Ch.78Reckless (2)

# One More Red Sunset

Marie’s spicy teasing left me dazed, but I continued walking toward the mansion.

With our arms still linked, the burning sensation on my face showed no signs of subsiding. No matter how calm I tried to appear, as Marie said, my feelings were clearly visible on my face.

“Poke. Poke.”

“Stop it.”

“No. I’m going to keep doing it.”

Marie kept playfully poking my face with her finger. Even when I told her to stop, she just ignored me with a bright smile.

When I asked why, she said something about wanting to see if red liquid would come out. I could only laugh in disbelief.

I eventually had to half-surrender. It wasn’t particularly unpleasant, and it was Marie’s way of showing affection, so I decided to let it be.

I wouldn’t mind even if someone happened to pass by and see us. Marie would proudly announce to them that we were a couple anyway.

Though it’s a bit embarrassing as her boyfriend, I like her confidence. Sometimes I think she’s more manly than I am.

We were almost at the mansion while Marie was still teasing me.

“Welcome, Lady Marie. We sincerely welcome your return to the family.”

An elderly man who had been waiting in front of the mansion greeted us with formal courtesy. I looked at the old man who bowed politely.

The first thing that caught my eye was his traditional butler uniform.

His graying hair was neatly combed back, and his mustache was immaculately groomed without a single hair out of place. His sturdy build, visible even through his butler uniform, reminded me of a well-forged sword.

Years of training were evident in his bearing, revealing a strength that commanded respect.

“Hello, Head Butler Sebastian. It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“I’m the same as always. But who might this red-haired gentleman be? He looks familiar…”

The old man, whom Marie had greeted, straightened his back and looked at me. When he stood upright, I could see how tall he was.

My father is 190cm tall, and this head butler seemed about the same height. Despite his age, he kept his back perfectly straight, clearly indicating his skill.

‘I’ve heard that butler characters are usually strong…’

I suppose that’s fitting for a fantasy world. I didn’t back down from the head butler’s sharp gaze as I answered.

“Hello. I am Issac Dukar Mayshall of the Mayshall family.”

“Hmm. The Mayshall family, indeed. I thought that red hair looked familiar.”

Sebastian, as Marie called him, seemed to know my father’s reputation. Of course, I had no intention of bringing that up myself.

“Anyway, welcome to the Reckyless family mansion. I don’t think I need to ask about your relationship.”

Sebastian spoke gently but cleverly. Well, we were still arm in arm, so anyone would notice.

I gave a wry smile, while Marie leaned on my shoulder, smiling more deeply as if showing off our relationship. Sebastian smiled warmly at our sweet interaction.

“Sebastian, who’s inside right now?”

“Both of them are inside. I heard the master finished all his work in a day when he heard you were coming back.”

The signs of a doting father were already apparent. Honestly, anyone would become a doting father with a daughter like Marie.

Of course, as her boyfriend, it’s like facing a massive wall. I foresee a challenging path ahead.

Unaware of my thoughts, Marie just laughed.

“Dad is just too much.”

“For now, I’ll escort both of you inside. Sir, you’ll need to stay in the guest room for a moment. Is that acceptable?”

“That’s fine with me.”

“Very well. I will serve you with the utmost care during your brief stay.”

When Sebastian gestured toward the mansion, we both started walking. As we began moving, Sebastian went ahead to guide us.

We soon reached the front door, which was impressively large. The wooden main entrance was carved with an eagle, the symbol of the Reckyless family, looking as if it might soar into the sky at any moment, exuding majesty.

As Marie had mentioned, it was clear that dwarves had put great effort into designing it.

Creeeeak-

While I was admiring the main entrance, Sebastian opened the door for us. He pointed inside, indicating that we should enter.

Just before entering, Marie finally unlinked her arm from mine. She had been holding on so firmly that I couldn’t help but wonder why she let go.

“We have to be proper at home. Don’t you think?”

When I looked at her questioningly, she smiled and said this. Though she was right, I felt a little disappointed.

My feelings must have shown on my face because Marie gently pinched my cheek, asking me to be patient for a little while.

“Now, let’s go to the guest room first. Please follow me.”

While Marie was teasing me, Sebastian began guiding us. I followed behind his sturdy figure.

The interior of the mansion wasn’t particularly ornate, but it had the same grandeur as the exterior. It achieved harmony with simple yet complementary colors, and the interior structures were arranged only as needed, making it easy on the eyes.

The most impressive feature was the ceiling. Marie had told me before that the Reckyless family values history, and the ceiling depicted the “Racial War” from 500 years ago.

It showed the Elf and Beastkin alliance clashing with humans, while the dwarves, rather than being allies, were supplying weapons to humans from a distance.

The depiction was so clear that even those not well-versed in history could immediately understand its meaning.

‘After the Racial War ended, the Empire of Minerva was born, so it makes sense to paint it on the ceiling.’

I take back what I said about the lack of splendor. Painting such an image on the ceiling, which is like the “sky” of the mansion, shows how important they consider it.

“The Empire of Minerva was just an ordinary kingdom during the Racial War. But thanks to the first Emperor’s outstanding abilities and the Reckyless family’s political skills, it was re-established as an empire. It successfully navigated the Cold War period after the Racial War to become what it is today.”

Sebastian’s gentle voice reached my ears as I stared blankly at the ceiling. When I lowered my head, Sebastian was waiting with a gentle smile.

I blinked and then pointed at the ceiling as I asked him.

“That depicts the Racial War, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“It’s a shame there are no demons. They also participated in the war, divided into two factions.”

During the Racial War, demons were divided into two groups that joined different alliances: those who hated humans and those who didn’t.

But in the ceiling painting, there was no sign of demons. Due to discrimination at that time, demons couldn’t achieve great merits, but they still played significant roles.

Sebastian seemed to know this too, as he spoke with a slightly troubled voice.

“…That’s unfortunate for me as well. I heard the artist who painted this had suffered at the hands of demons. I presume that’s why he didn’t include them.”

“Hmm…”

“But they’re working on it again now, so don’t worry.”

“I understand.”

Though it was a bit strange for the history-valuing Reckyless family, I let it go since they were working on it again. As Sebastian continued guiding us, Marie and I followed behind him.

As we followed him to the guest room, I noticed portraits hanging on the walls of the long corridor. Below each portrait was a brief explanation along with the year in this world’s calendar.

‘These must be the heads of the Reckyless family by year.’

There were occasionally portraits of people with white hair like Marie, which confirmed my guess. As I walked slowly while looking at the portraits, Sebastian adjusted his pace to match mine.

Marie also waited patiently until I finished looking around. I thought she might complain since she must have seen these portraits countless times, but she was considerate of me.

“…Hmm?”

As I was examining each portrait, I suddenly noticed an unusual one.

The plaques were usually white, but this one had a black background.

Curious, I looked at the explanation and immediately understood.

[The worst villain in Reckyless family history.]

[Assassinated his siblings to become a duke.]

[Recruited private soldiers claiming it was for the prosperity of the Empire of Minerva. Then colluded with neighboring nobles.]

[Led a depraved lifestyle and intimidated employees for trivial reasons.]

[Banished all illegitimate children born as a result.]

Tigers don’t always give birth to tigers. Even in the Reckyless family, known for producing individuals of outstanding character, villains can exist.

The fact that they made this portrait stand out suggests they want it to serve as a cautionary tale. People often learn more from negative history.

“Hazel Housen Reckyless. He had great abilities but used them for ill purposes and had poor character. Fortunately, his son learned from his mistakes, preventing the Reckyless family from falling into danger.”

Just like before, Sebastian provided additional explanation when he saw me carefully examining the portrait.

I stroked my chin while looking at the portrait, then voiced my curiosity after hearing his explanation.

“If he colluded with neighboring nobles, wasn’t that a sign of rebellion? The Reckyless family must be close to the imperial family…”

“Fortunately, the next head of the family stopped him before the imperial family noticed. Naturally, Duke Hazel was deposed, and his son inherited the title. That person is Indis Housen Reckyless, the current duke’s grandfather.”

“Hmm…”

This is fascinating. Nothing interests me more than history.

I wanted to look around more, but it would be impolite to delay any further, so I moved on. I can learn more about history later.

“You seem to enjoy history, sir.”

“It’s interesting, isn’t it?”

“Hehehe. You fit well with the Reckyless family.”

Sebastian said this while glancing at Marie. She seemed to understand the meaning behind his gaze, blushing slightly and lowering her head.

Unlike at Ricks, her shy appearance was incredibly cute. I almost unconsciously reached for her hand.

“This is the guest room. Simple refreshments will be brought soon. May I ask if you plan to stay overnight?”

“No, no. I’m just visiting. I’ll be leaving soon.”

“I understand. Please wait for a moment. Ah! There are books over there if you get bored, feel free to read them.”

“Thank you.”

“Then, have a pleasant time.”

Creeeeak-

I bowed to Sebastian as he opened the door for me, then entered. Before going in, I made sure to make eye contact with Marie.

She looked a bit sulky, seemingly unhappy about being separated from me even for a short time. I smiled at her and whispered with my lips.

‘I’ll wait for you.’

As soon as I mouthed those words, Marie smiled brightly. Then she waved at me, and I waved back.

Thud-

When Sebastian closed the door, silence settled in the guest room. Though I was alone, the sudden quietness created a strange feeling.

First, since Sebastian said refreshments would be brought later, I should sit down. I turned around to look at the guest room.

“…Wow.”

I’m beyond amazement now. Despite being called a guest room, it was as spacious as a small house.

Is this what the inside of a truly wealthy home looks like? In the center was a long table for receiving guests, and there was even a terrace outside.

Most notably, there were bookshelves in the most secluded corner. Though this was supposed to be a guest room, it had bookshelves neatly arranged like a study.

Ignoring everything else, I walked toward the bookshelves. I wondered what books they might have. Hopefully, there would be some I hadn’t read.

“Let’s see… I’ve read this one, and this one, and this one too.”

What? I’ve read all of these.

Befitting the Reckyless family, the shelves were packed with history books, but I had read them all at home. Even the non-history books were ones I had seen at least once at home.

Since this was a room for entertaining guests, they seemed to have selected popularly known books. I was about to turn away from the bookshelf in disappointment.

[Biography of Xenon]

“… …”

My book was sitting alone on an otherwise empty shelf that seemed newly installed. And not just one volume, but all ten volumes from the first to the most recent, neatly arranged.

I’m not sure what to say about finding the Biography of Xenon in a ducal guest room. It feels like finding a fantasy novel in a high school library.

‘But wasn’t the Biography of Xenon limited to one copy per person?’

While pondering this question, I took the first volume of the Biography of Xenon from the shelf. It had been well-maintained, without a speck of dust, and the cover was clean.

It didn’t even have the typical dampness or mustiness of books. It must have been recently purchased or meticulously protected from moisture.

Rustle-

I flipped through the book and turned the cover. The paper was slightly discolored, but considering when the first volume was released, it was actually well-preserved.

‘I should put this back. I’ll look at other books.’

Since I wrote it myself, I wasn’t particularly interested. I put the Biography of Xenon back on the shelf and checked if there were other books.

“Oh? I haven’t seen this one before?”

There was a book at the bottom of the shelf that I hadn’t noticed. I picked it up with anticipation.

Fortunately, it was a book about history. Even better, it was a research book about the complex “Racial War,” perfect for me.

Delighted, I walked to the table and sat down on the guest sofa. I could spend time reading this book until Marie returned.

‘What a windfall.’

With an excited heart, I turned the pages of the book. Even though it was shelved at the bottom, signs of careful maintenance were visible here and there.

Then I began to immerse myself in the knowledge the book offered, using my concentration skills. Being a new book made it even more enjoyable to read.

‘This author views the fundamental cause of the Racial War from a different perspective. That’s interesting.’

Books are essentially repositories of knowledge created by people. Naturally, since people think differently, the knowledge conveyed in books also differs.

Many people believe the Racial War broke out due to ideological differences between elves and humans, but this book differs. It claims humans created a fabricated incident to challenge the elves.

Indeed, for a major war like the Racial War to occur, a “justification” is always necessary. Declaring war on neighboring countries without justification would obviously lead to retaliation, and in the worst case, one could end up like Nazi Germany in World War II.

Of course, citizens might oppose war, but the Nazis brainwashed their own people, blinding their eyes and ears. Without the internet at that time, brainwashing would have been even easier.

‘Come to think of it, what were humans thinking when they fought in the Racial War? I’m curious.’

When carefully tracing history step by step, it’s natural to wonder about the thoughts of people from that era. Unless you see and experience it directly, you can understand but never truly empathize with those people.

I focused on the story in the book, losing track of time. Even when I occasionally sensed someone passing by, I paid no attention.

It was a moment when my special ability to concentrate intensely once immersed was in full effect.

“…Ahem.”

“… …”

“AHEM!”

Then, the sound of someone clearing their throat pierced my ears. At the same time, my solid concentration shattered in an instant, and I emerged from the sea of knowledge.

My displeasure at having my concentration broken was short-lived as I belatedly realized I wasn’t at home but in the Reckyless mansion. I quickly looked up to see who had cleared their throat.

The first thing I noticed was white hair with a blue tint. Not gray hair from age like Sebastian’s, but naturally snow-white hair.

His face had a very unique impression, combining strictness and gentleness, and his kind blue eyes conveyed benevolence.

His attire was simple yet majestic—a white suit. I blinked, staring blankly at the man who had appeared before me without warning.

When our gazes finally met, the man spoke with a gentle yet deep voice.

“Young friend, you seem interested in history?”

“… …”

As soon as he said that, I frantically looked to his sides, hoping against hope.

But life is never that easy. As I feared, Sebastian and Marie were standing on either side of the man.

I had been so absorbed in the book that I hadn’t noticed their return.

‘…I’m in trouble.’

I was about to be branded as someone with no manners by my girlfriend’s father.