A friend of young master Daniel has come to visit...

He says he came to play with young master Dan..."

The earl, who had been in a good mood, suddenly turned into a demon and shouted at the butler.

"Fool!

Daniel has a tight schedule during this summer vacation, greeting the nobles and all!

He has no time to play!

Especially not with commoners, who live in a completely different world!

Can't you understand that?"

He then slowly turned his gaze to Dan and glared at him.

"Daniel, after all the lectures, surely you haven't been maintaining any low connections with commoners, have you?"

Dan's mask-like face twisted slightly, and he shook his head firmly.

"No, Father.

I have been following your instructions and have not met or corresponded with anyone."

Hearing this, the earl said, "Then it's fine," and shouted at the butler, "Get rid of him quickly!" before taking a sip of his tea.

But the butler, stammering, continued.

"But, sir.

He claims to be a classmate of young master Daniel from the Royal Academy...

His name is Allen Lovain."

The earl spat out his tea.

◆

"I confirmed, and it was indeed him.

I was surprised too, as I hadn't heard about it.

Allen is a bit of a wild card, as I reported before...

He says he just came to play and wants to go hunting for a few days to prepare for the autumn field trip...

But, of course, the schedule doesn't allow for it, right?"

The earl's good mood meter maxed out.

"What are you saying!

I said he has no time to play, but if it's to foster a relationship with an excellent classmate, that's a different story.

I'll make sure to clear the schedule, so please go and have fun.

Just say, 'I had to cancel my plans because Allen Lovain came to visit...' and see the envy!

No one will complain, and the envy of the entire kingdom will be directed at the Sardos territory in no time!

Ah, just imagining it makes my head spin!"

"...Then, I'll be away for a few days.

Oh, right.

He also wants to go fishing and needs a monster-repelling magical device for safety. Can I borrow one?"

"Of course, of course!

It's reassuring to know he's so safety-conscious.

Enjoy your time with your best friend Allen.

If possible, tell him to stop by on his way back."

"...He said he can't visit the earl's mansion without an appointment, so he might not stop by.

I'll be off, then."

Dan left the dining room, suppressing a laugh at the earl, who had started calling Allen his "best friend" on his own.

◆

After Dan left.

Codi, who had been silent, watching the earl's sudden change, asked.

"Is it really okay, Father?

Even if he's a classmate from the Royal Academy, to treat someone who visits without an appointment so highly.

Daniel is the second overall in this year's exams, after all.

In terms of ranking, he's probably below Daniel."

Codi, who had graduated from a noble school with a rank so low it was easier to count from the bottom, puffed up with self-importance.

Having important people in the family or among acquaintances makes one feel important too, a convenient way of thinking.

"You wouldn't know, living in this backwater and not participating in social events...

Allen Lovain, the comet who topped the practical exam for the knight course at the Royal Academy this year, surpassing even Lio Zaitinger, and received unanimous top ratings from the examiners.

He's already on par with the country's hero, Godolphin, and the kingdom is abuzz with rumors about his every move, from who he went on a field trip with to who he invited for a barbecue.

By the king's decree, he has already joined the royal knight corps, and the reason the Duke of Grauxs is coming to celebrate Daniel's birthday is to hear about Allen Lovain directly from Daniel's mouth."

The dining room fell silent.

"Attention is also focused on his summer vacation, but no one knows where he is, and there are rumors that he might be on a secret mission for the knight corps...

The fact that Allen Lovain is coming to our territory just to play with Daniel...

It's unbelievable...

Ah!"

The earl, overwhelmed, collapsed on the spot.

Since I've caught up with my stock, I might take a break from updating tomorrow!

Thank you as always!