Volume 2 Chapter 26: Boiled Over in an Instant 【The Aristocratic Council Arc】

I have absolutely no interest in the court nobles, but even so, I know about the Four Great Nobles.
After all, these are the nobles who run this country.

They are people I absolutely do not want to be acquainted with.
That’s why, following the “steer clear of danger” rule, I avoid any place they might be.

Why the hell are you showing up at the noble council, which isn’t even mandatory?
Are you bored?
Get to work, you bastard.

“Isn’t attending the noble council your job?”

No excuses.

“Yeah……”

Even though we were sulking, we bowed our heads at the edge of the hallway.
If we don’t do it this way, those court nobles—who have nothing but pride—will start a fight at any moment.
As if to prove just how important they think they are.
They consider everyone else utterly worthless.

Nevertheless, it’s a pain to incur the displeasure of the Four Great Nobles.
Even though it feels disgusting, we quickly wait for them to pass by.

“…………”

And yet, even so…
Unbelievably, Kelphine stands before me, refusing to move.
In the limited view I have with my head bowed, I see that Kelphine’s feet aren’t moving.
What the hell is this guy!?
Does he find it so much fun making me bow my head?
I won’t stand for it. I’ll fucking kill him.

“……Aren’t you one of the nobles summoned to the noble council?”

Once again, unbelievable, he starts talking to me.
Do you think you have any right to do that?
Don’t get too cocky, you fucking noble.

“Yes. I rule the Apophis territory.”
“Hmph. Then, Apophis—how do you handle the education of your servants?”
“Huh?”

I tried to brush it off, but then he hit me with an utterly unexpected question.
I don’t get it.
I glanced sideways, utterly puzzled.
Likewise, Nanashi—who also makes it clear with her demeanor that she wants no part of this—is bowing her head in the corner.

And then… Izun, puffing out her chest and tilting her head in bewilderment, looks up at Kelphine.
I—I—Izun-san!?
Why on earth aren’t you bowing your head at all and just looking at Kelphine!?

“Ah, I have to go to the bathroom…”

I don’t care.
Just go ahead and do it.

“!?”

“I- Izun?”
“? What’s up, Lord Balor?”

When I called out, she tilted her head slightly, as if asking if something was wrong.
No, what? Who the hell do you think you are?

“No, you should bow your head at the side…”

This is how not only the Four Great Nobles but also the court nobles conduct themselves.
If someone approaches head-on, you bow your head at an angle.
That alone is enough to satisfy their pathetic pride, so that’s the best way to deal with them.
It’s common sense among the nobles of this country.

And yet… this maid has blatantly defied that common sense.
Eek…

“Izun’s master is Lord Balor, right? So there’s no need to bow your head to anyone but Lord Balor.”

Her expression said it all, as if questioning what she was saying.
Hey, wait a minute!
This kid is showing her loyalty in a really strange way!
Well, it is a fact, though.
Even Kelphine is worth nothing compared to me.
But still!

In this old-fashioned country, such manners (lol) are important!

“U-Um, I’m sorry. I’ll be sure to make them understand.” “Mmph?”

I bit my tongue to keep him from saying anything extra. Those lips sure are soft, hey.

“No, it’s fine. Well, if you were an ordinary person, I might have something to say too…”

Oh? Looks like you might get away with it, huh?

Kelphine, you’re so easy.
…Or so I thought, but his next words made it clear this wouldn’t end so simply.

“After all, she’s just a cursed child.”

Kelphine’s eyes weren’t fixed on me—they were on Izun.
Izun is, as they say, a cursed child.

It’s evident in her appearance.
Her hair is translucent white, and her skin is so pale it looks as if it has never seen sunlight.

And then, eyes red as blood.
Being an albino is considered an ill omen in this country.

In a far-off land, however, such a condition is treated with utmost reverence—as a messenger of the gods.
It’s amazing how geography and culture can change everything, but anyway.

In this country, Izun is shunned, feared, and rejected.
Since it’s an innate trait rather than acquired, she led an exceptionally harsh life until I met her.

Even her slightly unusual way of speaking might be influenced by that.
…Still, how can anyone call her a cursed child right before her eyes?

I would never dare say that.
I’m scared she’ll take her revenge on me.

“…………?”

Even so, despite being assailed with such outrageous words, Izun merely tilts her head.
Rather than retorting, that might be her strongest response.

It’s not working at all.
Well, if Izun handles it this way, I’ll just let it pass…

“Listen, Apophis. You might not understand since you’re still young, but your servants are a reflection of their master. If you have a cursed one among them, your own value and status will drop. Remember that.”

……Huh?
Did you just say that my status would drop?

“Well, you’ve also become that accursed noble—a brother-killer, no less.”

――――――What?
Even if I usually let Izun’s words slide, I boiled over in an instant.

This bastard…!
I don’t care what you say about Izun.
But I absolutely won’t tolerate any insults about me!

“Yes, I appreciate your advice.”

Raising my bowed head, I smile broadly.

“But it’s none of your business.” “What?”

Kelphine’s cheek twitched ever so slightly.
Even that alone had me bursting into laughter.

But don’t think that mocking me like that is enough to get away with it!

“I may be one thing, but this girl works incredibly hard. Nowadays, she’s indispensable to the Apophis territory. Yes, even to me.”

However, if I get angry for my own sake, that would be utterly unbecoming.
So I make it clear I’m angry for Izun’s sake.
That way, when the time comes, it’ll show I was driven by righteous indignation for someone else—not for myself.
Surprisingly, that sort of thing tends to win you allies in this country.

Really, I just don’t understand anything.

“I have no business being told off by someone who can only hide away and give orders.” “……!!”

I set my face into a stern expression and denounce Kelphine.
Oh-hoh!

Mocking those Four Great Nobles so unilaterally…!
It feels so good…!

“Useless good-for-nothing who can only hide away and give orders… Is this your introduction?”

I wonder who they’re talking about?
Who on earth are they referring to…? Not that I said I was useless!

“I’ll make you regret having spoken so arrogantly to me, from the bottom of my heart…！”

While Nanashi’s anger swelled, Kelphine too appeared furious.
The one who started the flame loses, you know.
So, you lose.
You’re the loser.

“All you cursed ones, I’ll wipe you out of this world!”

With that pathetic howl of a loser, Kelphine quickly walked away.
Watching his back, a sense of fulfillment welled up in my heart.

Ah… for a while, I’ll sleep soundly with my pillow propped high.
After all, I managed to out-argue those Four Great Nobles.

“Lord Balor!”