Capítulo 15: The Non-Performance Award (1)
Two Hidden Pieces.
About six months have passed since I obtained the [Sword] and the [Ring of Black Brimstone].
I can honestly say that the time has flown by like an arrow.
'Especially for me, a man of limited time, it can only be perceived as faster.
X.
Sadly, I never had the chance to use the [Ring of Black Brimstone].
Was he worried about his youngest son, even if he was the most neglected?
'Father, I mean, Theo grounded me for a while.
Which, of course, was unfair to me.
"I didn't cause any accidents, and I even managed to capture Mia's forest, but I'm not going to get a reward… don't you think, Rona?"
" What?! But I'm a maid of the family… and if I curse my master, my salary will be cut...!"
"I'll bet you your wrist that your pay will be cut if you don't live up to my standards."
"…You're really too kind, aren't you? You don't even understand how good I am!"
She didn't say I was good after all.
I'll have to watch this again. Rona's a bit of a jerk, too.
I hope it's not just me, though.
At any rate.
I'm spending time with Rona, cracking jokes in moderation. Occasionally, I'll smile as I watch Carl grow, but....
Not like this.
"My life is… being… cut short!
It's something I can never say to anyone else.
[Based on your 'time-bound' trait, you have 147 days to live].
That sucks. Thanks for the kind words, man.
The damn system cares more about my lifespan than I do.
It's even trying to tell me when I'm going to die.
Fuck.
Now I really need to do something about it.
Shouldn't I use my new artifact?
"I can't do this. I'll have to go to my father and get permission to go out somehow…!"
"Young master."
At that moment, I was muttering to myself.
Outside, a familiar low-bass male voice called out.
It was Rodwell.
"What's going on?"
"The Patriarch has summoned you, young master, and I think you'd better go now."
"My father?"
"Yes, sir. It probably won't be a bad thing."
Ohhh.
Was Theo finally coming to his senses?
I quickly throw my coat over my shoulders in excitement.
It takes me an hour just to get dressed, even though I'm supposed to be dressed formally.
I'm a mess.
This meant I had nothing to worry about or be scared of.
"Now, Rona, get Carl some hay and water before I arrive. And don't forget the snacks. And some nutrition...."
"Yes, sir."
Rona was now conflicted, but she would do whatever I asked.
She was already relatively comfortable with Carl, after all.
It wouldn't matter.
With that thought, I headed out the door.
Patriarch. It had been a while since I'd seen Theo.
Theo von Reinhaber.
He sat in the Patriarch's chair, jaw set lightly.
"The young master is expected to arrive shortly."
"Yes. It's been a while."
Theo said, hiding his emotions as best he could.
Truth be told, he had no intention of grounding him for this long.
It was a case of give and take.
"Mia's Forest was a place that even I couldn't figure out how to defeat, and now that Nox has done it, it's only fair that I reward him."
The delayed payment of the reward was met with much resistance from the vassals.
Nox von Reinhaber.
Even though he had done well this time, it hadn't erased his reputation as a rascal.
He was a disgrace to House Reinhafer, one of the three great families of darkness.
As such, the vassals refused to believe that Nox had attacked the forest.
As such, it took quite a bit of red tape to grant the reward…
It is only now that approval has been granted.
"Even a king cannot ignore the opinions of his vassals."
Of course, this didn't mean that Theo's power was weak.
However, he was a man who valued the vassals who supported his family.
What if he did something without consulting those who served him?
There's bound to be a backlash from somewhere.
It wasn't even morally right.
Smart.
A knock on the door interrupted Theo's musings.
"Come in."
The moment.
The door swung open and a boy walked in from the outside.
White hair and lavender eyes just like his own. But a boy with his mother's fine features. He walks toward you with grace and dignity.
Then he bent one knee to the ground and said.
"Greetings, Patriarch."
"You have heard from Rodwell. Why I have summoned you."
Nox said nothing, but remained in his stance.
"Make yourself comfortable."
"Yes."
With that, Knox pushed his knees off the ground and stood.
Theo's eyes swept over Knox's body for a moment.
In just a few months, his glazed physique had grown a bit.
His shoulders had begun to open up into a straight line, and lean muscles dotted every inch of his body.
But the biggest change was in his eyes.
A gleam of pride and a thirst for accomplishment.
Theo saw a different side to his youngest, a side he had never seen before.
"You see," he said, "you know. That your behavior up to this point has not been right."
"Yes."
"As a son of House Rinehafer, you have trampled on the honor of others, belittled your servants, and disgraced your vassals. These are things no man of honor should dare to do."
"Indeed."
Nox replied meekly, acknowledging his wrongdoing.
As Theo watched, he couldn't help but let the corners of his mouth turn up.
Since when had Nox grown up like this?
His nervous, stuttering self was now completely gone.
As a father, it was satisfying.
But he couldn't show it on the outside.
Theo cleared his throat and continued.
"But even for such a wretch, it is my job as a patriarch to recognize merit when it is earned, and that is why I have called you here."
Theo studied Knox's expression for a moment.
Perhaps he was anticipating what was in store for him.
He thought.
'Whatever reward you are thinking of, I'm sure I will exceed that.'
There was a moment of silence, and then Theo's lips parted.
As he had promised.
Theo's reward was beyond anything Nox had ever imagined. It was a reward that even Nox hadn't thought of.
A word of nonchalance fell from Theo's lips.
"Only one thing. I will grant you whatever you ask."
I strained my ears.
What?
He'll grant me anything I want?
Even I, who had played Inner Lunatic countless times, had never heard Theo speak like this. He was always authoritarian and blunt.
He's always been authoritarian and blunt… I can't believe he's willing to listen to anything....
'Did he suddenly get shot in the head… No, he didn't; this era has no guns.
I hastily corrected myself.
'More like a knife in the back of the neck.'
In any case, Theo's words were just as shocking.
"You mean… anything?"
I said as calmly as I could.
Even at this moment, the [acting talent] is in full effect.
I'm melting. I'm melting…!
As a result, I can now say "father" and "master" as smoothly as if I were greased.
Is this the effect of brainwashing?
"Yes."
Theo continued.
"I swear by the long history of the Black Sword that in the name of the House of Reinhafer, I will do whatever you ask of me."
... I took it lightly, but apparently, he meant it.
The long history of the Black Sword.
An oath to the sword can never be broken, so there's nothing to add or subtract to his story.
"Of course, if you make too many demands, my opinion of you will change. I would think you would not do something so foolish."
"Of course."
I nodded immediately.
This could be an extra life, so to speak.
Whatever was going on could be resolved quickly if Theo got involved.
If I were in danger of dying, I could use it to postpone my death.
I could demand a rare artifact from an unobtainable continent.
Theo isn't one to mince words, so I've got a golden opportunity here.
"Do you want to tell me what you want now?"
"Give me time to think."
Theo considers for a moment, then nods.
"Very well. However, if you don't use it within a year, I will revoke your rights. Keep that in mind.
In addition, I will now allow you to go outside freely. Just make sure you don't get into any more trouble. Always keep in mind that you are a Reinhardt family member."
"…Understood. Thank you for your kindness."
With those words, my conversation with Theo was over.
I returned to my room, trying to hide the upturned corners of my mouth.
What on earth could I ask Theo for?
My heart was pounding with excitement.
"… the genie in the lamp...."
"What? Master, what's a genie?"
"There is something like that. Never mind."
After answering Lorna's question, I was lost in thought.
I'm about to enter the main story.
What's the best I can get out of this?
I have hours and days to think about it.
From this moment on!
The next day.
I see the figures of the two family vassals lying on the ground.
Then a girl greets me with wistful eyes.
The girl with red eyes. It was Talia.
"Well… next time we meet, let's meet at the Eldain Academy!"
"...."
Ha.
What the hell happened to me?
Why is the girl in front of me now giving me such a friendly greeting?
Even the most socially awkward of me knows what this means.
A friendly greeting when friends part ways…!
Isn't that what I see in dramas every day and envy!
But I can't accept it.
What kind of friend would casually say goodbye while plunging a knife into my heart?
Talia was not meant to be my friend.
But she doesn't seem to think so.
When I didn't answer, she spoke again, her face grim.
"Shall I see you again?"
"Young master, the lady spoke first, so answer the question."
Rodwell nudged me from the side. I was annoyed, but I had no choice but to answer. The families were close, after all.
For now, I had to do as he said.
"Hah. Very well, but only if you become… some sort of knight before then."
"Like this?"
Talia asked, pressing the index fingers of her hands together.
"Like being able to look at a giant spider and not be afraid to draw your sword...."
Pfft.
I felt a heavy sensation in my stomach. It happened so quickly and seamlessly that I couldn't help but feel a little flustered.
When I look up, Talia is staring at me, her face bright red.
Pain shot through me.
It was only then that I realized what I had done wrong.
… Apparently, the spider was a bit harsh.
I muttered to myself.
"I guess wolves are better...."
I meant it as a joke, but it backfired.
…The heart of a woman is difficult after all.
"Anyway, I'll be back as some kind of knight, so go wipe your throat and wait for me!"
…Throat?
Actually, you're probably right to feel a sense of cuteness at this point, because her complexion is quite outstanding, and she's still young, even though she's about to become an adult.
Besides, even among modern people, there are a lot of people who say they're going to kill each other for fun.
But it's the subject and my position as the listener that matters.
Is Talia really going to kill me in the end…!
Just as I'm thinking about the heinousness of it all, she suddenly walked and boarded the carriage.
As expected of a ducal family, the Steiners were riding in a luxurious carriage with many decorations that reflected their family name.
I shoved my hands in my pockets and shook my head in disbelief.
Suddenly, Emma took the reins of the carriage and broke the trance.
"Thank you so much for everything, especially Mr. Nox."
"What does the maid of House Steiner have to thank me for?"
I retorted as snidely as I could. But she only smiled warmly.
"Thank you again for saving Lady Talia's life. From the bottom of my heart."
"Well," I said, "that's how it happened .... So stop bothering me and go."
I turned away, hearing the rattle of the carriage as it drove away, and the trotting of the other two horses.
Now one person was leaving.
For some reason, I felt myself getting used to this strange life.
I don't know why, but I even find it a little enjoyable....
"Fuck it. Not now."
I quickly snapped out of my reverie.
I didn't have to explain why.
[According to the trait 'Time-bound', I have 146 days to live].
Because even now, I'm scrambling.
Rattle, rattle, rattle.
A carriage races down the road. Surrounding it on all sides are the figures of escort knights.
They are all dressed in well-forged iron chain mail, the honor guard of House Steiner.
Inside the family carriage.
One of the girls, her jaw set as she took in the scenery, suddenly broke the trance.
"By the way, Emma. Why does Nox... hate me so much?"
"What, Nanette!?"[sic]
Emma was taken aback by the question. Truthfully, she already knew. That Talia was already interested in Nox.
There was plenty of room to reason.
For one thing, Nox had miraculously rescued her from Mia's forest. He must have looked dashing, and as much as Talia always admired a heroic knight's tale, she couldn't help but be interested-perhaps, even attracted.
The fact that he had overcome his prejudices and won a duel against two brothers was probably a big plus. Nox certainly made an impression there, showing his mettle.
Was that enough?
There was one more reason.
'Actually, this is the most important.'
What mattered was that Nox was the only person Talia hadn't lost interest in. She was intolerant of anything outside of training and performing as a knight.
She gains interest quickly but loses it just as quick.
As such, I thought this interest would be short-lived.
'But I was wrong, because she's been chasing young master Nox the whole time.'
Not a bad thing for Emma. Whether or not it was a crush, any feelings directed at the other person could be beneficial.
What if the Steiners and the Reinhafers became in-laws?
Each would accumulate immense wealth and honor, to the point where they might even dare to confront the central government.
…Of course, there's no way this tomboy could calculate such a thing.
Therefore, Emma sighed and said as calmly as possible.
"It's probably because he's a pubescent boy."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
Talia asked, her jaw finally loosening, her eyes twinkling.
Emma pressed her forehead lightly against hers, pushing it back as she always did, avoiding the burdensome gaze.
"I mean… that your actions might not be what you say they are."
"Um… I don't know, does that mean he likes me?"
"It's not out of the question, it's just that guys tend to be a little more mean to girls they like during puberty."
Truth be told, my conscience pricked a little as I said that.
In Nox's case, it wasn't so much that he was being naughty as it was that he was… afraid of Talia.
She's been a maid for years, and she's had her fair share of eyes on her. We don't know why, but Nox is clearly afraid of Talia.
But isn't that part of being a servant that you can't say anything straight out?
'I'm not sure, but.... I apologize. Young master Nox.'
"Huh? Huh, Emma. Do you really think it's because he likes me?"
"Oh, there's probably about a nine…percent chance...."
I said deliberately small after the nine.
Just then, the carriage rattled and....
Talia must have heard it as a full ninety percent chance.
The fact that her cheeks were flushed and she was rubbing her hands together as if her face was heating up was proof of that.
"Ah… That would be a very embarrassing situation…! Mu, of course, if I were a member of a prestigious family… I think I'd make a pretty good groom, but that's not...."
"...Well, it'll be quiet for a while.
Emma covered her mouth with her hand and laughed quietly.
The price of selling Nox was indeed sweet.
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