“Departure and Return to Hometown Again”
Upon returning to the mansion, I gathered all the servants and emphasized that what I was about to discuss should not be leaked outside.
“I’ve received information that the neighboring kingdom, Seconds Kingdom, is invading at the border of the Schells Kingdom.”
“Wha-what? Is that true!?”
The servants seemed skeptical of my words and their expressions showed disbelief, but unfortunately, it was the truth. They nodded gravely, their faces filled with concern. Most of the people present here were from generations that had not directly experienced war. It was only natural for them to turn pale at the mention of war.
“So, what will you do, Rolando-sama?”
“Of course, I intend to participate. I’ve just informed the king of my intention to join.”
“I see…”
I answered Sobas’s question honestly. Sobas probably already knew what my answer would be, yet he gave a casual response as if confirming it.
For now, I conveyed to the servants that Seconds Kingdom had initiated a war and that I would be participating. I asked the other servants, excluding Sobas, Mia, Stella, Manya, and Mocha, to return to their duties.
“Now, let’s discuss the details. First, Sobas, take this.”
Saying that, I took out a bag filled with a large number of gold coins and placed it in front of Sobas. The bag contained roughly two hundred gold coins, an amount that would bring change even if a commoner spent their entire life playing. It was an enormous sum of money.
AD
Naturally, there was a reason for giving such a fortune. It was in the case, by some chance, I was to die in this war, their situation would be taken care of.
In a hypothetical scenario where I didn’t return from this war, the servants of this mansion would be left without support. To ensure that they would continue managing this mansion as their job, I decided to prepay their wages for decades in advance. It was a sort of guarantee.
Of course, there were very few individuals who could deal a fatal blow to me other than that loli hag, and even if it came to a fight, I believed I could at least escape in my current state.
However, as a matter of my own feelings, I understood that there was no absolute certainty in this world, and there was a super-super-super-super-super low probability of a future where I would die due to some special power. It was not a bad idea to prepare for such a possibility.
“Ro-Rolando-sama, wh-what is this enormous amount of gold coins!?”
“I want you all to continue managing this mansion even after I’m gone. This is your wages for that purpose.”
“P-please don’t say such ominous things!”
“Calm down, this is just a precaution. I don’t plan on dying yet, especially not when I’m not even an adult.”
That’s right. It was just a preparation in case the worst happened, not an anticipation that it would definitely happen. In fact, the possibility of it happening was extremely low, and it felt foolish to make preparations for it.
Still, I expressed my gratitude for their concern as they raised their voices in worry, and as I was about to teleport toward Malbert, someone tugged at my sleeve. When I turned around, I saw Mocha looking at me with a strong gaze.
“…”
“Mocha. I’m going out now. Let go.”
“Mocha is coming too.”
Mocha showed her determination to accompany me, seemingly considering the possibility of something happening to me. However, such worries would likely turn out to be groundless.
However, even if we assume that there was no such thing as an absolute in this world, there was still a possibility that I could die in this war. However, it was merely a possibility that was close to zero percent.
“There’s no need for you to participate this time, as I’m only going to defeat the enemy, you know?”
AD
“Even so, I’ll go.”
“I see. Then come along.”
There was no particular reason for me to refuse, so I gave permission for Mocha to accompany me. In this war where I would simply be defeating the enemy without any specific targets, Mocha probably wouldn’t have a role to play. However, I respected her desire to come along and at the same time, it would be beneficial for her to learn about the geography and military reconnaissance tasks around the border. I kept that in mind deep within my heart.
Deciding to leave the matters of the mansion to Sobas and the others, I chose to teleport with Mocha back to Malbert’s mansion.
***
“Big brother! You’ve come!!”
While saying that, I return a wry smile to my little brother Mark, who was sticking his sparkling face toward me. If Mark were a dog, his tail would have wagged so much from left to right that it would have torn off.
While attending to my affectionate little brother as usual, I look down at the other sibling who was currently clinging to my body. Of course, that person was none other than Laura, Mark’s twin sister, and also my little sister. Although she was still only ten years old, Laura’s figure was undeniably developing into that of a woman. While feeling joy as her older brother witnessed her growth, I spoke to her to convey my desire for her to let go soon.
“Laura. Could you let go soon?”
“No! I won’t let go!!”
“…”
This is it. It seemed like she really had no intention of letting go. Despite her small frame, she firmly wrapped her hands around my waist and clung to me as if she wouldn’t let go. If she were Mai the busty sorceress or Nagartinya the loli grandma, I would show them an Iron Claw or something, but because she was my flesh and blood sister, I couldn’t resort to such drastic measures.
Above all, even when she clung to me as my sister, I didn’t feel anything more than a sibling bond, unlike with other women. However, it was regrettable that I was currently being subjected to the sight of my unfortunate sister who clung to me and sniffed my scent like a dog.
…Sister, since when did you become such a weirdo? As your brother, I’m worried about your future. No, it might already be too late.
By the way, what about Mocha, who was brought along? Well, I created a subspace using Conversion Magic, where people could enter, and she was waiting in that space. The subspace had no passage of time and followed a normal flow of time, allowing some awareness of the outside surroundings.
AD
At that moment, Mocha, who was watching the interaction between Laura and me from the subspace, seemed to have seized the opportunity when we were alone and tried to cling to me just like her. So, I lightly dropped a chop on her head to put a stop to it, just to add that little incident.
Arriving at the former family estate of Malbert, I had intended to inform my father, Randall, about my participation in the war. However, my expectations were shattered.
“Father has already led the army and departed for the Byreus territory at the border. I volunteered to join the campaign, but my request was rejected.”
Well, it was understandable. He couldn’t take the heir apparent, Mark, to a place where his life was in danger. If something were to happen to Mark, it would once again lead to me inheriting the Malbert family. That was something I definitely wanted to avoid.
“Ah, Roland-sama!”
“Tanya, is that you?”
As we were heading towards the reception room guided by Mark and the others, someone familiar called out to me. It was Tanya, my maid/caretaker. While our relationship appeared distant on the surface while I was conducting the negative campaign, once she learned that it was part of my strategy, she started treating me with the same attitude as before.
Not only that, but she even declared, “I, Tanya, who failed to realize Roland-sama’s true intentions, deeply regrets it!” and she became determined to somehow bring me back to the Malbert family after I cured my father’s illness.
Naturally, I couldn’t stand for such actions, so I subtly tried to stop her. However, Mark and Laura, who knew about my plans from the beginning, seemed to agree with Tanya’s opinion and secretly supported her activities
.”What brings you here today? Could it be that you’ve finally made up your mind to return to the Malbert family?”
“I just came here after hearing about the war from Mark. I have no intention of returning to the Malbert family.”
“I see…”
As Tanya speculated about the reason for my return and I responded curtly, she murmured in disappointment, bowing her head. Forgive me, Tanya. This was something I couldn’t give up on.
With a wry smile at Tanya’s appearance, I arrived at the reception room and decided to ask Mark for more details about the war.
“Departure and Return to Hometown Again”
Upon returning to the mansion, I gathered all the servants and emphasized that what I was about to discuss should not be leaked outside.
“I’ve received information that the neighboring kingdom, Seconds Kingdom, is invading at the border of the Schells Kingdom.”
“Wha-what? Is that true!?”
The servants seemed skeptical of my words and their expressions showed disbelief, but unfortunately, it was the truth. They nodded gravely, their faces filled with concern. Most of the people present here were from generations that had not directly experienced war. It was only natural for them to turn pale at the mention of war.
“So, what will you do, Rolando-sama?”
“Of course, I intend to participate. I’ve just informed the king of my intention to join.”
“I see…”
I answered Sobas’s question honestly. Sobas probably already knew what my answer would be, yet he gave a casual response as if confirming it.
For now, I conveyed to the servants that Seconds Kingdom had initiated a war and that I would be participating. I asked the other servants, excluding Sobas, Mia, Stella, Manya, and Mocha, to return to their duties.
“Now, let’s discuss the details. First, Sobas, take this.”
Saying that, I took out a bag filled with a large number of gold coins and placed it in front of Sobas. The bag contained roughly two hundred gold coins, an amount that would bring change even if a commoner spent their entire life playing. It was an enormous sum of money.
AD
Naturally, there was a reason for giving such a fortune. It was in the case, by some chance, I was to die in this war, their situation would be taken care of.
In a hypothetical scenario where I didn’t return from this war, the servants of this mansion would be left without support. To ensure that they would continue managing this mansion as their job, I decided to prepay their wages for decades in advance. It was a sort of guarantee.
Of course, there were very few individuals who could deal a fatal blow to me other than that loli hag, and even if it came to a fight, I believed I could at least escape in my current state.
However, as a matter of my own feelings, I understood that there was no absolute certainty in this world, and there was a super-super-super-super-super low probability of a future where I would die due to some special power. It was not a bad idea to prepare for such a possibility.
“Ro-Rolando-sama, wh-what is this enormous amount of gold coins!?”
“I want you all to continue managing this mansion even after I’m gone. This is your wages for that purpose.”
“P-please don’t say such ominous things!”
“Calm down, this is just a precaution. I don’t plan on dying yet, especially not when I’m not even an adult.”
That’s right. It was just a preparation in case the worst happened, not an anticipation that it would definitely happen. In fact, the possibility of it happening was extremely low, and it felt foolish to make preparations for it.
Still, I expressed my gratitude for their concern as they raised their voices in worry, and as I was about to teleport toward Malbert, someone tugged at my sleeve. When I turned around, I saw Mocha looking at me with a strong gaze.
“…”
“Mocha. I’m going out now. Let go.”
“Mocha is coming too.”
Mocha showed her determination to accompany me, seemingly considering the possibility of something happening to me. However, such worries would likely turn out to be groundless.
However, even if we assume that there was no such thing as an absolute in this world, there was still a possibility that I could die in this war. However, it was merely a possibility that was close to zero percent.
“There’s no need for you to participate this time, as I’m only going to defeat the enemy, you know?”
AD
“Even so, I’ll go.”
“I see. Then come along.”
There was no particular reason for me to refuse, so I gave permission for Mocha to accompany me. In this war where I would simply be defeating the enemy without any specific targets, Mocha probably wouldn’t have a role to play. However, I respected her desire to come along and at the same time, it would be beneficial for her to learn about the geography and military reconnaissance tasks around the border. I kept that in mind deep within my heart.
Deciding to leave the matters of the mansion to Sobas and the others, I chose to teleport with Mocha back to Malbert’s mansion.
***
“Big brother! You’ve come!!”
While saying that, I return a wry smile to my little brother Mark, who was sticking his sparkling face toward me. If Mark were a dog, his tail would have wagged so much from left to right that it would have torn off.
While attending to my affectionate little brother as usual, I look down at the other sibling who was currently clinging to my body. Of course, that person was none other than Laura, Mark’s twin sister, and also my little sister. Although she was still only ten years old, Laura’s figure was undeniably developing into that of a woman. While feeling joy as her older brother witnessed her growth, I spoke to her to convey my desire for her to let go soon.
“Laura. Could you let go soon?”
“No! I won’t let go!!”
“…”
This is it. It seemed like she really had no intention of letting go. Despite her small frame, she firmly wrapped her hands around my waist and clung to me as if she wouldn’t let go. If she were Mai the busty sorceress or Nagartinya the loli grandma, I would show them an Iron Claw or something, but because she was my flesh and blood sister, I couldn’t resort to such drastic measures.
Above all, even when she clung to me as my sister, I didn’t feel anything more than a sibling bond, unlike with other women. However, it was regrettable that I was currently being subjected to the sight of my unfortunate sister who clung to me and sniffed my scent like a dog.
…Sister, since when did you become such a weirdo? As your brother, I’m worried about your future. No, it might already be too late.
By the way, what about Mocha, who was brought along? Well, I created a subspace using Conversion Magic, where people could enter, and she was waiting in that space. The subspace had no passage of time and followed a normal flow of time, allowing some awareness of the outside surroundings.
AD
At that moment, Mocha, who was watching the interaction between Laura and me from the subspace, seemed to have seized the opportunity when we were alone and tried to cling to me just like her. So, I lightly dropped a chop on her head to put a stop to it, just to add that little incident.
Arriving at the former family estate of Malbert, I had intended to inform my father, Randall, about my participation in the war. However, my expectations were shattered.
“Father has already led the army and departed for the Byreus territory at the border. I volunteered to join the campaign, but my request was rejected.”
Well, it was understandable. He couldn’t take the heir apparent, Mark, to a place where his life was in danger. If something were to happen to Mark, it would once again lead to me inheriting the Malbert family. That was something I definitely wanted to avoid.
“Ah, Roland-sama!”
“Tanya, is that you?”
As we were heading towards the reception room guided by Mark and the others, someone familiar called out to me. It was Tanya, my maid/caretaker. While our relationship appeared distant on the surface while I was conducting the negative campaign, once she learned that it was part of my strategy, she started treating me with the same attitude as before.
Not only that, but she even declared, “I, Tanya, who failed to realize Roland-sama’s true intentions, deeply regrets it!” and she became determined to somehow bring me back to the Malbert family after I cured my father’s illness.
Naturally, I couldn’t stand for such actions, so I subtly tried to stop her. However, Mark and Laura, who knew about my plans from the beginning, seemed to agree with Tanya’s opinion and secretly supported her activities
.”What brings you here today? Could it be that you’ve finally made up your mind to return to the Malbert family?”
“I just came here after hearing about the war from Mark. I have no intention of returning to the Malbert family.”
“I see…”
As Tanya speculated about the reason for my return and I responded curtly, she murmured in disappointment, bowing her head. Forgive me, Tanya. This was something I couldn’t give up on.
With a wry smile at Tanya’s appearance, I arrived at the reception room and decided to ask Mark for more details about the war.
