If I stirred up trouble, most of the Kalinos lineage would end up opposing me. In such a situation, even with the Duke Kalinos backing me, there would surely be limits. But what if I had the support of the senate, especially the head? That would guarantee a comfortable life despite causing trouble in the Duke Kalinos’s household. Please maintaining connections with the head would mean more opportunities to make money.
…Come to think of it, there was even a way to target Hennessy in the original story. He had one tremendous secret that he couldn’t reveal to anyone.
“You’re looking for the Head of the Senate, Hennessy. He’s quite eccentric—I haven’t really talked with him much myself.”
If he was an eccentric acknowledged by Duke Kalinos, he must be quite the character indeed…
“I’ll try meeting with him to persuade him.”
“Do you have a plan in mind?”
“The first operation is called ‘Act Normal, Get Married, Then Properly Stab Them in the Back’!”
“In other words, a fraudulent marriage?”
I grinned at him as he tilted his head skeptically. “Yes, I’m really~ good at that sort of thing!”
3.The Emergence of Unprecedented Style of Mayhem
Hennessy made a groaning sound as he gripped a potion bottle. That arrogant young senator scratched at my nerves every regular senate day. That insolent fool who brags about his own achievements while belittling others’ accomplishments! Seeing the young senator Agnes lift her chin with a satisfied expression made his blood boil again.
“Ahem.”
The Kalinos Senate. The Senate was a gathering of ten people over forty years old who had achieved great accomplishments across both direct and collateral lines, respected elders of the family who came together under the title of ‘senator.’ They maintained close relationships with the family head, sharing wisdom and consulting on important matters. From the conservative Hennesy to the newly joined progressive youngest senator Agnis, the ten senators were fiercely vying for power within the senate, constantly checking and fighting each other. But when it came to serious issues, they couldn’t afford to fight.
“This agenda concerns the marriage of His Grace, the Duke of Kalinos. Is this the lady in question? Is Lady Giselle Florette the one he intends to marry?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Given that she was chosen by Duke Kalinos, one would expect her to be someone special. Yet, judging by all the rumors, she seemed to be far from suitable.
A fragile lady who is entirely unsuited for such a perilous place.
The duke’s territory was located right next to the land of monsters, making it quite dangerous. Only someone with the fortitude to face monsters could become the duchess.
He closed the documents and whispered coldly. “I’ve seen enough. There’s nothing more to look at. I’m against it.”
“Ah, I see. But wouldn’t it be wise to meet her at least once?”
“Is it necessary? Unless there’s an occasion to meet with His Grace, a private luncheon seems like a waste of time.” Just as he was closing the documents and shaking his head, it happened.
That sound…
A bluebird flew in, pecking at the window with its beak. And there was a note tied to its ankle. Hennessy hurriedly opened the window and snatched the note from the bluebird’s ankle.
“What on earth is this?”
“Excuse me? Is something the matter?”
As he quickly opened the note, the corners of his mouth twitched slightly. “It’s nothing. I just need to take a walk…”
“Pardon? What about the other agendas?”
“Put them on hold for now. They’re not important!” Hennessy quickly stood up and rushed out.
[To the anonymous recipient. We have settled the sales record for Volume 1 of [Nobles and Protestant Ethics, Nicomachean Ethics, and The Open Society and Its Enemies] with a royalty of 1 silver per copy.]
Finally, someone has brought my book!
In truth, Hennessy harbored a desire to be quietly recognized not as the ‘Head of the Kalinos Senate,’ but as a renowned author and contributor. So, he published a self-development book under a pen name that no one knew. However, over a year had passed, and not a single person had bought his book.
I’m not a man who gives up, so I started advertising at my own expense. He invested in the largest bookstore in the capital, covering an entire display with his book, [Nobles and Protestant Ethics, Nicomachean Ethics, and The Open Society and Its Enemies]. The promotional strategy seemed to work, as within a month of starting the campaign, he managed to sell one copy.
He hurried to the bookstore where his book had been sold. However, Hennessy froze when he saw his books tumbling down from the display.
“Y-You there.”
“Yes?”
A boy, who was pulling out Hennessy’s books from the pile, replied in a grumpy tone. “Sir, please move aside. I’m busy.”
“Why are you taking these books out?”
“They’re not selling. We need to put them on the bottom shelf now. Or maybe it’s better to just discard them.”
“W-What did you say?”
“Please step aside. I don’t know who writes books like this, but it must be a pathetic person.”
Hennessy, who was considered one of the most distinguished figures in the empire, slumped his shoulders. If I published it as the Head of Kalinos Senate, people would pay attention, but… my pride won’t allow it.
Watching his books fall to the floor, Hennessy swallowed his tears and thought. It’s just that my book was born in the wrong era. With his hat pulled down low, he turned to leave the display, feeling dejected. But just then, a cheerful woman’s voice rang out from the display.
“Hey, you there—the one with low standards and sharp tongue, whose heart is as small as your height.”
“What? Lady, what did you say? Who are you calling small? Ha!”
“Huh? How did you know I meant you? You must have thought so yourself, deep down.”
Sometimes, a personal attack can hit harder than a thousand other blows.
“Ha! H-How rude…”
“So what? You were rude too, weren’t you?”
She lightly tapped the pile of books the boy had carefully stacked with her toe. The books tumbled down like dominoes, rolling across the floor. The boy, watching the scene in disbelief, pointed a finger and shouted furiously.
“What on earth are you doing! When did I ever act rudely?”
“Oho. You weren’t rude at all, were you?”
“What are you talking about?”
The woman cupped her face with both hands and smiled sweetly. “Oho. So, is it okay for a bookseller to insult other people’s books, huh~?”
The boy squinted, looking overwhelmed. “Uh… Is it because I insulted this book? Is that why you’re upset, Ma’am?”
At that moment, the woman lowered her hands and twisted her lips. “Nope. You’re a child, and I’m an adult. It’s about respecting your elders. Haven’t you heard of Confucianism?”
“…? What? What’s Confucianism?”
“…Because you don’t know Confucianism, you can’t understand [Nobles and Protestant Ethics, Nicomachean Ethics, and The Open Society and Its Enemies].”
Hennessy, the author of [Nobles and Protestant Ethics, Nicomachean Ethics, and The Open Society and Its Enemies], widened his eyes in surprise. I don’t know what Confucianism is either, though?
Anyway, hearing the first mention of his book, Hennessy decided to observe them calmly, hiding his racing heart. Until she made a comment that struck him deeply.
“That book—it’s actually quite good and interesting.”
“…Really?”
At that moment, Hennessy couldn’t care less about the boy who had stomped away. Did she say my book was… interesting?
Staring blankly at the only copy of his book ever sold, he turned his head quickly. His eyes were shining.
