I Was Reincarnated as a Duke as a Matter of Course, So I Bought a Slave on a Whim and Now There’s No Turning Back - 41

Chapter 41: A Surprisingly Good Life

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The winter in the royal capital was cold. It wasn’t enough to snow, but your breath still turned white, and the stone-built academy somehow felt even colder than outside.

A year had passed faster than I had expected. A lot had changed at home too. Somehow, there were two elves now. Big news, though.

Big Brother Fazil had a child. A boy, which made him my nephew.

…And one more.

Big Brother Noin also had a child. That one was a girl, so my niece. Honestly, I hadn’t expected to get both a nephew and a niece at the same time, so it surprised me. Of course it did.

…At Big Brother Noin’s place, the mother was the Second Princess, so she wasn’t exactly an ordinary niece.

Seriously, you never know what’s going to happen in life.

Anyway, they were cute. Really cute. Just incredibly squishy. My vocabulary failed me. I couldn’t describe their cuteness with words!

Thinking about that, I walked into the classroom, and the three of them were already there.

“You’re late today, Luka-sama. Also, where’s your attendant?”

Allen said that while resting his elbows on the desk.

“No, I’m on time. And Yuka is taking it easy at home.”

She’s been getting drilled nonstop by Grandpa Orbis lately, and she tried to force herself to come, so I shoved her into bed. Physically.

“Elysia-sama was here before I arrived!”

“I feel uneasy if I don’t arrive a little early.”

Elysia said that elegantly while sipping her tea. We were in the academy lounge. In winter, the fireplace was lit, so we often gathered here. And one more person. A girl sitting by the window, reading a letter.

“…They’ve come again, Luka-sama.”

Rine muttered.

“From who?”

“From the exchange students.”

Yeah, figures. Also, can you not phrase it like that? That’s the kind of wording you use for enemies.

There were two letters on the desk. I knew the senders.

Kaiel and Serena.

“They’re both so diligent.”

“Luka-sama! It’s cold, right? I’ll warm you up!”

Please don’t immediately try to hug me. My bones will break. Seriously.

“Let’s read the letters first.”

Allen leaned forward with curiosity. Elysia smiled.

“They’re reports about their study abroad life.”

I opened the letter. The paper rustled softly.

“Let’s see…”

After a moment….

“…Those two haven’t changed at all.”

“What does it say?”

“It says the academy in the Holy Church Nation has strict discipline.”

Allen laughed.

“That country is heavily religious, after all.”

“It says the day starts with prayer.”

“Wow.”

“And a lot of theology classes.”

Elysia nodded with interest.

“A level of devotion befitting the name ‘Holy Nation.’”

Rine read the rest aloud.

“And…”

Her expression changed slightly.

“‘Please tell Luka-sama this.’”

“Me?”

“‘The people of the Holy Nation show no mercy to slave owners.’”

Wait, I’d honestly feel safer if it was just outright illegal. What do you mean no mercy?

Allen’s face turned pale.

“…Luka-sama…”

“‘So you absolutely should not come here.’”

“I’m not treating them badly though…”

But just being a slave owner is probably enough.

Elysia chuckled softly.

“They’re worried about you.”

“Whatever, I wasn’t planning to go there anyway.”

There goes part of my future solo retirement travel plan.

Rine opened the other letter.

“This one’s from Serena, right?”

She read a bit. Then quietly said, “‘Luka, how are you?’”

I’m fine.

“‘Knowing you, you’re probably up to something interesting again.’”

Allen nodded.

“That sounds accurate.”

“It doesn’t.”

Rine continued.

“‘Are you properly wearing the charm and ring I gave you?’”

“….”

That’s… That’s complicated.

“‘Make sure to wear it on that finger on your left hand.’”

“….”

I glanced at Elysia and Rine. I shouldn’t have. Their expressions were ice-cold.

Why do I feel both chills and killing intent at the same time?

And finally.

“‘When I return, I’ll properly tell you how I feel.’”

Wait! Death flag!? Serena, that’s dangerous!

A brief silence followed. Winter light streamed through the window.

“…I’m looking forward to them coming back.”

Allen said.

“…Yes, truly.”

Elysia nodded, looking genuinely happy. Rine suddenly looked at me.

“…Are you looking forward to it too, Luka-sama?”

“Yeah. I’ve got something to brag about.”

“Really?”

I thought for a moment. Then said, “My nephew was born.”

The other two, except Elysia, froze.

“…Huh?”

Allen looked like his jaw had dropped open.

“He’s at Big Brother Fazil’s place.”

“Wow! Congratulations!”

“Actually, that’s not all.”

I continued.

“My niece was born too.”

Silence. Even Elysia looked surprised this time. Allen spoke slowly.

“Two in one year?”

“Yeah, both of them are so soft and squishy…”

Elysia seemed to recall something.

“Noin-sama’s fiancée is…”

I nodded.

“Princess Arianna.”

The three of them froze. Rine muttered,

“So that means…”

“Yeah.”

“You have a royal niece?”

“That’s how it is.”

Allen held his head in exasperation.

“…Is this what a ducal family is like? I can’t keep up…”

A child with royal blood, and another between ducal families. As a nation, that was nothing but good news. Elysia smiled slightly.

“But having both a nephew and niece at the same time feels unusual.”

“Yeah.”

I shrugged.

“I held my niece the other day.”

“How was it?”

“She was small… Like, really small.”

“Th-That’s all?”

What do you expect? How am I supposed to relax holding a royal baby that would be a disaster if I dropped?

I was basically holding a national treasure. Rine said quietly.

“Luka-sama, you’re smiling.”

“Am I?”

“Yes.”

Allen laughed.

“So that makes you an uncle now, Luka-sama.”

“Don’t call me an old man.”

“To your nephew and niece, you are an uncle.”

“Shut up.”

The fireplace crackled softly.

“Luka-sama, if you want a child, I can—”

“Stop!”

“Yes.”

That was close. Seriously, what was she about to say anyway?!

“…Rine, don’t trouble Luka-kun too much.”

“Y-Yes.”

The fact that Rine obediently listened was surprising. Even though Elysia’s smile was as gentle as ever, there was something unfathomable beneath it. Winter at the academy had only just begun, and it would stay cold for a while. But chatting idly with friends, reading letters, and laughing.

This warm space…

This was probably what my normal life looked like now. I didn’t think it was bad.

◇◆◇

Royal capital, underground. In a dimly lit stone room, a man was looking at documents placed on a desk.

“Who is this?”

There was a single name on the report. Luka Noctire. A fourteen-year-old child.

“The slave market incident… there’s a possibility he’s connected?”

A subordinate-looking man nodded.

“Furthermore, two elves have been confirmed at the residence.”

The man’s finger stopped.

“Elves?”

“Yes. Confirmed.”

Silence. Then the man let out a small laugh.

“Hah, I see. That is very good news.”

He clenched the paper.

“Continue the surveillance.”

The candle flame flickered.

“If they are genuine, the ritual will advance significantly.”

His voice dropped low.

“We shall retrieve them and receive the favor of <Ash Necros, the Ashen Reaper>.”

The darkness of the royal capital had begun to stir quietly.

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