Chapter 2

As Makoto, who had become Leord, was making a major decision, a report of Leord's defeat in a duel reached the Harvest Duke household.

"Is this true?"

"Yes, I have confirmed it with the academy. Furthermore, the duel took place in front of a large crowd, occupying the arena under the eyes of many spectators."

"…I see. I will go to the academy myself. Please contact them urgently."

"Yes, sir!"

The current head of the Harvest household, Beluga Harvest, dismissed the man who reported Leord's defeat in the duel and held his head in his hands. It was understandable for Beluga to do so. Duels, which exist under the kingdom's law, grant the victor the right to life and death over the loser. Fortunately, this time the opponent did not wish for Leord's death. If Leord had been ordered to die, Beluga would have been powerless to prevent his son's death.

"Ah… I thought going to the academy would calm him down, but I was wrong. No, it's because I spoiled him too much. I believed he would eventually grow up to be a fine young man…"

Beluga had spoiled his first child, Leord, like a butterfly or a flower. As a result, the current Leord was born, and it was not unreasonable for him to feel responsible. He had hoped that his son would eventually realize his mistakes and reform, but this incident made him realize the gravity of the situation. From now on, he needed to be stricter.

Beluga rang the bell at his desk, and an elderly butler entered his office.

"Did you call, sir?"

"Yes. I have a favor to ask."

"Is it about the young master?"

"You're perceptive. That's right, Gilbert. Can you do it?"

"There is no reason for me to refuse."

"I always count on you."

"Not at all. I am a butler who serves the Harvest household."

As the elderly butler left the room, a woman entered. It was Beluga's wife, Olivia.

"You. I heard something just now."

"Yes, I know. It's about Leord's duel, right?"

"Yes… What will happen to Leord?"

"Fortunately, the opponent in the duel made two requests. One is that Leord not be involved with Claris, his fiancée, and the other is that he disappear from the presence of the opponent, Siegfried. Therefore, I will have Leord withdraw from the academy voluntarily."

"That's good… It's settled with just that."

"Truly… I'm sorry, Olivia. If I had been stricter in his education, this wouldn't have happened."

"Don't say that. I also spoiled him, so it's both of our responsibilities."

Both apologized, but as their first child, they had poured a lot of love into raising him. That's why they spoiled him. As a result, his character became flawed, but it wasn't solely their fault. Leord also had a part in it, as he had taken advantage of the situation where he was spoiled.

"So, what do you plan to do after Leord withdraws from the academy?"

"Hmm. About that, I will send him to the border city of Zeato in our territory."

"Is that safe? Although the monsters are currently calm and the neighboring country has formed an alliance, Zeato is a key border city. Can Leord govern it?"

"There's no need to worry. I will send Gilbert with him."

"Oh! If Gilbert is with him, I can rest easy."

She said she could rest easy, but Leord would die. It was a certainty, and no matter how capable his subordinates were, it couldn't be prevented. Of course, the two of them had no way of knowing this.

"I will go to the academy to pick up Leord later. It will be a busy time, but I need your help."

"Of course, we are a married couple, so it's only natural to help."

"Thank you. I'm glad I married you."

"Me too, you."

They were about to get cozy when a knock on the door brought them back to their senses.

"Sorry. It seems to be work."

"Yes, I understand."

Olivia left the room, and a subordinate entered.

"I have a report!"

"Go on. What is it?"

"His Majesty the King has requested that you come to the castle urgently…"

"The news spreads fast. Well, considering what Leord has done, it's only natural."

"B-Beluga-sama…"

"Contact the castle immediately. Beluga Harvest will meet with His Majesty!"

"Yes, sir!"

The subordinate saluted and left the room, and Beluga leaned back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling.

"Phew. One after another… I need to apologize to Miss Claris and the earl's family. I also need to thank Siegfried. And then, I need to punish Leord for his actions. There are so many issues to deal with."

He couldn't help but complain, but there was no one around to hear him. Even if there were, only a handful of people could scold the head of the duke household to his face.

Beluga began to gather the documents to clean up after Leord.