Later, after Vale ascended to the title of Duke Saffeldrick’s, he personally revealed that the scariest person, even more so than the emperor or his wife, was Baron Aztein.

By then, there were rumors that Vale still flinched whenever Feldarn raised his fist, but nothing had been confirmed. After he became the Duke, Vale had avoided Feldarn, so there was no way to verify it.

---

“……”

Vale, with a sad expression, hung his head low. Feldarn, holding Vale’s exam results, twitched his eyebrows. People always say humans expect and get disappointed repeatedly, but this wasn’t at that level.

“Any excuses?”

“……”

Vale, like a mute who had swallowed honey, pressed his lips together. His scalp shone brightly. How much had he slept to have such smooth skin?

“Out of 50 questions, fewer than 10 are correct…”

I even made the questions easier on purpose. The exam was just a way to motivate him to study.

I handed him a book explaining basic economic theories that even adults find hard to understand, so I didn’t expect him to get everything right. Therefore, the questions were very basic, the kind anyone could answer by reading the book.

Most of the questions were simple arithmetic calculations and clear relationships between profit and loss. Yet, except for three math problems, he got everything wrong.

Felder thought for a moment. Was it possible that the problems only seemed easy to him?

“……”

That couldn’t be. No matter how I think about it, these were problems that any 10-year-old, having had basic noble upbringing, should be able to solve. Yet, he got so many wrong.

Bechillon had said he was struggling with raising his child, but could he have not even taught him these simple basics? His head spun. Teaching economics to someone who didn’t even know the alphabet or basic math—was this what I had agreed to? It was like trying to teach a baby to run before they could even crawl.

“……Hey.”

“Yes?!”

Vale’s eyes darted around, terrified of what punishment might await him. How wrong could he be to make Feldern angry enough to punish him?

“My father, who used to be Baron Aztein, always said: whatever you do, and however you live, always aim to be the best. In that sense, I think you’re amazing.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“What do I mean? I mean that it’s so absurd that it’s not even funny.”

Feldarn ran a hand through his hair and sighed deeply.

“You got this many wrong, so I’m not even angry. I’m so dumbfounded I don’t even have the energy to punish you.”

“Then… won’t I get punished?”

Vale’s stiff expression subtly brightened. Feldern’s eyebrow twitched.

“Are you happy? Is that what you want? Do you think punishment is the problem right now?”

“……”

Vale’s face, which had brightened, immediately fell again. Feldarn sighed deeply, thinking about what to do, then his eyes shifted slightly.

‘Should I just run away?’

Should I just run away since I can’t deal with this? Teaching this stupid kid would raise my blood pressure, and I feel like I’d die first. For my health, it might be better not to deal with him. But my pride won’t allow me to ignore him like this.

Health or pride? Weighing these two options, Feldarn’s eyes shifted. Vale’s dejected face entered his view.

“……”

“…Right, you might not know. If you don’t know, then I’ll teach you. You’re still young, so there’s potential.”

With each tick-tock of the clock, Feldern gathered his emotions and opened his mouth.

“You little brat.”

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you ashamed?”

“……?”

It seems like he isn’t ashamed. Feldarn let out a hollow laugh, dumbfounded, before nodding his head.

“When you become a Duke, and someone less competent than you laughs at the emptiness of your head, are you going to scream and throw a tantrum? Do you think the one with the loudest voice wins?”

“Eh, no way. When I get older, things will just… come naturally…”

“From what I see, if you grow up like this, there’s a very high chance you’ll turn into a fool. I’m certain of it. And the Saffeldrick family, which has lasted for hundreds of years, will disappear from history. All because of you.”

“Y-You’re kidding, right?”

The first part didn’t seem to bother him much, but the second part seemed to have a bit of an impact. It looks like he takes pride in being the heir to the Saffeldrick family, but sadly, if things continue like this, Feldarn’s words will likely come true.

“I’ll give you a chance. From now on, no more punishments or whatever. It’s entirely your choice.”

Feldarn changed his posture, looking at Vale with a face even more serious than when meeting the Emperor.

“Do you want to live like a fool, or do you want to become a wise and respected Duke?”

“Of course, the latter.”

“Then, to become wise and intelligent, can you give up the comfortable life you’ve been enjoying?”

“……”

“Think carefully. The comfort you enjoy now is being bought with the insecurity of the future. If you still want to enjoy all of this with an indifferent attitude, then forget about it and tell me clearly.”

Feldarn squinted his eyes and lowered his voice, speaking with even more sincerity.

“Do you want to become the next Duke of the Saffeldrick family?”

“Yes.”

Good. Feldarn nodded and stood up. Vale, startled by the sudden movement, followed suit and stood up. As Felder began to gather his things and head towards the door, Vale grabbed his sleeve and chased after him.