A Mastermind? No, I'm just the Live-In Son-in-Law-Chapter 3: Planning Begins

Which is why, despite her better judgment, Sasha mustered the courage to ask her unusually grim-looking master.

“Did... something happen during the tea party?”

“...Ah.”

And then immediately regretted it.

“So you saw it.”

“Eek!”

He had turned from the window to meet her eyes with a smile so cold it sent a chill down her spine.

“That could be a little... problematic.”

“I-I didn’t mean anything by it...”

“You know something like that could put you in danger, right?”

Curiosity killed the cat.

That was the very first thing she’d been told when she was assigned as Whitney’s maid: don’t get involved in his schemes.

“I-I’m sorry! I crossed a line!”

“...Huh?”

“I won’t say a word about what happened today! Even if someone tries to cut out my eyes and tongue, I’ll never talk!”

She had just realized that she’d walked straight into the lion’s den, and now she was practically begging for her life.

Whitney, on the other hand, remained calm.

“No need to react that dramatically.”

Scratching his head, he narrowed his already half-closed eyes even further.

“You’ll probably be forgotten in a few days anyway.”

He said it so casually, like erasing a maid from existence was no big deal.

“I-I still have a mother and little brother to support...”

“...So be more careful next time, alright?”

That death sentence of a comment had brought Sasha to the verge of tears, but it seemed Whitney was willing to give her one more chance.

“I-I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything! If something like this ever happens again, I’ll just keep my head down and stay quiet!”

“...Ah.”

“That’ll be best. For your own good.”

The sudden tension in her body melted away—but not even long enough for relief.

Like a machine, Sasha stiffened and shouted out her response.

“Y-Yes, sir!”

“Haha. You really don’t have to be that tense.”

She’d taken this job because the pay was multiple times higher than average.

But now she was realizing the catch: she’d walked straight into a nightmare.

Too late for regrets now.

***

‘Next time something like this happens, I’ll just go alone...’

He’d almost gotten his poor, innocent maid dragged into a bloody mess.

Thank God Sasha didn’t stand out much.

If she had been even slightly more memorable, Merdia might’ve had her executed just for loitering at the front gate.

Now that he had decided to team up with Merdia, this kind of thing was bound to keep happening—he’d have to make sure others didn’t get caught in the crossfire.

‘It really didn’t have to get this messy...’

If that servant hadn’t died during the tea party, he wouldn’t be worrying about this now.

Even if the timeline had deviated from the original, it was still within the realm of possibility.

But what he couldn’t understand was the black mage’s final behavior.

If he wanted to beg for his life, he should’ve begged Merdia.

Why had he reached for him instead?

Was he trying to drag Whitney down with him?

‘Or maybe... there’s something hidden in this weird white magic of mine?’

There wasn’t much about the original game that Whitney didn’t know—

Except, ironically, about his own character, Whitney Lingarden.

Especially when it came to the strange form of white magic he wielded.

Everything about it contradicted what normal white magic should be.

The fact that such a small amount had caused black magic to spiral out of control during that brief experiment...

He really needed to set some time aside to study it.

– Screeech...

“We’ve arrived, sir.”

Lost in thought, he didn’t even realize how much time had passed until the carriage slowed and familiar scenery came into view.

“I-I’ll get the door!”

“Oh, you don’t have to—”

“Please, this way!”

Sasha, visibly trying to redeem herself, practically jumped to open the carriage door and bowed deeply.

It wasn’t necessary, but Whitney couldn’t help but smile.

Apparently, the girl had several family members to support at a young age, and with the generous pay at this job, it made sense she wanted to make a good impression.

He already planned to take care of her, but seeing someone give their all was admirable—so long as she didn’t burn herself out.

“...Hm?”

But as Sasha bent down to help him, she suddenly looked up, and her expression froze.

Wondering what had caught her off guard, Whitney followed her gaze—

“Onii-sama.”

“Ah... my little Cecily.”

His adorable, irreplaceable younger sister stood waiting for him with folded arms.

Top of her class at the Imperial Academy.

The youngest silver-ranked knight apprentice.

She didn’t have talent for white magic, but unlike Whitney, she was a brilliant mage recognized even by the Archmage himself.

She was constantly summoned from place to place, so their time together had always been limited—

But Whitney had always been proud of her. She was his most precious family.

“...What did you do to Father?”

“...Huh?”

Just as he was about to greet her warmly, her trembling voice cut him off.

What was she talking about?

Why would she suddenly bring up Father?

“...What do you mean, Cecily? He’s on a trip, remember?”

“A trip? What kind of trip lasts over a year?”

Ah. That was it.

She was worried about their father’s long absence.

So kind, this sister of his...

“...I’ve heard the rumors. So just say it. Tell me where Father really is.”

“Ah... that’s a bit tricky.”

Unfortunately, their father’s whereabouts were top secret.

By the Emperor’s direct command, he was carrying out a classified mission.

Whitney only knew this because of a small mention in the game’s lore—he wouldn’t have had any clue if not for his memories.

So while he couldn’t spill the truth, he could ease her fears.

That was his responsibility as an older brother.

“Haha... Cecily.”

“...What?”

Gently placing his hand on her shoulder, Whitney softened his voice.

“Father is in a good place right now.”

“...What?”

“There’s no need to worry. Everything will be resolved by the time you graduate from the academy.”

By the time I’m sold off to the Duke’s family as their son-in-law, Father will have completed his mission and returned. Naturally, the one to inherit the household after him will be my talented little sister.

“I’ll handle the messy family affairs in Father’s place from now on.”

“...Nngh...”

“So all you need to do is focus on your studies. Alright?”

She was already busy enough, constantly being summoned here and there. It would be unforgivable for me, as her older brother, to burden her with family matters too. Until the day Cecily subtly takes over the family, I’ll lay all the groundwork myself.

“...Such a good girl.”

Smiling softly, I bowed my head a little more and gently gave her a warm smile.

“......”

She stared at me blankly for a while before finally lowering her head, her hands clenched tightly. Maybe she understood.

“I-Is there any... chance for me too?”

“Hm?”

Just as I was tenderly patting my sweet little sister’s head, Sasha suddenly piped up from the side in a nervous, barely audible voice.

Why...?

“Ahem, Young Master....”

Before I could even ponder what she meant, a familiar voice echoed from not far away—one I knew almost as well as Cecily’s.

“I’ve told you countless times, haven’t I? Please stop making those cryptic expressions and saying ominous things in that tone.”

It was Alfred, the head butler of the estate, and my one and only conversation partner.

He walked toward us with deep sighs.

“People misunderstand, you know.”

“Misunderstand what?”

“...Forget it. Let’s not even start.”

***

“Hm.”

I wanted to talk more with Cecily since it had been a while, but Alfred promptly dragged me into the estate’s study, and soon I found myself buried under a mountain of paperwork.

“Ah, the moonlight is beautiful tonight....”

“...Ahem.”

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

It was only when night fell and I’d finally finished the day’s work that I leaned back and admired the moon through the window.

Of course, Alfred was there to ruin the moment with his signature cough.

“Please refrain from making those kinds of faces while muttering to yourself without context.”

“...Why?”

“Because... Never mind. Explaining would be considered blasphemy.”

Alfred was always reliable, but occasionally, he’d say the strangest things.

I’d been dealing with it since I was a kid. By now, I was used to it.

“Anyway, now that work’s done, there’s something I need to discuss with you, Young Master.”

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“What is it?”

Alfred had been working at the estate for an incredibly long time.

By normal standards, he should’ve retired ages ago.

“I’m retiring this year.”

“...Ah.”

He paused, checking my reaction before continuing.

“Though I say this year... it’ll likely be in just a few months.”

I had been thinking that very thing—he’d retire soon—but hearing it out loud made it hit harder.

The family was already in a precarious state. If Alfred left now, what would I do?

“Trying to convince me otherwise is pointless. It’s already been agreed upon with the Count.”

“...I see.”

“I’ve been serving for forty years now. It’s time I finally get some rest.”

Part of me wanted to beg him to stay, but seeing his white hair, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“I plan to settle somewhere quiet, maybe start a little farm. So...”

“...You’ve done more than enough, Alfred.”

So instead, I chose to offer him my blessing.

“Take a well-deserved rest now.”

“...Hoh.”

That was a heartfelt farewell—but for some reason, Alfred flinched.

“...So you’re finally showing your true colors.”

“...What?”

“Ahem... Never mind. Forget I said anything.”

Oh dear. Even Alfred—once so unshakable—was starting to show signs of aging.

After seeing even him falter, I felt there really was no way I could keep him around.

“Even if I’m retiring soon, I still have duties to finish. For example, the secret task the Count left me....”

“...Wait, Father gave you a secret order? That’s news to me.”

Trying to hide my disappointment, I tilted my head at this unfamiliar development.

“...My apologies. I assumed you already knew.”

“So, what was it?”

“It concerns your engagement, Young Master.”

My engagement?

That was something Father had pushed for very publicly—why would he give Alfred a secret order about it?

“According to what I’ve gathered, the key to stabilizing your white magic might lie within House Embergreen.”

“...Really?”

“Yes. In fact, the reason the Count rushed the engagement before disappearing was most likely because of that.”

I had worried that Alfred was starting to lose his edge, but no—it seemed he was still sharp.

It made sense.

Father, one of the Empire’s last white mages, accepted a dangerous imperial mission without hesitation.

He likely agreed only because he had arranged for my engagement with Merdia—thus securing the Emperor’s support and favor.

But I hadn’t expected part of it to be for my sake.

I was genuinely touched.

“To be honest, Young Master, half of your bad reputation comes from that scheming smile you always wear. If we could fix just that...”

“...I’m sorry, what was that last part?”

“...Mm. Never mind that.”

Just as I was getting sentimental, Alfred managed to ruin the moment with another offhand remark.

Still, I sighed, deciding to forgive him.

But then, he looked at me with a serious expression.

“This is just a personal observation, Young Master... something I’ve wanted to say.”

“Speak freely.”

“...Once I’m gone, I doubt anyone will truly understand you.”

Okay, maybe I shouldn’t have told him to speak freely.

“I’ve watched over you since the day you were born. I know better than anyone that you have a deeply kind heart.”

“...You think so?”

“Indeed. There’s no one else in the Empire who could command someone like me, Alfred.”

I almost felt touched—until he added:

“Though, I do still get suspicious every time I see that shady smile of yours.”

Well. That was a rollercoaster.

“Anyway, the important thing is... it’ll take a long time for others to realize the truth about you.”

He was right.

Even the servants in the estate still seemed wary of me.

But lately, I’d been practicing how to smile properly in private.

Maybe if I showed more of that side of myself, they’d open up.

“Which is why, from now on, you mustn’t wait around for people to see your true self. You must take the initiative to earn their trust.”

“...Mm.”

His words cut through my complacency.

“No matter what happens, you must gain loyal allies—people who will support you without question and truly understand you.”

So... I had to go out and recruit my own people now.

I’d already been thinking the same ever since regaining my past-life memories.

After all, Blacktail Fantasy 3 was a game where your party composition was just as important as the protagonist’s power.

And while I wasn’t the protagonist this time, having joined forces with Merdia, the difficulty level was probably even higher.

The first thing I needed was a bodyguard.

To survive the chaos ahead, I needed someone trustworthy, capable, and willing to protect me at all costs.

“I’ve already compiled a list of candidates. They’re sorted by role—if you choose from this group...”

“No need.”

Recalling a certain memory, I smiled confidently and waved him off.

“I already know the perfect candidate.”

“...Oh? They weren’t on my list?”

I trust Alfred’s judgment, but I have an advantage—

I remember the game’s most broken character, one who caused a stir on the forums when first discovered.

A ridiculously overpowered recruitable ally, available shockingly early in the game.

“I think I’ll take a trip to Noe Market tomorrow.”

“...So this old man’s finally succumbed to temptation.”

And yes—I was the one who discovered her first.