Book 14: Chapter 6: Heretical Path

Book 14: Chapter 6: Heretical Path

Vol. 14 Chapter 6 – Heretical Path

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A planet located near the Banfield Family’s territory—

The Viscount in charge of ruling the planet had a hostile relationship with the Banfields.

Ever since the subjugation army suffered a crushing defeat, the household was thrown into chaos.

“We shouldn’t have opposed Duke Banfield!”

“What’s the point of saying that now? We unanimously agreed to cooperate with the subjugation army.”

“Who could’ve known that a massive army of six million would be defeated?”

The Viscount, listening to the argument between his knights, military officers, and officials, wore a desolate look on his face.

As one of the Empire’s aristocrats, cooperating with the Banfield Family was out of the question.

However, he had no intention of actively siding with Cleo either.

He simply wished to ride out the storm in a quiet place.

“After all the supplies we provided, this was the result. How pathetic. Is this all His Highness Cleo amounts to without Liam’s support?”

The people around him fell silent, sensing the tension in the air.

“My Lord, please be careful of what you say lest you offend His Highness the Crown Prince.”

One of his knights warned him, but the Viscount snorted.

“After such a miserable performance, there won’t be a place left for Cleo. I bet the Capital’s searching for a suitable replacement as we speak.”

Although he had no information about the Capital, he was confident that his prediction was accurate.

“A chaotic era is about to befall the Empire. The Banfield Family might seize this opportunity to make a move on our planet.”

His fears were well-warranted as Christina, now holding the title of Knight Number 5, was energetically sweeping up hostile feudal lords in the surrounding area in a brilliant display of bravery.

It wouldn’t be surprising if their home planet was targeted next.

The Viscount let out a small sigh.

“We’ll submit to the Banfield Family for the time being. Once the Empire regains its former power, we’ll offer up valuable intelligence about the Banfields as a show of allegiance.”

The people at the meeting were stunned by his idea, and one of his knights even spoke up against it.

“My Lord, a betrayal at the very last moment would irreparably damage your reputation and credibility.”

“The fate of our household is on the line here. It’s more important that we survive. Liam shouldn’t have much force to spare right now. We’re still a Viscount-level household. If we show him that we’re willing to submit, he’ll have to accept us into his ranks.”

After all, the Banfield Family had just undergone a fierce battle with the subjugation army.

Even if Liam had some beef with them, he’d have no choice but to swallow his grudge.

Thus the Viscount issued his orders.

“Send a messenger right away, along with whatever supplies the Banfield Family might want. If we do so, they’ll at least listen to our story. We’ll first establish―”

He was planning on ingratiating himself with Liam one step at a time, but before he could lay everything out, the large double doors of the conference room were slashed to pieces, and their fragments scattered throughout the room.

The knights jumped out in front of the Viscount, their weapons at the ready.

“Who goes there!?” one of them bellowed.

The Viscount frowned when he saw the devastation in the conference room.

His government officials had suffered varying degrees of wounds from the shrapnel, and his military officers weren’t unscathed either.

Both his knights and the Viscount were safe, but when they realized the identity of the intruder, they were horrified.

“Y-you... School of One Flash!”

As they were located close to the Banfield Family’s territory, the Viscount had some superficial information about their household.

Among them was information related to the School of One Flash.

Wrapped in a sinister aura, Rinho emerged from the dust, her sword drawn.

Upon seeing the faint smile on her face, the knights began to tremble.

“M-monster...”

Some of them dropped their weapons, instantly understanding that they weren’t her match.

The knight standing beside the Viscount revealed a grim expression at his subordinates’ cowardly behavior.

“Fools.”

In the next instance, he was sprayed with the blood of his subordinates, and right after, he was blown away by a slash.

“!?”

The eyes of everyone present shot open as Rinho approached the Viscount, a grin plastered on her face.

“―Are you my enemy?”

‘...? What kind of question is that?’ the Viscount wondered.

He had initially believed that Liam had sent his junior disciple to assassinate him; however, it appeared that wasn’t the case.

The Viscount was of the belief that enemies could turn into allies depending on the circumstances. In other words, he was a flexible character.

“It’s true that we were once enemies, but we were preparing to join the side of the Banfield Family. Put simply, we’re not your enemy.”

While the children around him were busy lifting him up, Nata, who was standing a bit further back, expressed skepticism about his plan.

“Lord Edward, there’s already an amusement park inside the mansion. Wouldn’t it be better to play there?”

She made a fair point, but Edward sighed and shook his head.

“You don’t understand anything, do you?”

“How so?”

“You see, by building an amusement park outside the mansion, I’d be able to interact with ordinary citizens.”

Interacting with the citizens―he would need to do it one day, but now wasn’t the time. That was the conclusion Nata reached.

“It’s too dangerous.”

“It’ll be fine. I’ll be hiding my identity when I’m out and about. ‘Cause you know, it would be more fun to pick up girls that way.”

While it was a good thing that Edward was interested in women, Nata worried for his future.

◇

At the Banfield Family mansion, there’s an unwritten agreement that the family would eat breakfast together.

Since we often have other arrangements throughout the day, breakfast is one of the few occasions where we family members could meet face-to-face.

This was something Rosetta wished for and one which I’ve agreed to.

Staying true to my promise, I enter the dining hall in the morning.

However, for some reason, only Rosetta is present.

Remaining seated, she pats her stomach, looking sad and lonely.

“―Darling, I got a call saying Ed would be eating breakfast outside.”

Judging from the way she says it, one of his guards must have contacted her.

I take a seat as well.

I’ve just finished my morning training, which has left me sweating and hungry, so I prioritize eating the food in front of me.

“So he’s finally at an age where he stays out overnight. Time sure flies, doesn’t it?”

One could only remain carefree for so long. ―Though in this world, that time period is significantly longer than on Earth.

Brian, who’s waiting on us, becomes exasperated at my lack of interest.

“The problem here is that it’s already morning, but he hasn’t returned. Lord Liam, I believe you should be a little more strict with Lord Edward.”

See, the thing is, Edward’s like a high school student right now.

He’s at an age where he wants to do all sorts of crazy things, but he has his guards with him, so what’s there to worry about?

“I was also like that when I was his age.”

Rosetta expresses surprise at my words.

“Is that so? I didn’t know you were so adventurous as a child, Darling.”

Rosetta seems happy for some reason.

“What’s with that smile? Anyway, let Ed do as he wants. Soon, he won’t be able to horse around even if he wants to.”

I manage to convince Rosetta one way or another, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for Amagi and Brian, who whisper back and forth.

“There’s no record of Master returning home in the morning when he was Lord Edward’s age.”

“On the contrary, Lord Liam has always lived a life of perfect morals. So much so, that I was afraid he didn’t know how to enjoy himself!”

―That’s because I didn’t have the time to fool around!

However, Edward’s different. Since he can afford to play around, he should enjoy it while he can.

I deliberately ignore their conversation and start eating, only for Amagi to approach me after receiving Rosetta’s signal asking for help.

“Master.”

“What is it? If it’s about Ed, I’ve already said many times to just leave him alone―”

“Lord Edward has broken the law and set up an illegal facility. He’s prepared an amusement park where the citizens could freely enjoy themselves, and he’s been partying from morning to midnight.”

“―What?”

Edward broke the law that I set up? This might actually call for some punishment.

Brian strikes while the iron is hot.

“What’s more, Lord Edward has built himself a harem, an endeavor that Lord Liam has failed to accomplish for so many years.”

He’s even built himself a harem? The very same harem that I’ve failed to acquire? In other words, he’s surrounded by beautiful women every day?

But he’s still a child, isn’t he?

Hmm, I guess he’s an adult on the inside, regardless of his young outward appearance.

Still, a harem? Even I only have Amagi and Rosetta, yet Edward has a harem!?

I stop eating and get up at once.

“EDWAAAAAARD!!”

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Brian ∑( ゚ω ゚ノ)ノ: “Lord Liam has become serious!”

Brian ( ́・ω・`): “But it’s over the issue of a harem... It’s painful.”