Princess Wendy von Fresia was listening to a report about Kane.
"So, you're saying that Kane Rehinar killed Faro, a Mid-tier 4th class Knight, in one strike?"
"That's correct."
Wendy smiled alluringly.
All she needed was Rehinar's honor.
But what's this?
Kane Rehinar, known across the continent as a dullard, showed a different side.
"Unexpected."
"All the information about the Rehinar Family is written here."
Her captain handed over a paper filled with writing.
As she read it, her expression changed rapidly.
"Is everything written here true?"
"It's the information from the Black Crow Exchange."
"And about Kane Rehinar?"
"Well…"
"Don't hesitate, speak."
"The Black Crow placed a 'Black' grade on him."
Wendy's alluring smile disappeared.
She wore a look of irritation, yet her beauty brightened the surroundings.
"Then say my name."
"It was… useless."
"How bold."
The room's air turned cold.
Seeing her displeased expression, the captain prostrated himself.
"I'm sorry."
"If you're sorry, kill all the Black Crow members who disturbed my peace."
Despite her pretty face, the first princess had a cruel nature.
"They have more hidden bases than revealed ones. If we handle this wrong, it will cause a lot of trouble."
Compared to the first princess's power, the Black Crow exchange was weak.
But before being a giant information network, they were a group of people living on the fringes of society.
They had nothing to lose.
If they decided to attack, it would be quite troublesome.
"It seems Hatzfeld is moving to subjugate the Black Crow exchange, so it might be best to wait a bit."
"I really don't like this."
Nothing had ever gone against her will before.
But now!
She was obstructed by an unexpected person.
Kane Rehinar.
The world's dullard now had a Black grade information lock.
It was deeply annoying.
"What's certain is that the guardian lord deceived everyone and raised an amazing heir."
"We were truly fooled."
"Perhaps that's why the Crown Prince's side, which had been quiet, is now busy. You should also act proactively, Princess."
The first princess nodded.
"I plan to make a bombshell announcement at the Star Ball."
"Could it be that you've chosen Kane Rehinar?"
"He seems quite capable, so it wouldn't be bad to take him as my husband."
"But isn't Hatzfeld working to overthrow Rehinar?"
"I'll inform them to stop. If I marry him, Rehinar will be entirely mine, so it's better to preserve his strength."
The captain's face twisted.
He had followed Wendy von Fresia and became her guard captain.
Serving her by her side was his joy.
But now!
As she chose a marriage partner, jealousy flared up.
'Kane Rehinar. I can't accept someone like you as the husband of the first princess.'
The captain ground his teeth.
The first princess was everyone's lover.
She wasn't a woman to be monopolized.
He detailed even the smallest concerns about disparaging Kane.
"There is a matter of concern."
"What is it?"
"It might be difficult to control Kane Rehinar."
"You're referring to the incident at the Royal Military Academy?"
"Yes. The Royal Military Academy was established by His Majesty. Committing murder there so openly is an affront to His Majesty."
The first princess nodded.
Kane's shocking behavior.
What noble would dare challenge the authority of the royal family?
Only a madman would do such a thing.
"Hahaha, that's why I need to be with him even more. A man who would do anything for me. Isn't that wonderful?"
As the first princess praised Kane, the captain clenched his teeth.
'What is it about Rehinar!'
The first princess quickly noticed the captain's scowling face.
"Don't worry too much, Beno. Even if I marry Kane Rehinar, my heart belongs to you."
The first princess smiled brightly at Captain Beno.
Her smile was both alluring and seductive.
Beno was momentarily entranced.
He was captivated by her beauty.
Her red lips covered Beno's.
As she pulled away, she spoke.
"You'll always stay by my side, even after I marry, won't you?"
"Of course…."
"Make sure the Star Ball is prepared as grandly as possible. I'll be the star of that night."
* * *
Days of continuous treatment.
Fixing Sasha's damaged mana circuits took quite a long time.
Now it was Rose's turn.
Seeing the wounds on Rose's body, Kane felt his anger rise.
"I can't believe it's really you, Big Bro Kane."
Rose chattered nonstop throughout her treatment.
If Sara had a tsundere personality, Rose was cheerful.
She retained her brightness despite being bullied.
Although darkness resided within her, she worked hard to keep it from surfacing.
"How can you still smile after going through this?"
"I can't just cry."
"Hehe, Rose is just like me, always bright and cheerful."
Blata climbed onto Rose's shoulder and rubbed her cheek.
"You're in the way."
"I'm the reason you're healing, you know."
Kane couldn't argue with that.
The burn marks on Rose's body were gradually fading.
It was Blata's saliva that was doing the trick.
He used his own blood mixed with Blata's saliva to completely heal Rose's wounds.
"Kane, aren't I the best?."
"No, piggy."
"What?!"
"No."
"What?!"
"Fine, you're useful."
"Irritating!"
Blata jumped up and bit Kane's arm.
The bite was just strong enough to tickle.
Despite treating Rose, Kane could handle the interruption because of his breathing technique.
His flexibility allowed him to stop and start again whenever needed.
"Brother, it's embarrassing being here."
"It's intentional, to show everyone."
Sasha's wounds had been shown to everyone.
And now, the wounds on Rose's limbs were also being revealed.
The students who saw the injuries frowned.
The wounds were close to torture marks rather than simple bullying.
"I don't like the pitying looks."
"Pity? From now on, they'll try to ingratiate themselves with you."
"No way that'll happen."
Camilla, who was nearby, spoke in a low voice.
"This is top secret, but the Young Master plans to open Belmore Military academy in Rehinar."
"That's impossible. It needs His Majesty's approval."
Kane added.
"The Crown Prince has already agreed. The Belmore Military Academy will be established in Rehinar, and you and Sasha will attend there."
Rose and Sasha's eyes widened.
They couldn't believe what they were hearing. If the academy opened there, with the emperor's permission, there was no need for two in the empire, and everyone would study in Rehinar.
It seemed unrealistic that the military academy could be moved.
Camilla explained with an excited expression.
"That means if you don't get on Rehinar's good side, your career prospects are doomed. You know that nobles must graduate from the military academy, right?"
She glanced at Kane for his reaction.
"Of course, the Young Master is an exception. Someone who can wipe out monsters from the Demon Forest alone doesn't need a military academy diploma."
Rose and Sasha were once again astonished.
The Demon Forest was an extremely dangerous place.
While there were weaker mutant monsters, the hidden areas within it were places where even 4th class knights or magicians couldn't guarantee their survival.
That's why only the accessible parts of the Demon forest were permitted as hunting grounds.
Entering any other area required special permission.
"So, young master and young lady, don't worry about anything and just focus on your studies. Your time here is almost over, right, Young master?"
"Camilla is right. Once I leave the capital, pack your things and be ready."
Camilla's face beamed with a smile.
The Young Master's reputation was about to change completely.
It was obvious how the previously dismissive nobles would react.
"I'm really looking forward to the Star Ball."
Camilla's shoulders lifted with pride at her master's changing reputation.
Thanks to Blata, Rose's treatment was quickly completed.
On the evening when the Star Ball was to begin, a messenger from the palace came to Kane.
"The first princess sent you?"
The palace maids' expressions stiffened at Kane's rude tone.
"Princess Wendy has sent you an outfit for the ball."
They suppressed their anger as they spoke.
However, their expressions turned incredulous at his response.
"I don't need it."
"Princess Wendy personally sent it."
"So?"
"Pardon?"
"Do I have an obligation to wear it?"
The maids showed their discomfort at his arrogant attitude.
"Please be respectful. This is a favor from Princess Wendy von Fresia of the Fresia Empire. The Young Duke cannot refuse such an offer."
Kane smirked.
His eyes narrowed, showing his contempt.
"How foolish. She's trying to pull a ridiculous stunt."
Having him wear royal attire instead of Rehinar's?
That meant she intended to publicly announce their engagement at the Star Ball.
Additionally, it would present him not as the Duke of Rehinar but as the first princess's prospective husband.
It would place Rehinar under her control.
"Go back and tell the first princess: her advances are disgusting, and she should stop."
The maids finally snapped at Kane's harsh words.
They weren't ordinary maids.
They were women with mana, a combat group that used magic, just like the first princess.
The maids were Mid-Tier 4th class.
As the first princess's close aides, they possessed considerable strength.
"How dare you insult the princess!"
Nearly twenty maids flared up with power, causing parts of the inn building to tear apart.
Camilla tried to stand in front of Kane, but he stopped her.
"It's fine. I'll handle this."
"But if you step in, things will escalate…."
Kane raised his hand to stop her.
Blata, seeming excited by the conflict, cheered Kane on.
"Hehe. Kill them all!"
Kane stuffed Blata into his chest pocket.
"Ugh!"
Blata groaned, but Kane paid no attention.
He simply took a step toward the maids.
The atmosphere around them changed.
As soon as Kane lifted the sword sheathed at his side with his finger!
"Ugh!"
The maids clutched their chests simultaneously.
"Don't show that filthy energy in front of me. It makes me want to kill you all."
The maids' power wasn't from the Fresia Empire.
It was from Hatzfeld, specifically Dirk Hatzfeld's side.
"For the sake of your master, I'll spare your lives. But you will face punishment for your arrogance in front of me."
"Duke, no!"
Camilla tried to stop him, but Kane's sword was already drawn.
A flash of light sliced through the air.
The space was cut into three parts.
At the same time, the maids screamed.
"Ahhhhh!"
Three deep wounds appeared on their faces.
The cuts were so severe that they would be unable to show their faces in public again.
Scarring a woman's face was tantamount to a death sentence.
"And don't think about crossing my path again. Just seeing your power makes me want to kill you."
With those words, Kane left the inn.
The atmosphere was icy.
Only the Black Crow members were left trembling.
"Um…."
The innkeeper approached Kane.
"Bill the palace for the roof repairs."
"Yes…."
Kane headed toward the palace where the Star Ball was being held.
Blata, crumpled in his pocket, voiced his complaint.
"No fun. Why are you going easy on them?"
"Sometimes, this kind of half-hearted provocation enrages the opponent more than killing them all."
"Really!? Is that true?"
"Now, I'm curious to see how the first princess will react."