Volume 1 Chapter 15: The World Revolves Around Me, and Nothing Unfavorable Ever Happens

“…I recalled the time I met Ashvin.”

On the surface, I’m smiling broadly, but inwardly my face twists in bitterness.

Honestly, you weren’t exactly charming, were you.

Frankly, back then I didn’t have any pawns, so I had to be patient in making contact—but now I wouldn’t do that.

However, now Ashvin is a fine pawn of mine.

Since she conveniently moves at my behest, everything works out in the end.

She’s perfect—if only she’d let me drink freely.

I wouldn’t mind firing Nanashi at any time.

I just wish someone would quickly strip Nanashi of all her household skills.

It’s hard to fire her because she inexplicably has that one ability.

“You don’t mean that in a physical sense, right? I mean, even if you don’t, that’s a problem. If you transferred everything from the Apophis family to my retirement bonus, I’d be out of here in a hurry.”

“Talk in your sleep.”

“Master, you don’t pay any mind to foreigners, do you?”

Perhaps sensing something unsettling in my words, you swiftly change the subject.

You even tried to direct your ire at Ashvin…

What a despicable bastard.

You’re perfectly suited to be at my beck and call for life.

So, were they foreigners?

This country really has a strong bias against foreigners, doesn’t it.

No, I’m not fond of it either.

They’re the kind of people who brazenly snatch away others’ possessions as if it were the norm.

No wonder they can’t be liked.

Besides, all the wealth of the Apophis territory is mine anyway.

It’s practically as if they were stealing what’s mine, so of course I despise them.

“Master, is there anyone you care for? Not in a romantic sense, but as a person.”

None.

“Anyone you respect?”

In this world, I can respect no one but myself.

Now, about my views on foreigners…

Honestly, if someone runs the Apophis territory well enough to support me, then I couldn’t care less whether they’re foreigners or not.

In any case, whether someone is a foreigner or not is utterly irrelevant to me.

If a foreigner can be of use, I find her valuable; if not—even if she isn’t a foreigner—I don’t need her.

Either way, in my eyes, they’re nothing more than pawns.

“Hmm…”

That is such an embarrassing past. If you were standing before me right now, I’d beat you to death.

Ashvin smiles bashfully.

“Huh? Me?”

“Your wariness is comparable to that of a small animal, Master.”

Even though I knew from the context that it wasn’t aimed at me, I still took it as a warning—after all, that’s just who I am.

“I have persistently maintained a rude attitude. Precisely for that reason, I am now entirely at the service of Balor-sama, and I intend to do whatever it takes.”

“That’s an absolutely splendid attitude.”

The favor you received from me is something you could never repay in a lifetime, so do your best and be of service to me.

“So then, for now, I’ll hand over all the rights of the Apophis Lordship. Why don’t you manage it well and support me?”

“Master, if I may say so, I am unworthy, but…”

“You’re seriously unworthy—I don’t want that.”

“Haha, there’s no need to stress so hard. Just keep helping me like you always have, and that’s more than enough.”

I—being the saint that I am for saying such things—am truly the kindest noble ever.
Is there really any noble as kind-hearted as I am?
No, there isn’t.

“Such generous words indeed. I will, without fail, see it through for Balor-sama.”
“Yeah. …What exactly?”

Her spirit is admirable, but since she doesn’t clearly state what she means, I can’t tell what it is she’s planning to accomplish.
Is she going to manage the Apophis territory so as to support me?

That makes me incredibly happy. I’m so happy.

“Balor Apophis! Open the gates and welcome me! I am the messenger from that esteemed one!”

Suddenly, a loud voice echoes from outside.
It’s a sight you don’t see very often.

Unlike other nobles, I am a smart man who is kind even to my subjects, so I often come down to town.
Since I listen to their requests there, it’s rare for them to come all the way to the mansion.
Besides, by rule, they have to submit a petition.
If I were to meet each one individually like this, there wouldn’t be enough time.

Who even is this person anyway?
That esteemed one… is he so dangerous that I can’t even utter his name?
And who does she think she is, addressing me so casually?
I suddenly lose all desire to meet her.
She’s totally been giving me the silent treatment.

“It’s unheard of for a lord to give a silent treatment at his mansion, Master.”

Ugh.
Indeed, if it became known that I was ignoring a summons…
I don’t know who this person is, but they’re probably a subject.
If word spread that I ignored a subject’s petition, it would be an enormous hassle.
Of course, I haven’t built such a fragile reputation that a mere incident would cause me to lose popularity, but I don’t want to leave any unnecessary worries.
Reluctantly, I force myself to get up…

“No, I’ll handle this matter.”
“Ashvin…”
She smoothly interjects.
She’s the best…
I really didn’t need Nanashi, who was just spacing out in the corner of the room…

“!?”
“To begin with, you showed up without even making an appointment, so I won’t allow any complaints. Besides, the fact that one can casually meet the lord is something unique to this Apophis territory… to Balor-sama, that is. I find it troublesome if it comes off as though it’s just a given.”

You’re absolutely right.
I support that 100%.
Frankly, meeting and talking with the greatest lord in history—someone like me—out of the blue is downright rude.
Even if I make an exception this time and handle it, if the rumor spreads, others will demand the same treatment.
I absolutely refuse that.
It’s such a hassle.

“Therefore, Balor-sama, please wait here at your leisure. I shall return once I have achieved the results.”
“Results?
Well, if it’s just a matter of chatting, I don’t think it’s necessary to put it that grandly…
It’s not like you’re planning to do something else, right…?
Nonetheless, I’m glad that Ashvin is taking care of this.
I’ll leave everything to her.”

“Ah…”

Nanashi sends a telepathic remark like, “Ah—she really did it…” which worries me a bit, but…

“Well then, I’ll be on my way.”
Before I could even confirm that, Ashvin strode off.
…Well, she’ll be fine!

The world revolves around me, and nothing unfavorable ever happens.
At least, that’s what I believe.

“Phew. Having her take care of all this trouble on her own—I really scored a great find. Now, maybe I’ll take a nap.”
“…Ignorance is bliss, Master.”
“Huh?”