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 3

In the knowledge I possessed, there was no detailed cure for the Red Stone Disease.

The story involved the protagonist accidentally discovering a dungeon and, together with Lady Nora Ewell, conquering it. This ultimately led to the resolution of the Red Stone Disease that threatened the duke’s domain.

The dungeon’s location was known to be somewhere within the forest, but its exact position was unclear. If it had been within my territory, I would have set out to find it.

Unfortunately, as a count, I couldn’t freely investigate a duke’s land as I pleased.

Even if I informed the duke about the dungeon, without concrete proof, any failed endeavor could strain relations between the Count’s House and the Duke’s House, placing me in a precarious position.

For now, I assumed that the disease was caused by the dungeon’s magic and brainstormed methods to extract this magic. That’s when I thought of magic-sealing stones. This was not information from the knowledge I inherited but something I deduced myself from my own experiences.

“Karyl-sama?”

“Ah, forgive me. I was lost in thought.”

There were many things I needed to verify based on my knowledge, and it was time to move on to the next matter.

“I have one more thing to discuss.”

“What is it?”

“I am planning to inspect the count’s territory for a while.”

“An inspection, my lord?”

Bosco didn’t seem particularly opposed, but curiosity sparked in his eyes. In truth, under the guise of an inspection, I planned to visit the Shrine of Jealousy located within the count’s territory, a place I had to approach alone.

It frustrated me that I couldn’t share the truth with even my most trusted steward, Bosco.

“I’ll arrange for your guards—”

“No, I won’t need any guards. I intend to conduct this inspection privately, as if incognito.”

“That is dangerous.”

I knew he would object.

“Bosco, please…”

It was sly of me, forcing my will without offering an explanation. I was aware of that.

Bosco closed his eyes and let out a slow sigh.

“Understood, my lord. But only for two days. If you cannot be contacted or your whereabouts are unknown after three days, we will commence a search immediately. Is that acceptable?”

“I appreciate it.”

I deactivated the magical tool, signaling the end of my conversation with Bosco.

“When do you plan to leave, Karyl-sama?”

“Right now.”

“As you wish.”

The Shrine of Jealousy was hidden behind a waterfall, about an hour’s walk from here. Perhaps because this era was the beginning of the Seven Sins series, crucial sites and dungeons were conveniently located in the story.

As the series progressed, temples were destroyed, new virtues emerged, and even continents were torn apart, but that was a matter for another time.

I needed to prepare with enough gear to protect myself on the road. Heavy armor was unnecessary, as the shrine wasn’t guarded by any creatures. Only those with the unique skill of Jealousy could enter, and it was rumored to be stocked with powerful equipment.

“If only I already possessed that skill…”

I was uncertain if I acquired the Jealousy skill after becoming the Jealous Count or if I always had it. In the game, the protagonist’s party acquired it after defeating me, as the skill transferred to the one who dealt the final blow. How I obtained it in the first place remained a mystery.

“Alright…”

“Where are you headed in such heavy gear?”

A young girl’s voice startled me as I adjusted my equipment near the back entrance of the manor. It was my sister, Maria, the one person I didn’t want to discover my plan.

“There’s somewhere I must go.”

“Is it dangerous…?”

“Not at all. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

Until now, engrossed in research, I had been blind to the warmth and care shown by my only sibling and those who supported me. But now, I understood. If I wasn’t careful, she might insist on coming with me.

“Can I come too?”

“No.”

She said it, her eyes brimming with tears, ready to fall.

“I’m sorry, but this time, I really can’t take you. I promise to bring back a gift, alright?”

“…Okay.”

She didn’t seem satisfied, but it was enough. Thankfully, she relented without insisting further, saving me from taking her along.

The shrine’s location wasn’t perilous; with proper gear, I was safe. Even with Maria by my side, we could reach it without issue, though it would take more time.

But I couldn’t take her with me.

Because Maria Dicaman, my sister, was one of the story’s love interests.

It wasn’t certain that I would become the protagonist’s enemy, but…

No, now wasn’t the time to dwell on that.

“Brother… did something change?”

“Who knows?”

She looked up at me curiously. While I prioritized Lady Nora Ewell, I always cared for my sister. Yet, with this newfound knowledge altering my perspective, even she must have noticed something was different.

“Never mind… Be safe.”

She looked as if she wanted to say more but then walked away quickly.

“Maybe it’s for the best.”

I watched her leave, feeling a pang of doubt. But I needed to hurry to the shrine. In the game, it was known for powerful equipment, but who knew what else might be there?

There were many reasons I wanted to visit the shrine, but the most important was to confirm the accuracy of my memories and knowledge.

“It’s strange to wish for something different, knowing full well this is the truth…”

Perhaps I wished my knowledge was wrong because, if it were correct, this kingdom’s future would be bleak.

A world without salvation—I didn’t want to believe in such a fate.