It's been two days since I became the head of the household. And I used the past two days to study as much history about my family and the kingdom of Valencia itself as possible.
Apparently, there are five powerful noble households in this kingdom, including the royal family. These Houses form the backbone of the kingdom's power.
Once, they were equals, but now they're far from it—thanks to war, politics, and the kind of backstabbing that'd make your skin crawl.
The House of Ardent sits on the throne as the royal family. Naturally, they hold the most power.
Second is the House of Venhallow. Military powerhouses, and filthy rich from exporting weapons to other kingdoms.
Third, House Calmere—traders, bankers, and money hoarders.
Fourth is the House of Lysmere. They are magic teachers, runners of adventurer guilds, and deeply embedded in church and religion.
Lastly… our house. Once known for vast vineyards, we were the premier suppliers of wine and fruits across the kingdom. That was until a neighboring kingdom called Baltimore claimed the land as theirs. The land held too much value, and my family fought to defend it.
The other houses, desperate to avoid war, abandoned us. My father and his men fought alone—and lost miserably. Lacking manpower and resources, he borrowed weapons, food, supplies, and soldiers from House Venhallow, promising repayment. That war, 21 years ago, left my family dangling by a thread.
Since then, we've earned a new title: Noble Commoners.
Still nobles by name. Broke by reality.
According to the records, we owe a total of 3 million. My parents only managed to chip away a million in two decades.
That leaves me with 2 million hanging over my head like a guillotine.
So I acted. I ordered Lucia, Mr Gray, and Portia—the dark elf girl whose name I finally learned—to sell every valuable thing in the house. Even the ancient artifacts said to be "precious" to our lineage. I didn't care. Why should I? They dumped their debt on me—I'm not going to carry their sentimental junk on my back too.
And what's worse was that I couldn't run from it. I signed the damn papers. I am the head now.
As I sat in the library poring over dry political texts, Alice barged in holding a tray with soft porridge and a glass of water. No knocking, just thunder and boots.
She walked over with a pout on her face and a blush on her cheeks, dropped the tray in front of me like she was slamming down a challenge, then folded her arms, chin high.
"Here. Eat!" she barked like a general.
"Thanks a lot, Alice. I was about to starve to death."
She huffed. "It's not like I brought you food because I care or anything! Don't get full of yourself! Just EAT, jerk!!"
I raised a brow, sighed, and started eating.
In the past two days, she's the one person l couldn't really figure out. Maybe it's because she used to be Taurus's childhood friend, but unlike everyone else who bows and speaks politely, she... says whatever she wants. Does whatever she wants.
And somehow, despite her volcanic outbursts, she's oddly sweet sometimes.
She stood there stealing glances while trying to look angry. Once I finished, I placed the spoon in the bowl and drank the water.
"Thanks, Alice."
She grabbed the tray in a huff and turned away. "Don't... push yourself too hard, idiot!" she blurted, then SLAM—door shut behind her like a mic drop.
I exhaled again.
Now that I was alone, there was one more thing I had to try.
I mean—this is an isekai, right? I should have cheat skills or a system or something, no?
I stood up and snapped my fingers.
Nothing.
"Status!"
Silence.
"Open Menu!"
Nada.
"System, activate!"
Still nothing.
"Show me my cheats!"
The universe ignored me.
"Stats window, appear!"
No dice.
"Inventory—let there be loot!"
Still nothing. I frowned.
What the hell…
"Alright, cheat powers… do your thing."
"If there's a goddess watching, now would be a great time for a tutorial!"
"Come on! I saved a hot girl before dying—give me something!"
I looked like a lunatic talking to myself. Then I tried magic, imagining a fireball in my hands. Like in the anime.
Still nothing.
This has to be the most boring isekai ever. Honestly, this doesn't even deserve to be written into a book.
Sighing, I called it a day and walked out of the library, deciding to take a bath. My shoulders were stiff from hours of reading.
Walking out of the library, I called out, "Hey, Alice!"
She came running like she'd been waiting for me to summon her.
"Could you… make some hot water for me?"
She grumbled, arms crossed. "It's already ready, dummy!!"
I let out a relieved sigh. "Thanks a bunch."
She hesitated. "Err… if you want… I could… help bathe you today… like how Lucia does."
My eyes widened. "Really?"
"Don't get the wrong idea!! You pervert!! It's not like I want to do this!"
I shrugged. "Then don't."
Her eye twitched. She clenched her fists like she was about to drop kick me. "SHUT UP!!! I'm only bathing with you today, okay!? JUST. TODAY!"
I looked at her, deadpan. She really didn't know what she wanted.
Still... bathing with a beautiful girl like her didn't sound like a bad way to end a boring day.
"Fine. Let's go."
My inner demon was already grinning.
Ready to see some boobies.
TBC