Chapter 3

After my two older brothers left, I was swinging the magic sword in my room.

I remember the name... Yes, it’s Leviathan.

The water magic sword, Leviathan.

Every time I draw it from its sheath and swing it, it leaves a trail of blue light.

For a six-year-old like me, it’s still heavy and hard to handle, but it looks impressive, so I’ll keep it with me.

Most importantly, it’s a gift from my older brother, the Crown Prince.

It’s necessary to show that I’ll use it carefully to demonstrate my loyalty.

Still, it’s not something to carry around inside the house.

"Anyone?"

I decided to call someone to put the magic sword away.

"…Huh? Anyone?"

I found it strange that no one came when I called.

Even so, I am the Thirteenth Prince and the master of this mansion.

The servants should come immediately whenever I call.

No one came.

When I looked towards the door, I saw a male servant standing outside the room with a frightened look on his face.

"What’s wrong?"

"N-no, I apologize…"

The man hurriedly came in.

However, his face was pale, and his body was trembling slightly.

Clearly, something was wrong.

"What’s the matter?"

"T-that sword…"

"This sword? Oh, right."

When he mentioned it, I remembered when my brothers brought it over.

At that time, my brother’s servant also turned pale.

I realized it must be the influence of this magic sword, and the man said exactly what I imagined.

"Looking at it makes me feel extremely cold all over, and it hurts as if I’m being pricked by needles."

"I see, so it really is the influence of the magic sword. Hmm… I remember my brothers said…"

I recalled what happened when I received it and put it back in the box.

"How about now?"

"Ah… a little better…"

"Good."

"That’s the magic sword, isn’t it? Your Highness, it’s amazing that you can touch it without any problem."

"That’s why the Crown Prince gave it to me. More importantly, can you carry it in the box? If so, put it away properly."

"Understood!"

The man’s complexion was still a bit pale, but he was much better than when I called him.

Following my order, he picked up the box containing the magic sword and left the room.

Just then, one of the maids stood outside the room and knocked gently.

"Master?"

"Hmm? Zoe? Come in."

Zoe, one of the maids I recognize more often, is in her late teens and is relatively experienced in the mansion.

She takes care of my bath every day, so I remember her well.

"What’s the matter? You came without being called, did something happen?"

"Yes… I was thinking of taking a leave of absence."

"Huh?"

In my previous life as a commoner, I made a few mistakes right after reincarnation, and this was one of them.

When a servant says they are "taking a leave of absence," it means they are quitting. At first, I didn’t know this, which led to some misunderstandings.

Of course, I know now, so I asked for clarification.

"Why are you quitting?"

"Well, the fields at my parents’ home were washed away by the spring flood."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, and the house and everything else were washed away too. My family can’t make ends meet, and they want me to go to a brothel… because I’ve taken care of you, the Prince."

"I see, that’s enough."

I thought for a moment.

Over the past six years, I’ve learned how to behave as a noble, especially as a prince.

I need to find the best solution.

"Zoe, I remember your mother was the only one at home, taking care of the fields."

"Yes, and—"

"That’s enough. Bring your mother to the capital."

"Eh?"

"Your mother can work at the mansion… let’s see, as the gatekeeper at the back gate. I’ll pay her ten riins a month."

"Master!?"

Zoe was shocked.

It’s no wonder, as there’s no such position as a gatekeeper at the back gate; I just made it up on the spot.

Ten riins is the average monthly income for a man in his thirties in the capital.

"I have a few vacant houses on the outskirts of the city. Your family can use one of them."

"…Thank you so much!"

Zoe was so surprised that it took her nearly ten seconds to come to her senses.

As soon as she did, she knelt before me, touching her head to the ground in gratitude.

"Don’t worry about it. More importantly, bring your mother from the countryside as soon as possible."

"Yes! Thank you so much!"

Zoe left the room, overjoyed.

There are two reasons for this decision.

One is Zoe. If she’s sold to a brothel, they’ll use her experience of taking care of me as a selling point.

If I let that happen, the Thirteenth Prince’s reputation will suffer.

If that happens, I’ll get reprimanded by my other brothers—or even by my father, the Emperor.

A prince’s dignity is at stake.

The other reason is my possessiveness.

No matter what, once someone becomes my servant, they should remain a servant for life.

They can only leave when they die or when I dismiss them myself.

I can’t stand the idea of losing one of my servants, especially to a brothel, for just a few dozen riins.

"…Dylan"

"Yes, here I am."

The moment I called, a middle-aged man in his late thirties entered.

He has thin, thread-like eyes and a beard.

He’s in the position of a butler for the Thirteenth Prince’s mansion.

"You came quickly."

"I saw everything. However, it’s truly remarkable, Noah-sama. Your excellent judgment and quick action are impressive."

"Since you saw everything, this will be quick. You know about the flood, right?"

"The one in Doss?"

"Buy as much land as you can in that area. After the flood, merchants will try to take advantage of families like Zoe’s who can no longer make ends meet. Prevent that from happening."

"…"

"What’s wrong? Why are you so surprised?"

"I am indeed surprised."

Dylan spoke straightforwardly.

"Your first flood since you were born, and yet you made such a brilliant decision. And you did it right after hearing the story."

"…"

"I’m amazed at how you were able to do that."

I can’t say that I’ve seen a lot of such situations in my previous life.

"No, that was a foolish question. You are the son of the great Emperor, the Thirteenth Prince. It’s disrespectful to question your abilities."

"Then get moving."

"About five hundred thousand riins will be needed."

"I’ll send it over. Go now."

"Hai—And, Noah-sama?"

"What is it?"

I realized he had something else to say when I noticed the serious look in Dylan’s eyes.

"Thank you."

"Sure."

After nodding, Dylan left the room.

Ah, right, I remember Dylan is from that area.

I only remembered this after he left.