Coming out as Regif Habsderk, the Red Sol Phoenix.
In response, even the hunters, Silverstar, and the students of the Vermilion Bird class showed some acceptance toward Marchioness Ludvecia’s somewhat forced declaration.
Everyone had reached some sort of consensus.
Specifically, they had their own reasons to accept why Marchioness Ludvecia “came out”, reasons they could understand.
— It is necessary to clearly determine where Phoenix belongs.
That was the reasoning given.
In essence, the statement that the Marquisate of Ludvecia would act as my patron was phrased as though it were tied to the Demon World, deliberately obscured in its expression.
Claiming that the son, Regif, had returned alive was not merely a declaration of patronage but also a necessity to provide a reason why it had to be the son.
I was granted the opportunity to hear that reason directly.
“…That’s what I told them. Sorry for making such a statement without consulting you first.”
“Mmm.”
Marchioness Ludvecia had come to relay this information personally.
I suspected that her magic might be spreading around to detect eavesdroppers, and sure enough, there was an attempt to listen in.
“So, does this mean that I am now the son of Marchioness Ludvecia?”
“That’s what it means.”
“Let me get this straight. I’m to be the man who defeated a demonic beast through a deal with a demon 10 years ago, was cursed and dragged to the Demon World, and then escaped after a decade?”
“Exactly.”
“Do you think people will believe that?”
“It doesn’t matter whether they believe it. What matters is that we claim it.”
Marchioness Ludvecia reached into the air, summoning a seal.
“The seal of the Marquisate of Ludvecia will act as a shield to protect you from many threats. Whether it’s trouble or people casting glances at you, the name Ludvecia will filter them out.”
“At least, unless someone is bold enough to challenge the Marquisate directly, everyone below them will be forced to back down?”
“Exactly. That alone should be a sufficient advantage, considering the future.”
This proposal from the Marchioness was a form of transaction.
If I were to become her son and a member of the Marquisate of Ludvecia, I could enjoy its benefits.
“Then, what do you need from me?”
“Nothing.”
“…”
“To be exact, you only need to act as you originally intended. Just do so while bearing the name and seal of Ludvecia.”
“As the lost son of the Marchioness. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
If I were not Regif, there would be two potential reactions.
– No matter the circumstances, how could I replace my living parents with others? This goes against all morality!
This would be the reaction of someone strongly opposed to replacing their parent.
But in this world, my mother does not exist.
The other potential response would be the opposite:
“While I’ve considered the advantages of becoming a noble, I didn’t expect the opportunity to come so soon.”
This would reflect someone eagerly accepting the proposal.
“Not a bad deal. But what strikes me as odd is why you’re framing this as replacing a missing child rather than formally adopting me.”
“There is a critical reason for that.”
“What is it?”
“My daughter, Seia.”
“…”
Regif’s younger sister and the first person upon whom I had ever cast a hypnotic spell.
“You haven’t met her since you’ve been staying at the Old School Building, but my daughter Seia is currently a first-year student at the Academy. And the boys at the Academy… they’ve flirting with her.”
“Mmm.”
I had to remain as composed as possible.
“She must be beautiful, taking after you. So, by mentioning her, are you implying that I’m to act as her brother and fend off those who approach her?”
“Exactly. While there are other complexities, to put it simply, I want you to occupy the position of a Habsderk.”
“A Habsderk.”
No one knows better than I do what that means.
“In other words, you want me to position myself as Miss Seia’s ‘marriage prospect’, is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“And why?”
“Think of it as my investment.”
Marchioness Ludvecia extended her hand, pointing directly at me.
“Your past, your potential, your limits, your knowledge—everything about you is shrouded in mystery. But there’s one thing I can state with certainty: you have the ability to make women… even more perfect.”
“…”
“Whether it’s in the realm of magic or reason, whatever secrets you hold, I sensed something through your defeat of that monster. In life, there are connections that must not be missed.”
“So that’s why you want to place me in the position of your son.”
“Even if that means….”
I made a motion as if to cross myself, then clenched my fist.
“Even if we end up becoming enemies of the Church of the Goddess, will you still be able to handle it?”
“Are you planning to fight the Church of the Goddess?”
“Perhaps. That may very well be the case.”
This wasn’t something I said solely for Marchioness Ludvecia’s ears.
It was also directed toward those eavesdropping from above.
“Not that I’m speaking to anyone in particular, but doesn’t the Church quickly brand anyone as a heretic if they deviate even slightly from their doctrine?”
“…”
“Based on my understanding of the world, if the Church decides that my perspective is too dangerous to spread, I might find myself pursued. Or, as you said, Marchioness, knights could show up to chain me up immediately.”
I clasped my hands in front of me, mimicking being handcuffed.
“Oh, vile contractor of Satan! You, who forged a pact with demons! Not content with suffering eternal torment in Hell, you dared escape to the surface to spread your vile influence!”
“That’s….”
“And while they proclaim that to the public, they’ll torture me behind closed doors, asking all sorts of questions. What is the Demon World like? What does Hell look like? Does it truly align with their doctrine, teeming with Satan’s spawn and demons?”
“…”
“If I become Phoenix Ludvecia, I might have to endure such things. When that time comes, will you just look the other way?”
“No.”
Marchioness Ludvecia shook her head firmly.
“Becoming estranged from the Church of the Goddess is inevitable. In fact, our relationship with the Church is already at rock bottom. I tried to arrange a guide for a practical lesson, but there isn’t a single church or cathedral in Ludvecia’s territory.”
“What?”
“The Church left this place after the incident 10 years ago and hasn’t returned since.”
Normally, every domain has at least one cathedral, but it seems circumstances have prevented the Church from re-establishing itself here.
“So, apart from that, there’s nothing else you’re concerned about?”
“Something I’m concerned about… There’s one more thing.”
“Let’s hear it.”
“Are you sure you can handle it?”
I pointed my thumb toward myself.
“In the future, you might face unforeseen events. You may need more than just a shield—you might have to act as a seawall holding back the waves. And even that seawall might be destroyed.”
Among those present, perhaps only Yunia would truly understand the full meaning of my words.
Since this conversation was being eavesdropped on anyway, I decided to drop a hint for the others as well.
“If people believe I came from the Demon World, what will you do if I end up battling a force that seeks to destroy the world because of me?”
“Huh?”
“Isn’t that the gist of it? That I escaped the Demon World in some way, and now monsters from Hell rise up in chaos to capture me? In that case, you wouldn’t just be fighting the Church—you’d be battling the demons of Hell.”
“So, you’re an incredibly dangerous person?”
At my not-so-subtle intimidation, Marchioness Ludvecia chuckled and spread her arms wide.
“It’s fine. A mother can make choices for her child that others might criticize, even if her child has killed someone.”
“…….”
“No matter what happens, I’ll handle it. That’s what a mother is supposed to do, isn’t it?”
“I’m not sure this is going to be worth it for you.”
When I made a poor trade with Yurha, I had few options and was fixated on ruining Habsderk by any means necessary.
“Doesn’t this deal seem one-sided in my favor, Marchioness? Aren’t you the one losing out here?”
Could it be that the bloodline of Habsderk inherently inclines them to make bad deals?
“No, it’s not a loss. Even if it seems like one, how can a mother calculate losses when it comes to giving something for her child? That’s what being a mother is all about—doing whatever it takes for their child.”
“When it comes to finances, I think even family should be honest and calculate carefully.”
“In that case, let’s make a deal.”
Marchioness Ludvecia smiled mischievously.
“If you ever get married in the future, one of your wives must be someone I choose.”
“…”
No way.
“Marchioness, don’t tell me…”
“Yes, exactly that.”
Marchioness Ludvecia fiddled with the fourth finger on her left hand, smiling brightly.
“My daughter, Seia—please marry her.”
“… What?”
“If you truly dislike the idea, you can divorce her later. I’ll convince Seia, so don’t worry and take her in. It’s… a tradition of sorts, if you’ve become part of the Marquisate of Ludvecia.”
“What kind of…”
“The tradition is that the younger sister’s first belongs to her older brother. It’s common sense.”
“…”
“Didn’t I say? A mother will do anything for her child.”
