episode_0008

Rattling, rattling.

It’s been a week since I was allowed to play all board games with Kyle Gali.

Meanwhile, rumors about Kyle Gali and the house rules spread quickly within the family.

“Woman, as expected, you were a genius! Oh, everyone recognized your game and genius!!”

“Well, I guess most people have tried it once due to the curiosity that it was a board game made by an unknown third son, Grandpa Charles actively recommending it, and word of mouth that knights often enjoy it at the training ground. It’s easy to do because you just need a bell and a card.”

“Oh, no! Oh, you’re so great… … !!”

“Still, I’m glad everyone seems to be enjoying it.”

Regardless of Sally’s fuss, Kyle Galli has now been accepted as one of the elements of the mansion.

It was normal for the bell to be heard frequently in the annex where the employees lived, and the kitchen even ordered a separate bell for Kyle Galli.

Moreover, it is said that knight commanders and knights frequently use Kyle Gali during training and rest.

I felt proud that I was discovering the joy of board games… … only.

It rattled.

‘Well, because there wasn’t much entertainment that I originally enjoyed.’

The only entertainment available to the residents who can stay inside the mansion is chatting or playing board games like chess.

I thought it was natural that new board games would gradually become known, unless they were quite boring.

It just spread faster than expected thanks to the easy preparation, simple rules, and yet raw fun and competitive spirit.

In fact, what I was more concerned about was not the existing Kyle Galli, but the house rules enjoyed by the knights.

‘It’s just a fake with a different picture.’

This reputation was achieved because the original work, Halli Galli, was a masterpiece. I am very satisfied that Kyle Gali itself is fun, but honestly, I was reluctant to be praised for making it because it pricked my conscience.

But the house rules are a little different. It’s different from any rules I know, and it’s a new rule I created based on my experience with board games I’ve enjoyed so far.

Was there anyone in the world who enjoyed Halli Galli so much? It would be safe to say that there are almost none.

That’s why I couldn’t help but become attached to it.

In a way, that was the real ‘Kyle Galli’.

… … Even though it is not a new board game and is just a house rule.

If you gain experience like this, wouldn’t you be able to create your own board game?

It was still a distant dream, considering that I had thought of several ideas last night and discarded them all.

“So there is a lot to do. You have to go to the blacksmith shop and ask for more paper to be produced, and then go to the family-owned business or another business and airlift the special paper to make cards… … … I have to be busy as my father has entrusted me with it.”

“Uh… … Oh, in the carriage… … ?”

“… … … That’s the problem.”

It rattled.

Yes, there is a lot of work to be done to promote the fun of board games, starting with Kyle Galli.

Instead of running around, I was riding a bumpy carriage.

Accompanied by Sally, our escort and exclusive maid.

“Phew… … Sally, what about the letter?”

“Woman, I have it right here!”

“Please do me a favor. But why on earth did His Excellency the Duke call me? … .”

“Oh, you found out too late! Oh, you’re a genius!”

As always, Sally’s Geumchil was just a passing glance, and no matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t understand it.

Viscount Byron is certainly one of the wealthiest of the empire’s viscounts, and has some influence due to his location as a key point of transportation and logistics, but he is by no means comparable to the duke.

Rather, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the place where the letter was sent had a close relationship with the Duke of Everts in the west.

‘More than 40% of the toll tax is paid by the Duke of Everts.’

As he was a customer among customers, for whom even the word VIP was not enough, as soon as my father became the head of the family, he requested that only the Everts duchy’s merchants or groups be allowed to pass through the Byron estate in return for a 30% reduction in toll tax.

It’s good for Everts because it’s cheaper to go to and from the center, and it’s good for us to have a solid customer base.

Of course, since we benefit a lot, we have a clear relationship with the Duke’s family, and that means my father gains the Duke’s favor… … … After all, that’s my father’s story, isn’t it?

It was definitely not a place for a mere third son to go, even if it was the eldest brother who was the next head of the family.

What more?

“The recipient of the letter… … Did you say it was me?”

“Yes, yes!”

“I really don’t know.”

It’s not like I’m going to act as my father’s representative, but the duke just nominated me.

It would have been nice if the reason for the call had been written in the letter, but it only contained appropriate turns typical of nobles and things like, “Please send it to me first.”

Still, there was one thing that caught me off guard.

‘… … ‘My father was quite calm.’

Although he was a strict person when it came to public affairs, it was surprising that he wasn’t embarrassed even when the duke personally sent a letter to someone like me.

As if I knew it would happen like this… … Ambiguous attitude.

I was so embarrassed that I didn’t notice my father’s suspiciousness at the time, but after I was immediately put in the carriage and cooled off, I noticed that there were more than one suspicious part.

But what can you do? The carriage has already departed, so there is no choice but to go to the duchy and check the reason.

I just sighed and leaned back on the soft seat.

“… … … ?”

… … I don’t know why, but I kept feeling gazes outside the window.

I chalked it up to my mood.

*

The road to the Duchy of Everts didn’t take long.

If it were the Middle Ages, it would have been a journey that lasted for days, but this is a world where aurors and magic exist.

Of course, the horses pulling the carriage and the carriage were not ordinary things. Of course, it was possible because I spent a lot of money.

It’s not for nothing that the specially designed carriage rattles. This meant that it ran at a speed that would make even a noble family’s carriage rattle.

As if I was in a car, I was just watching the scenery change, and when I entered the duchy and slowed down, I could see the surroundings clearly.

A city whose size is incomparable to our territory, a clearly divided carriage road and a pedestrian road, a seemingly relaxed middle class, and a patrol driver who deliberately shows off his auror and reduces the crime rate.

It is not for nothing that there are rumors that it would have become an independent principality even if the power of the empire had been slightly weaker.

Moreover, even after arriving at the duke castle, it was a breeze.

“Welcome, Kyle Byron. His Excellency Duke Nicholas is waiting for you.”

“… … Are you waiting now?”

“Yes.”

“Let’s go right now.”

When I suddenly came to my senses, I was standing in front of the Duke’s castle’s drawing room.

Sally waited in the guest room for now, and I was the only one guided by the staff to the door.

There was no need to hesitate now, so I immediately knocked on the living room door.

I guess he called me just to harm me.

Knock. Knock.

“Come in.”

After the duke’s permission was given, the maids standing next to him gently opened the door.

The living room I entered like that was bigger than I imagined.

The reception room is where guests are welcomed. Since it is a place where the power and grandeur of noble families can naturally be revealed, many people decorate their drawing rooms in a splendid and solemn way.

As was the case with Viscount Byron, the dukedom’s drawing room was beyond my imagination.

All kinds of rare items are displayed in the cabinets to brighten the room, a luxurious crimson carpet is spread on the floor, and countless documents and books overwhelm visitors.

Although it is gorgeous and grand, it is a place that leaves you scratching your head as you wonder if it is a living room worthy of the Duke of Everts.

But I felt like I knew the true meaning of this space.

The Duke of Everts doesn’t need to decorate the drawing room like other nobles do. There is no need to boast about your power like that. Evers is Evers.

In the center of the place where such pride is visible, a middle-aged man with a bushy beard is sitting on the sofa, looking at me with a disapproving expression.

As soon as I entered the room, I first lowered my head.

“This is Kyle Byron. Your Excellency Duke Nicholas, I am truly honored that you have invited me──”

“Sit down first.”

“… … Yes.”

What is this serious atmosphere?

For a moment, it was so cold that I wondered if I had done something wrong.

But this is our first meeting. why?

Those questions disappeared as soon as I sat down on the chair opposite.

‘… … … that?’

There is a teacup and a glass teapot on the luxurious table between the duke and me. That’s natural.

Next to it is a bell and a bunch of cards with shapes drawn on them.

Of course it was Kyle Galli.

No, why is that here?

“The gaze immediately goes this way. Kyle Galli… … Did you say that?”

“Yes, yes! Yes, Your Excellency the Duke.”

“William suddenly sent me a gift, so I gave it a try and it was a pretty fun game. It’s not just fun, it also has its own philosophy. It’s worth putting your name into the game out of curiosity.”

“Ha, haha… … … .”

That’s a compliment, right? Why is it that your mouth is praising, but your eyes look like they could kill someone?

Rather, William said his father sent it as a gift?

‘That’s why you were so calm… … !!’

I was wondering why the duke had something that wasn’t properly distributed to the residents of the mansion, and he sent it as a gift?

Up to that point, well, it can be done. It could be so.

But why did the Duke call me aside for that game? If you enjoyed it, just sending a letter saying you enjoyed it would have been enough.

The Duke suddenly became a huge fan of Kyle Galli and wanted to see my face! That’s not what I said. If you look at that bloody expression, it can’t be like that.

Then why?

“Of course, I wouldn’t have called you here just because of that. There is no reason for me to put everything aside and wait.”

“… … … I know.”

“Still, the reason I called you and kept waiting… … I have something to ask you.”

ask? Duke? To me?

Based on the conversation so far, it seems to be about Kyle Galli. what? Do you want me to be exclusive to this game? Future sponsorship? Or warning?

“I have a daughter. Do you know?”

“I know there is a princess of similar age to me, but I don’t know anything else.”

“Okay, I want you to… … … I want you to meet my daughter.”

“What… … What do you mean?”

For a moment, I was shocked, unable to understand the Duke’s purpose, and the Duke with sunken eyes continued speaking.

“My daughter hasn’t come out of her room since something happened.”

“… … Do you mean princess?”

“Yeah, not even me. But do you understand why I want you to approach my daughter who has not even met her father?”

That’s right.

Looking at the current atmosphere and the Kyle Gali deliberately placed on the table, there is only one answer.

“Is it because of Kyle Galli?”

“That’s right. I heard that my daughter really likes Kyle Galli. So, if you are the creator of Kyle Gali… … It might be possible.”

“Ji, are you serious?”

“Seriously? Of course he means it. Honestly, I don’t think you’ll succeed either. but… … … .”

Tuk.

The Duke’s eyes were deep and earnest as he put down the teacup.

He must have made every effort to somehow communicate with the princess who was said to be locked in her room.

All of that failed, and the work was so concentrated that they personally asked me, a mere board game producer, to do it.

No matter how small and glimmering hope it is.

I hope you succeed.

“… … Even though he is William’s son, he is desperate enough to tell an outsider the inside story of his family.”

“… … … … … .”

“If you fail, you just have to find another way. But in the process, I just don’t want to pass over the possibility, no matter how low it may be.”

“… … … I see.”

“It’s been a long time since my daughter was interested in something to the point of being absorbed in it all day. It is true that the objective probability of success is low, but among the methods that have been used recently, yours is also the best.”

“… … … … .”

“What do you think, would you accept it? Even if I fail… … I will reward you for going along with my stubbornness.”

The duke seemed truly desperate. At best, he even promised compensation to the author’s third son just for trying.

But no matter how much I thought about it, there was one thing I couldn’t understand.

“… … Your Excellency the Duke, didn’t you say earlier that the Princess is currently concentrating on Kyle Galli?”

“That’s right.”

“Kyle Galli is not a board game that can be played alone. Inevitably, there will be someone who plays games with you, so wouldn’t it be okay to go through that person, whether it’s a friend or an employee?”

This was the question I had been wondering before. If the princess enjoyed playing Kyle Gali all night long, then of course there would be people who played the game with her.

If a princess who doesn’t even talk to her father plays a game together, especially Kyle Gali, where they inevitably bump into each other physically, they would be quite close friends.

Wouldn’t it be much better to do it through that person? Even if you’ve already tried it and failed, it would be more likely to try again than to drag me, the producer, into it.

In response to my question, the duke frowned and sighed as if he had expected it.

“It’s not wrong. Yes, that’s right.”

“Then──”

“… … The being with my daughter is not a person.”

what?

“Yes?”

“My daughter, Lacia, is a spiritist.”

“So… … It means that the person you are playing with is a spirit.”

“I am.”

“No matter what you talk to or do with Lacia, you become close with her.”

“I hope I can drag that child out from the excessive love of the spirits.”

“That’s all I want.”

*

Ding!

“Won… … Yes, this is my 55th consecutive win. huh? I’m listening. say it… … … .”

[Ringle.] [Whisk.]

“I see, yes.”

[Whirl.] [Meow.] [Tingle.] [Growl.]

“The person who created Kyle Galli.”

[Growl.] [Clap.] [Huung.]

“Did you come by carriage? Are you coming to this room soon?”

[Tingling.] [Clunking.]

“Okay, then… … Kick me out.”

[Meow.] [Moo.] [Whirl.] [Growl.] [Tank.] [Huung.]

“Because you guys are enough for me.”

[Ringle.]

“… … Don’t be too rough. Still, he is the one who created this game.”

[Roaring.] [Squeak!]

“Please do me a favor. then… … Let’s play one more round?”

[Whirl!]

“… … … Okay, then.”