Chapter One

“–Kurtz, let’s try reading this book today.”
 
Artesia held out a single book, perhaps having found it while browsing through the library.
 
This was around two months after Kurtz had come to the estate.
 
Kurtz had mastered reading and writing at a pace that surprised even himself, and Artesia, delighted as if it were her own achievement, recommended various books for him to read.
 
What she had recommended so far were educational books and encyclopedias meant for noble children, but what she brought that day was of a different nature than before.… Read more

Afterword
 
Greetings to all my dear readers, this is Fujiki Washiro.

What are your thoughts on shota characters?

Do you prefer the cheerful and energetic type, the cheeky yet kind-hearted one, the outwardly meek but inwardly resilient kind, or the purely innocent and clingy type?

Everyone likely has their own preferences on the matter.

So allow me to share mine here.

[A shota who has gone through dark experiences in the past, causing his mentality to mature beyond his years, usually unflappable and calm in demeanor, but his true self slips out around older sister-figures he’s comfortable with, revealing rare moments of expression and emotion that contrast his usual stoic face.]… Read more

TLNOTE : I’m really sorry! The timeline glitched, and Chapter 8 posted before Chapter 7 was fully posted. I’m fixing it now!

“Impossible…impossible, impossible, impossibleimpossibleimpossible–“
 
On his knees and hunched over, Zervis continued casting spells.
 
He tried repeatedly generating more to stop the [Decomposition] of his [Fortress].
 
But at an even greater rate, the [Fortress] crumbled away.
 
By linking the [Philosopher’s Stone] in Kurtz’ hand to the ore vein, drawing out mana endlessly, Zervis’ magic was rendered powerless against the virtually infinite mana force.… Read more

Final Chapter
 

One month after Feiyu Blaskas appeared at the regular meeting.
 
Klaus sighed deeply while gazing up at the sky in the garden.
 
“Haaah…it’s really been a stomach-churning month…”
 
“It must have been tough. When you’re busy, I can’t come to the garden either, so I’ve been bored.”
 
“Don’t say it like I’m usually idle…Tch!?”
 
“It’s fine for an emperor to have some free time. It just means the country is at peace.”… Read more

The Zervis before him was no inkling of his household’s noble dignity remaining.
 
Eyes bloodshot, hair disheveled in a ghastly visage
 
no different from starving urchins scrapping over scraps in the slums.
 
“A pathetic sight, Zervis Ornament.”
 
With a tone almost pitying, Kurtz spoke:
 
“As one who calls himself a Duke of the Six Great Households, standing at the empire’s apex…you should remain unwavering and steadfast in the face of any hardship befitting the head of a Ducal line.”… Read more

The false report of Lord Ureki’s death, Feiyu Blaskas’s survival, the sequence of events leading to the nobility’s arrests…Fidel had given that report two weeks prior.
 
Which was why Zervis had intended to change tactics and reveal the full account of the abduction incident at the council meeting scheduled for a week later, in an attempt to root out the Ducal house behind it all.
 
Only for that very information to be used to stab him in the back instead.… Read more

Chapter 7
 

“Thank you for everything, Kurtz.”
 
Lying on the bed, Artesia gave a faint smile.
 
However, the light was gradually fading from her eyes.
 
Her amethyst pupils were already unfocused.
 
“You served me more diligently than anyone else. You understood the pride and aspirations that the Eisenhud family has upheld for generations, and remained unwaveringly loyal to me until the very end.”
 
Turning her face toward Kurtz, she tried to move her left hand slightly.… Read more

 
“—Then I take it this child would not be an issue?”
 
Patting Kurtz’s shoulder beside her, Feiyu stated.
 
Seeing Kurtz’s presence, Klaus furrowed his brow slightly in inquiry.
 
“Come to think of it, I was wondering about that child…?”
 
“A poor child from the capital. When I fled the fire, he showed me a discreet route and guided me to where Lady Mercator’s daughter was, as one who aided my escape.”… Read more

 
“In that case, Your Imperial Majesty, may I present the reparation demands from our side that the Duke of Ornaments must meet?”
 
“…Very well, I shall receive your official proposal.”
 
“Rest assured, while there were indeed faults on our part in imposing upon the palace, my demands will be reasonable in light of you graciously overlooking that transgression.”
 
While Feiyu offered Klaus a serene smile, inwardly Zervis was likely feeling anxious, though not overly apprehensive.… Read more

“If I may be so bold as to return those words to you, Your Majesty – could you provide an explanation for the outrageous actions your Empire has taken against us?”
 
“…Indeed, it would seem this is no simple matter to settle.”
 
Seeing that Feiyu did not falter despite addressing her assault, Klaus received the situation gravely and nodded solemnly.
 
“Then let us hear both sides in detail — Grand Duke Ornament.”
 
Calling out the name of the party Feiyu mentioned, Klaus glared silently.… Read more