NOVEL NEXT Chapter 40: - Hard Work
When I opened the front door of my mansion, Anneliese leaped at me. I caught the soft Anneliese in my arms and accidentally touched her chest. It wasn’t intentional. My hand happened to be there, and there happened to be breasts.
“Master…”
Behind her, Rosalina and all the servants were waiting.
Even though it was late at night, they waited for my return.
“Anneliese, and everyone. I’m back.”
A chorus of “Welcome back.” I didn’t think these words could be so pleasant.
“I’m fine. You all go to bed properly.”
“Mondulk. I’m sorry it’s late, but I have something to discuss. Wait for me in the living room.”
“Understood.”
I see Anneliese not moving away from me.
“Since it’s late, Anneliese, you should sleep too.”
“I want to be with you, Master.”
“…Understood. Can you leave when we go to the living room?”
“Is it not okay like this?”
Uh. If you give me such a cute look, I can’t refuse, can I?
“Got it.”
Just like a child.
“Rosalina, you can rest first.”
“I want to be with Master too.”
She won’t obey Master’s orders. My slaves are quite troublesome.
Entering the living room with the two, Mondulk brewed herbal tea.
Herbal tea without caffeine to relax my tense body from nervousness.
“It’s delicious, Mondulk.”
“Thank you very much.”
Prompting Mondulk to sit down, I talked about becoming an Honorary Baron.
“Congratulations.”
Is it something to celebrate? It would generally be a joyous occasion, right? Am I not ordinary?
“Master. Congratulations!”
“Congratulations, Master.”
Anneliese and Rosalina are also happy for me, but I feel like I’m stepping on a landmine…
Am I the only one who sees a future where I’m manipulated by the Duke like a puppet?
“It seems I need to hire one knight and five soldiers within this year. I haven’t been here for long, and I have no idea about such talents. Mondulk, do you have any recommendations?”
“I haven’t been here long either, but I have one person in mind for the knight.”
“Really? What kind of person is that?”
Leaning forward to ask about the person, Mondulk cleared his throat once. I also adjusted my posture and sipped the herbal tea.
“He is from the same country as me and used to be a knight. Due to certain circumstances, he, like me, drifted to Kelniffi.”
If he’s a former knight, he should have received knight training. I’d like to hire him if he’s a good person.
“What’s his personality like?”
“He’s a serious person. Sometimes too serious, and that lack of flexibility might be a problem, but as a person, he is trustworthy.”
I don’t dislike seriousness. But everything in moderation. Excessive seriousness becomes harmful.
“I want to meet this person. Can you arrange that?”
“Understood. I will contact him.”
I hope that person will work out. Many adventurers, including nobles from other duchies, seem to despise explorers. If things get desperate, I can ask Zaigen for help.
“Also, I don’t understand anything about nobles. I was told to read this document, but what’s written here is not everything. I think so. Mondulk, could you teach me about nobles to the extent you know?”
“I’m not sure how much I can help, but I will do my best to assist you.”
“Good. I appreciate it.”
Since it’s late today, we decided to discuss the details tomorrow after I return from the castle.
Now, should I take a bath and rest?
Anneliese won’t leave. Of course, I took a bath with her. The two of us washed each other. I touched Anneliese’s body thoroughly under the pretext of washing.
It was a good decision to change the Enchanter with the highest MIN value. I felt that my reason was supported by MIN.
Rosalina waited outside the bathroom. I didn’t think she needed to bathe with us, but she could have waited in the room since it’s cold.
When it’s time to sleep, Anneliese on the left and Rosalina on the right. Well, this is usual. But today, both of them clung to my arms as if their lives depended on it.
It seems they were scared and anxious about me being taken by Balkan. I did something bad.
“I’m not going anywhere.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Hugging the two, I stroke their hair.
I won’t leave these two behind. Even if I have to escape, I’ll take them with me, so please rest assured.
“Ugh…”
On my knees on the ground, breathing heavily.
This situation is all because of Balkan.
“Stand up. Stand and swing the sword.”
For some reason, I’m being forced to swing a sword. It’s probably because of this.
It was right after I decided on the coat of arms and the herald, Balkan, with a fierce expression, grabbed my shoulder as I tried to leave.
I was dragged away, and suddenly, I was given a sword by Balkan and told to strike.
It’s been about three hours since then…
“Ugh, water…”
“No drinking water during training.”
Are you a sports coach from the Showa era?
“Res, rest…”
“If you rest, you won’t get stronger.”
This guy is completely a Showa sports guy. No, he’s like a pre-war military instructor.
Am I going to be killed by this guy after all…?
It seems I lost consciousness at some point.
“!?”
When I woke up, my whole body ached. When was the last time I had muscle pain?
My arms were trembling, my legs wobbly, and a sharp pain shot through me when I tried to move.
“You’re awake. It’s pathetic to collapse from that.”
I’m not like a monster like you.
“You’ll die on the battlefield with that level of performance.”
I don’t want to go to the battlefield.
“Train. That way, you can survive on the battlefield.”
I don’t think so, but is he worried about me?
“Now, let’s continue.”
Geh!?
By the time I returned to the mansion, it was already night. My body was so sore; it took a long time to get back.
Damn you, Balkan. I’ll beat you someday. I’ll definitely win. And I’ll send Balkan flying!
It’s frustrating, but this is a good opportunity to polish my sword skills, which I lack. Relying on levels alone might hit a plateau at some point. Let’s think positively that unexpected sword training is possible.
A guy like Balkan seems to have power beyond his level, so I’ll build a foundation that doesn’t rely on levels. Then I’ll defeat that monster and make him lick the ground.
“Welcome back, Master.”
“Welcome back.”
“I’m home.”
The two supported me as I felt like I was about to collapse.
“What happened?”
“Are you okay?”
“I just got beaten by Balkan. It’s just severe muscle pain.”
Mondulk approached silently and bowed.
“The bath is ready. Please enter.”
“Thanks.”
A good butler understands. I wanted to take a bath and heal my muscle fatigue even a little.
Supported by the two, we headed to the bathroom. They helped me undress. Anneliese undressed naturally, and Rosalina went outside.
If I reach out, I can touch Anneliese’s fine skin. The devil (right hand) and the angel (left hand) are in conflict.
“What’s wrong, Master?”
Looking at the left hand that stopped the right hand, Anneliese looked puzzled.
“N-nothing. My whole body just hurts.”
“I see. Then, I’ll support you.”
Boing. Squeeze.
My breasts are touching! Two big breasts are supporting me. The soft touch of the skin, the sensation of breasts, is invading my brain.
I’m being washed, but Anneliese is more aggressive than usual. No, no. My son is too energetic, and it’s about to explode. What should I do with this impending energy explosion?!
I know! Let’s think about something else!
Let’s think about the coat of arms I decided on today.
The Duke’s coat of arms has two dragons facing each other and holding a dragon ball. Among the Duke’s subordinates, the marquis and earls have a design with one dragon, often with some accent. Viscounts and barons often use designs with wolves or tigers. Knights of quasi-nobility often have swords, spears, and shields.
I used vines of plants. In Japan, the family crest of my house used vines. Those heroes wouldn’t know my family crest, so it’s not the same, but I made one with vines hanging on both sides.
There are no nobles using vines in their coat of arms. The herald didn’t even know about vines, and nobles who use plants in their coat of arms are rare, so it’s considered quite unusual.
After getting out of the bath, I handed the design of the coat of arms to Mondulk. It seems this coat of arms will be displayed at the entrance of the mansion. It will also be used on the armor of knights and soldiers. Coats of arms are used in various places.
Also, let’s make soap. I remember the ingredients from a science class where I made soap. I should be able to do it.
Soap is necessary in the bath, after all, for a clean life.
The 18th day of reincarnation was a tough day, but in the end, it was a good day…