A Mastermind? No, I'm just the Live-In Son-in-Law-Chapter 74: Promotion

“Don’t you agree, Brother?”

When I timidly asked about it, Cecil answered so firmly that I had no choice but to nod.

Either way, this was proof that she now had complete control over the estate.

If any complaints started to bubble up among the staff, I’d just quietly approve a small raise or something.

“Well then, have a good trip.”

“...Haha.”

“Oh—and give my regards to Sister Tiffany.”

I was about to descend the stairs, thinking about all this, when Cecil’s voice from behind made me pause.

‘Forget “regards”... I’ll be lucky if I’m not groveling at her feet.’

Sure, Cecil and I had been close to her when we were kids, but that was a long time ago.

The Astellade family, descended from the former Saintess, now leads all white mages in the world with unwavering authority.

Tiffany, despite being younger than me by several years, was so prodigiously gifted that no one objected to her taking the role of leader.

‘...If I can’t win her over at this meeting, things are going to get bleak.’

With both the Imperial Court and the Holy Theocracy subtly keeping me in check, the support of Lumen Ordo is absolutely vital to me right now.

Even the Emperor and the Pope will find it difficult to oppose me outright if I have the backing of the white mage alliance.

‘The real issue... is dealing with Tiffany and her pain-in-the-ass inner circle.’

To be honest, I don’t even know if I’ll survive that middle school delusion brigade long enough to get their support.

Originally, I thought I’d bring Parsha—she seemed like the kind who’d get along well with them—but that was before I learned how deeply tied she was to black magic. So that was a no-go.

That’s why, as a last resort, I’d sent a letter to the Lady asking for help. But I doubt she’ll come—it was a rushed request on the day of the meeting.

‘...I’ll be lucky if I don’t get scolded for it later.’

Still, even if I have to go alone, I’ll give it my all. I may have been thrust into the Hero role, but I don’t intend to take it lightly.

In fact, thinking of it as aiming for the true ending of Blacktail Fantasy 3—an ending no one else could reach—only makes my blood stir.

‘And... more than anything, there’s no way I’m letting the Lady fall and become the final boss—not even over my dead body.’

Though I’d unintentionally broken a good number of bad-end flags already, the truth is that Meredia’s potential to fall into villainy still loomed large.

There’s Prince Maier, who’s been unusually quiet lately. The missing Duke Embergreen, just like my father. And the Emperor, always watching for an opportunity to strike.

But of course, the biggest threat is the leader of the black mages—the Great Shadow.

My guess is that he’s the one who placed the irreversible curse on Lady Meredia. The true root of all this.

‘And my strange ability might just be the only key that can defeat him.’

Neutralizing a curse that no one else could even touch. Leaving strange marks on my companions without my consent.

By now, it’s practically confirmed that I possess some hidden power.

Which means, beyond persuading Lumen Ordo, one of my main goals for this meeting should be uncovering the truth about my own abilities.

“Haa... What a splendid sight.”

“...Hm?”

As I finished sorting out my thoughts, I heard a familiar voice from up ahead.

“This is what a Demon King looks like... Mhm.”

“...Parsha?”

There she was in front of the carriage, eyes sparkling as she slowly scanned the rows of servants standing on either side.

I had been a little worried since she’d spent all of yesterday sleeping in my bed, but it looked like she’d fully recovered her strength.

“It truly is... a stirring moment.”

“...Isn’t it?”

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

“A knight lives for moments like these—when their lord displays such dignified majesty.”

It wasn’t just Parsha—Lunelle, too, stood by with a subtly excited gleam in her eye as she scanned the scene.

“...Brother, you have to treat your closest aides like this if you want to maintain your authority.”

“Ahh...”

At first, I wondered what they were on about, but Cecil’s whispered comment from behind actually made a lot of sense.

The most uptodate nove𝙡s are published on frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓.

‘Man... This is starting to feel like I’m some mafia boss.’

I couldn’t shake this feeling that I’d become more crime lord than righteous Hero—but maybe that was just the modern-day part of me speaking.

“...Ahem, ahem.”

“...?”

While quietly justifying all this to myself, a polite little cough came from off to the side.

“Ah, good morning, Master.”

“...What the.”

Turning my head, I saw none other than Ripael—the rebellious archdemon from yesterday—standing meekly among the maids, shyly waving at me.

“Didn’t you call me a filthy human yesterday?”

“D-Did I say that? I was up all night doing laundry and cleaning, so my memory’s kinda fuzzy...”

I didn’t know what her angle was, but ever since yesterday’s office incident, she’d become oddly docile and started performing her duties as a maid.

‘Well, she’s behaving now, so I guess it’s fine...’

Yeah, she was suspicious as hell—but better to keep her quiet than deal with open rebellion.

Just in case, I’d left Lunelle back at the estate, so even if Ripael had some hidden scheme, nothing major would happen before I returned—

“Hiiik... Hic...”

Wait a second. Why is Sasha, pale as a ghost, standing between Lunelle and Parsha?

“Cecil... Why is Sasha over there?”

“...Huh? Wasn’t Sasha one of your aides too?”

“...Haha.”

Curious, I casually asked Cecil a question. But in response, my little sister just gave me a puzzled look, and I found myself scratching my head awkwardly.

‘Come to think of it... Sasha is technically an executive now...’

Sure, she hadn’t been in the estate long, but considering the ridiculously high turnover rate among the maids, she was practically a senior at this point.

Now that I thought about it, despite her performance during the Selection Tournament, I hadn’t really rewarded her as promised. Maybe this was a good time to give Sasha a proper promotion?

“U-Um... I-I’m fine just standing in the lineup, really...”

“Sasha, are you trying to walk away from such an honorable moment?”

“N-No! I didn’t mean it like that—eek!”

Yeah. Strike while the iron’s hot. If I was going to recognize her contributions, I might as well do it now, in front of everyone.

As I took a step toward Sasha, who was nervously chatting with Parsha, she immediately stiffened, eyes wide in panic.

“Sasha, congratulations on your promotion to Head Maid.”

“...Excuse me?”

With a hearty slap on the shoulder and a raised voice, I made the announcement—and silence fell across the garden.

“From now on, you’ll be in charge of all the maids in the mansion.”

“Uh—huh? Wha—?”

“Of course, that comes with a raise. Sounds good, doesn’t it?”

As Sasha stammered in the stunned silence, the other maids—still bowing—exchanged glances and whispered among themselves.

“So Sasha’s the one shouldering the burden in the end...”

“...Poor girl.”

“Well, to be fair, she’s the only one suited for it. She did write half the Mansion Survival Manual...”

“Shh! Don’t let anyone find out that even exists—we’ll all be done for...”

I couldn’t make out everything from this distance, but judging by the context, it was probably meant to be congratulatory.

“T-Then... does that mean I’m no longer your personal maid, Young Master...?”

Watching me warily, Sasha asked in a small voice—and I gave the answer she hoped for, loud and clear.

“Of course not. That role continues. You’re one of my closest aides, after all.”

“...Ah.”

“Then I’ll be relying on you even more going forward...”

Recognizing and valuing one’s subordinates—that’s the true path of a leader, isn’t it? Fortunately, Sasha seemed deeply moved by my words.

“Ha, haha... hahaha...”

With all the tension drained from her face, she burst into giddy laughter. Just watching her made me feel warm inside.

‘Really, Sasha’s lucky to have a boss like me.’

Maybe if I find the time, I should pay a visit to her home?

***

Clatter, clatter...

Wearing a satisfied smile, I waved from the carriage to the executives and servants who came to see me off. The wheels clattered as the carriage left the mansion behind.

“Uuugh...”

And once again, in the silence left behind in the garden, a desperate muttering echoed.

“Why... why does my rank keep going up?!”

On the verge of tears, Sasha clutched her head in anguish, and sympathetic looks started to shoot toward her from all directions.

“Maybe the young master appreciated how she gave up her vacation and managed the new hires so well?”

“Ah—my vacation!”

Thanks to Parsha’s well-meaning comment, Sasha suddenly remembered how she’d missed yet another chance to get time off and wailed louder.

“...What’s everyone doing? Get back to work.”

“......!”

“And Sasha, don’t worry too much.”

Cecil’s words swiftly dispersed the servants back into the mansion. Then, turning gently toward Sasha, she continued with a subtle smile.

“I do have the authority to sign off on vacation requests, you know.”

“Oh!”

“But in exchange, there’s something I’d like to ask...”

Sasha’s eyes sparkled as she skipped over to Cecil.

“What is it, Lady Cecil?”

Cecil narrowed her eyes and smiled—eerily, like she’d seen it somewhere before.

“...Lately, I’ve heard rumors about some strange ghost-story-style documents floating around the mansion.”

“Ah.”

“By any chance... do you know anything about that?”

It seemed Sasha’s trials would continue... even as Head Maid.

***

“...Looks like she’s fully on our side now.”

At the same time, Parsha murmured to herself as she watched Cecil cornering Sasha from afar.

“I guess I can finally take her off the ‘threats to watch’ list.”

Satisfied, she turned to head back toward the mansion—when suddenly—

“H-Hey. You.”

“Hm?”

“You’re... the second-in-command around here, right?”

Lingering awkwardly in the garden, Ripael cautiously approached and asked the question with a lowered voice.

“...I suppose I am?”

“W-Wait, don’t be alarmed. Just hear me out.”

Parsha narrowed her eyes in suspicion.

“Your master... just what is he?”

“......”

“D-Don’t act like you don’t know. I—I saw it. I saw him open his eyes.”

Ripael hadn’t noticed, but as she looked around nervously and trembled, Parsha’s expression grew colder.

“H-How can a white mage wield the power of domination at the same time...?”

“Shh.”

But before she could finish the sentence, her mouth was firmly covered.

“They say birds hear you by day, and ✧ NоvеIight ✧ (Original source) mice by night.”

“......”

“It’s not your place to go around spreading secrets about the Master.”

Parsha’s eyes gleamed with a chilling glint as she silenced Ripael without a word more.