Episode 10: Beyond the Level of a Problem Child

Razer Kilmond.

The second son of the Kilmond Viscount family.

Foul-mouthed with a domineering personality. Rather than the so-called “ore-sama type,” he should be called a “childish type” character.

However, his feelings for the protagonist are sincere, and his looks are top-tier.

Perhaps capturing maidens’ hearts with that gap moe, he had a fair amount of popularity among players.

…I couldn’t really grow to like him though. His bratty childishness left a stronger impression than his innocent child-like qualities.

Well, I suppose as a character he does stand out though…

However, now, that character I had such impressions about is right before my eyes.

“Dance with me, you say?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m saying I’ll dance with you.”

While Eleanore and I were talking, the entertainment had ended, and it was already about to enter the time for social dancing.

While truly elegant music was being played, she and Razer glared at each other across the table.

No, only Eleanore was glaring, while Razer wore a strangely relaxed and insolent smile.

Was this guy always such an idiot?

Viscount and Count, doesn’t he understand the hierarchy? Or is this attitude taking advantage of Adalbert’s frankness about status… no, that doesn’t seem right…

Actually, why is Razer even here?

Well, there’s nothing strange about a viscount’s son attending a count’s daughter’s birthday party…

However, it’s a bit surprising that the Kilmond family and Anciness family have a connection.

In the main story, there were no statements suggesting they were particularly acquainted or old friends… I think. Right?

Perhaps because I haven’t touched the content in the long ten years, my memory is hazy.

Even though I’ve gone beyond content and entered into that world itself. Or maybe because of that.

Either way, at least there shouldn’t have been any particular relationship between them.

So is this some kind of untold history?

“I see, then I must decline.”

Leaving me frozen as information and memories clash, the conversation progresses.

Eleanore averted her gaze from the hand Razer extended, as if scorning or brushing it away.

Making her displeasure clear for anyone, not just me, to see.

“Hah?”

Razer also showed an overtly displeased attitude and pressed closer.

Eleanore pulled her face back slightly and tightened her grip on my hand.

“I’m asking you, aren’t I? Why’d you refuse!?”

“Because I don’t feel the slightest desire to dance with you, naturally… B-besides, I…”

“You bitch!!”

Those are the exact words I want to spit at you right now. Well, of course, that’s in the sense of surprise and exasperation.

Interrupting Eleanore’s words, of all things, Razer violently extends his hand.

I thought it was still barely within the bounds of an invitation to dance, but I certainly can’t overlook this.

“…!”

I firmly grab Razer’s arm as it extends, or rather tries to extend, with my free hand.

Perhaps I used a bit too much force, as his hand stiffens, momentarily distorting.

“The hell!?”

“Arcs Leefort, butler to Eleanore-sama.”

Gently releasing her hand, I stand up and face Razer.

I’m slightly shorter in height, so I have to look up to meet his eyes, but I feel no sense of intimidation or fear.

“Ha! Don’t butt in on a noble’s invitation, you mere servant!”

“…I have been instructed by Adalbert-sama to protect Eleanore-sama from evil hands.”

“…!”

Perhaps trying to shake off my hand gripping his arm, he swings his shoulder forcefully.

But I’m not gripping with the kind of strength that would let go from just that.

When he realizes he can’t forcibly shake free, Razer glares at me sharply.

“You just made fun of me, didn’t you! And this! This is violence, violence!!”

I want to raise my voice saying “Who tried to do it first!?” but I must handle this calmly here.

“You extended your arm intending to harm Ojou-sama, didn’t you? At least that’s how I interpreted it. Since most of my duties are left to my own judgment, there is no problem with my response this time.”

“…? What the hell are you babbling about!”

Razer’s ear tips turn even redder as he sharpens his glare.

“Don’t defy me, you servant!!”

“Protecting Eleanore-sama is my mission. I will fulfill my duties.”

“Hah!? I’m just telling her to dance, don’t stick your nose in!”

“Then, as a noble, please conduct yourself with propriety and manners.”

When I also cut back at him, he flinches slightly.

However, if I let go of his hand, he seems furious enough to strike at me.

Violence here would definitely be bad.

“Please calm down, I don’t want to make a bigger scene. If this escalates, you’ll also bring shame to the Kilmond family.”

“Wh-why would I!”

“Why? …If a viscount’s son of lower rank harms a count’s daughter or her servant of higher rank, it’s obvious there will be problems.”

“…Hah, huh?”

The flush in his face lightens slightly, as if anxiety, or rather a sense of guilt that he might have done something bad, suddenly welled up.

However, fundamentally, he doesn’t seem to understand very well.

I realized from talking with him… this guy is too much of a “child,” in a way.

His words and breeding are somewhat crude, reminiscent more of a commoner brat than a noble.

At the same time though, it fits perfectly with how I’d imagine Razer as a child before the start of the main story.

Besides, I believe Eleanore and Razer were the same age (well, not limited to them, as more than half the characters were the same generation).

In that case, the current Razer is also 10 years old. Considering it as the behavior of a 10-year-old, this might actually be more natural…

Well, even so, I still question him as a noble.

“If you withdraw here, I won’t report to Adalbert-sama. Even if something is pointed out, I won’t report it in much detail. So please, at this time…”

“…Fine.”

Whether my threat worked, Razer responded weakly.

…Phew, it felt like a touch-and-go situation, but he somehow calmed down.

I hope this teaches him a lesson and his personality improves somewhat by the start of the main story.

At this rate, he’ll probably enroll in the academy, and we’ll meet Razer again there.

“…Then.”

Receiving his response, I also release his arm.

In an instant, my vision spins.

CRASH!!

The sound of glass shattering and impact to my body.

I realized I had been knocked down by Razer.

“Arcs!?”

In a scream-like voice, Eleanore calls my name.

I try to ask “Eleanore-sama, are you injured?” but again, pain runs through my cheek.

I recognized that I’d been punched immediately after.

“Why the hell should I take orders from you!”

Climbing over the table, Razer was mounted on top of me.

Looking down at me with glaring eyes.

No way, this guy… seriously?

Before the pain or anything else, surprise and confusion dominated my mind.

I hadn’t anticipated he’d make such a big scene.

I may have messed up a bit.

Did I underestimate the troublesome combination of a child with noble pride?

Or was I too conscious of the main story where he’s at an age with some restraint, and misjudged my words and actions?

Either way, it’s too late now.

“You—”

A second fist falls toward me.

At that moment, I thrust my right hand toward him.

“[Sleep]”

Instantly, Razer’s terrifyingly furrowed eyes suddenly loosened drowsily.

With his fist still raised, his strength drained away limply, and he collapsed onto me with the rustling sound of clothes.

“Nanai-san! Please call Kilmond-kyou! And Adalbert-sama too!”

“Eh, ah, yes!”

I slip out from under Razer’s mounted position, and though he’ll probably remain asleep for a while, I restrain both his arms with my hands just in case.

Then I called out some instructions to Nanai-san who happened to be nearby.

“————————”

“———————————”

Whispering voices reach me.

Looking toward the crowd, many people were looking at us with strange eyes.

With the sound of glass breaking and a near-violent incident, well, it’s understandable.

Damn, this got troublesome…

“Arcs…”

When I glanced at Eleanore, she was looking at me with worried eyes.

“…Eleanore-sama. Are you injured?”

“N-not me, worry about yourself! Are you alright, Arcs?”

She walks closer with clicking steps, extending her hand toward the sky as if uncertain whether to touch my face or not.

That’s when I notice the pain in my cheek and mutter a healing spell.

“Yes, this much is no problem. I’m glad Eleanore-sama is safe too.”

When I show her a smile, she displays an expression that seems both exasperated and somehow lonely.