episode_0004

“Your Grace, I beg your forgiveness! It’s all the girl’s fault!”

“What did you say?”

“Heek! If Your Grace truly insists that it cannot be done, then the girl will wholeheartedly give up and humbly seek forgiveness…!”

In this manner, looking at the second daughter who was stubborn to the point of being incomprehensible.

“Ha.”

Unconsciously, a sigh escaped me.

A daughter who doesn’t yield to her father’s coercion and asserts herself.

Reluctantly accepting, a father secretly supports such dreams of his daughter.

Thinking that if we push forward with such a hopeful flow like a family drama, there would be no awkward corners and everything would go smoothly.

However.

“Sena.”

“Heek…”

It was almost a scream close to despair.

The second daughter standing in front of me has already become infinitely small.

Looking at this situation, for example, instead of a noble lady, she was completely a high-ranking official and a lowly commoner.

Has there been such an uncomfortable relationship between the Duke and the second daughter until now?

“…”

Forget it. Let’s get rid of this petty buildup.

If the relationship is already in such a state of collapse… a drama-like scenario cannot happen.

Above all, as far as I’m concerned, the existence of parents should never make their children miserable for any reason.

Living as a pitiful orphan in this world, I came to understand that.

“…If you truly believe that mechanical engineering is your path, then polish it without hesitation.”

“Yes, yes, understood?”

“It means that you can do whatever you want, however you want.”

Words that a true Duke would never utter even if the sky were to collapse a hundred or a thousand times.

Indeed, even uttering a few words like this consumes a considerable amount of mental strength. When I tried to console Laura, my whole body was itching to the point of going crazy.

On the other hand.

“Um, um, excuse me─.”

Is this kind of reaction beyond anyone’s imagination?

Sena pinched the corner of her mouth with a face that clearly didn’t know what to do.

And then, as if she had some terrible idea, she opened her mouth with a pale expression.

“That means the girl can no longer stay in the Duke’s residence…”

“It doesn’t mean we will separate.”

…I guess I need to drive the wedge in one more time here.

“The mechanical engineering technology you proposed is quite practical and intriguing. It’s undoubtedly another testament to your talent.”

“Oh, really? Th-thank y…you?”

“Of course, the expenditure is a legitimate concern, but it will only be a temporary setback.”

Carefully stamping the document, I handed it over to Sena.

“However, those who benefit from this technology will continue to thrive in the northern region for a long time. Understanding their circumstances and improving their lives is my duty as the lord. Your proposal seems worthy of approval.”

“W-what do you mean?”

“After the prototype is completed, bring it to the lordship first.”

“Yes!?”

Sena’s eyes, which were once as round as full moons, narrowed like silk threads.

Her eyes sparkled, and a smile formed on her lips.

It was a rich reaction that truly exemplified why the term “foolish daughter” exists.

“T-thank you! Thank you so much… Father!”

“Is there really a need to be so grateful?”

“Yes! Among the countless blessings you have bestowed upon me, nothing surpasses this…”

After trembling with excitement, Sena suddenly rushed towards me and hugged me tightly.

“I, Sena, swear upon everything in heaven! I will never, ever disappoint you, Father!”

As she spoke, Sena displayed a radiant smile.

“…Alright.”

This is dangerous.

Perhaps this is the century’s most magnificent sight that Rhaeos has never witnessed in his lifetime.

And it is happening right here, in my embrace.

The straightforward affection conveyed by my youngest daughter was so warm that it made me feel extremely embarrassed. Even the body of a duke couldn’t resist such stimulation, as my heart was throbbing uncontrollably…

“I should go now.”

“Oh, really?”

“It must be a situation where every minute and second counts.”

“Ah!”

Soon, Sena cautiously let go of me.

Although I felt a bit uneasy about her calm response, fortunately, she didn’t show any signs of laughter.

“Hehe, there’s a saying in the northern region. Do you know it, Father?”

“A saying?”

“The mouth and face may tell a thousand lies, but the heart cannot fabricate a single falsehood.”

“……”

I heard everything.

Even though it beats in my ears like thumping drums, it would be stranger if this child couldn’t hear it.

“Hehe…”

Sena tapped her chest and then dashed away like a squirrel.

I thought she was just going to leave like that.

“Um… Father?”

Once again, she peeked her face through the crack of the door and asked me.

“If the girl acts stubborn like this again, will you still indulge her?”

“Well…”

“……”

With a seemingly indifferent response, Sena’s expression became slightly serious.

However, I looked straight into her eyes and added.

“If she remains as adorable as she is now, there shouldn’t be any difficulty.”

Upon hearing such a teasing remark, her face turned red.

“──.”

Sena nodded briefly and quickly ran away. It was so cute that I couldn’t help but chuckle.

“A real angel, indeed.”

…There’s a saying that goes, “Even if your child gets in your eye, it doesn’t hurt.”

From this moment on, I fully understood the meaning of that seemingly crazy phrase from a past life.

I have decided to become the biggest fool of a father in the world.

***

Loengreen Province. If you walk down the road carved to the west for about an hour, you will reach the lower village of Velus Castle.

“Let’s work hard today too!”

“Yes, for Loengreen!”

“Woooh!”

The residents of the territory started their day’s work with a spirit resembling a group frenzy.

Although the title of “Demon Duke” has spread far beyond the borders, the villagers of Velus seemed particularly loyal to the Duke.

And the reason for that is none other than…

“You’re here! You’re here!”

“Everyone, prepare for a cheer in the 3 o’clock direction!”

With more energy than the residents, a silver-haired girl came bounding down the slope.

“Welcome, Miss Sena!”

“You look exceptionally beautiful today! Even more so than Lady Phirein, known as the most beautiful woman in the territory!”

The cheers of the residents echoed high into the sky, and Sena smiled proudly.

Once it caught the attention of the residents of the Belarusian territory, this noisy event was something that could never be avoided.

“Hello, everyone! You all seem so energetic today!”

“Haha, we’re always like this! Since the young lady arrived, there hasn’t been a single thing lacking. It’s only natural!”

As one of the residents said, Belarus is currently enjoying an unprecedented prosperity since its establishment. The residential areas are sturdy enough to withstand the northern gales, and every household has access to running water. Even at night, the streets are brightly lit with magical stone lamps, as if it were daytime.

This is the power of magitech.

Despite the temperature dropping to minus 30 degrees Celsius, thanks to the greenhouse devices, there is no longer any freezing of the streets.

This too is magitech.

The young people who left for Bosilop, where the magical mines are located, turning this village into a mere miniature version of the capital, can no longer be considered an exaggeration…

“Oh my, get a hold of yourself. We came out to replace the lifeless magical stones in the greenhouse devices… Miss, I’ll step aside first!”

“Oh, I think I left the water running in my house…”

“I was in the middle of cooking soup and just walked out!”

To the extent that they abandoned their tasks and rushed out, receiving the daughter of the Duke was a major event for the residents of Belarus. Just by catching a glimpse of her grace, rumors spread that everything would go well for a day. It had reached the point where it could be called a religion.

“Hee hee?!”

Of course, Senna herself was startled.

“E-Everyone, please go back quickly and attend to your duties! Magical stones aren’t something you can buy for a penny. You should use them up according to their lifespan!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Ah, even the voice that scolds us is like an angel from heaven!”

“Thank you for being born in the same era as me, Miss!”

“──.”

Leaving behind such a farewell filled with madness, the residents scattered one by one and disappeared.

“Sigh…”

Senna, the Duke’s daughter, collapsed onto her bed as soon as she returned to the atelier. Her silver hair, a testament to her noble lineage, spread out like the wings of a peacock, bathing the entire bed in moonlight.

The enthusiasm of the Belarusian residents’ reception was captivating, but what currently had the greatest impact on their state of mind was this: a proposal for the distribution of flare lights. Moreover, it bore the unmistakable handwritten signature of their father. “I wonder what this is, really.” To be honest, it was an utterly incomprehensible whim. Considering that he had previously torn apart similar proposals without even reading them, there was no reason to believe this one would be any different. At the very least, he would receive a scolding, and if he was more displeased, he might even resort to wielding a whip. Given what they had witnessed of their father’s character thus far, that seemed plausible. However… How in the world did their father’s signature end up on this proposal? “Oh my! Did he intentionally sign it incorrectly?!” According to the family tree, after Emperor Hwangje, their father held the second highest position, which exerted influence not only in the northern region but throughout the country. Reciting the written characters one by one, they carefully pronounced the endorsement that held power in the entire nation. “Count Roen Green Laios Endika von Roen Green, officially recognized by…” Fortunately, there wasn’t a single typo. This elegant calligraphy, rumored to be the work of a master, was undoubtedly that of their father, Count Roen Green… “Miss, what’s the matter? You seem a little pleased.” “Huh?!” With eyes filled with astonishment, Senna looked up from the document she was staring at, only to see a sharp-eared woman thrusting her head forward. “Lucille! I told you to give me a signal if you were going to tease her!” “Hoho, I’m sorry~ I couldn’t resist having fun with the young lady.” Lucille, who protected the youngest daughter of Roen Green, laughed. At first glance, she appeared to be a gentle woman, but her white hair, as if covered in frost, emitted an aura of intimidation. The purer and stronger the magical power one possessed, the whiter their hair became, a distinctive characteristic of the Elf race. “…Anyway, Lucille, take a look at this. What does it look like to you? Hehehe.” Senna proudly presented the business proposal, pointing her finger directly at the spot where the Count’s signature was engraved. “Hmm?” Lucille, who had been scrutinizing that part with focused eyes, raised an eyebrow. “…Huh.” What could this be?

In Sena’s magical engineering business proposal, the damn─ no, the signature of the Grand Duke.

The discomfort is beyond words. There shouldn’t be something that defies the laws of nature in that place. It feels like seeing a banana grow in the Arctic tundra…

Before long, Lucille reached a conclusion.

“Miss Sena.”

“Hehe─”

“When did you research this precise forgery technique?”

“…Huh?”

This is fake.

It seems there’s no other possibility but for it to be fake.

“Oh my, look at this. The first and last letters are written with the same flicking habit. It’s on the level of something that person would write themselves. Miss, what’s the principle behind this?!”

“…No! It’s not a forgery! How dare you accuse me! I personally went to the Lord’s Castle today and obtained it!”

“Hmm…”

Once again, Lucille tilted her head.

The young lady doesn’t know how to lie.

To the point of looking so innocent that it’s almost foolish, she couldn’t help but wonder how such an angel came from beneath that kind of person.

Then, the endorsement of the Grand Duke contained in this proposal.

Is this banana on the ice… real?

“…Is that person alright? Can you continue your magical engineering research, Miss?”

Nodding, nodding, nodding─

In response to Lucille’s cautious question, Sena answered with an enthusiastic nod.

Seeing her adorable gesture that made her want to bite, Lucille had no more room for doubt.

“So that means…”

“That’s right, Lucille! Our atelier has officially received its first large-scale territorial project commissioned by the Lord’s Castle!”

Sena hugged Lucille while exclaiming.

“Oh my, oh my, oh my!”

Lucille also patted Sena’s back, congratulating her repeatedly.

A daughter’s slope is the same as her mother’s slope.

Of course, they’re not truly of the same blood since they belong to different races, but Lucille’s eyes were filled with more tenderness than when looking at her own daughter.

“Well then, you’ll start making prototypes now, right? Just wait a little longer, Miss. I’ll quickly go to the warehouse and─”

“…No, you can’t.”

“What?”

“No way! It can’t be done with cheap materials piled up in the warehouse! Although my father has given permission for now, he might revoke it as soon as he sees the result─”

At that moment, Senna’s eyes subtly shifted to the side.

“I can’t waste this precious opportunity that I’ve finally obtained, which could possibly be the last…!”

Soon, the girl’s gaze pierced through the thick glass case placed in the atelier. Inside, there was a hidden extraordinary material, quietly waiting.

“What? …Ah, miss, you don’t mean that?!”

Red Dragon Jade.

It was created by combining the heart of the rare creature, Red Dragon Soul, which once confronted Lucil’s expeditionary force, with a large amount of enemy stones and compressing them to their limits to create an orb.

Even if an ordinary third-rate technician were to roughly examine it with skeptical eyes, this jewel would fantastically reveal itself as a national treasure.

“Hehehehehe…”

“….”

For a moment, Lucil closed his mouth, looking at his daughter whose expression had changed.

In that state, commonly referred to as ‘artisan mode,’ it would be better to leave the young lady alone. Even if the ghostly presence next to her, Moore, babbled on, it would only be a bothersome noise to the current young lady.

…It’s just a waste.

It’s deeply regrettable and wasteful, and it feels like my heart is being shattered into pieces.

“Goodbye, my beautiful retirement fund…”