Chapter 4

Focusing his mind, Bolman aligned his index and middle fingers of his right hand and moved them as if sweeping through the air. A faint, white glowing text appeared in the air.

Name: Bolman Etchgold Darkvalt

Title: Lord's Dragon Son

Lv: 3

HP: 320/320

MP: 9/9

SP: 15/15

Skills:

- Sword Lv1 (Sword attack power +5%)

- Intimidation Lv2 (Consumes 5 SP, reduces enemy SP by 6%)

- Negotiation Lv1 (Negotiation success rate +5%)

Magic: -

That's it. Those were the stats.

"Pathetic!!"

He couldn't help but lean back in his chair, taken aback.

Indeed, for a character who is supposed to be weak, this was about right... but it was just too terrible. There wasn't even a hint of a cheat.

As far as he could remember, even at the current stage of Lead (age ten, initial stats), he should have had around Lv: 5 and HP: 550. He was even outmatched by the heroine Tina.

The idea of a rematch was a dream within a dream.

In this game, the level difference wasn't that significant, and with the right tactics and techniques, a twenty percent handicap could be overcome.

But this was just too much. It was beyond reason.

To be so inferior to someone younger, how carelessly must Bolman have lived his life? His head started to hurt.

After checking his stats, he realized he didn't have any cheats.

There was no point in wishing for something he didn't have, so he needed to think about what he could use.

Without any ability cheats, the only advantage he could use in this world was his mind—his knowledge and creativity.

The useful knowledge he had could be roughly divided into three categories:

- General knowledge from his previous life

- Knowledge of the game "Yugtoria Notes"

- Bolman's knowledge of this world

He needed to combine these three to achieve his goals.

So, what should his goal be?

The top priority, of course, was to "survive."

If things continued as they were, he was almost certain to become monster fodder. He didn't want to die after reincarnating, only to be eaten by a monster.

He aimed to avoid or repel the monster attacks by taking a different path from the in-game Bolman.

Ideally, he would want to avoid the attacks, but it wasn't that simple.

The monster attacks were the catalyst for the protagonist's journey.

If he avoided the attacks but the protagonist didn't set out on his journey, the world could end up being destroyed a few years later, which would be truly laughable.

"So, either run away or defend the village on my own..."

If he only wanted to survive, it wouldn't be that difficult. He could just leave the villagers and the territory as sacrifices and escape on his own.

However, as a lord, he was entrusted with the protection and management of the territory by the king of the Laurenthia Kingdom. If he fled, he would be pursued by the kingdom's dark forces.

Moreover, abandoning the people he was supposed to protect didn't seem right, even as a human.

"Damn it. There's no choice but to fight."

In the dim light of the magic lamp, he muttered to himself.

That night, after much deliberation, he made several decisions.

"Father, I have a request."

The next morning, at breakfast, he put his plan into action.

"What is it? I have to inspect the direct territory this morning. We'll leave for the neighboring village after lunch. Be brief."

Goutsek, who seemed to have had a good time the night before, was poking at his plate with a slightly relaxed expression and turned his gaze to Bolman.

"Yes. I'll be brief. Last night, I had many thoughts and decided that I need to work harder to become an excellent lord like you."

"Hmm. An 'excellent lord' like me."

Goutsek's face broke into a grin. He was still as susceptible to flattery as ever. At this rate, he would be taken advantage of, Father.

"About that, I would like to ask you to request Giles' father to teach me swordsmanship. I want to build up my strength so that I can be as energetic as you in my endeavors."

"Giles' father, you mean Christophe?"

"Yes. I heard he used to be in the kingdom's knight corps. I lack the physical strength and endurance to stick with anything, and I believe he might know the methods to train in these areas."

"True. He should be able to guide you in such matters. ...Alright, I understand. I'll ask him to teach you swordsmanship."

Goutsek nodded approvingly.

"Thank you! I will strive to get closer to you, Father."

"Indeed. Do your best. Is that all you wanted to discuss?"

"Um, actually, there's one more thing..."

"What? You're quite greedy, aren't you?"

Swallowing the words "You're the greedy one," he smiled and spoke.

"Yes. I would like to learn about the financial management of the territory, so I request permission to view the ledgers."

As soon as he said that, Goutsek's eyes widened.

"The ledgers!? Why do you need to see them?"

The reaction was as expected.

After all, managing the territory was the lord's exclusive responsibility, and the ledgers weren't something that could be shown casually, even to family.

"To learn about the actual financial management of the territory, as I mentioned earlier."

"No, no, no!! You're overstepping, Bolman!!"

An overly strong rejection. There must be some reason behind it. ...Like something that could land him in jail if it came to light.

He placed his hands on the table and leaned forward.

"I know this is a very impolite request, but I want to become a person who is respected by others, like you, Father. I want to be a noble with high honor, just like you! Even a small part, like the ledgers of Tena Village, would be fine. Even old ledgers would do. Please, Father, give your foolish son a chance to learn!!"

Scattering flattery throughout his plea, Goutsek grunted, "Mmm..."

By the way, Tena Village was in the southeast of the Darkvalt Baron's territory, near the Jiamu Forest, and was the village that had developed the least. It was also the southernmost village in the Laurenthia Kingdom.

"......"

"......"

The two of them engaged in a silent standoff.

Eventually, his father sighed.

"Only the ledgers of Tena Village, then?"

"Thank you! I will work hard to meet your expectations, Father!!"

"Alright, alright. I'll tell Camille to show them to you."

Goutsek, looking somewhat tired, waved his hand and started to clear the remaining dishes.

Camille O'Neil was Stanief's father and the keeper of the Darkvalt Baron's treasury.

Having extracted everything he wanted from his father, he finished his breakfast quickly, inwardly doing a little dance.

By the way, the image of the little dance was the A○ dance.

Chan ka chan ka chan ka chan ka♪

Now, let's go back to the room and prepare for the outing.