My name is Jake. Jake ā Ractos, the oldest son of the duke house of Ractos. My father is Grid ā Ractos.
He is the administrator of this country.
Even so, what he does most, is manage the financial affairs of our country, and doesnāt do much in politics. He is a delicate man who is quite timid.
Ā
But even so, it seems that every citizen in this country fears my father.
I think that, maybe, it is because of his face. To be honest, even I am scared.
There was a time that I woke up at night to go to the toilet and came across him. I almost wet myself.
Although, if I say that to him, he will probably go seclude himself in his room, so I will never say that to him.
Ā
None of our problems are better than our fatherās.
For some reason, Mother, my sister and I are feared by the people too.
For my mother, well, itās to be expected if they fear Mary-chan, no?
My sisterā¦.well, if someone brings a double handed sword that big, and wears a full plate that makes loud, clattering noisesā¦ā¦ā¦well of course, right?
Ā
As for me ā¦.. what is my problem, I wonder?
Ah ~ ā¦. maybeā¦ā¦.itās really because of the sorcery, right?ā¦ā¦.
I have a magical trait that I received from my grandfather.
Furthermore, itās the rare [shadow sorcery].
Just like the name says, it is sorcery that allows one to manifest and manipulate shadows. (ED: Doctor Strange, anyone?)
It seems to be the same trait as the one my grandfather had.
My grandfather, Diebold ā Ractos was, at his prime days, a famous sorcerer, and his nickname is [Sorcerer King of the Dusk ] ā¦ā¦.
Ā
Sorcerer Kingā¦.twilightā¦.arenāt those all related to evilness?
ā¦.. Well, itās not like itās my place to say it.
[Incarnation of devil snake]
Thatās my nickname.
People say that the shape of the magic that manipulate makes it look like I am accompanied by a snake.
I donāt want it! I want something like, [Lightning] or maybe [Whirlwind] or those kinds of heroic nicknames as my nicknames, you know?!
What do you mean, with that devil snake, with that incarnation?!
It means that Iām that devil snake ? Isnāt that totally a monster?!
Well, I think the reason that they fear me is not only that though.
Ā
[As I thought, itās the face, rightā¦.?]
Ā
My face was reflected back at me in the spring in the middle of the castle town.
An eye that always looks like it is laughing, a mouth that always looks like I am scoffing.
Once a week, I get told something like [Bastard, what are you scheming?]
I donāt think about anything except that I want a friend, I want a loverā¦..(ED: My good brother, come here ;;)
Although I learn sorcery, since I am the eldest son, I will probably be taking over fatherās job and manage finances in the future.
I donāt scheme to dominate the world using sorcery, you know?!
Uh, my face itself shouldnāt be that badā¦..how did it turn out like this?
Ā
[shaah ā¦. ]
Ā
Something peeked out from the pocket of my clothes and looked over my face; it was a black snake with red eyes.
Ā
[ā¦. Are you trying to comfort me ? Nako]
Ā
Her name is Nako.
Because of the dark rumours surrounding our house, Iāve never had any friends since childhood. She was my only friend.
Well, since I was able to make a friend, no matter how scarce, then she should be my best friend, right?
After I finished my sorcery training, I summoned her as my familiar. She is quite reliable.
Ā
[Thatās right. It canāt be helped even if I feel down. At a time like this, itās best to eat delicious things. Thatās what father says after all ā¦. maybe I should go looking around the stalls.]
Ā
[shaa ā h! ]
Ā
Entering the side road from the main road, I move into an alleyway which has fewer people.
ā¦..after all, if I stay on the main road, then people will look at me hostilely.
Ahā¦ā¦not good. I am turning negative again.
Ā
Just then, I heard the sound of a woman screaming from the alleyway.
When I take a peek ā¦. how terrible! Thereās one girl who is about to be violated by two men.
Uwaah, their muscles are brawny ā¦. itās scary~ . I have this very-meager body after all, so I am not quite fond of those types of people, you know.
No, itās not the time to think something like that. I am a sorcerer. I must have a confidence.
At this kind of time, itās better to use a strong remark to make oneself look haughty! is what grandfather said.
A-Alright, Iāll do it ā¦.. !
Ā
ā- Several minutes later, I, who somehow able to punish the hoodlums and save the girl, felt this satisfied feeling ā¦.. or not.
Didnāt she become more scared of me then the hoodlums? This girl ā¦ā¦
Ā
[Oi , Jake ā Ractos ⦠!]
Ā
When I turn over and look at who has called me, there appeared the kingdomās first prince.
His name is Alto ā Azolias.
Wait, why did is prince at this kind of place?! He also didnāt bring any guards; itās dangerous, you know?!
Ā
[What are you planning to do with those men?]
Ā
Well, what should I do about them? Should I hand them to the guards?
Ā
[ā¦ā¦ Bastard, what is it exactly that you are scheming?]
Ā
Haha, today, I got told that again.
Ā
Ah, somehow prime minister-san is running out to the main street with an amazing speed.