Just before the soiree turned into a private battle between Creston and Sergus, and Tveit and Christine were in over their heads.
The Duke of Delsacis was meeting with some trusted nobles.
　They were not only nobles, but many of them were involved in the military affairs of the reorganized Magical Order and the Order of Knights respectively.
They understood better than anyone what that meant.
　On a long table in front of the noblemen's seats were documents detailing a plan and a special weapon, the reason why they had been called.

"Duke of Delsacis....... Is this the weapon that you have just informed us of?
"Yes. To be precise, it's a weapon that was created in the Holy Law God Kingdom of Metis and was recovered and improved by the mages of my faction. You can say that it is a replica of something that was used in the old age of magical civilization.
"It's not a wand ....... Is it something that shoots something out of this cylindrical part?
It's pretty heavy, ........ But not as heavy as a sword.

　They are noblemen, but at the same time they are involved in military service, so they can see at a glance what kind of weapons guns are. But they were skeptical that they could be used in actual combat.

The size of the hole suggests that the projectile is a small piece of metal, right?
I see. ....... In the case of a bow, the arrows would be quite numerous and would overwhelm the supplies. ......
A small piece of metal would be less bulky than carrying a supply of arrows. But are these weapons capable of killing?　I've heard that the Holy Law of Metis is already producing them, but I've never heard of them being used in actual combat.
I've never heard of it being used in a real battle." "Your question is reasonable, but the weapons of the Holy Law Goddess Kingdom of Metis have already been used. It was right around the time the Ilmanas Underground Passage was opened.

　For a moment, the meeting room was abuzz.
　Delsacis sent a diplomatic envoy to the Solstice Magical Kingdom, via the underground city of Ether Lante, around the time that the Ilmanas Underground Road leading to the Atorum Imperial Kingdom was opened.
　The current king is aware of this.
　At that time, he was attacked by assassins, and told them the story of how he and the warriors of the Atrum Empire fought them off.
　Of course, the existence of Xellos is kept secret.
　This story was an important secret of the country, and a secret agreement was made with the Empire of Atollum not to pass on the information of the captured heroes to the Holy Law God Kingdom of Metis, and it was information that even the nobles could not know unless they were in an appropriate position. 　
　The fact that you disclosed this information to the nobles, even if it was only a small amount, made me think that it was a confidential matter that would bring about a major change in the military in the future.

The prototype you're holding in your hands right now, this gun, is a very dangerous weapon. After all, if you can use magic, even women and children can easily kill people. If you have enough of them, it will bring about a big change in military operations. But it must never be allowed to get out to the public. There will be people who will try to make it, even if only a little information gets out. We had to keep it top secret.
『『『『『 Oh, ...... I see. 』』』』』

　In the minds of the nobles, the image of a race of dwarves was a common one.
　Dwarves are all engineers, for better or worse. If even the slightest information about a weapon such as a gun was conveyed to them, they would happily begin prototyping it.
　Their passion as craftsmen is so great that it lasts until the product is completed.
　His passion as a craftsman is so great that he will continue to research until his death, sparing no sleep. .......

The one in front of you is a rifle for long-distance attack, but with this technology, you can make one the size of the palm of your hand. Do you know what that means?
The ease with which women and children can be killed is ......
If it gets out, crime will increase. Criminal organizations will try to use this kind of weapon, and strict laws will have to be enacted.
"I don't like the situation where they are so easy to obtain. Especially not if they are used for assassinations.
That's what I'd rather have. ......
「「「「「Duke Delsacis! 」」」」」」

　This is the first time I've ever been to an event where I've had to make a decision about what to do.
　However, he does not approve of involving other people even if it is good for him, so even if he wanted to choose to make guns available to the public, he would not do it himself.
　Above all, a new nuisance such as gun crime will not only increase the range of crimes that can be committed in the future, but it will also require the establishment of new techniques in terms of investigation.
　Considering how long it will take to get there, it would be quicker to regulate guns from the beginning so that they are used only by the military and not available to the public.
　If the production line is directly controlled by the government, the incidence of gun crimes can be controlled to some extent. Even if gun crimes do occur, the military will be the first to be suspected.

　After all, only those who are involved in the military can obtain guns, and if the guns are being sold, it can be concluded that someone with an appropriate position has helped behind the scenes.
　This makes it easier to narrow down the target of surveillance.
　While it is possible to curb crime and illegal activities to some extent by simply monitoring those in such positions, it is still not optimistic. .......
　As a citizen of the country, I am happy to see that the defense of the country can be raised by the weapon of guns, and there is no option not to make guns in the first place to prevent crime.
　If you're looking for the best way to prevent crime, there's no choice but to not make guns from the start. Since the prototype of the flintlock gun has already been created in Metis, the spread of guns is only a matter of time, and Delsacis believed that information and technology would eventually spread.
　In the event that you've got a lot more than one, you'll be able to get a lot more.

This is the [Mage Musketeers Plan]? Does Your Majesty know about this?
I've already told him. His Majesty said, 'Why are you making such a plan on your own?　You can be the king now. I'm just a decoration, aren't I?　I'm just sitting on the throne. ......' He was sulking. Unfortunately, I like to work behind the scenes, so the throne doesn't appeal to me much. I wouldn't want it even if you offered it to me.
『『『『『 Your Majesty, ～～～～～～～～～!!!』』』』』

　The nobles could feel the king's grief painfully.
　In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.
　Moreover, to make matters worse, he was not the kind of person who wanted to be on the throne.
　In short, he wants to be a mastermind who controls the country from behind the scenes, and has no intention of getting involved in important positions such as Prime Minister or any other troublesome matters. In fact, there is a possibility that he even finds the position of duke annoying.

If Zveit were a little more dependable, he would quickly give up his position as duke, but he is still in his infancy. I thought about training him with rough treatment, but I don't want my child's personality to be destroyed. I'm going to have to stay in this important position for a while. ......


『『『『『『 son, run away ～～～～～～～～!!!』』』』』

　It's not just the possibility that you're thinking about it, it's the fact that you're thinking about it.
　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're doing.

I'm sure you're not the only one.　I'm sure you'll be able to figure it out. ......
The duke's position involves a lot of work, and it takes a lot of effort to make time to move freely. The position of a duke has a lot of work and it takes a lot of time to make time to move freely. Don't you think so?
『『『『『 I said this kind of position, he said. ....... What do you want us to do? What do you want me to do?

　In addition to his work as a lord, the noblemen do not know what to say to the man who single-handedly serves as president of the Chamber of Commerce.
　It's a wonder that there are still so many anecdotes about him, despite the fact that he spends his time so hard. All this in the middle of a busy schedule.
　No one can even imagine what he will do once he gives up his title to Zveit and is free.

Well, I've digressed. The official name of this gun is the [Magic Gun], but this weapon has the potential to completely change the way war is fought. In order to use it properly, I need to establish an experimental unit, and I need your help. Swords will be obsolete in the coming years.
Do you think there will be a time when swordsmanship will be meaningless?　Well, if you have the numbers, you can wipe out the enemy by creating a barrage. ....... You don't even have to get close to the enemy.
But will it work that way?　If you specialize in medium to long range, won't that put you at a disadvantage when you are forced into close combat?
No, sword fighting and martial arts will not be wasted. No, sword fighting and martial arts will not be wasted, and if they are also trained in close combat, they will be able to operate their troops under various circumstances. However, I'm worried that the tradition and pride of the nobility will be lost. From what I've read about this idea of a Mage Musketeer Corps, it doesn't sound like a knightly tactic. It is very rational. ......

　As far as I can tell from the tactical plans in the Mage Musketeers plan, the way the unit operates is terribly organized and focused solely on winning the war.
　Modern tactics, which would not be so surprising to Xellos and Ad, were efficient and innovative in this other world, but their focus on efficiency alone left no sense of humanity.
　It was all about killing the enemy.
　For noblemen who value history, tradition, honor, and pride, this idea is worthy of awe, as it could destroy their common sense. After all, it is written that single combat is a fool's errand, and the priority is to inflict damage on the enemy before such a situation arises.
　The sweet nonsense of a fair fight is completely ignored, and efficiency is the only thing that matters. The nobles felt that while it was very reliable as an army for national defense, it was creepy as if it was an army of pariahs.

The first step is to create an experimental unit, but before that, will we be able to manufacture the magic gun in time?　The Marquis de l'Embar, I'm worried about you.
"Don't worry, Marquis de l'Embar. We've already completed several prototypes. All we need to do is actually use them and organize them. After all, the dwarves are very enthusiastic.
『『『『『 Hey, hey, hey, hey, the Solistaean mages and craftsmen ...... are dead, aren't they? 』』』』』

　Nobles who shudder at the idea of a Mage Musketeer Corps .
　The craftsmanship of the dwarves is unparalleled, and their workplace is a veritable hell. In particular, the treatment of apprentices and other novice craftsmen is worse than that of slaves.
　There are no human rights, and the only choice is to make something good.
　Eighty percent of their lives are spent prioritizing work as a hobby, and they are severe workaholics. They are either workaholics or "working ogres.
　Incidentally, the remaining 20% is for food and drink.

"I was renovating a house, and I asked for some alterations later, but he hit me hard. ......
When I asked him to make the decorations more flamboyant, he said, 'I refuse such a vulgar request! I asked them to make the decorations more flamboyant, but they said, 'We refuse such vulgar requests!' and boycotted the work the next day.
"You're not so bad. In my case, when I asked them to design a new house, I was imprisoned for more than two months to check the design. ....... I even believed in God when I was released.
『『『『『 They're crazy. ....... I also feel sorry for the mages who were affected: ......』』』』』

　The dwarves are a race of artisans that even the most powerful nobles fear.
　It's a good idea to take a look at the website and see if you can find anything that might be of interest to you.
　For some reason, tears of sympathy well up from the eyes of the nobles when they think about the mages who were sacrificed by the dwarves. The nobles may have remembered the trauma etched in their hearts.
　The meeting continued for a while without regard to the feelings of the nobles.
　They discussed various things, such as the budget plan for the formation of the unit, the selection of the training location, the selection of a trustworthy commander candidate, and the review of the training method since it was a special weapon.
　And two hours later...

"Well, we still have a lot of things to cut down on, such as budget and troop bases, but let's take a short break here. We'll meet here in an hour to discuss the rest.
"Yes, that's right. I was wondering if my son had met a woman.
I'm also wondering if my daughter has found the man of her dreams. I hope so, too.
"My son is only interested in the same s*x. Is there anything we can do?
Oh, you're interested too? My daughter is only interested in women, too. ......
You're not so bad. ....... My grandson is a cross-dresser.　The other has a criminal record for assaulting a number of men in another country and was thrown in jail. ....... He was not even remorseful, and lamented that he could not eat the young fruit.

　The soiree is a place for the nobility to interact with each other.
　They do not know that their role had already collapsed at this time.
　However, they do not know that their role has already been broken at this time, because two old men have started a heated battle.


　The unknowing nobles bowed to Delsasis and left the room, leaving him to take his final seat.
　As he walks out the door with his companions, Delsacis sees a familiar, boyish youth.
　It was Soukis, the boy who had left Zveit and was on the run.

Where are you going, Soukis? You're supposed to be at the ball at this time?
"De, Duke of Delsacis: ....... Haha, a ball. I think it's been canceled.
"Well, what does that mean?
Well, ...... the former Duke of Creston got into a serious fight with a big, burly old man, and there was no time for dancing. I think that hall is heating up in a different way right now, don't you?
"......... has that old man started again?

　Delsacis had seen old Sergas in the hall where the soiree was being held.
　It's a great way to make sure you're getting the most out of your money. It was an event hosted by the Duke, after all.
　I thought that Creston would be a little more sensible in a public place, but it seems that the encounter between the rivals was beyond Delthacis' expectations.
　This would have hindered the marriage activities of the daughter of a nobleman who had few encounters.

I'll tell your father about it later. Father will be punished physically by me later. ......
"What?　Why are you looking at me?

　Delsacis's gaze pierced Soukis.
　He backed away, but by the time he met Delsacis, it was too late.

I have been asked by your father in tears to connect you with some lady of good fortune.
I'm sure you're not the only one. And I don't feel comfortable interfering with Zveit as a friend.
"Hmm, you have a connection with the Zveit?　That's interesting.
"Oh yes, he said the Viscount Elwell. You're a simple-minded Zveit, but you can't leave him in the corner.
That girl. ....... Hmm, not a bad story. So?　What does this have to do with you leaving the venue?　You're in a position where you should be able to find someone, but I'd like to know why you're here.
"What?

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea for me to be here, but I'm sure it's a good idea for you to be here. He is also the heir to the ducal family.
　He is also the heir to a ducal family, and like Zveit, he is obliged to take a bride.

I already know that you have come to my land in the name of the Dukes of Libyants, but in reality you have come to find a suitable woman to marry. Are you going to abandon your duties as a nobleman?　And that too at a banquet hosted by me. ......
I'm sure you can't handle that situation. I'm sure you're not the only one.
That's no reason to leave the venue. You probably talked Zveit into leaving, right?　He's not very good at belly tricks.
"Ugh. ......

　There was no room for rebuttal.
　The fact that Zveit had a woman he was interested in was a surprise, but it was convenient for him to get away from such a troublesome seat, and he succeeded in saying something stupid and leaving the venue.
　However, he did not expect to run into the troublesome Duke of Delsacis on his way out.
　No, since it was the residence of the Dukes of Solstice, it was quite predictable.
　Even if she wanted to run away, she was like a frog stared at by a snake. Marriage was too much trouble for her, and she was too reckless to go over the sudden obstacle of Delsacis.
　There was no escape.

I'm on my way to the venue, and if you want, I can introduce you to a noblewoman I know. I'll introduce you to a nobleman's daughter I know, and if you run away, I'll force you to marry someone suitable.
"Father, ......, do you want me to marry you at all costs?
"Of course you do.　What's more, the sooner you have grandchildren, the better. As I recall, the Count of Grün had a daughter of the same age.
"Wait, she's fat!　She has a good personality, but she's a heavyweight!
If she's fat, why don't you try to make her lose weight as a man?　It is a test of a man's ability to do so. I think you'd be a good match for someone who runs away from things, don't you?
Oh no, I'm a stickler for looks too, in case you were wondering.
Her mother is quite a beautiful woman, isn't she?　If she lost weight, she would probably be just as beautiful as her mother. Count Grün loves his daughter too much, and if he's good at it, she might even start to lose weight. It all depends on you, though.

　Sowkiss shuddered.
　If he didn't, he would be forced into an engagement, and if he tried to escape, he might even be forced into marriage. In any case, Soukis's father had half given up on the idea of marrying him, but since he desperately needed an heir, he might be willing to do something rash.
　For the sake of the family's survival, Soukis' will is worth less than trash.

That ....... I'm not sure what to make of this.

　Sowkiss has nominated Celestina, the only daughter of the Duke of Delsacis, as his betrothed.
　But the moment he heard those words, the Duke of Delsacis released a tremendous amount of deadly energy.

"Think about your words before you say them. I have no intention of making Celestina a noblewoman. I want her to lead a free life. If I say anything else, I'll have to ask you to disappear from the world with your house.　Good decision.


"No, no, ...... I'm sorry. Forget what I just said, please. ......
All right. I'll let it go once, but you know what happens the next time I say it?
Yes, I will not say it again!
Good. Then we'll go to the hall together. Since you asked, I'll see if I can get some of the other families to introduce you to their daughters. Don't say anything foolish again, though.
"Please.

　Sowkiss's defeat.
　The Duke of Delsacis was even more of a fool than he thought.
　After being subjected to a powerful killing spell, he was carried off like a cow destined to become meat to the hall where the evening party was held.
　A few weeks later, Soukis was engaged to a chubby young lady.
　He regretted very much that he had offended someone he should not have offended. .......

　In conclusion, we can say that Sergas and I are very happy with the way we have turned out.

　As it turned out, the fight between Sergas and Creston was not settled.
　Creston, with his nimble footwork and skillful techniques for his age, and Sergas, with his overwhelming toughness and defensive capabilities, were the type of fighters who could take a hit and kill.
　The two fighters can't make a decisive move, and they just end up beating each other up for hours on end.
　If Delsasis hadn't blackmailed him, the same thing would have been repeated endlessly.
　However, Delsacis's intervention came after some time had passed, and in the meantime, many of the nobles were excited to see how the two of them fought.
　The marriage ceremony had turned into a title match, and it was already too late.
　And now, Sergus and Creston are sitting on the floor, listening to Delsacis' petulant complaints.

I have no idea what men think.　I don't know what the man is thinking.
"No, I don't understand either. I don't get it either. I mean, aren't those two guys just special?

　As they watched the two old men sitting on the floor receiving a lecture from Delsacis, Zveit and Christine felt very uncomfortable.
　A grandfather and a respected mentor, both of whom had fought in a great battle at a gathering of many noblemen.
　While it is natural for a nobleman to have a certain level of moderation even in the context of a formal rite of passage, these two men had gone on a rude rampage.
　In addition, there are two extremes: the duke, who is the host of the party, and the mage, who is practically a commoner.
　The other nobles who accepted it and even started betting on it are also out of their minds.

I've been thinking lately that the common sense of the nobility in this country may be out of sync with the rest of the world.
It's not like they're going to go on a rampage in a place like this. ....... It's beyond the realm of rudeness.
This makes the story of a fierce fistfight in front of His Majesty all the more plausible.
What's that? I've never heard that before!

　I've never heard of that before! The nobles of the magical kingdom of Solistea have been saying, 'No, that's not normal. What's that? I'm sure you've heard of it. It's also the reason why it is said that the nobles of the mage family are crazy.
　Zveit also thought it was true, but he didn't believe everything. It was just that he was convinced by the insanity of the people around him.
　At first it was my father and my own brother, but recently I have come to realize that my grandfather is one of them.
　It's been done.

I'm going to be a serious nobleman. I never want to be like that.
No, I don't think all nobles are insane.
No, the nobles of the mage family ......, especially the dukes, are often insane. My father is insane, my grandfather is insane, my brother is insane. The Soukis guy is the same. Why do they have to be the most outstanding troublemakers of all? ......
Is that it?
....... Sometimes I feel like I'm the only one in my family that's really standing out. My sister is also not ...... decent.

　Zveit's view of his family had recently become very cold.
　A father who has no idea what he's doing behind the scenes, a grandfather who dotes on his granddaughter to an unbelievable degree.
　The younger brother, who causes a lot of trouble with his experiments, and the younger sister, a best-selling author who is a decent person but has gone down the path of corruption.
　It sounds good to say that they are unique, but everyone except Zveit has a strong impact that shatters common sense. Among them, Zveit is the only one who is completely serious.
　He has no distinctive personality, no strange hobbies, and no interesting qualities.
　If I had to pick one, it would be the role of a comedian.

It is said that "personality is charm," but I don't need a strong personality like that. ....... It's okay if you're boring, you're human.
I'm not sure what to make of that.　I think you're actually longing for a stronger personality. ......
I won't deny it.

　I'm not going to deny it. A strong personality can be attractive to the untrained eye.
　For example, his father, Delsacis, works efficiently at a number of jobs and is free to do whatever he wants in his spare time. We don't know what he is doing, but that is what makes him mysterious and attractive.
　People who have something outstanding are seen as more attractive.
　It would not be wrong to feel admiration or envy for them.
　Zveit is also aware of this, and easily affirmed Christine's question.

I'm not sure if I'd be able to do that if I were you. I don't have any particular personality either. You can find a lot of people who are interested in this kind of thing.


You think so?　You seem attractive to me. Not many women want to be knights, and doesn't it count as attractive to work hard to follow a path you believe in?
No, it doesn't. ....... I'm not sure if this is my personality, because my father died and I just wanted to follow in his footsteps.
That's how it is at first. I'm not sure if it's my personality.

　Just as Christine yearned for her father's knightly figure, Zveit yearned for her grandfather's mage figure. He has been studying with this longing since he was a child, and has become the person he is today.
　However, due to factors such as gender and family lineage, the eyes of the people around you may have different intentions. In Christine's case, it was mockery, and in Zveit's case, it was the desire and ambition of those who wanted to take advantage of her ducal position.
　In Christine's case, the more she tries, the more she is told that she is a woman, and in Zveit's case, she is seen only as the heir to the dukedom. They both have a longing for a strong personality and a complex about themselves.
　In short, the two of them are just like each other.

"Female knight, that's nice. You're challenging people to do what they're not willing to do.　I think you look attractive enough. There's no need for condescension.
"You're not running away from the pressure of being a duke, and you're trying your best to be worthy. It's not true that you are unattractive.
Do you think so?　The duchy is a duty, and I don't think there's anything to praise about it.
It's a position that stands above the people next to the royal family.　I think it's great that you're not running away from it and accepting it.

　In the event that you have any questions concerning where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site. It was not that he could not escape, but that he was trapped in a kind of obsession that he was not even allowed to escape.
　I once said to Celestina, "There is no other way but as a person who bears the duke's family on his back," and it was because I had this feeling inside.
　There may have been a kind of resignation in that.
　However, when Christine called me "amazing" for being such a pathetic person, I felt a feeling of "I wasn't wrong" welling up in me.

I'm sure you're right. ...... There was a line about men being simple. The woman said it to me and I felt it. It's really simple.

　Zveit laughs to himself.
　Christine is giving him a serious look. You can see the embarrassment in her straightforward eyes, but at the same time, you can't help but feel happy.

"By the way, Christine. "By the way, Christine, you've changed your first person back to 'I'.
"What?　I'm sorry about that ......!　I... I... I'm... I'm so sorry!
Don't worry about it. I'm not so small-minded that I can't accept something like that. I think it's rather cute.
What?
"...............

　In the next moment, both of our faces turn bright red.
　We both realized what we had said and what had been said to us, and froze in shame.
　There were three people looking at the two of them unexpectedly close, as they were going through the pages of their youth.

I'm not sure what to make of it, but I think it's a good idea.
It reminds me of my youth. It makes my ass itch just looking at it. ......
I thought you were a young man with some backbone, but you'll never be strong enough to take care of women. It is only when you drop everything and train yourself that you become truly strong. Well, it's a bit of a problem if Christine ends up unmarried. ......

　Delsacis watches over the young couple with a reluctant smile, while Creston rejoices at the arrival of his grandson's springtime in this world. It's not that I'm interfering.
　I'm not trying to get in the way, but people usually call this a debacle.

"That's why your wife left you. Do you think I don't know that you've been single your whole life?
"You knew about ......?
It just so happens. It just so happens that you've been forcing your wife to do muscle training, too.　You've been forcing your wife to do muscle training, too.
"No, it's not my fault. ....... It's not my fault, it's the world's fault for not understanding my ideals!　The mage needs a body that can handle any situation. Yes, muscles!
"Lord Sargus. I think that's a kind of twisted terrorism thinking, but in this situation it just sounds like a disgusting excuse. I think we should be silent here.

　Zveit and Christine were in their own world and didn't realize it, but of course there were other people watching besides Delsacis and the others.
　There was also the jealousy of the sergeant of another family who wanted Christine, and the ambitious daughter who wanted to become the next duchess, but it didn't matter to these two, they were just a couple in the throes of adolescence.
　Objectively speaking, they are just a happy couple.
　The whirlwind of happy and embarrassed love was blowing wildly, without regard for the eyes of others.