I Possessed the Villain’s Childhood Friend – Chapter 65

“Your Highness. Have you completed your business?”

“Yeah.”

Leon replied as he sank into his chair, answering the question posed by his guard knight, Kernan.

“How long do you plan to stay in Heros?”

“Well, I thought I might be here for about a week originally.”

Then, after yawning and covering his mouth, he continued, “The negotiations finished easily, so I’ll probably head back tomorrow.”

The negotiations between Leon and Duke Ricard didn’t take long at all.

Considering he arrived just yesterday and waited a whole day, it was quite an anticlimactic conclusion.

Of course, Duke Ricard had initially shouted in opposition, claiming it was nonsense.

However, upon seeing the various documents Leon had prepared, he eventually nodded along in silence, and that was that.

“I thought it would take longer.”

Leon was well aware that no matter how praised one might be as a genius, victory isn’t guaranteed.

In fact, wasn’t it in Heros that he learned this fact?

Thus, he had prepared meticulously for this endeavor.

Moreover, the opponent was none other than the noble Rozelia Duke House.

Facing Duke Ricard, the head of Rozelia, he could never afford to be careless.

“I should send a letter to Duke Ados when I return tomorrow.”

The last resort he prepared for any unforeseen circumstances was the aid of the Akses House, known as the secondary duke house alongside Rozelia.

It was fortunate for Leon that matters hadn’t escalated to that extent.

However, since he had received the most help from Duke Ados, it was only natural to express his gratitude.

“His reply will likely affirm that it’s only natural given the matters concerning Aike.”

During their conversations, Leon had gained some understanding of Aike’s character.

“….”

As he was working on the documents received from the palace, Leon felt a slight thirst.

“Kernan. Please bring me some black tea.”

“Understood.”

He then requested black tea from Kernan, who was waiting outside the door.

About 10 minutes later.

Knock, knock.

“Your Highness, may I come in?”

“Yeah.”

Kernan entered after receiving the black tea from the housekeeper of Rozelia Duke House.

“Here you go, Your Highness.”

“Thanks.”

As Kernan lowered his head and was about to leave…

“Seems like there’s quite a commotion outside.”

Leon stopped him.

The brief moment the door had opened for Kernan to bring in the tea was enough for Leon to clearly sense the ruckus outside.

“Oh, yes. I heard that Lady Reina, the eldest daughter of Rozelia Duke House, has returned from her outing.”

“Lady Reina?”

Didn’t Duke Ados mention she would be staying in Arcadia for about two weeks?

Such thoughts flickered through Leon’s mind.

“…Did something happen?”

“Pardon?”

“It’s nothing.”

Of course, it no longer concerned Leon.

The negotiations with Duke Ricard were concluded already.

So, should he take the chance to meet her and have a chat?

Leon briefly pondered over the idea but decided against it.

It felt like if he met her now, he might spill everything.

Truth be told, the real work of this plan was only just beginning.

No matter how much it might get out, it was better for those two to know as little as possible until the very end.

Certainly, Duke Ricard could attempt one last desperate move by sending Reina himself, but he didn’t consider Ricard to be that foolish a man.

Should he just stay quiet until tomorrow and then head back?

As Leon reached that conclusion…

“Oh, by the way, I also heard that Aike, the second son of Akses Duke House, has come along.”

Kernan continued casually.

“…Aike?”

“Yes. I believe the uproar has occurred because of him.”

So problems had arisen after all.

And not just any problem, but quite an entertaining one.

Leon chuckled behind his hand.

Originally, he intended to stay as low-key as possible until the next day, but now he had changed his mind.

“I’ll go take a look for a bit, Kernan.”

After saying that, Leon activated Wind Attribute Magic, Invisible.

★

When Reina first mentioned taking a leave of absence from Arcana, I didn’t say a word.

I thought it was a story that didn’t exist in the original work, so I had paused my thoughts.

But above all, it was a matter concerning Rozelia Duke House.

Being from Akses Duke House, I believed I shouldn’t intervene.

Yet, upon reflection, that didn’t matter.

Since when did I care so much about the house when making my moves?

From the very beginning, I just wanted Reina to be happy.

I didn’t want her to be alone.

If Reina were to say so, then to hell with the house.

“Aike? Although Master is currently occupied with official duties, even if it’s you…”

“I’m sorry for coming unannounced. I didn’t mean to.”

Anna, the maid, tried to block me, looking flustered.

However, I couldn’t stop here.

If I didn’t act now, there might not be another chance for me in the future.

“Then, will you come back another time…”

“Anna.”

I called Anna’s name with a low voice.

Upon doing so, she widened her eyes and drew in a breath.

“I heard you helped Reina a lot when she came to Arcadia.”

If I mentioned the name Avatarara, Anna wouldn’t be able to refuse my words.

But I didn’t want to go that route.

“If what you truly serve is Rozelia Duke House, then I’ll leave you with that suggestion and turn back.”

More than anyone else, I wanted Anna, who might care for Reina even more than I did, to understand my feelings.

“However, if your loyalty lies with Reina, then guide me to Duke Ricard.”

After hearing my words, Anna bit her lip for a moment, then smiled wryly as if resigned.

“You haven’t changed in the slightest, Aike.”

“People don’t change that easily.”

“Understood.”

Anna slightly opened the dress of her maid uniform and bowed her head.

“I, Anna Margret, the maid of Lady Reina Rozelia, will escort you, Aike Akses, the second son of Akses Duke House, the sword that protects the empire.”

“Thank you.”

In response to my gratitude, Anna replied softly with a smile.

“I, too, am truly grateful.”

Before moving, Anna calmed the still weeping Reina.

“Lady Reina, please wait in the carriage for a moment. I will guide Aike and return.”

“Alright, Anna.”

Reina ascended back into the carriage as she followed her words.

Seeing that, I asked the maid who had brought the carriage here.

“Take good care of Reina.”

“Understood, young master.”

Finishing my words, I slowly walked behind Anna.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, Aike.”

It was my first visit to the Rozelia Duke House’s mansion since the Martial Arts Tournament in Heros.

But if my memory serves me right, there should be little that’s changed since then.

Although the only facilities I utilized back then were the dining hall, guest rooms, and training hall.

“Master should be in his office on the second floor right now.”

I slowly climbed the stairs, calming my breath that had become rapid until this point.

The person I was about to meet was a cornerstone of the empire.

Duke Ricard, who leads the Rozelia Duke House.

He wasn’t someone who could be swayed simply by common emotional arguments.

“We have arrived, Aike.”

The place where Anna halted was in front of a door lavishly adorned.

It felt as if it begged to be recognized as an important location.

It stood out much more than the office my father used.

Knock, knock.

“…Who is it?”

A voice came from inside after the knock.

It sounded yielding somehow.

“Master, it’s Anna Margret. Aike Akses, the second son of Akses Duke House, has come to visit.”

“I don’t recall making such an appointment.”

“Anna.”

I urged Anna back and stood in front of the door alone.

“Duke Ricard, I wish to speak with you.”

“Aike Akses. Are you aware that such behavior might harm the family’s honor?”

“I am aware. I have already resolved myself to it.”

“…Very well. Come in.”

Upon hearing Duke Ricard’s permission, Anna stepped forward and slowly opened the office door.

The room inside was as lavishly decorated as the door.

“It’s been a while, Duke Ricard.”

Once Anna exited, I lowered my head and looked at Duke Ricard.

His light blonde hair and blue eyes were just as I remembered from three years ago.

Yet, for some reason, he seemed slightly haggard.

“Indeed. After the Martial Arts Tournament in Heros, it’s been over three years since our last meeting.”

“That’s right.”

“Please sit. There’s no need to stand while we talk.”

“Thank you.”

“Aike, I hope you have come with a valid reason for your sudden visit.”

I sat on the sofa, briefly closed my eyes to catch my breath, then spoke.

“I would like you to reconsider Reina’s leave of absence from Arcana.”

“…I don’t think you’d go so far as to commit such rudeness merely because of that.”

“I’m sorry, but that’s all there is to it.”

Duke Ricard let out a heavy sigh upon hearing my answer.

“I heard that girl is indeed taking a leave of absence. I assume you also know the reasons behind it.”

“Indeed.”

“The factions nobles belong to are inseparable from their duties. Do you really think a mere friendship formed at Arcana can surpass that?”

“That is a matter for Reina to decide for herself.”

I already knew it might come off as forceful.

But that conclusion could only be drawn from a noble’s point of view.

“Reina’s noble position isn’t everything to her. The issues with the factions are merely a slight collision; Reina has resolved the matter. Isn’t the decision to take a leave too extreme?”

“The fact that there was a collision is precisely what matters, Aike. Since you are a second son, you might not appreciate the importance of factions.”

Duke Ricard opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a letter.

“This letter is from Selt Marquis House. It mentions Lady Reina’s actions at the ball and expresses anticipation for the upcoming tea party. I’m sure you understand the implications of this?”

“That, that means…”

That implied they were expecting a price to pay because Reina had committed an offense.

“By your words, I agree that Reina’s noble position is not everything. However, if she has enjoyed privileges as a noble, she ought to fulfill her corresponding duties.”

“Are you saying that duty is a leave from Arcana?”

“Exactly. At least until that commoner special admission student graduates. That girl seems to be causing Reina trouble.”

Duke Ricard placed the letter back in the drawer as he continued.

“Aike Akses. The relationships of nobility are all built on practical benefits. A trivial childhood game cannot interfere with that.”

“That’s no different than forcing loneliness on her merely on account of her nobility.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Duke Ricard looked at me, his expression unreadable.

“It’s not about imposing loneliness. It’s because being a noble is inherently lonely.”

“….”

“A nobleman only needs one family member without any relationships beyond that.”

Father’s words proved true.

Rozelia Duke House was twisted.

Such mundane words could not sway him.

“Then what on earth do you mean by the words you spoke after my victory at the tournament?”

Yet, I still wanted to trust Duke Ricard.

I thought there might be some misunderstanding.

‘Treasured memories with dear friends remain for a lifetime.’

‘Both Reina and you, have you built sufficient memories on this occasion?’

‘…It was an abundance of joy.’

‘I’m glad if that’s your true sentiment. Congratulations on your victory, Aike.’

On the last day in Heros, his kindly smile and those words were genuine, in my opinion.

“Were your words that memories with friends remain forever simply a lie?!”

Holding onto my last hope, I shouted at Duke Ricard.

In response, he remained cold and unyielding, speaking expressionlessly.

“All those words were genuine.”

“If that’s the case…”

“However, I believe you have misunderstood my words.”

“…What?”

“What I meant is that the friends whom nobles should rely on are not dear friends, but rather they must endure loneliness while cherishing the joys of memories.”

Yet that hope crumbled.

“A nobleman must cling to the honor of the past while advancing into the future. Am I incorrect in saying this?”