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Word of Charlotte's pregnancy was slowly spreading throughout aristocratic society.
Some were saying,
Well done, Desmond! That's what you get, Swift!
While others were thinking,
That bastard son is a stain on our reputation, but it might be best to stay away from Swift from now...
That's why we need to kill that "Hereric". If we kill him, his family will certainly cooperate!
What can we do now to earn Swift's favor...?
Now is a good time for us to contact the Terraces.
We had been taking advantage of Swift. If the Terrace family can recover from this, then...
The reaction was quite a mixed bag.
Scheming and calculating, the opportunistic and the watchful.
The Terrace family, who overcame adversity, the Swift family, both courteous and unpleasant, and the dark horse "Lord of Alroda."
Is he a sleeping dragon, or is it just a rumor? Speculation led to more speculation, the aristocrats who lurk within the kingdom are swirling, whispering, and keeping a close watch on their every move.
The "shadow" of each household was flying about, and Aldora's counterintelligence was making the "Gray Hound" more and more active every day. The aristocrats, who had previously ignored the land ruled by the "Heretic", were suddenly showing a great deal of interest, but all of their advances failed.
As expected of one of the "strongest".
It is a testament to their strength.
But that is precisely why...
◇
"―― Huh?"
I said, my eyes darting about.
"You heard it correctly, Desmond-sama. I cannot follow you. If I were to leave my position, I am sure that some unscrupulous person would enter Aldora. Even if Desmond-sama succeeds, you must have a home to return to. This old man will take care of this place when you're away."
This occurred two days before my departure, days after I had endured the unbearable torment of a certain maid in my office and returned the punishment in kind.
Grandpa Randolph said he was going to stay at home.
I understand.
I really do, but.... isn't protecting the lord also important?
"I believe in you, I believe that Desmond-sama will easily overcome this difficulty."
With his romantic gray hair, bushy eyebrows, and mustache of the same color, his gentle face looked like that of a doting old man. However, this elderly monster, the "Gray Hound." has thrown his lord into the deep valley and is trying to abandon his duties.
"I too wanted to see Desmond-sama's splendid figure in the court, but unfortunately, my old bones were unable to do so. I will quietly stay at the mansion. I look forward to hearing some interesting stories. Hohho."
No, no, no, Grandpa.
"Hohho" my ass. You're kidding right, grandpa? please say sike please?
Right now! Please!
I would almost bow, but if I were to do such a thing,
"You must not bow your head lightly like that as a lord. If you're going to bow your head, you'll have to be prepared for that head to be chopped off - "
How many times have I been disciplined like that in the past? I held my breath."
But if someone as good as Randolph were to come, I would be at ease, wouldn't I?"
I glanced at Charlotte,
her platinum blonde hair with waves gave her a girlish atmosphere despite her beauty. My eyes meet her big emerald eyes,
*wink*! She gave me a quick wink.
*Boom!* Desmond was struck by a heart attack. Oh no, I'm already at zero life point. I wish I could get a good escort to come with me here.
I glanced back at Grandpa's gray eyes...
He didn't say anything... It seems thing's already been decided.
Hmm? Something's not right, am I not the lord? Am I not important?
--I don't understand.
"Charlotte-sama has already given her consent."
rlly?
"Yes, I do."
――I don't understand."
Randolph is undeniably powerful, but he is too powerful. He might draw the attention of some noblemen, some of whom had a bad feeling about a commoner, about the "Gray Hound" — that sissy sure will not let his guard down....*murmuring*"
Um...sorry? did I mishear that? Referring to her ex-husband as a sissy is quite...oh!? you meant to say spewing right? I see, I need to be careful not to drink too much at the party!
But she certainly had a point.
When it comes to a party hosted by Swift, it's a given that they will invite important nobles with strong bloodlines and elitist tendencies. If someone like the "Gray Hound." a commoner who had received a knighthood was to attend, it would leave a bad impression. However, even they would hesitate to criticize the well-known Gray Hound. It's simply that the hatred for me will undoubtedly grow.
To counter that, as a "heretic of Damwead." who already had a bad reputation, I can easily get them to say something incriminating, especially against a coward who fled in his first battle. That seems to be Charlotte's plan. Me, being a decoy...
I have no intention of dealing with the ups and downs of aristocratic society and all its complications and making a fool of myself, but if I can just weather this storm, it'll be enough...
"This is not the kind of wave that we can just weather it. The eight years of humiliation and disgrace of the Terrace family, along with the insult to Desmond-sama... I understand their methods, so we need to strike them down completely when we have the chance."
――I'm glad you're on my side, Charlotte!
As expected of the second daughter of the Terrace family, she is charming even when not trying. But...
"Even so, thank you. I don't really understand what kind of insult was directed at me, but just to have Charlotte care is enough to make me happy."
Ah, She closed her eyes and her cheeks turned red and started to tremble.
Um, so cute.
"I got wet, I'll give you a proper lesson later."
That's not cute at all!
Actually, it kinda is, but still...
"――Um, let's do our best!"
However, that means that the group going to Swift's mansion this time will be me, Charlotte, and Katherine. Since both of them are pregnant with my children, I'm concerned about getting to Swift's mansion even after we left there.
"They already have my blessing, so they'll be fine. And after we get to that place, they're not so weak. the same goes for Katherine's"
No, It's not just that was it?
Well, if any harm comes to my women, Charlotte or Katherine, I will risk my life to protect them.
"~Ugu!"
"Are you alright, Charlotte-sama?"
"No, it's alright. It's just that the child of Desmond-sama is too strong..."
I don't you haven't reached the time to have any pregnancy sickness yet. And old man, don't look at her stomach like that! That face isn't the one you make when excited about a newborn, it's the composure of a champion waiting for a strong opponent to appear!
"It's Desmond-sama's fault. You've made me so wet... I'm soaking under my skirt."
Well, that's interesting and all, but let's get back on topic.
"Yes, let's get this over with and have sex."
――You're too honest! And that's not what I meant!
But, practically speaking, the conversation was already over, it's just like.
Randolph, aren't you coming?
No? Okay, communication's over, bye.
――I don't get it.
It's just? I'm the Master, right? Not just the perverted kind, but the important kind. Well, no matter how much I don't understand, I can't match their abilities in escort, security, politics, socializing, diplomacy, and other similar skills and know-how. But I can't just...
Aight, I believe in you guys!
As I thought that, for some reason, Charlotte was staring at me with warm, gentle eyes.
――Why?
"Fufu, I just thought that Desmond-sama is truly an amazing person. He admits when he can't do something, and believes in us more than his own honor. And it's not for his own benefit, but because he truly believes in us. You are the truly noble, Desmond-sama. You are our pride."
Hmmm, to be honest, I don't know why Charlotte is so moved. Because that's just normal, right? Pretending to be important would be a waste, and I'm not sure how much I can do if I don't believe in you all who stick with me.
"Fufufu, please remain the way you are, Desmond-sama. As long as you stay and love us, or even impregnate us, that would be wonderful..."
The lord's job doesn't involve impregnation! But lately...I can't deny it anymore... I'm getting frustrated.
"Oh, my lord whose job to sire more babies, Now! I have one more job for you! There's someone I'd like you to sire for a while."
Wait! Don't decide my job based on that! But it's bad enough that I can't claim any other job except as a signature expert. And to ask me to sow my seeds like I'm a contestant in a game show, what are you...
"Now, there is someone I would like to introduce you to, Desmond-sama."
My wife doesn't listen to me. However, if she is happy, I have no choice but to watch over her.
It's a weakness of love.
To my inner voice, Charlotte-chan coughed slightly as if embarrassed.
――Introducing "This is the assassin who recently infiltrated our territory with the intention of killing me and Desmond-sama. Unfortunately, or fortunately, she was shot down by Randolph and then got trained by me then defect to our side. She is the top of the Swift family's "Shadow", and her origins was the half-sister of the current head of the family, Peter Swift. She does not have a name, but goes by the alias "Ephemera"."
Thank you for the character introduction that I don't know where to comment anymore! But! There were several unsettling pieces of information mixed in there! Hey!
However, while I was dumfounded,
A person suddenly appeared from Charlotte's shadow.
"..." Eh?
Who appeared from there was... a man? A good-looking man wearing a suit, somewhat like a host... but? he appeared from Charlotte's shadow, only a woman should be able to get permission to enter such a place...other than me of course.
"I like a perceptive husband. Of course, Ephemera is a woman. And, she was properly trained by me, so you don't have to worry."
He says it like he's good at it, but - trained? Assassins?
.....
I don't get it.
――Sigh
I want to faint due to too much incomprehension.
But then,
The girl called Ephemera or something knelt before me with a reverent gesture.
She looks handsome even though she's a girl. It's picturesque to see her kneeling in a white-haired suit and blue eyes.
"Nice to meet you, Baron Desmond Damwead. I'm not good with honorifics. But I have permission from Charlotte onee-sama, can I speak to you like this?"
"Alright. But, refrain from doing so in front of others."
"-I understand. I am a "shadow" to begin with. So basically, I don't go out in public... Indeed, you seem to be just what onee-sama says you are. You are not the same type as my former master."
Would it be correct to say that I am honored by her praise?
"Then, Randolph, there's no need for you to be in this room anymore. We're done talking."
"Hoho, Then Desmond-sama, I shall take my leave. It is a shame I cannot witness your impressive skills, but I shall abide by the request."
The old man leaves the room.
Wait, so this girl is supposed to be the assassin who came to kill us? And she's also Pe...that dude's half-sister?
Can someone please explain this to me?
I truly appreciate any support you can give.
Tags:
Reincarnated lord
His ex fiancee, his ex fiancee's sister and his own sister all come to settle score with him... Peter, learn the lesson and be a good guy from now on, alright~
ReplyDeleteoh boy, finally its ephemera's turn.
ReplyDeletebeen wondering if author forgot her in the dungeon. glad now shes out in the open.
as always, thank you for the splendid translations~
wish you luck and good health!