Glimpses of a Sword Expert (2)

“You were quite scathing earlier. Telling me to die, calling me a damn fool of a father, among other things I vaguely recall hearing.”

“……”

“There were also some incomprehensible words mixed in about whether I’m an idiot or a blockhead, but I assume those were insults too. Unless you have the strange habit of sprinkling compliments amidst your curses.”

“Th-those weren’t that harsh of insults, Professor Harold…”

“Even excluding the words I didn’t understand, I distinctly remember hearing some rather harsh remarks. So, since when have you considered me a deranged, doting father and lunatic?”

“……”

Since when had I thought of Harold as a deranged, doting father and lunatic?

The answer to that was practically predetermined. Naturally, it was from my “previous life.”

Back when I was playing the original , Harold was an incredibly irritating character. Especially when I went through all sorts of hell trying to unlock Lillith’s solo route in my past life.

Getting Lillith’s solo ending. Getting her solo ending again in the next playthrough. Starting Part 2 by rescuing Lillith first. Saving Lillith right before Part 2 ended. Ignoring Lillith for most of the game only to storm the Blackwood territory near the end of Part 3. Forcing my way into Blackwood territory before Part 2 even began. Seeing the harem ending before the solo ending. Seeing the solo ending after the harem ending. All the attempts I made to create a worldline where Lillith wouldn’t be defiled by Ethan.

And in all those playthroughs, the most annoying character related to Lillith-aside from Ethan-was undoubtedly this Harold.

He thoroughly eliminated any potential threats to Ethan using every means of force at his disposal, while indulging every whim of Ethan’s, endlessly enabling him to turn Lillith into a used rag. How could I possibly have a good impression of him?

So naturally, from the moment I arrived in this world, my first impression of Harold was “that insane, doting, blockheaded sword demon.”

‘Honestly, my opinion of him hasn’t changed much even now.’

It was Ethan who had reformed and changed, not Harold.

Of course, the fact that Harold was now neutral rather than a villain because Ethan had changed was undeniable. But when you stripped it down, Harold was still someone who could easily revert to being a villain depending on Ethan’s actions.

Having seen the original Harold, to me, he was nothing more than a fool of a father who would grant any request from his son and a sword demon who seemed destined to spend his life coddling Ethan.

‘…Of course, I can’t say that directly to Harold, so I’ll have to tweak my excuse a bit.’

If I were to assume I was seeing Harold for the first time in this world, at what point would I have thought of him as a “doting father”?

When he punished Eiria for stealing Ethan’s belongings-Tanathia’s keepsakes?

When he made me Ethan’s exclusive maid under the bizarre pretense that only he truly understood Ethan?

When he turned a blind eye to Ethan’s constant sexual harassment toward me, despite witnessing it multiple times?

…No, these are things that happen in any noble household. It would be absurd to think Harold was an exceptionally doting father just because of these things.

Actions that only Harold would take for Ethan, things other noble parents wouldn’t do.

Reflecting on the events of the past few years, I carefully chose my words to answer.

“O-over the past few years…”

“……”

“From the day Young Master Ethan began learning swordsmanship until his enrollment at the academy, I saw you rigorously training him almost daily. That’s when I started thinking that way.”

“…Hmm?”

Harold frowned, as if my answer wasn’t immediately convincing, and fixed his gaze on me.

I had anticipated this reaction. At first glance, tormenting one’s son and being a doting father don’t seem related.

But with my knowledge from the original story, I knew Harold was someone who couldn’t live without Ethan. So I could also guess why his actions were actually expressions of love.

“Your answer is a bit odd. Normally, seeing a father harshly discipline his son wouldn’t make one think of love. Most would assume it’s for the family’s honor or the father’s pride, wouldn’t they?”

“…If you had prioritized family honor or pride over Young Master Ethan’s happiness, he would have been learning swordsmanship long before I joined the Blackwood household.”

“……”

“But Young Master Ethan didn’t seem particularly interested in swordsmanship or magic. He ate when he wanted, slept when he wanted, and even barged into the kitchen at night demanding food multiple times. Back then, he lived entirely as he pleased.”

“…Hmm, go on.”

Harold’s expression twisted slightly at my unflattering description of Ethan’s childhood.

Thinking it unwise to dwell on this, I quickly continued.

“Young Master Ethan began seriously learning swordsmanship about half a year after I became his exclusive maid. And there was no coercion from you in that decision. You only helped him because he chose to learn of his own volition. Isn’t that right?”

“…You remember old events quite well.”

“Waiting patiently without any pressure until Young Master Ethan found his resolve, then dedicating yourself-body and soul-to helping him grow as quickly as possible… These are things most parents couldn’t do, Professor Harold.

After years of watching this up close, how could I not think of you as a doting father?”

“Heh, heheh.”

…Did I manage to get through?

Seeing his slight smile, it seemed my excuse had worked well enough.

As I thought I might ride this momentum to smooth things over, Harold met my gaze with an inscrutable smile.

“As expected, you’re the only one who truly sees Ethan and me for who we are. Recruiting you as his exclusive maid years ago was clearly the right decision.”

“…Is that so.”

“To be honest, even if you thought me a deranged, doting lunatic, I wouldn’t have removed you as Ethan’s maid. After all, Ethan needs you now.”

“Th-thank you.”

“And as you said, it’s true that I’ve done things worthy of being called a lunatic for Ethan’s sake. What noble parent would become a professor just to follow their child to the academy?”

…Well, at least he’s self-aware. It seems Harold knows he’s a lunatic.

I’m not sure which part of my answer pleased him, but thankfully, it doesn’t look like I’ll be losing my position as Ethan’s maid anytime soon.

At least the Harold I know isn’t the scheming type who says one thing while thinking another.

“Your bluntness even toward your superiors, that piercing insight into others’ hearts… In many ways, you remind me of someone from my youth.”

“Huh?”

“…Never mind. Well then, I’ll leave Ethan in your care, Lillith.”

“Ah, yes. Thank you…”

I’m not entirely sure what he meant by that last part, but it seems the situation has been resolved safely.

Impressed by my own quick thinking, I sighed in relief internally.

-Tap.

“You should head in now. I’ve kept my son’s lover detained for too long.”

“L-lover?! I-I’m not in that kind of relationship with Young Master Ethan…”

“No need to hide it in front of me. I’ve been certain since I saw you at the mansion last time. Have I ever once interfered with you two meeting since then?”

“N-no, you haven’t…”

“Ethan doesn’t have any publicly known fiancée, so there’s no issue with you acting as his lover. It wouldn’t do for me to meddle too much in my son’s personal affairs.”

“…Understood.”

…Somehow, I’ve even received Harold’s formal permission for a temporary relationship with Ethan.

I’m not entirely sure how the conversation led here, but for now, I’m just relieved to have kept my position as his exclusive maid.

As I prepared to bid Harold farewell with a final bow…

“Thank you sincerely for today’s lesson, Professor Harold. I’ll see you in the next cla-“

“G-get away from him right now…! Y-you thieving cat…!”

“……?”

“……?”

A familiar voice called out from a short distance away, drawing both Harold’s and my attention simultaneously.