Chapter 7
Earl Roseblade
It was the next day.
Our family was gathered in a common room in the castle with Nicks surrounded as he sat on the couch with his head in his arms.
"Nicks, what were you thinking, hugging a lady before you got married?!”
My father's words were confusing, but if it were a normal woman, it wouldn't have been a problem.
The problem was that the other party is an unmarried countess.
Nicks made an excuse for last night.
"You're wrong. I couldn't leave her like that. Besides, she looked so beautiful yesterday.”
My family had disappointed looks on their faces when they saw Nicks saying that he couldn't leave her alone. Just because she looked sad.
Jenna and Finley were the most terrible.
"I'm sure it was all calculated, right?”
"Ah~ I get it. If you create an atmosphere like that, you have a place where you can win.”
It seems that the two of them thought that Nicks fell into Dorothea's trap.
First of all, there was no way Nicks could easily approach the countess.
Jenna remembered last night's party.
"There were a lot of things that weren't natural, weren't there?”
Nicks lifted his face when he noticed her suspicions.
"If you realized, you should have let me know!”
"I'm not interested in your love life. Anyway, I don't know why the boys in our family are popular. Like Leon, I didn't think it would be the same for Nicks. I wonder if all my brothers are destined to be with ladies above their station?”
Finley looked at Colin, who was sitting on the sofa and bowing his head.
"Colin is going to marry a lady somewhere at this rate?”
"M-marry?!? I-I don't…”
Seeing Colin so nervous, Finley must have felt like teasing him.
She got closer and pointed her finger at Colin's nose.
"It's impossible for little Colin, isn't it? Wimpy little Colin always hides behind Noelle.”
"I'm not a wimp!”
When my siblings were about to start a fight, my mother pulled them apart.
"Stop fighting in other people's houses. Geez, why can't our children behave themselves?”
Jenna laughed at the rotten Finley.
"You're too old to be fighting with Colin.”
"It's proof that I'm still young. Unlike you, sister.”
"What are you saying?”
"Isn't it true? Yesterday, when you said that you had just graduated from the academy, the boys left. As for me, I've been approached by many handsome boys when they found out I hadn't started yet.”
"W-Wow, all those men are so blind to choose little Finley over me.”
"Isn't it the other way around? They're men with eyes that see me with a future over my sister who has no future at all.”
... If you're the daughter of a Baron household, and you've just graduated from the academy, you’re likely to be considered a member of a generation that is terrible, and to be avoided.
Not so long ago, the daughters of the Baron and Viscount families had demi-human slaves as their exclusive servants.
That was normal, but now values are changing.
No, rather, is it being corrected? In any case, the situation is changing.
Under the circumstances, Finley was also preparing to enter the academy and will be a freshman when spring break is over.
Seeing Finley looking at Jenna, I muttered as I let out a small sigh.
"My little sister is terrible.”
Finley is terrible, but she reminds me of my younger sister from my previous life, Marie.
In the Republic of Alzer, my inner evaluation of older sisters turned, thanks to Louise, into
"A onii-chan with whom I have no blood connection, is a good thing."
When I brought my eyes to Jenna, she was giving Finley a menacing glare.
My mother, upon seeing this, held her forehead with her hand as if she had a headache. So, I spoke my thoughts.
"Can I change Jenna into Louise?”
Hearing my true feelings, Luxion made fun of me as usual.
[Did you say that your older sister's existence is harmful? Is it a judgment that Louise is less harmful?]
"Seeing Louise, you would think that having an older sister wouldn't be so bad, right? I’d welcome a sweet, big-breasted sister who can spoil me.”
When I said that remembering Louise, Jenna, who had been glaring at Finley, turned to me with a look of disgust.
"You're really disgusting. What are you looking for in a big sister?”
Are you looking for a sister in a sexual way? That's how Jenna misinterpreted me and distanced herself from me while hugging herself.
You don't have to hate it so much.
"No one looks at you sexually. Seeing you naked doesn't turn me on in the slightest.”
[So, what if the target was Louise?]
"She's not to be looked at sexually. If you want to look at Louise naked or whatever, that’s very rude.”
[It was you, Master, who spoke such rudeness about an older sister.]
"Isn't that the way to treat your real sister?”
As I laughed, my family looked at me with disgust, saying, "This guy again..." However, when the subject of Louise came up, my mother made a somber expression.
My father forced himself to return to the subject of Nicks and began to think ahead.
- “The Earl has turned a blind eye anyway. Nicks and I will go and apologize, but you will all have to keep quiet. Especially you, Leon!”
"Huh?”
"Don't make any more fuss. Promise!”
"I'm basically a quiet guy. You should worry more about Jenna or Finley, right?”
When I turned to my troubled sisters, they looked at me with mystified expressions, as if to say, "What is this guy saying?"
"Really, my idiotic little brother just doesn't get it.”
"We don't act out of the ordinary like our brothers. Shouldn’t you reflect on yourself?”
They were really annoying sisters.
My evaluation of older sisters has changed a little bit, but of younger sisters, not at all.
Thanks to Louise, I've come to recognize the majesty of a big sister, but... with Finley and Marie around, a little sister is still just a little sister.
I stood up from the sofa as my father and Nicks headed over to excuse themselves.
They were both glancing at me with suspicion, so I suggested I go with them.
"I'll go too. I'm a Marquess, you know. Maybe the title will help a little?
I'm a Marquess in name only, but it was better than not being there to apologize.
After much deliberation between the two of them, they agreed to let me accompany them.
◇
"I'm so lucky to have a son-in-law like you!
We met Earl Roseblade in the drawing room inside the castle.
This place, with its high-class furniture, is quite beautiful, perhaps because it displays the financial strength of House Roseblade.
For us, being from a poor baron family, we felt small to be inside such a luxurious room...
Earl Roseblade greeted us with a big smile.
He extended his hands to Nicks, but after being stunned for a moment, Nicks finally responded in confusion”
"And… Son-in-law?”
"Isn't the hug on the balcony because you accepted Dorothea?”
The Earl of Roseblade was still smiling all the while, but the tone sounded like, "You put
your hands on my daughter and you're not going to take responsibility?"
Glancing at my father, he was stunned and didn't seem to be able to help.
"N-No, Milord. Hmm, do you really want me to marry your daughter? I am a country nobleman, and I don't have the same status as you, do I?
In a world where social division persists, there are several problematic rules for getting married.
Sometimes, people choose to lose everything by eloping, abandoning their position and honor to get married outside of their station.
... By the way, it was the five idiots who did that for Marie.
Depending on how you see it, was it a good story?
In their case, it's actually a terrible story because they were deceived by Marie.
Marie, who cheated on them, was laughing uncomfortably because she ended up having five burdensome people who couldn't make much money.
However, there are exceptions to everything.
The gaze of Earl Roseblade turned to me for a moment.
"There's no need to worry about that. Nicks's younger brother, Milord Leon, is a Marquess.
No one will openly complain if it’s the family of the hero who has attained the rank of a Marquess through his deeds.”
The relationship between our titles is ambiguous because I have become a Marquess.
I am sorry for Nicks, but I will talk to Earl Roseblade.
"Can Dorothea live where we do? Compared to the city, we’re really in the sticks.”
Both my father and Nicks nodded many times.
Can a daughter raised in the city live in the country?
The standards of living in this world are often very different even in the same country. In my former world you can use electricity, gas and water wherever you live! This environment was not so blessed. For this reason, the academy girls hated the country nobles.
But Earl Roseblade said there was nothing to worry about.
"Dorothea is ready. She said that she will live in any land as long as she is Lord Nicks' wife.”
And in any situation, the Roseblade family will help her. It seems he will support the Bartfort family for his daughter's sake. We are grateful, but it is too convenient for us.
While it’s impolite, I couldn't help but ask Earl Roseblade a question.
"That's all fine with me. But I can't help but wonder if there is some ulterior motive?”
When I asked tensely, Earl Roseblade's escorts, to whom my question seemed rude, perked up and prepared to retaliate.
However, Earl Roseblade had them back down.
"It is important not to be lulled by sweet talk. Those who leap unsuspectingly at treasure in front of them don’t survive. It is necessary to evaluate with caution.”
Apparently, he liked my question.
Earl Roseblade turned his back on us, he looked a bit worried himself.
And then, after sighing a little, he turned to us.
The expression on his face was somewhat worried.
"Because we're going to have a connection from now on, there's no point in trying to hide it from you. First of all, Nicks, you know about Dorothea's fetish, don't you?”
Nicks remembered the incident with the collars and affirmed it while stumbling on his words.
"-Yes-yes, of course, I would never tell anyone.”
"It's natural. I have to hide my family's shame.”
The family part was strangely emphasized. It's as if to say, "You're already a family member and privy to its secrets."
Nicks said a lot of negative things about himself.
"Oh, we're not equals, and I'm not right for Dorothea. Besides, it’s Leon who’s amazing, not me.”
"It's important to know your weaknesses. You're a good and honest man!”
"Despite the fact that I have no accomplishments?”
"Yes.”
"I see a lot of potential in you. Besides, Nicks, you did a great job fighting the sky pirates, didn't you? You also saved my daughters. Your achievements are enough!”
"But I'm too poor, I’m not capable of supporting your daughter!”
"The Roseblade family will do their best to support you so you won't have to worry!--If you need anything, be it people, money or goods, just tell us!”
"I'm a mediocre adventurer and I've never accomplished anything!”
Nicks had become an adventurer at the academy, but he has no clear track record of conquering dungeons or discovering treasures like I do. For the Roseblade family, who consider the adventuring part of their reputation to be very important, that part of Nicks’
record is problematic. But even so, Earl Roseblade showed no change in attitude.
"Do you want to have an adventure? Then join us on one of the adventures we are organizing. We are assembling a team to discover a new floating island. If we are successful, you can take credit for it, Nicks.”
"N-No, that's bad. And I think those things are pointless if you don't earn them yourself.”
"What?! You want to do it yourself? I see Nicks is a great adventurer as well!”
Whatever he says, Earl Roseblade would react with optimism. Are they misunderstanding each other? No, that wasn't the case.
Luxion, who was floating beside me, seemed to have noticed Earl Roseblade's feelings.
[Judging from the current flow of the conversation, Earl Roseblade is desperate to get his hands on your brother, Master.]
"That's right. There may be no escape for Nicks.”
In Earl Roseblade's words, would it be "You definitely won’t escape!"? Nicks was confused and very impatient, as if anything he said could be reinterpreted any which way. Then, Earl Roseblade said to Nicks: "You will stay for a while, won't you? In the meantime, we should get to know each-other.
Someone, call Dorothea for guidance.”
"Yes.”
When the retainers went to call for Dorothea, my father, who couldn't keep up with the discussion, finally opened his mouth.
"What am I going to do?”
I thought that too.
◇
The courtyard of the Roseblade family castle.
While Dorothea guided Nicks through the castle, Deirdre invited us to tea.
In the courtyard there were chairs and tables, and we could enjoy tea prepared by the Roseblade family. The tea and sweets were delicious, but our discussions were still about Nicks. It wasn't a somber topic, but it wasn't cheerful either.
"Isn't Nicks already cornered?”
Many people who attended the party saw Nicks and Dorothea hugging. Many people may have heard the story. Are our surroundings waiting for their marriage? That was rumored.
First of all, when the Roseblade family approached the Bartfort family, it was known to those with quick wits.
Clarice, who had been stranded at the party, was a bit dissatisfied.
“The Roseblade family is rude to their benefactors. Even though the Atlee family also provided airships and forces to help Deirdre, this treatment is terrible.”
She seems to have been stranded, but she was not angry. Deirdre laughed and took the sarcasm in stride.
"Weren't you the one who meddled in negotiations between my family and the Bartfort family? You've been asked to explore the Bartfort family home, haven’t you?”
Clutching her cup, Clarice took a sip of her tea without answering. I haven't squealed, but I'm tired of feeling guilty about it, so I'll get us back on topic.
"I'm sorry to say this in front of Deirdre, but if my brother refuses this marriage, I’ll refuse it as well.”
If Nicks really didn't want to do it, I was going to help him refuse the marriage. Even when she heard my determination, Deirdre didn't blame me at all.
"In other words, if he accepts it, you won’t object? What about you, Angelica, are you going to interfere?”
When everyone's eyes focused on Angie, she put down her cup quietly.
"I agree with Leon. But if you do anything with Leon... even you won't be spared. I'll just put up with meddling in Deirdre's and the Bartfort family's affairs. Clarice, don't get your hopes up either. ...I mean it.”
Angie's red eyes glowed like red jade as she bullied the two. However, neither Deirdre nor Clarice seemed completely unperturbed. They both smiled and answered nothing.
However, the troubling thing was that my name came up.
"Luxion, why did my name come up?”
[That Master is bad at guessing is a kind of a cure here. Their state of mind is so bad that even an existence such as yours can cure it.]
Luxion answered me sarcastically due to the fact that he could not understand the situation. He always does this, so I decided to give him some back.
"I'm a naive young man and I'm not very good at getting to the bottom of things. But you're good at it, aren't you?”
[What do you mean?]
- "You are supposed to be a cordial artificial intelligence, yet why are you so black-hearted?"
[I concede to my Master in that regard. And with what mouth do you call yourself naive?]
When Luxion and I started talking, Angie let out a small sigh.
"Since Leon seems to have had enough of this, we'll leave it at that. We can leave this to the couple in question, and watch from the gardens.”
It seems to be up to Nicks to decide, but is that okay as a noble?
I appreciate Angie's opinion. However, noble society as I’d imagined it, wouldn’t be so strict about marriage…?
Truth be told, it's a big hassle. I got Luxion, and when we were searching, I hit the jackpot before I knew it, so I was able to ignore such troubles. That's why I assumed it was normally much more difficult. Well, there are other issues besides marital shackles, and it's actually annoying.
"Everyone ok? Marriages between nobles sure are carefree, huh.”
Angie narrowed her eyes.
"Relationships like ours are exceptions. Besides, isn't there a more fun topic? Since Leon hates these types of exchanges, let's explore other topics.”
Angie wanted to change the subject for me, but why do you dislike Deirdre and Clarice?
Also, did she say that because she guessed based on my guilty feeling?
Then Livia clapped her hands.
"Then, I want to hear about the floating islands!”
Livia talked about the search for a new floating island.
"I heard from Leon that the Roseblade family is looking for a new floating island. Is it that easy to find one?”
When Livia asked, Deirdre explained in detail after saying, "It's not easy."
"It's hard to discover a territory nowadays. If you find a reasonably large floating island, you can transport it and connect it to expand your territory.”
"Even a small floating island is too big, isn't it? Can you really carry it? I've never seen one and I still can't believe it.”
"Because floatstones that make the land float are manipulated and transported magically.
But it's not easy to carry them. If you falter, it can cause serious accidents.”
The earth of this world is floating because there is a mineral called floatstone that ignores gravity. With that, you can easily make an airship. After all, the means to float something is always available. After that, all you have to do is to get the propulsion and be able to make the airship move.
Deirdre talked about the difficulty of finding a floating island.
"It doesn't matter what floating island it is. It doesn't make sense to bring a floating island that is like an empty wasteland and plug it in. It's easy enough to find a floating island full of rocks. What we want is a floating island with rich soil.”
Clarice, who was listening to the story, talked about how to use a rocky floating island.
"If it is a deserted floating island, you can make a profit by digging up the floating rocks and selling them. Also, other minerals can be found on those floating islands. It all depends on how you use it, doesn't it?”
"If you could do that easily, we wouldn't suffer. It would be a great loss to dig up a rocky island and find nothing.”
Perhaps interested in the two's conversation, Angie also joined in:
"If it costs so much to transport it, why not make a mining group and send it?”
Deirdre denied Angie's contention that she should send a mining team and carry the resources when they are discovered.
"How many supplies do you think it would take for a reasonably sized group to work in an empty wasteland? If you have nothing, you'll be in the red even if you collect just the floatstone.”
"It's worth a try. Even if you fail a few times, once you get it right there can be chances for a lot of profit, right? So, it’s fine as long as it ends up net-positive.”
All three were deep in the conversation, but Livia, who asked the question, was having trouble getting a word in edgewise.
I spoke in her place.
"What got you interested in floating islands?”
"Noelle had several concerns. Look, it's sad that the little sprout is still planted in a pot.”
When I saw Noelle sitting in a wheelchair, she had just finished drinking her tea and was putting her cup down. Perhaps she heard what we were talking about, and being interested in the floating islands, told us her reasons.
"I know. But the place to plant it is important, so I was wondering if there would be a floating island with good conditions.”
The little sapling could create an inheritance issue in the future, so the place we planted it was important. My parents' house is also an issue. In the future, with Nicks and I? It’s no laughing matter that the children and grandchildren of the family would be pitted against each other in an all-out battle over the rights to the little sprout.
[We've already investigated and discovered some floating islands.]
"Huh? Is that so?”
[Yes. We also have to prepare a new territory for you, Master.]
"That's right. My utopia that was traded to the kingdom.”
The floating island with hot springs, which was to be my domain, was given to the kingdom in order to keep Marie and her friends from facing more severe punishments. Because of them, I have lost the place that Luxion had prepared where I could live a relaxed life.
While I was conversing with Livia and Noelle, I felt that Deirdre and Clarice were watching us. Luxion pointed his eye toward the two of them. I was curious about the behavior of Luxion, who was silently staring at them, so I asked him why.
“Why are you looking at them?”
[...... It's nothing]
◇
... Meanwhile,
At the time, Nicks was sitting on a bench with Dorothea in a courtyard separate from Leon and the others.
The two sat side by side with a short distance between them.
"He really made me suffer!”
"Well...”
Nicks, before he knew it, was complaining to Dorothea.
Before long, he shared his true feelings and spoke in a halting tone.
"At the academy they looked down on me because I'm his older brother. It's like I'm the useless brother. It's not like that. I'm normal! He's the only one in our family who's different!”
"It was hard, wasn't it?”
"...The boys hated me because of what Leon did, and the girls were afraid of me.
Also, since Leon moved up in rank, he made it impossible for me to get married.”
The position of Leon's big brother was very difficult for Nicks in many ways. Nicks' good nature shone in unthinkable places, refusing to take advantage of his younger brother's position.
Dorothea grabbed Nicks' hand tensely.
"I-I wouldn't be fooled by that reputation.”
"Dorothea.”
Nicks, whose hand was being held, reddened.
◇
"Isn't my big brother a bit of a coward!!!? I can't believe he's enjoying his date after making us all so nervous.”
I ordered Luxion to check on the situation of the two.
The girls were curious about the two, who were projected on the table. Deirdre wiped her tears with her fingertips.
"My sister is having a normal date. In the past, she would have already put a collar on her date and led him around.”
She seems to be somewhat emotional that she was having a date like normal people do, however, I couldn't help but point something out.
"Deirdre, you also said you wanted to make me your pet, didn't you?”
It was when I was confronted with the Principality on the way back from my school trip.
However, Angie, who didn't know this story, glared at Deirdre.
"I hadn't heard that story.”
When Angie looked to Livia, she revealed everything.
"I'm sure she said it. When Leon said that he couldn't leave Angie, and that he didn't care about anything else, she liked his bold attitude.”
"I-is that so? U-Um, then we can't let her do it.”
Hearing Livia's explanation, Angie looked at me and blushed.
... Stop it. I'm embarrassed too. At the time, I was impatient to help Angie, so I was saying things I wouldn't normally say.
Livia was watching me with a smile while I buried my face in my hands.
"Men long to be knights who save a princess at least once, right?”
That's what Leon said, and then he went out of his way to save Angie.
When I fell silent, Angie shyly cleared her throat.
"Hmm! That's enough, Livia. You seem to be troubling Leon.”
"That's true. But you were looking pretty good back then, Leon.”
When they saw me blushing, both Deirdre and Clarice glared at Livia. If someone sweet-talked your crush, you would obviously get angry, wouldn't you?
Then Noelle shouted when she saw movement in the chamber.
"They're holding hands! Nicks, doesn't he look happy? They seem good together any way you look at it.”
Livia, who had been watching them happily, agreed with Noelle's opinion.
"Right. They look like they're having fun.”
I raised my head and was jealous of how much fun Nicks was having. I have my own lovely fiancées, but I also envy Nicks being with that woman. For me, despite being tied to several women, I have never seen such pure love as that of Nicks.
... I will say it clearly. I do not regret the situation I am in. However, it is also true that I am envious of Nicks.
Then Luxion made a definitive comment.
[Master, both your brother's heart rate and body temperature are rapidly rising].
"Luxion, tell me clearly: What does that mean?”
[He is very excited.]
"He doesn't hate her or anything?”
[I think that’s unlikely.]
"... I see.”
Everyone who overheard the conversation between Luxion and I said, "You could have said that in a better way."
All the data showed that Nicks was very much in love, no matter how you looked at it. He recently told me that they wouldn't be compatible thanks to their personalities. And even though he kept complaining to me, he's now very excited about it. What the hell is he doing?
"Even though you were complaining a lot, don't fall for a beautiful woman so easily! I was planning to help you if you were going to decline, but it seems that was all over nothing."
While sharing my sour thoughts, Luxion asked me something to confirm.
[Then are you in favor of him marrying Dorothea?]
"It's just that he looks happy.”
In the video, Nicks and Dorothea looked like an innocent couple.
I got up and left the room.
[Where are you going?]
"To my father and mother. I'll tell them my brother is getting along with Dorothea. If they both hear that, they'll be a little relieved.”
He really is a troublesome brother.
◇
When Nicks parted from Dorothea and returned to the room, Earl Roseblade was there for some reason, even though the room was assigned to the Bartfort family.
"My son!”
Then he called Nicks son.
"Milord? Why are you here?”
As Earl Roseblade approached Nicks, he clasped Nicks' right hand with both hands and shook it up and down.
"They told me the story. I'm glad you've finally made up your mind.”
"... Ah?”
Nicks was surprised, but the whole family around us was clapping. His parents had tears in their eyes, but they were happy.
"Nicks, I'm not going to complain if it's your choice.”
"F-Father?”
"I was worried about whether you could get along with the countess, but it's a relief because you’ve always been stubborn, haven't you? Nicks, congratulations.”
"Mother?!? What are you talking about?!?!?”
Earl Roseblade spoke cheerfully to Nicks, who could not process the situation.
“The Marquess... Lord Leon told me about it. It wasn't bad at all, and he told us first.
However, you are sincere and somewhat competent. As a father, I can rest easy in that.”
“N-No, I haven't talked about receiving her yet?”
It is true that the conversation was lively and not at all bad. However, marriage was never discussed. And he thought no one was listening in on their conversation. How did they know the two were having fun?
Earl Roseblade, who had been smiling, narrowed his eyes at the dismayed Nicks.
The clutched hand was making a rattling noise.
"Are you dissatisfied with my daughter?”
"N-No, I'm not. But I'm not sure if I'm right for your daughter. I think she's a good person, but we're not compatible.”
Earl Roseblade smiled again.
"No problem then. I can assure you that you are worthy of my daughter!”
He had the attitude that no one should complain.
"Why was this happening?"
When Nicks asked himself that question, he saw Leon clapping his hands together as he smiled.
"D-don't tell me it was him?!?"
Then Nicks asked Leon a question.
"Leon, are you the mastermind behind all this?”
"Mastermind? What are you talking about? I only told our parents because you two seemed to get along. And they said, "if that's what Nicks decided..."”
"How did you know we were getting along? Were you even there?!?”
Luxion was the one who responded to that.
[I was the one who reported it. By the way, based on his heart rate, body temperature, and facial expressions, I have concluded that he was in a state of excitement, as well as arousal, which I have also reported.]
"You conspired too, Luxion! Stop Leon like you always do!”
[From an outside perspective, his brother is now in love with Dorothea. Angelica and the others were also in agreement, so I'm sure of it. Shall I show the change in his heart rate when she held his hand? You were very excited about Dorothea, weren't you?]
You were excited when you held hands with her, weren't you? It's embarrassing for Nicks to be asked that.
"There are better ways to say it!”
Earl Roseblade, who had been listening to all of this, smiled.
"Did my Dorothea catch your fancy? As a parent, I have mixed feelings, but it won't change that I am in favor of this for my daughter. We will begin the engagement immediately.”
"I-I'm not mentally prepared for this.”
Leon sighed, perhaps because he was surprised by Nicks' attitude which he couldn't understand.
"You're a good-for-nothing brother.”
After that, Nicks thought:
"I don't want to hear it from you, you fucking bastard!"
Angie, Livia and Noelle were observing the situation... and Luxion spoke up for what the family thought.
[As if Master can say something like that.]
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