Chapter 68

The final week of summer vacation—

After completing our tour of the Luminous territory, I and Laura stopped by my family home.

"Welcome back, Lord Albert."

Sebastian greeted us.

I planned to stay here for a few days to rest from the journey before returning to the academy via the transfer array.

"Hehehehehe! Hehehehehe! Lord Albert! The Marquis's lifestyle is too amazing!"

Laura was once again dazzled by the Marquis's luxurious life. As we spent this time, Sebastian quickly spoke up.

"Lord Albert."

"What is it?"

"Master is calling for you."

Father, I see—

There wasn't as much pressure in my heart as there was the last time. It surprisingly slipped into my mind quite smoothly.

So,

"Understood. Lead the way."

I was able to say it without hesitation.

When we reached the study, Father was sitting there.

...Oh...?

I thought he would be in a soft, gentle mood like me, but he had a strange aura about him.

...Is there still some difficult matter to discuss...?

"Albert, I'm glad you've returned. I know you're tired, but I have something to ask you."

"Understood."

I stood before Father.

"What is it?"

"Hmm. Actually, I've heard some strange rumors."

Father said this with a puzzled look.

"Strange rumors?"

"Yes. In the territory, we regularly patrol remote villages to check on the situation, but reports have come in that the goblins and orcs, which were considered dangerous, have been systematically eliminated. This has happened in several—no, quite a few villages."

Ah...

It's too obvious...

"When we asked the villagers, they said a man named Albert came and took care of them—"

Father looked at me intently and continued.

"Is that Albert you? Albert?"

...Indeed, it was within the territory. If I didn't use a pseudonym, it's not surprising that Father would hear about it.

However, even if Father found out, there wouldn't be any particular problem.

So I answered.

"Yes, that's correct."

"...I knew you were traveling, but I didn't expect you to be doing such things..."

"Helping the villagers and gaining their trust—two birds with one stone, I thought."

"Thank you for helping the villagers. I am grateful, Albert."

Father continued.

"Remote areas tend to be understaffed. There are limits to both manpower and budget. This year is especially tough. The villagers are suffering..."

"This year? Why is that?"

"The deployment of troops to Arrancia. Since the Luminous family commands the army, it's inevitable that we have to provide many soldiers. As a result, the defense of the territory is indeed thin."

He sighed.

"It's not just the death of Arrancia, who handled the internal affairs of the territory. The damaged finances and the shortage of manpower. The territory faces many challenges."

Then, Father continued in a joking tone.

"Oops. I shouldn't be telling this to you, the heir. Don't even think about stepping down, okay?"

It seems Father was trying to close the gap between us.

How long has it been since I last heard Father's jokes—more than ten years.

I relaxed my mouth a bit and responded.

"Of course not."

Then I continued.

"If you're looking for recruits, I have some ideas."

"What are they?"

"How about reaching out to the village vigilante groups?"

I visited many villages and saw young people who were dedicated to their communities. Many of them were working hard to protect their villages.

They would likely perform their duties with responsibility and care for their villages as soldiers.

"I've just resolved the threats in the villages. They should have some spare capacity. I don't think hiring them as soldiers would increase the risk to the villages."

"...I see, that's not a bad idea."

"Please consider it. I'll give you a list of the people who left an impression on me during my travels."

Father's eyes lit up as he looked at me.

"Oh... Albert... You've done so much...!"

"I'm glad if it helps."

As I said this, I felt a sense of fulfillment.

What I did had meaning. Things were connecting. The comfort of it felt good.

Father looked at me intently.

"...Albert, you've toured the remote villages and talked to the people living there, haven't you?"

"Yes."

"Remote villages face many challenges. They are places where the reach of the administration is limited... How about it, since it's a good opportunity, why don't you come up with some policies?"

"..."

I'm being pushed into it...

I said I wouldn't handle practical matters. So this proposal is not good. Father must know this and is testing me.

It's easy to refuse.

But I realized something.

The people living in the remote areas. They are also Luminous territory residents.

If I can do something, I should. They trusted me and shared their stories.

"...Though I lack talent, I will try to think about it."

"Take it easy. It's fine if nothing comes to mind. I'll take care of it."

Father said this in a cheerful tone.

I changed the subject.

"There's a remote village I need to report on."

"What is it?"

I told him about the village that had been guarding the seal of the nine-headed dragon.

After hearing the story, Father spoke in a hard tone.

"...Such a village existed..."

"Yes. The peace of the Luminous territory was built on their sacrifices."

Then I continued.

"Though the finances are tight, I would like to do something to acknowledge their efforts. I suggest building a memorial."

"Of course! I will visit the village myself and listen to their stories!"

After nodding strongly, Father asked me.

"What about the nine-headed dragon?"

"I defeated it."

It must have been unexpected, as Father leaned back.

"You defeated a dragon—a dragon?"

"Yes."

"...Oh, oh...! Albert! Albert! What have you done...! You are...!"

Father was so excited that he couldn't form words.

After calming down a bit, Father said.

"I am proud of you!"

Then he declared loudly.

"You are the hero of Luminous!"

...I... the hero of Luminous?

"Albert, as Albert, and as Albert Luminous. You wished for the coexistence of both—perhaps that was the right decision. You are not a person who can fit into the role of a single lord. Continue to act with a just heart!"

It was the highest praise from Father.

I never thought I would receive such words, and my heart was filled with emotion.

For a while, I couldn't find the right words to respond—

This was all I could say.

"...Thank you. I will strive to live up to your words..."

This chapter ends here. This is the range covered in Book 2—

Book 2 has been expanded by [43,000 characters], with half of the book being new content. For example, after this episode, the paperback continues with a different scene for six pages.

The new content, such as the 'Unicorn-related new episode,' is quite interesting. My friends who read it were laughing out loud, so I'm confident in it.

This alone is 26,000 characters, about 9 chapters on Narou, so it's very satisfying to read.

The color illustrations are also excellent.

The first one is the 'Full Burst activation shot.' Albert and the effect are just too cool!

The second one is 'Laura bathing to summon a unicorn.' It's a full-body shot. When I was writing, I thought this would definitely be a color illustration, and it turned out to be. As expected of a light novel (laughs).

It's drawn very well, and not only male readers but also female readers will think, "It's beautiful!" It's a beautiful picture. When I saw the rough draft, I thought, "It was worth the extra writing." I'm looking forward to the completion.

The third one is 'Laura walking through the woods with Albert.' Laura's expression is beautiful and touching.

So, the currently available paperback volume 2 is the 'Super Complete Edition.' Please consider purchasing it!

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This is the end of the translation.