Chapter 34

“…Why me?”

Although Prince Zeke seems to value me, if he wants to bring someone into his ranks, it would make more sense to recruit my father, who is skilled and influential.

I returned the question to Prince Zeke, as if to confirm my thoughts.

“Because you, Ainzich -dono, are different from other nobles.”

Am I really that different?

Probably, the rumors from the church about me only mention the protection of assets and my efforts to reduce taxes, along with a bit about my personality.

“I heard from the church. The way you protect your people’s assets—no other noble does that. They might lower taxes to prevent uprisings, but they don’t protect their people’s wealth. In times of need, they would seize it.”

“But without earning the trust of the people, surviving in this chaotic era is impossible.”

“Exactly, that’s it. That’s what sets you apart from other nobles. Most nobles don’t care about the people’s trust, as long as there are no rebellions.”

Well…he’s right about that.

To most nobles, the common folk are simply there, to be left alone and relied upon to keep producing. Even their approach to war treats commoners as expendable resources.

As I silently pondered all this, Prince Zeke wore a somewhat pensive expression.

“How should I put it…Ah, yes, it’s your values. Ainzich -dono, you have different values.”

For some reason, Zeke’s words resonated with me.

Coming to this other world, where warriors command auras and magic exists, it was the difference in values that made me truly feel I was in another world. Small dissonances in everyday life, like their views on commoners, often struck me.

“That’s why I find you intriguing. It’s precisely people like you, Ainzich -dono, who are needed to navigate these troubled times and beyond. So, may I hear your answer?”

I hesitated briefly before finally opening my long-sealed lips.

“I’m sorry. I cannot accept your offer.”

“…May I ask why?”

Though I had been drawn to him in our interactions, when he extended his invitation, my mind immediately went to my land, my family, and my ret Ainzich  .

It seems I’ve grown unexpectedly attached to my dom Ainzich .

“I have come to cherish my family, my ret Ainzich …and my land.”

If my father supported Prince Zeke, it would be different. But my father views the royal family as a tool to be used at best. Serving the royal family out of loyalty is not in his nature.

I’m also unsure of what my father’s ultimate goal is, but it’s clear that returning to serve the royal family is not part of it.

“I see…”

Prince Zeke murmured.

The bird roasting over the fire had turned to charcoal, and a long silence hung between us.

Feeling uncomfortable, I expressed my thanks and apologies for the hunting invitation and took my leave.

“…Rejected, huh?”

Left alone, Prince Zeke muttered to himself.

“Shouldn’t you have tried to keep him? There were other ways to secure his loyalty, politically speaking,” suggested Carla, who had appeared without my noticing.

Prince Zeke shook his head, as if dismissing the notion.

“Someone like Ainzich -dono shines only when his loyalty is freely given.”

Prince Zeke glanced up at the sky.

“Besides…I have a feeling we’ll meet again Ainzich  someday.”