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 19

I’ve rarely had the chance to meet the Duke himself, but based on what I know, he dotes on his daughter immensely.

I’m not sure how Father managed to negotiate with him. The Duke likely never intended to offer his daughter in the first place. If we were to request an annulment of the engagement, he would probably agree without hesitation.

However, as a lower-ranking Count’s household, we cannot formally initiate the annulment. That’s why it’s strategically useful to let my bad reputation linger in the Duchy—it could serve the Duke’s interests in leveraging it.

“Don’t worry about the rumors in the Duke’s territory. The real issue would be if the bad rumors spread beyond that. Still, most nobles would understand the consequences of allowing my bad reputation to take hold in their lands. Even if they can’t entirely suppress it, they certainly won’t fuel the fire.”

With healing magic monopolized by the Church, which has a strained relationship with the nobility, our Dikaman family’s healing potions are one of the few available methods for recovery. If bad rumors about us spread in their territories, they’d undoubtedly do everything they could to stop it.

“I see. Then, I will proceed as Lord Karil has decided.”

“Good. Bosco, I’d like you to primarily handle matters related to the Count’s family and Mina.”

“Huh, me? Mina’s matters?”

Ah, I hadn’t explained this yet.

“The earring-shaped magic tool Mina is wearing is a highly rare and powerful artifact. It’s the kind of item that could easily be classified as a national treasure.”

“Wha…?”

The moment I mentioned “national treasure,” Mina let out a peculiar sound, clearly startled. Bosco, on the other hand, remained composed and asked calmly whether it was safe.

“If we consider only its effects, there’s a possibility it could go out of control. That’s why I want to teach Mina magic as a preventative measure. However, even if I teach her to use magic regularly, the tool seems to have a will of its own. To be completely honest, I can’t guarantee its safety.”

“I see.”

Mina’s complexion grew paler as she listened to my conversation with Bosco. Well, it was only natural to feel uneasy after hearing such things. She kept moving her hand toward the earring she wore, only to pull it back, repeating the motion as if she were wrestling with her thoughts.

“Mina.”

“Y-Yes?”

“That earring is highly advanced. It can easily handle up to a year’s worth of magic power even if worn continuously. You don’t have to worry too much.”

“Is that… really true?”

It seemed like the only way to reassure her was to show her myself through the use of magic.

“I’ll entrust your magic training to Bosco. I’ll make time to teach you as well, but I need you to build a solid foundation in the meantime.”

Bosco’s burden was tremendous. I felt guilty, but there was no other choice. If we didn’t quickly resolve the issues plaguing the Count’s family, its very existence could be at risk.

“I’m sorry to impose this on you…”

“I don’t see it as a burden at all. In fact, I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

Bosco responded to my murmured apology with unwavering resolve in his eyes.

“Since the day Lord Karil changed, I’ve had a strong feeling that the Dikaman family was destined for great things. The Count’s household, which had been struggling just to maintain itself, now brims with ambition and progress. Even we servants feel as though we’ve been rejuvenated.”

“…”

“Lord Karil, many of us in the service of the Dikaman household owe our lives to this family. Where, then, would there be room for us to feel burdened by any task?”

I was overwhelmed with emotion. Despite having such remarkable retainers who were so deeply loyal, why had the Karil in my knowledge turned into the so-called “jealous Count”? Bosco’s sincere and untainted words warmed my heart, and I felt my vision blur.

“I see. I’ll leave it to you…”

I hoped my voice wasn’t trembling.

“Of course, my lord.”

I stood and moved to the window, gazing outside to avoid showing my face. It was likely not a sight anyone should have to endure at this moment.

“I’ll instruct the other servants immediately,” Bosco said.
“Good. Return to report to me before dinner. Until then, ensure no one else enters this room.”

“Understood.”

With that, Bosco and Mina left the room.

Now, after witnessing such loyalty, it’s time for me to tackle the tasks before me.

“First, the report for the nobles. I’ll send it to prominent houses that have shown particular interest in Redstone Disease, but balance will be key.”

Some of the noble factions I planned to address included allies of the Ewell Ducal household, while others were their adversaries. Though the Duke’s weaknesses might not be significant, these opposing nobles could leverage the situation to restrain his influence.

“Next, allocation of funds—salaries, territory management, savings…”

No, I need to handle one thing at a time. Rushing through everything will only lead to mistakes and half-finished efforts.
Focus on what’s in front of you.

Elsewhere—The Duke’s Study

“Has he already returned?” I asked.

“Yes. Although others were keeping watch, they lost consciousness due to an unknown incident. By the time they regained awareness, Count Dikaman had likely already returned to his territory.”

“I see.”

It seemed the Count had found it difficult to remain in the Duke’s territory, thanks to my machinations. I could understand why he’d abandon his treatment and want to leave. However, I could not afford to feel guilty; everything I had done was for the sake of the Duke’s household. Regret was not an option.
“Still, I didn’t expect the Count not to visit his daughter.”
Had something changed in the man who had once been so enamored with my daughter?

Knock, knock.

“Enter.”

“Lord Aran, the authentication of the letter from the Count has been completed.”

As the Duke, I had many enemies, so such precautions were necessary.

“Well done.”

The contents of the letter were simple, yet there were a few phrases that couldn’t be overlooked.

Most notably, the mention of having discovered a treatment for Redstone Disease. The Count was vague about its authenticity, but my instincts told me that he had indeed found the cure.
“I suppose all I can do now is wait.”

From this point forward, I must regard him not as my daughter’s fiancé but as the head of the Dikaman family.

I couldn’t shake the ominous feeling that one misstep could spell the downfall of the Duke’s household.