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 21

Recently, I heard from Bosco that young maids had been complaining about how frightening that bodyguard was.

Perhaps I should have dismissed the bodyguard when Mina muttered about him back in the duke’s territory.

“Well then, I haven’t checked on things lately. Maybe I should visit Mina.”

Mina, who had started learning magic, was a support-type mage skilled in buffs and debuffs. Both buffs and debuffs grew more effective the greater one’s magical power, and her magic tools were a perfect match for her abilities.

The count’s forces had been significantly strengthened, making them capable of handling most enemies without issue.

Though I don’t want to think about it, if a battle ever broke out against the monstrous protagonist faction, the only ones who could fight on equal terms in the count’s household would be myself—with the power of jealousy—and Mina, armed with magic tools. Narmis and Noel might be able to fight as well, but I’d rather not involve them.

Honestly, I don’t want to involve Bosco, Mina, or anyone else serving the count either.

Knock knock.

“I’m open, come in!”

“I’m coming in.”
“What?! Lord Kalil?! No, wait—!”

Mina’s voice sounded unusually panicked.

“How are you—ah, my apologies. I’ll wait outside.”

Mina, who was in a private room specially assigned for magic training, wasn’t wearing her usual maid uniform. Instead, she was dressed casually.

It seemed she had assumed the knock was from someone else and replied carelessly, only to panic when she realized it was me, a man.

“Ahhhhhh!!”

A pang of guilt rose within me.

I had only directly taught Mina magic in the beginning. After devising a training regimen tailored to her aptitude, I hadn’t seen her much. She probably never expected me to visit.

After a while, I heard rustling and clattering inside the room.
Bang!

The door flew open with a loud sound.

“Please, come in, Lord Kalil…”

“Ah, okay.”
Mina, now dressed in casual clothes suitable for going outside, guided me to a chair with a tired look in her eyes.

While her previous outfit had been casual, it was an adorable pair of pajamas. Personally, I wouldn’t think twice about being seen in something like that, but it seemed Mina had been embarrassed to be seen in it.

“I’m sorry for earlier.”

“No, it’s my fault for not changing… If I’d known you were coming, I would’ve properly changed into my maid uniform. I should’ve presented myself appropriately…”

“Hm?”

Her apology took me by surprise. She didn’t seem upset about me seeing her in pajamas but was more distraught about having to talk to me in something other than her uniform.

This wasn’t an official setting, and I didn’t mind, but Mina clearly couldn’t forgive herself for falling short of her standards as a servant.

“I don’t mind it that much, but if it’s troubling you, how about I give you an order?”

I stood up and adjusted my clothes.

“For the next three days, you’re free to do as you please. No magic training. Take some time to talk with your fellow maids or do whatever you’d like.”

“?”

I glanced around the room, which had gathered a bit of dust. The disarray was probably due to the pressure I had put on Mina to memorize all the spells listed here.

Mina, being diligent, had stayed up late training and was now clearly exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes.

“You seem a bit sleep-deprived. Take your time and rest properly.”

I hadn’t intended to push her this far.

I’d had high expectations for Mina, and since she was learning magic at a rapid pace, I had assumed she could handle a demanding training schedule. Because of that assumption, I had overloaded her with work. But that was my mistake.
Mina’s progress in magic came at the cost of pushing herself to exhaustion. I hadn’t realized sooner, and I felt guilty for it.

In this world, magic isn’t learned so easily. Unlike the simplified knowledge I once had, where leveling up or using special books instantly unlocked magic, real magic required controlling one’s own magical power, understanding incantations, and constant trial and error. It’s an achievement born from effort.

“You’ve been overworking yourself.”
“Have I…?”

“I should’ve noticed sooner. Even though I was busy, I should’ve taken the time to check on you.”

I need to rethink her training regimen.
“Now, go rest.”

“Y-yes.”

I had initially planned to chat with her for a bit, but seeing how tired she was, I decided it was more important for her to rest. I told her to take it easy and left the room.

This experience taught me the importance of seeing things firsthand.

“Maybe I should personally check everything around here.”
The count’s estate, with its recently allocated funds, might have areas lacking resources—or perhaps even surplus funds. While the documents compiled by the staff are helpful, seeing the situation in person is also essential.
“The places I should check are… the staff dining hall, the storage room, and security.”

These three areas had received significant funding increases this month. The dining hall, in particular, would be heavily impacted by the growing number of magical pharmacists. I’d need to assess the situation and determine if hiring more staff was necessary.

“Lord Kalil!”

As I was about to head to the dining hall, a servant came running up behind me.

“What’s the matter?”

“Well, actually—”

She was out of breath, clearly having been running around to find me.

“Take a deep breath. Calm yourself before speaking.”
Her panic was unusual.

“Just now, Duke Iwel arrived at the count’s estate.”

“!”

The duke… came here?