Ch.79Reckless (3)

It’s a well-known fact about me that once I focus on something, it’s difficult to break free on my own. My parents say I’m exceptional in my ability to maintain concentration even if an explosion were to occur right beside me.

However, this trait isn’t always advantageous and can become a disadvantage depending on the situation. For example, I’ve often missed meals because I didn’t realize it was time to eat, and strangers might think I’m ignoring them.

That’s why I rarely display this level of concentration unless I’m alone. The reason I was focusing on reading in the guest room was because I expected Sebastian would call for me later.

“Young man, you have quite an interest in history?”

“…”

“Usually people read the Biography of Xenon instead. How curious.”

And now, my exceptional concentration had become a disadvantage rather than an advantage. Possibly in the worst way.

I exchanged glances with the middle-aged man who was looking down at me with a kind smile. His impression contained both gentleness and sharpness, along with bluish-white hair.

If one were to describe the image of a ‘gentleman,’ the man before me would be the perfect example. His neat appearance complemented his suit extremely well.

‘…Huh?’

Setting aside the man’s words, which I couldn’t tell were praise or indirect criticism, I took my eyes off him and looked to either side.

I noticed Sebastian standing at attention with perfect posture and Marie with an expression that seemed somewhat exasperated. Only then did I belatedly grasp the situation, and I couldn’t help but feel flustered.

The head of the family and Marie’s father, Duke Reckyless, had personally come to the guest room where I was resting.

‘What, what’s going on? Why come personally instead of using the reception room?’

The place Sebastian had brought me was not the reception room but the guest room. It’s a kind of lounge prepared by the host for guests to rest more comfortably, with various forms of entertainment.

Normally, if the mansion’s owner wishes to see a guest, they should invite them to the reception room through an employee rather than visiting the guest room personally. I knew this, which is why I had felt comfortable focusing on my book.

But Duke Reckyless didn’t do that. For whatever reason, he didn’t invite me to the reception room but came in person.

Of course, it’s not rude for a host to personally visit the guest room. If circumstances don’t allow for formality, direct visits like this aren’t uncommon.

However, my mistake was not expecting a “Duke” Reckyless to do so. My unique concentration had evolved into a disadvantage in this situation.

“You seemed focused on your reading. I apologize if I’ve disturbed you.”

While I was still untangling the thoughts in my head, Duke Reckyless spoke in a measured voice.

Though he probably intended to speak gently, his voice was quite loud, perhaps due to his naturally resonant vocal cords.

Thanks to that, my tangled thoughts cleared up. With a clearer mind, I could better understand the current situation.

“…Ah!”

I quickly thawed my frozen body and hurriedly stood up. Having already committed one discourtesy, I couldn’t afford to commit another.

Standing up, I realized he was about as tall as Sebastian. So that’s where Marie got her height from—genetics.

Putting aside unnecessary thoughts, I apologized to him while flustering.

“N-no, not at all. The fault is entirely mine for not noticing the Duke’s arrival.”

“Then I’ll consider your apology accepted. It’s quite remarkable for a young man to possess such concentration.”

Though it might sound like a compliment, to my ears it sounded like this:

A good-for-nothing who focuses only on his own business even when a family elder arrives. Truly a hair-raising moment.

First impressions tend to last, and I was about to ruin mine from the start. Inwardly reproaching myself, I apologized once more.

“I’m sorry. It was my oversight.”

“Hahaha. No need to be so hard on yourself. I wasn’t teasing—it was a compliment.”

Duke Reckyless laughed heartily and then gently extended his hand.

As my gaze fell on his hand covered with a white glove, Duke Reckyless spoke softly. His tone was even gentler than before.

“Pleased to meet you. As you know, I am Dmitri Housen Reckyless, head of the Reckyless ducal family. I’m also Marie’s father. Welcome to our mansion.”

“I-it’s an honor to meet you. I am Issac Dukar Mayshall, second son of the Mayshall family.”

“Hmm. The Mayshall family…”

After I politely accepted his handshake and introduced myself, Duke Reckyless—Dmitri—stared at my head.

I assumed he was noting my uncommon red hair and thinking of my father, Hawk.

“Is your father’s name Hawk, by any chance?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“How interesting.”

What’s interesting about that? Despite my heart burning with anxiety in real-time, Dmitri just smiled.

Judging by how strongly he gripped my hand, he might be trying to instill a subtle sense of pressure.

As I inwardly gave a bitter smile, Dmitri released his grip and ended the handshake. As soon as he let go, I hid my throbbing hand behind my back and repeatedly clenched and unclenched it.

He must be in the same academic field as me, yet his basic grip strength is no joke. Adults are generally stronger, but this was a bit painful.

“You might be wondering why I came to the guest room personally. Actually, my wife is currently using the reception room. The other one is being remodeled and can’t be used.”

“I-I see.”

“Let’s sit down. It seems you were so engrossed in reading that you haven’t touched the refreshments.”

Indeed, various foods were placed on the table in front of me. From square-cut biscuits to tea that was still steaming.

Apparently, a maid had come and gone while I was focused on reading. I gave another awkward smile while inwardly tensing up.

Every word Dmitri uttered felt like a dagger piercing my heart. Being my girlfriend’s father made it all the more nerve-wracking.

“Sebastian, wait outside until I call for you. And Marie, sit beside him.”

“Understood. Please call if you need anything.”

At Dmitri’s instruction, Sebastian bowed deeply and left the room, while Marie silently moved to sit next to me.

When I glanced at Marie, she was pouting. She probably had that expression because of the blunder I had committed earlier.

Feeling unnecessarily apologetic, I was just watching her nervously when:

“Let me ask you one thing right away. What is your relationship with my daughter?”

…A difficult question hit me head-on. I clenched my fist that was resting on my knee.

I had expected this from Dmitri, who gave off strong daughter-doting vibes from the beginning. But when actually faced with the question, I found it hard to speak.

“Dad. I told you not to ask that. You already heard everything from the butler.”

As I was unable to open my mouth, Marie complained from beside me. Looking at her, I saw she had puffed up one cheek and crossed her arms.

Dmitri let out a hearty laugh at his daughter’s rebuke, which was full of discontent, and waved his hand forward as he apologized first.

“Hahaha. I’m sorry about that. I had no intention of teasing you. As my daughter says, I’ve already heard about it from the butler.”

“Ah… so…”

“As I said earlier, you don’t need to be so tense just because I’m a duke. As you know, our ducal family is quite removed from authoritarianism. So, you dating my daughter is…”

Dmitri, who had been speaking softly, suddenly closed his mouth and narrowed his eyes.

“…No, this won’t do. No matter how I think about it, this is unacceptable.”

“Dad!”

“Of course, I’m joking, Marie.”

The joke didn’t sound like a joke at all. I could only sit with my back straight, unable to say anything during this father-daughter power struggle.

‘He seems to be trying to make the atmosphere more comfortable in his own way…’

If it were another nobleman, especially one of count rank or higher, they would likely be furious upon learning their daughter was dating a baron’s son. But Dmitri wasn’t like that.

Instead, he was trying to lighten the mood by throwing in jokes here and there. Marie instinctively knew he was joking, which is why she reacted so strongly.

While the consideration is nice, it’s somewhat awkward for the one receiving it. Although he clearly drew a line, I still didn’t know how to act.

It seemed wisest to just answer the Duke’s questions for now. I waited for the next question, feeling sweat gathering in my clenched fist.

“Are you planning to stay overnight at our mansion?”

“…No. I came just for a visit today.”

“Hmm. I understand. But from what I know, the Mayshall territory is more than 10 hours by carriage from the capital. Will you be alright? If necessary, you’re welcome to stay the night.”

“Thank you for your kindness, but I’ll be fine. I was planning to leave before lunch.”

“Is that so? That’s a shame.”

A shame? Shouldn’t he be relieved?

I couldn’t quite understand why he had changed his attitude when just moments ago he had implied he wouldn’t tolerate anyone touching his daughter. Seeming to read my puzzled expression, Dmitri smiled and said:

“There’s no particular reason. It’s just that my daughter hasn’t invited many people to the mansion recently. Especially not men.”

“…Dad.”

Now Marie’s voice had turned chilly. It contained such subtle anger that even I, sitting beside her, flinched.

Regardless, Dmitri shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and promptly apologized.

“I’m sorry, daughter. Was I too harsh? If you’re angry, I apologize.”

“Please stop saying such things. Can’t you see how nervous he is? Oh my. Look at this sweat.”

Marie comforted me and gently took my hand that was resting on my knee. Not only was I sweating, but I could see Dmitri’s eye twitch slightly the moment she took my hand.

Is this what they call “baiting”? I held Marie’s soft hand and smiled awkwardly. It was quite uncomfortable since it was essentially an indirect declaration that we were in a relationship.

“…Well, if it’s your own choice and not someone else’s, I suppose there’s no major issue. Dad will respect your choice.”

“Thank you.”

“However, there’s a condition.”

Just as a warm atmosphere was beginning to flow, Dmitri’s mention of a condition instantly made the mood heavy. I had been about to feel relieved, but upon hearing his words, I immediately tensed up again.

Dmitri looked at our hands, which were still holding each other, and then fixed his gaze on my face. His blue eyes, which seemed to be observing an interesting subject, were now directly focused on me.

With the sudden change in atmosphere, even Marie couldn’t say anything. Dmitri smiled and quietly opened his mouth. However, due to his resonant voice, even his quiet speech sounded loud.

“I’ve seen a letter Marie sent me before. It said you were the one who taught her history, which she used to hate so much. Is that correct?”

“Though my skills are lacking, yes, that’s correct.”

“There’s no need to maintain modesty. I actually like that about you. Our Reckyless family values history above all else. History is a means to converse with the past and glimpse the future.”

Honestly, I couldn’t help but be surprised. The words Dmitri uttered were remarkably similar to a famous quote from my previous life.

This means the Reckyless family has prioritized history for generations. For them, history is both a belief and an honor.

“Teaching others implies possessing extensive knowledge, so I won’t ask about who did what, where, and when. These are just the basics. Instead, I’ll ask a different question.”

“…Yes.”

“It seems you’ve held a pen for a long time. Am I wrong?”

Dmitri said this while gesturing with his chin toward my hand. He seemed to have noticed the callus on my middle finger from writing.

As I habitually rubbed the callus on my middle finger, Dmitri said to me:

“Then, as a fellow ‘pen-holder,’ let me ask you one thing. Historically, those who held pens placed those who held swords under their command.”

“…That’s correct. Conversely, when the sword becomes too powerful, coups occur, leading to social chaos.”

“You know it well. Now, here’s my question.”

Dmitri paused briefly and looked at me as if he wanted to scrutinize every inch of me with his sharp gaze. Despite the predatory look in his eyes, which seemed determined not to miss anything, I sat up straight with dignity.

I had a feeling that if I backed down here, I would be overwhelmed by his aura and unable to speak properly. So I absolutely couldn’t retreat.

Then, in the dead silence, Dmitri, who had been staring at me intently for a while, quietly opened his mouth.

“If the person holding that pen could change not just the nation but the world itself, what would you do?”

“…”

“Would you stand by and watch, or would you oppose it to stop it?”

I answered without a moment’s hesitation.

“I think both are meaningless.”

“Why is that?”

There’s one thing Dmitri doesn’t know.

“Because it’s a natural phenomenon.”

That I am a reincarnated person born and raised in a civilization socially more advanced than this world.

“History proves it.”

It’s time to start running my mouth.