episode_0187

The Somerset Estates were once a southern fiefdom unknown to many who were not familiar with the geography of the Empire.

But now, it had grown to a size that earned it the nickname of the second capital of the empire, and not only that, it had many large buildings that could only be seen in a capital city, giving it a bustling feel.

“Is that Somerset Manor?”

“As expected, it’s the most luxurious mansion in the South. It stands out even from afar.”

One of the things that surprised tourists visiting Somerset Estate was Somerset Manor.

After undergoing numerous renovations and extensions, the mansion now resembles a castle and is a must-see for anyone visiting Somerset.

Inside the mansion, there was also the Somerset Workshop, which is a place that comic book lovers must visit at least once before they die.

Because of this, security was extremely tight, so outsiders were not allowed to approach and could only watch from afar.

And there was a man walking towards the front gate of Somerset Manor.

“Oh my! If you go near that place without permission, you’ll get caught by the guards… .”

People who saw that sight murmured and expressed their regret.

‘Huh! I’m a noble. What good would it do to just go in and look around?’

A nobleman who tried to push past the guards and enter Somerset Manor while saying such things was beaten with a club by the guards that day and dragged to the prison of Somerset Manor.

‘The Somerset Manor is a treasure of the Empire. I personally authorize the Marquis of Somerset to punish anyone who trespasses upon it, regardless of status.’

It was the Somerset Act of Security, promulgated by the former Emperor Leonius Belle, who was pleased with Rupert’s achievements.

Because of this, no one has dared to approach the Somerset Manor since a few people were caught and severely punished for trying to enter without permission.

“Are you here, my lord?”

“You’ve worked hard.”

But contrary to people’s worries, the man entered the mansion without any resistance and was welcomed warmly.

“Hey! Is that guy… .”

The workshop’s staff were also allowed to enter the mansion, but the polite demeanor of the guard who had just greeted the man suggested that he was not an employee.

If so, that means he was either an invited guest or a member of the Somerset family.

“Sleepy’s Fire Sword Richard!!!”

“What? That empire’s strongest prosecutor?!”

The Somerset family’s characteristic blond hair, blue eyes, and sturdy build that is a head taller than most others.

Although he didn’t have his signature huge sword, he was unmistakable as Richard the Fire Sword, who had made a name for himself by defeating all his opponents with a single sword in the Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament held a few years ago.

Rumors of him running an academy in Sleepy Earldom, a neighboring fiefdom of Somerset, had already spread his fame across the continent, beyond the Empire.

“Of course, it can’t compare to the Imperial Academy, but it’s said that it’s not lacking in swordsmanship.”

It was thanks to Rupert’s old comic book, Van Helsing, that boys who wanted to learn how to use a fire-breathing sword grew into great swordsmen and made a name for themselves.

“Your wife is an elf? I’m really jealous of that.”

“But there is still hope, since elves, which were once only found in the Sleepy Territory, are now found throughout the Empire!”

Sleepy Estate, which had been nothing more than a ruin ten years ago, had changed beyond recognition, if not to the same extent as Somerset.

This was partly due to the support of the royal family and Somerset, but it was also greatly helped by the settlement of those who came to learn swordsmanship from Richard.

But no matter what anyone says, the person who contributed the most to Sleepy’s growth was the elf.

‘I’m going to sleepy!’

Elves who were part of the Crimson Wardens who stayed behind to help rebuild the Sleepy Estate.

Once upon a time, Sleepy Lands attracted more tourists than Summerset, as rumors spread that one could see such elves.

Of course, after the Empire and the Elves began formal exchanges, there weren’t as many tourists as before.

‘I will now take over the Sleepy Estate, following in my father’s footsteps.’

Countess Ronwood Sleepy, daughter of Count Sleepy, came of age and ascended to the position of head of the household, once again leading the revival of the estate.

***

“Why is Ada doing that again?”

“Are you here, brother?”

As soon as Richard entered the mansion, he saw Ada sparring with Own and said.

“Well, that’s the daily routine for those two.”

Rupert was now sitting on the terrace drinking tea with a calm expression as if he was used to it.

“I’m going to relax for the first time in a while… .”

“Stop! Brother, you can’t do that.”

“Ahem… .”

It was Rupert who firmly stopped Richard from interfering as if his body was trembling while watching Ada and Own’s duel.

“Have you forgotten that I destroyed the entire workshop wall last time I fought Ada?”

“That’s….”

In fact, Richard was always disappointed because he only taught children in Yeongji and had nowhere to put his energy.

There were already only a handful of opponents in the entire empire who could match his skills, so in that sense, Ada was truly the best opponent for Richard.

But it had to be kept in mind that the power of those two had already surpassed that of humans.

Because during the last duel, there was an incident where Rupert fell down holding his neck because of two people who had slightly missed the attack and caused a major accident by collapsing the wall of Somerset’s workshop.

Richard had no choice but to be banned from sparring.

“But why didn’t your sister-in-law and nephew come with you?”

“I took Oregon with me on my way to see what was going on in the tribe.”

“That’s too bad. I wanted to see Oregon.”

Rupert was very fond of Oregon, the son of Richard and Cypris.

‘Uncle! I drew this.’

The Somerset family’s blood seemed to be extreme.

Either extremely extroverted or extremely introverted.

Richard and Ada were extremely extroverted types who would get goosebumps if they were still for even a moment.

Bradley Somerset and Rupert were what you might call homebodies who didn’t like going out and loved being at home the most.

Oregon, who inherited the Somerset blood, fortunately or unfortunately, resembled his grandfather and uncle in that he had an introverted personality.

Oregon, who preferred books and paintings to swordplay or adventure, enjoyed following Rupert around and touring Somerset’s workshop.

Rupert also loved that Oregon very much.

“Hey! Oppa, you’re here?!”

“Yeah, it’s been a while, Ada.”

While Rupert and Richard were talking for a while, Ada, whose duel had ended, approached them.

“Oh, stop bothering me.”

“You’re bullying me! I bet Oun would like that too?”

Rupert sighed at Ada’s shameless answer and looked at Own, who was lying in a corner of the training ground like a dragon ball dwarf.

‘He’s not the type of person to go around getting beaten up.’

It was Own who succeeded Lord Muller as Captain of Somerset’s Guard, who had retired in old age and was now living a leisurely life with Bradley and his garden.

However, Own did not become captain of the guard simply because he had served the Somerset family for a long time.

‘The Knight of House Somerset, Own, is a man of hidden power.’

Oun, who had become a sword expert at a young age, had now reached a mature level and was considered one of the best among his peers.

In particular, his ironclad defense was so outstanding that it earned him the nickname of ‘Somerset’s Shield’.

but,

“Ewww!!! Why did the heavens give birth to me and Miss Ada!”

The opponent was not very good.

Those around him include Richard, the successor to the Sword Master, Alain, the head of an assassination organization, and finally Ada, who has been given the terrifying nickname of the Fist King.

‘He’s the weakest among us.’

Every time Rupert saw Own, this line came to mind.

“By the way, where is your father? I should go say hello to him.”

“I bet you’re in the basement.”

“Again?”

Richard, who was chatting with Ada about recent events, suddenly asks if his father, Bradley, is anywhere near there. Rupert replies as if there is nothing to see.

‘It is now your turn to lead Somerset.’

Since officially retiring just a few months ago, when he handed over the reins to Rupert, Bradley has been happier than ever.

‘Rupert, this is one of the heirlooms of our Somerset family.’

‘Why is our family heirloom such a gruesome thing?’

‘I’m not sure about that either.’

He also collected heirlooms that had been sold when his family was in financial difficulty, including knives that looked very practical and not decorative to anyone.

‘This is truly a scene fit for a noble mansion… .’

Bradley was truly showing what a leisurely noble life was like, including decorating the garden of a mansion, which had been his long-time wish.

‘Still, you’ve had a hard time.’

Unlike in the past, Somerset was now so wealthy that he didn’t know where to spend his money, so Rupert didn’t stop his father from pursuing his hobbies.

Moreover, I was simply grateful because I knew that before Rupert took over the position of the head of the household, he had worked hard to handle all sorts of things on his behalf.

“The great master has arrived too. The meal is ready in the restaurant.”

“Alain! You still look healthy.”

“Haha, I guess this old man has nothing better to do.”

And when Richard saw Alain come to tell him that the meal was ready, he hugged him tightly in joy.

“Alain, what’s for dinner today?”

“This is the lady’s favorite steak. It seems like the chef put special effort into it since it’s been a while since the family gathered together.”

“Let’s go quickly!”

Ada runs to the restaurant holding Alain’s hand like when they were children.

‘I wish Alain could retire now and rest comfortably.’

Rupert followed behind the two of them, along with Richard, and thought.

but,

‘I want to serve you and your maids until I die. That is my happiness.’

Rupert could not stop Alain from taking charge of the mansion as long as he was alive.