It was lunch break at the Academy.
I sat on a bench in the courtyard, spreading out the newspaper that had been distributed today.
Was this what they called the refined hobby of a young nobleman? Not that I was trying to look cool; I simply wanted to keep track of how the world was moving.
"That is rare of you, Master Luka. Are you reading the politics section?"
"Heh, well, yeah. I might be a future Duke, after all," I replied noncommittally while scanning the text.
A large headline caught my eye.
《Edelgrat Empire: Military Restructuring Complete》 《Imperial Capital Reconstructed; Economy Trending Toward Recovery》
"...What happened a while ago? Right, I think the second prince started a rebellion or something."
The words escaped my lips in a low murmur.
It was truly a dangerous place. I wondered if there was something they wanted so badly—some goal they were so desperate for—that it was worth going that far.
However, not much time should have passed since the rumors of civil war first surfaced. Despite that, the word 'stability' was already appearing in the headlines. Don't the rebels usually win those kinds of things? Or maybe my knowledge was just shallow.
The Empire—the Edelgrat Empire.
It was a militaristic state that championed meritocracy, boasting that its magical research was the finest on the continent. It was a country where achievements and ability spoke louder than noble blood.
It was a far cry from the Kingdom.
Fundamentally, nobles had higher base stats than commoners, but I still thought it was quite progressive of them not to look solely at a person's lineage.
"Is something weighing on your mind?" Yuka asked quietly.
"No, I just thought the recovery was remarkably fast." I tapped the paper. "It was an incident on a scale that nearly toppled the country, right? Normally, you'd expect the aftermath to drag on much longer..."
If anything, it wouldn't have been strange if the second prince had actually won.
"...It was not impossible, provided there was an excellent leader."
For just a fleeting moment, Yuka's gaze fell upon the newspaper. She didn't say anything more, but her expression suggested she had her own thoughts on the matter.
"Hmm."
I didn't pry. In cases like this, the ironclad rule was not to ask, but to wait until she felt like talking.
I turned the page.
《Dragon Kingdom of Dragvel Conducts Border Exercises》
Ah, there it was: the Dragon Kingdom of Dragvel.
It was a country renowned for being the strongest in terms of military might—and a country I was secretly rooting for. Why? Mostly because the name sounded cool.
According to the little research I'd done in books, it seemed that "Dragon's Blood" flowed through the veins of the royal family. The bloodline was divided among five houses, and every member of those families was a candidate for the throne.
I didn't know if it was true or not, but apparently, their physical abilities and total magical power were off the charts. There were all sorts of rumors, but without seeing it for myself, I couldn't be sure of anything.
"Dragon's Blood, huh."
"...If it interests you, Master Luka, I can confirm that it does indeed exist."
"...Seriously?"
"Yes."
So the walking dictionary was right here. I wondered where she'd gotten that information. I wished she'd stop casually dropping such bombshells. I wanted to believe her, but it was hard to swallow. I wondered if it was just some religious metaphor...
"..."
Dragvel was a country that placed immense value on magic and the power of lineage. In terms of individual combat prowess, it was said to be the strongest on the entire continent. If the Empire was about organized military power, the Dragon Kingdom was about the strength of the individual. There had to be a reason people said that. This was another world, so I shouldn't be surprised if dragons actually existed... actually, no, I’m pretty sure I’d still be shocked.
I flipped through more of the newspaper.
《Holy Theocracy of Luminaria Announces Large-Scale Pilgrimage》
The Holy Theocracy of Luminaria. A hardcore religious nation had entered the fray.
It was the largest religious state on the continent and the only country that had succeeded in systematizing Holy Magic. Apparently, individuals who wielded Holy Magic, known as Saints, appeared there generation after generation. In fact, it seemed there were plenty of "Saint Candidates" running around.
"A Saint, huh."
"They are said to be beings who can manifest miracles."
...In my previous life, the moment I heard something like that, I would have thought it sounded incredibly fishy.
"Do they worship a specific god?"
"I am not aware of the specifics, but the Kingdom has churches as well, does it not?"
True enough.
The Holy Theocracy had more spiritual influence than military power. Because they had believers in every country, they occupied a delicate position where no one could afford to make an enemy of them.
I shifted my focus to a smaller article.
《Elf Nation of Sylvaria Rejects Diplomatic Envoys Once Again》
Sylvaria, an isolationist nation surrounded by dense forests. They rarely interacted with the outside world. It was a small country composed entirely of Elves.
"It's like Japan. I guess a Black Ship might come crashing into the forest any day now."
When I muttered that, Yuka said nothing.
...I’ve been making references to my previous life without a care in the world lately. I wonder if that’s going to bite me? Well, it's probably too late to worry about it now.
The wind rattled the paper. I moved on to the other sections.
《South Sea Beastman Autonomous State of Ferna Island to Expand Trade》 《Underground Kingdom of Granbal Discovers Mithril Vein》
So there was a country of Beastmen. This was the first I'd heard of it. Beastmen were fundamentally present in every country—in the Kingdom and the Empire alike.
However, since they had a high rate of becoming adventurers, I didn't run into them in the noble districts where I spent my time.
But Ferna Island was a country where an entire island was inhabited solely by Beastmen. An entire island full of fluffy things? I’ve officially decided on my future home. And apparently, the Beastmen of this world excelled in navigation and naval warfare.
Next was the Dwarven Underground Kingdom of Granbal.
It was a massive city spreading beneath a mountain range. They monopolized ore and blacksmithing techniques to the point that no country could look down on them. If you wanted weapons or minerals, you had to bow your head to the Dwarves first.
"The world is so big... Maybe a slow life spent sightseeing is the way to go?"
The words slipped out.
When you lived in the Kingdom, it felt like the center of the world. But the reality was different.
The Empire—dangerous, but the largest scale on the continent. The Dragon Kingdom—pure "cool factor." That was my top destination. The Holy Theocracy—well, I'd like to meet a Saint at least once. The isolationist Elves. The sea-faring Beastmen. The Dwarves who ruled the depths.
And these were just the countries on this single continent. Naturally, there were other lands and other continents beyond.
"I hope things stay peaceful..."
I had no desire to get caught up in a war while sightseeing. Especially you, Empire! You stay in your lane.
Then, Yuka suddenly spoke up.
"...Master Luka, I—no, it is nothing."
"...?"
Her voice was the same as always. There was no fluctuation in her emotion. But for just a fleeting second, I felt as if there was something hidden in her words. Well, if she didn't want to say it, I didn't need to pry.
"Alright." I stood up. "I'm just a student of the Kingdom for now. No matter what the world does, my job remains the same."
The trees in the courtyard swayed. The world was turning quietly today as well.
Since coming to this world, no major "events" had happened, but maybe that was for the best. It felt like I was getting to redo a normal life.
Thinking back, I wanted no part in being a Hero or a champion. Carrying the weight of responsibility, fighting, and protecting—I just wasn't suited for that.
And it wasn't because I didn't get any cheat powers, okay! I’m not just being a sore loser!
I couldn't even use basic magic. I would walk through life in my own way.
Right now, Yuka and Fia were my top priorities. I wanted them both to grow up healthy, meet all kinds of people, and be able to decide their own paths.
Once that was done, I wouldn't be needed anymore. I'd travel to every country and enjoy this world to the fullest.
Let's see... maybe when I'm eighteen? When I graduate from the Academy, I'll give Yuka her freedom.
Shortly after Fia arrived at the estate, Yuka found herself feeling quite restless.
"Master Luka, it is almost time for your bath."
She spoke to Master Luka, who was playing quietly with Fia.
"Is it that time already? Fia, I'm heading out for a bit."
"...Luka, will you come back?"
"Of course. I'll be back at a speed that would shock the pro-bath-cancellation crowd."
Master Luka murmured a "thank you" and left the room.
Even though it was the same routine every day, Yuka thought Master Luka was truly incredible for never forgetting his gratitude.
After Master Luka left, Yuka stood in the silent room for a moment, thinking, before turning to Fia.
"Fia, I have told you many times. Address him with an honorific. You must not call him just 'Luka'."
"...No."
The refusal was immediate.
...It was Master Luka's fault things were like this, because he was far too kind. If he saw this, he would surely say something like, "I don't mind, though."
...I wonder if I am truly being useful to Master Luka. Just now, I took it upon myself to scold his property without his permission. I must not become a hindrance to him; I should simply believe in the path he walks and follow behind him.
I was like someone who had died once. And he was the one who brought me back... at the risk of his own life.
Master Luka often said that Fia and I were family, but not everyone can weigh their own life against their family and choose their family every time.
...I know that better than anyone.
Having lived with him for years now, I understand. There is nothing in this world more "correct" than him.
To me, he is my master and my north star.
I have finally learned for whose sake I should use this "power."