I Reincarnated as a Mob Villain in a Game World I Had Been Playing~ Using My Knowledge of the Game, I Lived a Carefree Life but for Some Reason I Became Famous Everywhere~ - Chapter 19 - Subtle Battle (The Duke’s POV)

Chapter 19 – Subtle Battle (The Duke’s POV)

—H-How? How on earth…

The man who wore armor and went by the name of “Jet-black”, continued to act beyond Duke Diggoth’s expectations.

The man introduced himself as ‘Kai’, but that was probably a pseudonym because of his position.

But this one thing was as expected.

Without mentioning the fact that Jet-black was a person under the direct control of the Imperial Capital, he was the one who rescued The Duke’s precious daughter.

It was only natural for a parent to show the utmost sincerity, even if the duke’s status is diminished.

The Duke had no qualms about bowing. Of course, his wife agreed. They had decided to do this from the start.

Responding to any of the man’s requests, The Duke tried to take a stance like this, but the result was not what he expected.

The man emerged just like The Duke and his wife, clumsy.

By putting himself on the bottom, he was trying to keep The Duke’s status undiminished as much as possible.

Why does he care so much…

There was no reason for the man to do that.

They were the ones who are 100% indebted to the man.

Furthermore, they, with their enormous power…were openly exposing their weakness to be taken advantage of in an effort to maintain their integrity.

Although the man knew that he was in a position to make any request, although he knew that The Duke Family was in a position to accept any request, he did not show any signs of wanting anything.

—I really don’t understand…

A person of low status might be afraid to see “The Duke like this”. Maybe that person would be cautious and watchful.

But the man was definitely in a better position than them.

Someone with a backing that The Duke Family can’t even touch.

The Duke was not the kind of person the man should be cautious of, but for some reason, he acted that way.

If the aim was to hide his own position, he should just accept the reward and not act inconspicuously.

In other words, this is a manifestation of Jet-Black’s sincere nature.

The man was more likable than anyone The Duke had ever met, but also the most elusive and eerie.

The man’s response made The Duke think,

The man must have thought it would’ve been easy for us to deal with “someone who would accept the reward honestly”…

Perhaps… He’s testing us…?

Such a doubt made The Duke think deeply.

The man’s expression was hidden by his armor and couldn’ be read.

But this was the only thing The Duke could think of right now. And it all made sense.

The man must want to know what The Duke would do when dealing with this kind of person.

Even if the other party is reluctant to accept the reward, letting them leave without doing anything will damage the family’s name and cause bad rumors to spread. 

That must be why The Duke felt that he was being looked at so strongly. 

This man must think, ‘It seems like you’re not capable of handling such situations well. Despite being The Duke, I sense a vulnerability or weakness in you.’

It must be precisely because of the man’s association with the Emperor, who has absolute power, that he could see their weakness.

Thinking more about it, The Duke couldn’t help but be more convinced that the man was testing them.

If I am accused of being arrogant, then I cannot argue against it… Indeed…

The Duke gritted his teeth. It was because of his own negligence.

He had unconsciously created a stereotype. He thought that everyone would accept the reward with enthusiasm.

That there would be no one to spread bad rumors. That there would be no more who would seek to diminish the power of his family.

The Duke had such a stupid way of thinking. 

Those who follow the Emperor have no room for even a matter as small as this…

The Duke had an idea why the recipient of the reward might do this.

‘I went to great lengths to save your daughter with that elixir. Don’t leave any openings for me to decline.’

The Duke thought that this is what the man meant.

I’m really pathetic…

Despite having been in this position for many years, he had nothing to say back.

But The Duke did more than just reflect on the situation. 

The Duke was very happy to have met the man.

The man created the opportunity for The Duke to fill his incompetence.

“—If you do not wish to accept our gratitude, let us make you an offer.”

“I apologize for the inconvenience on my part, but it also involves matters of reputation…”

The Duke’s wife had come to the same conclusion as The Duke, and she gave a push.

“…T-Then, I’ll leave it to you. I don’t have much understanding of these honors and reputations.”

There was no way the man wouldn’t know the meaning of honor and reputation.

One could only imagine what he meant by such an obvious joke.

We have established a strong start…

With the pride of a duke, he unleashed,

“With our villa, monetary gift, and our backing, we would like to express our gratitude to you!”

Bang, The Duke put his hands on the table and bowed his head.

He was indebted to the man who saved his daughter and gave her the Legendary Elixir.

It was not at all balanced in nature, but there was no forwardness or feeling of being tested in The Duke’s reward.

In short, that was what the man wanted to hear.

First, an offer of gratitude that reduces the “possibility that the Dukedom’s status will decline.”

Second, a special show of gratitude towards the man.

“T-That’s too much…”

“We can’t make any more concessions. Please accept it.”

“I would also like to ask for your kindness.”

“…I-Is that so…? Then, I’ll accept.”

The man sounded somewhat pleased.

The Duke had successfully given the correct answer.

From the man’s point of view, it was as if he had increased his base of operations for his Vertal activities.

From The Duke’s point of view, it was as if they were able to establish a long-standing relationship with a person who is directly under the control of the Imperial Capital without having to take on a huge burden.

The Duke felt fully confident that it was a good offer.

“If you have time today… How about having my daughter provide you with a tour of the location and the interior of our villa?”

“Thank you for your courtesy.”

—This finally meant the end of this conversation.

It was a weight off The Duke’s shoulders.

After that, it was a good few minutes of chit-chat.

“…Then, can you please show this person to the next room where our daughters are?”

The Duke’s wife nodded.

Normally, The Duke would have asked a servant to do this, but in the interests of utmost respect, he assigned his official wife to this task.

“Then, Kai-sama, please come with me.”

“Ah, yeah…”

After exchanging such words, the two left the reception room.

Karen was saved by a truly extraordinary man…

While wiping his forehead, which was dripping with cold sweat, with a handkerchief, he let out a deep breath.

The Duke tried to control the trembling in his hands, but it did not stop at all. 

＊＊＊＊

On the other hand,

Even though I was acting modestly, somehow I ended up getting a house and money!?

As The Duke’s wife showed him around the next room, the man was so happy that he wanted to jump. 

As the man had no choice but to be excessively cautious due to the nature of the other party, and being someone who was not well-versed in aristocracy… He had no way of knowing that a subtle battle had just unfolded.