I Was Reincarnated as a Villainous Noble Who Gets Killed Midway Through the Story but It Looks Like I’ll Be Executed as a Traitor if I Try to Do Good Deeds

26: The Next Head of the Family

My relationships with my family have been improving, and I can see hope for the future. As long as my father is alive, it’ll be slow going, but I can try to make the Black family better. That’s what I think.

However, I still haven’t reached out to my father and brother. Well, my father has already fallen into evil, so it’s too late for him.

As I was thinking about that, my brother came into the room. He has black hair that reaches his shoulders, giving off a “long hair” vibe. When I looked at his face again, I didn’t recognize him from “Destiny Blood.” Is Oliver Crom Black a character?

Well, it’s possible that he existed as a mob character in the setting. He doesn’t seem to have any remarkable talents, so he might have been hiding. Apparently, he has three attributes (Trikiro), but he doesn’t have the same overwhelming presence as Camilla or Mary.

Anyway, that’s fine. If I can get along with him and guide the Black family in a good direction, I’ll be happy.

It’s perfect timing. From now on, if we can improve our relationship even a little, that would be great.

“Hey, Rex. Can you show me what kind of dark magic you can do?”

“Brother, it’s no big deal, but what’s the point of this?”

Dark magic is rare, so it’s probably because of that. Well, if I refuse to show it, it would go against the purpose of getting along. It’s better to be straightforward about it.

“Dark magic is said to be a noble’s ultimate desire. Since we’re here, I want to know what it’s like.”

“Then, let’s move to a wider space. That way, it’ll be easier to understand.”

We head to a place where the magical influence won’t cause any harm. The training grounds in this house, or rather, in this world, are sturdy. They can withstand meteorites or massive explosions. Well, if they couldn’t, we wouldn’t be able to train.

“Now, what kind of magic can you show me?”

“Dark attire (Gratnie Wear)! Go ahead and cast your magic as you like.”

“Then, I won’t hold back. Heat Wind (Hiato Wind)!”

A blade of wind infused with lightning and flames comes flying. Well, it’s not even close to Filis’ Five-Day Sword (Chain Blade). I can easily defend against it without even thinking. Dark magic is indeed powerful. Or maybe Rex’s physical abilities are just incredible.

In any case, ordinary magic won’t work on me. It’s like Filis would have to be serious about killing me. It’s not like the strongest human in the original story, who was also a trump card, could be defeated by a mere beginner in magic. There must have been some holding back.

“It seems most magic can be neutralized like this.”

“…I see. It’s indeed special treatment.”

Well, in the original story, dark magic users were treated as special. They were almost always the final bosses. It’s an evil charisma-like attribute. The original Rex was also one of the final bosses.

When I actually try it, I realize it’s not unreasonable. If I were to become an enemy, it would be better to escape without hesitation. I still can’t think of a countermeasure. However, if it’s attribute-less, there are ways to deal with it.

In any case, dark magic is special. Rex’s good fortune is being able to use dark magic. Well, meeting people who are close to me is more important. But dark magic is crucial for building relationships too. It’s not something to be chosen.

“Well, Filis is paying attention to that attribute.”

“Filis Aquarius. She’s an existence known as the Five-Day Wizard (Wise Man).”

In reality, Filis’ knowledge is impressive. She quickly responds to my proposal, and it’s clear she’s well-versed in magic. I’m grateful for her help, even though she hasn’t seen much dark magic.

“Ah, a revered teacher indeed.”

“What other magic do you have?”

“There’s this one. Dark Blade (Fatal Blade)!”

It’s a convenient technique that can be used as both a sword and an explosion magic, inspired by Filis’ Five-Day Sword (Chain Blade). In reality, I was able to successfully cut and destroy the target.

I could use this technique because I met Filis. She’s indeed a revered teacher. Even Elina respects her sword skills.

“…Haha, that’s quite a powerful magic. I couldn’t possibly use it.”

“I based it on Filis’ magic, so it’s only natural it’s strong.”

“I see. You’re a respectable teacher indeed. We had a great encounter.”

Without a doubt, it was the best encounter. Filis being my teacher is one of the top encounters I’ve had since my rebirth. Thanks to Filis, I was able to build relationships with many people.

“Ah, being called the pinnacle of magic users is indeed a believable story.”

“By the way, didn’t you give weapons to Camilla and Mary? What are they like?”

I’m not holding them now, but I can easily summon them. I can operate magic power to manipulate swords too. Now that I think about it, I might be able to make swords float and fight with them. Well, it’s still a distant future.

“Come, Oath Sword (Hope of Tribe). My sword is like this.”

“…Hmm, it looks the same as other swords.”

“That’s why I added some decorations.”

“…I see. The dahlia flower.”

Rex Daria Black is my name, so it’s fitting. I also engraved it on Camilla’s sword and Mary’s staff. It’s proof that I created them.

“It’s fitting, don’t you think, brother?”

“Ah, yes, it’s perfect for Rex.”

Oliver seems to be enjoying himself. I hope we’re getting along well. There’s still a sense of unease, but…

“I’m glad I learned dark magic. It’s been fun playing around with it.”

“That’s good. I was worried you might feel the pressure of becoming the head of the family.”

I might have been worried, but I’m not going to show any weakness. I’ll always put on a strong act and pretend to be a member of the Black family. That’s what I’ve decided to do to survive.

“I’m not too concerned. There are plenty of people who will help me out.”

“I’ll also be a source of power for Rex. You can count on me.”

“Thanks, brother. If you’re willing to cooperate, I’ll feel more at ease.”

“I’m looking forward to it. As for me, I want to help the Black family grow even more.”

I also don’t want the Black family to decline. If that happens, my siblings, the maids, and I will all be affected. That’s why I want to help the family grow in a positive direction. It’s not easy to talk about my true feelings, but I think it’s best if we can cooperate.

“That’s right, brother. If the Black family grows stronger, it’ll be a wonderful thing.”

“Let’s work hard, then. I’ll be cheering you on as the next head of the family.”

It would be great if we could cooperate with Oliver as well. As for me, I want to avoid conflicts and don’t want to kill anyone. That’s why I’ll pray that Oliver doesn’t become our enemy.

From now on, I’ll continue to live with the people I care about. That’s what I promise to myself. I’ll make it happen, no matter what.

I thought that, but soon after, I saw a certain scene.

“Father! Why am I not going to be the next head of the family?!”

“Shut up. It’s already been decided. You have no right to say anything.”

Did my existence somehow distort something? I felt a sense of guilt. But I can’t stop now. Even if Oliver becomes our enemy.