It's not everyday you get to do something really important. But in school, it's totally a different story. Rushing projects because you got too busy partying. How nostalgic…

***

It's been two months since I've stayed here in Berigious. Since I started the Project Sentinel, I got really busy. The project itself wasn't a huge task since I have Geral assisting me. However, there are things aside from the project which made me busy.

Not including the matters about Roldenrauf Firm, I received a letter from my master, Duke Dalseriev. It seems that Sora's prediction about me getting inaugurated was right, but the fact that me getting a higher peerage than I expected was wrong. According to the letter, it seems that I can inherit my Grandfather’s previous peerage. Baron Chardelier, it sounds really weird.

Also, though he didn't ask for anything, it's a common courtesy among nobles to send back some gifts to their master. Since I could ask Teldarg, I requested some weapons like axe and halberds made of Mithril (my supply of course). Not only that, I bought some jewelries and crafts in the golden gala for his daughters. I was careful in selecting them so that it wouldn’t get mistaken for a proposal.

Speaking of proposal, Writhe is coming here in Berigious. It seems he wants to ask my permission, personally to take Fina's hand in marriage. It was kind of out of the blue when I received the notice. It seems that a lot of things happened back at Dalseriev while I was away. It's quite surprising that he would want to marry my maid, but not unexpected because I noticed the way he looks at her. I'm happy for them, but he can just ask my permission without coming here though.

Lastly, about the rest of my projects, I also managed to create a Computer-like device. It doesn't have a keyboard and works like a smart TV. Creating Magic Array that would compile binary and calculating them was a huge pain. But they did say that hard work produces great results. Creating the first one was tough, but the next ones were pretty easy since I have a template. But even if I said that they're made similarly to a computer, they’re use is only for viewing the status of our work like detecting how much mana a tool has and the sort. I'm still working making something like a Radar.

And today, I am with Marie, Cherry, Matt, and Lapis with our knights. Jane and Ghena are with Mayly in the mansion preparing for a big celebration.

We’re outside the walls of Berigious because of the scheduled deployment of the Sentinels. Also, the rest of the research team Geral rounded up are here too. They're watching the status of the armors of the Sentinels via I.M.M or Integrated Magic Monitor.

“Alright! Is everyone ready?”

“Reader, sir!”

I called everyone to gather behind a barrier created my Cherry since we do not know what happens during the deployment.

After that, one of the Dwarves came running to me with a huge box on hand. After opening it, I take out the 4 sentinel cores. It's the same as my prototype but better in performance.

“Activating >”

After I invoked the activation code, the four Sentinel Cores started levitating and orbited around me. I feel like the sun for some reason.

“Okay, activate the >.”

After I told Geral what to do next, he then signals his team.

“Activate >”

“Ether Flux Coils are set and fortified!”

“Mana fluctuations stable!”

“Magic Transfer stable!”

“Final Rechecking of armor pieces and algorithms finished!”

“Then fire it up!”

After pulling some levers from the control pad (which I specifically made for this), mana goes down a tube and runs trough it to the base of the said > from a device called, E.G.G or Ether Gathering Generator. It uses Magic Cores as fuel so it doesn't rely on my powers.

I got the concept from one of the many shelved ideas of grandpa that I found in the wine cellar. He was probably drunk to think of them.

And about the guardian shells, they're actually armor golems that are 4 times the size of an average human and made mainly of Mithril, Gold, Dragon Ash Chalk, Magic Cores. They don’t have legs, but they levitate in my idea. Making magic array for each piece was a pain in the ass during the creation. I had to go through many troubles in calibrating each piece so that it wouldn’t misalign with the rest of the parts again and again until I perfected it. But the rest were easy since I wrote it down on a book and had other dwarves help me.

When the gems of the Armor started glowing in blue, I started approaching them with the sentinel cores with me. Next, I directed each core to the opening in the chest part of the armor.

“Sentinel, take over.”

After I commanded them, all four Guardian Shells started floating which is within my expectations. Next, the chest part where the sentinels entered closed and the rest of the armor split up while making metallic sounds.

When it finally finished turning into the shape of a human torso, a barrier around them automatically deploys. Though it was visible for a moment, now we can't see it anymore.

I can feel my cheeks cramping from the overflowing joy I'm feeling right now. And this is because,

“We succeeded! Yeah!”

When I yelled that out, everyone from the research team roared in joy. Some tossed their hats and goggles into the air. Some hugged and punched each other in joy. The joy really is the same in every race.

While I watch them celebrate, I didn't notice Marie running towards me behind my back. I only noticed her when she suddenly hugged my leg. Following her are Cherry, Matt, Jane, and Lapis.

“Papa! Happy!”

“Yes, I am happy. Why don't you give papa a kiss?”

I lift her up and then she kissed me lightly on the lips. After that, she put her arms around my neck tightly while giggling. She's acting really spoiled until recently. I don't know the real reason, but I think it's because of the amount of attention I give her. She even sneers at Cherry and Matt sometimes when we’re together. I tried to reprimand her, but I get defeated by those teary eyes of hers. She's gotten too spoiled!

“Congratulations on your success, Key.”

“For you to finish such a huge scale project in two months, you really are a genius.”

“Thanks, but I wouldn’t have done it without you two helping me. You can also take credit for this you know.”

Both Cherry and Matt tried to kiss me, but Marie pushed them away with all her might. It's kind of adorable seeing her wanting me to all by herself.

“Papa! Mine!”

“You little-!”

“My, my… How cute of her.”

Cherry got mad after getting blocked, but Matt just laughed it off.

“Come on, Marie. Don't be like that to your Aunts.”

“No! Papa is mine!”

“She's gotten really spoiled. She reminds me of Cherry.”

“Are you trying to pick a fight?”

“Now, now.”

I shifted my body a bit to put Marie away from them. After that, I stole some kisses from them with their guards down. Since they got taken off guard, their faces became red like tomato.

“Both of you are cute.”

“N-no fair!”

“I got caught off guard.”

“Papa!”

Because we got too absorbed into this pink atmosphere, I almost forgot there was someone else with us too.

“Sorry, Lapis. And thank you for keeping me company during my overtime.”

When she nodded, I then pat her head. Though she's not saying anything, I can tell that she's happy too.

Just when I was enjoying my time with them, I noticed Geral approaching me.

“Congratulations on your success, young man.”

“Come on, don't say that! You’re part of the research team you know. Everyone who took part in the project deserves some credit.”

“Don't be too modest, you should be greedy at times too. Not acting, but a real one.”

Lately, my relationship with Geral is becoming better and better each day. Maybe it's because of the project and the fact that most of the ideas I got are from his design. Though I said that, I actuality integrated a lot of things from Grandpa's concept too.

A magic golem plus a magic sentry, it was quite an impossible thing for Geral and Teldarg to imagine the outcome. But it only took me a short memory search and I ended up making something like an Archon from StarCraft. It was the only thing I could think of at that time.

“Well, we need to wrap everything up and bring those Sentinels inside Berigious because tonight, we will have a big celebration.”

“I already ordered various Liquors and Rums from our beast friend, I got it all covered.”

After that, we laughed it off and started commanding the Sentinels to sort. We'll just test their capabilities the next day after tomorrow. And for that, we'll have Cherry's water dragon familiar and Shell to have them spar.

Just when I turned my head back to the girls, Cherry and Matt are crossing their arms while looking at me with unhappy expressions.

“What did we tell you about drinking?”

“Oh come on, Cherry. It's just tonight! We're having a toast for the project's successful deployment. Besides, we have a visitor from Dalseriev. We don't want to not welcome him, do you?”

Before talking Matt came to me and pulled my cheek strongly.

“I'll give you an exception today, but when Cherry and I go back to Dalseriev, I'll tell Jane and Lapis to prevent you from drinking until we get back from the Academy.”

“How strict! OW!”

Actually, Cherry and Matt have to go back to Dalseriev because they have to attend Half Moon Academy again. Since Viscount Balerishk is back, regular classes for higher levels have returned too. Though they really don’t want to go back yet, I insisted since it would create problems if they won’t.

And about that, I received a letter from mom about my schooling. Since I don't really needed to go back there anymore, I just let Louisa and my best friend take my place. Of course, I let them start from the lowest grade.

Going back to the present, I commanded the Sentinels to follow us since we're going back to Berigious.

“Really, this Golem has a very complex design. Though it runs using magic, I can only sense the magic formula barely even with my ability.”

While walking with everyone to the carriage, Cherry looked at one of the golems with an amazed expression. It seems that she's really interested in them as a magician.

“You, sensing the magic formula even just a bit is already amazing on its own. I—we, from the research team created the formula and algorithm of each piece with every magic camouflage in layers. This is to prevent the magic formula from getting exposed if ever one of the sentinels gets destroyed in battle. That is, if they could.”

Just remembering the process we did gives me headaches already.

“Then about that E.G.G, how did you come up with the idea?”

“It was Grandpa's shelved concept. I just turned it into reality since it looked really useful. And I wasn't wrong about it. All that's left is to make a cheaper version of it since the production cost is too high for mass production.”

“Why would you make more of them? Aren’t they supposed to be used for the activation of Sentinels only?”

“Yes they are, but the E.G.G is my personal property. I made them by myself in the workshop during my free time. So for future mass production, I'm going to sell the blueprints to the King of Berigious. That goes with the I.M.M and the rest of the devices I made.”

After I said that, Cherry made some complicated expressions.

“I can't help but think you're going to be wealthier than you are now. If this continues on, just becoming a Baron won’t be enough for you.”

I can't help but laugh at what Cherry said. It's true that the things I've done is something beyond a Chevalier and a Baron could do, but I don't really care about them for now. I still have to find the Sacred Treasures around the world. I'm just making these things in order to get the attention of every place and people who knows about the Sacred Treasures. There is a saying that Strong Power attracts the strong.

“Well, that's that. Ever since I've come to this world, I only got people going after my neck. But since I have everyone here that cares for me, I will do everything in my power to protect them. That includes you both.”

“Me, papa!”

“Ahahaha, yes, you too, Marie.”

Cherry and Matt blushed from what I said. They probably didn’t expect me to prioritize them also.

Let's just keep the fact that I just thought of it just now a secret.

When we got to the carriage, Lapis opened the door for us and waited for us to get in. When we got on, the Sentinels lined up behind the carriage and when the carriage started moving, they followed.

*Back in the Mansion*

When we arrived home, everyone welcomed me with cheers, especially the king who saw the Sentinels following our carriage. It didn't take long for us to start drinking after I got down from the carriage. After all, I got dragged out rather than me going out myself.

Currently, I'm having a drinking bout with Geral and Teldarg. We're having a race of who's the fastest drinker of us three. And since I have built up tolerance against beer after staying here in Berigious, 2 liters in one go is nothing!

“DRINK! DRINK! DRINK! DRINK!”

Everyone kept their cheer as the three of us chug down the beer from a two liter sized mug. It's not heavy because of my >.

I managed to finish it without throwing up, but I still lost to Teldarg who finished it before I could do. The last one to finish was Geral. I barely won against him. Still, it's an achievement to beat him in their game. I usually lose to them every time we do this.

“I won again! The king keeps his title as the Chug Master!”

“Don't be too full of yourself Teldarg. I'll beat you next time like I did with Geral.”

“Damn it! I lost to a human!”

Geral really hates losing. He puts his face on the wooden table while holding the glass mug. But I think he's just drunk.

“I have to admit, young man. I didn't expect you to finish the project in just two months. I think it's what should be expected from the grandson of a genius.”

While saying so, Teldarg pats my back with a strength that could push my soul out.

“It's not because of that. I just had the time, knowledge, resources, and power to do them. Moreover, I just combined Geral and Grandpa's concept and integrated them into my idea. I just finished what both of them started. I didn't do something original so I can barely take credit of what we finished.”

“What are you talking about? If it weren’t for your ingenuity and brains, this thing wouldn’t be made possible. I say, you should take credit of it. Didn't you say you we’re greedy?”

“Please don't bring that one up.”

Teldarg laughed like there's tomorrow. Somehow, it annoys me that he still remembers that cringed line I said. I need more beer.

Oh, by the way, we’re outside the mansion. The mansion's too small to fit the whole research team and the blacksmiths who worked for us. Not only that, we have a lot of visitors here like merchants and some human nobles from various territories. I'm showcasing my work so to expand my connections. So far, it's working better than I expected.

Also, because of it, I managed to get myself various important information about the sacred treasures. But most of them are just legends and rumors. Still, they're very important information. Like for example, the Crown of the Sea. Rumor has it that this sacred treasure is in the Northern Kingdom that's part of the Fulsheri Alliance. It was said that the ones that are keeping this is the Royal Family of Thulwerthera Kingdom. However, there's also a rumor that that kingdom has fallen. It's going to be a problem looking for it.

The rest of the treasures are also missing except for one and that one is the [Bottomless Scabbard].

It's not a rumor, but a fact. There is someone wielding it at the moment, surprisingly, it's actually the elder brother of Princess Thema, Prince Frelisk.

At the moment, he's using the scabbard to win wars. According to witnesses, the scabbard creates endless amounts of swords which abilities are no joke. But in exchange for that power, he must fuel it with a huge amount of mana just to generate a single sword. If this gets paired with my [Infinite], no one can imagine the outcome.

“Oi! Did your brain start floating in the beer?”

Because I was suddenly spacing out, I got myself struck in the back again with a bone breaking hit by Teldarg.

“Sorry, got something a lot in my mind.”

“You can just leave them aside for now. You're the star and host of this celebration!”

While we talk with each other, I noticed Marie running towards me from the crowd with Ellom in her arms. After that, I also see someone following her. And to my surprise, it's actually Chevalier Roldenrauf and Fina?

“This is quite a big party and crowd you have here.”

“Welcome! I didn't expect for you to come with Fina.”

I asked some dwarves for seats and made them sit by me. Since the crowd's quite attentive, they immediately provided one.

I turn my head to Roldenrauf while giving him a smile. Also, I put Marie on my lap since she's asking for some attention.

“This is quite an unexpected development, Roldenrauf. How did you fall for Fina?”

“You're too direct, Chardelier. Well, just what I said in the letter, I came here to ask your permission personally for her hand in marriage.”

While saying so, he grabs Fina's hand and showed it to me. Fina's blushing so I guess she doesn’t hate it. I see, it's a mutual feeling. Good!

“That's not a problem to me personally. But what about your status? Marrying a commoner would ruin your reputation.”

Though I told him worriedly, he and Fina laughs like what I said was funny. After that, he pulls out a letter and hands it over to me.

“I thought you might say that. Actually, the one who thought of this was none other than your mother.”

“Mom did?”

After I opened it, I immediately read the contents. And because of it, I got really surprised. It's something I didn’t know that was possible.

“So mom wants me to adopt Fina?”

“Surprising right? She suggested it herself. I thought she would be a lot stricter when I told her about Fina.”

While we're talking, I continue reading the rest of the letter.

“But I'm still just a Chevalier, I can't adopt her legally if I can't be inaugurated to be a baronet or a baron. As mush I support your love to Fina, I'm afraid you need to wait for a bit.”

When I told him that, he made a bitter smile then looked at Fina. He leaned his forehead on hers while apologizing with sincerity. He really likes her this much huh… I wonder what happened back at the Duchy Capital.

Then like getting hit by a peashooter, he looks at me like he just remembered something really important.

“Speaking of inauguration, there are rumors that you are going to be a Viscount or even an Earl. Is this true?”

“What are you talking about? This is the first time I've heard of that. Where did you get such rumor?”

“Well, Duke Dalseriev said it himself that you're a fitting candidate for such position. He knew that trying to hold you down might be bad for him, that's why he let you do what you pleased. Moreover, you aren’t using his name for power aside from the carriage.”

So that explains why I get so much freedom. Well, if I prosper, he prospers too. It's not a downside is it?

“Also, there's a letter that arrived from the royal capital a month ago.”

Royal Capital. What a nostalgic name.

“It says something about a successful renovation and expansion of an Orphanage there. They were also asking for some assistance regarding making their own tailor shop. They wanted your approval and ask for some cash assistance if possible. I thought the letter was fake, but then there's also another letter that has your penmanship, stamp, and magic array. Moreover…”

“Moreover?”

He looks like he doesn’t want to say it. Though I have some idea what he is going to say, I'm still waiting for him to confirm it.

“Moreover, the letter says that it was written by princess Thema herself. No matter how much I think about it, how did you get acquainted with the princess?”

“It's a long and weird and slightly funny story. I'll tell you when the time is right. For now, just give a positive response. I'm not going to reject their request so when you go back to Dalseriev, you can just ask mom for the amount they need.”

“So you're not denying it huh…”

For some reason, Roldenrauf is looking at me with a taken aback expression. I think he means something else, I wonder what that is.

Roldenrauf and I talked about many things about our business. But because of the party we have going right now, Teldarg interrupted us and let us drink some more. Also, I didn't forget to introduce him to Teldarg and the rest.

Probably because of cultural differences, Roldenrauf stopped drinking with us halfway. But since I didn’t want to be the only human male drinking here, I pressured him a lot by saying that I won't approve of his marriage if he can't finish a whole keg. I only intended for it to be a joke though, but I didn’t expect him to drop his etiquette as a noble and didn’t back away from the challenge. We finished 5 kegs later actually.

Cherry and Matt joined in our group. When I told them about Roldenrauf and Fina, they were really shocked. Apparently, our views on this are very different.

“Why would you marry a commoner? You know it would destroy your image and status as a noble, don't you?”

“I have heard of stories like these before, and they don't end up very good.”

I immediately scolded Cherry and Matt about what they said. I made them apologize since Fina got hurt by their words.

I really can't blame them because of our cultural upbringing, but defying the feelings of the heart is bad. If what they feel for each other is love, let them love!

“So Roldenrauf, are you going to stay here for a few days?”

“Yes. I'm thinking of sightseeing this place together with Fina.”

After that, Teldarg butts in with his glass mug.

“We can make arrangements for that. We'll show you the beauty of our prided city. Key's friend is my friend. If he wishes to sight see, then he's very welcomed.”

“It would be my pleasure to accept his majesty's offer!”

Well, I can say that it's good.

I think I've drank too much already, my mind's starting to get hazy a bit.

Even with all the noise and clamor, Marie still fell asleep with Ellom. I just hold her on my lap while watching Roldenrauf chat with the research team while Fina sits beside him, listening closely.

All of a sudden, I Cherry leans her head on my right shoulder and caresses Marie's brown hair. For some reason, she's making a happy expression.

“When I was a young girl, I didn't know that marriage can have more meaning than it should. I thought that adults only do it just for political gain. But after seeing Chevalier Roldenrauf and Fina, my view of marriage has changed.”

“Where is this coming from?”

“I don't know. For some reason, I feel happy just looking at them. Now that I think about it, once they get married, they'll be having a family. Just like what you already have now. You have Marie.”

“I got it the other way around.”

Cherry laughed at my joke. Though she's like that, I can feel that she also wants to have someone like Marie too. Her maternal longing is making me feel funny.

That future isn't too far actually. If our relationship continues like this, we can be a family without a problem. If the gods are out of the picture, it will be perfect.

Suddenly, Matt also leaned her head to my other shoulder while tugging my sleeve.

“If you're talking about marriage, don't leave me out. I'm your fiancée too.”

“Are you jealous?”

When I asked her that, she pinched my arm while pouting. If she's pouting like that, she's probably drunk. Wait a minute, she is drunk.

“Don't worry, once I get back in Dalseriev, I'll be allowed to marry both of you. Even if the gods intervene, they won't be able to stop me.”

Yes, that's right. Before, all I was thinking was my own survival and the duty of releasing Lithius from her seal. But now that I have them, my goal has changed drastically. And because of them, my aim of going after the Sacred Treasures will stop. Instead, I will have them come after me.

Then out of the blue, a person wearing a long coat with a hood covering the face is standing in front of me. For some reason, no one reacted with this person's sudden appearance.

“I think I've drank too much. I'm starting to hallucinate.”

I am not your hallucination, Godfre. And no one else can see me other than you.

Shockingly, this person spoke to me with a female voice. However, no one else heard her other than me!

“So this what happens when I drink two liters of Dwarven Rum in one go.”