The Villainous Noble’s Father - Chapter 1

“Father! Please listen! There was a filthy commoner at the entrance exam for the Royal Academy! This is an insult to us nobles!”

Bursting into the office, face red with anger, was a round plump boy, his messy black hair whipping about and his chubby frame wiggling with every step.

His name was Leonard Johnston von Finster-Heréol.

…Yes, my disappointing son.

Ah… so the time has finally come.

The small hope I’d clung to, that maybe it was all a misunderstanding, was crushed in an instant. I let my head fall onto my desk, buried beneath a mountain of paperwork.

In a way, it was inevitable. After all, it was only last week that I finally realized what was happening.

To be precise, I’d had a bad feeling about this ever since I was reborn into this world, a vague sense of unease. But I only became truly certain of it last week.

My younger sons, Edward and Dominic, and my daughter Julia are still little. I can probably steer them in the right direction before it’s too late. But my eldest, Leonard… he’s beyond saving.

And judging by how upset this round little fellow is, it seems the thing that enraged him was the fact that a commoner had shown up at today’s Royal Academy entrance exam.

His shrill voice echoed through the spacious office as his plump frame quivered violently with emotion.

…He’s already fifteen now, huh.

I remember thinking, when he was small, that a little chubbiness was kind of cute. But now, at this age… this is getting out of hand.

I shook myself from my thoughts. No, no, focus. As head of the household, I need to confirm the facts first.

“Ah, I see. So, what was this commoner’s name?”

“His name? I think… it was Alan or something like that.”

Leonard looked confused by my sudden interest in the boy’s name.

Wait… wasn’t the protagonist’s default name something like that?

It’s a hazy memory from who knows how many years ago, possibly even someone else’s life entirely. But something about that name feels… protagonist-y.

Is this the first strike? No, calm down. It’s not time to panic yet.

In my mind, I could see Sendo-senpai from a certain old basketball manga shaking his head.

I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror on my desk. A sharp-eyed, brooding man with slicked-back black hair and a neatly groomed beard stared back at me. I rubbed my chin, trying to steady my nerves and keep a straight face.

“Hmm. It’s true the Royal Academy is primarily for nobles, but there’s no law saying commoners can’t take the exam.”

That’s right. The school’s founding philosophy was to gather talented individuals from all walks of life, educate them, and help the kingdom prosper. While most students are nobles, I’ve heard more and more commoners have been enrolling lately.

So honestly, a commoner taking the exam shouldn’t be a big deal.

“You don’t understand! That commoner scored the highest magic measurement result in academy’s history, far above me, a noble!”

Strike two.

“And worse! During the swordsmanship trial, he defeated one of my followers, Ulragilis, heir to Baron Shitapano’s house!”

Strike three.

In my mind, Sendo-senpai started sweating buckets.

“Ah… well… honestly, son, I’m not sure you should be associating with someone as shady as Ulragilis.”

“No, no, Father. Ulragilis might be a petty, groveling toady who bows to anyone above him and sells out for pocket change, but deep down he’s not a bad guy.”

“R-right… well, if you say so, Leonard.”

As my oblivious son tilted his head in confusion, I rapidly worked through the situation in my mind.

Judging from Leonard’s description, this kid is almost certainly the protagonist. If my memories are correct, he’s probably a red-haired, blue-eyed boy with spiky hair, a cheerful and reckless personality, and a bit of an airhead, but with a kind heart.

With that bright personality and awkward kindness, he’ll capture the hearts of countless noble girls, and with his incredible magic power and tireless effort, he’ll save the kingdom from the demon invasion.

And my son?

If memory serves… before the school year’s even properly started, he’ll pick a fight with the protagonist, get utterly humiliated in a duel, and eventually be disinherited.

As for me, I still don’t know how accurate these mysterious memories of mine really are. I don’t intend to disinherit Leonard just yet. He might not be perfect, but…

“Rest assured, Father! I’ve already informed that commoner, once he enrolls, I’ll challenge him to a duel and show him his place!”

…I was wrong. It’s over.

In my head, Anzai-sensei coldly declared, “Give it up. The game’s over!”

A-Anzai-sensei…! I don’t want to play basketball, but could you at least do something about my son…?

I let my head fall to the desk once again, imagining the ghost of my white-haired, chubby old teacher, who doesn’t even exist in this world.

In the end… this is my fault, isn’t it?

I sighed deeply and slumped back into my heavy black leather chair.

I’d buried myself in work for years and neglected my family. Leonard used to be such a good, honest kid… It’s no one’s fault but mine.

…Ah, right. I haven’t introduced myself yet.

My name is Roberto Maxwell von Finster-Heréol, Duke of this kingdom.

And if my memories from a past life are correct…

I’m the father of the noble children fated to become villains in this story.