The son of the Marquisate of Ludvecia, Red Sol Phoenix, has become Phoenix Ludvecia.
What should I do next?
“First, I would like to thank everyone for attending this banquet.”
A banquet!
A party held at the noble family’s estate.
“If it weren’t for all of you, the monster wave wouldn’t have been resolved so quickly. Thanks to your help, we were able to leave a good impression on the Marchioness Ludvecia.”
This is both a commemorative banquet for resolving the Monster Wave and a celebration of my becoming a member of the Marquisate of Ludvecia.
“If anyone wonders, ‘How did Regif Habsderk manage to return alive?’ I trust you will speak appropriately about that. After all, everyone here managed to take care of their mana cores, didn’t you?”
What benefits do I gain by taking this position?
“Now that I have become one of Ludvecia’s people, I’d like to say a few things, not as an Academy student but as the heir of the Marquisate of Ludvecia.”
The shield of the Marquisate of Ludvecia.
Even setting aside such protection, the mere status of being a noble carries tremendous merit.
“Conquest of the Demonic Land. I will actively support the conquest of the Demonic Land by all hunters.”
The territory of Marquis Ludvecia is vast.
While its development potential was previously considered low due to the beast-infested areas ruled by Rattatosk, beginning expeditions into these regions will enable the land to generate immense profits.
“Frankly, I’d love to leave the Academy right now and start helping immediately, but I can’t forgo earning my diploma after enrolling. There are still things to be done at the Academy.”
When good fortune comes to one person, others inevitably become jealous or resentful.
While it may seem unnecessary to address such sentiments, there comes a point when one must live a life mindful of the people around them.
“That said, I can’t entirely ignore things as a student. I must do what I can for the Marquisate of Ludvecia.”
That time is now.
As someone who has become part of the Marquisate of Ludvecia, my actions no longer affect only me but the entire Marquisate.
Hence, even if it’s inconvenient, this is the necessary course.
“The mana cores obtained during this monster wave will be handled by the Marquisate of Ludvecia. However, we will only take half the usual commission.”
“Phoenix! Phoenix! Phoenix!”
The hunters cheer, clapping and raising their glasses.
It may appear like a loss, and in reality, it is. Still, I shared most of the profits from the monster calamity raid with the hunters.
“Since I’m now affiliated with the Marquisate of Ludvecia, the profits from the monster farm will belong to the Marquisate. However, I will return the statutory share I am entitled to as an Academy student to you hunters.”
From the hunters’ perspective, it’s essentially free money.
Even a slight reduction in taxes can dramatically boost a lord’s approval ratings.
While this is a one-time event, freelance hunters—essentially independent operators—are taking home at least 30% more profit, so how could they not be pleased?
With this, the hunters’ grumbling will likely turn into positive chatter.
– That bastard… Ha, damn it.
Such complaints would usually have been the norm.
– Wow, our young master is the best! Please keep showering us with money, young master!
It may not last forever, but it’s certainly better than being criticized right now.
‘They don’t even realize this is a strategy to keep them tied to this land.’
Because I can feel safe if they settle down here.
After all, having them settle here ensures my peace of mind.
‘Hunters who previously roamed as freelancers will gradually affiliate themselves with the Marquisate of Ludvecia. I’ll be able to continue in a more secure position.’
The hunters who benefited from the mana core shares I offered will start establishing roots in the Marquisate of Ludvecia, setting up bases and even buying homes.
They’ll remain here for a long time.
“From now on, I look forward to your support. For the Marquisate of Ludvecia!”
“For the Marquisate of Ludvecia!!”
And when their wealth becomes tied to the Marquisate’s land and assets, a day will come when they must choose between their wealth and their lives.
– Damn it! If I leave here, I’ll be broke. I’d rather protect my home!
Even in the face of an eventual apocalypse or catastrophe, the hunters will not abandon the Marquisate of Ludvecia.
Thus, this is an investment.
As the Marquisate’s heir, it is both social reinvestment and preparation for the future, ensuring the benefits I stand to gain.
‘If I don’t do this, I’ll only invite criticism.’
Some will think.
Considering the traditions of Habsderk, maybe the Marquisate could be taken under the guise of being his son.
Others might speculate.
– Wow, so the young master is destined to marry the young lady? A beautiful younger sister of that caliber, enrolled at the Academy, is now going to be his bride? Truly enviable.
As the Marquisate of Ludvecia itself declared, I now have the right to marry the beautiful younger sister.
‘Just from that, anyone would want to be the adopted child of Ludvecia.’
Seia Habsderk—now Seia Ludvecia.
Whether as my primary wife or a secondary one, nine out of ten would jump at the chance to become a child of the Marquisate under such circumstances.
The remaining one?
Perhaps an exceptional case where it doesn’t align with their principles.
For example—
“It’s surprising. I didn’t think someone from a family backed by Silverstar would approve of this.”
Yurha Silverstar, dressed in a suit rather than a dress, approached despite the banquet’s atmosphere.
“Isn’t it concerning or bothersome to inherit a family whose economy is dominated by Silverstar? Any future financial decisions could involve constant interference.”
“That’s the kind of talk you’d expect from someone with just enough wealth, wouldn’t you, Senior?”
I discreetly handed a small mana core to Yurha, ensuring no one else noticed.
“If all it takes is money for someone to manage the territory on my behalf, why would I antagonize Silverstar?”
“That’s an interesting perspective. Most people would be furious, claiming their lands have been taken over by outsiders gambling with money.”
“As long as whoever manages it does a good job equivalent to what they’re paid, it doesn’t matter who runs things, does it? Meanwhile, both I and the Marchioness can focus on more important matters than land management.”
“Hmm…”
Yurha took the mana core I offered and slipped it into her pocket.
She leaned in slightly closer to me.
“Then what should I call you from now on? Regif Habsderk? Or Red Sol Phoenix Regif Habsderk Ludvecia?”
“Not even an emperor’s name would be that long, Senior.”
I replied, pouring a drink into her empty glass.
“Officially, I’m now Phoenix Ludvecia.”
“You once mentioned creating a new Phoenix family at the Academy.”
“If it ever comes to creating a branch family, I might break away from the Marquisate of Ludvecia—or even rise to a higher level.”
“A Phoenix Duchy?”
“Something like that.”
I clinked my glass against Yurha’s.
“You seem to have something to ask. What is it?”
“Hm, nothing much. Just…”
She sipped her drink lightly, swirling the liquid in her glass.
“The Marquis of Ludvecia’s remarks were quite amusing.”
“What did he say?”
“That you are, in fact, Regif, who managed to survive in the Demon World for ten years, returned while hiding your identity, and were drawn back to your rightful place as if by fate.”
“Hmm.”
I deliberately hesitated.
“Is it true?”
“Isn’t that the story we’ve decided to tell the world?”
“…Then let me rephrase the question.”
Yurha stared at me intently.
“Was our meeting at the Academy really our first encounter?”
“Does Senior Yurha want me to be Regif Hapsderk?”
“Honestly? Yes, I think I would.”
She tilted her glass toward me.
“The person who fell in love with me and gave up his entire family escaped from the Demon World, and is now going out of their way to hand over immense wealth and luxury to me, wouldn’t it be better if it was a continuation of a connection from ten years ago?”
“Are you saying I fell for Senior Yurha so deeply that I handed over my family’s legacy wholesale?”
“That’s exactly what the Regif of that time did. Against the Golden Demon that sought to devour his family, he, blinded by love, discarded his family’s traditions and sense, offering me his very heart and soul.”
“Did I really do that?”
“…”
“…”
I clinked my glass against hers.
“Let’s just go with that. Oh, by the way, Senior, I’ll let you in on a little secret.”
“What is it?”
“Marchioness Ludvecia simply made up a random story on the spot, but it turns out 99% of it was accurate—almost as if he had the instincts of an S-rank Grand Mage.”
“…Pfft.”
Yurha chuckled quietly at my comment.
“Really now. So, does that mean all your knowledge comes from the Demon World?”
“More or less, Senior.”
“Honestly, it would make more sense if you said you came from an entirely different world we can’t even comprehend.”
“That’s possible too.”
“Pfft.”
Amused by my indifferent response, Yurha smirked and took another sip of her drink.
“Take care of me from now on, Phoenix Ludvecia.”
“Of course, Senior.”
Whether Yurha thought of me as Regif or not, our relationship is always business.
“Oh right. If you’re Regif, would you tell me?”
Standing on tiptoe, Yurha leaned in, whispering softly into my ear.
“When love accrues interest, is its weight heavier than gold?”
…?
Oh, no way.
