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nPrologue

nThe imperial capital of the Algrand Empire.

nLocated there was the inner palace, which was the size of a city in and of itself.

nIn the place where the royal family lived, everything one could ever need was readied there.

nTo support the kin of the Emperor, millions of people were hired as servants.

nInside one of the high-rise buildings located there lived the prince third in line to the throne.

nHis name was Cleo Noah Albalate.

nAlthough his red hair was cut short, the right half of it was left long to the point that it flowed down to his shoulder.

nAlthough his androgyneous face could be considered very beautiful– he was undoubtedly a man.

nCurrently shirtless and only wearing pants, Cleo was looking out a window.

nHe had just recently come of age, and currently had the appearance of someone who had just entered their teens.

nLooking at the figure of this person was Lysithea Noah Albalate, their older sister who had her slightly curly hair tied into a ponytail.

nShe was a tall woman with a well-trained body.

nRather than a member of the imperial family, it’d be more apt to describe her as a knight.

nIn truth, Lysithea was actually stationed at Cleo’s side as his knight.

n“Cleo, can’t you wear a shirt or something?”

nTurning to look back at his nagging sister, Cleo’s upper body was actually quite toned despite its slenderness.

nCombined with his androgyneous looks, he almost looked like a girl with no breasts.

n“There’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’m a man.”

nAlthough Lysithea understood his perspective, she still pushed for her brother to dress himself.

n“You can’t stay shirtless forever. Not to mention, you’ve received a reply from Count Banfield– he’s agreed to meet with you.”

nHearing those words, Cleo turned back towards the window.

n“Is that so?”

nAs if talking to himself, the tone of his voice showed that he wasn’t very interested.

nSeeing his response, Lysithea pleaded for him to change his attitude.

n“I understand how you might feel, but there aren’t many people even willing to meet with you as it is. You can’t be rude to him.”

nBut he snorted at that statement.

n“He probably only agreed because he wants to make a fool of me. Many others have done the exact same thing before.”

nCleo might live in a skyscraper, but there actually weren’t that many people in the building.

nUsually the residents of the prince’s that held the highest rights to inheritance had a constant influx of people lined up for meetings and the like.

nNevertheless, barely anyone visited Cleo’s residence despite the fact that he was third in line for the throne.

nThis was because of Cleo’s special position.

n“Seriously… this is mother’s problem, not mine. I’m not the one who couldn’t accept reality and forced my ugly ambitions onto a child.”

nLysithea didn’t respond to him.

nConsidering the circumstances, she felt the Emperor was more to blame rather than their mother.

nBut if she ever actually voice those thoughts, heads would be sent flying.

nThough their lives would still be at risk even if they didn’t do anything.

n“Cleo, you need a powerful noble on your side.”

nLysithea once again tried to persuade her brother.

n“…I know that.”

n“Then take this more seriously! Count Banfield isn’t just young and capable, I’ve heard that he’s also the embodiment of noble spirit! Once he learns of your circumstances, he’ll undoubtedly lend you his power.”

nCasting his eyes downward, Cleo suddenly burst into laughter while clinging to his stomach.

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n“You’re telling me there’s an aristocrat out there that will help a clown like myself? Even mother gave up on me. There’s no point in having any expectations.”

nHe was third in line to inherit the throne– but this position of his was nothing more than the Emperor’s cruel joke.

nKnowing this truth, no noble would ever consider supporting Cleo.

nThey’d rather laugh at him instead.

nThe reason such a Cleo tried getting in contact with a person as distinguished as Liam was– to put it simply, due to the intensifying battle for succession.

nRepercussions of the Berkley family’s fall to ruin were appearing everywhere.

nThe aftermath had even reached the inner palace, factions were thrown into chaos and were now being reorganised.

nNow as a natural result, people were now taking advantage of this opportunity to raise their placement in the race for inheritance.

nThere was significant meaning in someone choosing to support Cleo during this time.

nBoth him and Lysithea were in dire straights, this meeting with Liam was their last chance of hope to cling to.

nHowever, with how nobody had agreed to help them before, he had already given up himself.

n“In any case– our older brothers are already preparing to recruit the Banfield house into their ranks.”

nHearing that, Lysithea opened her eyes wide.

n“Are you talking about the first and second ranked? Though they might be capable, I don’t think I’ve heard any news of them trying to get into contact with him.”

nThe crown prince with the highest chance to succeed the throne was Calvin Noah Albalate.

nHe had a multitude of nobles in his faction and was rumoured to be the most powerful man only second to the Emperor himself.

nHowever, when considering the royal family’s history, such rumours were unreliable.

nSecond in line was Linus Noah Albalate, an individual who’s pure drive for the seat of Emperor couldn’t be compared.

nWhenever anything even slightly seemed like it would become an obstacle to his ambitions, he thoroughly crushed them under his foot.

nBut kicking Calvin down was difficult for even Linus.

nDue to the size of their factions and various circumstances, first through third place for the right to inherit were relatively calm.

nHowever, with the destruction of the Berkley family, the imperial court has become restless.

nLinus wasn’t going to miss this opportunity, and Calvin was strengthening his defences.

nAs a result– the two of them were now recruiting as many powerful noblemen as they could.

nSuch as Liam.

nCleo couldn’t help but lament his own lack of power.

n“It’s only a matter of time.”

n◇ ◇ ◇

n“Lord Liam has safely enrolled into the Imperial University! This Brian here is so moved the tears won’t stop!”

nCrying in the video call projected into the air was my butler Brian.

nHe had made this call while I was currently living in the imperial capital.

nWhile sitting on a sofa in plain clothes, I was currently watching his crying face.“What an unsightly face to see first thing in the morning. How many times have I told you? This is just another entrance ceremony, this one being for the university. Are you going to keep crying forever?”

nWas it really okay to have a butler that cried this easily?

nWell, at least he did his job well.

nI’ve heard he was doing quite well managing my estate.

n“What are you saying! After successfully graduating from the military academy, all that’s left of your training is your studies at the university and your work as an official! After that, you can return home and focus all your efforts into developing the territory!”

nWhile listening to Brian drone on, I was leisurely enjoying my morning.

nI was drinking tea prepared for me by Amagi as I conversed with him.

n“That’s right, is the development of the territory still proceeding smoothly?”

nBrian delightedly nodded his head multiple times.

n“Of course! The domain is still developing even while you’re in training. Please check the documents I’ve sent if you want the specific numbers.”

nI smiled at his words.

n“That’s good to hear.”

n“Everyone in the territory is eagerly awaiting your return, Lord Liam!”

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nAs always, my subjects seemed to be completely ignorant of everything.

nWithout even knowing that their master was an evil lord, they seemed to be looking forward to my return.

nI– Liam Sera Banfield, am a reincarnator.

nI was a villain who was reincarnated into this fantasy universe and was aiming to become an evil lord.

nMy previous life had taught me that there was no point in living virtuously, so now all of my actions in this one were done with the intention to enjoy it to the fullest.

nFor that reason– while I wasn’t in the territory, I had put in policy that would help drive its development.

nThis was so that when I finally returned, I’d be able to squeeze the rich residents for all they were worth.

nI was looking forward to that moment even now.

nWith a meaningful smile, Brian chimed in while I was drinking tea.

n“By the way, Lord Liam, when do you plan to officially welcome Lady Eulisia as a mistress?”

n“-pfft?! W-where the hell did that come from?!”

nEulisia– she was a former saleslady of the Third Weapons Factory, a strange person who had left that position to return to the army while joining the special forces.

nApparently her whole reason for doing so was just so that she could reject me after I confessed to her.

nShe was a very disappointing girl, did people really think I wanted her as a mistress? While it was true that I had taken her in, I needed to correct this misconception.

nI had no intentions of welcoming her in as a lover.

nI really didn’t, but I guess things might look that way considering how I recruited her.

n“You didn’t?”

nI turned back to look at Amagi, who was already moving to clean up the spilled tea.

n“A-Amagi?! L-let me explain! This is just a misunderstanding!”

nTurning towards me, she was smiling.

nBut something about it frightening.

nThis situation was almost like man saying, “You’re misunderstanding my relationship with that woman!” as he tried to explain things to his wife.

n“Isn’t it fine? Lord Liam, you always say that you’re looking to make a harem, but you never actually embrace anyone.”

n“Then what about you!”

n“That doesn’t count.”

n“Seriously?!”

n“No, that’s the truth. Your body is still pure, Lord Liam.”

n“…my body is still pure?”

nAmagi smiled as this surprising revelation dawned on me.

nIn other words… I was still considered a virgin in this universe?

nBrian followed up while I was still in shock.

n“I understand that you’re currently engaged to Lady Rosetta, but the Banfield house currently suffers from a lack of heirs. It’s the duty of nobility to prepare successors, even if by doing so you’ll be a bit immoral.”

n“Shut up! I can’t make a child for a reason like that!”

n“What’s wrong with that?! Lord Liam, should anything ever happen to you, that would be the end of the Banfield house! This is important! We’re actually really worried about this! You never show any interest in real women!”

nSeeing Brian actually angry for once, I was speechless.

nI want to live freely.

nI don’t want to follow anyone’s orders.

nHowever, seeing Brian so anxious, I couldn’t really deny him with how long he’s looked after me.

n“I-I’ll take that into consideration, but for now we’re putting this story on hold.”

n“You’re always dodging the subject like this! Lord Liam, this Brian here is so worried about this to the point of losing sleep. Even during your time at the imperial university, there will be those looking to turn the tables on yo–”

nBrian’s nagging was getting pretty annoying so I ended the call there.

nI then wiped my sweat.

n“–my mistresses should be carefully selected. That’s why I’m not going to accept Eulisia as one.”

nThat’s right. Only the best of the best can become one.

nEven if she was a little cute, a disappointing girl like Eulisia could never be one.

nAmagi was pouring me a new cup of tea.

n“You’ve already ended the call, why are you making excuses?”

nNot being able to bare Amagi’s gaze any longer, I downed the tea in one go before standing up.

n“I’m going to the university.”

nAmagi bowed her head.

n“Understood. I’ll prepare the car.”

nWhy do I have to be nagged by my butler about my own mistresses first thing in the morning?

nIf there were more girls who weren’t disappointing around me, it’d be quickly increasing.

nWas that so hard to understand?

nDidn’t butlers usually warn their masters to watch their womanising instead of pushing them into debauchery?

n“Well, maybe there’s some beautiful girls at the university?”

nTo get Amagi and Brian off my back, should I just find some girl an– wait a second here.

nWhy do I need an excuse to play around with women?

nWith my second life, I’ve already decided not to hold back on my desires.

nAnything should be fine as long as I enjoy myself.

nI’m feeling kind of annoyed right now.

n“Amagi, call Wallace.”

n“Wallace? I don’t believe he’s awake yet.”

nHe apparently returned late last night and was still sleeping.

nThe fact that this was all because he was playing around kind of pissed me off.

n“That doesn’t matter, wake him up.”

nLet’s start going to mixers with him.

nRosetta will surely be troubled if I start socialising with other women everyday.

nShe’ll surely regret getting engaged to a man like me!

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