The peaceful Desmond estate, today as always.

"My lady."

Having returned to the mansion after a journey of over a month, I looked at the young lady lying on the bed, chewing on beef jerky, and said.

"Ughghghghgh!!!"

"My lady."

"Eeeeeeeeeek!!!"

"My lady..."

"Eeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!! It's tough!"

"This is a serious matter."

The young lady, who had been showing off her healthy teeth along with the beef jerky, swallowed the beef jerky with a gulp as she saw me approaching with a serious expression.

"Mhm."

Because it seemed like her snacks would be taken away if she didn't listen to Ricardo.

"My lady..."

"Mhm."

"It's about that."

I had been thinking about it for a long time.

Whether I should say this or not, I had worried and worried again that I might hurt her by bringing up unnecessary things.

However.

"Sniffle."

Seeing the young lady's face, which was more angelic than anyone else in the world, I felt a resolve to definitely say it. Because if I held it in and didn't say it, it could come back as a bigger problem later.

"Hoo..."

Having to talk about such a heavy topic, I overcame the pressure weighing on my shoulders and opened my mouth with difficulty.

"My lady."

"Hmph.."

"You know."

"Mhm."

"That is..."

Squeezing my eyes shut, I said to the young lady, who was staring at my face, with a heavy heart.

"I think you need to go on a diet."

"...Hm?"

"A diet."

"...Eek?"

"I think you need to."

An awkward gaze flows between us.

The trembling gaze of the young lady, who was looking back and forth between my two eyes and her own belly fat, was creating a heavy atmosphere.

"..."

The young lady, whose eyes had widened as if she had been hit on the head, stared at me blankly, then dropped the beef jerky in her hand with a thud and said.

"Ricardo."

"Yes."

"Have I gained weight?"

"Yes."

"How much?"

"A little... it is."

The young lady, who had heard the shocking words, shook her head violently and uttered words of denial. Saying that she had been working hard on her rehabilitation exercises, so there was no time to gain weight.

"I worked out hard."

"You did well."

"I practiced walking for over 30 minutes a day."

"You did very well."

"Then why did I gain weight?"

The young lady pouted her lips and stared at me.

"Then haven't I gotten slimmer?"

"..."

"I worked out hard...?"

I know it's rude to say such things to a woman. I also know very well that it's even more wrong to say such things to a person who lives by her looks alone in this world.

However.

"...My lady."

"Hm?"

"When did you take out the chocolate?"

"Hk...?"

I had thought that I would have to tell the young lady, who had become addicted to snacks while I was away from the mansion, someday.

Right now, the young lady is.

"Hk...? Why was I holding chocolate?"

She was a chocoholic.

Rosanna, who had been eavesdropping from a distance, wiped her tears and nodded her head. As if to say, 'So you're the one to tell her, Ricardo,' while wiping her tears.

"My lady."

I said to the young lady with a serious expression.

"Let's turn back time."

"Mhm."

"What did you eat at 12 o'clock a week ago?"

"Chocolate."

"Then, what did you eat the most three days ago when I was away?'

"Chocolate."

"What time did you go to bed?"

"1 o'clock."

"In the morning?"

"Mhm."

"What did you do during that time?"

"I was eating chocolate and watching 'Oh no, Duke, I have a husband!'"

"...?"

"It's a romance novel. It's really fun, do you want to read it too, Ricardo?"

"...Where did you get it?"

"Gomtang brought it."

As an awkward gaze crossed in the air, the young lady smiled brightly and said with a cheerful expression.

"Het!?"

"What do you mean, het!"

She's really cute, but today, it can't be helped.

As a butler who had to be responsible for the master's health and vitality, I had an obligation to be responsible for the young lady's overflowing cheek fat and belly fat right now.

It wasn't an ugly appearance.

To be precise, the expression 'cute' was more fitting, as the moderate amount of flesh and chubby cheeks were in harmony. In my past life, it was a state that suited the inappropriate expression 'voluptuous'.

Still...

No matter how well that inappropriate expression suited her body, for the sake of the young lady's health, I had to hold back my tears of blood and make her lose weight.

Because a heavy body would only hinder rehabilitation.

I missed the young lady's beautiful departing cheek fat and shouted at her. That it was no use trying to be cute.

"Anyway, you have to lose weight."

"Hmph..."

"You have to be healthy."

"But, I'm not a pig, so it's fine."

The young lady, who was holding her increased belly fat and pouting her lips, let out a long sigh and looked distressed. Because after hearing Ricardo's words, she thought she had gained a lot of weight.

"I'm not a pig."

"You're a pretty pig."

"Eek..."

"If you tie a ribbon, you're a ribbon pig."

"Eeeeeek!!"

"If you put a flower on, you're a flower pig."

"Don't tease me!!!"

The young lady, who had thrown a tantrum, nodded her head and began to listen to my words.

"Okay."

"..."

"I'll lose weight."

"...You did well."

"If I lose weight, Ricardo will make me something delicious, so I'll work hard."

"My lady..."

"Mhm!"

"Why don't you put down the beef jerky in your hand first."

Olivia had become a snack addict during the time when the most handsome butler in the world was away.

Impressed by the young lady's serious expression, I took out the materials I had prepared since last night from my inner pocket and began to speak. Even though I look like this, it contained the wisdom of a handsome man who was the king of self-management in his past life.

"First is exercise."

"I don't want to!"

"You will focus on rehabilitation therapy for one hour a day."

"...35 minutes."

"1 hour and 30 minutes."

"Eeeek! 40 minutes."

"2 hours."

"1 hour."

"Good."

Second.

"A diet focused on vegetables and protein."

"Eeeeeeeeeek!"

"You will eat a salad of paprika, carrots, and Mandrake, which is good for dieting, every morning and evening."

"Ricardo is determined to kill me."

"It can't be helped. Blame your cursed belly that only ate chocolate while I was away."

"My belly is not cursed!"

"It's a blessing too."

"Mhm."

"The blessing of eating a lot."

"Hehet! That's right."

It wasn't a compliment to make her happy, but the young lady was smiling brightly.

I let out a hollow laugh and began to state the last condition. Other things were important, but for now, this problem had to be solved first.

"Finally..."

"Mhm."

"Chocolate is forbidden for a while."

"...Hm...?"

"It's forbidden."

Olivia, who had lost the world, hated Ricardo today as well.

----------------------------------------

Luin, who had returned to the dormitory, sat at his desk and looked at the brightly shining orb.

-Roll roll...

"Haa..."

A red-glowing orb.

The flame dancing inside the orb was shining beautifully as always, but Luin's heart was not so good.

-Roll roll.

It was the magic he had longed for so much.

"Fuck... what am I thinking about, algae."

-Halt.

"...Wait a minute, did I just call myself algae..."

Luin, who had come to accept his nickname as algae, squeezed his eyes shut and let out a curse.

"Fuck..."

Luin had become attached to the words he hated the most in the world.

"Sigh..."

He was worried.

It was a good thing to regain the lost power, but he was worried about whether he was ready to have this power right now.

Thinking rationally, if he acquired the magic he had received back from Hans, it would only be beneficial to him.

It was a problem that didn't even need to be considered.

And it was originally his.

If he regained his magic, he could close the gap with the other students in one go, and he might even be able to aim for the top ranks in the ranking battles.

He wouldn't be able to defeat Mikhail, who had become the owner of the Holy Sword, but he would grow to the point where he could easily deal with the other students. Of course, it would be difficult to deal with Hanna Histania and Yuria, but it was worth trying to aim for the top of the magic department again.

Besides, thanks to the special training with that guy, his ability to handle magic had also grown, so there were countless points where he could have a power that was incomparable to the past.

If he pushed himself, he might even be able to use a meteor....

"It's unlucky."

He thought it wasn't the time yet.

It was a personality he had barely regained.

His personality, which was a mess, arrogant, and provocative, had hit rock bottom and he had finally started to correct it and look at it properly, but he thought that if he just jumped at the opportunity, it would cause various problems.

He could go back to the way he was before.

And as Ricardo had said, he thought he was still not a complete person.

"Just a little more..."

He thought it wouldn't be too late to acquire the magic when he judged that he wouldn't go back to the way he was before, after waiting just a little longer.

Even though it would take time to adapt to the magic, the time to apply his personality would be longer.

"Yeah, let's wait a little longer."

Luin thought of Hans, who had hit his shoulder, and let out a string of curses.

"If that bastard was going to give it to me, he should have just given it to me himself..."

Well.

I would probably do the same.

Luin, who had the embarrassing thought of 'friendship', let out a small smile and opened a book.

"Let's just study."

Luin, who thought it wasn't the time yet, wanted to live as an inferior student who still wanted to grow.

*

Under the shade of the moonlit night sky.

The members of the heretics, hiding in the darkness, were gathering in one place.

-Thud.

-Thud.

The man in the black robe looked at the upright tower and said.

"Raise your swords."

"..."

"We will now begin the recapture."

The place where the members of the heretics were heading was the prison where the worst criminals were held.

"Freedom to the oppressed."

It was a place where those who were dissatisfied with the world had gathered.

Screams are heard.

"Stop them!!"

In this place full of villains, the sound of blood and flesh being torn is repeatedly heard.

"By what right do you..."

The mournful cries of the righteous who block the invasion of the villains struggle to stop the steps of those who are marching.

"have the right to suppress freedom?"

Commonly known as the Black Sanctuary.

This place, where the worst villains of the empire were imprisoned, was the worst prison where various criminals were incarcerated.

Criminals related to 'sex.'

Criminals related to 'fraud.'

Criminals related to 'theft.'

This place, where prisoners with various charges were incarcerated, mainly managed individuals who should not be released into society, unlike other prisons.

[Iron Nail Cane Murderer - Gairod]

[12 murders, 104 attempted murders]

-Kuhaha!!! Hey, you gutsy bastard!! Let me out too!!!

[The madman who spreads poison - Poison]

[24 murders, 0 attempted murders]

-Hey... try some of my poison. It's amazing...?! I'll show you an incredible illusion. Of course, everyone who saw that illusion died.

[The sodomite - Gailo]

[40 murders, 1 attempted murder]

-Oppa~ if you have time, let's play, I'll be good to you.

This prison played the role of separating the unacceptable from the world.

Originally, it would be right to execute them, but the empire, which had numerous enemy countries, had them imprisoned to use them as meat shields.

Because even unreformable trash was worth more than one person's share when put on the battlefield.

[The merciful slaughterer - Eric]

[45 murders, 6 attempted murders]

-If you just let me out of here, I'll kill whoever you want.

"Haha..."

The man, who was receiving numerous solicitations and hot gazes from beyond the bars, smiled happily and began to move forward.

"Wait a little... brothers."

-Wooooooo!!!

"I'll let you all out later."

-Waaaaaaaaaa!!!

The man let out a hollow laugh at the cheers of the criminals who were hitting the bars and silently approached the depths of the prison.

-Freedom!!!

The purpose of coming here was not to save those shabby people.

By now, the news would have reached the empire's Sword Master. That an intruder had appeared in the Black Sanctuary.

It wouldn't be strange for an elite group to raid within 30 minutes. The empire was not such a pushover group.

It's good to covet.

Because coveting the strong and scraping their insides is a truly thrilling and pleasant thing. He had known for a long time that it was a pleasant thing to crave greed with death one step away.

If he had his way, he would have wanted to enjoy the slaughter with those who were blocking the invasion, but unfortunately, there were many who would not allow it, so he had no choice but to endure it.

It was certain that if he threw those who were trapped in the bars into the scene of the slaughter when they were chasing him, it would be a pleasant thing that would grant them freedom and happiness.

So, for now, he had to focus on those who were beneficial to society rather than those mediocre people.

Cruel.

And a twisted artist who loved art.

The man in the black robe lifted his eyes and looked at the trembling prison guards.

"...This... this is a place where criminals who have sullied the order of the empire are imprisoned. If you come any closer, you will be violating the laws of the empire..."

The man couldn't stop laughing at the frightened faces of the prison guards who were blocking the huge gate with spears in their hands.

"Why are you so scared?"

They were just doing their jobs diligently in their positions.

"Why are you trembling...?"

The man was saddened by the frightened faces of those who were faithfully doing their jobs in their positions.

"Don't... don't come any closer! If the criminals who are trapped inside get out, you won't be safe either!!!"

The man took a step closer and said.

"Don't tremble, you strong men who suppress freedom."

"...Don't come!"

"You are all just doing your jobs properly in your positions, so why are you trembling at the sight of me?"

"...I said don't come!"

"Hold your shoulders high."

"Everyone, prepare for battle...!"

"You are strong, so you are more than qualified to stop me."

"Charge all at once."

"I will do my job too."

Along with the man's tantalizing laughter, a strange bursting sound began to be heard. The strange sound that sounded like 'chomp' was close to the sound of a beast tearing at its prey.

-Chomp...

"Yes."

-Chomp...

"That's what you should be doing."

As soon as the man's words were finished, the thick iron gate that the guards were protecting began to open with a strange sound.

-Screeeeech...

It was a place where not even a speck of light could get through.

Whether a sinner.

Or a beast.

A space with a cruel darkness that was bound to make you go mad.

The man took a step into the sticky prison and let out a low sigh.

"...This is boring."

-Clap!

The man clapped his hands and shouted to wake up those who were inside this place. The man, who did not want to befriend silence, had not come for such a boring reaction.

Yes.

-Crack!!!

Like this.

"Shut up, it's noisy."

As soon as a voice was heard from the darkness, a sharply honed pencil pierced the man's palm and stopped in front of his eyes.

The man, who saw the pencil that had stopped in front of his eyes along with the dripping blood, let out a small laugh and smiled with interest.

"Are you the twisted artist?"

The man smiled faintly and read the list of criminals on the wall with his eyes.

[Adventurer Hunter - Pascal.]

[130 murders, 2 attempted murders, 1 escape]

[Characteristic: Resembles a praying mantis.]

"Pleased to meet you. I am a priest of the heretics."

The man bowed his head and offered a greeting.

"The Apostle of Greed."

*

A peaceful moonlit night.

Chartia slammed her fist on the desk and furrowed her brow.

"This empire never has a quiet day, does it?!"

[Attack on the 'Black Sanctuary' prison.]

[According to the survivor's testimony, at 3 a.m.

It was reported that the incident occurred due to a sudden attack by about 40 heretics.

It was revealed that a total of 120 people were casualties, with about 20 guards dead, 60 missing, 40 injured, and the warden Yulia seriously injured, and all the inmates had escaped.]

Her head was already hurting because of the Ricardo problem, but with the unresolved issue, Chartia's sighs were increasing.

There were too many problems to worry about.

The priest who had become an apostle, whom she had seen in the archives.

The problem with Ricardo.

Keeping the crown prince in check.

Even if she focused on keeping the crown prince in check, it wasn't enough, but with problems erupting all over the empire, for Chartia, who was at her limit, all that came out were sighs.

"My head is already hurting..."

She had to confirm the priest's existence first. It was strange from the start that a priest who served the goddess had set foot in the heretics.

She had to find out from what point he had become a heretic, and she also had to confirm whether it was a future event or a past event.

The position of the empire's high priest was not a problem to be taken lightly.

Looking at the priest's current actions, it didn't feel like he was hostile to the heretics.

The priest, who showed a pessimistic attitude towards the heretics, was generously supporting the inquisitors to subjugate them.

"...This is annoying."

Not a single thing was going smoothly.

She thought that looking at the archives would relieve this feeling, but her head was hurting even more, and it seemed like there were more things to solve.

The me who had become a tyrant was like that.

-You have to be different.

I have to be different.

She didn't know what had to be different, but what was certain was that she shouldn't let Ricardo die. If not, she wouldn't have been told such a past.

"..."

Until now, Ricardo did not feel like a big person to her.

It wasn't like they had a deep relationship like the me in the archives, and they weren't entangled in a master-vassal relationship, so it might have been difficult to feel great emotions.

I am me.

You are you.

The feeling I have for Ricardo now is 'a butler who serves the villainess.' Nothing more, nothing less.

Of course, she was grateful that he had made her win against the crown prince in the ranking match, and that he had told her that he thought of her as the next emperor, and it was a debt she had to repay someday, but there were still many awkward points to put the weight of emotions on, so she didn't keep it in mind.

In the first place, there were plenty of women who liked that guy.

He just didn't know it himself.

"Aaaah... so annoying!!!"

She couldn't even rest during the vacation, and with the new semester approaching, this kind of thing had to happen...

"What is Taeoh doing..."

Chartia, who hated the crown prince who was neglecting his duties today, looked at the information guild leader who was silently organizing documents and asked for his opinion.

"Guild Leader."

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Is there any information that has come in about the escapees?"

"Ah... that's."

The guild leader, who was reading a document with a hardened expression, handed a stack of documents to Chartia and smiled awkwardly.

"I think you'll have to read it."

"..."

"The matter... is more serious than I thought... haha!"

Chartia, who had read the documents, let out a big sigh and shouted.

"This is... crazy..."

[30% of escapees dead on the spot.]

[40% of escapees found dead in the Hamel territory.]

She felt like she knew who it was.

Just as she was about to be relieved thanks to the Sword Master who had gone into hiding.

-Knock. Knock. Knock.

Chartia made a hardened expression at the door of the office that opened with a neat knock.

It was the emperor's person.

A man wearing an insignia that signified that he was the emperor's person.

The imperial chancellor, who had bowed his head, showed his respect to Chartia and said.

"Third Princess."

"..."

"His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence at the Grand Council of Nobles."