CH 44

An hour after I thought that I wanted to do my duty to my parents, a messenger came to my house. It was an elderly man who looked like a butler, dressed in a very expensive-looking jacket.

“You’re Allen-sama, right? My name is Sebastian, a butler in service to the Duke of Ramslett.”

“Yes”

Wow! He is a butler, and his name is also Sebastian. Come to think of it, wasn’t there a character like that in the game?

He was not a character that was firmly involved in the story, so my memory of his is fuzzy.

“The head of our family, Gerhard-sama, would like to speak with you. Would you please accompany me?”

“Got it”

“Please wait. My son!”

“Please be assured. Allen-sama is my Lady’s benefactor. He will not be harmed. Let us swear by the name of our family, the Dukedom of Ramslett.”

“Mother, it’s okay.”

No matter what, Anastasia’s parents would not treat me badly.

When I thought about it, my mother didn’t say anything more.

If anything, it’s more important to see how much cooperation I can get here. In order to do that, I need to make sure that the Duke likes me.

I put on my uniform, dressed up and then boarded the carriage with Sebastian’s guidance.

＊＊＊＊

I arrived at the Duke’s huge mansion in the aristocratic district, where I was shown around the interior of the mansion, which was as magnificent as its appearance, and was led to a seat on a sofa in the reception room.

The maid brewed a cup of tea, from which I took a shaky sip of it and took a deep breath to calm myself down.

It’s okay. I’ve thought of all the possible answers. And if it still doesn’t work, I can always escape through the sewers.

I can manage.

Thinking about this made me relax a little.

Then, After waiting for a while, a hairy, stern blond gorilla came into the room wearing a very nice suit made for humans.

Ah no, it’s wrong. When I looked closely, I saw that it was a human. I mistook him for a gorilla because of his magnificent beard, chiselled face, and wonderful physique.

And the moment I thought about such an unimportant thing, my tension quickly eased.

Alright, I can do it.

I kneel and thank my liege.

“I’m Gerhard, the head of the Dukedom of Ramslett. It looks like you’ve taken care of my daughter. Come on, have a seat.”

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you. My name is Allen.”

When I was allowed, I said my name and took a seat on the couch.

“Now, I’m sorry to call you out of the blue this morning.”

“No problem at all.”

For the time being, considering Anastasia’s personality, it would probably be best not to be too sycophantic.

“Hou, Don’t ask about the business or do unnecessary flatter, is it?” (TL:- Duke’s response on Allen’s tone.)

Apparently, I was right. I responded to the Duke’s words with silence.

“I see. Something like this at that age? No wonder my daughter took interest in you.”

The Duke’s expression relaxed as he said that.

“Well, first of all, I heard that you fought a duel with the Crown Prince and Prince Claude on behalf of my daughter last night. Let me thank you for this. Thank you, Allen-kun.”

“That’s! I’m sorry to trouble you.”

I was surprised because I didn’t expect the Duke to thank me so frankly. However, the Duke looked at me with an impressed look.

Hmm? What was the element that impressed you now?

“Now, can I ask you a few questions?”

“Yes, Anything you want.”

I answer shortly.

“Umu. I’m sorry, but I had to look into you. You’re the youngest C-rank adventurer to ever traversed the Goblin Dungeon and also a slayer of goblins and Orcs. And according to my daughter, you’ve even defeated a Blizzard Phoenix.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Also, I heard that you skipped a grade in the common school and saved up the money to enter the high school by yourself.”

“Yes”

“Then why did you request to be a representative in a duel like that? You’re not so stupid that you don’t understand the meaning of it, are you? Surely, you wanted my daughter, isn’t that the reason?”

Of course, It was a question that was bound to come. I gave him the answer I had prepared.

“Yes. I was prepared to get expelled from the school. And about Anastasia-sama, I respect her attitude of earnest effort. Of course, I understand that our statuses are different.”

“Then why? As you enrolled in the High School, that means you had dreamt of graduating it, right?”

The Duke’s expression did not change. He probably doesn’t have any ulterior motive for this question and genuinely wants to know because he doesn’t understand my actions.

“Well, that’s right. You may not believe me, but I wanted to protect my mother and the people who took care of me.”

“what?”

For the first time, the Duke moved his eyebrows and gave me a dubious look.

“I don’t know how much you know, but it’s clear to everyone that there is no justice in that duel at all.”

“That’s right. I’ve heard it all. I’ve never heard of a duel as terrible as that one.”

The Duke nodded and replied to my words.

“But even such a duel is a duel. If Anastasia-sama had fought the duel herself, she probably would have lost because she would not have been able to hurt His Highness.”

“Yes, I’m sure she will, given my daughter’s personality.”

“In that case, Anastasia-sama would have been expelled from the school for a crime she did not commit because the other party demanded that Anastasia-sama was forbidden to approach His Highnesses.”

“It would have happened.”

The Duke nodded without changing his expression.

“However, if the Duke’s daughter gets unilaterally eliminated in such a manner, the other noble families would not be safe either. What awaits this is the succession struggle between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. Looking back at the history, this conflict is very dangerous as a lot of blood will be spilt, and the country will be in chaos.”

“… I understand what you’re saying. But, what does that have to do with protecting your mother or anyone you know?”

The Duke asked me a question as he deepened the wrinkles between his eyebrows.

“In a recent newspaper, I noticed something worrisome about the Est Empire.”

“Wha! What did you say! You! No way!”

I nod silently.

“Is that so, you have thought that far … I see. I see. I get it. I’ll take full responsibility for your case. I can also guarantee your mother’s safety. You can relax.”

“Thank you.”

I said and bowed deeply.

“Do not worry. From this moment on, the Duke of Ramslett is your backing. If you have any problems, please contact us.”

“Thank you very much!”

In this way, I thanked the Duke and came back to my parent’s house riding their carriage.

By the way, I couldn’t see Anastasia. She said she didn’t want to see me. I don’t know why but it felt like she didn’t like me.

It was a strange way to say goodbye, and unfortunately, it can’t be helped. I guess I should just be happy that I destroyed my fate and still managed to survive.