Their resource satellite was confiscated by the empire, and they lost their credibility as nobles.
The Viscount Leizer family—no, the Baron Leizer family—was labeled as an unsuitable place for apprenticeship.
"Why did it come to this?"
The Banfield family was suspected of intentionally overlooking the pirate attack they had suffered.
What was fortunate for the Leizer family was that Liam had wiped out the pirates.
The remaining pirates at the baron's main base were all dealt with by Randolph.
The empire's investigation was more thorough than expected, and various other matters were investigated—leading to this situation.
The reason the family was left intact was partly due to the empire's concern that the sudden demise of the Leizer family would complicate governance.
Additionally, other circumstances played a significant role.
The Pietak family was destined to fall, and on top of that, a massive debt was about to roll into the Leizer family.
The reason for this was Catarina, who had been married into the family.
If Peter were to die, Catarina would have the potential to become the female head of the family.
He could abandon everything and run away, but doing so would make him hated by his relatives for destroying the viscount family.
He would be looked at with disdain in the imperial noble society.
No matter what happened, a bright future was not in sight.
Worse yet—
"The merchants all ran away."
Merchants who heard the rumors fled.
Even the merchants they had dealings with had become cold after the demotion. They had never thought highly of the family's association with pirates, and this was the final straw.
Perceptive subordinates quickly left to find new positions.
Those who remained were the inflexible ones.
Among them was the knight who had been guiding Liam.
"What went wrong? What did I do wrong?"
Despairing Randolph—his state was observed by the guide.
Standing in front of Randolph, the guide was unnoticed by him.
"I'm disappointed in you. But thanks to your despair, I've become a bit more normal. I will use your despair to take revenge on Liam."
Thanks to the despair of Randolph and Peter, the guide had regained some of its power.
However, it was not enough to make Liam miserable.
The guide thought.
"Since it's come to this, I'll reveal everything and make Liam despair. There's no other way."
The hateful gratitude of Liam could be felt even from a distance.
Without Randolph and Peter, the guide would have been in trouble.
—It might have faded away and disappeared.
If only they had become even more miserable.
The guide genuinely thought so.
"I will use your negative emotions to knock Liam down to hell this time!"
When the guide disappeared, Randolph lifted his head.
His face was slightly—relieved.
Probably because the guide had absorbed his negative emotions.
"The past has caught up with us. Now, we have no choice but to start over. First, I need to contact my son. I'll also talk to Catarina."
There were also the futures of the children to consider.
Determined not to stand still, Randolph stood up.
◇
Peter, who had exploded, looked as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
Catarina was by his side.
Lying on the bed, Peter was smiling weakly.
"I was—no, I am a fool."
"Finally realized, huh?"
Catarina was exasperated.
"Catarina, you should return to your family. You can break the engagement now. I'll make sure to prove that there was no physical relationship between us. I can't cause you any trouble."
Among those who had given up on Peter, Catarina shook her head.
"Going back won't change anything. My father told me to come back, but I have no intention of returning. If we leave you as is, our family will be ruined. So, I'll try to make the Pietak family a bit more normal."
"Catarina, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"It's fine."
Catarina had a resigned look on her face.
But she was genuinely trying to improve the Pietak family.
"If the Pietak family can recover a bit, someone will run for head of the family. Then, we can step down and retire."
"Yeah, I—I'll work hard."
Peter, like Liam, had grown up without knowing the love of his parents.
He was naive, and his parents were in the capital of the empire.
Having someone to rely on for the first time, Peter looked very happy.
◇
Imperial capital planet.
Tia, who had graduated from university, was undergoing training to become a civil servant.
The training period was two years long, during which she would be overworked with menial tasks.
However, those who were expected to rise in the future would be assigned to appropriate departments and treated favorably.
Tia was one of them.
Wearing a suit and entering the government building, she saw the heir of the Leizer family in work clothes.
He was being scolded by a senior.
"Hey, new guy! How many times do I have to tell you the same thing!"
"S-Sorry."
"You're probably not interested in this kind of work, right?"
"That's not—true."
"I doubt it. You guys, the heirs of noble families, think that anything other than the elite departments is a bad draw. You probably think you can get away from it after two years."
"No, that's not true."
"I won't let you go. Be prepared to clean the toilets for at least two years."
Bowing his head, he clenched his fists.
The Leizer family had been demoted, and their heir had not been assigned to an elite department.
He was quietly doing cleaning work.
This department was not where noble heirs were usually assigned.
Still, he was working diligently.
(Well, if he's working hard, I have nothing to say.)
If he had said something, Tia would not have forgiven the Leizer family for mistreating Liam. But his serious attitude made her lose her edge.
(Well, two years of training, four years of practical work—after that, the military academy. Which will Liam choose, university or the military academy?)
Depending on his choice, she would have to change her strategy.
Tia was working hard for Liam's future.
◇
The resistance from the subjects was strong.
For the past few years, I had been struggling with the fools who kept demanding rights and freedom.
Freedom and rights belong to me!
You have no freedom or rights!
"Why are you so obsessed with a hairstyle like that!"
Slamming my fist on the desk in the office, I sent the army to deal with the demonstrations in various places.
Fortunately, the demonstrations were just people walking around with placards demanding recognition of their hairstyles.
But the soldiers lacked enthusiasm.
Some even said, "What's wrong with a hairstyle?"
What a joke!
I will never recognize such a hairstyle!
How could you be so obsessed with a hairstyle like that for years!
"The territory is peaceful."
I was stunned by Tenjou's words.
"Where? There are subjects who are resisting me!"
When I subtly hinted to the TV stations that "Isn't this bad?" they said, "There's no law regulating hairstyles."
Which side are you on! Flatter the authorities more!
What a joke!
When I tried to force a law, the officials said, "That's a bit difficult, isn't it?"
Actually, it's complicated to decide which hairstyles are acceptable and which are not.
I understand, but—still!
Why are you so obsessed with hairstyles!
Is it because of the tax increase? Is that it!
"More importantly, the fourth wave of settlers has arrived safely on the new planet. Development is going smoother than expected. The tax increase must have made the subjects realize how serious you are. Their enthusiasm is different."
"More importantly, the hairstyle issue! I don't like it. I don't want a territory full of subjects with hairstyles like that!"
I will stop that hairstyle before I enter the young noble school!
◇
The head maid was reporting to the prime minister.
"Such is the situation. Apart from the demonstrations, everything is peaceful."
"I can understand the viscount's frustration."
The prime minister sympathized with Liam's current situation.
"More importantly, the time for entering the young noble school is approaching."
"While the viscount should be fine, I've heard that there are many problem children in the young noble school these days."
The young noble school also has its issues.
The reason the prime minister expects much from Liam is that the corruption in the empire is unbearable.
"By the way, I heard that the viscount purchased a fortress-class from the seventh weapons factory. Isn't it a bit too much to rush the military buildup? Is there a reason?"
The head maid answered.
"They are being used as defense points in the new territories. It will take a few more years to establish a proper base, so they are being used as a temporary measure."
"I see. That's the reason. You are thinking ahead."
◇
The noble heirs staying at Liam's mansion.
They are treated as servants for three years.
They receive education, but what happens to them after that?
—The answer is simple.
They live in Liam's territory.
With more universities being established, they can study at the university of their choice.
Two girls who had spent three years at the mansion were walking on the university campus in casual clothes.
"Wow, the viscount is so generous. He covers our tuition and living expenses."
Tuition is free.
They receive a fixed amount for living expenses, and if it's not enough, they can work part-time or rely on support from their families.
"We can't have this much fun in our hometowns."
Many territories don't even have universities.
Liam's territory is the most developed in the surrounding area.
The reason small lords send their children to study here is that they want them to learn in the most developed territory.
"I don't want to go back to my hometown."
Her friend sighed, and the girl smiled at her.
"You have to find a husband, you know. I'll stay here."
The sighing girl glared at her friend.
"Sounds great. I want to stay here too. At least for ten years."
"Give up. It's better to find a knight to marry."
The girls looked very happy.
The same was true for the boys.
They were enjoying their youth, studying and flirting at the university.
◇
"Damn it!"
Fuming, I was approaching the time to enter the young noble school.
Yet—
When I picked up a fashion magazine, the problematic hairstyle was even more evolved and featured.
Bryan peeked in.
"If you regulate it too strictly, they will resist even more, Lord Liam."
"I'll crush them thoroughly!"
I didn't expect them to anger me this much.
It's probably also a reaction to the tax increase that Tenjou pushed to the limit.
Then, I need to teach them who is right—no, who is superior.
"You should give up."
"They will give up! I will make them regret defying me, the authority!"
"Rather, the subjects seem to be enjoying it."
"I can't tolerate that!"
It's fine for me to toy with the subjects, but I cannot be toyed with.
It concerns the dignity of a corrupt lord.
"Then, it's time for military action. I'll call back the knights and cut down those fat heads—"
As I said that, I noticed something odd about Bryan.
He was frozen, as if time had stopped.
This feeling—I know it.
Looking around, I saw the guide, looking a bit worn out, sitting on a travel bag with his legs crossed.
Wearing a deep hat that hid his eyes, only his crescent-shaped mouth was clearly visible.
"Long time no see, Lord Liam."
"It's you."
The guide had his hands spread wide.
"I've wanted to see you for a long time. But I couldn't until today."
Looking happy, I thanked him.
"I've wanted to see you too. Actually, I wanted to thank you—"
The guide brought his index finger to his lips, gesturing for me to be quiet.
"First, it's my turn, Lord Liam. I have a lot to say too."
Standing up, the guide spoke to me calmly.
"Didn't you find it strange?"
"What?"
"Various things. Recently, the Leizer family, for example. Didn't you find it strange that you were treated coldly?"
"Not really."
"Think about it!"
Suddenly shouting, the guide apologized and continued.
"Originally, you should have been treated like Peter. You had the chance to marry the Leizer family's daughter and connect with a powerful family. Originally, Peter's position should have been yours."
"—You're kidding."
Surprised, I widened my eyes, and the guide laughed, spreading his hands wide.
"Then, why did Peter take everything you were supposed to get! It's because there's a mastermind."
"Mastermind?"
"—It's me."
Bowing, the guide looked up at me and smiled.
"I orchestrated everything."
Hearing the truth, I thought.
"You—you—"
"Peter didn't take everything you were supposed to get! It's my fault that you lost everything! And it's been like that all along! Liam, you've been deceived!"