Chapter 47

Iris had been cast into hell for three days now.

With the passage of time, she seemed to have calmed down considerably, to the point where her sighs of a day were reduced to just a few.

Perhaps feeling apologetic for Vain's laughter, Iris was taken out hunting. It would be good if they could clear their minds by moving their bodies, but who knows what will happen.

With their departure, my home was supposed to become quiet, but my father had just returned and was jubilantly enjoying the rare opportunity to indulge in the house. Despite usually not moving, he seemed particularly happy and even started skipping.

A middle-aged man skipping. Unbelievable.

"Father, please calm down a bit."

"No, it's been a while. Being able to relax at home without carrying any burdens is a rare treat."

"You'll be scolded by Mother."

"Indeed, but Father is happy now."

Saying this, he started dancing merrily.

Still, I might have occupied the house for a while and done something I shouldn't have. I suppose I can let him do as he pleases.

"Master, I have something to tell you."

At that moment, a rare message came from a servant, with an unusual atmosphere.

Clearly, something had happened. My father's peaceful time was short-lived.

"Father, it seems there's something to talk about."

I led him to where the message was to be delivered and informed him of the report.

"What is it? Speak up."

"The lord of the neighboring Marle territory, Lord Calek Marle, has arrived. A messenger has just informed us that he will be at the manor shortly."

"Wh-What!?"

Upon hearing the news, my father suddenly stiffened and collapsed on the spot.

"It hurts, it hurts, my leg cramps."

I went to my father, who was in pain, and stretched his leg muscles.

"It's because you were skipping."

"I'm sorry, Kururi, but it's not that."

"What do you mean?"

"Calek Marle..."

My father hesitated to speak. What could be happening?

Come to think of it, wasn't Marle territory Iris's hometown? From what I've heard, he's not a good lord for his people. Many of the people who move to our territory come from Marle. Honestly, he doesn't leave a good impression. What could he be here for?

"Are you acquainted with Lord Calek Marle?"

Seeing my father's pale face, I asked, worried.

"He, he is..."

"If it's too painful, you don't have to force yourself."

"No, it's fine. Calek Marle and I were classmates."

"Classmates, I see. So there must be some history."

"He was always better than me at everything. Academics, sports, everything. He was very popular, while I was inferior in everything and not popular with women."

"I see."

"Over time, I developed an inferiority complex towards him, and now I'm terrified just by seeing his face. Memories of losing to him in a fight come back, so I can't... "

"I understand the situation. Then, I will meet him. Father, please rest in the back."

"No, I can't leave this to my son. I can't put my son in the front line."

Rarely, my father looked cool. He really does look cool.

Is Calek Marle that terrifying? For him to come to our territory unannounced, it must be for something bad.

"Then, I will join you. We'll overcome this together."

"Is that okay, Kururi?"

"Yes, of course."

"I have a good son. Well, we can't just stand here."

My father, despite his injured leg, stepped on the ground and stood up. I've heard that a warrior's face is clear before going to battle, and my father's face was similar. Maybe I should also steel myself.

"Hey, it's been a while, Tarral."

"Ah, yes, it's been a while. Lord Calek."

Calek Marle, the person in question, entered the guest room and plopped down on the sofa. His audacious attitude immediately put me in a bad mood. Despite being classmates, my father was using polite language. It made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

Still, there was something that caught my attention. The image of Calek Marle I had in my mind from what my father had said was very different from the person in front of me.

In my imagination, he was:

Smart, athletic, popular, and good at fighting.

So, a 180 cm tall, muscular, handsome man.

But the person in front of me was completely different.

His face resembled a pig, and his body was proportionally obese. He didn't seem particularly intelligent or popular.

Is this a different person? Or does my father's subjective view make him seem like an all-around excellent person? I started to get that feeling.

"You haven't changed, Tarral."

"Neither have you, Lord Calek."

Ah, he hasn't changed. So, it's my father's subjective view. This guy isn't popular, he's a pig.

"I'm sorry for coming suddenly. I have a small request."

"I don't mind you coming, but what kind of request?"

Calek spread his legs wide and rested his elbows on the armrests. His unbecoming behavior as a guest made me increasingly irritated.

"Your territory has been thriving recently, I hear."

"Yes, thanks to you."

"Indeed. Thanks to you. Many of my people have moved to your territory, and as a result, my territory is losing its workforce day by day."

"That's... true."

"Which is why, today's main topic is, can you compensate us? For taking our people."

"But we didn't take them. The people came to our territory of their own accord. The country doesn't restrict the movement of people, so there shouldn't be any problem."

"There is a problem. I'm telling you, my territory is losing its workforce!"

"But—"

"Just give us the money. That way, my people will be satisfied."

I had been silently listening behind my father, but this was a ridiculous request. Iris had told me that Marle territory had heavy taxes. It's only natural for people to move to our territory, where taxes are lower and the economy is good. Moreover, it's the duty of a lord to try to prevent this. Yet, this pig in front of me is acting as if he's the victim. No, he knows he's in the wrong and that we have no fault. Still, he's making unreasonable demands. He must have pushed through any demands with my father in the past. What a despicable pig.

"Snort, snort, what a selfish request."

I couldn't hold back anymore. I had planned to stay out of it, but I couldn't stay silent. Most of all, I couldn't stand his condescending attitude towards my father.

"What's the matter with you? I'm talking to Tarral. Outsiders should keep quiet."

"My name is Kururi Helan, the next lord and Tarral Helan's son. I am not an outsider."

"Tarral, this is troublesome. Get him out of here."

"Kururi..."

"Father, please be quiet. I will handle this. Lord Calek, your request is unreasonable, and we will not accept it. Please leave immediately."

"But, my territory has suffered, and I can't just leave without compensation."

"Then, take some of our watermelons. How about ten?"

"Ten? That's not enough!"

"Then fifteen, no, it doesn't matter. We will not compensate in any way."

"Hmm, what a dilemma. No, really, a dilemma."

Calek stroked his chin. Did he think he could get away with such a ridiculous demand with my father? I'm glad I joined the conversation. I won't accept his demands.

"Then, I can't accept it. Tarral, convince your son."

"K, Kururi..."

"Father, why do you need to be afraid? We should reject such a ridiculous demand. Even if we do, justice is on our side."

I confidently advised my father, but he just looked down.

"Tarral!"

"Father!"

Father didn't react to either of us. He must be conflicted. But that's fine. His silence means no.

Now, I can either forcibly kick him out or deal with him as I see fit.

"You always do this. When there's a problem, you just stay silent. But I expected as much. So, one last time, is your answer no?"

"Of course," I answered for my father.

Calek glared at me. I glared back, determined not to look away.

"Hmph, then I understand. I'll change my approach. I'll ask Doville-senpai for help."

"Doville!? Eian Doville!?"

The name Eian Doville from my father's mouth. I couldn't not know him; he's the prime minister of this country.

He holds the second most political power after the king and, in reality, wields more power than the king. Moreover, he's Eliza's father.

In the future, he will be exiled by the prince for corruption, but at this stage, he is the most terrifying person in the country.

He's asking for help from such a person!?

"Your foolish son provoked me, so I'll get serious. I was planning to ask your father for a little money, but your attitude has changed my mind. I'll ask Doville-senpai to take this Helan territory from you."

He laughed uglily. Spit was flying, so stop it!

No, I don't have the luxury to think about that now.

From my father's reaction, I can infer that this man is telling the truth. I never thought he would have connections to the prime minister.

Could it be that Eliza's father was used for such things and was later punished? What is Eliza's dad doing?

This is bad. What should we do? If we lose everything, what will we do? We can't fight against the prime minister.

We have the future queen as a card, but it's not effective now, and it's becoming questionable whether it will ever be effective.

"I apologize for my rude attitude. But, calling the prime minister... I will apologize, but—"

"What? No, you don't understand. Are you not going to pay the money?"

"I will give as many special products as possible. Our territory is thriving, but we don't have much financial leeway. Please be lenient."

"You're a fool. Tarral, your son is a fool. A whiny, stupid, and foolish fool. I heard he was your son and a classmate of mine, but I never thought he would be this foolish. Tarral, it seems your son has inherited your foolish genes!"

His words were rich with insults. I've never been insulted so much or had spit spat on me. But now, I can only bow my head.

It might not work, but I can't have the prime minister come. It would be disastrous for our thriving territory.

To protect our territory, I can only bow my head now.

"I'm sorry, please calm down, Lord Calek."

I apologized desperately. Please, let this work.

"No, no, no!! I can't even think about it. I'll call Doville-senpai! I'll definitely call him!"

Ha ha ha ha, Calek laughed triumphantly.

Is it over? It's my fault. I overstepped. I'm a fool.

"...Kururi"

From Calek's laughter, I heard my father's voice, small but clear. The father who had looked like he was about to die stood up, with a look of anger in his eyes.

"Kururi, you don't need to apologize anymore."

"But, Father—"

Father took a step forward and approached Calek, who was sitting opposite.

"Lord Calek... no, you pig."

"What? What did you say?"

For a moment, I couldn't understand what my father had said. The timid father calling his nemesis a pig? And at such a disadvantageous time!?

"I will accept any insults directed at me, but I won't tolerate insults towards my son!!!! Take this, you pig!!!!"

With a scream, my father's fist caught Calek's jaw. It was a direct hit, and Calek fell off his chair.

"W-What!? What!?"

Calek,