Happy Daily Life of a Reincarnated Noble Blessed with Vassals - Chapter 20

A few days later, Jean-Jacques finally arrived. He wasn’t dressed in his usual butler uniform but instead was clad in armor covered with scratches. The sudden appearance of this battle-hardened general was so unexpected that even the Canilunyas were visibly taken aback.

From what I heard, he had pushed several horses to their limits, riding nonstop without sleep to get here. Yet, he showed no sign of exhaustion.

“House Artemitos? Very well. Changes in the Ten Noble Houses have occurred multiple times throughout history.”

“So that means… we’re free to crush them, right, Gramps?”

That’s quite the interpretation, my dear brother. Honestly, Jean-Jacques, say something.

“Indeed, indeed. Mary’s interpretation is absolutely correct.”

It didn’t work. I had hoped for a more rational judgment, but his extreme loyalty got in the way. For a moment, I thought it might have been better to summon Odolski, but I quickly realized that wouldn’t have helped either.

“I had quite the struggle keeping Odolski in check. He insisted that Lord Rex’s permission was unnecessary and was ready to storm into Artemitos directly. In the end, thanks to Alice and Yumika’s persuasion, he agreed to stay within the territory… But truth be told, I almost had to cross swords with him.”

“That’s not funny! A one-on-one between Big Bro Odo and Gramps would be practically a civil war. I bet Big Sis Alice is giving him a good scolding right about now.”

“Well, it might be a good opportunity for the two of them to… sort things out.”

True. Since there are no meddlesome interruptions now, I do hope something progresses. I wouldn’t mind hearing about a wedding when we return.

Not that we’re talking about that level of resolution here, but the retainers kept on going.

“I’ve already promised Odolski that we’ll bring back the head of the Artemitos family. Let’s get started.”

“Right. Here’s the map of the town where the Artemitos mansion is. And this one is the mansion’s layout.”

You might be wondering when that happened. It turns out that the same day Jean-Jacques was sent out, Mary had immediately set off for Artemitos territory as well. He had said something like, “I’m just going to take a quick look at the place,” and disappeared without much preparation, only to return with all the necessary information for the siege.

Jean-Jacques smiled at his success. “Marvelous. As expected of Mary. Quick and thorough. Hmm, it’s shorter to attack from the south rather than from the north.”

“Oh, you’re picking that? Wouldn’t it be better to pressure them slowly from the north, since it’s a longer route? There’s no point in ending this too quickly.”

“That’s a valid point. Mary, you’ve really embraced the Hesselink spirit. Very reassuring. So, shall we leave at dawn?”

The Hesselink spirit, huh? I’d love to press him on that for a good hour or so. But with Jean-Jacques looking so pleased, I didn’t have the heart to say anything.

Actually, slowly attacking doesn’t make sense at all.

“Sure. It’s just big bro, me, and Gramps. You’re good with that, right, bro?”

Just as I was about to say, Absolutely not!, Count Canilunya, who had been quietly watching with his mouth half-open, finally couldn’t take it anymore and shouted out, “Hold on! Count Hesselink, why are you just standing there smiling? Stop them!”

Wait, I wasn’t smiling! Was I?

Really?

Could it be that the dormant Rex Hesselink was showing on my face?

“First of all, where did you get that town map and the layout of the mansion?! When did you even prepare something like that?!”

“Whoa, whoa, old man. If you shout too much, you might burst a blood vessel. I was bored waiting for Gramps to arrive, so I went and had a little look around. Figured we’d be storming the place soon anyway.”

“You had a look around? The whole town is one thing, but the Artemitos mansion too? Impossible! That’s the residence of a marquis! It’s not the kind of place a random outsider can just casually stroll into!”

“Here, take a look.”

“What is this…? No way! This is a detailed map of my mansion! Even the hidden corridors known only to the heads of the house!”

“Old man, the security in your mansion was too lax. If I had been there to assassinate you when I visited Canilunya the other day, you’d already be dead.”

“What are you? You’re not just a servant, are you? In fact, you’re not even a woman, are you?!”

So, he figured it out. Not that Mary ever had any intention of hiding it. With a graceful curtsy, he introduced himself in his usual masculine voice and expression, “Let me formally introduce myself. I am Mary, a servant, bodyguard, and assassin in service to Rex Hesselink. Before joining House Hesselink, I was part of the group known as ‘Dark Serpent.’”

Oh yeah. That was the name of the underground organization I crushed.

It’s kind of cool, though I’ll keep that to myself.

“Dark Serpent…? You mean that Dark Serpent, which was destroyed in the Hesselink Nightmare? My goodness, Count Hesselink, you’ve recruited quite the… extraordinary figure.”

He’s got a foul mouth, but he’s my cute little brother.

“I simply enjoy talent scouting.”

“A Holy Knight, the Massacre General, and now a Dark Serpent? I envy your resources, though I’m not sure I could control such dangerous people. I just hope that blade never turns on me.”

“It won’t. You see, you and I are soon to become family, sir, even if only by marriage. Besides, our blades are only drawn against monsters.”

“If they’re on your side, nothing could be more reassuring. I suppose even your pursuit of my daughter was part of your talent scouting, huh?”

Now that you mention it, I can’t exactly deny that. But come on, Amy is just so cute! She’s slender, with a round face, and her smile when she’s eating is absolutely adorable—totally my type!

“While that might be one aspect, the truth is that I simply find Lady Amy to be very charming. I’m confident that together, we could build an even better life. And this is a secret, but… I have a thing for women who eat heartily. Strong, beautiful, and with a healthy appetite. Forgive my pride, but I truly believe I can make her the happiest.”

“The madman Rex Hesselink, huh? If you were truly insane, I might consider switching my allegiance to Artemitos. But after hearing you so earnestly speak of your love for my daughter, I have no choice but to acknowledge that marrying her to you is the best decision, both as her father and as the head of Canilunya.”

“A wise decision, sir. In that case, allow us Hesselinks to handle your current concerns.”

It’s reassuring, but the problem lies in their methods. The Hesselink servants tend to resolve things through violence a bit too often. That’s why I wanted to recruit someone like Hameslot, a normal, peaceful butler, for balance.

Even Count Canilunya hurriedly tried to stop Jean-Jacques.

“Hold on! I’ve already sent a formal letter to House Artemitos stating that my daughter is engaged to Count Hesselink. If they have any sense, they’ll give up once they read it. If word spreads that they tried to steal an already-engaged woman, it would be a serious blow to their reputation, something high-ranking nobles wouldn’t tolerate.”

Mary, the ever-beautiful assassin, just snorted at my (soon-to-be) father-in-law’s words. “If they were normal, sure. But after serving under nobles as unusual as these, I’ve become quite the skeptic. What do you think, Gramps?”

Jean-Jacques, in response to Mary’s question, bowed deeply, clearly disagreeing with the count’s confidence. “The current Marquis Artemitos is a man of integrity and strength. For someone like him to act so recklessly? I doubt he’ll give up easily. In the worst-case scenario, he may even claim that Count Canilunya has insulted his honor and use it as a pretext for threats. Mary, prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. As soon as we receive their reply, the battle begins.”

I felt something dark and dangerous emanating from Jean-Jacques’ body. Was it bloodlust? Fighting spirit? Rage? His usual gentle smile twisted into a fierce, predatory grin, something I had never seen before.

“Got it, General. By the way, what’s Big Sis Amy up to? I haven’t seen her around.”

“Ah, I’ve instructed her not to leave her room. She’s probably training to keep from getting rusty. And thank you again for bringing that monster meat—it’s been a great help.”

When I came to the capital this time, I brought a generous amount of monster meat. Naturally, it was to make sure Lady Amy never goes hungry.

I won’t let her starve, no matter what.

“Well, I must say, when Lady Amy is enjoying a good meal, she looks like an angel. I can’t wait to see her again.”

For the first time, Count Canilunya showed a more fatherly expression.

I think he’s actually a kind person at heart.

The atmosphere was just starting to turn a bit more pleasant when suddenly, an intruder appeared. It was none other than Lady Amy herself, who was supposed to be practically under house arrest.

“Father! I can’t bear it any longer! I, Amy, will go directly to Artemitos and declare my intent to marry into House Hesselink myself!”

This was the count’s private study. Normally, she wouldn’t have barged in, but it seems she had come to make her feelings known.

But today, I was here.

Our eyes met.

Her pale skin turned bright red.

“…L-Lord Rex? Th-this isn’t what it looks like!”

“Amy… What am I going to do with you?”