Chapter 400
Well, now that Esmeralda has gone to meet the eastern party and I, having changed into a suit for receiving guests, have moved to the waiting room of the guest house...
"Ingrid, what does it mean to have an 'imposing air'?"
I was worrying about this before the meeting. I understand that as the representative of this independent territory, I mustn't be looked down upon by the kingdom's nobles.
Therefore, dealing with an envoy from the eastern Duke, my usual ingrained habit of greeting with a deferential, Japanese-style bow from my previous life is an absolute NO.That means I should probably use a different greeting than usual.
"His Grace, Duke Edelgard, would be the closest reference.""Like him, huh?"
In terms of status and position as seen by the kingdom's people, I honestly don't know where I stand.If forced to say, I'd be the lord of an independent fortress, which is certainly higher-ranking than a regular kingdom noble.
I need to adopt an imposing attitude fitting that image.Imagining that, I stand before the full-length mirror in the waiting room, reflecting the image of myself in this world, still in the midst of growing.
I try to make a sharp, dignified expression with this face...
"This face is just full of 'this isn't it' vibes, isn't it?""No, I think it's a gallant face.""N-now's not the time for flattery!""......""That was sincere?! I'm sorry!"
The aura of a boy in a suit trying to act grown-up instantly vanishes as I return to my normal expression. Ingrid's positive evaluation was probably because she liked the face, I guess.
Thinking it was flattery, I pointed it out, only to be met with a dejected aura and sorrowful eyes, making me quickly apologize.
I promised to wear clothes Ingrid likes next time and spend time together to cheer her up, then diligently resumed crafting my expression.
I tried various expressions, but none felt right.
"Hmm..."
While pondering what was wrong, Ingrid quietly raised her hand.
"If I may be so bold, all the expressions you've made so far are still fundamentally 'Lord Liberta,' so they might appear immature?""Every expression is my face, though?"
Unable to comprehend her words, I inadvertently asked back, but Ingrid apologized for insufficient explanation.
"No, it's not about your features, but the aura. The expressions you've been making are merely you, as Lord Liberta, trying to act like someone else.""Ah, you mean I should also project the inner self, not just the expression?""Yes, exactly. Stage actors do not go on stage as themselves, but with the consciousness of having *become* that role. Precisely because they act on stage not as themselves but as the character they have become, they project an aura and presence that captivates the audience."
Hearing the re-explained content, I understood. "I see." That made sense.Indeed, Ingrid was right.
What I was trying to do was just facial acting. If my intention to manage with only that was obvious, it's no wonder the 'this isn't it' feeling came through.
"So, fully embodying the role is key?""Yes, Lord Liberta is always gentle in this village, behaving so as not to burden anyone. However, the image you seem to be aiming for now is more severity than gentleness, no—an aura of intimidation. Since you don't usually behave that way, if you remain as you are now, that discrepancy might create a sense of incongruity."
Then, the important thing is role-playing.The consciousness of immersing oneself in that role.
Intimidation, overwhelming presence, and dominance.An existence whose first impression gives the recognition that they are not to be underestimated, not ordinary.
In FBO, many players enriched their settings and acted to fully embody the characters they controlled. There were as many 'heroes' and 'demon lords' as there were players. Magical girls, sentai teams, masked heroes, samurai, ninjas, American comic heroes, mob characters—players enjoyed FBO by becoming various characters according to their preferences.Among them were stalwarts who created gag characters like a muscle gorilla named "fairy who reincarnated from another world," setting up their own worldview.
Thinking about it, if I just do the same as those players, it should be easier to imagine since it's familiar.
"......"
I look at my reflection in the mirror again.My hair styled by Ingrid, the bespoke suit crafted by the Lightning Spirit Sisters.It gives an image of a gentle, kind boy, or perhaps a young master from somewhere. To change this into an intimidating image, what kind of setting should I adopt?
"Setting, right. Setting."
*Awaken, my inner chuunibyou!* With a wry smile internally, I start crafting my character. Might as well go all out with the setting and fully become that person.
Become a presence with such overwhelming force that the opponent is daunted, made to think they don't want to mess with this place.
In the worlds of anime and games, there are many characters who, despite a childlike appearance, possess immense presence.
The most common might be the age-misrepresentation character, right?
A character who looks like a child but is actually hundreds of years old.Such characters are usually strong.
Having lived for near-eternity, accumulating experience fitting their age, gaining power beyond human understanding, strong characters who slaughter enemies fooled by their appearance.
Imagining that, I feel like I might be able to pull it off.
Slowly, I solidify that image.Doing so, it naturally feels as if the quality of my voice changes.
Fill the eyes with deep intelligence, the aura with composure. I cannot change my appearance, but imagine bearing the age of someone who has lived for centuries.
And, consciously, I showed a smile.
"Gah!"
Perhaps from seeing my reflection, or perhaps from seeing my profile.I hear Ingrid's sharp intake of breath.
"Lord Liberta?""Ah, sorry."
I was making expressions earlier too, but this smile has a higher completion rate.A sensation as if something has settled within me. The fact that the aura and expression matching my image fit perfectly made me think, maybe I actually have acting talent? Returning to my original expression, I see Ingrid with flushed cheeks, a hand over her chest, looking relieved.
"How was it?""Yes, it was very commanding.""Is that so, is that so? Then, let's try going in this direction a bit."
Was it that commanding?*Hmm*, I don't like being feared, so I'll refrain from that in front of everyone else.
"...Wonderful.""Did you say something?""No, nothing.""Really?""Yes."
However, thinking I must now properly exhibit the dignity of this land's leader, I refine the image of my expression and aura when...
"Here they come.""Yes."
From the window, I see the military unit approaching this guest house located between the second and first walls.Seeing the orderly moving cavalry unit, one can tell they are well-drilled.
Seeing their banners, it's certain they are Duke Marchias's private soldiers, and seeing a slightly smaller banner nearby, I know Bermuda is with them.
"Well then, from here on, it's a bit of a mode change."
The relaxed atmosphere ends here. From now on, it's a slightly different 'Liberta Mode.'Let's call it 'Strong Character Liberta-san.'
I let the imagined character possess me.
"...Shall we go?""Yes."
I felt like my voice came out cooler than expected.Right now, I am the lord of this territory—outwardly a child, inwardly of an unknown age.
I straighten my back, tighten my expression while maintaining composure.Walk at a leisurely pace.I pass through the door opened by Ingrid and proceed down the corridor.Feeling Ingrid following behind, I head toward the reception room.
By the design of this guest house, I won't run into the guests.This is essentially a staff-only passage.
The only ones here are the Garden Guards and Entertainers stationed as guards, and the women recommended by Teresa-san who prepare tea and such.
"......!"
The moment these familiar people see me, they smoothly move to the wall and bow their heads.They are usually much more friendly, but now I sense an atmosphere of respect.
I don't know where everyone's eyes are.Perhaps they are adjusting their responses to match my role-play.
To repay everyone's consideration for this treatment, I absolutely cannot fail this meeting.
"Sir! The guests are already inside the room.""Good work. Where's Esmeralda?""She is attending to the guests.""I see."
The Garden Guard on duty before the reception room reports to me with a straightened back. Timing-wise, it feels about right.
Not greeting them myself, but making a slightly delayed entrance.Since I've left the guest reception to Esmeralda, a person of considerable standing, it's not impolite.
The Garden Guard at the door knocks and announces my arrival. Esmeralda's voice is heard from inside, and the door opens.
"!?"
There stands Bermuda, younger than my memory, accompanied by his knight guards.
Everyone stands to greet me as I enter, but for some reason, the atmosphere suddenly feels tense.
"Did I keep you waiting?""No, not at all."
Without acknowledging the wait, I stand next to Esmeralda as naturally as possible, facing Bermuda and his men.
"A pleasure to meet you. 'I' am the lord of this territory, Liberta."
Consciously changing my first-person pronoun, I try to show as dignified an attitude as possible. How is it?It might be a makeshift effort, but I think I'm projecting a decent voice and aura.
"The pleasure is mine. I am Bermuda Ortus, a subordinate of His Grace, Duke Marchias. It is an honor to meet the rumored Apostle of the Goddess of Wisdom, Kefeli."
As expected of the Bermuda famous in FBO for his good outward appearance.His manners are impeccable, it seems.
He greets smoothly, and his subordinates bow their heads in unison.
"Despite our sudden visit, we sincerely thank you for your hospitality. This is an item entrusted by His Grace Marchias for Lord Liberta."
Then, seamlessly, the tribute is passed from a subordinate to the hands of Genjirou, who, after taking over guard duty of the room from Esmeralda's escort, inspects it.
A perfectly normal act, mainly to ensure no dangerous items are passed.
And when Genjirou judges it safe and places it on the desk, it is...
"Orichalcum, is it?""Yes, sir. It is an item rarely mined even in our territory.""Hmm, I gratefully accept it."
Orichalcum ore, famously rare in this world.A rare mineral with better magic conduction than Mithril and hardness rivaling Adamantite.
Normally, weapons made from this ore can be Class 7 to 8 material.However, processing it requires a craftsman of corresponding level.
So, for now, it's just a rare rock.
However, in this world, the person receiving such a thing would usually be unable to hide their surprise.With just this one rock, you could afford not just a mansion, but perhaps even construct a fortress.
They've presented something of that level of rarity.
It has value enough to surprise, make one grateful, and think they wish to build friendly relations.
However, to me, it's already an item I've 'moved past.'
With a composed smile, I gently close the lid and hand the box back to Genjirou.
And then...
"......"
Slowly—yes, slowly.
I look into Bermuda's eyes as if asking, "What are you scheming?"Not an act of probing, but imagine projecting a smile and aura that exerts pressure, demanding an answer.
The strong character I envision should be able to dominate the room with silent pressure.
Make them break into a cold sweat.Make their mind race.
"Receiving such a splendid gift. I must return the favor with something."
Make them feel the initiative lies with us.
While making a gesture of thinking about what would be good, mix in a gaze that asks what they want.I saw Bermuda's mouth start to open for an instant.
"Hmm, is there something you desire?"
Make him aware of that gesture.
"No need to hold back. Tell me? Lord Bermuda."
Now, let the ranking begin.