When the Mid-Boss Villainous Noble Recalls Memories of a Past Life and Gains Game Knowledge. I Will Never Accept a Future Where I'm Called the Jealous Earl - Chapter 14

As I wrote the letter, I realized a problem: without the official seal of the Dicaman family, the letter would be considered informal.

While this wouldn’t necessarily change the outcome, it left me uneasy—there was always the risk of it being tampered with.
To mitigate that risk, I minimized the size of the paper and filled it completely with text, leaving no room for alterations.

“Done.”

The letter to the Duke was brief: an apology for not being able to meet him in person and a mention of a possible breakthrough in the treatment. However, I omitted any mention of Magic Sealing Stones or other critical details, saving those for a formal report to be submitted later.

As I sealed the letter, Namis called out to me.

“Earl Khalil.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“I apologize for the imposition, but I must ask you to take us to your territory as soon as possible.”

“Hmm.”

The survival of Bertona family members had long been dismissed as rumor, a testament to how well Namis and her kin had hidden themselves. However, if the Duke launched a serious investigation, it was only a matter of time before they were discovered—something Namis clearly feared.

The Duke, while generally benevolent, might not risk open conflict with the church to protect the Bertonas. If their identities were revealed, the Duke’s household might either shelter them or hand them over to the church, but either scenario would likely involve abduction or coercion.

If it came to that, even I might be forced to abandon them.
“Make preparations,” I said.

“Thank you, truly.” Namis turned to Noel. “Noel, get ready.”

“Huh? Oh, right. Understood.”

This was only a concern within the Duke’s territory. Once they were in mine, I could fabricate excuses to deny any demand for their extradition.

“You all, prepare as well,” I said to my guards. “Make it discreet—come up with a reason, like a shopping mistake, and share this information with the waiting group.”

“Understood!”

Clatter.

As we discussed our plans, the rest of the guards returned, perfectly timed.

“We’re back! Mina was glaring at some shady guy, but what happened—”

“Hey, you idiot! How could you forget something so important?!”

“Exactly! Look, even Khalil-sama is furious!”

What on earth are they doing?

“I’ll go fix it right away!” one of the guards yelled, running off with exaggerated panic.

“…Right.”

The act was so blatantly overdone. These weren’t bad people, but a little more subtlety would go a long way.

“What are you guys even talking about? I didn’t forget anything!” another guard protested.

“Shut up. Listen here,” the first guard said, dragging him aside to whisper.

They’d sort it out among themselves, I trusted, so I stepped outside.

“Sorry for keeping you waiting,” I said to the spy.

“It’s no problem at all,” he replied.

I handed him the letter.

“I’ll ensure this reaches the Duke,” he said, carefully tucking it into his pocket as if handling something precious. With measured steps, he walked away.

“Mina, are you all right?” I asked, noticing her unusually quiet demeanor.

“Yes, I’m fine…” she said, though her glare was fixed on the spy’s retreating figure.

She claimed she was fine, but something had clearly happened.
“We’ll be returning to the Earl’s territory shortly,” I announced.

“Is the treatment complete?” Namis asked.

“No, but certain circumstances require us to leave.”

“I understand.”

“Please finish your preparations as quickly as possible.”
To set things in motion, I gently nudged Mina back into the cabin and closed the door behind her.

“Let’s begin. [Isalento, block all sound.]”

I cast a barrier around the cabin and layered additional spells on top.

The plan was simple: incapacitate the spy and alter his memories to ensure he wouldn’t interfere when we took Namis away. As the Earl, it was crucial that no one suspected me of attacking the Duke’s spy.

“[Low Time, slow down time.] [Seling, calm the mind.]”

These spells, like the soundproofing barrier, were designed to affect only those within the barrier.

[Low Time] was a fascinating spell. While it appeared to slow an opponent’s movements, its true effect was to distort time itself within the barrier. Time outside moved faster than within, creating an advantage.

However, the spell consumed immense mana, and its effect was limited—external time advanced only ten seconds faster for every minute within.

Inside the barrier with me was Namis, afflicted by the Redstone Disease. I couldn’t risk Mina or the guards witnessing what I was about to do. To minimize any chance of being seen, I had to act now.

“[Jealousy Crest, activate.]”

Heat surged through the crest on my hand as it activated.
Though I’d read about jealousy’s power, experiencing it firsthand was another matter entirely. Knowledge flooded my mind, and I quickly sensed my surroundings. Apart from the spy, no one else was nearby.

“Now then—[Pirarucu. Catfish. Electric Eel.]”

From behind me, the summoned creatures emerged. Their size was adjustable; I set them to about one meter each.

“[Order: Subdue the target without injury and bring him here.] Go.”

The creatures darted toward the spy.

“What is this?!” he shouted, startled by the sudden attack.
Despite drawing a dagger to defend himself, the creatures showed no sign of faltering.

This was the power of the Jealousy Crest—the ability to summon and control aquatic creatures at will.

“The versatility is remarkable,” I murmured.

The Seven Deadly Sins’ powers transcend human comprehension, impossible to replicate through conventional magic. While abilities manifest differently for each bearer, jealousy often involves water or aquatic themes.

Khalil Dikaman’s jealousy power, though considered the weakest among its kind, allowed for the infinite summoning and control of real-world aquatic creatures. Though enhanced, their fragility meant defeating the summoner would dispel them instantly.

“Creating an overwhelming swarm is powerful, but strengthening myself must be a priority.”

For now, however, the immediate threat had been neutralized.

Author’s Note:

Hello, this is the author.
I’ve made a significant correction to this chapter.
Previously, I described the summoned creatures as “sea creatures,” but the correct term is “aquatic creatures.” I’ve adjusted the surrounding text accordingly.
I apologize for any confusion this may have caused and appreciate your understanding!