Kays Translations

Chapter 54: Harassment before the Hunt Part 1

"──Well, I'm off then."

The next day, after all the camps had made their preparations, the sun was setting. It was early evening as the sun began to set.

As the Imperial Army deployed an intelligence-hunting force working under the radar, Lute was also moving forward with the plans he had cited.

"Your Excellency. I think it's a useless worry, but please be careful."

"Don't add extra words. That's a point of honest concern, Heinrich."

"No, I beg your pardon. I can't imagine that anything will happen to your Excellency. If there's anything I'm worried about, would it be that your Excellency won't make Natra-dono cry?"

"Do you think I have the personality to do that?"

"You almost made her cry just now, freezing her brother in front of her."

"... well, there's no denying it."

Heinrich pointed out the fact that it was part of the plan and had just happened, and Lute averted his eyes slightly awkwardly.

They were notified in advance, and they were assured of safety. Still, Natra was very upset when she saw Rick frozen in ice by Lute's hands.

"Your Excellency, even though the magic of the demi-god status is out of this world's reason, that scene was quite shocking, wasn't it? No wonder her eyes were teary."

"It's just an appearance. It looks like it's on ice, but it's actually freezing existence itself. Roughly speaking, it stops time. It is not physically frozen, much less dead. If I wish, it will instantly return to normal."

"Bullshit, as usual."

"I agree"

It is a very obvious statement, but the reality of the situation is nothing short of absurd. At any rate, even Lute thinks so.

The magic of demi-gods that manipulates and distorts concepts themselves at will. It easily creates something out of nothing, and adds one to one to make ten thousand.

While the laws of this world, even "magic," are clearly physical laws whose details have yet to be clarified, this is clearly a work of a different kind of god.

The details are not known. What is understood is that it is not the side that follows the law, but the authority that creates the law. And only the fact that even this bullshit is tolerated by the world because of the unique sense of the transcendent.

It was Lute's honest impression that this is a power that he uses a lot because he is convinced of its power, but it is a power that makes very little sense as such.

“So, in order to prove in an easy-to-understand manner that there is no problem in directing such bullshit at people, you went out of your way to use Rick-dono as a test subject.”

"Don't say bad things about people. If you show an example that it doesn't have any negative effects on humans, you can use it in various ways in the future. It's just a good opportunity."

A virtual stoppage of time for the human body. There are many ways to use it, and it is possible to harm or protect.

However, It is a useful power in many ways, but because it is a power outside the realm of reason, it inevitably comes with a sense of uneasiness. Especially when it comes to protection.

That's why Lute decided to prove the safety first. By making Rick impossible to interact with, he tried to eliminate unnecessary seeds of anxiety.

"It's unbearable for someone who was hit and caught up in it. I sympathize with both of them."

"It's the role of a retainer to obey the master's orders. I'm like an indirect master."

“I think it’s rather harsh for those who have just started training as retainers. Especially since the siblings were commoners until the other day, and their position is that of inventors. I think it's a little bit unfair to put them in the same position as soldiers like us or servants who receive orders on a daily basis."

One was dragged out to the scene as a decoy, the other was frozen in ice for experiments. Heinrich let out a small sigh, thinking it was such a pitiful treatment.

Even a decoy would be a high hurdle if they weren't accustomed to rough things, but even a soldier would want to refrain from being frozen in ice. Even if you know it's safe, you instinctively want to refuse.

The fact that they are assigned such roles without mercy because they are just right for them makes Lute an extremely difficult person for the siblings.

"Natra-dono. As I have reminded you before, you must speak out against his Excellency's reckless behavior. He will not listen to you if he deems it necessary, but he is not the kind of person who will be judged on the basis of backbiting. As long as it is limited to your Excellency and does not damage the name of the dukedom, there is no need to hesitate."

"Eh, ah, yes..."

"...I thought she was being a bit of a nag for someone who's not very good at it, but you put her up to it, you old bastard."

“I have been ordered to be gentle. Even without that, I could not bear to have a frail sister and brother being pushed around by your Excellency. Is there something wrong?"

"It's great that you seem to be open to each other..."

Heinrich looks at Natra, who is small right beside him, as if he were looking at a young child.

It's unlikely that you'll mix your work and private life, but it seems that his sympathy has led to a smooth bond on his part.

"Haa... It's going to take a long time if I get tangled up with an old man who likes children.”

"Ya, Grand Duke!”

“Natra-dono, be careful!”

Sensing that things were going to be troublesome, Lute pulled Natra and began to move.

Heinrich's gaze, mainly that of a good-natured old man directed at Natra, was slightly annoying. It seemed to me that he was about to spit out an endless stream of warnings to the young child.

"Damn, that old man. He's as easy to bond with as ever. He's just as devoted to the incompetent prince as ever."

"Eh. Heinrich-sama has been very kind to me."

"You can see it just by looking at it. He's easy on other people. And that's pretty much for people below our age.Well, he's been through a lot."

Heinrich's life was quite spectacular, such as being demoted from a high-ranking military officer.

As far as Lute knows, he lost his wife and children, and he had become estranged from his relatives after being demoted.

For these reasons, he has a strong sense of humanity and is especially lenient with those of his children and grandchildren's age.

"So, what did that old man say to you? Mainly about me."

"Huh, no, I mean...."

The answer to the question was absurdly inarticulate.It was not because the content was not good. The close aide was too loyal to engage in any kind of malicious gossip.

Then there is only one thing to be expected.

“I'm not offended by anything the old man says. You, of course, and Heinrich. When you say something like that in front of me, it's only to be expected that I will pursue the matter. So talk."

"... You have a thuggishness that's unsuitable for nobles, but on the contrary, you're a very gentle person. Since they are allowed to behave the way they do, we should have no problem being treated as lenient as they are."

“So you took it seriously. I don't mind, but you're pretty straightforward.”

"No, no! At first, of course, I said it was impossible, but then..."

Natra says that Heinrich reminded her repeatedly.

He said it is not good to build up frustration in this way. Lute is a man who will force things when necessary, but he will at least listen to what others have to say.

In addition, because he is surprisingly cooperative, he is open to discussion and sometimes accepts alternatives.

In the first place, since an inventor is a position that thinks, Lute and Liselotte would prefer to hear their opinions, including their questions, rather than just agreeing to comply with them.

"So if we were in a situation where we were having a conversation, it wouldn't hurt to at least ask 'why'. Also, when you are really angry, your magic comes before your mouth. So if that's not the case, don't worry about it. The rough tone and grumpiness is due to your true personality and my lack of education, so I'm sorry, but I'll get used to it."

"Ah, I'm not sure ......"

It turned out that he had been trashed more than expected, and even the quintessential Lute's cheeks twitched.

The first half was still good. It was reasonable content for follow-up and advice, and there are certainly parts of it that Lute agrees with.

But the second half is a simple rant. I don't think it was meant to demean me, but I can't help but wonder if there wasn't a better way to put it.

As I declared, it wasn't enough to get me angry, but it still felt like an ally had kicked me in the back.

"... No, no, um. I don't have anything to say, but I understand for the time being. It's the result of Heinrich's wisdom and the rebellious spirit within you, right?"

“What, rebellious spirit…!”

"I don't mean to be offended. I didn't think you liked me in the first place. In fact, it would be crazy to like me."

He tried to knock them out by tricking them and then reprimanding and shaking them around frequently afterwards.

Regardless of the appropriateness of the content, it is not surprising that there are feelings of antipathy.

Add to that the input from Lute's close associate, Heinrich, and it is inevitable, in a sense, that she would come out with an attitude.

“And Heinrich’s words are also correct. It would be more miserable to worry about the attitude of each and every one of the subjects.”

Ultimately, it doesn't matter as long as it doesn't interfere with your duties.

Lute's subordinates are a good example. There are people who speak silly lines about Lute, and there are some of them who even target Lute's breakfast.

If you think about it normally, it's an act of severe punishment, but Lute does not pay attention to their attitude because they are faithful to their duties as soldiers and handle external affairs with ease.

“So, as the old man says, do what you want with me. I'll let it slide as long as it's harmless..…but keep this in mind. I am the only special case to the end, and I'll only tolerate it within my family. Don't get that part wrong."

"Yes! That's what Heinrich-sama has also been insisting on! I should not neglect my studies, but I must learn to behave in a manner that will live up to the name of the dukedom. ...... so that I may return to the grand duke with a clean slate."

"That old man...!!"

Lute decided that he would definitely complain about it later, not to imbue her with a strange way of communicating.

It must be a joke, and if the master's honor was seriously damaged, he would be furious, but...

It is human nature to think of this bastard as such.

"... Well, that's fine. Just be careful not to go overboard. Even if you cross the line, I won't do anything."

"Yes, sir!"

"Then we're done talking about it."

With only a final warning, Lute ended the chat.

"Now then. It's time to leave the Duke's mansion. The number of people will increase, so as I told you, I'll change my name. From now on, I am your escort and the duke's servant, Tait. Make no mistake, okay?"

"Yes! Tait-sama!"

"I'm begging you, really. Even though it's a deceptive name, it's better not to make a mistake."

"I-I'll be careful!"

The reply came back with a lot of force, but I guess there was nothing we could do about that now.

It would be her first experience as a decoy, and I don't expect Natra to be able to perform in the first place.

I have no concerns about that, as I have thought of a setup and excuses that take that into account.

"Rather, uh..."

Lute is more worried than that. After all, there is a possibility that the other party knows Lute's appearance.

For the time being, the only public appearance I made in this city was on my first day in Sandelica. On that occasion, he appeared in demi-god form and his public appearance was brief.

Currently, he is in his normal mode when he wanders around town. His hair and eye color are different, and he also has the common sense to know that a person in the position of grand duke would not be wandering around the city frequently.

But the other party is an espionage agent. It is also one who has received the blessing of the apostle, who is Lute's equal.

It is highly likely that the opponent is aware that the demonic divinity can change his physical characteristics according to his mood.

The fact that they are exposed will not have much of an effect on the main objective, which is waiting behind them, although it will be just the right amount of intimidation.

As the person who planned the harassment, I really wanted it to go well.

"...Um, Tait-san. Should we continue on our way to Uminekotei like this?"

"No, you're going to thank them, right? Then you'll have to bring a souvenir. We're going to a certain trading company. I'll give you instructions, but you'll have to take the lead."

"Yes, sir."

Well, well. What on earth is going to happen?

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