LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 5
TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 5
“Charles Jean Rochefort. The eldest son of the Rochefort family, a fallen nobility from the northern border. The Rochefort family lost their territory during a war with another nation and fell into ruin, but they used their remaining wealth to send their eldest son to Arcadia Academy. They hoped he would revive the Rochefort family. However, he has shown no particular talent in either magic or swordsmanship and is currently being bullied by other students.”
“You found out quite a lot in just one day. Yes, I am a worthless human being.”
“How could such a person write this book? This book isn’t just a product of imagination. It’s filled with results that have undergone numerous verifications. Tell me. Where exactly did this book come from?”
Indeed, they don’t even consider the possibility that I wrote it.
That’s a relief. Because I intend to lie from now on.
“The author of the book wishes to keep their identity hidden. And I am merely a messenger negotiating on their behalf.”
“A messenger, you say.”
She pondered for a moment before nodding.
“Indeed, that’s a reasonable explanation.”
I was glad she seemed convinced. If I claimed to be the author of the book, she would undoubtedly investigate whether I was truly the author or just an imposter. It was far more convenient to deny being the author outright and block her interest.
“Then let’s get to the main point. Where is the second volume of the book?”
“The second volume?”
“Yes. This book has significant parts missing here and there. And considering the title boldly states it’s the first volume, it’s clear the critical content is packed into the second volume, with only a portion revealed here.”
I chuckled softly. She was correct. The first volume was just a teaser, and the real content lay in the second volume.
“I want the second volume of this book. And if possible, I’d like to meet the author as well.”
“What do you intend to do if you meet them?”
“It’s obvious. Someone who can write such a book, with extensive knowledge of strategy, tactics, and firearms, must be an extraordinary talent. I’d pay a fortune to have them under my command.”
Indeed, Princess Leonia had a chronic condition. She couldn’t resist when she discovered someone talented. This affliction had plagued her since childhood.
Serving under Princess Leonia would undoubtedly be comfortable. I might even receive a noble title as soon as I joined.
But the international situation is still uncertain. I plan to navigate between various nobles and royals, siding with whoever emerges victorious. Does that seem cowardly? I cleared all 1,000 characters by playing it safe. Especially in a reality where there’s no second chance, it’s even more necessary.
“Meeting the author of the book is impossible.”
“Why exactly is it impossible…”
“Instead.”
Yuria Russell’s expression turned to shock. It was only natural since the son of a fallen noble had interrupted a royal. However, the princess didn’t seem to mind much.
“I have the second volume of the book.”
“…!”
“And what I want is money. If the price is right, I’ll sell it.”
“So, it’s money you desire.”
The princess nodded.
“Money is good. While there are things in this world that money can’t buy, the things it can buy far outnumber them.”
“You are absolutely correct.”
“Then tell me. How much do you want?”
After a brief pause, I responded.
“Two thousand ducats.”
Two thousand ducats. That amount might not mean much to her immediately. To put it into perspective, two thousand ducats is enough to buy a mansion suitable for a noble in the capital of the Arcadia Empire. In short, it’s an enormous sum.
“Your Highness! Spending such an amount on just one book is…”
“Buy it.”
Yuria Russell, the princess’s guard, tried to dissuade her, but the princess cut her off with a single word.
“However, there’s a condition.”
“A condition?”
“I’m not just buying a single book; I want the copyright to it as well.”
So that’s her angle. Even if I sold her the book, if I sold it to her rivals as well, she wouldn’t gain any relative advantage. By purchasing not just the book but its copyright, she ensures I can’t sell it to anyone else.
“In that case, the price increases slightly.”
“How much more?”
“Three thousand ducats.”
At that, Yuria Russell gasped audibly. Three thousand ducats was enough to build a small fortress, not just a mansion.
“Your Highness, surely you’re not planning to…”
“Don’t worry, Yuria. I’m not doing this out of mere intellectual curiosity. By spending money, I’m buying something far more valuable than money.”
She must mean time.
“That’s right—time. Developing and refining strategies takes time. But having a guide on which direction to take can save a tremendous amount of it. And I firmly believe this book will serve that purpose.”
As expected of the astute Leonia, she understood. She realized that purchasing this book would significantly extend the time available to her.
“You won’t regret spending three thousand ducats.”
With those words, I extended my hand, and the princess shook it.
“Ah, but before that, let’s draft a contract.”
“A contract?”
“A sales contract for the publication and copyright. It’s just a formality, so don’t be too nervous.”
Right then and there, she began drafting the contract. Its contents were simple: all rights to the book would belong to the princess.
‘Not that a contract really matters…’
Even with a contract, the contents of the book could still be leaked. I could discreetly hint at it to another ruler and then deny everything. But Leonia, with her strong sense of ownership, seemed determined to formalize her claim to the book, even if she knew this.
Under the princess’s signature, I wrote the name Charles Jean Rochefort and signed it. We each kept a copy of the contract.
The next day, Yuria Russell arrived with servants carrying a wooden chest filled with three thousand gold coins.
—–
Meanwhile, the princess alternated between looking at the contract and the book.
“Hmm…”
The princess, as if something was bothering her, continued to glance back and forth between the contract and the book. Finally, she called for her guard, who was waiting behind her.
“Yuria.”
“Yes?”
“What do you think of the handwriting in this book?”
Yuria read the book. Setting aside its content, the handwriting was atrocious—bad enough to be called illegible.
“The author of this book seems to need to learn how to write from scratch.”
“Exactly. Then what about the signature on this contract?”
The princess pointed to the spot where the name Charles Jean Rochefort was written. The handwriting of the signature was also…
“Terrible… isn’t it?”
It was identical to the handwriting in the book.
“Do you think so?”
“Yes. The two handwritings look the same.”
“So, it’s not just me who thinks that.”
“Yes.”
“I see…”
The princess had intentionally drafted the seemingly pointless contract to confirm Charles Jean Rochefort’s handwriting. And now, she had verified that his handwriting matched that of the book’s author.
“Charles claimed to be a representative of the book’s author, didn’t he?”
“Yes, I heard that as well.”
“But what if he’s actually the author himself? A completely ordinary man with no military experience?”
Leonia’s thoughts grew increasingly tangled. Could Charles Jean Rochefort really be the author of this book? Was this seemingly unremarkable man hiding extraordinary talent?
Feeling her head throb, she pressed her thumb against her temple.
“Yuria.”
“Yes.”
“Instruct the Thieves Guild to begin surveillance on Charles Jean Rochefort. I want reports on everyone he meets and every single action he takes, no matter how small.”
“Is that really necessary?”
After suffering from a headache for a while, the princess sighed and spoke.
“If he is the author of this book, then I’ve stumbled upon an incredible fortune. I’ve discovered a talent capable of ushering in a new era before any other ruler. I need to know if he’s the author. No, I must know.”
At those words, Yuria Russell quietly bowed her head. It was both a gesture of obedience and a way to conceal her expression.
Yuria Russell wasn’t just the princess’s guard. She was her left hand. Though she was the second daughter of a baron’s family and a highly skilled knight who consistently ranked at the top of her academy class, was that still not enough for the princess? Feeling a pang of disappointment, Yuria kept her emotions hidden. Her loyalty to the princess was far stronger than most, and she remained a steadfast knight.
And so, the next day dawned.
—–
The next morning, I immediately sought out Glasia Ehrenberg.
Glasia Ehrenberg was born in the back alleys and, relying solely on her talent with the sword, earned her knighthood and entered Arcadia Academy. However, she dropped out of the academy to earn money.
And now was precisely the time when she would need money.
-Knock knock.
When I knocked on her door, a sleepy-looking Glasia appeared.
“What is it?”
Her expression seemed to say she’d kill me if this was something trivial. Intimidated by the murderous look in her eyes, I quickly shook the pouch filled with gold coins.
-Jingle jingle.
As I shook the pouch, her expression turned to one of surprise.
“How…?”
“There are as many ways to earn money as there are stars in the sky.”
Of course, the problem is that earning money is just as difficult as plucking stars from the sky.
I tossed the pouch to her, and she caught it with one hand.
“It’s 25 ducats. I’ve included enough for tuition and a bit for living expenses. I’ll provide this amount every month. It should be enough for you not to drop out of the Academy.”
Glasia looked at me in shock.
“How did you…?”
I knew it from game knowledge.
“I just deduced it based on the information I’ve gathered so far. What you would do in this situation. So, will you accept the escort mission?”
After a moment of silence,
she finally spoke.
“What do I have to do?”
“Make sure I can attend school comfortably by getting rid of any pests that bother me. With your skills, it should be more than possible.”
“Is that all?”
“I’d also like you to escort me during external activities. For that, I’ll provide additional payment.”
Glasia fell into thought for a moment. Before long, she placed the pouch of gold coins I had thrown onto her desk.
“If even one month’s payment is delayed, I’ll quit immediately.”
“Of course.”
And just like that, I gained a bodyguard.
—–
The next day, I ran into the noble brats who had been tormenting me.
Andre, Enrique, and Hugh. As soon as they saw my face, they rushed toward me as if they’d been waiting for this moment.
Andre, the leader of the group, raised his fist toward me as if it were second nature…
-Thwack!
A deafening sound echoed all around. It was the sound of someone striking Andre’s head with a wooden sword.