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Chapter 481: 「Is That How It Works?」

「Aye aye, sir…」

I really don’t want to! That’s what I’d like to say, but there’s a good chance this training ground is being monitored. If I say something careless, it might upset them, so I’ll obediently do as I’m told. But seriously, are they really mending the clothes by hand? This is a futuristic universe and we are in the Imperial Capital of a galactic empire, shouldn’t there be some kind of convenient machine that automatically repairs things?

「This way, please.」

「Thank you.」

My guide was a boy with a handsome face. He was one of the boys who had been watching the fight between me, and Leon and the other noble youths at the training ground. Guided by him, I made my way through Marquis Holz’s estate. This estate was a colossal structure that looked like a mega-building. I have no idea how many floors it has, but it’s probably not fewer than fifty. And it’s not just tall—it’s wide, too. How many people live in this massive structure? It’s definitely not just a hundred or two hundred people. With a structure this ridiculously large, it was almost impossible to reach your destination without a guide. There were hardly any signs or anything like that, either.

「How many people live in this mansion, anyway?」

「…!? Ah, um… I believe it’s close to ten thousand.」

He seemed startled by my question for a moment but he answered my question. Maybe he’s a bit scared because he saw me thrash the adults in front of him earlier.

「Even the scale is mindblowing… So, there are about nine or eight thousand people living here? It’s practically a whole town. How do you get essential supplies? Are there shops inside the estate?」

「Uh, I’ve heard that if you order what you need from your room, it gets delivered directly to your door.」

「Is it something like the supply delivery system used in colonies? I see… that makes sense.」

As I listened to the boy’s explanation, I began to wonder about his identity. His knowledge seems secondhand, rather than that of someone who actually lives here as an ordinary resident. He probably doesn’t need to worry about such details in his daily life.

「Could it be that you’re one of the sons of Marquis Holz?」

「Uh… yes. I’m Camille Halls, the son of the third wife, Beatrix.」

「I see. So, you’re a half-sibling to Serena… which means, in the future, you’ll be my brother-in-law, huh?」

「Yes, that’s right.」

「I see… So, what do you honestly think about a guy like me, who’s basically a nobody, becoming your sister’s husband?」

When I asked that, he stopped walking and seemed to think deeply for a moment.

「It probably isn’t ideal, I think. Serena-neesama was expected to marry into a family that befits the Holz House.」

「Yeah, that makes sense.」

It was an irrefutable argument.

「But, Hiro-dono is strong.」

「Hmm?」

「I think it’s fine because you’re strong.」

「Is that how it works?」

「I believe so. Father always says it too. For a noble, being underestimated is the end.」

「I see.」

What’s the best way to ensure you’re not underestimated? Of course, it’s violence—at least, that’s one way to think about it. I’m not sure if that’s exactly what they believe, but it’s clear that violence plays a significant role in noble society. Even Leon came at me to see if I had the requisite strength. It’s also a fact that swords are revered among nobles, and there are even those Drawn Sword Faction crazies who hold considerable influence.

☆★☆

While having an idle chat with Camille-kun, we finally arrived at the salon, and there…

「Sister, can I have him?」

「No, you can’t.」

「Come on, Sister, why don’t you just pick out someone suitable from the military for yourself?」

「Stop joking around.」

「Oh, don’t be like that. You’ve been single all this time anyway, so there’s no rush to find a partner. Why not show your big sisterly dignity by letting your adorable little sister have him?」

「Shall I show my dignity with my sword instead…?」

Serena was being heavily teased by her younger sisters. At first glance, it looks like a sweet scene—her sisters are leaning on her and hugging her like they are innocently pleading with their older sister—but what they are saying is pretty harsh. And Serena looks like she is about to explode.

「Uh… I’m back?」

I called out from the entrance of the salon, and the sisters who had been clinging to Serena instantly slipped away from her. It’s a little late for you to act like nothing happened, even if you try to act like you weren’t bothering Serena, and didn’t say anything strange, it won’t fly. It’s already too late. Way too late.

「Welcome back, Hiro-dono. Or should I call you Hiro-kun to sound more familiar?」

「Wouldn’t Hiro-sama be more appropriate? After all, he is the head of a viscount house.」

「Aren’t you being a little excessive? I think just adding ‘-san’ is just right, don’t you, Hiro-san?」

The sisters, who had been eyeing me critically before I left the salon, had completely changed their attitudes. It’s too late for that, you know. There’s no way I’m going to be won over by such shallow flattery. This is starting to feel like a hassle… Maybe I should just leave now; they can return my clothes at a later date.