Chapter 16
Chapter 16
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 16
Chapter Title: Became the Greatest Genius in History
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"Really, you worked hard...."
"Young master, you worked hard too. Please wait just a moment. I'll prepare your bath...."
Dalpi and I arrived at the mansion completely exhausted.
Who would've thought the outing would drag on this long.
As expected, that kid Etilla at the academy had eaten up way too much of my time.
'Next time, I need to cut things off appropriately....'
With that, I headed toward my room.
"Young Master Ester...!!"
The youngest maid in the Tristy mansion came running over with pattering steps.
"May."
I scooped May up in one swift motion.
My relationships with the servants weren't bad.
Excluding Haniel, the only ones who had shown me any kindness amid the family's treatment of me as an incompetent piece of trash were the servants.
Auntie Margaret had secretly slipped me snacks before.
Uncle Magaro had always comforted me whenever I was huddled in a corner, crying.
Everyone avoided the position of my personal maid because Felix loved tormenting me so enthusiastically.
I knew they didn't mean any harm.
If it weren't for them, well.
My personality right now would probably be a lot darker.
Even though I'd gained memories of my past life, the past fifteen years of my life were undeniably my own.
"Young master!"
"Hm?"
By the way, this small, cute maid was Auntie Margaret's daughter.
"The drawing room!! Uwong... I mean, there's a guest here to see you, young master!!"
Huh, a guest?
"What does he look like?"
"Umm... he's super tall, a man, and he's wearing white, stiff clothes!!"
Who the heck could it be?
Still, I showered the young maid with praise.
"Wow, our May is so smart. Thank you so much for telling me."
I set down the beaming May and ruffled her hair vigorously.
"Young master!!"
"Hm?"
"Everyone's grateful that you scolded Young Master Felix!! And~ they also said they're relieved that you're staying at the mansion!!"
I gave her a thumbs-up.
After a quick exchange of greetings with May, I headed to the drawing room.
I ran into Kenneth in the hallway.
He glared at me with a deeply annoyed expression before brushing past.
'Why's he suddenly staring and acting up?'
I considered smacking the back of his head but decided to hold off since I was too tired.
A man was waiting for me in the drawing room.
"Ah, Young Master Ester. I'm Oscar Leonhardt."
He was the captain of the Steel Lion Knights, the one I'd helped out via letter before.
***
"Ah, my apologies."
When Ester's gaze drifted to the greatsword, Oscar leaned it obliquely against the wall.
To a knight, a weapon was like a second self.
This was especially true for the Steel Lion Knights, who guarded the royal family.
For these valiant lions, the only ones worthy of bowing their heads to—aside from the royal family—were none.
That was why Oscar always carried his weapon on him out of habit.
But this time was different.
'Ester Tristy.'
He had appeared out of nowhere one day, like a divine revelation.
The genius who had solved the Millennium Problem and provided crucial aid in recovering the Necronomicon.
As someone who had received his help, it was only proper to show respect.
"I've come because I wished to see you, young master. I apologize for visiting unannounced like this."
Ester nodded slightly.
"I see."
In Oscar's eyes, Ester looked like an ordinary boy.
Ester was still young enough that he hadn't even undergone his coming-of-age ceremony.
'What was I doing at that age?'
Probably just swinging a sword under his master's guidance, day in and day out.
Oscar quietly admired Ester's noble and elegant demeanor.
Ester was a noble before he was a genius.
Had he mastered court etiquette at such a young age? There wasn't a single flaw.
'Truly impressive.'
What Ester had accomplished so far was beyond astonishing.
The tale of a boy who had single-handedly solved problems that countless wizards had challenged and failed was one not even easily found in history books.
'No wonder his relationship with his family is strained.'
When one sibling possesses overwhelmingly superior talent.
Human nature tended toward envy and jealousy rather than admiration.
Having finished assessing Ester Tristy, Oscar got to the point.
"I have so much I'd like to discuss with you, young master, but given the time, I'll cut straight to the main topic."
He cleared his throat.
"I will now convey His Majesty's words. The Necronomicon posed a grave potential threat to the Justina Kingdom. Had this relic fallen into the hands of the demonkin, it could have unleashed an irreparable catastrophe. But Ester Tristy cooperated with the Steel Lion Knights and the wizards of the Magic Tower to provide decisive aid in its recovery."
Oscar rose from his seat and approached Ester.
"Furthermore, by solving the Millennium Problem, he contributed to the advancement of the kingdom's magical community. Thus, the royal family bestows upon Ester Tristy the Justina Royal Third-Class Medal, the honorary rank of junior baronet, and one million credits."
Ester had received the royal family's reward.
"Congratulations, Sir Ester."
Though a junior baronetcy was merely an honorary title without lands.
Ester was the only one in history to receive royal recognition for merit at the tender age of fifteen.
From now on, "sir" would suit him better than "young master."
Ester was no longer the Tristy family's little star.
He had been directly acknowledged by the crown as a capable servant of the kingdom.
He deserved to be addressed accordingly.
"Thank you."
Unlike expectations, Ester remained subdued.
He gazed silently at the royal medal with an expressionless face.
Receiving a title was no commonplace affair.
It was an honorable moment even most adults, far older than the boy, could scarcely hope for in a lifetime.
"You needn't be so formal in front of me. It's fine to show a bit more joy. This is an honorable occasion, is it not? His Majesty even said he wishes to see you in person, Sir Ester. The prince and princesses as well...."
"......"
Ester nodded quietly.
Oscar let out a low hum.
"Perhaps the reward doesn't please you, Sir Ester?"
The boy shook his head.
"I consider it an honor to receive an award far beyond my deserving from His Majesty."
"......"
Oscar prided himself on being a good judge of character.
Lies never slipped past a knight's keen senses.
Ester showed no signs of joy or excitement.
"If it's not that the reward doesn't match your achievements, then I could speak to the royals again on your behalf...."
"It's fine."
Oscar shook his head.
"No. At the very least, my share to you, Sir Ester...."
"Really, it's fine."
Those last words came from the heart of a knight.
Without Ester, the knights would have had to retreat from the Lion's Mire.
Had that happened, the Necronomicon might have fallen into demonkin hands.
The Justina Kingdom was currently at war with the demonkin.
Blood had already been spilled in no small measure.
In the days ahead, the blood of countless men and the tears of women would flow like rivers.
Had that horrific grimoire fallen into their hands.
Unimaginable horrors would have unfolded.
"What you did, Sir Ester, was no mere deciphering of a barrier ritual. You saved many lives. If anything, I'd like to give you my share."
Ester let out a small sigh.
"Honor and money hold little value to me."
"......"
"I have other values that I hold dear. I'm sorry if I haven't shown the reaction you expected."
Oscar waved his hands in flustered denial.
"Ah, no, I didn't mean it that way... I'm sorry if I offended you."
Ester merely nodded appropriately.
"I'll gladly accept the reward bestowed by His Majesty."
"Yes...."
Oscar stood from his seat.
Before picking up his greatsword and leaving, he glanced at Ester's rigidly set face.
He couldn't read his thoughts at all.
'A boy who's impossible to pin down in every way....'
He sought neither honor nor money.
'He has other values he holds dear....'
Genius types were like that by nature.
But Ester felt even more enigmatic.
***
I racked my brain in the drawing room.
The one million credits on the table were gifting me joy, but.
'Damn. Is this seriously considered such a huge achievement?'
The story I'd just heard and the medal adorning my shoulder left my mind in a haze.
I had no need for honor or titles.
My dream was simply to be a jobless rich guy.
I'd planned to live quietly in the family once I safely passed the Family Head exam.
'His Majesty seriously wants to see me?'
If the highest authority in this country wanted to see me.
There was no way to refuse.
I hoped it was just a passing interest.
I'd unwittingly resolved some massive incidents.
Whether in a company or a nation, those at the top liked capable subordinates.
Because they could entrust them with troublesome, difficult tasks.
I had a pretty vivid imagination.
So I ended up picturing a horrific future.
'Solve these conundrums.'
'Pardon?'
'If you don't, I'll kill you.'
The worst thing to say in a small or medium enterprise was 'I can handle this.'
Thanks to my past life in black companies, visions of endless labor and suffering flickered in my mind.
Nob AI was too capable.
It had captivated the Magic Tower Lord, won over knights, and even drawn the king's interest—an incredible talent.
『Thanks!!』
From now on, it seemed I needed to lay low.
What if I ended up like Professor Aria, getting dragged into overtime after clocking out?
An ominous premonition like that.
Anyway.
I finished the bath Dalpi had prepared in one go and crashed in my room.
And then.
The next morning.
"The Family Head is summoning you, young master."
Porto called for me.
Along with my siblings.