Chapter 44: Townsperson A is Summoned

An hour after deciding I wanted to be a good son and show some filial piety, a messenger arrived at our home. He was an elderly man who was the very image of a butler, wearing a high-quality jacket with practiced ease.

"You must be Master Allen, I presume? I am Sebastian, a butler serving House Ramslett."

"I am."

No way. He was a butler and his name was actually Sebastian? Now that I think about it, was there a character like that in the game? I can’t quite remember.

Since he wasn't a character deeply involved in the main plot, my memory was fuzzy at best.

"The head of our house, Lord Gerhardt, would very much like to speak with you. Would you be so kind as to accompany me?"

"I understand."

"Please, wait! My son is—"

"Please rest assured, madam. Master Allen is a benefactor to our Young Lady. We will not treat him poorly. I swear it upon the name of House Ramslett."

"Mom, it’ll be okay."

No matter how I looked at it, I doubted I’d be mistreated by Anastasia’s family. At my words, my mother finally went quiet.

If anything, the real issue was how much cooperation I could secure here. To that end, I needed to make sure the Duke took a liking to me. I put on my uniform, tidied my appearance, and boarded the carriage under Sebastian’s guidance.

I was taken straight to the massive ducal estate in the Noble District. After being led through an interior so magnificent it lived up to the building’s imposing facade, I was seated on a sofa in the reception room.

A maid poured me tea. I took a single sip with trembling hands, then took a deep breath to settle my nerves.

It’s fine. I’ve already rehearsed a list of expected questions and answers. Besides, if things go south, I can always escape through the sewers as a last resort.

I can make this work.

Thinking that helped my tension ease, if only a little.

After a short wait, a hairy, stern-faced, blonde gorilla wearing a suit far too fine for any primate entered the room.

Ah, no—wait. Looking closer, he was definitely human. Between the magnificent beard, the deep-set, craggy features, and that incredible physique, I’d just reflexively mistaken him for a gorilla.

The moment that trivial thought crossed my mind, the last of my tension vanished.

Alright, I can do this.

I knelt and offered the formal bow of a subject.

"I am Gerhardt, head of House Ramslett. It seems my daughter has been in your care. Rise and sit."

"P-pleased to meet you. My name is Allen."

Once I had his permission, I introduced myself and took a seat on the sofa.

"Now then, I apologize for the sudden summons so early in the morning."

"Not at all. It isn't a problem."

For the time being, based on what I knew of Anastasia’s personality, it was probably best not to use hollow flattery.

"Hoh. You neither ask why you are here, nor do you try to fawn and flatter."

It seemed I’d made the right call. I met the Duke’s assessment with silence.

"I see. This level of composure at your age... No wonder my daughter took a liking to you."

With that, the Duke’s expression softened slightly.

"First, I heard that last night you acted as my daughter’s proxy in duels against the Crown Prince and Prince Claude. On that point, you have my gratitude. Allen, thank you."

"N-no! I am honored, sir."

I was startled. I hadn't expected a man of his stature to thank me so straightforwardly. The Duke, however, watched me with a look of genuine admiration.

Wait. What part of that was supposed to be impressive?

"Now then, may I ask you a few questions?"

"Yes. Anything you wish."

"Umu. Forgive me, but I took the liberty of looking into your background. You are the youngest C-rank adventurer on record, having conquered the Goblin Labyrinth, and you hold the titles of Goblin and Orc Slayer. Furthermore, my daughter claims you even took down a Blizzard Phoenix."

"Yes. That is correct."

"And you graduated from a commoner’s school early by skipping grades, having saved the tuition for the Higher Academy yourself."

"I did."

"Then why did you accept the role of proxy in such a duel? You aren't so foolish that you wouldn't understand the consequences. Surely, it wasn't for a reason as simple as wanting my daughter for yourself?"

The question I’d been expecting. I gave the answer I had prepared.

"Indeed. I was fully prepared for expulsion. As for Lady Anastasia, I simply respect the way she strives so single-mindedly toward her goals. I am well aware that our social statuses are worlds apart."

"Then why? You wouldn't have enrolled in the Higher Academy if you didn't intend to graduate, would you?"

The Duke’s expression remained unreadable. There was likely no hidden malice in the question; he probably just genuinely couldn't wrap his head around my logic.

"Well... you may not believe me, but I did it because I wanted to protect my mother and the people who have helped me."

"What?"

For the first time, the Duke’s brow furrowed in confusion.

"I don't know how much you've been told, but it was clear to anyone with eyes that there was no justice in that duel."

"Indeed. I have heard the details. I have never heard of a duel so utterly disgraceful."

The Duke nodded in agreement.

"But a duel is still a duel. Had Lady Anastasia faced them herself, her personality would have prevented her from ever harming the Prince. She would have lost."

"Yes, knowing my daughter, that is exactly how it would have played out."

"In that case, Lady Anastasia would have been driven from the academy for crimes she didn't commit, simply because the opposition demanded she be barred from approaching the Prince."

"Most likely."

"However," I continued, "if a Duke's daughter were to be unilaterally purged in such a fashion, no other noble house would ever be secure again. What follows that is a succession struggle between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince. History shows us that such conflicts are incredibly dangerous; blood flows, and the country falls into ruin."

"...I follow your logic. But how does that lead to protecting your mother and your friends?"

The Duke’s frown deepened as he pressed for an answer.

"Based on recent newspapers, I became concerned about the Est Empire."

"Wh—! What did you say?! You... don't tell me...!"

I simply nodded in silence.

"I see. You saw that far ahead... I see. I see. Very well. I shall take responsibility for your situation. I personally guarantee your mother’s safety as well. You may rest easy."

"I am deeply grateful."

I bowed my head low.

"Think nothing of it. As of this moment, House Ramslett is your backer. If you find yourself in trouble, do not hesitate to consult me."

"Thank you very much!"

And so, after thanking the Duke, I was sent back home in a carriage.

Incidentally, I didn't get to see Anastasia. Apparently, she told them she didn't want to see me. I don't know why, but I’ve probably ended up on her bad side.

It was a strange, sudden parting, which is a shame, but I suppose it can't be helped. I should just be glad that I managed to destroy the Scenario and still find a way to survive.