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 16

It happened during our journey back to the Earl’s territory in the carriage.

“Hmm…”

I was examining one of the earring-shaped magic tools I had appraised.

This was another artifact from the Temple of Jealousy, but unlike the other tools I had analyzed, this one took almost no time or mana to appraise.

(A magic tool that chooses its owner…)

The ease of appraisal likely reflected the tool’s intent: “Take me to the right owner already.”

It wasn’t unheard of for equipment in my knowledge to have specific usage conditions. Still, it was unsettling that a tool from the Temple of Jealousy—a place seemingly aligned with my powers—had deemed me unworthy.

“What’s that?”

Mina’s curious voice broke my thoughts.

“Hm? Oh, it’s an earring-shaped magic tool,” I replied, holding it up.

“A magic tool?”

“That’s right. It’s said to enhance the wearer’s magical energy.”

Of course, that wasn’t the full truth.

The tool’s actual effect was far more potent—it allowed the wearer to recover mana autonomously, functioning as a personal mana generator. Additionally, the earring could store mana, enabling prolonged combat without concern for energy depletion.
It was a dangerous artifact, but I couldn’t explain everything to Mina.

“It’s a shame I can’t use it myself…” I muttered.

If I wanted to develop strength independent of jealousy, this tool would’ve been ideal. But life rarely offers such conveniences.

“You can’t use it?” Mina asked.

“It seems to have usage conditions, and I don’t meet them,” I explained.

“What kind of conditions?”

“Something abstract, like being ‘approved’ by the tool. It doesn’t seem tied to the situation in which it was acquired or any specific ability. Whether you can use it or not is largely up to chance.”

As I finished my explanation, I noticed Mina staring intently at the earring. Its design was delicate, featuring a floral motif with understated gemstones—something that would undoubtedly appeal to many women.

“If you’d like, Mina, why don’t you try it?” I offered.
“Really?! May I?” she replied, her excitement unmistakable.
I had asked on a whim, but her enthusiasm was evident—she must’ve wanted to wear it.

“Go ahead,” I said.

“Thank you!”

I handed the earring to Mina, who eagerly reached for it.

“Eh?”

As soon as she held it, her expression froze.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“…”

This could be bad.

I had let my guard down because the appraisal was so easy. If the tool could choose its owner, it might also have the potential to deceive or harm them. Should I take it back immediately?

“Ah, um…” Mina stammered.

“Are you all right?!”

“Y-Yes! It’s just… I can hear a voice coming from the earring…”
A voice?

“What is it saying?”

“Well… it’s a bit… um, rude,” she said hesitantly.

“Rude or not, tell me everything it said,” I insisted.
After taking a deep breath to steady herself, Mina spoke.

“‘Hey there, you! You seem like the perfect match for me, don’t ya?’” she said, mimicking the voice.

What?

Her voice took on an odd, casual tone, and her face reddened slightly—she was clearly embarrassed.

“‘Look, the guy in front of you has potential, sure, but he’s not quite right. You, though—you’re cute, and you’ll keep my motivation high. So, let’s work together from now on!’ That’s what it said.”

“That’s all?”

“Y-Yes, that’s all.”

I was intrigued by the intelligence the tool seemed to possess, but couldn’t it have chosen a better way to express itself? It sounded like a sleazy flirt.

“Can you converse with it freely?” I asked.

“No, I can’t hear it anymore. But I somehow feel like I mustn’t throw the earring away,” she replied.

Out of curiosity, I touched the earring myself. A powerful resistance pushed me back immediately, leaving my arm numb.

Even with my strength and connection to jealousy, the tool rejected me outright. For an ordinary person, simply touching it would’ve been impossible. It had, in essence, become a magic tool exclusively for Mina.

This complicated things.

I would need to teach Mina how to use her mana and explain the tool’s functions to prevent any risk of it going out of control.

“For now, Mina, you’re not allowed to leave my side until I say otherwise. I’ll explain everything once we return to the Earl’s estate.”

“Understood!” she said, oddly cheerful.

“Can I put it on?”

“The earring is yours now, so you’re free to wear it as you like.”

“Thank you! I’ll treasure it!”

Though it had happened by chance, Mina’s joy at receiving the earring felt oddly gratifying.

While there was a slight risk of betrayal, strengthening those in my service seemed worthwhile. Perhaps I should distribute other magic tools from the Temple of Jealousy to trustworthy individuals like Bosco.

It could be framed as a special bonus for their service—
Wait.

The Earl’s estate was already providing substantial financial support to the Duke’s territory. Even with the revenue from our potion sales, could we truly afford this?

“Sorry to change the subject suddenly, but Mina, may I ask how much you’re paid?”

“Me? I receive one gold coin per month,” she replied.

One gold coin?!

That was lower than what most city workers earned and among the lowest for servants of noble households. It was on par with the wages of a baron’s servants—an insult for those serving an Earl.
“Incredible…” I groaned.

Reviewing the estate’s finances would now be my top priority once we returned.

“I’m sorry,” I said.

“Huh? For what?” Mina asked, confused.

We would reach the estate tomorrow. Poor Bosco—I would have to drag him into this, but there would be no rest for either of us in the coming days.