The Lord Just Wants to Have Fun

“There’s nothing I’ve been able to uncover on my end. What about you, Captain?”
“Same here. But that doesn’t mean we should let our guard down.”

Following Philip’s orders, the number of workers in the blacksmiths and workshops continued to increase.
The problem was that there was no guarantee that among them, there weren’t spies sent by powerful lords or trading companies.

To counter this, security personnel were increased at each workshop, and the key artisans were instructed to report any individuals with suspicious behavior or speech.

‘Given what happened with the Count of Palamos, we can’t afford to let our guard down.’

As rumors spread about firearms like muskets and explosive weapons such as Bigyeokjincheoro, more and more nobles were trying to get their hands on the manufacturing methods.

To prevent technology leaks, the core manufacturing techniques were only disclosed to the heads of the workshops, with additional traps set in place to safeguard them.
Still, the best approach was ensuring that not even a fraction of the technology was leaked.

“Some lords have begun recruiting mages to develop magical weapons similar to our muskets.”
“Creating magical weapons isn’t an easy feat… Speaking of which, do you think it’s possible for you to recruit a mage, my lord?”

Philip had mentioned before leaving for the royal capital that he intended to bring back a mage.
For that reason, a research lab for mages was already being constructed near the lord’s manor.

“Hah, those arrogant bastards… I’m not sure how well that’ll go.”
“It would be great if we could get someone competent.”
“Of course. If we end up with a fraud, my sword won’t forgive them.”

Carpenter instinctively gripped the hilt of his sword as he recalled the fraudster mage who had inflicted severe losses on the territory during the reign of the previous lord.

*****

A week after the funeral of Lothar III, the coronation ceremony for Karl took place.
Unlike the solemn funeral, the coronation was an extravagant affair.

Priests from the Orthodox Church attended to bless the new king’s reign, and envoys from foreign nations were present in full force.
Following the ceremony, a three-day banquet was held in celebration.

“Long live His Majesty the King!”
“May the blessings of the Twelve Great Deities be upon the new ruler of Arteria!”

Nobles from across the kingdom and their families raised their glasses, wishing for the new king’s longevity and just rule.

Dressed in dazzling attire, they fixed their gazes on the central figures of the event—Karl and the great nobles in his closest circle.
While many sought to catch the young king’s attention, Karl himself was looking for someone else.

‘Where is Baron Brandel? I’m certain I sent him an invitation…’

Scanning the hall, Karl’s eyes soon lit up in recognition.
Amidst the nobles, a man stepped forward.

Though not dressed in flamboyant clothing, his formal attire was respectable enough.
It was none other than Philip de Brandel, walking toward him.

“Your Majesty, my sincere congratulations on your ascension.”
“Thank you, Baron. I have something to discuss with you later.”

Karl winked playfully as he spoke.
Philip was momentarily puzzled by what the king wanted to talk about but withdrew for now, mindful of the many eyes on them.

Up until now, numerous nobles had offered their congratulations, but Karl had only given them perfunctory responses.
For him to request a private meeting was a privilege extended only to his closest advisors or the most influential lords.

Yet Philip was now receiving the same treatment as them.

“Is that Philip de Brandel?”
“Yes, the young lord from the west who’s been making a name for himself over the past few months.”
“Ah, the so-called ‘Blacksmith Baron’?”
“Rumor has it His Majesty is trying to bring Baron Brandel into his inner circle.”
“Hmph, back in the Royal Academy, he was practically invisible…”

Eyes filled with curiosity, admiration, and jealousy fixated on Philip.

‘Damn it. I was hoping to keep a low profile and leave quietly…’

Philip inwardly sighed as he made his way back to his attendants.

Just then, Midas, his scribe, approached with a knowing smile.

“My lord, how does it feel to be the center of attention for so many noble ladies?”
“Honestly? It’s nothing but a nuisance.”

“You shouldn’t say that! Wouldn’t this be a perfect opportunity to find a suitable lady from a distinguished family and settle down?”

Since Philip was still unmarried, many noble families with eligible daughters were taking great interest in him.

Noble families from the western region, particularly those closest in distance, were the most eager.
Beyond simply securing a stable successor for his domain, marriage would also allow Philip to form strong political alliances.

That was why Midas encouraged him, but Philip had different thoughts.

“The political climate isn’t great right now. I don’t want to get entangled with the wrong family.”
“Do you dislike political marriages, my lord? Or is it marriage itself that you find troublesome?”
“Both.”

Philip was twenty years old—a perfectly suitable age for marriage in this world.
However, having been a Korean man in his past life, he had no intention of marrying early.

‘Those girls, covered in thick layers of makeup… At best, they’re in their mid-teens. No thanks, I’d rather not get arrested.’

Philip had no desire to trigger any ‘child protection laws’ (?).

But his blunt response unexpectedly led one person to misunderstand him completely.

‘Wait… could it be that he has a peculiar preference?’

Liberta began to doubt Philip’s sexual orientation.
After all, there were men who preferred the company of other men rather than women.

This wasn’t just a human thing—even gods had such preferences.
In ancient times, when interactions between the celestial realm and the mortal world were more frequent, there had been instances where some gods abducted beautiful boys to keep as attendants.

‘Well, at least he’s not flirting with me, which is nice… but somehow, I still feel uneasy about this.’

The Goddess of Water, Arkina, was renowned for her beauty, even among the gods of the celestial realm.
And the body Liberta was currently inhabiting wasn’t lacking in beauty either.

If she weren’t wearing her apprentice priestess robes and instead dressed in an elaborate noble lady’s gown with proper makeup, she would undoubtedly attract attention.

Yet Philip never showed any signs of being interested in her.

‘Is his taste really that unusual? Or is he just hiding it?’

If she could use her divine abilities properly, she could confirm it in an instant.
But in her current state, that wasn’t possible.

‘He really is a strange man.’

And just like Liberta was puzzled by Philip, he was equally suspicious of her.

Her curiosity about noble banquets and her eagerness to tag along today made her seem like nothing more than an inquisitive young girl.

However, her way of speaking, her occasional mature insights, and the oddly wise demeanor she displayed at times made her seem more like an old woman rather than a girl.

‘Is it really because she’s a Saintess?’

If she were truly a Saintess, she should have gone straight to the Church, announced her existence, and basked in their reverence.
Yet for some reason, she was wandering aimlessly and causing trouble instead.

If they hadn’t shared a major secret, Philip would have driven her away long ago.

‘If only I could figure out what she really is.’

Letting out an internal sigh, Philip suddenly locked eyes with someone across the hall.

The man had also spotted Philip and approached with a delighted expression.

“Baron Brandel, it’s good to see you!”

“Ah, Master Delpharos, what brings you here?”

“If business is to prosper, one must stay on the good side of the new king, don’t you agree? Besides, I came to establish a branch in the royal capital.”

The speaker was Delpharos, the head of the Callisto Trading Company.
Currently, he was also a co-chairman of the newly established Mercury Trading Company alongside Philip.

“We plan to open Mercury Trading Company branches in major cities across the Arteria Kingdom, starting with Aras, the royal capital. By the way, I heard you organized a marketplace event here?”

“That’s right. Mercury Trading Company received quite a number of orders.”

“Hahaha! You’re already making such a profit? Partnering with you was indeed an excellent decision!”

Now that Delpharos considered Philip a full-fledged ally, his tone had become noticeably warmer than before.

But as he smiled, his eyes suddenly widened in surprise upon noticing Liberta, who stood behind Philip.

“Wait… why is the young lady here?”

Philip frowned slightly.

“Huh? You know Miss Liberta?”

“Of course. I met her just two months ago.”

Delpharos then revealed detailed information about Liberta.

She was the eldest daughter of Count Este, the great lord of the Duchy of Bardia.
And not only that—she had supposedly drowned to death before mysteriously coming back to life and running away from home.

“Sigh, even now, Count Este’s men are frantically searching for her.”

Philip turned to Liberta, a look of fascination on his face.

‘Wait… she was resurrected? What is she, Jesus?’

At that moment, a voice echoed in his mind.

Philip, initially bewildered, nodded in understanding at Mau’s words.

This world was different from Earth.
The heavenly realm existed, and gods and angels actively influenced the mortal world.

“But why did you run away?”

“Personal reasons.”

Liberta gave a vague response, prompting Delpharos to sigh and elaborate.

“The young lady does not get along with her stepmother. That is likely the reason.”

“I see. That makes sense.”

Philip could already guess the rest.

Her stepmother was probably responsible for her death.

Sensing her life in danger, she fled the continent and began wandering.

Whatever incident had occurred at the Temple of Water, it was likely a task given by the god who saved her.

“Liberta, your father is searching for you. Won’t you return?”

“Right. If the problem is your stepmother, couldn’t you just ask him to expel her?”

Helen and Siria, having overheard, tried to convince her.

But Liberta shook her head.

“That’s not the only reason I left.”

As she spoke, her gaze shifted to Delpharos.

“Merchant, keep my whereabouts a secret from my father.”

“But, young lady—”

“I’m asking you.”

Though she phrased it as a request, it was essentially an order.

Delpharos felt an overwhelming pressure from her—far more than he had sensed when he last saw her.

Something about her had changed dramatically, making it impossible for him to refuse.

“Trust me. When the time is right, I’ll go to him and explain everything.”

“I… understand.”

Philip silently observed Delpharos, who was uncharacteristically flustered before Liberta.

Just then, a messenger arrived.

“Baron, His Majesty has summoned you.”

Philip recalled Karl’s earlier words about meeting privately.

Leaving his companions behind, he followed the messenger, Cavaney, toward the king’s chambers.

As he walked toward the lounge where the king was waiting, he encountered an elderly nobleman.

The man had just finished his audience with the king.

Despite his small stature, he radiated intimidating intensity and presence.

Philip immediately recognized him—he had already heard about this man from Midas.

“It is an honor to meet you, Marquis Marteze.”

“Hmm. So you’re Baron Brandel.”

The most powerful Great Lord of the West, nicknamed the Little Giant, scrutinized Philip carefully.

Given the new king’s clear interest in this rising star, his curiosity was natural.

Would this young baron become a loyal vassal, or would he grow arrogant with royal favor?

As Karl’s self-proclaimed guardian, the marquis intended to keep a close eye on him.

“His Majesty is waiting. Go on.”

“Understood. Please excuse me.”

Philip left the sharp-eyed Marquis Marteze behind and stepped forward.

‘He gives off the same oppressive aura as my high school principal.’

Moments later, he reached the door of the lounge.

Cavaney bowed and announced:

“Your Majesty, I have brought Baron Brandel.”

“Let him in.”