Lazy but the strongest in the dimension

007 Oath of Allegiance (2)

What do you mean by a “Revelry System”?

Wasn’t laziness supposed to be restored through sleep and proper rest?

I couldn’t quite understand it.

“Revelry usually refers to indulging in luxury, you know.”

– You can also recover quickly through gambling, drinking, and entertainment.

“That sounds like a hassle.”

I frowned.

Gambling meant shuffling cards and pushing money around. And drinking?

Even the act of drinking itself was troublesome. Eating was already bothersome enough—why would I go out of my way to suffer more?

Erna spoke as if she were exasperated.

– You’re something. It’s hard to be this lazy on purpose.

“I aspire to be the god of all lazy people. This much is only natural.”

– Sigh… I should just keep my mouth shut.

Bang!

While I was having an in-depth conversation with Erna about the Revelry System, my brother arrived.

Naturally, I was sprawled out, and my brother looked at me with an expression of utter disbelief.

“What exactly are you doing right now?”

“Can’t you see? I’m resting. After today’s battle, there isn’t a single part of my body that doesn’t ache.”

“I don’t know whether I should believe you or not.”

“You should, of course. If even my brother doesn’t trust me, what am I to do?”

“Regardless, go outside and receive the knights’ oath.”

“But that will weaken your forces, brother. That so-called oath is essentially a vow to pledge their loyalty to me in the future.”

I made an excuse, using my brother as a reason.

There were three knight orders in the territory. If the main order was transferred to me, wouldn’t that mean my brother’s influence would be diminished?

My brother gave me a dumbfounded look.

“You’re probably the first person in the Empire to say something like that so openly.”

“I already told you I have no desire for the territory. If you grant me a small fief in the future, that will be more than enough. I don’t need the knight order.”

“You are the one who received the divine oracle. Do you not understand what that means? It means you will end this war with your own hands. Naturally, you’ll become an independent lord. You may even be granted new lands as a fief.”

“Why are you so insistent on giving me the knight order when I’m telling you to keep your forces intact?”

“Because it is the will of the Goddess.”

“I never knew you were such a devout believer, brother.”

“If I weren’t, how could I receive the divine revelation?”

My brother clicked his tongue.

Well, considering that all knights who reached the Great rank possessed the Goddess Caldona’s divine revelation, it made sense. Their power stemmed from the Goddess.

Since my brother, the future lord of the territory was so adamant about transferring the knight order to me, I had no choice but to get up.

“You’re sure about this, brother?”

“Yes, you fool. Now hurry up and receive their oath.”

“Haah… everything and everyone is such a pain.”

“Huh? What did you just say?”

“I said I’m exhausted.”

With great effort, I managed to get up and step outside.

In the courtyard, not only the knights but also a large crowd had gathered. The common folk of the territory had swarmed in as if this was some sort of grand spectacle.

“At last, the one chosen by the oracle has arrived!”

The knights’ faces were filled with anticipation.

I had no idea what they saw in me to make them act like this.

Raising my voice, I spoke.

“I am not worthy to receive your oath. You all know that well enough, don’t you?”

“Young Master, you are more than worthy of receiving our oath! We will join you on the path of the saint! We swear absolute obedience throughout the campaign!”

“Who said anything about a saint’s path? I am the farthest thing from a saint. Everything just feels like a hassle. By now, you should have realized that.”

“Is this not all the will of Lady Caldona? We fully understand why you have acted this way until now.”

“And what would that be?”

“It is because you did not wish for turmoil in the territory. Had you gotten involved in the succession dispute, the territory would have been thrown into chaos, and the people would have suffered. That is why you acted as if you were beyond redemption.”

A murmur spread through the crowd.

The people of the territory were forming their conclusions about me.

“Well, considering how powerful he is, if he had joined the succession struggle, the territory would have been split in half. A war would have broken out.”

“Then… does that mean he has been pretending to be lazy all this time?”

“That seems highly possible, doesn’t it?”

I was dumbfounded.

They thought my laziness was a way to avoid the power struggle with my brother. Not. I had been lazy because it was the only way I could reach divinity. If I failed, I would have to endure endless suffering for eternity.

Why were they misunderstanding so completely?

“Not really. I was just trying to live a comfortable life.”

“We know that’s not true! Please accept our oath! Once we go to war against the Mage Alliance, we won’t be able to return to the territory for at least five years. We wish to march into battle alongside you, Young Master!”

“This is pointless. Did you all take some kind of drug or something?”

I scratched my head in frustration.

The moment Caldona gave her divine revelation to the saintess, everything started going wrong.

“Do as you wish. But I’m warning you now—don’t expect my behavior to change just because you swear an oath of absolute obedience. You’re more likely to regret it later.”

“It is an honor to serve you, Young Master!”

“An honor!”

“Woooooah!”

Not only the knights but even the people of the territory cheered.

I frowned slightly and turned away.

“Well then, I’m going to sleep.”

“Receiving the divine revelation must have exhausted you. You will likely feel fatigued for at least a week, so please rest well!”

I waved my hand dismissively.

If I had received a revelation from Caldona, then sure, I would be tired—but I had formed my divine mandate. It was a step toward godhood, so there was no reason for me to be exhausted.

Of course, if I used my power recklessly, things would go south immediately.

Viscount Balen staggered away.

Malik, feeling proud that he had sworn allegiance to the chosen one of the divine revelation—the future saint—spoke up.

“From this moment on, we shall serve Lord Balen as our next master.”

“Woooooah!”

The knights would be joining the campaign, and no one knew how long the journey would last. But more than anyone else, they understood how great an honor it was to march alongside Balen.

Among them stood Kaion, the eldest son of the noble house.

“Young Lord, I sincerely apologize.”

“Pay it no mind.”

“We have chosen to follow the saint’s path to eradicate evil.”

“That is the right decision. Do not concern yourselves with the territory—focus on the campaign. I will protect the land in your absence.”

“Thank you, Young Lord!”

Malik looked at the knights.

“We must lead 3,000 territorial soldiers. Since the Young Master is weary, let us prepare for the march ourselves.”

“Yes, sir!”

Darkness fell over the territory.

After all the commotion, I could finally get some proper rest. But in the end, I had no choice but to rise once more.

It was time to test the Indulgence System that Erna had recommended(?).

The Linus Territory was one of the more developed cities in the Southern Empire. Alongside the Dukedom of Amons and the Marquisate of Raynen, it formed the backbone of the empire’s southern region.

Naturally, there was an underworld, and in the pleasure district, gambling dens operated every night. Since I wasn’t particularly fond of drinking, I planned to recover my Laziness Value through gambling instead.

With the Karma of Laziness and the meddling of the Goddess Caldona, I had the distinct feeling that fate was becoming increasingly twisted.

First, I disguised myself to head to the gambling den. I couldn’t just walk in with my face exposed.

News had already spread throughout the territory that I had received a divine revelation from the goddess and had even been granted Caldona’s Mandate. If word got out that I was openly gambling, the rumors would certainly not be favorable.

So, I put on a mask.

Dressed in ragged clothing with a mask covering my face, I looked every bit like a washed-up vagrant.

Stepping outside, I called for Andrew.

“Yaaawn! Young Master, what on earth brings you out at this hour?”

His face clearly showed how exhausted he was.

I felt a little bad, but Andrew had no choice but to serve me tonight. He would have to guide me to the gambling den, handle currency exchange, and take care of various other tasks.

Thud.

I tossed a mask at Andrew.

His face was just as well-known as mine, so it was best if he concealed his identity as well.

“What’s this?”

“Put it on.”

“Why do I have to wear a mask? At this hour, no less? If the patrol guards catch us, won’t they think we’re suspicious?”

“We’re going to the gambling den.”

“What did you just say!?”

Andrew practically screamed.

I had no idea why a grown man had to be so loud.

“Did you go deaf? I said we’re going gambling.”

“Good heavens, Young Master! The expedition is only a few days away, and you want to gamble now? This is absurd!”

Naturally, Andrew was adamant.

He knew all too well that rumors of me gambling in a time like this would not reflect well on me.

But at this point, Andrew’s opinion didn’t matter.

“Andrew, listen carefully. This is the will of the Goddess.”

“The will of the Goddess?!”

“Why? Who knows? Perhaps she wants me to witness the gambling dens and the people who frequent them so I don’t stray down a wicked path. Who can fathom her divine intentions?”

“Wait… did the Goddess send you a divine revelation!?”

“Well, something like that.”

“As expected of one chosen as humanity’s hero. To think you were commanded to experience the dens of vice firsthand…!”

He was already half-convinced.

If I wrapped everything happening around me in the guise of the Goddess’ will, there was no way he wouldn’t believe it. After all, it was true that Caldona had given a divine revelation to Saintess Sylvia.

“I shall humbly obey the will of the Goddess!”

“Then carry me.”

“Aren’t we walking there?”

“It’d be too conspicuous to take a carriage.”

“Still, wouldn’t it be better to walk…?”

“Shut up and carry me, will you?”

Andrew looked like he was about to cry but had no choice but to carry me on his back.

He was probably cursing me in his head, but what could he do?

He was too afraid of divine punishment to refuse, so, burdened with me, he trudged toward the gambling den.

The Pleasure District in the Southern Territory

This place was practically lawless.

While a patrol force did exist, as in most regions, they were often bribed by the underworld, making it difficult to maintain proper order.

At one point, my father, a devout follower of the Church of Caldona, had tried to raze this place to the ground and uproot the criminal organizations. But, like cancerous cells, new factions simply took their place.

Nowadays, it is considered more practical to accept a certain amount of bribery as long as there are no major crimes like rebellion or murder.

The streets were ablaze with dazzling lights.

Gambling dens were everywhere, and touts were busy luring people in.

“Oh my, you must be a young master from a promising noble family. That mask suits you perfectly. Why don’t you step into our gambling hall? We offer unlimited complimentary drinks all night! And if you wish, you can also spend some delightful time with beautiful ladies!”

“I’ll pass on the ladies. Did you say the drinks are free?”

“That’s right! We guarantee the finest quality in the entire territory!”

I climbed down from Andrew’s back.

Even though my clothes were shabby, the fact that I was wearing a mask made him assume I was from a distinguished noble family, so he laid on the flattery.

Well, he wasn’t wrong. I was indeed a young master from a prestigious family—the second son of a count, no less.

“You better keep your word.”

“Hehehe, of course, sir!”

Feigning reluctance, I allowed myself to be led into the gambling hall.

The atmosphere inside was electric.

Most of the games were card or dice-based, and fortunes changed in an instant depending on the results.

The majority of the players were completely immersed, caught up in the thrill of the gamble.

“Is there a quieter place?”

“There is, but the stakes are higher.”

“Will this do?”

I tossed him a hefty pouch.

I had my share of the family’s assets. I received a monthly allowance, and my older brother had even given me a sizable sum in exchange for me renouncing my claim to the territory.

But since I rarely went out and considered any physical exertion a sin, I hardly ever spent money.

My finances were quite comfortable. And in this place, money equaled power.

The tout bent at a ninety-degree angle, his attitude completely changing.

“Oh my, you’re truly a distinguished guest! I’ll escort you to the VIP area!”

Upon reaching the third floor, I found a quieter setting where high-stakes games were being played.

I took a seat at an empty spot.

This was a big game, with large amounts of gold coins being exchanged.

Many people wore masks to conceal their identities, so I didn’t stand out too much.

When the drinks arrived, I lifted my mask slightly and took a sip.

“Phew!”

A burning heat filled my stomach.

“Alright, let’s get started.”

As the cards were dealt, a familiar system voice rang out in my head.

[Keen Insight has been activated. Extreme focus is being applied.]