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Chapter 24




After hearing the story about a man's "thing" explodingβ€”well, I've been living seriously ever since.
I want to go out and have fun, but I'm too scared to do so. Before I knew it, my training had entered its third year.
"Before I knew it, it's almost over."
"Yeah."
Three years that seemed long but were shortβ€”towards the end, I couldn't play because I was scared of the explosion.
Damn itβ€”this is all the fault of that foolish viscount. Don't just leave such a dangerous venereal disease untreated.
When I return to my territory, I've decided to conduct a mass health check for the residents.
This place is too terrible; I can't even enjoy myself properly.
"By the way, it seems there will be a demonstration of martial arts the day before the training ends."
"Oh, you mean the match."
On the day before we leave, a match will be held, inviting all the relevant people.
However, this is a setup to let the well-behaved noble children, who receive special treatment, win.
We were instructed to lose gracefully.
"The viscount is pitiful, isn't he? It's all about pleasing the rich."
I thought I was rich, but there are always richer people out there.
There are families with a long history and a legacy of developing their territories, which I can't match yet.
Just knowing that is a gain.
However, there is a problem.
"In my case, I have a license of mastery, so I can't afford to lose."
"I'm in the same boat. But with Peter around, I feel more relaxed."
"Why?"
Kurt and Peter are both practitioners of the Aaren style of swordsmanship.
It's a famous style, so there are many disciples.
Extremely many, and there seems to be a problem.
"If the opponent is from the same school and also has a license of mastery, it's fine to lose."
"Is Peter as strong as you?"
"---No, Peter bought his license of mastery with money."
Apparently, famous swordsmanship schools sell licenses of mastery to people with social status.
It's good for publicity, and vassals will want to learn the same style as their lord.
In my case, since there's no one to teach the Issen style, my vassals have been training in various martial arts.
"Famous swordsmanship schools have it tough too."
"My father didn't receive his license of mastery until he became a lord. I heard it cost a lot of money."
Hearing that, I realize how noble Master Anshi is.
I can't afford to let the Issen style die out, so I need to take on disciples seriously.
Still, what should I do about the match?
Maybe it's better not to participate at all?
But, I'm a bit curious.
If Peter's family is so kind, would they really buy a license of mastery with money? Could it be that they consider personal martial prowess unnecessary?
---They are still incompatible with me.
β—‡
I lived in the Leizer Viscount's mansion for three years, which is longer than I've spent at my own home.
Feeling a bit complicated, I was sweeping the garden when I saw Peter walking with his arm linked with---Catherine.
As they approached me,
"Hey, poor guy."
"Poor you, Peter."
While saying "poor you," Catherine was giggling.
My family is still paying off the debts left by my grandparents and parents, so I can't really argue with being called poor.
I could pay it all off at once, but according to Amagi, it would draw too much attention, so we continue to pay it off gradually.
That's why I'm treated as poor.
"Do you need something?"
Peter was smirking.
"I thought I'd do you a favor, poor guy. I'll take you to the casino I go to."
It seems he's just bored and came to invite me.
A casino---playing in the pleasure district of a viscount's territory that doesn't properly manage it is foolish.
I'd rather make money from the casino than play in it.
"I'll pass."
When I politely declined, Peter's face twisted.
"You're turning down my offer! You, a poor guy!"
Suddenly, he lunged at me but fell in front of me.
He hit his head and was writhing in pain.
"Peter, are you okay!"
Catherine rushed over and helped him up, and Peter glared at me.
"I won't forgive you. I'll report this to the viscount!"
"You just fell."
What is he talking about?
I ignored his attitude and returned to my cleaning.
β—‡
The guide was watching Liam and Peter's fight from the roof of the mansion.
"---That's hopeless."
Liam is moving to take revenge, but it's not bearing fruit.
The reason is that there's no one who can beat Liam.
Even Kurt couldn't beat a serious Liam.
"Time is passing, but nothing is happening. Is this okay?"
Even if he tries various things, his power is limited.
To efficiently make Liam miserable, he needs to use his power at the right moment.
"The pirates trying to attack Liam are smaller and weaker than the previous Gores. They're completely unreliable."
So, even if he finds a suitable group nearby and makes them attack Liam, it won't likely bear fruit.
"It's not enough. This is not enough at all. What should I do?"
The guide was troubled and couldn't take any action.
A white light appeared behind him, then moved away and headed somewhere.
β—‡
"Damn it! The guy won't show up!"
The pirate captain slammed his fist on the table.
Despite gathering information on Liam and making preparations, Liam himself hasn't appeared.
He's holed up in the mansion, and the pirates can't reach him.
"Captain, if we don't do something, he'll finish his training and return home. Liam's home is not in our territory."
If he escapes, they won't be able to chase him.
The pirates can't let themselves be disrespected and are thinking of their next move.
The captain---
"---Contact that bastard Randolph."
"Is that okay? They said not to contact them carelessly."
"It's a critical time! If we're disrespected, other pirate groups will invade and take over. That bastard won't want that either."
The subordinate hurriedly made the call, and soon Randolph's image appeared before the captain.
"What is it?"
The dissatisfied Randolph was addressed humbly by the captain.
"Lord Viscount, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
β—‡
"---What do you think?"
In the office.
Randolph frowned at the pirates' proposal.
"You want to hurt a noble's son in our careβ€”what are you thinking? It's bound to fail."
It would affect the viscount's reputation.
The pirates seemed to understand that.
"Lord Viscount, we also have our pride. To keep other pirates from disrupting our territory, we need to deal with those who challenge us."
They can't let themselves be disrespected.
Being a pirate is tough.
"Only because of our reputation can you survive."
"Understood. So---can you let us deal with him before he returns home?"
Hearing this, the viscount stroked his chin.
(The Petack family isn't worth upsetting the Banfield family.)
"---Do it outside our territory."
"Of course. And, will you cooperate?"
"We can't send our fleet, but our rescue response might be delayed."
He won't help, but he won't save Liam either. The pirate smiled.
"That's fine. But, to be thorough, we need some help."
"Who?"
"Lord Peter of the Petack family."
Randolph's gaze sharpened, but the pirates remained calm.
(I heard he had a conflict with the Banfield boy, but couldn't hold back.)
Peter and Catherine had reported to Randolph.
Peter claimed he was hit, while Catherine later told him it was just a fall.
(They're too incompetent. But, if I upset them and the marriage is called off, that would be a problem.)
The scale of the Petack family, as misunderstood by Randolph, was very attractive.
If they joined forces, it would be a significant benefit for the viscount's family.
So, he can't afford to upset them.
"---The Petack fleet won't participate. Only pirates will. Got it?"
Without saying it, he was telling the Petacks to call themselves pirates.
They agreed, saying they understood.
"Only pirates will attack the Banfields. And, you won't get involved. This way, we can deal with them without any qualms."
"The Banfields are expendable. If they're attacked by pirates and lose their heir, the empire won't investigate."
A thorough investigation seemed unlikely.
So, if he reported the incident to the empire, everything would be buried.
Randolph was confident of this.
"Leave no evidence."
"Of course."
The communication ended, and Randolph returned to his work.
It was confirming the attendees for the party to send off the trainees leaving the mansion this year.
"Hmm, thanks to the Petack family's participation, this year's event will be larger than usual."
Satisfied, Randolph was impressed by the number of attendees.
Many families want to use this as a stepping stone to expand their connections.
Merchants, weapon factories, and othersβ€”it's something to look forward to.
"Still, accepting the Banfields was a mistake."
Bryan (ο½€οΌ›Ο‰οΌ›Β΄) "It's tough. It's tough not being able to do anything."
Tia (# γ‚œθ¨€γ‚œ) "It's β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—‹β—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