Nobles who rule a planet.

However, there are various things about that planet.

Rich in resources, excellent environment, and other characteristics.

It is also the lord's job to thoroughly investigate the characteristics of his territory's planet and manage the territory accordingly.

--Therefore, the Viscounty of Razel, rich in resources, specialized in mining and processing technology.

"Is the reason Viscountcy of Razel adopted acology this?

Due to resource mining, environmental destruction has progressed, and fully environmental cities called acologies have been prepared on the surface for the wealthy to live in.

The place we are staying is clean, but the other areas seem to be in terrible condition.

During class, I was learning the basics of territory management alongside other young nobles.

Kurt has a troubled look on his face.

Is he thinking about how he can extract more?

He certainly has the makings of a corrupt lord.

Listening to the lecture, it seems the Viscountcy of Razel's citizens work hard to get promoted and live in acology.

From the lord's perspective, the fact that people gather without effort is an advantage.

Though it's probably unbearable for the citizens.

But is it okay to make your own planet a terrible, hole-ridden environment?

As for me, I don't want to go that far.

It's not about the citizens, but everyone hates their own home being dirty.

--The methods of the Viscountcy of Razel are not something we can adopt.

Territory management is also steady, or rather, a sure thing -- a position between good and evil for a lord.

While there were aspects to admire in the acology and the treatment of the citizens, that was all.

After class, Kurt muttered.

"Don't you think it's terrible, Liam?"

This guy is the type to push his citizens to the brink as a corrupt lord.

He's working hard to determine that breaking point.

In my case, I don't want to expend that much effort, so once I determine a certain line, I'm done.

"Not everyone thinks like you."

"That's true, but -- this is a bit too much."

He's showing his anger, thinking there's still more to extract.

"Then, you should apply today's lesson to your own territory."

"--Yes, I will."

This guy's father is a man who rose from nothing to become a noble.

Because of that, he apparently sent his son to the Viscountcy of Razel for training, wanting him to learn territory management.

He's a man with ample potential to be a corrupt lord.

Kurt's father -- the Baron's intentions seem to have succeeded.

By receiving the serious lessons of the Viscountcy of Razel, Kurt's reaction shows promise for the future.

In the first place -- lords and nobles, no matter how high and mighty they act, are essentially the same as pirates.

They claim their territory, rule it, and strike down outsiders.

They are merely a bit more well-behaved and call themselves nobles, not pirates.

The essence is the same.

Viscount Razel doesn't seem to understand that at all.

Well, I'm grateful for the useful lessons and for providing a place to build friendly relationships like this.

Personally, I would have preferred to train in a household with a bit more integrity and straightforwardness.

◇

Among the disciples receiving special treatment at the Viscountcy of Razel.

Peter was among them.

Today's lesson is about the work of a lord, taught by Randolph himself.

The disciples listened to Randolph's talk while drinks and snacks were placed on side tables.

"The most important thing for territory management is balance."

Randolph, emphasizing the importance of balance, gave examples.

"Sometimes, it's important to shake hands with scoundrels. There are foolish nobles who try to exterminate pirates, but pirates are, in most cases, originally citizens of some territory. In other words, they are merely trying to hide their own mistakes."

There are few disciples receiving special treatment.

Most of them agreed with Randolph's words.

"Originally, it is the lord's job to prevent pirates from appearing. However, that is impossible. Therefore, it is more efficient to control the pirates."

Peter interjected.

"I understand~. My family is also of that type~."

Randolph nodded with a smile.

"Is that so? It's a bit surprising, but I'm confident we can get along well with your family in the future. Now, let's get back to the topic. By overlooking some misdeeds, we can prevent greater losses."

It would be a problem if pirates attacked merchant ships and took everything.

However, if they only pay a toll, merchants will pay it, as they are taught.

"Coexist skillfully. This is the most important thing."

The disciples, having received Randolph's education, had looks of understanding.

◇

One contact was made to the Henfrey Trading Company.

It was a loan application from the Earldom of Pietak.

Thomas held his head, struggling with the reply.

"--To think that a loan application would come from a house like this."

He quickly investigated the other party's house and was stunned by how terrible it was.

Simply put, it was like the Banfield family before Liam was born.

They were burdened with enormous debt, and there was nothing remarkable about their territory.

What was worse than the Banfield family was the private army of the Earldom of Pietak.

They were almost like pirates.

The text implied that if the loan was refused, they would resort to force.

Unfortunately, they had recently established ties with the Viscountcy of Razel, and there was a situation where the latter could interfere when they visited.

His subordinate said worriedly.

"Why not consult with the Earldom of Banfield?"

Upon hearing that, Thomas shook his head.

"If we consult and the two families negotiate, a breakdown could lead to war. Furthermore, the Razel family, whom Liam-sama is indebted to, also has a son from the Pietak family. --I cannot cause them trouble."

If he consulted Liam carelessly and things got complicated, it would not only cause trouble but also war.

Not wanting to force such a decision, Thomas decided to accept the loan offer.

"Even though it's obvious they have no intention of repaying."

Even in such a situation, if they don't lend money, they will be obstructed in future business.

Liam is currently undergoing training.

Even if he returns in a few years, studying abroad in the capital planet awaits him.

He won't be back for decades.

"--For now, I will endure. Still, I hope Liam-sama hasn't been corrupted by strange education at the Viscount's house."

The Razel family, which has ties with the Pietak family -- it makes one worry.

Thomas's anxiety grew.

◇

In the entertainment district of the Viscountcy of Razel's territory.

There was a place called an underground casino.

There, alongside scoundrels, were the sons of nobles.

Knights from the Viscountcy also frequented the place, making it an open secret illegal casino.

There, Peter was playing a card game.

Peter threw down a card.

"I lost again."

A man in a suit approached Peter.

"Peter-sama, how is your luck today?"

Peter, drinking, had a woman to his left and had his arm around her shoulder.

"I'm broke. Put it on my tab."

"It's on your tab, but the amount has become too large. Could you settle it once?"

"Ugh, then ask the Viscount."

"That would damage Peter-sama's reputation. However -- I have something I'd like to ask."

Peter agreed, as they said they would settle his tab in exchange for information.

He wasn't thinking deeply about it.

"What do you want to know~?"

"I am investigating Count Banfield."

Peter, who received the image data, squinted at Liam's face floating in the air.

"Huh, I don't know anyone like that."

"I heard you are being taken care of at Viscount Razel's mansion. Do you really not know him?"

"There are many disciples being taken care of by the Viscount, so if they aren't receiving special treatment like me, they must be third-rate nobles with no prospects, right~?"

Upon hearing that, the man in the suit smiled slightly.

"Peter-sama, if you could tell me a bit more, we will prepare a special service from our establishment."

As the man in the suit snapped his fingers, beautiful women gathered around Peter.

Peter, spreading his arms, laughed.

"Leave it to me. If I ask the Viscount, he'll tell me all sorts of things."

"I'm counting on you -- Peter-sama."

The man in the suit gave a dark smile.

◇

I was taken to a place that looked like a rundown snack bar.

The homely establishment was run by an old woman and a middle-aged woman.

Facing the knight instructor who was passionately singing an enka-like song on karaoke, we complained.

"If you're going to bring us, you should bring us somewhere more exciting."

Kurt looked troubled by my complaint.

"Liam, that's rude."

But it was the truth.

The old woman smiled at me.

"It seems the noble lords don't favor our establishment."

But what's with the food coming out at a snack bar, and it being delicious?

Seeing us eating ravenously, the middle-aged woman looked exasperated.

"Young people sure eat a lot."

"This is delicious. Another order."

As I was placing an additional order, the knight was singing with his fist raised.

I talked with Kurt, feeling exasperated.

The other seniors and juniors who were brought along were also talking amongst themselves.

"Don't you think there's not much to do at the Viscount's house? It's boring like this."

There is an entertainment district, but it's somehow...

Kurt blushed.

"I, I can't help you with that."

"What is it? This is important. Eating, sleeping, doing it. If any of these are missing, a person is unhealthy, right?"

"No, that's true, but..."

Fulfilling the three basic desires is an important matter.

I hate it when people talk only about pretty things while ignoring that.

In my previous life, I lived a very serious life.

I only had experience going to places like this with my superiors.

I didn't play and cherished my family, but looking back now, it was foolish.

I should have played more.

As a living being, it's natural to have desires.

And it's also the lord's job to provide a place to release them.

I love businesses that involve such desires.

Because money flows in.

The old woman nodded admiringly as she listened to our conversation.

"You're so sensible for being young. That's right. It's important. There are many things in this world that can't be solved with just pretty words. Well, if you call what men produce dirty, then humans, regardless of gender, become dirty creatures."

She's an understanding old woman.

"Grandma, I like you. I'm in a good mood, so I'll give you a tip."

"I don't need it. Order something, kid."

Kurt looked a bit down.

"What's wrong?"

"Yeah, I realized I'm lacking in many ways."

Kurt, who was simply thinking about extracting from the citizens, seems to have realized the business of stimulating people's desires to gather money.

--He's grown.

Allowing the citizens to release their desires moderately and relieve stress.

It's very important.

However, Kurt is quite naive.

"You, have you done it before?"

"Pfft!"

Kurt coughed.

He understands what I'm implying, which means he's also a man.

"W-what are you saying, Liam! We will eventually have spouses. We need to be more sincere."

"Sincere~?"

That's the word I trust the least in this world.

The me who was once sincere faced a terrible life.

"W-what? Being sincere is a good thing. You're insincere, Liam."

"What did you say?"

Is this guy naive in that area?

A corrupt lord being serious about women -- well, he's the intellectual type, prioritizing extracting as much as possible from the citizens.

He's different from me, the desire-oriented type.

Kurt, looking concerned, asked me.

"W-well -- Liam, you have experience with women, right?"

Wait a minute -- come to think of it, I've only been with Amagi here.

I haven't touched a real woman.

"--No, I haven't."

"See! You say all sorts of things, but Liam, you're the same!"

People around us were whispering, looking at us, "Virgin?" "He's a virgin." "No, maybe those guys are -- that kind of thing?"

No! It's not a real woman, but I have plenty of experience!

"Don't make a fuss! Alright, then let's go out and play as we are."

"Huh? No, that's, well --"

I smiled at Kurt, whose voice was getting smaller.

"There's no problem if we discard it here. Men won't be found out unless they declare it themselves."

"N-no, but --"

Kurt, with a blushing face, seemed to be expecting something.

Say quickly that we should go.

As I thought that, the instructor knight finished singing and sat next to us.

"You two, have some restraint."

"We are nobles. Isn't it okay to play?"

Then, the knight taught us --.

"You two, you have positions, so don't play in shady places. It would be terrible if you caught an STD."

"Just an STD like that --"

"Fool! In this day and age, there are many STDs that cannot be cured with medicine. Diseases are always evolving. Diseases that could be treated with herbs in the past are now ineffective."

He told us about the STDs prevalent in the Viscount's house.

It seems the viruses have evolved considerably, working hard to survive in this world.

The popular STD of the time was one that realized "Explode, happy people!".

At first, the affected part swells and grows larger.

Men would be happy, but after a few months, it gradually turns dark red -- and explodes.

It literally explodes.

And it seems it doesn't regenerate even with treatment.

It was a disease that required an elixir.

What's worse, women show no symptoms and can carry the disease without it being apparent on the surface.

It was an STD that only destroyed the male genitalia.

Is it a disease, or is it a curse?

"--Kurt, we're going straight home today."

"--Yeah."

Upon hearing that, our hearts weren't strong enough to play while saying, "Who cares?"

Afterword:

Brian (´；ω；｀) "I'm glad. I'm glad Liam-sama's 'private part' wasn't blown away. If things went wrong, the Banfield family would be in trouble."

Amagi (゜д゜) "Rather than that, shouldn't you be worried about Liam not being interested in real women?"