n

n

n

n

nSome nobles only ruled over one planet.

nBut one planet still had many things.

nThere were many resources, a myriad of environments, and various other features.

nIt was the responsibility of the ruling lord to conduct a thorough study of their territory’s planets and to manage the domain accordingly.

n–With that in mind, the resource-rich planet the Razel house rules over specialized in the development of resource mining and processing technology.

n“So that’s the reason why the Razel house adopted ‘acology’?”

nMining resources eventually led to environmental destruction, so the upper class lived in environmentally controlled cities called ‘acologies’.

nThe places they cared for were beautiful, but everywhere else seems to have been reduced to wastelands.

nDuring class, my desk was lined up with the other children who were learning the basics of domain management.

nKurt was making a perplexed expression.

nWas he thinking about adopting this method to squeeze more out of his people?

nAs I thought, he sure does have the qualities necessary to be an evil lord.

nAccording to the lesson of today’s class, it looks like the people ruled over by the viscount worked hard for the chance that they might be able to move to an acology.

nTherefore, the lord had the advantage of human resources naturally gathering around him even if he was silent.

nThough from the people’s perspective, they didn’t have a choice.

nWas it really okay to destroy your planet’s environment just for this?

nIn my opinion, I didn’t really want to invest in this venture.

nIt wasn’t just the home of the people, it was the home of the lord as well. It’s not good to destroy the place you lived at.

n–The way of the Razel house wasn’t something that could be adopted back home.

nTheir way of managing their territory could be said to be as solid as iron, but as a lord, though they weren’t bad, they weren’t good either.

nThough there was potential to be seen in their use of acologies and their treatment of the people, there wasn’t much.

nOnce class finally finished, Kurt turned to me,

n“Liam, don’t you think that was just awful?”

nHe was the kind of evil lord who squeezed out his people to the very last minute.

nI myself was still trying to figure out the ‘last-minute’-line.

nIn my case, I didn’t really want to put in much effort, so the moment I saw any ‘lines’, I stopped.

n“Not everyone thinks the same as yourself.”

n“Yeah… that’s a little sad.”

nIf there was even a little bit left to squeeze out, he’d get angry.

n“If that’s your opinion, you should use today’s class as a reference to use when running your territory.”

n“…yeah, I’ll do that.”

nHis father was a man who built up enough achievements to be appointed as a noble.

nTherefore, he sent his son out to the Razel house to learn how to manage a territory.

nHe was the ideal image of an evil lord.

nKurt’s father- the Baron was a great success in that area.

nTaking the Razel house’s lessons to heart, Kurt’s response showcased much potential for the future.

nIn the first place, being called a ‘lord’ was great, but in essence we were the same as pirates.

nWe claimed territory, controlled its residents, and beat them down if needed.

nThe very fact that we bowed down to the emperor was the reason why we were called noblemen instead of pirates.

nBut in essence we were the same.

nViscount Razel didn’t seem to understand his territory at all.

n

n

nWell, I’m still grateful to them for providing a place for me to make friends and connections while teaching me new things.

nAs an individual, I also wanted to have a solid foundation for my house, but unlike them, in all aspects.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nSome children who came to the Razel house received preferential treatment.

nAmong them was the person known as Peter.

nIn his class, Randolph himself was teaching how to rule as a lord.

nThe children were listening to Randolph’s lesson while snacking on drinks and sweets.

n“The most important thing about territory management is balance.”

nRandolph explained the importance of balance, and gave an example,

n“Sometimes it’s important to take action against wrongdoers. There are even some stupid nobles out there who actively try to destroy all pirates, but most pirates are actually just former civilians if you look into their origins. In other words, they’re people who turned to piracy to vent out their dissatisfaction.”

nThere were only a few children who received preferential treatment.

nMost of them seemed convinced after hearing Randolph’s lesson.

n“A lord’s duty isn’t to be in conflict with pirates, but if possible, gain control over them.”

nPeter opened his mouth,

n“I understand- back home my house was like that too.”

nRandolph started to smile,

n“That’s a bit surprising, but now I’m sure our houses can build a strong relationship in the future. Anyways, now let’s look at some things you’ll need to watch out for to prevent losses.”

nIt’d be bothersome if the pirates attacked incoming merchant ships that would stimulate your economy.

nBut if they say they’ll just take tolls from them, tell them you’ll allow them to do so in return for a percentage of the profits.

n“Building a mutually beneficial relationship with them is of the utmost importance.”

nUnder Randolph’s tutelage the children were led astray.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nThe Henfrey Chamber of Commerce had received a report,

nIt was an application for a loan from the Peetak house.

nThomas held his head as he struggled to think of a reply,

n“–more importantly, how could such a house even consider applying for a loan?”

nHe knew that other houses would try to take advantage of them, but the shamelessness of this house in particular was stunning.

nSimply put, they were exactly like the Banfield house before Liam was born.

nThey were in huge debt and their territory was desolate.

nAnd even worse than the former Banfield house was the Peetak house’s private army.

nRather than an army, they were more like pirates.

nIf Thomas refused the loan, the application had written nuances that they’d use force against them.

nUnfortunately, their recent trip to Viscount Razel’s territory revealed to them that it’d be better to not associate with such a house. So they couldn’t really ask them for help.

nWorriedly, one of the subordinates asked,

n“Why don’t we rely on Count Banfield’s house?”

nListening to that opinion, Thomas shook his head,

n“If we bring them into this, we might end up starting a war. Besides, the Razel house that Lord Liam is currently residing in also has the heir of the Peetak family there.”

nIf they unthinkingly brought Liam into this and messed up- it’d be war.

nUnwilling to make such a decision, Thomas decided to accept the loan application.

n“It’s obvious that they’re never going to pay us back.”

nIn such a situation, if they didn’t lend out the money now, then they’d surely get in the way of business from now on.

nLiam was currently in training.

nEven if he was returning in a few years, he’d be leaving again soon after for schooling in the imperial capital.

nHe might even be gone for decades.

n“…we’ll endure this for now. I just hope that Lord Liam won’t be stained by a poor education while he’s at the viscount’s.”

nThe Razel house that had a connection to the Peetak house brought many worries.

nThe things Thomas had anxiety about had increased.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nThe entertainment district located in Viscount Razel’s territory.

nInside a place called a black casino.

nThere was the figure of a noble child in addition to the crowd of pirates that seemed to gather there.

n

n

nThere were even a few knights there. It was an illegal casino that operated in secret.

nIn such a place, Peter was playing a card game.

nHe threw down his cards.

n“I lost again.”

nA man in a suit approached Peter.

n“Lord Peter, how are you doing today?”

nPeter drank alcohol while holding the woman that was sitting on his left by her shoulder.

n“I’m broke and sad. For some reason I keep losing.”

n“While it’s true that the amount that you owe us has grown quite considerably. For a simple favour, how would you like it if you could settle all of it at once?”

n“Hmm~ What’s stopping me from asking the viscount to clear it?”

n“Because doing so would damage Lord Peter’s reputation. With that said- I’d like to ask you something.”

nPeter agreed to settle his bill in exchange for some information.

nHe didn’t think too deeply about it.

n“What do you want to know?”

n“I want information on Count Banfield.”

nAfter receiving the image data, Peter looked at the picture of Liam’s face floating in the air and narrowed his eyes.

n“Hmm~ I don’t know such a guy.”

n“I heard that he was also training in at the Razel house, do you really not know him?”

n“There are actually a lot of children being taken care of at the viscount’s residence. If they aren’t receiving preferential treatment like I am, then they’re probably just some third-class nobleman with no prospects.”

nHearing that, the man in the suit started to laugh a little,

n“Lord Peter, if you can give us some more details, then we’ll be willing to offer you our special service.”

nAs the man in the suit snapped his fingers, an assortment of beautiful women started gathering around Peter.

nPeter spread out his arms and started laughing,

n“Just leave it to me. If all you want is information on that kid, then I’ll tell you everything!”

n“I have high expectations for you, Lord Peter.”

nThe man in the suit darkly smiled.

n◇ ◇ ◇

nI was brought to a snack-shop near the outskirts.

nThere, two women, one of them old and the other middle-aged, were selling some home-made goods.

nBefore the head knight that was singing enka1 songs on the karaoke, I started to complain.

n“When they told us they were going to bring us somewhere, I thought they were going to take us to a more flashy place.”

nKurt looked troubled by my comment,

n“Liam, you’re being rude.”

nBut that’s how I really felt.

nThe old lady started to laugh,

n“It’s fine, our humble store usually isn’t enough to satisfy great nobles like yourself.”

nShe said that, but weren’t the snacks that she brought out absurdly delicious?

nWatching me greedily scarf them down, the middle-aged lady looked slightly amazed,

n“Young children sure do eat a lot.”

n“Well… it’s because it tastes good.”

nAs we made a few more orders, the knight pumped his fist as he sang.

nI continued to talk with Kurt while slightly amazed.

nThe other upperclassmen and underclassmen brought were playing around as well.

n“Don’t you think that there’s better places to bring children to play around? This is boring.”

nLike the entertainment district, places that gave off that sort of feeling.

nKurt was blushing,

n“No, I’d be troubled even if you asked me.”

n“Well, isn’t that generally considered important to do so? Eat, sleep, and do the deed. For humans, it’s unhealthy to be missing something.”

n“No, I don’t think it is.”

nMeeting the three major needs is important.

nI don’t like ignoring obvious things in the face of beautiful ideals.

nIn my previous life, I had tried to live seriously.

nI’ve only experienced going to those types of stores when my boss brought me.

nThough I didn’t play around because I cherished my family. Looking back on it, I can’t help but think I was being quite foolish.

nIt would’ve been nice if I could’ve cut loose more.

nAs a living being, it was only natural to have desires.

nAnd it was the lord’s job to prepare an area for those things to be released.

nI like businesses that involved such desires.

nIt’s because they can easily make money.

nListening to the conversation between Kurt and I, the old lady seemed impressed,

n“You’re young, but it looks like you already know what’s important. There are many stories in the world that can’t be solved by beautiful ideals. Even if you say that a man is a dirty human being once he goes there, I believe that all human beings are already dirty creatures regardless of sex.”

nThis old lady really understood my point,

n“I like you. I’ll make sure to leave a good tip after this.”

n“I don’t need it. Just order more food, boy. You need to grow a little.”

nKurt looked a little depressed.

n“What’s wrong?”

n“It’s nothing, I just can’t help but realize how incompetent I am.”

nKurt, who solely thought about methods on how to squeeze his people, seems to have noticed the financial potential of businesses that catered to human desires.

n–I guess he’s growing up.

nModerately release the desires of your people so they don’t build up stress.

nSuch a thing is very important.

nHowever, Kurt still seemed a little bit too innocent about such things,

n“Hey, have you done it yet?”

n“-bfft?!”

nKurt coughed.

nWell, even I know that it might be a bit improper to ask, but we’re both guys here.

n“W-what the hell are you talking about Liam?! We’re supposed to be looking for our marriage partners right now. Nobody will take us seriously if we don’t act sincerely!”

n“Sincerely… huh?”

nThat was the one word I trusted least in this universe.

nWhen I used to live sincerely, all that awaited me was a cruel life.

n“W-what’s wrong about that?! It’s good to live sincerely, and in any case, that’s not fair Liam.”

n“How so?”

nThis guy, is he really that innocent?

nEvil lords were supposed to know a lot about women. Well, I guess he is the brainy-type who prioritises squeezing as much as possible from his people though.

nHe’s different from the desire-oriented evil lord I am.

nKurt asked if as if he had given up,

n“L-liam… Does that mean that you… Have experience with women?”

nHuh? Of course I- wait a minute, the closest female I’ve interacted with in this life was Amagi.

nI still haven’t laid my hands on any real women.

n“…I don’t.”

n“Hey! Even though you were speaking so condescendingly, you’re actually on the same level as me, Liam!”

nThe people around us started muttering, “Virgin?” “He’s a virgin.” “Wait, maybe they’re not… aren’t they’re like that?” in whispers and hushed tones.

nYou’re wrong! I might have not laid my hands on any real women this life, but I actually am experienced!

n“Would you all shut up already?! I understand! Hey Kurt, you wanna go to the entertainment district after this?”

n“Eh?! No, that’s a little…”

nTo Kurt, whose voice kept growing smaller, I started to smile,

n“Let’s just get rid of them here so we won’t have any problems in the future. Neither of us will get in trouble as long as we keep quiet about this.”

n“N-no, but-”

nKurt’s face had flushed red, probably from whatever he was imagining.

nLet’s just hurry up and get it over with.

nAs I thought so, the head knight had finished his song and sat down next to us.

n“You two should hold yourselves back for now.”

n“I’m a noble, can’t I play around whenever I want to?”

nThe knight looked a little troubled as he explained himself,

n“Considering your position, you need to make sure you don’t go to a bad place. If you get an STD, things will only get tougher for you.”

n“Can’t most of those be treated wit-”

n“If that’s how you think then you’re an idiot! There are many STDs that can’t be treated with modern medicine. Diseases are constantly evolving, so what might’ve been able to cure them before may have no effect now.”

nHe told us that there was actually an outbreak of STDs in the viscount’s territory at the moment.

nViruses seem to evolve a great deal no matter what universe you’re in.

nThe recent epidemic of venereal diseases was the kind that made your manhood explode! It was that kind of STD.

nAt first, things would swell up and get larger.

nMost men would be pleased with this, but after a few months it’d turn red and black and then… explode.

nThey’d seriously explode.

nMoreover, even after treatment, they didn’t seem to be able to regenerate them.

nIt was a kind of disease you needed an elixir to cure.

nThe worst part about it was that women didn’t show any symptoms of it, so it was impossible to tell at first glance.

nIt was an STD that only destroyed men.

nRather than a disease, wasn’t that already a curse?

n“…Kurt, let’s go home.”

n“…yeah.”

nOur minds weren’t strong enough to continue playing around after hearing such a thing.

nBrian(´；ω；｀) “I’m relieved that there’s no risk of Lord Liam’s manhood exploding. The Banfield house would’ve been checkmated if it did.”

nAmagi( ゜д゜) “Rather than that, shouldn’t you be more concerned about his lack of interest in living women?!”

nWritten by Mishima Yomu

/Wai (三嶋 與夢)

nEnka (演歌) is a popular Japanese music genre considered to resemble traditional Japanese music stylistically.

n

n