The Genius and Calamity of the Villainous Noble: A Brilliant Prodigy Unaware of Their Reincarnation as the Game's Antagonist Defies the Scenario and Dominates with Talent and Hard Work - Chapter 1.12

“I’ve returned, Father.”

I spoke to my father, who sat alone in his study, methodically working through a stack of documents.

“Welcome back, Ark,” he replied without lifting his gaze from the papers.

“…What is that, Ark?”

“What is what?”

“The banks. Why did you do something so reckless? What purpose does it serve? It’s a waste of money.”

“Oh? Even you don’t understand, Father?”

I couldn’t help but feel a flicker of surprise. My father, a man I had always thought of as highly competent and forward-thinking, seemed not to grasp the full picture.

“What do you mean?”

“The usefulness of the banks, of course.”

“…I understand their usefulness. Without a doubt, they are extremely effective. Banks could dominate not just this nation but the entire world. By establishing them globally, you could gather all the wealth, fund every industry, and secure immense profits. It might even be possible to bring every business in the world under your control… But the risks are far too great. You should stop now.”

“Wasn’t it you who taught me that the Reinhardt family is a monster that thrives on power? Are you saying we should fear our own potential?”

“…Let me be honest. Yes, I am afraid,” he admitted.

For the first time, my father looked up from his documents and met my gaze.

“I fear it. The scale of this idea is simply too enormous. That is why I cannot allow you the freedom you’ve had until now. The banks will remain as they are—no further expansion will be permitted.”

“I understand,” I replied calmly, without hesitation.

I had no intention of pushing further at this point anyway. My plan had always been to wait until others began to emulate what I had done.

It would take time for competitors to rise, but when they eventually did, there would be no one left who could restrain me.

“…Good. Hm. Ark, your skills in commerce and your intellect undoubtedly surpass my own. The next thing I want you to focus on is raw strength—your physical abilities. If you can attain a level of strength befitting the head of the Reinhardt family, I may even consider naming you my successor.”

To most of my siblings, those words would have been cause for celebration, a dream come true.

But to me? They were utterly unappealing.

“No, thank you. I have no interest in dealing with the headaches of being a lord.”

“…I see. However, you will still work on your strength. I am giving you a direct order. Travel south, to the borders of our nation, and slay the Chaos Dragon—a creature spoken of as one of the most terrifying and powerful beings in existence.”

“…What?”

My father’s outrageous command left me completely dumbfounded.