The Son of a Corrupt Lord Doesn't Want to Become a 'Saint'! V1C14

 Stage1-14: Match Pump

“...So, what is it that you wanted to tell me?”

While Mio was putting the children to sleep, Alice called me into the guest room for a private conversation. We both settled down on a slightly old-fashioned sofa.

“Yes. I coerced them and made them reveal the information, just as Ouga-sama instructed. It’s about that.”

“........”

I never gave such instructions...

How did she interpret it as coercion?

A bad feeling crept over me.

“...You didn’t kill them, did you?”

“No need to worry. They have a role in leading us to the main base.”

That’s not my concern....

We need manpower to accomplish anything.

If they were easily eliminated like cutting grass, it would be troublesome for me as the one in charge.

I had intended to incorporate them and resolve things peacefully....

But now it’s already done.

At least Alice acted with me in mind.

Besides, launching a solo attack on enemy territory without killing everyone is progress, I suppose.

I took a deep breath and glanced up, sinking into the backrest of the sofa. I asked her,

“So, what did you find out?”

“They’re targeting this place to create an underground arena for an event.”

“So, it’s similar to the ones in Washua that Alice used to be a part of?”

“Yes. In fact, it would be more accurate to say they are remnants from there.”

“Didn’t Alice take care of all of them? Did you miss some?”

“No, that’s not possible. Those who couldn’t get tickets were given a break. It seems that those who were lucky and had a day off caused the commotion.”

“...I see.”

Wait a minute. Isn’t this our fault?

The ones left behind after we crushed the Washua underground arena sought a new territory and set their sights on Inivent.

Inivent and Washua are neighboring districts.

The capital’s guards haven’t been paying attention, making it the perfect place for them to resume their activities.

“Originally, as Washua’s security deteriorated, more and more people were leaving Inivent. It was convenient for them to commit crimes... Is something wrong, Ouga-sama?”

“...No, I was just lost in thought.”

This is a complete mess!

Have I been consuming meals prepared by people who are suffering because of us...?

Oops, uh-oh. My stomach suddenly started hurting....

This isn’t the kind of evil I aspire to!

Even in evil, there should be aesthetics.

For instance, I would commit any wrongdoing that benefits me, but I won’t dirty my hands otherwise.

Creating a charming harem and indulging in delicious food.

Living a carefree life, funded by my subjects’ taxes.

Taking meaningful actions while holding convictions and goals is truly admirable.

Situations like this, where we’re caught up in haphazard and unpredictable events, are undesirable.

...I’ve made up my mind. I will take responsibility and see this through to the end.

As long as I’m alive, I will ensure the safety of the orphanage, no, the safety of Inivent.

To achieve that, I must do what is necessary... I start formulating a plan in my mind.

“Alice, regarding this attack, do not kill anyone under any circumstances. Not even inflict severe harm.”

“Why is that?”

Don’t show such dissatisfaction. Let me explain.

Your presence alone is enough to unsettle ordinary people if they perceive it wrongly.

I will utilize it. To carry out my own version of evil.

“I see. Do you have something in mind?”

“Of course. Who do you think I am?”

“The savior who will save everyone.”

As I entertain these doubts, there’s a knock on the door.

“Excuse me. It’s Mio. May I come in?”

Alice looks at me, seeking permission with her eyes, and I give a nod.

“Come in.”

“Thank you. Were you busy?”

Mio, who has finished putting the children to sleep, bows her head.

In her hand, she holds a white package.

“We’ve just finalized our plans. How are the children doing?”

“They didn’t seem scared at all. They fell asleep right away, probably because they were tired... It might also be because you played with them, Vellet-sama.”

“Hahaha...”

I couldn’t help but get carried away despite my age...

But it was a meaningful time.

I got to understand the children’s feelings...

“But why are you here at this hour? Couldn’t sleep because you were worried?”

“No, it’s not that... I brought this for Vellet-sama.”

She handed me the white package that had piqued my curiosity.

When I received it and looked inside, I found ten silver coins.

One silver coin should cover half a month’s worth of food expenses for the children.

It’s not a small amount of money for her.

“I know it’s a modest reward for a nobleman, especially a duke like Vellet-sama. However, I don’t have anything else at the moment... So, um...”

Mio fidgeted and blushed, looking down.

“If it’s not enough, I-I’ll do anything to make up for it... So, please... Please, I beg you... Could you protect us?”

I see. Indeed, ten silver coins hold significant value for me.

...Well, I suppose I’ll accept whatever comes my way.

“...Alice, do you remember what we wrote on the permission form for this overnight stay and why we came here?”

“Yes. I clearly remember that we wrote ‘volunteers.’”

“Oh, right. In that case, it would be strange to accept money, wouldn’t it?”

“Huh...?”

Mio, who had been looking down all this time, raised her head.

Originally, I didn’t intend to accept any reward since I came here in response to Alice’s request.

Moreover, we have already caused them a lot of trouble, so it would be cruel to burden them further, like the actions of a demon or a monster.

I may be wicked, but I’m not heartless.

Besides, we have almost fulfilled our purpose.

“That’s why I’m returning this. No need for any reward.”

I took Mio’s hand and placed the package back into her palm.

She looked at it for a moment and started shedding tears.

“Thank you... so much!”

“See? Didn’t I tell you? Ouga-sama doesn’t ask for money.”

Alice moved beside her and gently rubbed her back with a soft expression.

Wait, did you say such things on your own?

Could you please stop making assumptions without my knowledge?

That was a close call.

If I had demanded something at this moment, both Alice and Mio would have had a lower opinion of me...

“Alice, as soon as the date changes, we’ll launch our attack. I’ll rest for a while, so make sure you stay awake in case of any emergencies.”

“Understood.”

“There will be plenty to discuss until then. Take your time.”

“U-um...!”

“What is it?”

“We have many vacant rooms, so please feel free to use any available room...”

“Then I shall do so.”

I bid them farewell and left the room.

Passing through the corridor where I could hear the children’s peaceful breathing, I entered a random room.

“Well, this room should suffice.”

All that’s left is to crush the remnants’ base, and this matter will be over.

I took care of a few personal matters and, after two hours of sleep, I was awakened by Mio.

“Vellet-sama... Though I have nothing to offer in terms of charm or appeal, please use me as you wish.”

Mio attempted to seduce me.

...Why?