These are the records of my last days in the Aditi Household.

After the brief conversation I had with my father the previous night, I formally met with both my parents the next day and shared my plans in greater detail with them.

My goal is to wander around the Kingdom, acting as a Mercenary. I will naturally put my status as a First Rate Scholar to good use, but as someone who is a considerably skilled Knight, it wouldn't be an optimal use of my abilities if I only seclude myself to the intellectual domain.

I want to do so much more.

As such, after leaving the Estate, I'll likely register with the Mercenary Guild and then officially begin my travels.

By informing my parents of these matters, I wasn't in any way seeking their permission. I simply wanted them to be aware of my plans. I believe it is the least amount of respect I can offer them, considering I have chosen to follow my own path.

My father's reaction was ordinary, but Mother was especially concerned about me.

I had to calm her down on several occasions.

There's really no need to worry so much about me. I'm 21 years old now, and I learned so much from my time in the Academy that I don't think I'll have much of an issue on my own.

In essence… I'm going to be fine.

During this period, I also met with my uncle.

I believe this was three days after Craig's Coming-of-Age Ceremony, when he brought back Selicia's Limited License for her Armament. The process was shorter than I expected.

Uncle Damon and I spoke about many things, most especially the business I've been trying to stabilize since I'm finally out of the Academy. Under Uncle Damon's stewardship, all the frameworks have been in place for a long time.

The only reason it wasn't kickstarted is simply that Uncle Damon isn't a very good businessman.

He is very intelligent, but not too gifted in the realm of trade.

That's where I come in.

As someone who led the Aditi Household for over three decades in my past life, I have ample experience in the realm of leadership and business.

With the completion of my education, I was finally able to finalize all the steps.

We'll be launching very soon.

The business should earn a considerable amount of money, even in its beginning phase. This is especially true once I factor in my First Rate Scholar Status, my connection with the Nobles—both the Low and High Nobility—and also all the relationships I made in Loria.

I also plan for the base of operations to be in Loria, at least for a few years, before we finally expand to the Merchant City of Fargos.

The competition is too tight in the Fargos, and since I'm unfamiliar with that territory as at this moment, it's best to avoid it for now. Once the business has established itself in Loria, we'll have an easier time with expansion.

As for starting funds, I already have that much with my savings and also the prize money I received from the Academy. I also received quite a few sponsorships and donations, and they haven't stopped pouring in even after returning to the Aditi Estate.

Even the gifts that some Minor Family Members brought me can be added as a foundation for my business. Thanks to these, I'm not lacking in capital.

Creating a stable business shouldn't be too hard, especially since I have knowledge of the future and can predict certain trends.

My knowledge isn't all-powerful, but with my earlier preparations and someone as competent as Uncle running logistics, we should have no major issues.

I plan to support the Aditi Household with the proceeds from my business, finally giving back to the family. Since this is one of my responsibilities as Heir, and also because I owe quite a lot to the Household for my privileges and opportunities, it's only fair I offer support.

Plus, doing this will significantly reduce the burden on my parents and allow them to actually have more time for themselves.

I truly want them to be happy—to spend their time on what they want.

I already discussed this with both of them, and we've agreed on the exact percentage of proceeds that will be funneled into the Aditi Household. As for the rest of the money, I plan to save up for a future investment.

With financial issues like these out of my mind, I won't have to worry too much about my family.

I'll be able to travel with no concerns whatsoever.

Naturally, I'll be able to access the company funds with my identification, so long as I go to any Bank in the Kingdom, but I don't intend to rely on the funds from my business during my travels.

I would like to work for my own wages.

That's part of the allure of adventure, is it not? I'm truly excited about it.

Besides all the boring stuff with work, business, and politics, I also spend a great deal of time with my siblings. Particularly, we either duel or play games together. Honestly, I wish these moments would last longer, but sadly, they won't.

Selicia will soon be leaving for the Knight Academy, since her resumption is near.

As for Craig, he'll also be leaving the Estate for his own journey.

What journey, one might ask?

Well…

Craig wants to travel and gain inspiration from all kinds of people through interactions. This is very compatible with business, so I've decided to link him up with Uncle Damon, who will be running the logistics of my business.

They'll be traveling together, which means Craig will get to meet a lot of people and broaden his horizons in his own way.

This will give him all the real-world experience that he desires and also needs.

Plus, since he'll be close to the business, he'll inevitably pick up a lot of skills and join Uncle in managing the business as well. This, alongside the connections he'll be building, will ensure he has a place in society even as a free spirit.

With Selicia training hard to become a Knight while also looking to secure a discipleship with my old Master, and Craig on his path to becoming a well-established member of society, I believe my siblings are well on their way to success.

There's nothing more I can really do for them as their big brother.

I… haven't spoken to Uncle Damon much about the Leviathan issue, but I can see that he's way too busy with work and business that he hasn't really had the time to indulge in those matters.

I don't believe I have the right to dictate what's best for someone. As I have already established, I am but a mere spectator of the path that others walk on.

I stick to my own path.

This applies to everyone—including my siblings, my parents, and also my uncle.

We are all adults with our lives to live, so we should take responsibility and seize what it is we desire. Although I think this way, that doesn't mean I won't grow concerned for family or try my best to help when I see a need to.

With my Uncle, I hope he doesn't fall back on that slippery path, especially after seeing where it leads—what it can do.

I… don't want him to turn into a monster.

In any case, seeing that my family is relatively stable and will be fine in my absence, I have grown more reassured in my decision to leave. With the decent surveillance I have on the Minor Families, I can see that they aren't up to anything significant, which means I don't have to worry about their schemes at the moment.

I know these people.

As long as they don't see an opportunity to strike, they'll be quiet.

Oh well…

Tomorrow is the day I'll be leaving the Aditi Estate. Before then, I'll be having one final spar with Selicia, and Craig has even told me he wants to join in.

I don't mind at all.

I make sure to cherish moments like these, because they are precious to me.

*********

CLANG!

Both of them charge at me from different directions, using a very similar tactic I used against Sir Jerome alongside Selicia.

With a proud smile, I charge ahead, attempting to disrupt their formation.

However—

WHOOSH!

—They alternate their style and match my pace, interchanging positions in the blink of an eye.

I see…

They're using a variation.

I didn't teach Selicia this, but she would have certainly learned it in the Knight Academy.

But what about Craig? How did he move in sync with his sister so well?

Has he practiced with her before?

That explains it.

With Selicia's hard-hitting attacks and Craig's nimble flow—like a dancer on the battlefield—they add pressure to me. In the end, I'm forced to go all-out before I'm able to subdue them.

Even then, it isn't easy.

"Haaa…" Letting out turbid air, I stare at the two with disbelief in my eyes. "The two of you make a killer combo. What the hell? I even ran out of breath."

Although I'm breathing heavily, the two of them are on the ground, their bodies basically giving out. It seems they still have to work on their stamina.

Well, they're still considerably young.

All in due time…

"You're too strong, Big Bro!" Craig yells out, almost like he expected to actually beat me.

"To think I still wasn't able to defeat you once, even with Craig's help…" Selicia sighs with a tinge of annoyance, but also sheer determination.

Look at these two.

They are actually growing by the day, and it seems they intend to catch up to me one day.

I believe it is possible, as long as they put in sufficient work.

"Oh well… I look forward to it." I shrug casually, taking my seat in the field before them. "Why don't we talk about something else? I'm leaving tomorrow, after all…"

Craig and Selicia sit up as well, excited for the conversation.

These days, they've grown quite obsessed with my stories and the conversations we have.

"Do you two not have any friends?" I had asked them one time, but they both shook their heads, which sort of makes me sad as their big brother.

Apparently, Selicia doesn't consider anyone in the Knight Academy as a friend, but sees them as rivals instead. That makes sense, considering how competitive the environment is and how she's aiming for first place.

As for Craig… he's always been an enigma of sorts.

I believe artists are usually like this.

It turns out I'm the one with the most friends among my siblings, which is actually ironic considering my age and how hardened I used to be in my past life.

"Do you have anyone you like, Selicia? Like a boy… you know?" I smile teasingly at my sister, stifling a chuckle while Craig points at Selicia with a childish laugh.

"Her? No way! Pfft!"

"S-shut up!" Selicia's face grows red like a tomato almost immediately. "Who cares? Boys are dumb anyway! They smell, and they aren't even smart at all."

"Not all boys are like that, though…"

I scratch my head, wondering where the animosity is coming from. But, with just a little bit of thought, it's easy to see why she thinks this way.

Selicia has been facing a lot of prejudice from the other students in the Academy due to being a girl, and her biggest bullies are undoubtedly boys. I don't blame her for having a negative opinion of men as a result of that experience.

Plus, she is right about the smell part.

The Knight Academy isn't particularly known for being sanitary…

"Of course, you two are exceptions! Especially you, Javi! I think you've raised my standards too high, so I can't even look at those snot-nosed brats in my Academy with any kind of spark in my eyes. They're too stupid, honestly!"

'I-I see…'

Should I be glad or worried? I think I should take the compliment.

"H-how about you, Craig? Do you have your eyes set on any girl right now? You know, when I was your age, there was this maid that caught my fancy…"

"I like boys."

Craig shrugs, his eyes closed as he blurts those words out.

I laugh.

Selicia also laughs.

I suppose we should have seen this coming.

"Well… that's fine too." I pat his head and nod. "So, is there any boy that has caught your fancy?"

"No… not yet."

Fair enough.

I suppose these two are still quite young, and romance isn't exactly that important to them.

When I was their age, though… hehe…

"How about you, Big Bro? Do you like anyone right now?" Craig's eyes flash as he stares at me curiously, a sly grin on his face.

"Yeah… maybe a Count's niece, as an example?" Selicia chuckles as she mocks me.

I sigh while considering the question deeply.

The only person closest to that description is Lady Anna, who was my favorite Professor in the Academy. But I never really explored those feelings of mine regarding her. I believe I looked up to her in a sense, while also admiring her as well.

Plus, due to my old age, I found some of her more mundane actions rather cute.

But she's a Royal, and I'm from a mere Mid-Rank Household.

Plus, considering the age difference and other social barriers that make such a thing impossible, the practicality simply made me unable to cultivate genuine feelings for her.

Now, I'm a little worried.

'Will I actually be able to fall in love in this life? I don't think I want to settle down with an old woman at this age, but it's hard to get attracted to younger people…' I sigh and shake my head, both in response to my thoughts and also to my siblings.

There's no need to be overly concerned.

I still have time…

My siblings and I have even more rounds of discourse until it grows late and we have to turn in for the night. I enjoy the best night's rest I have had in a while, and the next day arrives in the blink of an eye.

Everyone in the Estate escorts me as I board a carriage and depart with very minimal luggage.

Waving passionately… hugging my siblings farewell… kissing my parents goodbye… all of it is done with an immensely grateful heart.

Truly, I am blessed to have these people in my life.

To have this second chance at life.

And so, with these glorious thoughts constantly flowing through my mind…

… I finally set off on a brand new adventure!

*********

[Meanwhile]

Within a bright, well-furnished room, reeking of grandeur and the stench of expensive alcohol, a High Noble holds a glass cup with shaky hands and a deep frown on his face.

He clicks his tongue while swirling the crimson content of his glass with pristine delicacy.

"Javier Aditi…" A sigh leaves his lips as his eyes narrow suspiciously.

"… Just is he, really?"

[A/N: We have finally reached the final Arc of this Volume, The Kingdom Exploration, and I hope you enjoy it immensely. Thank you for reading.]

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