Chapter 64

I received permission to stay from the corrupt lord Iscar. Man, it’s good to have an easygoing villain around.

‘Well then, I’ll be intruding!’

‘Don’t intrude, just leave!’

‘They say that protest often means you secretly like it.’

‘What kind of insane logic is that?!’

Iscar’s constant shouting is loud and annoying. For someone who gave permission once, he’s really uptight. Although, from what I saw in the bath, he’s not small at all in other aspects.

On the other hand, his elderly butler, Sebastian, who had appeared by his side at some point, greeted me warmly. ‘Welcome, we’re so glad to have you…!’

‘I’m not glad at all!’

‘Please, come in! Feel free to use any room you like, from the sunlit guest rooms to Lord Iscar’s own bedroom!’

‘What nonsense are you talking about!?’

As always, the butler is as friendly and easygoing as ever.

He often consults me, saying, ‘Lord Iscar has a villainous face and a terrible personality, so he can’t find a marriage partner. Oh, if only there was someone intelligent and beautiful who could stand on equal footing with him…’

‘Thanks for the hospitality, Sebastian.’

‘It’s an honor, Lady Sara! Both Lord Iscar and I welcome you!’

‘I do not welcome you!’

◆　◇　◆

So here I am, back at Iscar’s mansion after a long time. Usually, I head straight to the office, but today I’m being shown to the guest room.

‘This hallway is nice.’

There are a lot of rare decorations and paintings, but nothing feels too vulgar. It’s all very clean, with white as the main theme.

‘Your house is like a museum, isn’t it?’

‘I’d like it to be more flashy and luxurious!’

Uh oh, he’s getting upset.

‘Damn it… It’s all because you said, “Let the townspeople walk around here sometimes,” that I can’t go all out with the extravagance I wanted!’

‘Oh yeah, I did suggest that.’

‘We charge a small entrance fee and let people tour the place once a month.’

‘Hmph. It’s barely enough to pocket some kid’s allowance. It’s not making any real money. Plus, on those days, the place is packed with townspeople, so I end up having to hide away in the annex. I want to stop doing it.’

‘You can’t do that.’

Inviting the people into the lord’s mansion has its merits, and it’s not about making money.

‘People don’t trust wealthy individuals who seem shady. Especially the poor, who will always suspect, “They’re probably up to no good.”’

‘I’m not doing anything wrong.’

‘You were making illegal drugs, idiot.’

I smacked his butt. ‘That hurt!’ Iscar was genuinely furious, while the butler continued smiling cheerfully. That’s the difference in maturity, I guess.

‘But, on the other hand, if you open your doors to them, people will instinctively trust you. Just showing them around once in a while makes them like you more, and you earn a little extra cash. It’s a win-win.’

‘Is there any successful case of this?’

‘Oda Nobunaga.’

‘Who is that?!’

He was a pretty amazing guy. In the real history, where monsters didn’t exist.

…Speaking of which, monsters first appeared around the 10th century, and now it’s been about 500 years, so this would be roughly the Sengoku period, wouldn’t it? If Japan wasn’t wiped out by monsters, maybe Oda Nobunaga was born here too. Man, I’d love to meet him.

‘In any case, there’s a successful precedent. Do you still want to quit?’

‘Tch. I can’t stand you, but the knowledge you bring is sound…’

Looks like he’s convinced to continue. Good, good. You’re someone I can be frank with, after all.

It would be a hassle if you got overthrown and replaced as lord.

‘Next, why don’t you try getting closer to your people?’

‘Huh? You mean going around and greeting them?’

‘Not exactly. People will become loyal fans if they feel even a small connection with you. For example, try visiting a popular chain restaurant that the townspeople frequent. It’ll make you more relatable, and they’ll like you even more.’

‘No way in hell!’

He’s rejecting the idea like a kid. What’s your problem?

‘Is it because you think the food is bad? A lot of places have improved their quality lately.’

‘That’s not it… What if they poison me?!’

‘What?’

‘I-I only want to eat the food prepared by Sebastian!’

Iscar, looking oddly nervous, made Sebastian, who was guiding us, glance at him with a pained expression.

Hmm. I don’t know what happened, but for someone with a villainous face, you sure are a coward. What an idiot.

‘You’re such a scaredy-cat.’

I poked him in the side to startle him, stopping his trembling.

‘Nngh!? W-What are you doing?!’

‘You’re coming with me, Iscar.’

‘What…!?’

There’s no need to be afraid.

‘I’ll eat with you. As long as I’m by your side, no one will harm you.’

‘Ngh…!?’

I’m the strongest evil dragon, after all. It would actually be harder for anyone to hurt you while I’m around.

‘So, do you feel a little more at ease now, Iscar?’

‘N-Not at all, you fool! And who said I’d eat with you?!’

‘Have you forgotten? We’ll be together for a while, starting today.’

‘Nnngghhh, that’s right…!!’

Iscar, flustered, angrily held his head. He really is a noisy business partner.

‘I’m so glad, young master Iscar…!’

For some reason, Sebastian, the butler, was smiling with tears in his eyes as he looked at Iscar