BXBX NOVEL Chapter 14 Gratitude
Chapter 14 Gratitude
For the palace of the Empire is said to be bigger than even a major city in and of itself.
The ministers office was located in such a place.
There, a grey-haired old man continued working on his electronic paperwork as another man drew closer to him in anger.
That other man was Cliff, Liams father.
What is the meaning of this?! Why wont you allow our appeal for a reassignment to go through?!
As most aristocrats retain their youthful bodies by slowing down the aging process, that meant that those of them that did have elderly appearances had truly lived for a long time.
The man who Cliff was complaining to was a man who had served the royal family for many generations and is said to know all of the Empire like the back of his hand.
the reassignment process has already been completed once before, and we dont see any reason to repeal it.
Cliff had already discarded the eloquence and manners of a noble, and was starting to lose his temper.
That boy brought an android into the palace, and has broken the taboos of noble society. Do you want the Banfield house to bear this shame?!
As the prime minister continued to process his electronic documents, he could feel a bitter taste rising in his mouth.
His hands which were working so fervently had stopped,
So youre telling me that Sir Liam, the nobleman who defeated a pirate fleet that terrorized our space is an embarrassment? The Empire doesnt have any laws against keeping an android close by. Thats nothing more than one of societys tendencies.
And Im saying that its precisely because of those tendencies that this is a problem! Your Excellency, please reconsider!
The prime minister smiled.
Maybe Cliff thought that his point had finally gotten through, as he smiled back,
But his expression turned pale immediately after.
Sir Liam has fulfilled the duty of paying the taxes that the Banfield house has neglected. He is a wonderful citizen that contributes to the Empire, so we have great expectations for him. Do you understand what Im saying?
W-well if thats the problem, then everything should be fine as long as we pay the taxes once were reinstated, right?
At Cliffs query, the minister suddenly burst into laughter,
Its precisely because you never did so before that we cant trust you. Thats the biggest difference between you and that child in the first place! As for which one of you is more beneficial for the Empire, even someone like you should understand the obvious choice here.
Cliff scowled and tried to rebuttal, but the minister wouldnt allow it,
Now Id behave if I were you. You do want to live a peaceful life in the imperial capital after all, dont you?
With that statement Cliff quickly left the office with a somewhat panicked step. From the ministers tone, he understood that if he did anything to Liam, then theyd surely dispose of him.
The minister watched Cliffs receding back and frowned,
Theres been a boom in low-ranking nobility lately I still cant believe that such a prodigy was born from someone like that.
Liam was someone who had completely revitalized a desolate land.
In addition to that, he was able to defeat an overwhelming quantity of pirates while outnumbered.
A genius of politics and governmental affairs, a master of martial skills and war, as well as a highly honourable and loved individual amongst his people. A superior lord of the frontier had appeared; a being that both greatly troubled the minister as much as he celebrated it,
Because one day he might turn those sharpened fangs towards the Empire.
He didnt think they would lose, but it was a nasty thought all the same.
But the story was different if he was obedient.
A lord who firmly pays taxes and follows orders would be greatly welcomed by the minister.
Theres no way wed replace him with someone as incompetent as that. Lets get that little boy Liam, to work for the Empire.
He brought out a certain electronic document.
It was a document that pertained to the rewards of the pirate subjugation.
Liam had actually declined the remuneration.
To be precise, the form requested that the compensation would be used to pay-off the overdue taxes instead.
At the same time, it also appealed for the rights to be able to purchase flagship-class battleships at the Empires factories.
Neither request could hurt the Empire.
Or rather, both could only benefit them.
Instead of paying out a reward, they were going to buy weapons from Empire-run facilities.
It was a very lucrative proposal that wouldnt hinder their finances.
Even though the android gave its all to support their master, the true parents abandoned their child in pursuit of their own selfish desires This is a sad time to live in
The minister went and complained for a little while, before continuing his work.
The suite room of one of the capitals luxury hotels.
In any case, we were staying in a very expensive room, and I was currently laying down on Amagis lap on top of the bed.
Im tired. I just cant understand what I cant understand. Just what is a party?
As I had participated in parties everyday, I had to seriously reconsider my definition of what parties were.
There were many parties of various forms.
I had eaten creatures I had never seen before, and was perplexed by the surprises I could never have expected.
What surprised me the most though was the bucket party. Not a mask party, a bucket party.
It was beyond anything I couldve imagined.
I really had no idea as to how someone could have thought of such an idea.
The bucket had opened up endless possibilities for me.
As a side note, the lap pillow felt really nice.
Thats when Amagi spoke up,
Its almost time for you to become an adult, and with that Ive been in your service for more than forty years.
Yes, even though its been a long time, it all passed by in an instant.
It was a very long amount of time in comparison to my previous life.
And yet it felt so short.
Master, I dont think I should be by your side anymore.
Why?
Amagi continued to explain as I confusedly raised my head,
The Empire has a strong sense of repulsion against androids. Masters reputation has already been damaged by me. If you need someone to stay by your side, then a human woman would be better.
After being told such a thing, I could feel my anger flaring up,
Is that supposed to be a joke?
Its not.
Huh?
I suddenly recalled memories about my previous lifes wife.
This is for Masters sake.
I remembered the woman who said that she loved me, yet still abandoned me so easily.
I remembered the image of that woman and her new man laughing at me and the hatred I felt at that time which was strong enough to kill.
so youre abandoning me too. Are you really going to throw me away?! Is it really that repulsing to stay by my side?! I see, so not even androids can stand my presence!
After I stood up and started to yell, Amagi went on to shake her head,
Thats not true, the time that Ive spent with Master has undoubtedly been the happiest time in my life, but I have to leave. Ill make sure to prepare a successor, so from now on-
Who cares about that?!
Are you really leaving me for something as stupid as that?!
Dont screw with me! You should just follow my orders! Thats right, this is an order! Stay by my side! Dont go against what androids were supposed to be built for!
Amagi softly responded,
if that is your command, then I will follow.
I shouldve said this from the beginning. You dont ever abandon me.
As I started to cry, Amagi came close and hugged my head.
I guess it cant be helped.
If you think about it, weve been together for almost half a century now.
Shes been with me longer than my previous lifes wife.
Its always been just the two of us.
but wasnt Brian always there too?
No- thats true, but dont mention Brians name here.
I see Brian in a totally different light.
Hes more like a grandpa, or a butler to me.
Now that I think about it, I think Ive known Brian the longest out of anyone.
Amagi smiled,
Well, Ill make sure to serve you for as long as possible.
Yes, thats fine.
I shouldve said all this at the very beginning.
But why did Amagis smile look just the slightest bit sad?
In the territory of the Banfield house.
The newly established hospital was a place that was both well-equipped and well-staffed.
Tia, who had woken up in such a place, felt quite strange as she lay on her bed.
this is?
The surroundings were different from what she was used to.
Her body also felt strange.
No, it felt quite nostalgic actually.
She could feel her limbs again, almost as if this were all a dream.
A few moments later the door suddenly opened, so she tensed up, but it was a male doctor wearing a white coat that entered.
it wasnt the rearing officer.
So youre awake?
The male doctors eyes that were looking at Tia showed no disgust at all.
Umm, just where is this? Id-
Her voice sounded different than usual.
It was her voice. The voice that she lost had returned.
What she just said was in the tone of her own voice!
A nurse standing behind the male doctor looked over at Tia.
She brought over a hand mirror that showed Tias reflection.
At first Tia looked way because she was scared, but there was a familiar figure projected in it. In terms of age, she looked no older than someone who had just recently reached adulthood.
Long, flaxen hair.
Pink lips and clear white skin.
Green eyes- it was her old face.
Huh? T-this is?
Tears suddenly started to flow out as she confusedly gazed at the nostalgic sight.
Her face couldnt make expressions very well.
Her arms and legs couldnt move very well either.
The doctor seemed to be relieved.
We had to rebuild your body from scratch with regenerative therapy, so it took quite a while.
Tia continued to cry as she listened to the explanation.
My body is back to normal?
The doctor looked a little troubled,
We used an elixir to turn you back, but youll have to go through some tough rehab if you want it work like it used to.
An elixir? You used something that precious on me?
We used a diluted amount, yes, but its not enough. Like I mentioned earlier, youll have to go through some tough rehab for a full recovery. Itll be like rebuilding every muscle in your body from scratch.
Isnt this a dream? But even in Tias wildest imagination, she thought that this was too good, even for a dream.
Until very recently, she thought that she could only feel such happiness in dreams.
Ill do it. Ill do anything you need me to! I feel like Im dreaming here
As Tia declared so, the doctor began to smile,
This isnt a dream, its reality. Yeah, definitely reality.
There were still things to be worried about though.
Tia had just gone through a full-body regeneration treatment, but that wasnt an operation just anyone could access.
Unlike regenerating a limb, Tias condition required specifically designed equipment and an excellent specialist in order to cure.
It was possible to treat, but it was more than likely to say it wasnt.
After all, only nobles and millionaires could possibly afford elixirs.
Thats how valuable they were.
W-who paid for my medical treatment?
The doctor answered her while operating a tablet terminal.
He seemed to be jotting down notes in her medical record.
Lord Banfield did, or to be more precise, he built this hospital and hired the staff for it.
Unbelievably, an entire hospital was prepared for her, rather than having her dropped off at a place where the necessary facilities were already built.
The doctor conveyed Liams words to her,
The Count told me to tell you that youll have to pay him back eventually, but for now you should focus on your rehabilitation. Many therapy sessions will also be required.
Be sure to return the favour- Tia thought of the boy after hearing such words.
Dont tell me was it the child from that time?
Now then, listen up,
After the doctor said that, he proceeded to talk about her upcoming schedule.
A year has passed since we left for the imperial capital.
We had finally returned to my territory, where I was currently receiving various reports from Brian in the mansions office.
Brian was smiling,
Lord Liam, the hospital reported that the treatment has been going well.
Are they talking about the ones that were being imprisoned by Goaz?
Yes. It seems like those who are currently undergoing treatment should finish within the next few years, while those who dont need it can already start a new life in the area.
Many of them had lost their hometowns, so they moved to my territory.
A lot of them were beautiful girls, but there were also many artists and those with special skills among them.
If beautiful girls are born from their children in the future, then Ill be a step closer to my dream of a luxurious feast.
That sounds wonderful.
It truly is. Many of them wish to express how grateful they are to you, Lord Liam.
I made the investment thinking that itd be beneficial for the future, but it looks like Im already getting some positive results.
Currently, I was inspecting the golden box I held in my hand.
It was the treasure I had taken from Goaz, but I didnt bring it to the capital. I had kept it in my desks drawer, so I was taking my time to look at it now that I was back.
Briam smiled warmly as he looked at me,
Lord Liam sure does love gold.
I adore gold.
Ive been thinking this for a while, but I cant help but feel like Ive seen that box somewhere before
Brian suddenly clapped his hands,
I remember now!
What is it? Is it some sort of great treasure?
No, I think its something else.
Dont raise my expectations so high if youre just going to drop them. So, what did you remember?
I havent told you this before, but this Brian here used to be an adventurer.
Adventurers were those who explored the vastness of the universe.
They were a specialized group that delved into ruins and researched the secrets behind ancient civilizations.
You were an adventurer?
Yes, and at the time, I remember seeing something like that in the data I researched. Its a replica, but thats the [Alchemy Box], a device whose means of production was lost in ancient times.
Alchemy box?
Like a dream, it was something that had the ability to create treasure even from garbage. It could transmute anything except for living creatures. Meaning that it even had the ability to create rare metals like mithril, orihalculum, and adamantium.
Could it make gold?!
Hmm? Ah, yes, of course it could.
Itd be wonderful if such a device actually existed in this universe.
I wish it was real.
That would be phenomenal, yes. If you obtained something like that, then all our financial problems could be resolved at once.
Do you want to try and find the real thing?
Lord Liam, youre currently the head of the Banfield house. Unfortunately, Ill have to ask you to refrain from the adventurers occupation.
I puffed my cheeks with anger at Brian.
It was night.
I was currently looking at the golden box in my room.
I wish this was real.
I asked Brian for the data on how to use it.
A magic device that was destroyed in the past. A valuable tool that couldnt be reproduced because its manufacturing technique had been lost.
Id never be troubled with debt again if I had it.
For example, if I opened the lid and used it on
I opened the box and turned towards one of the wooden practice swords I kept nearby.
What?
I thought it was just a replica, but the box reacted and multiple screens were projected one after another all around me.
Eh?!
Everything was written in an ancient alphabet.
I learned about this language in the education capsule, so I could somehow decipher it.
Transform? Uhh this?
After I chose what item I wanted to transmute, the sword was wrapped in golden particles before it changed colour.
Picking it up, it didnt have the weight of a wooden sword anymore.
It had the heavy weight of a metal- more specifically, gold.
Youve got to be kidding me! This is the real thing?!
Now that I think about it, Goaz was rich because he possessed a vast quantity of rare metals, not because of his piracy.
So this was the source of his wealth.
The guide told me that Id get all of his treasure was he talking about this?
I opened up a nearby window and started laughing,
This is amazing! To give me all this as just a service, you really are a great person! No matter how much I thank you, itll never be enough, but Ill say it again anyways! Because of you, I can finally begin living my life as an evil lord!
I shouted out Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Every part of my being was grateful to him, and I wanted him to know that!
Im sorry Guide, at first I thought you were a really shady person, but Im only this happy now because of everything that youve done for me! I dont know what to say, and I cant possibly thank you enough, but I want you to at least hear me say it, so- THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR EVERYTHING!!!
On the other hand
The guide was being burned by Liams heartfelt gratitude towards him.
It was really freaking hot.
He was screaming in pain as if a red-hot iron was branding something onto his chest.
STOP IT!!!
Grasping his chest with both his hands, the guide was suffering unimaginable pain.
He was kicking his legs as he rolled on the ground, crying.
Throwing away his suitcase, he cried out in pain from the gratitude.
Its all gone! My power, its gone!
He had lost the small amount of power he had left instead of recovering more.
With things like this, he couldnt kill Liam even if he tried.
After a while, he clutched his chest and clenched his teeth.
I wont forgive you! Ill never forgive you, Liam. With these hands Ill knock you down to hell and relish in the pain you suffer for all eternity. You will hate, envy and fear me in that hell, while I stand over and laugh at you.
The guide slowly rose up.
On a moonlit meadow, the guide swore revenge against Liam.
Be sure of it! You better believe that Ill-
A dog silently hiding in the meadow continued to watch the guide in interest.