Chapter 38
Chapter 38
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: Operation (2)
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“How much do you need?”
“The more, the better.”
“Hmm…”
Hector fell into thought for a moment.
If he could, he’d shout, “Give me about 300 million!”
He wanted to scream it, but that would make it seem like he was really extorting him.
“I will send my subordinates to deliver it later.”
His attitude was quite serious.
Since I called it a war chest, he would be considering a sum in the hundreds of millions.
With this, I’ve secured the food expenses for our little cutie.
There were many other things to spend it on too.
Date funds to have fun with Ceria.
Pretty accessories to gift her, and so on…
No, that’s not it…
In any case, having ample surplus funds puts my mind at ease.
Even if not right now, a time would come when I’d need a large sum of money.
To raise the hero candidates’ favorability, certain items were essential…
I had a sort of walkthrough guide in my head.
I’ll quickly resolve anything that can be handled with money.
As I finished organizing my thoughts, Hector spoke cautiously.
“Young Master. Are there any students you would recommend?”
“—??”
Huh? Wasn’t he just saying that?
Well, it seemed he wanted to get a taste of things while he was here.
The effect of suppressing the momentum of rival organizations couldn’t be ignored either.
“They would need to be diligent and overflowing with talent, I presume?”
“Yes. It’s fine if their personality is a bit bad. A little rough handling will fix that in no time.”
“…”
He shrugged his shoulders proudly.
As one of the best knight orders, it seemed they had ways to manage fledglings.
An idea suddenly came to mind.
A stratagem to persuade the enemy and make them an ally.
“As it happens, there are several talents I’ve been keeping an eye on…”
“Just give me their names, and I will take care of it.”
I listed the names one by one.
There were a few supporting characters who were close to being main characters, like Ceria.
Gems in the rough that would one day shine.
Rather than let them go to other organizations, it was better for me to swallow them whole.
Though they weren't exactly sparkling gems.
The list also included the name of Julian, whom I had met in the finals.
I also subtly slipped in the names of two A-rank students from Cedric's faction.
The Venice family was also a renowned great family.
But they were a tier below the Crodain family.
At least one or two of them were bound to switch sides.
You son of a bitch… did you think I would just take this lying down?
This is what an adult’s fight looks like.
I'll fairly and squarely mobilize the might of my family.
As the legitimate heir, I had nothing to feel guilty about.
“Hmm, I understand. I must recruit all the students on this list, by any means necessary.”
“—??”
Wait. There’s no need to go that far.
Just tossing some bait would be enough to hook seven out of ten. That would be sufficient…
“Actually, it has been under discussion for some time. Regarding the Young Master’s direct subordinate unit.”
“—!!”
“Some will be drawn from the four knight orders, and the rest will be composed of students… that’s the general picture.”
There was nothing particularly strange about it.
Jace was destined to become the head of the family.
It was only right that he should build experience and achievements in some form.
However, the unexpected situation left me dumbfounded.
I get to play captain?
I can just dump all the tedious work on my subordinates, right?
Of course, that would happen after I graduated.
To be more precise, I was scheduled to clash with the Demon King’s army before then.
One year from now.
If I can just hold out until then, a direct subordinate unit that I can command as I please will be born.
“However, all of this is predicated on the Young Master regaining his former strength. You must exhibit charisma with overwhelming authority.”
I nodded as if to say I understood.
It would be quite difficult, but it wasn’t impossible.
By steadily completing A-rank quests.
I'll diligently gather points and master ‘Perfection.’
If, at the same time, I raise the hero candidates’ favorability and obtain their traits…
‘By then, I’ll have surpassed Jace in his prime.’
For now, I’m buried in the shadow Jace left behind.
But in a year, I will be reborn anew.
“Then I will put my trust in you, Young Master.”
He turned around naturally.
I stared at the loyal retainer’s back for a long moment, then drew my sword at the right time.
“…”
“…”
Hector’s surprise attack was thwarted.
My sword was at his throat.
Yeah, not a chance.
I have my pride. I won’t fall for it twice.
Sixth sense and mind’s eye.
My senses had already reached a master’s level.
“I’ve lost. I had a feeling it wouldn’t work this time. Hahaha…”
Laughing like a fool, he sheathed his sword.
He fully revealed his satisfaction, as if pleased with the result.
I had certainly earned his recognition, but that alone wasn’t enough.
“From next time, our roles will probably be reversed.”
“—!!”
When I gave a faint smile, he vanished hastily, as if fleeing.
Seeing how vigorous he still was, it seemed I could work him for another ten years.
* * *
Hector was inwardly astonished.
‘He’s surpassed my expectations again…’
Though not much time had passed.
Jace had already ascended to the position of a powerful warrior.
A resolute gaze.
A pressure felt, whether one was aware of it or not.
Despite having more than enough evidence to make a judgment, he had still attempted the surprise attack.
Because he had to be the eyes of the family head.
To deliver an accurate report, Hector spared no effort.
“—!!”
The result was truly astonishing.
He had expected Jace to merely block the attack, but instead, he had aimed for Hector’s vital point.
At that point, there was no room for doubt.
Regaining his original power was merely a matter of time.
By passing this test splendidly.
Jace had kept the promise he made.
Not only that.
Furthermore, he had added a warning, of sorts, that any future attempts would be futile.
-From next time, our roles will probably be reversed.
It was quite a bold statement.
But Hector found himself agreeing without realizing it.
The spirit of a mighty warrior.
The intimidating presence of an absolute ruler who looks down on all others.
Somehow, he felt more gallant and dependable than before.
At Jace’s confidence, Hector almost teared up.
‘The family’s prosperity will continue steadily. No, it might even grow beyond that…’
For a time, he had feared the worst.
The family’s heir had become a wreck.
That was tantamount to heralding the family’s downfall.
Now, he had no worries.
In Hector’s eyes, Jace had made a perfect recovery.
‘Even if he were to become the family head right now, he would do well…’
His faith grew stronger with time.
When he checked the students Jace had mentioned, every single one was outstanding.
His eye for talent wasn’t just exceptional.
It was almost on the level of seeing the future.
He might soon reach a state where he could see through the principles of the world…
There was another surprising point.
The plan to draw in three or four hero candidates.
‘Hmm, this part has definitely changed.’
Before, he had a strong tendency to solve things on his own.
Now, he seemed to be proactively leading others.
Leadership is extremely important.
It was one of the essential qualities a family head must possess.
He had already made the only S-rank Spirit User his ally.
He suddenly recalled a characteristic of beastkin.
They only allow people they like to touch their bodies.
To follow him so well meant she trusted Jace absolutely.
It would be the same for the other hero candidates.
Hector felt no need to confirm it.
That handsome face alone was more than enough to win the hearts of young women.
The dignity of a young nobleman.
A heart that cares for women and the weak, and so on.
Aided by various factors.
It seemed everything would go according to Jace’s plan.
“…”
However, the jealousy and envy of the male students.
A situation where he could get into trouble over women.
Those things worried him a little, but Hector soon shook his head.
Well, he’ll overcome it on his own.
It’s a problem he must solve for himself.
‘First, I should finish the task I was given.’
Reporting the facts as they are.
He also didn’t forget about procuring the war chest for Jace.
Hector calculated on an abacus in his head.
Like the veteran knight who had seen it all, he even considered the beastkin’s food expenses.
“—!!”
Wait, that’s more than my salary!
The staggering amount gave him a headache.
Just what kind of battle had the Young Master been fighting?
Hector made a firm resolution.
He would send the war chest as quickly and as generously as possible.
* * *
The day’s tournament schedule came to an end.
Ceria splendidly won her final match as well.
We headed straight to a café.
It was a celebration for Ceria’s victory, but Aruru seemed the most excited.
Nom, nom, nom.
She eats so heartily. Anyone watching would think we’d been starving her.
Well, she’s cute, so it’s fine.
As if in agreement, Ceria thoroughly enjoyed petting the fox beastkin.
Eventually, she buried her face in the fluffy tail.
It felt like her dignity as a noble lady was slipping a bit, but she was still as lovely as ever.
To be honest, I did that sometimes too!
The saying that lovers grow to resemble each other was a perfect fit.
Just as I was watching the two friendly girls with a pleased smile, a group of knights suddenly appeared.
“We greet the heir of the Crodain family.”
“And you are?”
“Ah, I am from the Ironblood Knight Order…”
I recalled them at that moment.
They were a group that maintained a good relationship with the Crodain family.
It seemed they had come to pay their respects, conscious of my status.
“I heard you went through a great ordeal, but you seem to have recovered.”
“Well, something like that.”
“That is truly a relief. Hahaha…”
Something, something, glory of the family.
Calling me the talent who would lead this era, they sang my praises without my permission.
Hey, who gave you permission to flatter me?
I’m not ready to accept it yet… but anyway, I like it!
Was it because I’d been so pestered by the students?
The flattery from active knights felt rather pleasant.
Yes, this is how it should be.
A situation befitting my abilities.
My self-esteem is soaring.
All the stress that had unknowingly built up just melted away.
“Well then, please continue to enjoy your time…”
They didn’t bother me like the others.
As if they had done what they came for—making an appearance—they tactfully withdrew.
May the Ironblood Knight Order prosper forever.
Just as I was thinking I welcomed this kind of sudden event, Ceria stared at me intently.
“You look like you’re really enjoying yourself.”
“It’s just your imagination…”
“Hmm, you definitely used to find it bothersome…”
“…”
She touched her lips, as if something was off.
Was I too relaxed? Still, I couldn’t help it just now!
Praise can make even a whale dance.
How much more so for humans, the lords of all creation…
In that moment, Ceria smiled brightly and took my hand.
“I like you better this way.”
You seem a little different, but I like that too!
Her gaze filled with affection, conveying that feeling.
I inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.
Should I be careful from now on…?
I can’t live like Jace until the day I die.
I’ll follow the basic template.
But I’ll try to live a little more like myself. A gradual change might be fine…
So far, it hasn’t been bad.
Our little cutie also prefers me after the possession.
I slowly nodded.
No matter how I thought about it, that seemed to be the right way.
A moment later, just like before, several knights came one after another.
“May I request a duel?”
“—??”
“Your reputation is so widespread…”
“…”
They came at me with that sort of attitude.
They must have come from far away, as they seemed unaware of my condition.
Is this the sorrow of being famous?
These ones don’t even flatter me, yet they act so presumptuously.
There’s no need to deal with those who lack courtesy.
I turned them all down.
Knights were always that sort of bunch, so I could only sigh.
“A pleasure to meet you. I am from the Roderick Merchant Guild…”
The last one to approach was a merchant.
We have no connection at all, so why did he come?
In any case, I was glad to see him.
I have an amazing business idea, you know? How about you invest?