Chapter 28

Chapter 27

Villain? Young Ae - 1

Duke of All Victory, Richter Nurem of Havlem.

Duke of Iron Blood, Oliver Valent of Ulken.

Duke of Gold, Laforos Ossiden of Boyar.

Duke of Magic's End, Beatrice Catovan of Serbet.

Duke of Wisdom, Arondel Salon of Chenis.

These five dukes currently stand at the pinnacle of the empire's nobility. Descendants of the empire's top founding heroes, these five dukes have reigned just below the emperor for 300 years of imperial history. Even as other noble families have risen, fallen, or been eradicated over the 300 years, the five dukes have remained steadfast, without any change.

No one has newly received a dukedom, nor has anyone slipped from it. The five ducal families have reigned alongside the royal family, unchanged.

Even emperors who pride themselves on their strong imperial authority and view the empire's nobles as mere parts treat the five dukes as partners and give them the utmost treatment. Of course, it was always a relationship with the emperor in a superior position.

Thus, dukes are not to be treated lightly, even by the emperor, and other nobles dare not even look at them. Naturally, the influence of a member of a ducal family, not just the duke himself, cannot be ignored.

But what if a member of such a ducal family, even the youngest daughter cherished by the current duke, were to be coldly attacked?

"Hic, hic..."

"It's okay, you won't have to see her again."

From the way Louise is trembling and hiccuping in the club room, it's clear that she's not in good shape. I brought her here for a while because she didn't look well, and now that she's in a familiar place, she seems to have relaxed, but she's still like this.

If I had let her go to school as she was, something serious might have happened. I'll just send a note to the teacher for the classes she missed due to unexcused absence, so it's fine. Power is for using like this. It's a minor use of power, but that's what it's for.

"Oh, big brother..."

I brewed some tea leaves that had been sitting in the club room for a long time. I patted her back lightly and placed the teacup in front of her, and she picked it up carefully, still sniffling. What should I do with her?

I understand why Louise is like this. The gap between a duke and a baron is immeasurable. To exaggerate a bit, it's even more severe than the difference between a baron and a commoner. No, it might not even be an exaggeration. The methods a baron can use to oppress a commoner are simple, but the ways a duke can oppress a baron are endless.

But if a duke's precious daughter coldly attacked her? The thought of the Nierad family's destruction might have flashed through Louise's mind. If she thought that the cause of the destruction was her own actions, she might have gone white with fear.

It's impressive that she didn't burst into tears in front of Margareta. Well done, our president.

"It's not because of malice. She just came alone and talked. If she had planned it, she would have talked publicly."

I sat next to Louise and continued to comfort her. It doesn't seem like Margareta deliberately targeted Louise, and the Valent family, if they really want to get rid of someone, act before they speak. This kind of verbal jab is really just a greeting.

Of course, if I told Louise that, she would probably burst into tears, so I held back.

"But... if it's because of me, if... my father, if... the family..."

Despite my comfort, she couldn't calm down and started to cry, barely managing to speak. To make her cry after seeing her for the first time in a year, Margareta, thank you very much...

"Even a ducal family can't attack an innocent noble family. If something like that happens, I'll stop it, so don't worry."

Actually, it's just bravado. If a duke starts to dance with a sword, it means they have the emperor's tacit approval. If I tried to stop a duke without the emperor's backing, I'd have to write a will.

Well, maybe I could hold them off for three days...? But after that, I'd be 'Deceased Karl Krasius'.

My bravado seemed to give Louise a bit of comfort, and she smiled slightly, but her eyes were still red. I think I'll have to keep her in the club room for the rest of the day. If I let her out and she runs into Margareta again, she might really collapse.

Right now, I kind of hate Margareta a little.

In the end, I kept Louise in the club room until club time started. She said she was fine to go back, but that's ridiculous. I told her to stay here. Her face is still red; where does she think she's going?

Then, I heard the sound of five pairs of footsteps coming from a distance. They sounded faster than usual, as if they were running. At least they had the self-control not to come during class. It's a good thing.

"Miss Louise!"

The first to open the door was Ainter. He made eye contact with me, who was sitting next to Louise, and I gave him a slight wave. Yes, you guys may be a bit dim, but your concern for Louise is genuine.

With the club members here, I gently shook Louise, who had been lying on the desk and sleeping. She must have been exhausted, as she had fallen asleep at some point. I picked up the coat I had given her and got up. Seeing the five guys rushing in was a bit intimidating.

"Are you okay, Louise?"

Erich, who had pushed past Ainter, was about to rush to Louise, who was still half-asleep, so I subtly blocked him. If you suddenly approach a kid who just woke up, they'll be startled. I've already calmed her down.

"I'm not hurt, so don't worry. I just had a shock today, so I let her rest for a while."

When I blocked Erich, the other four, who were running behind him, also stopped and looked at me. Turning around, I saw that Louise had definitely woken up and was getting up from her seat. Well, I can send her off now.

Turning my body to open the path I had blocked, the five finally rushed in. The image of a pride of lions pouncing on their prey came to mind. Is my vision playing tricks on me?

Surrounded by the five, Louise looked flustered but also happy that they were worried about her, and she greeted them with a smile. The warm treatment from the club members must have lifted her spirits after the sharp attack from Margareta.

Let's temporarily forget that the reason Margareta attacked was because of these club members.

"We're happy to be with Louise. So you don't need to worry."

"What does the opinion of others matter? What's most important to us is your warm heart, Miss."

As I watched, Louise's explanation seemed to be over, and the club members started to comfort her. "Don't worry," "There's nothing to be concerned about," "If anything happens, we'll step in and defend you," and so on. Strong words were poured out.

Again, let's temporarily forget that the reason Margareta attacked was because of these club members.

"Thanks. Big brother Karl said he'd protect me if anything happens."

When Louise, now smiling brightly without any dark clouds, mentioned me, the five turned their gaze to me. Ainter, in particular, let out a sigh of relief, looking somewhat reassured.

I don't know what you're thinking, but I think you might be overestimating me a bit.

'How can a civil servant stop a duke?'

Up to a marquis, there might be a chance to negotiate. After all, marquis families can be demoted or eradicated. But a duke is like a walking natural disaster. Once a duke's attack starts, there's no answer except to pray.

But since I was the one who boasted first, this is my karma. I slightly raised the corners of my mouth and responded to their gazes. But, why am I scared when the Valents probably won't really attack Louise? Is this the power of the atmosphere?

Anyway, with Louise's condition recovering, the club meeting ended.

During the club time, I comforted Louise by saying she wouldn't have to see Margareta again, but that's unlikely. She will most likely come looking for Louise again. She criticized Louise for associating with important figures from other countries, and if Louise accepts that criticism, the only answer is to disband the club.

But Louise won't disband the club, and I don't want her to. If the club disbands, what about the anger of those five? And how will I keep an eye on them if they scatter in all directions? I might have to kneel and beg Louise not to disband the club.

But Margareta doesn't know this. The club will continue, and Louise will keep associating with important figures. When Margareta realizes her advice was ignored, she will come looking for Louise again.

'Even the crown prince is causing trouble, and now a duchess is joining in.'

My head hurts. At least, a full-scale attack from the ducal family is unlikely, but Margareta has many ways to make Louise's life difficult. It's just that the Valents won't attack Louise as a ducal family, but Margareta as an individual is a different story.

'I should go see her soon.'

What can I do? There's no other way but to go to Margareta before she comes back to Louise with more threats. I'll explain the necessity of the club and tell her that I, as the advisor, am keeping a close eye to prevent any incidents. She'll understand.

But thinking about it, it's a bit strange. Margareta knows I'm the club's advisor, so why did she go to Louise to warn her? Is she trying to instill a sense of caution in Louise, regardless of my presence? Or does she think it's better for the club to be disbanded?

Of course, I don't know now. I'll have to subtly ask her when I meet her.

"The opportunity came sooner than I expected. Good morning, Karl."

The next day, during regular class time, Margareta boldly visited the club room.

Well, I was planning to go see her.

But I didn't expect you to come here yourself.

Seeing Margareta smiling made me a bit annoyed.

Author's Note

Thanks to the overwhelming and enthusiastic support of the readers, I'm achieving good results. I'm very grateful for this, and I want to express my thanks through this afterword!

Actually... I only found out recently, but my father knows that I'm writing a novel. He even knows what kind of novel it is. Of course, he doesn't read the content out of concern for my mental health and dignity.

Anyway, my father also knows that I'm achieving good results thanks to the readers' support, and because of that, I was able to enjoy a pleasant dinner with my father last night.

I'm happy to have a father who supports my writing and even fills my stomach like this!

...Is that what I should write, Dad?

Thank you for reading this chapter!

PapaMin! Thank you for your support!