episode_0005

The next morning.

Naturally, I opened my eyes and checked the clock on the desk. It was exactly 07:00.

“…Is it really a machine?”

The Grand Duke’s bodyguard is truly convenient.

When the time comes, his eyes close smoothly, and they open automatically at the exact hour, to the point where he doesn’t even need a separate alarm.

Even in the game, the start of the day was always at 07:00. I wonder if there’s any connection to that.

“Ah.”

As usual, I went to the bathroom attached to the bedroom to freshen up.

The shower products provided here are all top-notch, both this and that.

And the interior facilities were strangely modern, and although I don’t know how it works, clean water pours out like a waterfall.

…I’m so relieved that this place is like a fantasy world itself.

If it were truly the medieval era without any magic or anything, even if I were the Grand Duke, the quality of life would have been terribly low.

“Hmm.”

After changing into a suit and standing in front of the full-length mirror, a familiar face appeared in my gaze.

Eyes as cold as a ghost, devoid of a single smile.

He’s undoubtedly a handsome man, but for some reason, an aloof aura emanates from him that makes me not want to get closer.

To give an example, it’s like a warm-hearted psychopathic killer.

“…I don’t like it.”

Let’s practice smiling at least once a day.

To neatly organize the affairs with the three noble ladies, I have to start fixing even these small things.

– Your Grace, did you cough?

As I left the bedroom and headed towards the study, the retainers of Yeongjuseong were lined up like soldiers on the way.

I nodded slightly and confidently walked through their midst.

Step by step.

– …

Even the sound of breathing is forcibly suppressed. The only thing I hear among the dozens of people is the sound of my own footsteps.

…It was natural for them to be in such a position, as they used to grimace and grind their teeth at the sound of even a small cough from me, Rhaeos.

Anyway, I finally arrived at the study.

“Your Grace, a letter has arrived on behalf of the royal family.”

Even though he’s a newcomer, the gentleman who exudes a familiar atmosphere handed me the letter without hesitation.

Bertholdt, the envoy in charge of Yeongjuseong’s diplomatic affairs.

The weight of the story was almost non-existent for the NPC, but it was a face I had seen thousands of times while playing Kill the Duke. In practical terms, when using diplomatic commands that could be considered the essence of survival scenarios, almost all matters had to be handled through this gentleman. “Step back.” And with that, Bertholdt bowed slightly and disappeared without making a sound. “…A letter from the imperial family.” The sealed signature belonged to the princess. Carefully tearing open the surface, I found the palm-sized paper filled with writing. “To the great guardian of the North, Duke Roengreen… After personally experiencing the harsh environment of the North during my last visit, I couldn’t help but worry, so I am sending this letter to inquire about your well-being. I understand that we couldn’t meet due to the celebration’s constraints. You must have had important matters to attend to, and I understand…” Skipping unnecessary pleasantries, “The reason for this is that I have been entrusted to host the regular social gathering at the palace at the end of this month in Lerial’s name. As a member of the royal family, it will be my debut. Therefore, dear Duke Roengreen, if you could grace us with your presence, there would be no greater honor…” Along with such content, the letter ended with the signature of Princess Lerial Ashkin von Pramar. The main point was a request. A cute request from a young girl asking to become the support for her political debut. “What should I do?” Lerial, the Emperor’s illegitimate daughter. A reliable ally who played a more supportive role than anyone else in the main story of Kill the Duke, where Elisha was the protagonist. By the latter half of the game, it was natural for the Pireine family to rise to the top of society, thanks to Lerial’s pivotal role. In other words, “Leaving her alone would be troublesome in many ways.” From the Duke’s perspective, the princess was such an existence. If left alone in matters that wouldn’t be of much help even if they were thoroughly pursued, she would end up being a thorn in the side of enemies. …Such a bothersome girl. “Going is the right thing to do.” Without further hesitation, I carefully folded the letter and tucked it into my pocket. The event was at the end of the month, so there was still some time to spare. There was no need to worry about it immediately.

First of all, I need to find a way to handle these piled-up approval documents like this mountain… Smart─ ─ Your Excellency, it’s Lucille. Without even a moment to spare, a clear voice echoed from the other side. It was the first time I heard it, yet it felt familiar and endearing for some reason. Perhaps it was the tone that Rhaeos’ ears remembered. “Come in.” As I responded with formality, the office door opened smoothly without any noise. Thud─ Thud─ Gracefully walking towards me was an elf dressed in a white fur coat. “It’s been a long time indeed, Your Excellency. It feels like several years have passed since we last met, although it’s been less than a month.” “I am also glad to see you after a long time, Lucille.” Lucille. She used to be the governess of the three princesses and the ancient magical mentor of young Rhaeos… A motherly figure who was a high mage of the Elven race. Currently, she would probably be working as a technical advisor in Sena’s atelier, and although she had a gentle personality, she wasn’t completely loyal. When the second daughter ran away, it was Lucille who transformed into an enemy and tormented Rhaeos to death. In other words, this pretty pointy-eared sister is also one of the potential threats. “I came here on behalf of Lady Sena. I personally brought the prototype of the magical device that Your Excellency ordered.” She was holding a thin, long neckpiece in her arms, which she immediately extended towards me. “…Is it saying that it was completed in just one night?” When I asked, Lucille smiled and replied, “That’s right. Even I thought it would take at least three days… I’ve never seen Lady Sena so deeply engrossed in her work before.” “…” “Well, she said she wanted to meet Your Excellency’s expectations and ended up staying up all night. Hehe, quite admirable!” “─” Ah, for a moment, it felt like tears were clouding my vision. Why couldn’t Rhaeos appreciate such a kind and diligent child? In my heart, I wanted to slap myself as hard as I could, but I held back, fearing that it would be too humiliating. “You’ve gone through a lot to transport it to the castle. Let me have a look for now.”

I slowly opened the lid and removed the cloth. The object inside the wooden case was a long cane that could befit a noble gentleman. The tall staff, reaching up to my chest, had magical engravings in golden color. At the end, there was a spherical grip, and inside the grip was a sealed ruby the size of a fist.

…What is this?

“It’s quite different from what I saw in the blueprint.”

The estimated unit price of the flarelight mentioned in the proposal was clearly 7.5 million anels.

However, this prototype had an unsettling design from the start, and both the size and quality of the ruby were top-notch at a glance. If we were to evaluate its worth, it seemed to possess a value of millions of gold coins.

In gaming terms, it was truly an end-game item.

“No one else but His Majesty himself will receive this as a tribute. Miss, you were worried that it might not be enough, but there’s no way we can prepare shoddy mass-produced goods based on blueprints.”

“…Indeed.”

Leaning the prototype against the desk, I calmly looked at Lucil.

“I have received the item well. Please inform the young lady that the business budget promised yesterday will be executed without any issues as planned.”

“Yes. I, Lucil, will gladly carry out your instructions with joy.”

Lucil turned around as she said so.

But as she reached the door, she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

“…By the way, Your Majesty. What exactly is the reason behind this sudden change?”

“Hmm?”

As if asking for the meaning behind my words, Lucil smiled mischievously and added,

“I once gave you a direct prophecy, didn’t I? I said that before you become the leader of the North, you must first become the father of the three princesses.”

“…”

“To be honest, I thought you didn’t even hear it with your ears… But seeing that you granted Miss Senna permission for magical engineering research, it seems you remembered my words without a doubt.”

“I didn’t bother to remember such nonsense.”

Lucil’s expression slightly tilted at my words, but I paid no mind.

I confidently crossed my arms and continued speaking.

“From the very beginning, was there ever a time when I was the father of those children?”

“Huh? Ahahaha…”

…Crazy bastard.

I heard such muttering, but I simply ignored it.

Since I don’t think I’ll be criticized anyway, there’s no damage at all.

“Seems like you’ve had a lot of change in thinking while wandering around, huh? Well, the sheep have already run away long ago, and now you’re building fences…”

“I should build them.”

“Huh?”

“After losing the sheep and not building fences, who would consider themselves sane? They’d be a foolish creature.”

“…”

Lucille’s eyebrows shot up at those words.

It seemed like she was thinking, “What did I do wrong today?” with that expression.

“Why? Suddenly want to live as a human?”

“Are you saying I’m not human?”

“Absolutely not, you demon.”

Her voice was resolute.

It was a natural reaction, considering Lucille had witnessed every dirty and unbearable aspect of Dio for 40 years. After living through all the filth and madness of that bastard Rhaeos, there couldn’t possibly be any affection left for him.

“Well then, from now on, I’ll become a human.”

As if finding that statement absurd, Lucille widened her eyes.

Setting aside the fact that it was a far from satisfactory answer, claiming to become human now.

“…Do you think it’s possible just by appearance? Haven’t you forgotten how to live like a human altogether?”

“I will make an effort. It’s not right to turn innocent children into the devil’s offspring.”

“Hah, you talk big.”

Lucille smirked as if it were ridiculous.

Then, suspicious glares were directed at me.

What kind of trick is this again? With that kind of tone, he stared at me as if laser beams were shooting out of his eyes. In response, I met his audacity with my own brazen gaze.

Rhaeos’ eyes surprisingly perform well.

Even Laura, the eldest daughter who was boiling with anger earlier, lost her words and shrunk back when she saw those eyes.

Lucille, who had come close enough to reach my desk, slammed it down.

“That statement may not be convincing at all… but if you’re sincere, you must keep it until the end. If you hurt my children again, I won’t be able to bear it anymore.”

“Was there a child between you and me?”

“…Ugh, this disgusting brat, seriously.”

It was a joke, but Lucille slapped her face in response.

“That’s what I’m saying! Somehow, ever since turning twenty, there hasn’t been a single cute aspect left. You’re just thoroughly unlikable! If we go by elf years, you’re still a wet-behind-the-ears brat─”

“……”

At this point, it was more like a sword than words. That voice, constantly complaining, was so sharp that one could be stabbed to death with a single slip of the tongue.

Honestly, I thought it was a joke that I could laugh off… But if the speaker is the Duke, their mood must be terrible.

“While I have no intention of criticizing the actions of my esteemed former master, please try to maintain your composure in this place.”

“…Yes, I deeply apologize for my rudeness, Your Grace.”

Where on earth does this wretched human find fault with Lady Senna─

Upon hearing those murmurs from Lucille as she left, I felt a slight sense of relief.

If the youngest daughter doesn’t antagonize the Duke, then Lucille also has no need to cooperate with Elisha.

The desperate survival scenario of the mentally unstable trash Duke, ‘To Be a Father.’

The highly anticipated final chapter was progressing more smoothly than ever before…