Forty-five years after my reincarnation.

Finally, I've reached adulthood in this world, but as I stand before the mirror, I look at my reflection with dissatisfaction.

"--This is it after fifty years?"

No matter how I look at it, I appear to be around thirteen years old.

It's like I've just entered the first year of junior high.

My height will probably grow from here, but the childishness still remains.

The surrounding servants are shedding tears.

Brian is crying to an alarming degree.

"I, Brian, am overwhelmed with emotion to see Lord Liam's adult form!"

"You, stop crying. Amagi, what's the schedule for today?"

Amagi answers as usual, calmly.

"The coming-of-age ceremony will be held in one hour. A party is scheduled after lunch, but you will also attend the evening banquet."

Brian stops crying, wiping his tears, and adds.

"Incidentally, starting tomorrow, your schedule is packed from morning till night."

It seems I'll be busy working in the territory for nearly a month.

"All rejected!"

"That is impossible."

Brian replied with a serious face, and as I faltered, Amagi urged me on.

"Master, you must leave your room soon or you won't make it in time."

"I know, so stop rushing me."

I grumble as I leave my room and head towards the venue. After that—immediately after returning from the capital planet, I had a new mansion prepared.

The mansion, built with excessive cost, is on a scale too vast for me to comprehend.

In my previous life, it would be about the size of a provincial city, perhaps?

I called upon renowned artists and had them construct it with an enormous budget, but...

You'd understand how unnecessarily large it is if I told you that a vehicle is needed to move through the corridors.

When I left my room, Christiana was waiting.

She was dressed in attire for female knights and was waiting for me to come out.

"Lord Liam, you look wonderful."

She offers a compliment, looking at my ostentatious outfit.

I like people who give compliments.

But, what is it? --Her eyes seem to genuinely think so.

--It must be my imagination.

"Is that so? More importantly, are you well enough to work now?"

According to the hospital's report, this is a woman who volunteered to become my knight after completing rehabilitation that would make even adults cry, all within the short span of one year.

"There are no problems. However, I must depart the territory immediately to obtain imperial knight qualifications. It is regrettable that I cannot serve by your side."

Christiana—Tia is a foreigner.

Therefore, she does not possess imperial knight qualifications.

To obtain them, she needs to graduate from at least two schools.

After that, with training and practical experience added, she won't be able to return for thirty years.

"Anyway, I'm also busy with my schedule after coming of age. Who knows when I'll be able to return to the territory."

Everyone gets into the vehicle, and as we sit down, we begin to move.

Sitting on the luxurious sofa, Tia continues speaking.

"For Lord Liam's sake, I will surely achieve results."

"Just take it easy."

It's good that she seems so motivated, but the reason I hired you was your appearance.

I heard you were a famous knight in a foreign country, but I appointed you as my knight because you are beautiful.

Appearance is important.

I'm one step closer to a life of debauchery.

Brian, unaware of my ambitions, was moved.

"Finally, a knight has entered Lord Liam's service. With this, our house will be secure."

The Banfield family, from whom retainers fled and who were unpopular as a place of service.

It seems more knights are applying to serve due to my achievements.

I'm not particularly interested, so I've left the matter of appointments to Amagi and Tia.

I only intervene if there's a beautiful woman.

The destination comes into view, but it seems it will still take some time to arrive.

"--I made it too wide."

Now that I think about it, I regret making the mansion too large.

I tried to build it with as much money as possible, but it's far larger than I imagined, and I'm taken aback.

No, it's luxurious, and it suits me—

The previous mansion I lived in was sufficient.

That was also very large.

I underestimated the space-age world, or rather, the interstellar nation.

I tried to build it large to show off my wealth—but it could have been smaller.

However, as a corrupt lord, I probably have to do this much.

Bad guys live in large, flashy mansions.

◇

Ceremony venue.

Thomas, the merchant, couldn't hide his surprise at the newly prepared mansion.

"How should I put it—the Count's taste is surprisingly subdued."

Nias agreed with Thomas's opinion.

"I think it's functional and good. I've been invited to an egg-shaped mansion before, but it's too eccentric and I can't relax."

A grand coming-of-age ceremony with invited acquaintances.

It also serves as an unveiling of the mansion, which is now complete.

From their perspective, Liam's mansion is—simple.

Not in its size or construction, but in its exterior appearance.

It is splendid, and it is a mansion designed with all the might of a renowned artist.

However, among the many nobles who build eccentric mansions, Liam's mansion is seen as prioritizing functionality.

It is indeed spacious and large, but if that's all, there are other mansions that are even more spacious and larger.

The construction is meticulous, and it has a very calm feel.

"It's a mansion befitting a Count, a result of seeking ease of living? It's very Liam-like, or rather—it's no different from receiving enormous compensation. I thought you'd build a golden mansion."

"We've spent a lot of money, but I also love the Count's pursuit of functional beauty."

Thomas and Nias had a good impression.

Nias shrugs, looking at the surrounding faces.

"Still, what a lineup. It seems major trading companies are taking notice. People from other arms factories are also here."

Most of the attendees are locals.

Officials and military personnel with titles.

Besides them, there are many merchants, and also many people related to the Imperial Arms Factory.

There were many people who wanted to do business, who wanted to sell their goods—

Thomas lowers his shoulders.

"Conversely, there are few nobles, which is a bit unsettling."

Invitations have been sent to the lords close to the Banfield family, but many nobles did not attend.

Nias resigns himself to it.

"For the surrounding nobles, it's the birth of a Count's family that suddenly gained power. No, is it a revival? They can't stay calm."

Nobles are engaged in serious wars with each other, from petty skirmishes to the complete destruction of their opponents' families.

For the surrounding lords, they couldn't honestly rejoice at the Banfield family's rise to power.

Conversely, there are nobles who welcome it.

These are the minor nobles who cannot develop on their own.

They are trying to get Liam to take care of them.

"Poor nobles are flocking to us."

Some nobles brought it upon themselves, while others are pitiable.

But, they are all trying to get close to Liam.

Nias is indifferent.

"Even in the Empire, it's impossible to take care of every corner of the frontier. The minor lords of the frontier have no choice but to rely on powerful nobles."

As the two are talking, the ceremony is about to begin.

Liam has arrived, and the surrounding participants have tense expressions.

Thomas smiles with a troubled look.

"He's surprisingly approachable, but everyone is nervous due to the rumors."

"It can't be helped."

A wise ruler who, after being burdened with his parents' territory and title, embarked on territorial reform.

A protector of the people who does not tolerate corrupt officials and fights at the forefront when bandits appear.

He is harsh and strict, but to the citizens, he is a reliable lord.

Furthermore, he was a just ruler who invested most of the taxes in territorial development.

Also, from the Empire's perspective, he is a good lord who pays taxes.

Incidentally, he was also diligently repaying his debts.

Even if the Banfield family didn't have much credibility, Liam was gradually gaining a certain level of trust.

Among the officials and military men, there are many who would risk their lives for Liam.

What's lacking is retainers—knights, that is.

Liam appears, and by his side is the knight he newly hired.

Thomas strokes his chin.

"It's Christiana, isn't it? I heard she's the first knight Lord Liam has taken into service, and she seems to have skill."

"Oh, wasn't she hired based on her appearance?"

"It's not that it's entirely untrue, but I've seen many knights, and she's on another level. If I had to say, it's her aura, her class is different. Even the sparkle in her eyes is different from ordinary people."

As Liam, whom Liam specially hired, Tia was also drawing attention.

Thomas gossips.

"There's a rumor that she might be that princess knight. You know, from the country destroyed by Goaz—"

"That famous one? But isn't her age different? If it were her, she should be older."

"No, it's just a rumor. However, if someone like that was serving him, then the Count—Lord Liam—would have the makings of an extraordinary ruler."

If the person herself heard this, she would surely tilt her head.

The reason I focused on territorial development was that the situation was so dire that I couldn't extract taxes from the citizens.

I cut down corrupt officials simply because I was angry.

I confronted pirates because I thought I could win.

And I paid my debts and taxes due to my inherently honest nature.

I hired Tia because she was beautiful and loyal.

There's no deeper meaning, and I only heard from others that Tia's abilities are amazing.

I thought I was living selfishly as a corrupt lord.

The ceremony proceeds solemnly.

Thomas's eyes welled up as he looked at Liam's magnificent figure.

"I'm glad I followed that person. As expected, my judgment was not mistaken."

Nias was slightly put off by Thomas but agreed.

"Our factory has secured a valuable customer, so we are secure. I hope Lord Liam continues to do his best. Also, if you buy our products, it would be perfect."

Thomas narrows his eyes.

"Your factory, you should pay more attention to its exterior and interior design. If you only pursue performance, the other conveniences are a bit—"

Nias pretends not to hear and brushes off Thomas's words.

◇

--One month after the ceremony.

I was agonizing over a difficult problem.

"--Hey, am I living a luxurious life, right?"

Brian answers my question.

"Huh? No, well, I don't know the details of other families, but compared to the previous family heads, you are quite—simple."

In the study.

I, who was slumped over the desk, had a vague realization.

Wait, is this luxurious? It is luxurious, isn't it? But, that's strange. The amount in my bankbook isn't decreasing at all.

No matter how much I spend, the digits don't change.

"--Simple?"

"Yes. It's on the simple side. Even if you were a little more extravagant, it wouldn't be strange considering your position."

In the first place, I was a Count.

I didn't know the level of luxury for a Count.

Just to try spending money, I requested live music during meals.

I was just imitating the dining scenes of the wealthy I saw in my previous life.

I also built a large mansion.

I also built a pool that could be used 24 hours a day. No, it's a leisure facility. Like a wave pool, or a lazy river.

On the first day I built it, I played in the lazy river going against the current.

And, I even installed hot springs in the bath!

Yet—it's simple.

I underestimated the values of this world.

"Brian—what is luxury?"

"Well, I don't know what to tell you."

Brian looks to Amagi for help.

Amagi replies.

"According to my records, the head of a certain Count's family made an entire planet his own planet—a private planet. He prepared a tourist planet solely for himself."

"What's the point of that!?"

If you prepare a tourist destination just for yourself, what happens there when you're not visiting?

In the first place, you should let guests in.

It's meaningless!

Amagi corrects my mistake.

"For a Master who reacts like that, this kind of luxury might not suit you. Fundamentally, seeking meaning is wrong. Certainly, there are times when you are expected to be extravagant. But luxury is just like that. You shouldn't seek meaning. Considering your personality, true luxury might not suit you."

"N-no, that's not true! I will be extravagant. I have money. I can do anything!"

Brian was smiling.

He looks at me with amusement.

As I was troubled, Amagi offered a helping hand.

"Then, how about a luxurious study abroad program?"

"Study abroad? I'm going on a training trip soon?"

"No, not for Lord Liam, but for the citizens. By knowing the capital planet and other families, more people will broaden their horizons. It is unnecessary for the lord and can be considered a luxury."

Like a study abroad for fun?

Would it be considered luxury to let others have fun with my money?

However, from the lord's perspective, citizens don't need wisdom.

Citizens should just obey, so study abroad is unnecessary.

Yet, Brian also agrees.

"I think it's a good idea. As Lord Liam mentioned before, the Banfield family's territory has only recently begun to develop. Whether it's art or fashion, it's a territory that still has much to learn. Sending people to study in those unnecessary fields can be considered a luxury."

Brian's words reminded me.

"I see, that's what study abroad is for!"

I still can't pick up women—or rather, I can't find suitable women in my own territory because of fashion issues.

It doesn't resonate with me.

Perhaps if I knew more about the world—other territories, I might get a little better.

I will never forget the day I realized it was wrong to enjoy a beach vacation dressed in a full suit.

Also, art and fashion are not fields that one absolutely must learn to survive.

In a life of hardship, these are fields that are overlooked.

To dabble in such fields is indeed a luxury.

"Arrange it immediately. Send them out in droves! I have money!"

Amagi quickly makes the arrangements.

"Then, let's plan with Lord Liam's budget. If all goes well, we can start soliciting applicants next year and send them abroad."

"Great. It's the ultimate luxury!"

I ignore Brian, who is wiping his eyes.

"To send the citizens abroad to study by cutting into your own pocket—you are truly remarkable, Lord Liam."

He was saying something, but I couldn't hear it well.

Anyway, let's spend money, spend money!

It's a luxury.

A corrupt lord lives luxuriously!

That's how I wanted to spend my money.

My goal is to be a corrupt lord feared by everyone!

Brian (´；ω；｀) "I, Brian, am happy to see Lord Liam's adult form."

Liam ヾ(・∀・；) "I understand. I understand, so stop crying. Come on, it's the last time. Make it sharp for once. Okay?"

Brian (｀・ω・´) "That's right! Then—"

Brian (´；ω；｀) "It's painful. Today is the conclusion—I, Brian, find it painful to part with you, the readers."

Liam (；゜Д゜) "I-is that so? (He's going to cry until the end.)"

How was it?

[I Reincarnated in a World Where Interstellar Nations Exist, So I Tried to Aim to Be a Corrupt Lord!] concludes here.

I finished it quickly with less than 100,000 characters.

I made it seem like it would continue, because I want the readers to imagine the rest for themselves.

This time, I wrote it in the SF genre, but it's fundamentally a reincarnation story.

I thought there should be more variety in reincarnation stories, and that's why I wrote this.

There are many things I want to write, but I will do a full afterword in the "Activity Report."

If you check the author's page, you can see the activity reports, so I would be happy if you would take a look.

Also, there are articles that feature illustrations from the author's other works, so I hope you enjoy those as well.

Well, finally, thank you for reading until the end.

I appreciate your support.

Your comments and ratings are very encouraging.

Please feel free to write your impressions and give ratings.

Thank you very much.