I was reincarnated into a merciless evil noble and stand at the pinnacle of the magical world, wielding control over magic.~ Just when I had given up on having a heroine, she came to me on her own accord~ - Chapter 19: Ernst Lindblum's Drastic Change

Chapter 19: Ernst Lindblum’s Drastic Change

Let’s go back in time for a moment.

Ernst Lindblum decided to seek the cooperation of the aristocrats managing the nearby territories of Lindblum to invite the retired but influential figure of the empire, Ashburn Danton, to his domain.

Ernst knew that dealing with the Ministry of Magic and high-ranking imperial officials alone would be a daunting task.

Through an urgent communication network among the heads of households, Ernst summoned the lords of the neighboring territories. 

Some declined due to their circumstances, while others were unable to make it on time as Ernst had instructed. Still, it was a rare occasion for marquis household heads to be called for a gathering.

Yes, the nobles of the surrounding territories had long looked down on Ernst, considering him a weak lord.

“Ashburn Danton? Oh, that old man who retired. I remember… he’s supposed to be a user of transformation magic, but why would anyone want such a person? He may be a war veteran, but we don’t need an old relic like him.”

“That’s right. I heard it was an urgent matter, and we gathered for this? He’s talking about things that make no sense. If that’s all, I’ll take my leave.”

“Wait, hold on. Ernst called us here for a reason. There must be some sort of gift he’s giving us, right? After all, the Lindblum family is the oldest among the seven marquis households. He must have some extraordinary treasure to surprise us.”

Ernst was being underestimated.

Even with that in mind, the nobles’ attitudes were harsh. 

Despite being fellow aristocrats with the same territory, they displayed a rude attitude of challenging the authority visible through their titles. In any other marquis household, such behavior might have led to beheading for insolence.

Naturally, they behaved this way because Ernst was the one they were dealing with. However, on this particular day, they made the wrong move.

“Don’t prattle on. I have no gift to give you.”

Ernst’s first words froze the assembly hall where the nobles had gathered.

“W-What’s wrong, Ernst? You seem unusually worked up… Did something offend you?”

“Y-Yes, what on earth is happening?”

“Come on, we’re neighbors ruling over the same territory… There’s no need to get so angry.”

The nobles, who had been so self-assured just moments ago, were now in disarray due to Ernst’s unprecedented stern demeanor.

 Amidst the chaos, the only female head of household in the assembly hall, Lady Sereslemia Argameyer, raised her voice.

“Lord Ernst, I am also familiar with Professor Ashburn, but why do you want to  invite him to Lindblum territory when he is currently in direct control of the Emperor’s domain? May I ask for the reason?”

Sereslemia, the Countess who governed the Argameyer territory, was astute, and that’s why she sought an explanation.

 She wanted to know why Ernst would invite someone like Ashburn Danton, who could easily disguise himself using transformation magic.

“Argameyer, do you require a reason?”

“Well… Yes, otherwise, I cannot cooperate.”

Tension filled the air. While the other nobles anxiously watched, Ernst took a deep breath and began his explanation.

“For the sake of my son, Vanitas.”

The reason was straightforward, but it required some time for them to comprehend. After a short while, everyone began discussing the matter of his son, Vanitas.

“Vanitas, you say?”

“I recall Ernst’s estate…”

“Ah, that impious troublemaker! Vanitas Lindblum! The boy with nothing but a bad reputation in our territory and the imperial capital’s magic academy!”

“He’s the one who took three slave girls to the magic academy, right?”

The room erupted with voices berating Vanitas in the most offensive manner possible. But it was also a valid evaluation of Vanitas Lindblum since he had indeed resorted to unjust violence against his subjects, including his own slaves.

The verbal attacks didn’t cease.

However, some among those present, as well as many other nobles, had already sensed something off about Ernst Lindblum on this particular day.

“Have you finished saying what you wanted to say?”

“Y-Yes…”

“…………”

“Um, well…”

“Let’s get to the main point. I need all of your signatures on this document.”

“I shall… take a look at it.”

Through Ernst’s secretary, Erika, a document was passed to Sereslemia.

“A petition… to have Professor Ashburn leave the Emperor’s domain?”

“Yes, even if it’s for a short period, my individual appeal alone would not move Professor Ashburn. That’s why I’m asking for your cooperation.”

“But… isn’t it common sense to have some form of compensation if we lend our names?”

“That’s right. As esteemed nobles, we can’t just cooperate without any consideration.”

“Hahaha, exactly. Even if he’s just an old man, we won’t agree to help Ernst without seeing some sincerity.”

The nobles lending their names held significant meaning.

Ernst, whose attitude was different from usual, had caused the nobles who had initially cowered to regain their composure. In the midst of it all, Ernst calmly asked, 

“…Argameyer, are you of the same opinion?”

“No, I shall cooperate with you, Lord Ernst.

“I see… You truly are wise.”

When those words spilled from Ernst’s mouth, Sereslemia realized that her judgment had been correct.

“Foodnick, Laxur, Obaria.――――Be silent for a moment.”

“N-No…”

“Ah…”

“…………”

“We have overlooked your countless disrespectful remarks. Have you forgotten what they signify?”

“N-No… we just…”

“I am in a position where I can punish you without any questions. Moreover, many nobles have been gathered here by me, oddly enough. Shall we determine who is in the wrong between the three of you and me? I don’t mind.”

“U-Ugh… S-Sorry, we apologize.”

“P-Please forgive us…”

“Why… is this happening?”

Watching the scene where Ernst admonished the three arrogant nobles, Sereslemia was trembling with fear.

(Those three weren’t the only ones who scorned and looked down on Lord Ernst. However, he never retorted until now. Not even concerning his son. He accepted his son’s bad reputation without complaint. He even bowed and apologized, despite being a Marquis family… But now, it’s different.)

For a long time, Ernst endured being reviled and disparaged, but he finally showed his fangs.

Moreover, many nobles, summoned by Ernst using vehicles that could move faster than dragon carriages, were present at this gathering.

(He reminded them of the difference in status by using the very titles they had used to insult him. Many nobles gathered here by Lord Ernst will no longer dare to treat him lightly. And if these nobles take this story back to their own territories and spread rumors, there will be no prospects for their territories’ development. Merchants will avoid places targeted by the powerful.)

Ernst didn’t even need to take action. By scolding them in this gathering, the three nobles were finished as aristocrats.

“I-I apologize for everything until now. P-Please forgive us…”

“We were mistaken. We disrespected our titles and were extremely rude… We are deeply sorry.”

“H-Hahaha, it’s over. Why did I ever defy a Marquis family…”

Ernst didn’t spare a glance at them, who were pitifully begging for forgiveness, further instilling fear in the nobles witnessing this scene.

It could have been any of them kneeling and bowing their heads.

And so, with the support of many nobles, Ernst succeeded in inviting Ashburn Danton to his domain.

What was terrifying was that he accomplished all of this within just a few days.

The once meek Ernst had completely transformed.

Freed from oppression, he possessed both decisive decision-making and execution capabilities.

Thus, Ernst’s dramatic change eventually became known outside his domain.

The world became aware of the existence of the monster, Ernst.

But whether anyone could reach the other monster, Vanitas, who had also changed Ernst, remains unknown.

On a side note, it goes without saying that Ernst’s secretary, Erika, fell in love with him all over again after witnessing his wild side.

“Huff… huff… Lord Ernst, even when you are angry for Master Vanitas’ sake, you look so splendid.”

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