Black Haired King

"Come on, eat as much as you like"

"Yes. Thank you."

……

also, very awkward. I'm sitting on a terrace outside the mansion right now. The desk I'm sitting at is round-table and the size of six people I can afford to sit at.

And before me, the Duke of Septembalm, next to his right, the Lady, next to Victoria's brother Gail on the opposite left, next to Mrs. Victoria's right, next to me. The seat between me and Mr. Gail is empty.

On the desk, delicious dishes are arranged narrowly, and Marie and Lucy pour drinks.

And when I'm ready, the Duke of Septembalm will prompt me, but it's hard to eat because I'm so admired. Besides, if the Duke doesn't eat first, he won't even be able to get his hands on it.

"Father, if Father doesn't start eating, he won't be eating either."

Mr. Gail, who thought the same thing about me, went in my place. The Duke of Septembalm says so too, and starts eating the dishes placed in front of him.

That was followed by Mrs., Mr. Gail and Victoria starting to eat the food. Now I can get my hands on it, too. Nobody talks a word during the meal.

Well, that's like noble manners. I prefer to eat whilst talking noisily, but when you get into town, follow the town. I can learn the basics from my sister all the time. I remember the table manners, but I can manage.

But the way Victoria ate was still beautiful. They don't cut meat without making a single sound, or hit the dishes silver when saving soup. I guess I learned the manners well, too.

"Gohon! Haven't you seen a little too much?

"Huh! And excuse me!

She seemed to have fallen in love with Victoria because of her beautiful eating style. The Duke of Septemberme took note of that. Victoria is blushing, but eats quietly.

With that happening, when I finish eating the meal, I quickly get cleaned off on my desk and my after-dinner drinks are left behind. The Duke of Septembalm took a sip of that.

"I've got Victoria."

And I was told. Does that mean you recognized your strength?

"I really don't want to admit it, but that showed me strength. Grimd is the most promising stock of the young, but it was brilliant to still leave room for that opponent to win"

... Who is this guy? It may be awfully rude, but it's a different way to react than when we first met. You switched with someone? I don't know what to think.

"... I know what you meant by that. But I'm only convinced that I actually saw it. He showed me that. Then I'll take care of it."

I'm going to say that with a little pointing at me. Well, that won't help either. If you care about Victoria, it'll be hard to forgive you. Even if it's none of my business.

Now let's just say I was recognized by the Duke. Don't worry about it, you'll be able to get into a confrontation.

From then on, the Duke was open because he had finished looking at what he wanted to see as well. He told me he'd have a carriage on his way home, but I decided to take my time. Not yet. Around noon.

"Really? I get it, Redius. Thank you so much for today."

"I have nothing to worry about. Because now you can take part in a confrontation without worrying."

It's not funny if you have to win a rivalry at any cost to keep Tyricia out of slavery, but you can't compete until then.

"See you tomorrow, thank you"

"Oh. Good luck with that."

"Yes."

I followed the Septemberms while Victoria and Marie and Lucy dropped me off. Well, shall we buy it for dinner and go home?

Lorna's been teaching me how to cook lately. Let's buy some ingredients and go home and make something. If you think about it like that, Galana is clever for what it looks like.

I love kids, I can cook with enough upbringing to teach them how to study. I used to build fields behind my own house. It seems suitable for teachers in outdoor schools and such.

With that in mind, I walked to the mall where the store was located.

◇ ◇ ◇

I look through the documents sent from the territory in my own office. Most of them just confirm and press the verdict stamp, but some of them are mixed with letters from other nobles, so I have to check. My men would help me if I were in the realm.

Concon!

If you look at the paperwork that way, you hear a knock on the door.

"Get in."

When I speak, the door opens. It was Germud who came in.

"I beg your pardon, Master Belzelix"

"... what the hell changed. I don't care what you always do."

When I say so, Germud sits in a chair niggling. Me and Germud are the same age and have been together ever since we were born.

Because of this, when I don't have eyes around me, I treat him as my best friend. I want my son Gail to have that relationship with Garamud, too.

"Well, we just have to do it right the first time."

"Fair enough. So, what's up?

"Oh. It's about the boy who came during the day."

I remember the day in Germud's words. Ladius, son of Germud, a boy overwhelmed by Grimud. Grimd is one of the only soldiers in the Septembalm family to be raised by Germd.

It is also the number one promising stock among young people. Such a germud, Redius pushed it off before he could be serious.

"What's with Redius?

As much as Germud would bother to say. I had roughly an idea to get out of Germud's mouth in me.

"We should hire Redius at Septemberme"

Again?

"Let me ask you why"

"As Bell has also seen, that boy has considerable strength. Just having him would be quite a boost to the war."

"Tell me the truth. I know that's not all."

"... as a countermeasure to the Wristnick Marquis. According to information from my intelligence department, Princess Elysia Listonic, who has now become the Crown Princess, is drowning about Redius.

If we had kept that Redius in the Septemberme family, the Listenick Marquis would not have their hands inside either. She even bothered to destroy her engagement and got it. You don't want to see King William and Princess Elisia grieving. "

"One deterrent..."

Hmm. It's probably better than not, but if you can just take in Redius, is that cheap?

Wristnick pigs keep the Septemberms in sight. If Prince Wang becomes king, he will surely complain about our territory. It would be nice if Prince William was wise... but I can't just look at the behavior of divestiture.

"Okay. Let's consider this for a moment. But isn't he supposed to be in the Kingsguard Knights?

"You should discuss that area with Raven. I'm sure Raven won't ignore Bell's predecessor either."

Not at all. Sort of good. It's worth thinking about if that makes you feel any less concerned. Fortunately, Redius is forgiven. If we take him in, the Gremonds won't be able to stop by.

Then Germud went back to Germud as an escort and left the room, and I glanced over the paperwork again.