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 5

“Close.”

I activated the mechanism to restart the flow of the waterfall. The Shrine of Jealousy was now concealed once more, just as it needed to be. I planned to turn this shrine into my personal research laboratory and safe house, so ensuring it remained hidden was crucial.

With a quick adjustment to my appearance, I began the walk back to the estate.

The harvest had far exceeded my expectations. Among the treasures were legendary pieces of equipment I’d anticipated, along with unknown plants, research notes on mythical elixirs, and magical artifacts impossible to replicate with current technology.

As I walked, I examined a small magical device, roughly the size of my hand. It resembled a toy I recalled from my memories—a Rubik’s Cube.

“…It’s more difficult than I thought.”

It didn’t seem to have any significant use, but as I absentmindedly manipulated it, I realized it was surprisingly challenging. Instead of aligning colors like the one from my memories, this device required matching intricate patterns, making it far more complex.

“…”

Focused, I continued arranging the patterns.

“Finally, one side is complete.”

It took nearly an hour and a half of walking and puzzling over the device to achieve just one side.

But then—

“I’ve arrived…”

I found myself back at the manor without realizing it. What a dangerous tool this was. The Rubik’s Cube could easily distract me from essential tasks; I would need to seal it away before I lost more precious time to it.

“Oh? You’re back sooner than expected. I’m glad, but did you accomplish everything you set out for, Karyl-sama?” Bosco asked as I stepped into the hall.

“Yes, an unexpected turn of events allowed me to return early. I assume the magic-sealing stones aren’t fully gathered yet?”
“We have managed to secure around twenty. It’s not an easy item to collect in large quantities.”

“Well done, Bosco.”

As expected, Bosco had exceeded my assumptions. I thought it would take five days, but he managed it in just three hours—remarkable.

“We’re already preparing to send the stones to those receiving treatment within the duchy.”

“Hmm.”

I passed my armor to a waiting servant.

I pondered whether to join the delivery of the stones myself. With the equipment I had retrieved from the Shrine of Jealousy, I was confident I wouldn’t succumb to the Red Stone Disease. If the stones worked, it would be perfect. If not, I would discreetly initiate the dungeon search and attempt to conquer it. Success would mean gaining favor and proving that the Count’s House had aided the Duke’s House.

The benefits were significant. However, if I embarked on the dungeon search and extended my stay without results, the Count’s House could face scrutiny.

To be honest, I had little concern for the fate of the Duke’s House. Yet, for the prosperity of the Count’s House—my ultimate goal—I needed to act. If I intervened and provided a solution, regardless of the Duke’s personal opinion of me, the nobility would see the Count as a benefactor.

And distasteful tasks were best handled promptly.

“Bosco, don’t you think it’s time for Maria to start involving herself in estate management?”

“The Count’s domain is stable thanks to your efforts, Karyl-sama. I agree wholeheartedly.”

“Then, in my absence, I appoint Maria Dicaman as acting head of the house. I am heading to the duchy.”

Bosco’s expression didn’t waver at my abrupt declaration. He likely anticipated my decision; his features showed only resigned acknowledgment.

“Support my sister and protect the Count’s House.”

“Understood, my lord.”

Even in the carriage, I wanted to study the magical artifacts further. It would be wise to take only a few servants, as no one would want to accompany me to a duchy plagued by illness.

Reducing the number of trusted individuals I left behind was also essential.

“How soon will preparations be complete?”

“About twenty more minutes, my lord.”

“I’ll wait at the front gate.”

Time was of the essence. Between the hidden dungeon chambers, the capital’s secret treasures, and the mythical potions from my memories, there was no room for idleness.

“Just with the accessories alone, there must be close to thirty items.”

The volume was overwhelming, but each piece from the Shrine of Jealousy was immensely powerful, so understanding their properties was non-negotiable. Accessories, in particular, often had attributes like immunity and extraordinary enhancements.

“Count Karyl!”

“Thank you for your efforts. I will be heading to the duchy.”

“We’ll have your carriage ready immediately!”

The servants hurriedly brought the carriage, and I boarded, pulling an accessory from the Item Box.

“Physical enhancement… auto-regeneration… destruction resistance…”

With eyes closed, I channeled my mana into the accessory, revealing its powers. Analyzing a typical magical item usually took five minutes, but these artifacts—bordering on national treasures—drained significant mana and required at least thirty minutes per item to fully examine.

Thorough inspections were necessary due to potential drawbacks. While most ordinary equipment posed minimal risks, the powerful relics from the shrine were a different story.

“Examining all of them will take some time…”

This task was far from easy.

I intended to analyze two items before the carriage set off, but after just one, exhaustion washed over me. My mana reserves were fine, but physically, I couldn’t handle another.

Knock, knock

“Who is it?”

“Lady Mina, my lord!”

As I took a moment to catch my breath, the knock at the carriage door was accompanied by a bright, youthful voice.

“Bosco has instructed me to accompany you, Count, as you journey to the duchy.”

“I see… You may enter.”

Mina climbed into the carriage, hesitant at first. She looked unsure about sitting down, so I promptly gave her permission before she settled awkwardly into a seat.

“My apologies, but I must rest now. Also, set out as soon as preparations are complete, no need to wait for my signal.”

With that, I spoke quickly, and exhaustion overtook me as I slipped into sleep.