Chapter 80

■ Chapter 79. Rekillis (3) □ ᓚᘏᗢ

As everyone knows, once I get focused, it's hard for me to break away on my own. My parents say that I can remain so focused that even an explosion next to me wouldn't distract me.

However, this trait isn't always a virtue; it can also be a disadvantage depending on the situation. For example, I often miss meals because I get so engrossed that I don't realize it's time to eat, and strangers might think I'm ignoring them.

Therefore, I rarely exert my concentration unless I'm alone. I was able to focus on reading in the guest room because I expected Sebastian to call me later.

“Young friend, you seem to have a great interest in history?”

“... ...”

“Usually, I read the chronicles of Zeon. It's quite fascinating.”

And at the moment, my exceptional concentration has turned into a disadvantage, and it could even be the worst possible situation.

I met the gaze of the middle-aged man standing in front of me, who was smiling kindly. He had a gentle yet sharp demeanor, and his hair was a striking white with a hint of blue.

If one were to describe the image of a 'gentleman,' this man in front of me would fit the bill. His clean-cut appearance and well-fitted suit complemented him perfectly.

‘Huh?’

For a moment, I wasn't sure if the man's words were a compliment or an indirect criticism. I shifted my gaze to the sides.

Sebastian was standing at attention, and Mari, with a look of disappointment, caught my eye. Only then did I realize the situation and feel flustered.

The head of the family and Mari's father, Duke Rekillis, had come to the guest room where I was resting.

‘What, what is this? Why did he come here instead of the parlor?’

Sebastian had brought me to the guest room, not the parlor. The guest room is a space provided by the host for guests to rest comfortably, equipped with various amenities.

If the host wanted to see a guest, it would be normal to have an employee invite the guest to the parlor, not to come to the guest room directly. I knew this, which is why I could focus on my book without worry.

However, Duke Rekillis did not do this. For some reason, he came to the guest room himself instead of inviting me to the parlor.

Of course, it's not rude for a host to visit a guest room directly. In certain situations, it's common to do so when formalities can't be observed.

But I didn't expect Duke Rekillis to do this, and my inherent concentration has become a disadvantage.

“If I disturbed you while you were reading, I apologize.”

While I was trying to untangle the mess in my head, Duke Rekillis spoke in a gentle voice.

Despite his attempt to sound gentle, his voice was quite powerful.

Thanks to this, the tangled mess in my head became clear. With a clear mind, I could better understand the current situation.

“...Ah!”

I immediately thawed from my frozen state and hurriedly stood up. I couldn't afford to be rude again.

Standing up, I realized that his height was similar to Sebastian's. I wondered where Mari got her height from; it must be genetic.

Putting aside unnecessary thoughts, I stammered an apology.

“No, no. It was my fault for not noticing your presence, Your Grace.”

“I'll take that as an apology. It's quite impressive that a young friend like you can maintain such focus.”

His words sounded like a compliment, but to my ears, they sounded different.

‘You were so engrossed in your own affairs that you didn't notice the head of the family.’ It was a moment that made me feel quite uneasy.

First impressions last, and mine was about to be ruined. I scolded myself internally and apologized again.

“I'm sorry. It was my oversight.”

“Ha ha ha. There's no need to be so formal. I wasn't teasing; it was a compliment.”

Duke Rekillis laughed heartily and then extended his hand.

As I looked at his gloved hand, he spoke in a softer tone than before.

“It's nice to meet you. As you know, I am the head of the Rekillis family, Dmitri Hausen Rekillis, and also Mari's father. Welcome to our estate.”

“It's an honor to meet you. I am Isaac Duker Maijal, the second son of the Maijal family.”

“Hmm. The Maijal family...”

As I shook his hand and introduced myself, Dmitri stared at my head.

My red hair is quite rare, and he might be thinking of my father, Hawk.

“By any chance, is your father named Hawk?”

“Yes, that's correct.”

“Interesting.”

What is interesting? While my heart was racing, Dmitri smiled.

The firm grip on my hand might be a subtle way to apply pressure.

I gave a wry smile, and Dmitri loosened his grip and released my hand. I immediately hid my throbbing hand behind my back and repeatedly clenched and unclenched it.

Despite being from the same family, his basic grip strength is impressive. Adults are naturally strong, but it still hurt a bit.

“You might be wondering why I came to the guest room myself. The fact is, my wife is currently using the parlor, and the other room is under renovation, so it's not available.”

“I see.”

“Let's sit down. It seems you were so engrossed in reading that you didn't even touch the refreshments.”

Indeed, various snacks and a steaming cup of tea were on the table in front of me. A maid must have brought them while I was reading. I smiled awkwardly and tensed up internally.

Each word Dmitri spoke felt like a dagger piercing my heart. As the father of my girlfriend, he was even more intimidating.

“Sebastian, wait outside until I call you. And Mari, sit next to me.”

“I understand. Call me if you need anything.”

Following Dmitri's instructions, Sebastian bowed and left the room, and Mari silently moved to sit next to me.

I glanced at Mari, who had a pouting face. She must be upset because of my earlier blunder.

Feeling guilty, I was about to say something when Dmitri asked a direct question.

“Let's get straight to the point. What is your relationship with my daughter?”

...A difficult question hit me. I clenched my fists on my knees.

Dmitri, who seemed to be a doting father, was predictable, but the question still made it hard for me to speak.

“Dad, I told you not to ask such questions. You already heard everything from the butler.”

Before I could respond, Mari complained from the side. She was puffing her cheeks and crossing her arms.

Dmitri laughed heartily and waved his hand, apologizing.

“Ha ha ha. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to corner you. As my daughter said, I already heard the story from the butler.”

“I... then...”

“As I mentioned earlier, there's no need to be so formal with me. As you know, our duchy is far from authoritarian. So, your relationship with my daughter...”

Dmitri spoke softly but then closed his mouth and narrowed his eyes.

“...is not acceptable. No matter how I think about it, this is a problem I cannot tolerate.”

“Dad!”

“Of course, I'm joking, Mari.”

It didn't sound like a joke. I couldn't say anything and just straightened my back.

‘He seems to be trying to make the atmosphere more relaxed...’

If it were another noble, especially a duke or higher, they would likely have a fit upon learning that their daughter was dating a viscount. But Dmitri didn't.

Instead, he tried to lighten the mood with jokes. Mari, instinctively knowing he was joking, reacted strongly.

While his consideration was appreciated, it put me in a difficult position. I didn't know how to act.

For now, it would be wise to only answer the duke's questions. I felt sweat on my clenched fists and waited for the next question.

“Do you plan to stay overnight at our estate?”

“No, I came here for a visit today.”

“Hmm. I see. But as I understand it, the Maijal fief is more than 10 hours away from the capital by carriage. Are you sure you're okay? If not, you can stay overnight.”

“Thank you for your offer, but I'm fine. I planned to leave before lunch.”

“Is that so? That's a shame.”

A shame? Shouldn't it be a relief?

I couldn't understand why he changed his attitude, but he must have read the confusion in my eyes and smiled.

“There's no particular reason. It's just that my daughter hasn't invited many people to the estate recently, especially men.”

“...Dad.”

Mari's voice became somber. The subtle anger in her tone made me flinch.

Dmitri shrugged and immediately apologized.

“I'm sorry, daughter. Was I too harsh? If you're upset, I apologize.”

“Please don't say things like that in the future. How nervous do you think he is? Look at his sweat.”

Mari comforted me and gently held my hand on my lap. I could see Dmitri's eyes twitch slightly when she touched my hand.

Is this what they call 'aura'? I smiled awkwardly while holding Mari's soft hand. Indirectly declaring our relationship was quite awkward.

“Well, since it's you and not just anyone, and you made your own choice, there shouldn't be a big problem. I respect your choice.”

“Thank you.”

“But there is a condition.”

The warm atmosphere quickly turned heavy with his words. Just as I was about to relax, I tensed up again upon hearing his words.

Dmitri then looked at our still clasped hands and fixed his gaze on my face. His blue eyes, like those of someone observing an interesting subject, were fixed on me.

Mari, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere, remained silent. Dmitri smiled and spoke quietly, but his voice was still powerful.

“I've read the letter Mari sent before. She mentioned that you were the one who taught her the history she once hated. Is that correct?”

“Yes, that's correct, though my skills are limited.”

“There's no need to be modest. I actually like that. Our Rekillis family values history above all else. History is a means to converse with the past and glimpse the future.”

I was genuinely surprised. The words Dmitri spoke were strikingly similar to a famous quote from my previous life.

This means that the Rekillis family has always prioritized history. For them, history is both a belief and a source of honor.

“Teaching others implies a broad knowledge, so I won't ask who, where, when, or what. That's the basics. Instead, I have another question.”

“...Yes.”

“It seems you've held a pen for a long time. Am I wrong?”

Dmitri said this while gesturing to my hand. He must have noticed the callus on my middle finger.

As I instinctively rubbed the callus, Dmitri spoke.

“Then, as a fellow ‘pen holder,’ let me ask you this. Historically, those who held pens had those who held swords under their command.”

“Yes, that's true. Conversely, when swords became too powerful, coups occurred, leading to social chaos.”

“You understand well. Now, let me ask you this.”

Dmitri paused, looking at me as if he was about to thoroughly examine me. I stood straight, undeterred by his predator-like gaze.

If I backed down now, I would be overwhelmed and unable to speak. So, I couldn't afford to back down.

In the ensuing silence, after staring at me for a long time, Dmitri spoke quietly.

“If the person holding the pen could change not just a country but the world, what would you do?”

“... ...”

“Would you stand by and watch, or would you oppose and prevent it?”

I answered without hesitation.

“I think both are meaningless.”

“Why is that?”

There's one thing Dmitri doesn't know.

“Because it's a natural phenomenon.”

I am a reincarnated person from a more socially advanced civilization than this world.

“History proves this.”

Now it's time to speak my mind.