Chapter 15

Previous summary: Rize-kun, while wishing for peace, made bombs with the clan whose country was taken away.

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In the reception room of the lord's mansion, a dandy old man with a beard was reading a crumpled letter with a delighted look on his face in front of me.

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Indeed, indeed. 'I will destroy your territory'—Jaikef sure wrote some pretty radical things! And on top of that, he accused you of 'distributing counterfeit goods and causing economic collapse in my territory,' a false charge, I see!"

He put aside the letter he had received from Jaikef before and laughed heartily.

He is none other than the 'Grand Lord' who oversees this entire region, Duke Hohenheim. When my parents died suddenly and I inherited the baronial position, I relied on this old man. Thanks for handling all the paperwork and formalities, old man.

"Well, well... As the representative of the nobles in this region, I was surprised to find that Jaikef, who had requested my presence, was already dead when I arrived.

However, if you were subjected to such vicious slander and false accusations, I can somewhat understand why you went to battle without waiting for the appointed time. ...By the way, just to confirm, it really was a false accusation, right...?"

"Yes, that's right, Your Grace. I believe you can ask Klaus, the captain of the Bonclay territory's guards. I have done nothing wrong.

And yet—this man Jaikef blamed me for the economic downturn! He even declared that he would harm my land and people! As a lord who must protect the people, how could I not be angry!?"

"Hmm, I understand, I understand! I have received reports from the guards, including Klaus, that you are innocent.

...And I have also heard that you have been managing the Bonclay territory well in place of Jaikef. The people speak highly of you, so it seems you are doing a fine job."

With that, Duke Hohenheim smiled kindly at me.

O-Oh, this man really understands! That's right, I haven't done anything wrong! I'm the victim who was suddenly challenged by that crazy Jaikef! Even Captain Klaus said, "Don't worry, my lord. I have made it clear that you are not at fault!" It's great that my sense of justice has been conveyed so well.

"Well, it's not good that you engaged in a fight without my presence... but I was aware that Jaikef did not think highly of the Baybaron territory. There was also a duel application, so it was inevitable that one of you would die sooner or later.

--Alright, I will officially recognize this outcome. Based on the duel law, from today, the Bonclay territory is yours. Manage it well."

"Hah! I will do so with my life!"

Y-Yeah! I've officially got the Bonclay territory!

Ah, Duke Hohenheim is really a good person. He's bold and manly.

If all the nobles were like me or this man, the world would be peaceful, wouldn't it?

As I thought this, the Duke smiled deeply and said,

"Hehehe, talking to you is always refreshing, Rize. I can see it in your eyes... Despite your inability to use magic and being called a 'noble by blood only,' you are genuinely respectful to me."

What, really!? Is Duke Hohenheim being looked down upon!? No way, he's a really good person!

He has thought of various farming methods and irrigation systems, and has greatly helped the common people, right?

"...Duke Hohenheim, it's just that people don't see it. I think you are far more suitable to stand above others than someone like Jaikef, who can only use magic but is incompetent."

"Mm... Haha, what a bold statement! In the noble society, where 'mages' are valued more for their magical abilities than their leadership, your words could be considered a grave mistake."

"Will you punish me?"

"No, I am grateful!"

He stood up energetically and patted my shoulder. It hurts.

But it seems he's feeling more energetic, so I'll let it go. I must really be a healing type!

"Hmm, you are right. A leader must truly care for those below them. Treating subordinates like livestock or tools will eventually lead to the downfall of any group.

Alright, for the sake of protecting this country—I have made my decision!"

Oh, did he come up with some new policy or defense strategy? That's great.

"Hmm. I support you, Duke Hohenheim. I believe you will make this country better."

"Ah, it seems you have seen through my thoughts! ...On the way here, I had a premonition when I saw the prosperous land and the happy faces of the people in Baybaron. Rize, you have not considered any scandal as a noble and have even used magic for the common people, haven't you?"

"Yes. If you wish for the people's happiness, you should use whatever means are available, right?"

"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! Yes, that's right! You are absolutely correct! You are truly my comrade... the model of the new era's nobility!"

Oh... Not only does he not mock my sycophantic style, but he even praises me. This man is really a good person!!!

Such a person of character will surely lead the country in a peaceful direction! I will follow him for life!

I stood up as well, and we shook hands firmly, making a pledge.

"Duke... Let's work together to make this a peaceful country!"

"Yes, Rize! No matter how many sacrifices we make, we will surely make this a peaceful country!"

Uh, um? Did he say something really ominous...? Ah, it's fine!

Since Duke Hohenheim, who fully supports me, the great justice, is a super just person, he must have some good plan!

"Well, let's head back! If you need anything or have any problems, feel free to ask me! I will take care of your back!"

R-Really!? I can ask for anything!?

Yay! This man is really an amazing person!

Let's work together to achieve peace, Uncle Hohenheim!!!

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"---Hehehe, what a truly meaningful time..."

In the swaying luxury carriage, Hohenheim was smiling pleasantly.

Looking out the window at the smiling people of Baybaron, he truly felt that this was the ideal form of the state he aimed for.

Hohenheim had always thought: Why don't those who can use magic use it for the common people? Why do they keep following the teachings of the 'Sofia Church' like fools, even though it goes against their principles?

Ah, even if it means exhausting themselves, the happiness of the people will eventually lead to the happiness of the nobles themselves—why don't they take any action?

But when he spoke out, he was only called a "useless mage who can't use magic" and mocked behind his back. So, Hohenheim desperately thought of various farming methods and taught them to all the people, showing the nobles that they could be happy by increasing their income... but they still did not act.

Instead, they spread baseless rumors, saying, "Do you want to gain the people's popularity by getting your hands dirty with the soil?"

In response to this—Hohenheim snapped. He snapped big time.

The current noble society is beyond repair. He thought of killing everyone, including the royal family, and completely renewing the state.

But to start a revolution, he needed comrades with the same ideals.

While he was struggling to find such people— he found Rize Baybaron, the ideal person.

"...His eyes burned with the flame of justice. There was a pure light, without any hesitation."

Those who have committed evil and falsehoods have their eyes naturally clouded by the distortion of their humanity and unconscious guilt.

But Rize's eyes were always straight. His will, "I have done nothing wrong. I am the justice," was clearly conveyed.

Such pure eyes can only be found in a 'hero' in a story or a thoughtless child. Hohenheim was certain it was the former.

And from Rize's life, who defied the teachings of the 'Sofia Church' to serve the people, Hohenheim decided. He is the comrade who is worthy to rebel with him—!

"My wonderful comrade, we will meet again! Let's destroy all evil and grasp peace with bloodstained hands!"

Thus, Duke Hohenheim laughed loudly and left the Baybaron territory.

However... he was, of course, unaware.

That his wonderful comrade, Rize Baybaron, had only started serving the people to flatter them...!

He was as shallow in thought as a thoughtless child, just a self-righteous and unethical man—!

Thus, a dangerous duo was born: a powerful figure planning a coup and a thoughtless rebel gathering in his territory...!

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