025 The Surprise

In the mornings, I endured special training with Teacher Milk. In the afternoons, I managed House Fanscent’s business affairs. In the evenings, I threw myself into independent practice. And at night... well, I decided that indulging in that kind of thing once in a while was perfectly fine before heading to bed.

It was a precious vacation, but I couldn't sit still whenever I thought about Eva and Allen. Even if her mana had been running on empty during our fight, I wouldn't be able to beat that girl—Eva—as I was now. The Programmer themselves had explicitly stated that they’d gone too far with her. I knew it was presumptuous of me to even think about winning, but I just couldn't bring myself to give up.

Then there was Allen. He possessed a power I knew nothing about. He’d likely found something that hadn't existed in the original game. Whether it was the result of effort, a new technique, or a different kind of magic, I had no idea. I’d tried asking Cynthia and Lilith about it, but they simply said they’d been beaten fair and square.

On one hand, it was exciting, but on the other, it was terrifying. I couldn't shake the feeling that my fate was hurtling toward ruin.

Oh, and Zebis finally came back. Apparently, he’d met an old disciple of his. He seemed deeply moved by how much stronger they’d become. A pang of something stirred in my chest—maybe it was jealousy? It was a bit complicated to feel that way about a middle-aged guy, but still...

Then there were Teacher Milk’s words.

“Weiss, you need more weapons.”

I pulled up my status and checked the Skill. It was still there. I absolutely detested it, but...

"I can't afford to be picky," I muttered.

While wearing an expression of pure, unadulterated disgust, I reached onto the shelf and pulled out the one thing I’d missed every opportunity to throw away.

By the time the sun began to set, I was a battered wreck. I’d been training like a man possessed for over four hours without even realizing it. But, perhaps thanks to the skill, the object felt natural in my hands.

What really caught me off guard was its versatility. It was surprisingly adaptable, and it had incredible compatibility with my "Darkness." My feelings on the matter were still complicated, to say the least.

Just then, a carriage pulled up to the front gate. Teacher Milk and Cynthia should have already left for the day. If it wasn't a carriage sent to pick someone up, did that mean we had a visitor?

The person who stepped out was the last person I expected to see.

"It’s been a while, Weiss."

"...Huh? Father?! What happened to your work?"

I felt a sudden, sharp pang of embarrassment and instinctively whipped the weapon behind my back. I don’t know why, but I guess there are just some things you never want your parents to see you with.

"Never mind that," he said. "More importantly, your business proposal was magnificent. Profits have doubled compared to last year. But tell me, where on earth did you learn business administration?"

I certainly couldn't tell him I learned it in school and from the internet in my past life.

"I just learned by watching you work, Father."

"Haha! Listen to this boy!"

It was strange. I didn't actually have many personal memories of my father, Agate. I knew of him from the original game, and if I dug deep into my heart, I could find traces of memories of things we’d done together. Yet, for some reason, I felt a surge of warmth toward him, as if he really were my biological father.

I guess I really am 'Weiss' after all.

Since it was almost time for dinner, I invited him to join me, but he asked me to wait just a moment. That was fine by me, since I had something I wanted to hide anyway. I headed back to my room, washed off the sweat, and prepared to meet everyone in the dining hall.

When I finished getting ready and pushed the doors open, I was met with the most shocking sight I’d seen since coming to this world.

"Congratulations, Weiss!"

"Congratulations, Lord Weiss!"

The table was overflowing with all of my favorite foods. There was Cynthia, who was supposed to have gone home, and Lilith, who I realized I hadn't seen all day.

"Congratulations, Weiss. I decided to drop by."

"Congratulations, Lord Weiss."

Beside them stood Teacher Milk. She wasn't in her usual combat gear; she was wearing normal, girl-like clothes. I didn't even know she owned anything like that. Zebis was there too, dressed in his usual black suit.

And finally—

"Congratulations, my son. Happy birthday, Weiss."

My father, Agate.

In that instant, it all clicked. That's right... today is my birthday.

Suddenly, something spilled from my eyes. Tears.

Wait, why? I only wanted to avoid my own destruction... that was supposed to be it...

So why... why am I so happy?

"Weiss?! What’s wrong?" Cynthia cried out, rushing over to wipe my eyes with a handkerchief.

"No... I'm just happy," I managed to choke out. "That everyone... that you all came here for me..."

"...Weiss, it’s because everyone loves you," she whispered.

"I don't dislike you either," Milk added. "Not just as a student, but as a person."

"I think you could stand to be a bit more honest than that, Milk," Zebis teased. "Lord Weiss, I feel the same."

"Lord Weiss," Lilith said, "I wish to continue serving by your side as your maid for a long time to come."

Ah... I see. It’s not just about avoiding ruin anymore.

I wanted to protect this life.

"My son, I’ve prepared a feast! Tonight, we celebrate! Everyone is staying the night! The rooms are ready, and the wine is flowing!"

"Hoh? Zebis, I challenge you to a drinking contest."

"...I accept, Milk."

I was happy. Truly happy. But that was exactly why... I had to get stronger.

Even if it meant using my new weapon, the [Whip], and that ridiculous skill: [Master of Shibari Play Boneless Ham].

At the same hour, in an inn within the Kingdom of Ostrava...

A group of men sat in a room, poring over a floor plan of a noble's mansion.

"How did you get your hands on this?"

"I got it from the firm that built the place. I’ve got plans for House Libiton and House Arlist, too."

"Haha! The world really is full of nothing but scum."

The men were filthy, dressed in grimy black clothes. They were unshaven and scarred, but the swords at their waists gleamed with a lethal polish.

"Tonight's target is House Fanscent. Specifically, the eldest son, Weiss. He recently enrolled in Nobless Academy, but he’s been back at the mansion for a few days."

"...Hey, wait. I didn't hear about this. Nobless Academy is full of dangerous brats, isn't it? I thought this was supposed to be an easy job."

"Relax. Word is he’s just a lazy, trashy noble. Probably just another silver-spoon idiot who got in through connections. But don't get sloppy. It’s a noble’s estate, so there will be guards."

"Haha, fine. I appreciate an easy payday. Noble guards usually aren't worth the effort, so I hope there’s at least someone who can put up a fight. By the way, can we kill everyone?"

The leader paused. "...I don't care. But keep it to a minimum. Don't go getting carried away with the slaughter like last time, Black Wolf."

"Yeah, yeah, I get it. I can't wait! Tormenting the weak is always a blast, but it’s even better when they’re powerful bastards."

"It’s almost time. we’ll rendezvous with the other squad on-site. What do you say? A little contest to see who gets to kill Weiss?"

"Ha! See? You’re enjoying this as much as I am."

The men grinned and slipped out of the inn into the night.