I, Who Only Had Effort as a Virtue, Reincarnated as a Talented Yet Lazy Villain

The following day, I embarked on a carriage ride towards the main estate.

But it surprised me that even within the grounds, a carriage was needed for mobility.

Just how vast is this Duke’s domain?

As these thoughts swirled, we arrived at the main mansion after about half an hour.

There, a maid stood clad in attire grander than those at my separate residence.

“Master Benno, we’ve been expecting you.”

Her demeanor exceeded even the maids back at my place.

I accepted her extended hand with respect as I alighted from the carriage.

Butler Baran followed suit, and together we entered the mansion.

It dwarfed my separate dwelling by at least two times.

Rather than soaring upwards, it spread expansively sideways.

Given the vast expanse, height seemed unnecessary.

“Please, Master Benno, this way.”

The maid’s expression held a touch of firmness.

I suppose I’m still not quite in their good graces.

With a slight tension, I walked alongside the maid through the mansion.

After about five minutes of walking through corridors, we reached a door.

This mansion is incredibly spacious…

Five minutes of walking and I still haven’t reached the end. What kind of building is this?

“Excuse me, Lord Barbaria. Master Benno has arrived.”

So, this is a sudden encounter with my father.

Barbaria is the master of the Archbaltz Duke’s estate.

In other words, my father’s name.

“Ah, let him in.”

A low voice emanated from within.

I swallowed nervously.

As the maid opened the door, I faced my father.

He sported a dignified appearance, with a golden beard.

The intensity in his eyes could probably pierce through someone.

Yet, I didn’t falter. I stepped into the room.

“Excuse me.”

However, he remained silent, not offering a greeting.

This is the moment of truth…

With renewed determination, I straightened my posture, bowing at a 45-degree angle.

“Father, please forgive me! I’ve been misunderstanding everything!”

While bowing my head, I raised my voice.

I heard the maid’s breath hitch behind me, but I didn’t turn back or lift my head.

Though I couldn’t see Father’s expression, I continued bowing my head earnestly.

After a few minutes, Father finally spoke slowly.

“Raise your head, Benno.”

“… Yes.”

“So, what misconception were you under?”

He inquired calmly.

I responded smoothly and without hesitation.

“I believed your silence was an indication of my freedom. But I realized that was a misinterpretation. Your silence was a sign that you’d grown tired of my recklessness.”

Father listened silently.

Honestly, it’s quite intimidating.

He’s been scrutinizing me with his intense gaze for quite a while.

Moreover, a single utterance from him could shape my entire future.

I’ve accepted that this isn’t a dream but a reality from my reincarnation.

Hence, I can’t afford to blunder here.

After hearing my words, Father turned to Butler Baran for confirmation.

“Baran, is he correct in his assertion?”

“… Yeah, he’s not wrong. He’s had a change of heart. I’ll vouch for that.”

Father pondered Baran’s words for a moment before speaking.

“I see… in that case, let’s present him with a challenge.”

“A challenge…?”

“Yes, precisely. You’re aware your younger sibling will be born tonight, correct?”

I nodded in response to Father’s query.

His expression remained impassive as he continued.

“In that case, procure some ‘Cool Summer Herb’ by tonight. I need only a small amount.”

The Cool Summer Herb is used for recovery.

It’s versatile, and suitable for relieving normal fatigue or even during childbirth.

However, it’s not easily obtained.

I’d need to journey to the “Twilight Mountains,” located at the edge of our territory.

And these mountains are known for harboring high-level monsters.

It’s not a place suitable for an eight-year-old child.

“… Understood.”

Still, I nodded with determination.

I’ll surmount this level of difficulty.

However, Baran shot a pointed glare at Father and said, “Are you planning to kill your own son?”

“If he dies, so be it. No issue.”

Father responded icily.

Baran appeared poised to argue more, but I intervened.

“Baran, that’s enough. I’m content with his response. Isn’t that sufficient?”

Baran muttered and then acquiesced.

Afterward, I turned away and made my declaration.

“I promise to gather the Cool Summer Herb in time for the birth.”

“Yeah, this is my final trust in you.”

With those words echoing behind me, I set forth toward the Twilight Mountains.

Back in the room, after I left, Father addressed the waiting-maid and Baran.

“I’m entrusting my son to you, Baran, and also to Akari.”