n

n

n

nThe Imperial Capital’s palace.

nIt was too big to accurately pinpoint where inside exactly.

nFor the palace of the Empire is said to be bigger than even a major city in and of itself.

nThe minister’s office was located in such a place.

nThere, a grey-haired old man continued working on his electronic paperwork as another man drew closer to him in anger.

nThat other man was Cliff, Liam’s father.

n“What is the meaning of this?! Why won’t you allow our appeal for a reassignment to go through?!”

nAs most aristocrats retain their youthful bodies by slowing down the aging process, that meant that those of them that did have elderly appearances had truly lived for a long time.

nThe man who Cliff was complaining to was a man who had served the royal family for many generations and is said to know all of the Empire like the back of his hand.

n“…the reassignment process has already been completed once before, and we don’t see any reason to repeal it.”

nCliff had already discarded the eloquence and manners of a noble, and was starting to lose his temper.

n“That boy brought an android into the palace, and has broken the taboos of noble society. Do you want the Banfield house to bear this shame?!”

nAs the prime minister continued to process his electronic documents, he could feel a bitter taste rising in his mouth.

nHis hands which were working so fervently had stopped,

n“So you’re telling me that Sir Liam, the nobleman who defeated a pirate fleet that terrorized our space is an embarrassment? The Empire doesn’t have any laws against keeping an android close by. That’s nothing more than one of society’s tendencies.”

n“And I’m saying that it’s precisely because of those tendencies that this is a problem! Your Excellency, please reconsider!”

nThe prime minister smiled.

nMaybe Cliff thought that his point had finally gotten through, as he smiled back,

nBut his expression turned pale immediately after.

n“Sir Liam has fulfilled the duty of paying the taxes that the Banfield house has neglected. He is a wonderful citizen that contributes to the Empire, so we have great expectations for him. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

n“W-well if that’s the problem, then everything should be fine as long as we pay the taxes once we’re reinstated, right?”

nAt Cliff’s query, the minister suddenly burst into laughter,

n“It’s precisely because you never did so before that we can’t trust you. That’s the biggest difference between you and that child in the first place! As for which one of you is more beneficial for the Empire, even someone like you should understand the obvious choice here.”

nCliff scowled and tried to rebuttal, but the minister wouldn’t allow it,

n“Now I’d behave if I were you. You do want to live a peaceful life in the imperial capital after all, don’t you?”

nWith that statement Cliff quickly left the office with a somewhat panicked step. From the minister’s tone, he understood that if he did anything to Liam, then they’d surely dispose of him.

nThe minister watched Cliff’s receding back and frowned,

n“There’s been a boom in low-ranking nobility lately… I still can’t believe that such a prodigy was born from someone like that.”

nLiam was someone who had completely revitalized a desolate land.

nIn addition to that, he was able to defeat an overwhelming quantity of pirates while outnumbered.

nA genius of politics and governmental affairs, a master of martial skills and war, as well as a highly honourable and loved individual amongst his people. A superior lord of the frontier had appeared; a being that both greatly troubled the minister as much as he celebrated it,

n

n

nBecause one day he might turn those sharpened fangs towards the Empire.

nHe didn’t think they would lose, but it was a nasty thought all the same.

nBut the story was different if he was obedient.

nA lord who firmly pays taxes and follows orders would be greatly welcomed by the minister.

n“There’s no way we’d replace him with someone as incompetent as that. Let’s get that little boy– Liam, to work for the Empire.”

nHe brought out a certain electronic document.

nIt was a document that pertained to the rewards of the pirate subjugation.

nLiam had actually declined the remuneration.

nTo be precise, the form requested that the compensation would be used to pay-off the overdue taxes instead.

nAt the same time, it also appealed for the rights to be able to purchase flagship-class battleships at the Empire’s factories.

nNeither request could hurt the Empire.

nOr rather, both could only benefit them.

nInstead of paying out a reward, they were going to buy weapons from Empire-run facilities.

nIt was a very lucrative proposal that wouldn’t hinder their finances.

n“Even though the android gave its all to support their master, the true parents abandoned their child in pursuit of their own selfish desires… This is a sad time to live in…”

nThe minister went and complained for a little while, before continuing his work.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nThe suite room of one of the capital’s luxury hotels.

nIn any case, we were staying in a very expensive room, and I was currently laying down on Amagi’s lap on top of the bed.

n“…I’m tired. I just can’t understand what I can’t understand. Just what is a party?”

nAs I had participated in parties everyday, I had to seriously reconsider my definition of what parties were.

nThere were many parties of various forms.

nI had eaten creatures I had never seen before, and was perplexed by the surprises I could never have expected.

nWhat surprised me the most though was the bucket party. Not a mask party, a bucket party.

nIt was beyond anything I could’ve imagined.

nI really had no idea as to how someone could have thought of such an idea.

nThe bucket had opened up endless possibilities for me.

nAs a side note, the lap pillow felt really nice.

nThat’s when Amagi spoke up,

n“It’s almost time for you to become an adult, and with that I’ve been in your service for more than forty years.”

n“Yes, even though it’s been a long time, it all passed by in an instant.”

nIt was a very long amount of time in comparison to my previous life.

nAnd yet it felt so short.

n“…Master, I don’t think I should be by your side anymore.”

n“Why?”

nAmagi continued to explain as I confusedly raised my head,

n“The Empire has a strong sense of repulsion against androids. Master’s reputation has already been damaged by me. If you need someone to stay by your side, then a human woman would be better.”

nAfter being told such a thing, I could feel my anger flaring up,

n“Is that supposed to be a joke?”

n“Its not.”

n“Huh?”

nI suddenly recalled memories about my previous life’s wife.

n“This is for Master’s sake.”

nI remembered the woman who said that she loved me, yet still abandoned me so easily.

nI remembered the image of that woman and her new man laughing at me– and the hatred I felt at that time which was strong enough to kill.

n“…so you’re abandoning me too. Are you really going to throw me away?! Is it really that repulsing to stay by my side?! I see, so not even androids can stand my presence!”

nAfter I stood up and started to yell, Amagi went on to shake her head,

n“That’s not true, the time that I’ve spent with Master has undoubtedly been the happiest time in my life, but I have to leave. I’ll make sure to prepare a successor, so from now on-”

nWho cares about that?!

nAre you really leaving me for something as stupid as that?!

n“Don’t screw with me! You should just follow my orders! That’s right, this is an order! Stay by my side! Don’t go against what androids were supposed to be built for!”

n

n

nAmagi softly responded,

n“…if that is your command, then I will follow.”

n“I should’ve said this from the beginning. You… don’t ever abandon me.”

nAs I started to cry, Amagi came close and hugged my head.

n“I guess it can’t be helped.”

nIf you think about it, we’ve been together for almost half a century now.

nShe’s been with me longer than my previous life’s wife.

n“It’s always been just the two of us.”

n“…but wasn’t Brian always there too?”

nNo- that’s true, but don’t mention Brian’s name here.

nI see Brian in a totally different light.

nHe’s more like a grandpa, or a butler to me.

nNow that I think about it, I think I’ve known Brian the longest out of anyone.

nAmagi smiled,

n“Well, I’ll make sure to serve you for as long as possible.”

n“Yes, that’s fine.”

n–I should’ve said all this at the very beginning.

nBut why did Amagi’s smile look just the slightest bit sad?

n◇ ◇ ◇

nIn the territory of the Banfield house.

nThe newly established hospital was a place that was both well-equipped and well-staffed.

nTia, who had woken up in such a place, felt quite strange as she lay on her bed.

n“…this is?”

nThe surroundings were different from what she was used to.

nHer body also felt strange.

nNo, it felt quite nostalgic actually.

nShe could feel her limbs again, almost as if this were all a dream.

nA few moments later the door suddenly opened, so she tensed up, but it was a male doctor wearing a white coat that entered.

n—it wasn’t the rearing officer.

n“So you’re awake?”

nThe male doctor’s eyes that were looking at Tia showed no disgust at all.

n“Umm, just where is this? I’d-”

nHer voice sounded different than usual.

nIt was her voice. The voice that she lost had returned.

nWhat she just said was in the tone of her own voice!

nA nurse standing behind the male doctor looked over at Tia.

nShe brought over a hand mirror that showed Tia’s reflection.

nAt first Tia looked way because she was scared, but there was a familiar figure projected in it. In terms of age, she looked no older than someone who had just recently reached adulthood.

nLong, flaxen hair.

nPink lips and clear white skin.

nGreen eyes- it was her old face.

n“Huh? T-this is?”

nTears suddenly started to flow out as she confusedly gazed at the nostalgic sight.

nHer face couldn’t make expressions very well.

nHer arms and legs couldn’t move very well either.

nThe doctor seemed to be relieved.

n“We had to rebuild your body from scratch with regenerative therapy, so it took quite a while.”

nTia continued to cry as she listened to the explanation.

n“My body… is back to normal?”

nThe doctor looked a little troubled,

n“We used an elixir to turn you back, but you’ll have to go through some tough rehab if you want it work like it used to.”

n“An elixir? You used something that precious on me?”

n“We used a diluted amount, yes, but it’s not enough. Like I mentioned earlier, you’ll have to go through some tough rehab for a full recovery. It’ll be like rebuilding every muscle in your body from scratch.”

nIsn’t this a dream? But even in Tia’s wildest imagination, she thought that this was too good, even for a dream.

nUntil very recently, she thought that she could only feel such happiness in dreams.

n“I’ll do it. I’ll do anything you need me to! I feel like I’m dreaming here…”

nAs Tia declared so, the doctor began to smile,

n“This isn’t a dream, it’s reality. Yeah, definitely reality.”

nThere were still things to be worried about though.

nTia had just gone through a full-body regeneration treatment, but that wasn’t an operation just anyone could access.

nUnlike regenerating a limb, Tia’s condition required specifically designed equipment and an excellent specialist in order to cure.

nIt was possible to treat, but it was more than likely to say it wasn’t.

nAfter all, only nobles and millionaires could possibly afford elixirs.

nThat’s how valuable they were.

n“W-who paid for my medical treatment?”

nThe doctor answered her while operating a tablet terminal.

nHe seemed to be jotting down notes in her medical record.

n“Lord Banfield did, or to be more precise, he built this hospital and hired the staff for it.”

nUnbelievably, an entire hospital was prepared for her, rather than having her dropped off at a place where the necessary facilities were already built.

nThe doctor conveyed Liam’s words to her,

n“The Count told me to tell you that you’ll have to pay him back eventually, but for now you should focus on your rehabilitation. Many therapy sessions will also be required.”

n‘Be sure to return the favour-’ Tia thought of the boy after hearing such words.

n“Don’t tell me… was it the child from that time?”

n“Now then, listen up,”

nAfter the doctor said that, he proceeded to talk about her upcoming schedule.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nA year has passed since we left for the imperial capital.

nWe had finally returned to my territory, where I was currently receiving various reports from Brian in the mansion’s office.

nBrian was smiling,

n“Lord Liam, the hospital reported that the treatment has been going well.”

n“Are they talking about the ones that were being imprisoned by Goaz?”

n“Yes. It seems like those who are currently undergoing treatment should finish within the next few years, while those who don’t need it can already start a new life in the area.”

nMany of them had lost their hometowns, so they moved to my territory.

nA lot of them were beautiful girls, but there were also many artists and those with special skills among them.

nIf beautiful girls are born from their children in the future, then I’ll be a step closer to my dream of a ‘luxurious feast.’

n“That sounds wonderful.”

n“It truly is. Many of them wish to express how grateful they are to you, Lord Liam.”

nI made the investment thinking that it’d be beneficial for the future, but it looks like I’m already getting some positive results.

nCurrently, I was inspecting the golden box I held in my hand.

nIt was the treasure I had taken from Goaz, but I didn’t bring it to the capital. I had kept it in my desk’s drawer, so I was taking my time to look at it now that I was back.

nBriam smiled warmly as he looked at me,

n“Lord Liam sure does love gold.”

n“I adore gold.”

n“I’ve been thinking this for a while, but I can’t help but feel like I’ve seen that box somewhere before…”

nBrian suddenly clapped his hands,

n“I remember now!”

n“What is it? Is it some sort of great treasure?”

n“No, I think it’s something else.”

n“Don’t raise my expectations so high if you’re just going to drop them. So, what did you remember?”

n“I haven’t told you this before, but this Brian here used to be an adventurer.”

nAdventurers were those who explored the vastness of the universe.

nThey were a specialized group that delved into ruins and researched the secrets behind ancient civilizations.

n“You were an adventurer?”

n“Yes, and at the time, I remember seeing something like that in the data I researched. It’s a replica, but that’s the Alchemy Box, a device whose means of production was lost in ancient times.”

n“Alchemy box?”

n“Like a dream, it was something that had the ability to create treasure even from garbage. It could transmute anything except for living creatures. Meaning that it even had the ability to create rare metals like mithril, orihalculum, and adamantium.”

n“Could it make gold?!”

n“Hmm? Ah, yes, of course it could.”

nIt’d be wonderful if such a device actually existed in this universe.

n“I wish it was real.”

n“That would be phenomenal, yes. If you obtained something like that, then all our financial problems could be resolved at once.”

n“Do you want to try and find the real thing?”

n“Lord Liam, you’re currently the head of the Banfield house. Unfortunately, I’ll have to ask you to refrain from the adventurer’s occupation.”

nI puffed my cheeks with anger at Brian.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nIt was night.

nI was currently looking at the golden box in my room.

n“I wish this was real.”

nI asked Brian for the data on how to use it.

nA magic device that was destroyed in the past. A valuable tool that couldn’t be reproduced because it’s manufacturing technique had been lost.

nI’d never be troubled with debt again if I had it.

n“For example, if I opened the lid and used it on…”

nI opened the box and turned towards one of the wooden practice swords I kept nearby.

n“What?”

nI thought it was just a replica, but the box reacted and multiple screens were projected one after another all around me.

n“Eh?!”

nEverything was written in an ancient alphabet.

nI learned about this language in the education capsule, so I could somehow decipher it.

n“Transform? Uhh… this?”

nAfter I chose what item I wanted to transmute, the sword was wrapped in golden particles before it changed colour.

nPicking it up, it didn’t have the weight of a wooden sword anymore.

nIt had the heavy weight of a metal- more specifically, gold.

n“You’ve got to be kidding me! This is the real thing?!”

nNow that I think about it, Goaz was rich because he possessed a vast quantity of rare metals, not because of his piracy.

nSo this was the source of his wealth.

n“The guide told me that I’d get all of his treasure… was he talking about this?”

nI opened up a nearby window and started laughing,

n“This is amazing! To give me all this as just a service, you really are a great person! No matter how much I thank you, it’ll never be enough, but I’ll say it again anyways! Because of you, I can finally begin living my life as an evil lord!”

nI shouted out “Thank you” from the bottom of my heart.

nEvery part of my being was grateful to him, and I wanted him to know that!

n“I’m sorry Guide, at first I thought you were a really shady person, but I’m only this happy now because of everything that you’ve done for me! I don’t know what to say, and I can’t possibly thank you enough, but I want you to at least hear me say it, so- THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!!”

n◇ ◇ ◇

nOn the other hand…

nThe guide was being burned by Liam’s heartfelt gratitude towards him.

nIt was really freaking hot.

nHe was screaming in pain as if a red-hot iron was branding something onto his chest.

n“STOP IT!!!”

nGrasping his chest with both his hands, the guide was suffering unimaginable pain.

nHe was kicking his legs as he rolled on the ground, crying.

nThrowing away his suitcase, he cried out in pain from the gratitude.

n“It’s all gone! My power, it’s gone!”

nHe had lost the small amount of power he had left instead of recovering more.

nWith things like this, he couldn’t kill Liam even if he tried.

nAfter a while, he clutched his chest and clenched his teeth.

n“I won’t forgive you! I’ll never forgive you, Liam. With these hands I’ll knock you down to hell and relish in the pain you suffer for all eternity. You will hate, envy and fear me in that hell, while I stand over and laugh at you.”

nThe guide slowly rose up.

nOn a moonlit meadow, the guide swore revenge against Liam.

n“Be sure of it! You better believe that I’ll-”

nA dog silently hiding in the meadow continued to watch the guide in interest.

n

n