Paltner leaves the floating island of the elves.

　In the airship, I was talking with Luxion as I watched the floating island grow smaller and smaller.

'It's interesting that the elves aren't monolithic either. It seems that the men who migrate and the women who remain on the island have different values.''

'It's nice to see some decent elves who don't want to enslave the boys they were born to. I wish the girls at the school would learn a little from them.

　I decided not to make the whole affair public.

　Instead of letting them dispose of the elven men they captured, I got my hands on Yumelia-san.

　I'm looking around the ship with one travel bag and cringing.

''Oh, um, what's going to happen to me now?''

　I fluttered my hands and

I'm going to need you to come to my parents' house. I'm going to need you to go to my parents' house. I've seen them looking for a servant, so I'm going to need you to live and work there.

But I don't think I'm going to...

　Humelia, who has a low self-esteem, is reluctant or withdrawn in everything she does.

'The beauty and ugliness of elves doesn't matter to people. You know that, don't you?

"...In the village, I was told I was a fool or a neophyte. I'm not sure I can be of any help.

　It makes me sad to think that even in the elven village, there is this kind of backwardness.

　Well, if you watch the elves at the school, you'll understand.

''There's no need to worry. Besides, there are many reasons for this one too--

　When I tried to speak, the person who interrupted the conversation was Kyle, who came at me with anger on his face.

What do you mean by that?

　Kyle, who seemed to want to protest against me, had a much bigger attitude.

'What?'

You got my mother out of the village. Do you understand what this means?

　Ms. Humelia squirmed in Kyle's arms.

'Wait. Kyle, this man cares about me--

'Shut up, please!　We've been fooled all the time!　You know what this guy looks like!　He's the biggest scumbag in the school!

　Kyle shouted, which drew the gazes of those nearby.

'That's awful, being the biggest rubbish,'

'It must be true. If you weren't a piece of rubbish for beating up your highness in public, what the hell are you!

　Mr. Humelia was in trouble and couldn't do anything about it.

　Kyle was annoyed by such an attitude.

''That's how I always get cheated out of judgment. It's the same in the village. You don't know anything and you're carefree, so you're cheap and needy from everyone else!

　Kyle's frustration exploded, and Kyle blamed Ms. Humelia - and her mother - for his frustration.

　Unable to watch, he tried to stop her.

What's your attitude?

　It was Livia who came in between.

"Hey, what? None of your business. Just stay out of it!

'No, I can't watch. What is that tirade to your mother? 'Apologize!'

　Kyle flinched at the sight of Livia, who was scarier than usual, but--

'You have a habit of not knowing anything. He's the reason I'm poor. "You don't know why I'm a slave at your age," he said.　You know how they treated you in the village!　You're a big deal, but you have a habit of not knowing anything!

　Kyle leaves this place, crying.

　His normal demeanor wasn't there, and it scared me a little bit to think that that was the real deal.

　It would have been playing the adorable little brother character.

　It was Yumeria-san who stopped Libya from going after her.

''Well, wait. It's my fault. She's right, I wasn't good enough, so I gave her a hard time.

　With all the eyes around me, I took the two of them into an empty room.

◇

　Humelia taught me my position in the village.

''I am a mixture. The colors of my magic blend together and instead of being able to use normal magic, I can use special magic.''

　He showed me how, when he held his hand over a flowerpot, the seed sprouted and grew straight into a flower.

'It's amazing,'

　I mutter this to myself, and Luxion agrees.

'Wouldn't using this solve the food problem?　It's hard to believe that our position in that village is so one-sidedly weak.''

　Umeria-san was a bit embarrassed by the praise, perhaps because she was happy to be praised.

''It's not that great. There's only so much I can do. I just gave birth to Kyle, a half-elf, on top of the mixture.

　Livia doesn't seem to understand that.

'And why shouldn't it be?'

　Umeria-san was a little confused, but she spoke without hesitation.

However, I set out on a journey to learn about the outside world. Soon after that, I was captured for a while in a nobleman's mansion, where I suffered a lot of terrible things.

　Livia could also imagine what had happened.

'When I returned to the village, this time I was inhabiting that nobleman's child and the people around me were very opposed to giving birth to him. They said that if a half-elf was born, the value of being an elf slave would decrease.

What do you mean by that?

　Livia looked incredulous, but Luxion was convinced.

''Elves with pregnancy probability are certainly in no small danger when looking at them as exclusive servants. It can't be helped if it affects the price. However, I don't think you'll know if you keep quiet, though.''

　Miss Humelia shook her head.

'She grows at the same rate as other people. He'll grow up quickly.''

　They could tell he was half by his growth rate, not by his appearance.

'Then why did you sell him as a slave?'

　When I mentioned a simple question, Miss Humelia held her face and cried.

''Well we were poor and we weren't going to make it through the winter that year. So Kyle sold himself to me without telling me.

　I wondered if the people around me didn't object, but I heard that some of them were glad to be gone from the village.

　What a shady and stupid thing to do.

　...just like humans.

"I think the reason why she is so hard on me is because she has a lot of teeth. But he's a good boy. I'm sure he doesn't get paid that much either, but he sent me money.

　Livia's shoulders slumped.

'Mr. Rion, I didn't know anything about it, and I didn't know that Mr. Kyle--'

　I let out a small sigh.

'Well I'll do the talking.

　Why do I have to take care of Kyle?

　It's Marie's job to begin with.

　

◇

　A narrow passage in the ship.

　I found Kyle sitting there, hiding in it, and I called out to him.

'Hey, you little shit,'

What's the matter with you, scrap knight?

　This kid is not cute at all.

It's your momma's story.

　Kyle, his pointed ears twitching, listened to me silently.

The baronial family, my family's home, has just rebuilt their mansion. Now that it's bigger, we need new manpower. As a live-in servant, I'll make arrangements for you to make a decent living.

"You can't believe it. He's just going to pigeonhole you because he likes the way you look. You and your family will never be trusted.

　It's certainly an excellent look, and that worry may be inevitable.

'I can't go back to my parents' house much. The Baron - my father is a barbarian in appearance, but even that thing is pure. I don't think he'd ever cheat on his mother because he cares about her. ....maybe.

　I say maybe, and Kyle looks up and glares at me.

　I'm a little scared.

'I don't trust you,'

I'm a man of my word. Besides, I have a reason to keep that man on hand.

　Even the elves had some resistance when I took her in.

　After all, she was the woman who gave birth to a half-elf.

　What would happen if I let her out and another half-elf was born?

　The men put up quite a fight, but the village chief shut them up.

"This is our bargaining chip with the elves. "It is your bargaining chip against the elves. If you do anything to me, you will expose them. You are valuable just by being in my possession. I would never do anything terrible to someone like that.

　There's not much point in seriously revealing the secret, but it's enough to keep it at hand and make the elves wary of it.

　It is enough to make the elves think, "I have a weakness in my hands. I'll be happy to harass those pompous elves.

　Kyle was silent.

'If you want to see them, go ahead and see them. You will be allowed to enter the territory if you are the only one. But not Marie.''

　Because I don't like that guy.

　Kyle is wiping away tears.

''Well he's sycophantic and gullible.

Yeah.

'I can't hate you because you have low self-esteem, you're weak and yet you're so kind. I'm a really terrible parent.

　I guess he doesn't really hate me.

　Kyle stood up and bowed to me.

'Viscount-sama, please take care of my mother.

　In his own way, he was probably worried about his mother, Yumeria.

　I nodded and relieved Kyle.

　Then I asked him what I wanted to ask him.

'Hey, could it be that you had a different master before, that your master was changing all over the place--'

　Kyle replies, a little dumbfounded, but he hides his eyes.

　He doesn't want to be seen crying.

''Of course it's to find a trustworthy master. It's all par for the course for you to have the woman who captivated the crown prince as your master.

"Mengo.

　I apologize for my lightheartedness, and Kyle glares at me, but I let out a sigh.

'You're a real jerk. If he'd stayed that way, my life would have been safe.

　This guy was a guy with a lot of calculations.

Don't you give up on Marie?

''I'm tired of looking for a new master. Besides, she's a saint now, so I can see the good in her eyes too when I'm with her. And also, she seems to be a good but firm person.

　What about this Marie who is neck deep in debt?

　It's not like Kyle doesn't know that, and does he actually like Marie?

　Kyle warned me.

'And you should be careful with that duchess. She looks like she's up to something.

Mr. Hertrude?

I don't know all the details, but they reached out to us after you guys left.

　Were you talking to Kyle and the others when we were entering the ruins?

◇

　When we get back to the academy, I hurriedly get ready to head to the royal palace.

　Luxion stares at me beside me as I'm changing my clothes.

''I've finished investigating that right arm. May I break it?　When do you want to break it?　Do you want to do it now?

'Oh, May!　What's really wrong with you?

　The right arm of the armor he brought into the room seems to be a power suit used by the newcomers to fight the old humans. It's in a box now.

　That black, spiky arm looks somewhat familiar, but I can't remember.

''That thing is a tool that shouldn't exist. It should be destroyed immediately. No, let's destroy it now.''

'To destroy it, even your main body needs a shot from the main gun, right?　I can't do it right away. I'll run it on my next vacation, just let me go ahead and report back to you.

"I have a destructive urge that drives me crazy just looking at it.

'I've got it locked up and you can leave it alone. If you don't want to keep an eye on him, that's fine. Anyway, now let's hurry up to the palace. Shit why do I have to work as a student?

　Let me keep an eye on him, and if Luxion breaks down, I won't be happy.

　I've locked myself in my room and I'm sure he'll be fine.

'Isn't the old man in there?'

　Lately, Luxion has become more aggressive because of his right arm, and his words have a thorn in his side.

　I left the right arm in a box in my room and took Luxion to the royal palace.

　It's not like anyone would be interested in such armor with only arms.

　More importantly, I have to hurry up and answer the call.

''Huh, I don't want to work.''

'That's a disgusting statement. I'm going crazy here too. Let's get on with it.'

　Is this guy really an artificial intelligence?

　There's something restless or strangely emotional about it...

◇

　The corridors of the Royal Palace.

　I'm here to report on this one, and I'm tired of it.

　I look outside and it's getting dark.

'Isn't it nighttime already?'

'The report was a construct, and you had a tea party with the girls waiting for you.

　What was waiting for them, like a trick, was a tea party with the women who had graduated from the school.

　The daughters of the leading nobles and the nobles who had recently gained power were waiting for them.

　The tea party lasted for several hours, even though the debriefing was only about enough.

''I'm tired. Anyway, let's go home.

　The people who came out to the tea party were the daughters of the barons to the countesses.

　However, they are all accompanied by their personal servants.

　What they ask me about is money related, how they will earn their income in the future.

　Is it like being asked about your income at a party?

　My head was already hurting.

　As I walked down the corridor of the sparsely populated royal palace, I saw the queen in a different dress from when I met her before - Milene was there.

''Oh, Viscount-dono looks tired.

　A few people follow behind me, standing there with a blank expression on their faces.

　They adjust their clothes.

''I beg your pardon for this. Your Highness--'

Do you have a moment of your time, Viscount?

　

''Gladly!''

　Luxion, who was looking at me as I followed the smiling Milne-sama, muttered.

''You really are an easy person to understand, aren't you?''

◇

　A room in the royal palace.

　I sit down to drink the tea that's served to me as I sit down to face Mirrene-sama.

　........better than what I serve.

　Feeling a bit defeated, I listened to Milaine-sama's story.

　Luxion hides at my side in silence.

'I wonder if he's on good terms with His Highness Hertrude?　I was in a bit of a hurry to take your highness out for an adventure.

I was forced to follow you, though. I heard they gave you permission, too?

　Lady Milene's expression became slightly cloudy.

It's a good idea to make sure that you have a good time. As for me, I don't think this is the time to have them study abroad.

　Lady Milene objected, but someone must have given permission.

　If the school that her own son is attending has the princess of the country that declared war on her, she would be worried.

　We need to be concerned about Mr. Hertrude's safety as well.

　If the idiot hurts Ms. Hertolde, it will be an international problem.

　When she is in the academy, she is escorted by female knights sent by the royal palace.

''Your Highness and I have spoken to her as well. He doesn't say it out loud, but he has quite a bit of resentment about the past invasions.''

　I didn't see it myself, but I've heard it passed down, the work of the kingdom.

　It was something that would raise my eyebrows even if I heard it.

　However, I can't reply to Milene-sama, "It's terrible~".

　I'm not going to be able to say anything about it.

''I am, Viscount-dono - no, Rion-kun. I don't think the duchy is going to give up on this.

I suppose.

　The resentment that has built up is not easily erased.

''I'm sorry for the trouble I caused you with the SS. And ... did you hear about the Viscount Raffan family?

　When I shook my head, Milaine-sama put her hand to her cheek and with a troubled look on her face, she told me the end result.

''Julius and the others ran around and solved the problem, but the Viscount Raffan's--Saintly Lady's debts have increased. Normally, I would have thought about taking down the house, but as expected, there were many objections to destroying the saint's family home.

　Isn't that guy cursed?

　I'm sure Marie would have a stroke if she heard that the debt had increased even though it was resolved.

　I want to laugh at him if he looks despairing.

'It's fine that we've paid off our debts in the royal palace and temple. But, you know, we have a budget for next year and all that.

　If you ask me, the budget paid for Marie - well, the money at our disposal - was to be cut drastically.

　The tea is good just listening to the story.

　The best cup of tea.

　I feel like I can sleep well today.

''Now here's the thing, but the saintly girl's SS chief is Viscount-dono--Rion-kun, right? It's becoming a matter of responsibility, isn't it?

Huh?

With the timing of his appointment and all that, there's a growing chorus of voices in the palace and the temple that we can't have no repercussions.

　It's looking a little fishy.

　What responsibility do I have for this?

Well, wait a minute. My job is to protect that guy, and I don't like the way he says things about his debts, too.

I know that. Even if you know that there are people out there who blame you.

　The other world is just like the original world.

　........The world is rotten.

''There are some people who are jealous of your sudden rise to power. As for me, I can't see the knight I recommended for the promotion being blamed for it. I'll follow up as best I can.''

Thank you for-- what?　Su, recommendation?

Yes, I did. You know, that time when we were fighting off those bandits. Brad and Greg came to me and told me about Leon's exploits. And because of what happened with the duchy afterwards, I recommended you.

　Lady Milene, who gives me a dazzling smile it's not true.

　What I wanted was not a promotion.

"Ah, you see, I don't want to get a promotion, I want to--

More than a career?

　Lady Milene, who was craning her neck, looked radiant.

　He's cute for an older man!　I may be older than him on the inside, but something about it suddenly made me crack up.

　Can I say I don't want a promotion here and hurt this guy?　Maybe you'll regret letting him get ahead.

　You can't make this man sad.

　I quickly say the words that will get me through the moment.

"I want you.

Hey, hey!　That's right, that's not right. Because I'm as old as a father and son to you, Leon.

　　I mean, this guy is prettier than the girl who palmed him off.

　I hold Milene-sama's hand in both of mine as I wrap it around mine.

''But I still think that you--''

Huh!

　I hear a deliberate coughing.

　I don't know who it was, but it was one of Lady Milene's handmaidens.

　Not good. I was about to make a pass at her.

　I had forgotten that this is the royal palace.

　I'm sure you're blushing.

　He's quite responsive. I want to tease him.

''........teasing the older generation like that again. It's a bad habit of yours, Leon-kun.''

　If only it wasn't the queen........

　Changing the topic, Milene-sama returned to talking about Mr. Hertrude.

''That being said, there is something about Hertrude's Highness that concerns me.

◇

　Upon receiving the news of Rion's departure to the royal palace, three sub-race - the resident servants - had gathered in the student dormitory.

　One of them was Rion's sister, Jenna's personal servant [Mior].

　The tall, muscular man with cat ears had come to the front of Rion's room with the rest of the group.

''That guy Kyle, he betrayed me.

　As if to comfort Mior's irritation, the other two spoke to him.

''She's a servant of the saintly lady. You can't even make me do a bad job of it.''

But then again, how could you ever get a key?

　Mior smiles as he gets the key to Leon's room.

'A little key shape, when that woman comes in and out of this room, you know. Stupid woman's so much easier to handle, man.

　They unlocked the door and entered Rion's room and went inside, wary of their surroundings.

　One of them stood guard outside the room, while Mior checked one box with the other.

'This is it.'

What the hell do you do with all this stuff?

I don't give a shit. You're making money. It's good enough for me. And it's a way to get back at that a**h*le.

　Lyon was also disliked by the resident servants. The reason is that he beat up our resident servants when they tried to lay a hand on him during the school festival.

　He had a good reason for his actions, but still, from the point of view of his personal servants, Leon is a disagreeable man.

　That vindictiveness led to this action.

　The three of them carried the box out of the room and left the dormitory with the body they were asked to carry the luggage out of.

◇

　When I returned to my room, I looked at the room and scratched my hair.

''This ... sucks.''

'It's certainly painful to have it stolen. But who would use that thing?'

'I should have let you keep an eye on him. But still, don't you hate it too much?

　It was the right arm of the black armor that was stolen.

　When I came back from the royal palace, it was after it had been stolen.

''When I look at it, I can't suppress the urge to destroy it.

Is there a reason for this?

"....it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that we were made to fight them.

　One can only take one's hat off to the deeply ingrained hostility.

'Find out who stole it. Find out who stole it, and you'll destroy it.

I don't think the current rookies can handle that thing well, though. It's not a bad idea, but just using it will kill you. Now, let's try to find it to destroy it.

　When Luxion starts investigating, the culprit is soon discovered.

''........Master, it seems that your sister's personal servant is involved.''

　Luxion quickly identified the presence in the room, but there was a knock on the room.

　When he opened the door with caution, he found Kyle standing there with a swollen face.

　His clothes are also in tatters.

''Did you get into a fight?''

You're as carefree as ever. Who's to blame for all this...

　I let a mumbling Kyle into the room.

'Wait here. We'll have you fixed up in no time.

I'll let Master fix your injuries. I have more important things to tell you. I was freed a while ago too. It was His Highness Princess Hertrude who made me steal the right arm of that armor that was in this room.

　Luxion will send me a report.

'Master, the airship bound for the Duchy has left in a hurry.

What happened to Mr. Hertrude?

"They're in the girls' dormitory. There's a good chance they took it from us and put it straight into the airship.

　How is that even possible?

　Mr. Hertrude can't prepare an airship and send it to the Duchy by himself.

　Kyle hurries me up.

"She's up to something. I've reported it to you anyway.

　Kyle leaves the room after telling me that it was Hertrude-san who was running the full-time servants behind the scenes.

　I stayed in the room and had a discussion with Luxion about the future.

It's not easy for Hertrude to arrange an airship. If it's difficult even for the full-time servants, then the people involved will be the nobles of the royal court.''

　What came to my mind were the words of Lady Milene.

　'Inside the palace - there are people with many different ideas,' she said.

'Did someone help you?　Who in the world?

"It could be Millene herself.

'Nope. That man would never do such a dirty thing.

I hear women are very good at fooling men.

''Well if she's cheated on me, I'm going to throw everything away and retire.

'That's a masterly answer. So, what shall we do?

　I immediately decided to consult with Angier. The only person I know who is familiar with the situation in the palace is Angier.

◇

　The girls' dormitory.

　As Angel gets into the room used by Hertrude, her breathing is a little sluggish due to her hurry.

　Looking coolly at Angel, Hertrude is sitting cross-legged in a chair.

''You're in quite a hurry. I'll forgive you for your rudeness at this time.''

Well I heard from Leon. I heard you bribed the servants.

　Hertrude smiled.

'Well?　I don't know what you're talking about.

Are you going to play dumb with me?

You're the one who shouldn't question people without proof.

　When Hertrude insisted that there was no proof, Angier took a breath and then opened his mouth.

'The three who bribed you. And the boys have seen you taking your belongings out of the dormitory. Some of the students also saw you talking to the servants.

'I was just curious about the idea of being the resident servant. Everyone seemed to enjoy running around, so I wanted one too, so I asked them about it.

　Angel moves his face closer to Hertrude, who is cooing and laughing.

'What are you thinking about?　Do you really want to start a war?　What can you guys do when you've been beaten by Leon alone?

　With a smile on his face, Hertrude talks about Leon's weaknesses.

'You speak very highly of him. I've seen the Viscount for a short time, but I've seen him too. He's usually an ordinary man. But as a knight, he's a failure of less than ordinary.''

　Hertrude laughs even more when she sees Angel's eyebrows move and the look of displeasure on her face.

'Because you do, don't you?　A good-hearted knight is the ideal. But a knight who can't kill people in times of war is nothing but useless. That's a far cry from Bandel.

　Hertrude looked closely at Leon.

'The knight who got the Lost Item. That messenger has something to do with the Lost Item, right?　If all you do is take his orders, your awesome weapon is a treasure, right?

　If Rion was serious - Angier couldn't say so.

　Even if he was excellent, he was still inexperienced as a knight.

　This is a world where war is normal.

　A knight who has never killed a man cannot be called a full-fledged knight.

''...Do you hate us so much?''

　Hertrude's smile disappears.

'We won't forget. Do you understand?　The grief of the lords who have had their children, their parents - their families killed?　Don't think you can be forgiven in a few decades for your habit of attacking us unilaterally!

　Angier said to Hertrude.

'Congratulations to you. It seems you really don't know anything. Your decision to study abroad was the right one. What you need to know is--

　It was the female knights who entered the room that stopped Angier's dialogue.

'That's enough!　Miss Angelica, please come with me.

What--what?

　The female knights surround Angier.

'What are you guys doing?'

　To such a question, the female knights answered with a smile.

''I shouldn't. ''You shouldn't be so violent to Your Highness Princess Hertrude.''
"A duchess is not a lady of decency.
Come on. Come on.

　Angier understands all this. That the female knights, who she thought were Hertrude's guards and her watchers, had already been made into pawns.

　With a bitter look on her face, the female knights restrain her.

　Angier turned his gaze from the female knights to Hertrude.

''You guys, I didn't expect you to be in the royal palace--''

　Although I had heard that there was a collaborator of the duchy in the royal palace, Angier didn't think it was someone who could move the knight either.

　Hertrude stood up and whispered in Angier's ear.

It's a good thing that you're not the only one. And this land--

　Angier's eyes widen at the last word.

'--I'll let it sink in.'

◇

　Sometimes a sentence that doesn't matter can be quite important.

　I was realizing that very much now.

　Early morning. My room in the boys' dormitory.

　As the armed knights and soldiers rode in, I was roughly restrained.

'Be quiet, you traitor!

　I was unresisting, but he hit me a few times and Luxion looked at me as I rolled to the floor.

　He gestured that it was okay and I was restrained as an adult.

　I had had a bad feeling when I heard that Angel had been restrained last night.

　I'd heard that bad premonitions often come true, but it really sucks.

'How does it feel to rise up and be stripped of your position so soon?
'I had my doubts. A little boy like you could never be a viscount.
I heard you've been dabbling in bad things behind the scenes. Get ready for some serious questioning.

　He was tied up, and when he walked out of the room, he saw the boys watching him.

　Among them is their personal servant, Mioru.

　He was laughing at me.

"Bastard.

　At my words, Mirou laughed, looking more and more amused.

　She was kicked in the back and collapsed.

　They pulled my hair and forced me to stand, and when I was made to walk, I could see the girls and their personal servants outside.

'It's a nice touch,'
I was suspicious from the beginning.
I had my suspicions about him being a viscount all along.

　As we walked along the path made by the students who had a lot to say, they threw garbage and other things at us.

　

　But that doesn't matter.

　I underestimated Mr. Hertolde - the Duchy - and I underestimated the Duchy.

　The knight who kicked me in the back said.

''Viscount Rion Faux-Baltfalt - no, it was just Rion now, wasn't it? Be prepared for this, you criminal.''

　The charges were many and varied, but they were all very close to being accusations.

　I was to be bound and thrown in jail.

'I wouldn't have wanted to be demoted this way,'

　Trash flew in the air when I slapped a light-hearted comment and even kicked me in the face.

　Weaving through the crowd, Livia emerged.

'Mr. Leon!'

　A small wave to Livia, who calls my name, and then walks away with trash thrown at her.