Volume 1 Chapter 3: Alright, Let’s Just Go Home Right Now

Her long silver hair, unlike Nanashi’s, is left to flow freely.
Her blue eyes are as clear as the sky.
Her gentle demeanor and way of speaking easily put others at ease.
Her long apron dress with a flowing skirt is the same as Nanashi’s, but the major difference is her bust.
While Nanashi’s could be described as flat—like a pancake or a horizon—Ashvin’s are truly mountainous.
Any man would want to climb them.
“(Well, if she didn’t support me, I’d be nothing but trash.)”

I have complete control over my sexual desire, so even seeing that doesn’t excite me.
I mean, if she were to pamper me, support me, and manage the estate perfectly, I might even put on a wildly excited performance for her.

Ashvin, like Nanashi, also has a distinctive appearance.
That is, her skin color.
She is naturally brown.
In other words, she’s of a different ethnic group.
Sure, one can get tanned by the sun, but being born with a brown complexion? That doesn’t happen in this country.
That trait belongs to the so-called “different ethnic group,” a race distinct from the people of this country.
No wonder they’re generally despised.
Even I’d be furious if those folks took away the wealth that should be mine.
So, I can’t exactly trust Ashvin either…

“This is the second petition. Lord Balor, what will you do?”
Ashvin smiles gently as she asks.
“What now?”
“You want to have your shop built closer to your house because it’s too far away?”
“…How should I know?!”
“What are you saying this for, you idiot?! There’s no way I’m setting up a shop with taxpayer money!”
Even if they were doing that, I’m not having it on my watch!
Why should I have to spend my money on your selfish whims?!
And to ask for it a second time is just too shameless.
I’m obviously going to ignore you, dummy.
Figure it out, dummy.

“Ah, I understand. It wasn’t that I ignored you before; I just had other priorities…”
But on the surface, that’s my response.
Ashvin is the type who’s rather kind to everyone, though…
If I were to reveal even a bit of my true nature, she’d promptly direct her hostility toward me.
After all, she’s of a different ethnic group. I can’t trust her.
…Actually, regardless of ethnicity, I trust no one.

“Yes, of course I understand. Lord Balor, you are so kind.”
“…You really don’t get it.”

Quiet, Nanashi. Since you’re already buying into my perfect act, please don’t say anything more.
After all, there’s no one as full of compassion as I am.
I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I said that I’m the most merciful being in this world.
“Not that I’m exaggerating.”
Could you please stop being so perceptive?

“Well then, I think I’ll go for a little walk.”
I suddenly stand up.
My spine creaks with a “crack, crack” sound.
Tch. I seriously want to quit any job that puts this kind of strain on my body.
Somebody, please support me.

“Oh, is that alright?”
“Staying cooped up all the time makes your shoulders stiff. Besides, talking face-to-face lets you understand how the subjects really feel.”
It’s nothing but sophistry.
I don’t give a damn about the subjects’ feelings.
They’d be satisfied as long as the taxes are low and someone occasionally listens to their opinions, right?

“I see. As expected of Lord Balor—though I might be overstepping…”
Ashvin bows deeply.
Really.
Just let me slack off in peace.

“That’s fine. Ashvin, I want you to keep an eye on me and give me a warning when needed. It serves as a reminder. So, count on it from now on.”
“Yes.”
I don’t mean any of that. I don’t need any admonition—everything I do is right.

“Bah… pfft!”
Nanashi spits.
…Spitting!?
We’re indoors, for crying out loud!
Even if we weren’t, it’d still be inappropriate!

“Then, I’ll stay on…”
“Nanashi, I want you to come along too. Your perspective is broad.”
…………
Nanashi gives a faint, empty smile.
If I were to cut her off, her face would turn dead.
Her eyes look even more lifeless—like a fish’s, maybe?
Besides, she’s the type who’s trying to snatch the entire Apophis family fortune for herself.
There’s no way I’ll let her be alone in the mansion, out of my sight.
You’ll definitely embezzle it, you scumbag.
Despite her silent protest, I forcefully drag Nanashi outside.

◆

“Ah, it’s Lord Balor!”
Whenever I walk around town, the subjects call out to me.
Just leave me alone.

“Please, come over! It’s delicious!”
A guy running a food stall calls out.
Is that… skewered meat?
Some meat is being grilled and basted with sauce… it smells amazing.
gulp.

“Yeah, I’ll stop by again. I’m on an inspection right now.”
He smiles broadly.
There’s no way I’m stopping.
I just can’t stomach food made by amateurs.
I almost end up sending it back.
That guy probably never trained anywhere, so my body surely won’t take it.
I must decline.

“Hey, Lord Balor. Aren’t you recruiting new maids? I’m interested…”
Before I know it, a woman sidles up and wraps her arms around me, pressing her cleavage against me.
“Heh. For a cute girl like you, there’s a much better place than here.”
I nonchalantly pull her arms away and offer a half-hearted laugh.
What an idiot.
There’s no way I’m letting in a tramp after a money grab—I’m already swamped with Nanashi.
Yet, thanks to my smooth choice of words, the woman doesn’t seem displeased; rather, she withdraws somewhat happily.
I fear being resented above all.

“Lord Balor! Play with me, play with me!”
Crack!
A sharp impact—thud!—shoots through my waist, producing a sound that should never be heard.
“Ahhhh! My waist… AAAAAAA!!”
Of all people, it’s that snot-nosed brat.
You bastard… I’ll kill you!

“Sorry, maybe another time.”
I gently detach the brat.
Why must I play with a kid as if we’re equals?
You kids have too much energy and drag me around—it’s the worst.
The next day, I could barely move from muscle pain.
I’ll execute you.
…And seriously, my waist is in real trouble.
I hardly ever exercise, so it’s pretty bad.
Help…

“Lord Balor, you are adored by the subjects. There is no lord as well-loved as you.”
Ashvin stands proudly.
I wonder why you’re taking credit for my achievements, but…
Even if I’m liked by everyone…
Unless my parasitic host shows up soon, this good lord act means nothing.
It’s all just exhausting.
Sigh…
Interacting with the subjects gives me goosebumps; I want to quit already, but even if I head back to the mansion now, there’s nothing but that crappy paperwork waiting.
Maybe I’ll just keep walking for a while…