CH 155

7-9 minutes 30.05.2023

Translated by Dawn

“Treatment of those who have the Mithril First Class Medal”

“Welcome, and thank you for coming.”

As I made my way to the lord’s mansion, I was greeted by all the servants. It was a welcoming scene that resembled the reception given to royalty or high-ranking nobles, and it made me slightly uncomfortable.

On both sides of the entrance to the mansion, servants formed a line, and I walked through that passage toward the mansion. As a Margrave, the number of servants under his command was not limited to ten or twenty; there were at least fifty or more.

Despite feeling somewhat uneasy about the overwhelming hospitality, or rather, the excessively comfortable treatment, I sighed inwardly and continued to accept their generosity sincerely, as it was necessary.

I was then guided to the lord’s study by a butler named Sebas, who served as the steward of the mansion. His name was subtly disappointing, but I’ll leave that to your imagination.

was then guided to the lord’s study by a butler named Sebas, who served as the steward of the mansion. His name was subtly disappointing, but I’ll leave that to your imagination as to why.

“Master, I have brought Rolando-sama with me.”

“You may enter.”

As I was led into the study, I took a seat on the sofa. The study was filled with intimidating books, and there were no unnecessary decorations. It was designed purely for the purpose of work.

Lazen, who had been diligently working at the desk, stood up and approached me, bowing his head in apology. Sebas, witnessing this, widened his eyes in surprise.

“Ma-Master!?”

“Rolando-dono, I sincerely apologize for my daughter’s misconduct. Please allow me to apologize once again. I am truly sorry.”

“It’s fine if it’s about that. The problem lies with the nature of that female knight.”

Long-held beliefs and values were not easily erased, even if one understood intellectually that they were misguided. And in her case, she still believed that her actions were justified and absolute justice. That was why there was a high possibility of her repeating similar actions.

“Regarding Lazenda, it is the result of my indulgence and favoritism due to her being my late wife’s legacy. I couldn’t teach her what is important to others.”

“Isn’t it still possible to change? She is young. Everyone makes mistakes when they are young.”

“…And yet, you, Rolando-dono, who is not yet an adult, say that?”

Lazen, who was unaware of my circumstances, looked at me and gave a wry smile. It was true that I was currently twelve years old, but considering my memories from my past life, I had lived for over eighty years. Those experiences were not to be taken lightly, and they continued to resonate within me, making me more than just a twelve-year-old.

“I am who I am, after all.”

“I see, somehow it feels fitting.”

Lazen seemed to find something in my response that resonated with him, as he wore a satisfied expression.

Afterward, it was time for dinner, and Lazen and I had our meal together in the dining hall. However, it seemed that the food didn’t quite suit my taste. It appeared that my own cooking had made my palate more refined.

The dinner wasn’t necessarily bad, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. It was like a puzzle with one missing piece, you could say.

After some light conversation with Lazen and the others, I headed to the bath in the mansion to relax. I couldn’t help but imagine the stereotypical pink scenario that often unfolds in situations like this, but it seemed Lazen had enough common sense not to impose such things on a pre-adult child like me. And I, for my part, wouldn’t know how to handle it if it did happen, so it wasn’t a problem.

After bathing, as the outside world was engulfed in darkness, I decided to go to bed early in the assigned guest room. However, it seemed things weren’t going to end just like that.

“…One person. huh?”

As I lay in bed, I sensed someone approaching my room. The response came to a halt right in front of the door. It seemed like they had some business with me.

(Is it an assassination? No, in that case, they would have used poison in the meal. Or perhaps they’ve come to dispose of me quietly.)

In my mind, the possibility of assassination had already solidified, but it wasn’t yet a certainty. There was still another possibility remaining.

Well, even if it was that other possibility, there wasn’t much I could do about it… Anyway, let’s try to figure out the person’s intentions.

While pondering such thoughts, I heard the sound of the door lock rattling, and finally, the lock clicked and the door opened.

I know who entered the room, but I decide to deliberately ask.

“Who?”

“It’s me.”

She was standing there, the Lord’s daughter, Lazenda. Although I could already guess, considering the possibilities, I decided to ask her about her purpose.

“I don’t think it’s very impressive of you to visit me so late at night. What do you want?”

“I have come to ask for your company for this evening.”

She said so, then proceeded to remove her nightgown. Though not clearly visible, her lustrous white skin gave the idea that she was completely naked. The situation implied that she was standing before me without any clothing.

Honestly, I was still underage and hadn’t even reached puberty. Was this some kind of fetish for her or something?

Anyway, even if she wore such a nightgown, nothing down there would respond, so it was pointless…

“Do I look old enough to need something like that?”

“But this is the only thing I can do…”

“Sigh. Well, for now, put your clothes on and sit there.”

I instructed Lazenda to put her clothes back on and had her sit on the bed. Then, I stood before her, crossing my arms, and spoke while standing tall.

“Listen, no one has ever told you that you were wrong even when you were doing something wrong. That’s why you believe that you’re always right and that your actions are always justified. You’ve lived with this mistaken belief and value system.”

“I see…”

Razenda responded with a mixture of understanding and confusion, so I continued my words.

“People are prone to making mistakes. There is no such thing as a person who never makes mistakes in this world. It’s important to remember that.”

“Is that so?”

“Then, was it right for you to throw me into the cell without verifying my identity?”

“I believe that was a mistake.”

“That’s exactly it. When making important decisions, we judge whether they are right or wrong. Can you make that judgment right now?”

Lazenda lowered her head in response to my question. She probably considered it difficult. However, if making the judgment alone was challenging, she could seek the opinions of others.

“If you can’t make the judgment alone, then you should ask the people around you. Barm, the captain of the guard, or the other soldiers, even the servants in the mansion, or your own father. There are many people around you who care about you. Don’t forget that.”

“Yes… Yes… Thank you.”

After that, Lazenda’s sobbing voice echoed in the room, but she eventually regained her composure. It might be difficult for her to change the values she held until now, but if this incident served as a catalyst for that change, I would be grateful.

Later, Lazenda thanked me and left the room. As soon as she was gone, drowsiness overcame me, and I lay down on the bed. I drifted off to sleep without delay.