Chapter 2.2

Following the butler through the garden, a few hesitant individuals began to offer timid greetings.

However, having raised my sister with an eye for detail, I could tell. They, too, didn’t harbor any goodwill towards us.

As if resigned to the situation, reluctant and forced greetings were evident. There were more families that, while murmuring behind our backs, reluctantly stepped aside.

“People dislike us.”

Daria’s boundless voice echoed in my ears. It was a rebuke even a child could discern.

“It’s okay, Daria. We can dislike them too.”

I said, looking down at Daria. She didn’t respond.

“Alberto, it seems like the mourners are quite welcoming to us. Do you have the list?”

“Yes, of course. I can determine the origin of everyone present here.”

“Then, remember and mark every single one. We need to give gifts.”

Being ignored was infuriating. There were times when I desperately sought acknowledgment, and periods when I pretended to be cheerful just so my younger sister could live comfortably.

However, in this world, I had no need for such things.

I became a duke, but why?

The wealth of the Empire flows through our ducal house, and even I, Cierra, was a magician.

I remember Cierra’s magical abilities were somewhat mediocre, but they should be enough to protect Daria and intimidate people.

In this life, I will absolutely not become unhappy.

As we approached the front gate of the church, the sound of a mournful song being played by a music stand reached us. As if it were a signal, people scattered around began to enter the church.

The butler and I carefully observed those hiding inside the church one by one. The butler was marking them on the list, while I was checking to see if there was any protagonist among them.

Excluding me, there were a total of five protagonists.

The Crown Prince, the Warrior, the Mermaid, the Priest, and the Dragon.

I need to either assimilate or restrain these guys to prevent Daria’s unhappiness.

In theory, it’s an annihilation ending. If I go to each protagonist and say, ‘Boss Kim sent me,’ and eliminate them, it’s just a criminal ending.

“I can’t spend the rest of my lives in prison.”

Actually, just killing the protagonists won’t make Daria happy.

If I want revenge, I have to do it right.

Let’s make the protagonists suffer at the hands of Daria and then bring them down. Make them beg the beautiful and capable Duchess Daria, saying, “Please just look back once.”

This process will require a careful plan.

Of course, if a meticulous plan is a bit challenging, I’ll just use money to smooth things over. Cierra has a lot of money.

My top priority is fulfilling the small wishes of my deceased sisterr.

That is, the happiness of the pale little one next to me, Daria.

“Is Prince Tymerus here?”

I looked around diligently, wondering if the prince, who would be the most crucial target for revenge, had attended the funeral. But the ‘strikingly handsome, brave-looking, yet captivatingly blond’ man, of course, was nowhere to be found.

“Among the protagonists, the focal figure is undoubtedly the Crown Prince.

He represents one axis of human power and is annoyingly handsome, transcending races. He also carries the title of the Empire’s Swordmaster.

The butler was busy marking circles on the list of mourners. He pressed the list slightly with his hand and asked, ‘Did the Crown Prince come to convey his condolences?’

After quickly glancing over the list of mourners, the butler nodded.

‘He did not come. Instead, a representative of the royal family visited on his behalf.’

‘Is that so?’

‘He seems occupied with the duties of the Monster Subjugation Unit.'”

“If it’s the Monster Subjugation Unit, I was familiar with it as well.

To the east and north of the Empire lies a continent teeming with monsters known as ‘MaSu.’ Collectively, it’s referred to as the Hermit’s Land.

Mindless monsters avoided the Hermit’s Land and instead lurked around lands inhabited by humans, eagerly eyeing them.

Humans had to periodically subjugate the monsters. It was economically beneficial since hunting monsters yielded meat, leather, and magical materials.

The Gluttoni family, to which I belonged, consistently participated in the subjugation units and achieved great success. That was the setting. I know that the previous Duke Gluttoni, who was an excellent warrior, personally hunted monsters.

As the current Duke, I would also participate in the Monster Subjugation Unit…

Recalling memories from the game, I realized that due to Cierra’s mediocre magical abilities, he would likely face persecution until he received help from the Crown Prince. In various ways, it seemed an inevitably compromised destiny.”

“Of course, I will also participate in the Monster Subjugation, right?”

I pleaded desperately, but the steward hesitated and nodded.

“It may be daunting, but this is an opportunity not to be missed. Duke Cierra, you will be assisting Crown Prince Tymeris directly. Didn’t the young master mention this last time? During the Monster Subjugation, if you can anticipate and cater to the Crown Prince’s preferences well, the chances of opposition will decrease…”

“I have to cater to the Crown Prince’s preferences?”

“….”

Was he planning to approach the Monster Subjugation with such a timid attitude? I couldn’t conceal my bewilderment.

“How narrow and timid can Cierra be?”

It certainly matched the portrayal of Cierra’s personality in the game.

Cierra Gluttoni, the Duke. Despite being a highly privileged noble, he was an incredibly timid man.

Cierra was accustomed to stumbling before the Crown Prince, who possessed strong power and charisma. A coward who resented the position of the Duke. Even his childhood nickname was ‘Coward Cierra.’

Listing what Cierra lost due to his timid nature was endless. Military command, territory, loot, business rights, and even the protagonist’s lover. Every time, Daria expressed anger and shame, and Cierra’s reputation plummeted further, narrowing the Duke’s influence.

It was a tragedy caused entirely by the Crown Prince’s disregard for Cierra.

The fact revealed by hundreds of hours of Dreamflower gameplay is clear: if you underestimate the royal family, you lose everything.

“Is the representative of the royal family visiting right now?”

“Yes. They are scheduled to have a discussion with the bishop before the meal.”

“Really? In that case…”

Just you wait!

The royal family is nothing to be afraid of!