“Viscount Akashi, now that that bastard Cent is gone, let’s continue our talk about why we’re here. You’re to choose one of us as your caretaker, who will then raise you up to be a proper noble.” Saith starts, insulting Cent as he does.

There’s also the ‘hidden’ reason that is to get money for the succession war that’s likely going to hit the kingdom soon. As soon as the power struggle in the lower ranks of society are calmed down, the power struggle in the higher ranks will begin.

The money the succession war is going to take is not small. Succession wars are necessary things to get the best possible king or queen.

The kingdom of Lithari is surprisingly good about gender equality. Power is power, and knowing how to use that power is knowing how to use it. The positions held are almost completely equally split between the genders. Though there’s a small difference purely due to chance.

However that means that the power struggle is much larger.

Every royal blooded person from ages 15 to 30 participates. Those who are older are too old to start ruling, and having someone too old start their rule would mean too many succession wars over the years.

“I would like abstain from having a caretaker,” I reply to him

I’m not ready to enter the succession war yet. I’m too young and I don’t want to die yet. I definitely got lucky this time with becoming a noble who’s a sole heir to their territory.

Plus, just because I probably have infinite lives, that doesn’t mean I should just waste any life. Dying wouldn’t be fun either. This is kinda like a game of sorts to me since it seems I can’t really die. But even so I don’t want to ‘lose’ that game. I don’t want to die.

I also don’t want someone running my life. Mentally, I’m capable of choosing for myself.

Who wants their life to be run by someone else?

I’ve come to realize that the freedom I have is nice.

…I still wanna get back to Earth though.

I’ve started to lose my will to get for my family. I would’ve had to leave home in a few years anyway, wouldn’t I?

However, there’s still so much here that I hate…

It’s like when you move to another country. At first everything is amazing, but then slowly, you begin to really dislike it there.

Culture shock.

Some things I just can’t get used to are the complete lack of equality, slaves being normal, the terrible, terrible food, and the mannerisms of this place.

I mean, seriously? Salutations? It’s strange saying that all the time.

And with the food…

The Akashi territory has a bunch of sugary foods. I’ve elected to not have as much sugary foods since it’s bad for me.

Much of the food that isn’t sugary in the Akashi territory is terrible. The bread especially. Pastries are what replace bread in most of the meals in the Akashi territory.

At least things like muffins and cakes are really good…

There’s also a lack of condiments and sauces to go with meals. It’s very salty, though that’s not necessarily a bad thing. I like salt.

…I just miss having teriyaki sauce.

There’s also a complete lack of any saltwater fish. The Akashi territory, along with the entire Lithari kingdom, is landlocked.

My thoughts have gone off on a tangent, haven’t they?

“You have to choose one of us. Orders of the capital.” Bert speaks up

…forcing me into it, huh?

I really don’t want to get into the succession war.

“I’ll take some time to consider my options,” I tell them

Hopefully, I can stall for long enough that the succession war will be over before I have to make a decision.

Or maybe I can figure out how to get back to Earth by then?

I mean, I can kinda think of a way… apparently there are many though.

One way would be to live enough lives that I randomly am reborn on Earth. Though I’m not sure how many worlds there are, and it’s possible by that time that Earth will be completely unrecognizable to me.

I could also want to get involved with the succession war in the future. I’m just enormously underprepared right now, and once I feel ready I may want to join in. Right now though, it’s certainly not good for me to join the war.

Saith sighs. “Viscount Akashi, it seems we’ll be staying here until we get an answer then.”

Oh…

That’s even worse for my freedom…

It’s not as bad as getting in the faction war in my current state, though.

Looks like I’ll be having multiple caretakers until I can figure out how to get rid of them without joining any one faction.

I just hope they don’t bother me too much.

I do want to resist it though…

“I’d rather you all just leave. I know you just want the money of the Akashi house for your factions,” I say upfront. I’ve lost this one, so I’ll have to at least put up a final resistance. I’ve lost my cool.

Their faces look a little shocked and quite angry.

It’s not good etiquette to reveal something the other party is trying to hide, I’m aware.

There’s silence.

They look quite flustered.

It’s a difficult conversation we're having. A verbal joust.

“That could never be the case. We’re here on the combined orders of those who may eventually hold the crown. It’s a noble’s duty to take care of the young generation who can’t take care of themselves.” Theresa replies

I really don’t like this conversation…

“I believe I can take care of myself just fine,” I counter

“You’re not even a toddler yet.” Bert sighs

…I almost forgot.

It would seem that a single mind cannot beat four. Though that should’ve been obvious.

“...Fine then, stay for now.” I sigh

This is going to be a pain…

“Guide them to the guest rooms,” I order a nearby maid

After that I make my way slowly to my room.

I need to find a way to get rid of them as soon as possible