CH 175.2

Chapter 175.2. Masatoshi’s First 3 Days Of The New Year

-Masatoshi’s POV-

Recently, Masatoshi has started receiving successor education, and he bitterly contemplates the extent of it.

Nobles who have to think about such things to survive are so troublesome.

However, I have no intention of escaping from the role of successor. Because, considering the position of a magician in this world, I can’t become a NEET. If I deviate from being a successor, I can predict a future where I’d get sent to the front lines of monster extermination.

What a harsh world for NEETs.

I don’t want to live a life as a lower noble, constantly worrying about the favor of the higher nobles.

Even if I can’t live freely as I please, the only choice to live a luxurious life and have my whims satisfied is to inherit the Duke position.

In this way, I can’t help but suspect that there must be some intention behind me the information leaks about Takano County, but probably there is some intention, so I’m not wrong.

Is it to increase vigilance and caution against Takano County? Besides Masatoshi, there are many people present in this place. They will probably report the current conversation to their parents as well.

“So, does that mean Kanna Dukedom is being pressed so much in terms of power?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, but that group will probably get recognized as the Takano faction. With their increase in supporters of the pro-emperor faction, I think this country will be stable.”

I inwardly sigh as I see Shin smiling brightly. Such a portrayal wasn’t in the original work. I’m sure the author cut it, thinking that it doesn’t suit the typical harem, overpowered protagonist.

As the successor of the Duke’s family, he’s raised like that. And Shin is talented. When I think about it carefully, it’s natural for him to take such actions.

“It’s not good for power to concentrate too much. Aguni-san, you should consider it carefully, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah. I understand.”

I reply with annoyance to the condescending voice. It’s the voice of the arrogant girl standing next to Shin.

The girl has blonde hair styled in drill-like curls and exudes an old-fashioned, proud demeanor. She’s a straightforward stereotypical girl.

What’s a little different is that she has wolf ears standing up on her head, and a fluffy tail wagging happily.

“Elizabeth-san, is it that we must not let our guard down against Takano County? You know, that girl.”

Now, the grey-haired girl is testing various dishes by dipping them in a fountain of chocolate fondue. The surrounding children are excited, each holding a different dish. Is it a hotpot? I don’t recommend dipping sushi in chocolate fondue.

“It’s not about measuring Shin-sama’s heart as a best friend, right? You really can’t help it.”

She’s brushing up her drill curls and snorting. The sarcastic beauty’s name is Menou Elizabeth. She’s the eldest daughter of Menou Marquisate, which runs the Puppy Weapons Trading Company, one of the three Marquisate. She’s also Shin’s fiancée. I speculate that there was an event where Shin saved her life due to her blind affection for him.

Indeed, it’s a typical development where the non-magical fiancée dives into a dungeon to demonstrate the greatness of their magic and ends up being targeted by monsters when separated from the guards. Then, Shin comes up with a clever idea to save them, and they fall in love.

“Yes, that’s right. My brother is conveying his concerns about you, so please take it more seriously.”

Shin’s younger sister, Tsuki, joins in, riding on Elizabeth’s words. Ah, I see. From the perspective of a side character, I now understand how infuriating it is and grasp Shin’s popularity once again.

I used to scoff at those mobs who shed tears and felt frustrated only for him. But I must admit, it does get on one’s nerves.

However, the children around Shin are nodding in agreement. But I know they’ll turn their backs on him if he gets banished. Seeing this scene, it all feels so fake.

Especially since I can’t see the figure of Shin’s twin brother anywhere, I sense the deep darkness of the Kanna Dukedom.

Masatoshi is tired of glimpsing into the murky world of nobles, but then he hears a refreshing, gentle voice.

“Indeed, you truly are the heir of Kanna Dukedom. I must admire your courage to speak of such things at the Imperial Palace’s party.”

“Sena-san, you look beautiful today as well!”

My Sena-san radar immediately responds to that voice, I turn around and start praising. Excellent, beautiful hound, a treasure of the world, Sena-san the Saint. I almost wanted to be captivated by her cuteness, but her eyes were scary.

Sena-san, silver-haired and red-eyed in a cherry-red kimono, looked so good on her, and I almost admired her cuteness, as expected of a main heroine, but her eyes scared me.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sena-san. I can see that your spring-colored kimono is made from the finest materials, blending Mithril powder with King Silk. It’s truly exquisite, and you look just as stunning in it. Even though your fiancé is right next to you, I couldn’t help but be captivated by your presence.”

Shin bows slightly and compliments Seina-san. The protagonist, with all those elaborate lines. Masatoshi, frustrated he’s falling behind in vocabulary, tries to praise her without losing.

“Um, that kimono must be expensive, right? Truly fitting for Sena-san.”

Masatoshi’s line is unclear whether he’s praising anything. It just sounds like he’s saying the kimono is expensive.

“Well, thank you very much.”

Sena-san responds curtly with a rigid tone, making Masatoshi wonder if she’s in a bad mood.

“Anyway, I feel like I heard something unsettling. Am I mistaken?”

“Oh no, I was just saying that Japan will continue to be secure as long as the Emperor’s prestige shines brightly.”

Masatoshi is amazed by Shin’s nonchalant response. There was a scene in the novel where Shin would make excuses to his enemies, and it’s something like this.

As they both smile with smile, Masatoshi inexplicably feels sparks flying between them.