The next morning, I decided not to waste any time. My first step was to head to the Duke's residence library, where I could begin to understand this new world.
Among the tall shelves were several important books records of the Duke's family tree, the duties and obligations of a regional ruler, and historical accounts of how this Kingdom Wilhem had been established. Although the information was not very detailed, it was enough to give me a rough idea of the Aethelgard family's position within the kingdom's power structure.
I also spent time reading books on magic theory, ranging from basic to intermediate levels. However, there was something strange. None of the books discussed advanced magic. I was certain that such valuable knowledge would not be stored carelessly. It was likely kept in a special location, or perhaps only accessible to specific individuals.
After finishing my reading, I tried to gather information from the servants about current events, both within our territory and across the kingdom. They answered my questions, but I could sense hesitation in their voices. It was clear they were filtering the truth, hiding the harsher realities so that a seven-year-old child would not have to feel anxious.
As I walked down the long corridor back to my room, I sighed softly and muttered under my breath.
"Well… what can you do? Politics and harsh realities aren't meant for children."
I understood their attitude. In their eyes, I was simply a young master who needed to be protected.
Once inside my room, I began forming a small plan. Relying solely on information from the servants was not enough. I needed to see the outside world with my own eyes—to move discreetly, train beyond the palace grounds, and understand what this society truly looked like.
From Wirtz's memories, it was clear that this boy had lived a rather closed-off life. He rarely went into the city and spent most of his time training alone in a hidden meadow, practicing magic and swinging a wooden sword.
To be honest, his swordsmanship was mediocre. I wondered why he had been so persistent in sword training when his magical abilities were far more prominent and far more deadly.
Still, after thinking it over, I decided to continue the sword training. Aside from respecting the wishes of the original owner of this body, there was also a personal reason. Back when I was still on Earth, whenever I played MMORPGs, I always chose the swordsman class.
So… there was no harm in bringing that fantasy to life in the real world this time, right?
After dinner, I headed straight for my father's study.
I knocked on the door.
"Father, it's Wirtz."
After receiving permission, I slowly opened the door.
"Excuse me, Father. I'm sorry to interrupt your work."
My father's hand paused mid-motion, the pen stopping against the paper. He raised his head and looked at me, surprise clearly visible in his eyes.
"What is it, Wirtz? It's rare for you to come see Father in his study like this."
I knew I had to answer honestly or at least, half-honestly. Father was accustomed to dealing with cunning nobles. A simple lie would never escape his notice.
"I just want to accompany Father while you work," I replied calmly, meeting his gaze. "And… I want to understand what's really happening in our region.
"Lately, when I pass by regional officials leaving this room, they all look tense. It feels like… things aren't going well."
Father froze for a moment. Perhaps he hadn't expected such words from me. According to this body's memories, Wirtz had always shown little interest in regional affairs. However, the surprise in his expression gradually faded, replaced by a faint smile tinged with pride.
"For now, it's not really time for you to concern yourself with complicated regional politics," he said gently. Then he let out a deep sigh. "But if you truly wish to know, Father can give you a brief overview of the problems we're facing."
He gestured for me to sit in the chair across from him.
"As you know, crop failures caused by monster attacks and robberies along trade routes are issues we've dealt with for years."
He paused, carefully choosing words suitable for a seven-year-old child.
"The problem is that what we once considered 'normal' has begun to show an unusual pattern. After conducting several investigations, everything points to one troubling conclusion someone is orchestrating this chaos from behind the scenes."
His voice lowered, growing more serious.
"Why do monsters always attack during harvest season? Why are bandits able to operate freely, even after Father has deployed troops to secure trade routes and farmland? These bandits aren't ordinary criminals. Their movements are organized, their commands precise, and even their fighting techniques resemble those used by trained knights."
He rubbed his temples before continuing.
"And as for the monsters… Father always requests assistance from the Adventurers' Guild. Yet the monsters that appear are consistently high-level and far from their natural habitats. It's as if someone is deliberately luring or even releasing them."
My curiosity surged. This was no coincidence. It was deliberate sabotage.
"So, Father… who's behind all of this?"
In response, Father only smiled—the gentle smile of a parent trying to protect his child's innocence.
"Uncovering the mastermind is Father's responsibility," he said softly. "Remember what I said earlier? It's not time for you to worry about such conspiracies."
I understood the boundary. Pushing further would only make him suspicious—or close the door that had just opened.
"Alright, Father. I understand," I replied obediently. "But… may I read some general documents? Reports about village repairs or bridge restoration, perhaps?"
Relieved that I didn't press the issue, Father handed me several documents. They contained reports from local officials detailing damaged infrastructure, collapsed bridges, and farmland destroyed by monster attacks.
As my eyes scanned the lines, my mind began forming a plan.
This is it.
One of the most heavily damaged villages wasn't far from the residence. Using the secret wind magic technique developed by the original Wirtz, I could reach it in about an hour without drawing attention.
Tomorrow would be the perfect opportunity to observe the outside world.
After memorizing the key details, I stood up.
"In that case, I'll return to my room, Father. Thank you for allowing me to read these."
"Alright. Good night, Wirtz," he replied. "Sleep well."
I had just closed the door to Father's study when my steps faltered.
A figure stood calmly in the hallway, as if she had been waiting for me. It was Olivia. She was no ordinary servant she was my personal maid and bodyguard, assigned specifically to protect me. Her usually expressionless face now looked noticeably sharper.
"Good evening, Young Master," she greeted, bowing gracefully.
When she straightened, her gaze remained fixed on me sharp, as though she were peering straight into my soul.
"With all due respect, may I ask you something?" she said. Her voice was calm, yet carried undeniable weight.
I kept my composure, even as my heart began to beat faster.
"What is it, Olivia?"
"Are you planning to do something about the current situation in our region?" she asked bluntly.
Before I could answer, she continued.
"I've been observing you for the past few days. It's unusual for you to show interest in matters of politics or regional administration. The Young Master I know usually prefers sword training or solitude."
I had anticipated this. Someone who stayed by my side constantly was bound to notice the sudden change in my behavior. Fortunately, I had prepared an answer one that sounded reasonable, even noble.
I met her gaze with the most mature expression I could manage.
"I think… it's time I learned about our region, Olivia," I said quietly but firmly.
"After yesterday's incident, I realized I can't keep pretending these problems aren't my responsibility. I'm the heir to this family, and I want to start contributing to the Aethelgard region's future."
Her eyes widened slightly. For a brief moment, surprise cracked her stoic expression.
Silence followed.
The pause stretched on, cold sweat beginning to form on my back.
Did I say something wrong? Was that too mature for a seven-year-old? What if she suspects something is off?
Just as my thoughts began to spiral, Olivia's expression softened. A small smile appeared on her lips.
"So that's how it is, Young Master," she said, bowing slightly deeper.
"I sincerely apologize for my impudence."
"I understand your concern," I replied. "But standing in the hallway isn't ideal."
I gestured lightly toward my room.
"Let's continue this conversation inside."