Published: August 15, 2025
On a cold night... In the Noble District of the Royal Capital, where dazzling buildings stood in orderly rows, there was a mansion somewhat smaller and less impressive than the others. Reinhardt, the head of the Duke's household, was visiting the master of that mansion— a man he once knew well.
“Welcome, His Grace Duke Jamill. We always see each other at social events every year, but it’s been a long time since we met like this in private.”
“Yes, it has. Back in our school days, we talked frequently. Today, I’d like to call you ‘Porco-senpai’ again, like old times—if you don’t mind.”
“Is that so... well, if you insist.”
For a while after that, the reception room echoed with their somewhat formal conversation.
“Come to think of it, the first time we met was much like this too.”
“Indeed. Back then, I never expected someone to come to that place, especially the noble prince who was the academy’s talk of the town. It was quite the surprise.”
“I couldn’t afford to get involved with just anyone. It would have caused trouble for my father.”
“Your father’s status as the ‘Contractor of the Divine Beast’ wields influence even His Majesty the King can’t ignore. Many approached you under his instructions, I’m sure. It was unavoidable.”
“That may be, but listen, senpai. Before coming here today, I met my daughter after a long time. Curious about her life, I told her to bring friends, and she showed up with four of them. They were all good kids.”
“That sounds like a good thing. Why do you look so dissatisfied?”
“When it was time, I told her I was coming here, and she asked, ‘Father, did you have any friends back in your school days?’”
“That must have been awkward... Have you explained the situation to your daughter?”
“I’ve given her some warnings. But I don’t want her to go through what I did. Also, she has fewer connections with nobles her age, but she’s grown up pure and straightforward. As a parent, that makes me happy.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but don’t regret it later.”
“Of course, if necessary, I’ll interfere. But it’s important for her to gain experience on her own. Besides, she seems to have made five friends in less than a year—friends I took six years to find. I hope they and Ryoma-kun will support her.”
“Those friends and Ryoma-kun, you say... That Ryoma—is he perhaps...?”
“Yes, it’s Ryoma-kun. I heard he was under your care recently, and I came today to thank you for that.”
“I didn’t do much. If anything, I’m the one indebted. I expressed my gratitude as much as I could—”
“I heard about that too. That you received quite a reward.”
At Reinhardt’s words, seeming to take the initiative, Porco inwardly tensed.
“Hmm? Was there some dissatisfaction? Sorry, but I can’t offer any greater return than that.”
“No, neither he nor I am dissatisfied with the reward. In fact, he was rather humbled by the generosity.
...But are you feeling uneasy?”
Sensing the other’s inner thoughts, Reinhardt asked.
Porco slowly, but honestly replied:
“To be honest... I am glad you want to talk as you did in school, without bringing up status, and honor me as a junior. I do appreciate that.
I do... but I might be a little too old to take those words at face value.”
“I understand. We both have entanglements as lords of territories and nobles. I’m sincere in wanting to talk like old times, but that’s not the whole story.
...Since probing each other won’t get us far, shall we discuss matters as nobles first?”
“That would be appreciated.”
“Then, frankly, Porco-senpai, I want to be included in the ‘meetings’ you lead.”
“Meetings? That sounds grand. I only host casual dinners... What’s this about?”
“I heard from Ryoma-kun that you caught wind of trouble in my territory?”
“That is true... Could it be...?”
“Unfortunately, some families have banded together, pulling strings behind the scenes.”
Porco covered his eyes with his hand quietly.