11. 誘拐
「誰もいないと思ったけれど、先客がいたみたいね」
誰だ......?
この光沢ある金色の髪は、アルデラート公爵家の令嬢だ。
「はじめまして。ナタリー・アルデラートよ。あなたは?」
「どうも、オーウェン・ペッパーです」
「ペッパー......と言えば、あの悪名高い......」
そうですね。
悪名高く、無能で有名なペッパー家の嫡男です。
ふはははは。
「その噂って結構広がっているんだ」
「ええ......。魔法が使えない貴族のくせに、威張っている人たちだと」
「その通りだね」
「あら、素直に認めるのね。それに噂に聞くオーウェンは癇癪持ちだ。......そう聞いたのだけど」
おいおい、そんな危ないやつを怒らせるような真似するなよ。
って、俺のことか。
「それとも、私が公爵家の令嬢だから猫を被っているのかしら」
「いや、むしろこれが俺の素だよ。それに、子供相手に怒るほど、俺は大人げなくないしね」
「まるで、自分が大人みたいに言うのね」
あ、そうだ。
俺は子供だった。
「ふっ......。大人ぶりたい年ごろなのさ」
「それ自分で言う?」
ナタリーがジト目になる。
「俺は自分を客観視できる子供なんだ」
「あなたって、噂と違って......変な人ね」
うーん。
それは良い評価なのか?
まあ、無能なデブよりはマシだろう。
「褒めてないわよ......。でも、まあ良い退屈しのぎにはなるかしら」
「退屈だったのか?」
こんなにキラキラしたところで祝われてるのだ。
きゃー、みんなー、私のためにありがとう! とは思わないのだろうか。
うん、思わないだろうな。
「......そうね。いえ、なんでもないわ。これは公爵家に生まれた私の役目。仕方ないわ」
そういってナタリーは何かを諦めたような表情をする。
おいおい、10歳の子供がして良い表情じゃないぞ。
それも今日はナタリーの誕生日だろ。
もっと、はしゃいでいいんじゃないか?
「子供はもっと子供らしくしていいんだぞ」
「え......?」
「って俺の先生が言ってた。子供でいられる時間は短いんだ。その貴重な時間を捨てて、大人ぶるなよ」
純粋に子供としていれるのはいつまでだろうか。
職につくまでか?
成人するまでか?
この世界の人の平均寿命は知らないが、いずれにしても子供でいられる期間は短い。
そして、その期間は人生の中でとても重要だ。
俺は前世で子供の時期を経験したから良いが、ナタリーは違う。
大人になると、どうしても従わないといけないことが増えてくる。
自分の本心が言いにくくなる。
行動に責任が伴うせいで、臆病になる。
そうやって、やれることしかやれなくなるんだ。
なら、まだ子供でいられるうちは、存分に子供を楽しんだ方が良い。
まあ、カザリーナ先生の受け売りだが。
「そんな単純な話ではないわ。私の行動は公爵家の行動になる。......あなたみたいに好き勝手生きていけないのよ」
「そんなの知るか。俺は偉大で尊敬できる最強の先生から教わったんだ。子供は子供らしくあるべきだと。だから、子供らしくしろよ」
先生の教えは絶対だ。
そんな先生に俺は(物理的に)甘えていた。
「あなたは良い人と出会えたのね」
「そうだ。カザリーナ先生は最高の先生だからな」
「ふふふ。羨ましいわ」
「とういうわけで、今から俺とあそぼーぜ」
「え......何がどういうわけよ」
「だって、誕生日会が退屈なんだろ。なら俺と楽しいことしようぜ」
ぐへへへ、お嬢ちゃん、おにいちゃんと良いことしよ。
というのは冗談だ。
「私は今日の主役なのよ。もう戻らないと......」
「なんで、今日の主役が......誕生日のやつがつまらない顔してんだよ。誕生日ってのはその人にとって、特別な日じゃないのか?」
「ええ、特別な日よ。皆を接待しなければならない特別な日」
「そんなんじゃ、ナタリーが楽しめないだろ」
「俺と遊ぼうぜ」
「あなた、話聞いてた?」
「聞いてけど、そんなの知らん。それに俺とお前はもう友達だ。友達が友達と遊びに行く。それで十分だ」
「友達......? それに行くって、どこに?」
「探検だ! あそこの庭を探検をしよう!」
ここは2階であるため、外に行くには会場の中を通るか、直接下に降りるか、二択だ。
会場の中を通るのはダメだ。
目立ってしまうし、ナタリーが呼び止められる可能性が高い。
だが、直接行くと言っても、バルコニーから下に降りられる階段なんてものはない。
俺は右手に魔力を溜める。
「土よ、我らを導け」
魔法で土を生成して、階段を作った。
階段はバルコニーから外の庭へと続いている。
ナタリーを誘った。
「で、でも......」
「ちょっと、遊びにいくだけさ。すぐに戻ってくる」
ナタリーは少し考える素振りを見せた後、俺の方に近づいてきた。
「ナタリー! こんなところで何をしている!? 早く戻らんか!?」
会場から男が出てきた。
「お、お父様......」
お父様ってことは、アルデラート家の現当主であるラルフ・アルデラートか。
......まずいな。
この状況は、怪しい男がナタリーを誘拐しているみたいじゃないか。
俺はナタリーの体を抱きしめた。
「え、ちょ、オーウェン!?」
「お前、ナタリーに何をしている!?」
「―――引力解放!」
俺はナタリーを抱きしめたまま、魔法を使って空を飛んだ。
Ch 11
"I didn't think there would be anyone here, but it looks like someone beat me to it," a voice said.
'Who is...?'
Her shiny golden hair... this is the daughter of the Duke of Alderath.
She greeted, "Nice to meet you. I am Natalie Alderath. And you are?"
"Nice to meet you too. I'm Owen Pepper."
"Speaking of...the infamous Pepper..."
Yes, she's right.
I am the legitimate son of the infamous and incompetent Pepper family.
Fuahahahahaha.
"That rumor is pretty widespread," I claimed.
"Your family consists of aristocrats who can't use magic, yet you are still very arrogant nonetheless."
"That's right."
"Oh my, you even admit it. And I heard that rumor has it, Owen has a very bad temper..."
Oh, come on, why would you do anything to piss off a dangerous person.
So I guess that's me, huh?
"Or maybe because I am the daughter of the Duke, you are taking all the blame," she continued.
"No, it's just the way I am. Besides, I'm mature enough not to get angry with a kid."
"You talk like you think you are an adult."
Oh, right.
I am just a kid.
"Phew... He's at the age when he wants to act like an adult."
"Are you saying that to yourself?"
Natalie's eyes turn deadpan.
I replied, "I'm just a kid who can look at himself objectively."
"You're pretty different from what the rumors say... what a strange guy," she murmured.
Hmmm.
Is that a good thing?
Well, it is better than being an incompetent fatty. I simply responded with, "Thank you."
However, she said quite blankly, "I'm not complimenting you... But it's a good way to pass the time."
"You were bored, huh?"
She's being celebrated in such a fancy place.
You would think she'd say, 'Gee, guys - thanks for doing this for me!'
But no, I guess not.
"Yeah. No, it is nothing. I was born into a ducal family, and this is my role. I have no choice."
Natalie looked as if she had given up on something.
Come on, that is not a good expression for a 10-year-old to have.
It is also Natalie's birthday today.
She should be more excited, don't you think?
"Kids should act more like kids."
"Eh?"
"That's what my teacher said. You only have a short time to be a kid. Don't throw away that precious time and act like an adult."
How long will I be able to purely be a child?
Until I get a job?
Until I come of age?
I do not know the average lifespan of a person in this world, but in any case, the time you get to be a child is short.
And that period is very important in our lives.
I am fine with it because I went through a childhood phase in a previous life, but Natalie is different.
As we grow older, there are more and more things we must comply with.
It becomes harder to say what you truly feel.
Because of the responsibility that comes with actions, we become timid.
That's how it works; you can only do what you can do.
So, people should enjoy being a child to the fullest while they still can.
Well, I am quoting that from Katherina-sensei.
"It's not as simple as that. My actions will reflect the actions of the entire dukedom. I can't just live as I please like you..."
"I don't know about that. I was taught by one of the greatest and most respected teachers I've ever had. She told me that kids should be kids. So be a kid."
The instructor's teachings are absolute.
I was spoiled by such a teacher.
"You've met the right person," she said wistfully.
I had to agree, "That's right. Katherina-sensei is the best teacher I've ever had."
"Fufufu. I am so jealous."
"So, let's go and play right now."
"Eh? ...What are you saying?"
"You're bored at your birthday party, aren't you? Then let's do something fun together."
Ghehehehe, little girl, come do something fun with your big brother. I am sure it'll be fun! I'll give you candy, too...
I'm just kidding.
"I'm the star of the day. I have to go back now..." Natalie resigned.
"Why does the star of the day, the one who is celebrating her birthday, look so bored? Aren't birthdays supposed to be very special days for that person?"
"Yes, it's a special day. A special day where I have to entertain everyone else."
"I don't think you enjoy doing that, Natalie."
"Come and play with me."
"Did you even listen to me?" she sighed.
"Listen, I don't know anything about that. Besides, you and I are friends now. Friends enjoy going out with their friends. That's all that matters."
"Friends...? Where do you think you're going with that idea?"
"Let's explore! Let's explore that garden over there!"I point to the garden that can be seen from the balcony.
Since we're on the second floor, there are two ways to get outside: through the venue or directly downstairs.
However, we cannot go through the venue.
It would be conspicuous, and Natalie would most likely get called over.
But even if we wanted to directly go to the balcony, no stairs were leading down from it.
I gather all the magic power I could muster in my right hand.
"Earth, guide us," I chanted.
I used generated soil using magic to make the stairs.
The stairs lead from the balcony to the garden outside.
I jumped over the railing and invited Natalie to join me, "Come on, let's go."
"Bu-but..."
"We're just going out for a bit. We'll be right back."
Natalie showed a small sign of concern, and then came closer to me.
And as she tried to take my hand, a voice called out, "Natalie! What are you doing here? Why aren't you coming back in?"
A man came out from the hall.
"Fa- Father..." Natalie stuttered out.
By her father, she means Ralph Alderath, the current head of the Alderath family.
This is not good.
The situation looks like a suspicious man is kidnapping Natalie, doesn't it?
I hugged Natalie's body.
"Eh, Wai- Owen!?"
"What the hell are you doing to Natalie?" Ralph growled as he tried to grab Natalie's arm.
"Release from gravity!" I yelled.
I held Natalie in my arms and used my magic to fly us up in the air.
Reincarnated as the Son of a Vicious Lord! ~When I Was Having Fun Learning Magic, I Had to Get Rid of My Stigma~!
悪徳領主の息子に転生！？～楽しく魔法を学んでいたら、汚名を返上してました～
https://www.novelupdates.com/series/reincarnated-as-the-son-of-a-vicious-lord-when-i-was-having-fun-learning-magic-i-had-to-get-rid-of-my-stigma/
Adventure Fantasy Romance School Life Shounen
Academy Adapted to Manga Age Progression Battle Competition Character Growth Cheats Child Protagonist Dense Protagonist Depictions of Cruelty Elemental Magic Fat to Fit Female Master Friendship Harem-seeking Protagonist Harsh Training Hated Protagonist Late Romance Loyal Subordinates Male Protagonist Modern Knowledge Naive Protagonist Nobles Reincarnated in Another World Saints Strength-based Social Hierarchy Sword And Magic Underestimated Protagonist
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n6812gh/
米津