In the end, Lord Delta began to avoid meetings with people. When he had to meet for business, he sent subordinates, or since his son grew up, he sent his son.

As time passed, Lord Delta’s symptoms worsened to the point where he couldn’t even look in the mirror.

His face felt repulsive.

Even the children who resembled him were embarrassing to look at. It’s not that he didn’t love them or cherish them.

So, when Lord Delta grew old, covered his face with white beard, and softened the wrinkles on his harsh eyes, it was then.
Finally, the eldest son saw the second child. The child, with black hair and clear eyes just like Lord Delta in his youth, was so beautiful, as if God had specially created him with affection.

“Father, look at the child’s hair. Black hair. It’s special like father.”

Looking at the most beautiful child in the world, everyone thought of Lord Delta.

“Lord Delta, does it remind you of your youth?”
“Really. My grandson doesn’t resemble me at all.”

Lord Delta found the child extremely beautiful.

Even though he clearly showed his bloodline, this child, so beautiful as if not of this world, seemed to compensate for all the pain in his past.

Lord Delta still avoided meeting people, but he enjoyed attending parties with Belus. Belus was the most precious pride in his life.

“Yeah. Why did you come?”

“Do I need a reason to see you, grandfather?”

“Boy, watch your words!”

Lord Delta laughed heartily. Although he was not a person who laughed easily, he was always kind to Belus.

“I heard briefly earlier, but is there any problem with Bum Motors?”

“You know Bum Motors.”

“Yes. It’s the only auto company in Gracian, right?”

Belus suggested while urging Lord Delta to sit on the sofa. Lord Delta, who sat down with a satisfied smile, replied.

“Interesting issues are expected to arise at the council soon.”

Belus remained with a smiling face.

“A bill to regulate carriages is coming up suddenly.”

“Suddenly? Even though they were used perfectly well, opposing it seems likely.”

Slowly sitting down on the sofa, Belus spoke innocently.

“Hehe. Originally, it would be like that, but Bum Motors’ president has been working hard behind the scenes. It might be difficult to reach a unanimous decision, but significant opposition votes don’t seem likely.”

Lord Delta muttered while stroking his beard.

“It’s questionable how they managed to lobby considering the scale of Bum Motors……”

Belus immediately thought of someone.

‘Zen Baker!’

Certainly, he must have provided capital to Bum Motors.

“Anyway, this issue is not just because Bum Motors paid money. It’s a natural flow. Like a sturdy ship made of iron cutting through the ocean instead of one made of wood.”

“So, are you planning to invest in Bum in advance?”

“There’s nothing wrong with investing. At least, it’s much more profitable to stop investing in companies cleaning up horse manure and invest that money directly in Bum.”

Lord Delta, who was speaking seriously, quickly changed his expression.

“Belus, you don’t have to worry about such annoying things. Your father, I, and your brother will take care of it. You just have to enjoy what this old man will give you.”

“……”

Belus, who answered with a cheerful smile, brought up a different topic instead of the original purpose.

“Grandfather. There’s someone I want to invite to this year’s Britannia departure party. Is it okay?”

“Hey. What are you asking for!”
“He calls himself a bourgeois. It would be inappropriate for someone of such humble origin to attend the same party as you, grandfather.”

Belus shrugged his shoulders and spoke. Certainly, revealing one’s face at a party attended by nobility was out of the question.

However, Lord Delta wanted to grant whatever Belus desired, and this upcoming departure party was expected to be the largest in recent times.

Even if a few bourgeois were present at the party attended by foreign nobles, nobody would notice.

Furthermore, even if they did, so what? Lord Delta was not a person who relied on implicit, petty rules created for the survival of noble society.

That’s why he was in his current position.

“I’m fine with it, but it’s better not to encounter Duke Varein if possible. He’s interested in people around you, you know.”

“Should I invite him too?”

Belus asked with a frown.

“Why would you say that? Did the Duke say something to you?”

“No. I haven’t met him since returning from Astrian.”

“I see. But don’t worry about the Duke. He won’t do anything bad to you. If he has any decency, he’ll read the situation himself.”

Tutting, Lord Delta continued.

“Anyway, invite whoever you want. Since it’s my party, there’s no need to be concerned about the Duke’s reactions. The one who can’t let go now is on their side, not ours.”

Lord Delta spoke with a gentle smile. Belus also shared the same thoughts as Lord Delta.

Duke Varein can’t let go of Belus or Lord Delta. It was pitiful to see how desperately he clung to them. Belus found it distasteful and wished he could kick him away with his foot whenever he wanted.

“Well then, grandfather, I’ll go out for a bit.”

Belus stood up from his seat and spoke, surprising Lord Delta.

“Hmm? Didn’t you promise to have dinner with your brother?”

“Haha. Do you think, grandfather, that I’ll definitely come back late if I go out?”

“You’ve even gone to Astrian during a walk.”

“I absolutely won’t come back late this time. I promise.”

About to leave with a beautiful face and an ecstatic smile, Belus turned back once more.

“Oh. Grandfather, are you going to have dinner with me?”

“Isn’t it more convenient for brothers to eat together?”

“I’m much more comfortable with you, grandfather. You know that. Then I’ll be back.”

Belus confirmed Lord Delta’s satisfied smile and left the study. He found the butler.

“I’m going out. Prepare… no, first, confirm if he’s at his residence.”

“Shall I send someone? Could you please tell me the destination?”

Belus smiled cheerfully.

“Baker Mansion.”