I Became the Son of a Corrupt Lord, so I’ll Enjoy an Easy Life in Another World ~but Please Stop Revering Me as a “Saint”!~

Stage 3-12. Battle And Resolve For The Three

Since then, as I studied dark-attribute magic with Reina, I learned a few things.

First, the activation condition:

Both the caster and the target must see each other reflected in each other’s eyes.

This is the greatest hurdle of dark-attribute magic. It’s likely why Frone built trust with her victims to expand her puppets.

The spell’s potency also depends on the mana of both the caster and the target.

The greater the target’s mana, the more mana the caster consumes—a principle similar to my [Delete].

Another characteristic is its sustained nature; it consumes mana continuously while in effect.

This might explain why Frone didn’t use dark-attribute magic on Mashiro.

Also, while [Brainwashing] is possible, executing multiple commands simultaneously is not. Still, it remains a powerful spell.

There are two ways to break brainwashing caused by dark-attribute magic:

One is the caster’s death. If the one who cast the spell is killed, the brainwashing naturally ends.

The other is for the caster to willingly release the spell. This is somewhat unique compared to other magic.

Few spells have permanent effects, and after casting, magic usually triggers observable phenomena.

In other words, the nobles whose memories have been erased by Frone won’t recover unless she dies or whimsically chooses to release them.

…But there’s one more method Reina and I hypothesized.

That is to use [Delete] to nullify it.

Dark-attribute magic is, after all, still magic.

If so, [Delete] should be enough to erase its effects.

We concluded this method had a high probability of success.

“Frone must hate me as an unpredictable factor because my magic can nullify hers.”

“That seems a reasonable conclusion. And now, we have certainty.”

“Yeah… The one best suited to counter Frone is me.”

To think the skills I developed to survive in this world would lead to this…

Before long, I’ll surely be dragged onto the battlefield.

If possible, I’d rather not step onto such a stage.

But the more I learn about dark-attribute magic, the more I realize I can’t avoid it.

If we leave Frone unchecked, the world will undoubtedly fall under her control and meet its end.

This world will transform far from the fantasies of a harem or easygoing otherworldly life.

What awaits is a world reeking of death.

Thus, someone capable must rise to stop her.

“…How about we take a break? Overthinking won’t help us come up with good ideas.”

“…Yeah, let’s head above ground. I’m a bit hungry, too.”

“It’s snack time, after all. I’ll whip something up.”

“Thanks, Reina.”

The clock I brought this time, reflecting on past mistakes, showed the sun starting to dip.

…I must report what I’ve learned about dark-attribute magic to my father.

Including the fact that my [Delete] can be a viable countermeasure.

Once I inform him, this peaceful, leisurely time I’ve enjoyed will likely come to an end.

Even if it’s for a brighter future with everyone… betting my life feels incredibly heavy.

‘Frone of Thunder’ is stronger than any opponent I’ve faced before.

Frankly, she’s on a different level.

If I challenge such a formidable foe and lose—

Mashiro’s cheerfulness, Karen’s kindness, and Reina’s smile will all vanish forever.

Or worse, my memories could be taken, and I might harm them against my will.

Frone would undoubtedly do such a thing.

If even I can think of it, she’d execute something far crueler.

“………………”

This pressure weighing on my shoulders is unlike anything I’ve felt before.

My steps toward the surface felt heavier than usual.

“…Ouga-kun.”

“Something wrong?”

“Take this!”

“Whoa, hey!”

Just as we were about to leave the hidden room for the study, Reina called out to me.

When I turned, she suddenly hugged me tightly.

“Reina? What’s with the sudden embrace?”

“I think this report can go either way—whether you deliver it or not.”

“…I can’t, Reina. It’s something I have to do.”

“Is that so? Still, I think it’s unfair for the kingdom to rely on you only when they’re troubled, despite building a society that disadvantages those without magical aptitude.”

“That’s…”

“…But I knew it. I knew Ouga-kun would choose to help everyone.”

Her arms tightened around me.

Being so close, I couldn’t see her expression.

“Just remember this: since that day, my life has been tied to yours. If you ever want to run away, let’s run away together.”

“…………”

“No matter what choice you make, I’ll always stay by your side. Even if it costs me my life.”

“…………Yeah.”