Repeat Vice – The Villainous Noble Doesn’t Want to Die, So He Swore to Not Die As One of The Four Heavenly Kings Volume 4 Chapter 2

 Chapter 02: Branch

The cries of seagulls echo through the sky. A cloudless horizon stretches endlessly. Countless merchant ships line the harbor.

Rofus had come to visit a port town.

“This port town... what was its name again...?”

“Viper Port, Master,” Carlos, standing deferentially behind him, replied to Rofus’s murmur.

“Snake Port? A distasteful name. Hardly fitting for a harbor destined to prosper in the future,”

Rofus said, furrowing his brow.

This was once a port town governed by Clinton Fau Serpente. The snake was the symbol of the Serpente family. Whether Clinton had conveniently renamed it or it was mere coincidence, Rofus pondered this while gazing at the sea from the breakwater when a well-dressed man approached.

“Pardon me, but your attire... could you possibly be Lightless-sama?”

The man had neatly parted, dark brown hair and wore a cream-colored suit, exuding refinement. Addressed so suddenly, Rofus glared at him with displeasure, and Carlos stepped forward as if to intervene.

“Approach no closer,”

Carlos warned.

Unfazed, the man stepped back obediently and bowed gracefully.

“My apologies. I am Mild, a director of the Lightless Domain Commerce Guild. Thank you sincerely for coming today.”

The man—Mild—bowed deeply. Hearing his name, Rofus’s eyebrow twitched.

“Mild... so you’re the one. The impudent fool who summoned me to such a place. I wondered what kind of face this idiot would have.”

“I beg your forgiveness, Lightless-sama.”

Intimidated by Rofus’s imposing gaze, Mild prostrated himself, pressing his forehead to the ground. The reason Rofus had come to this port town, to this very breakwater, was a summons from the Commerce Guild. Mild was the sender of the letter addressed to Rofus, a director of the Lightless Domain’s Commerce Guild.

In essence, Mild stood at the pinnacle of commerce not only in this port town but across the vast Lightless Domain. However, no matter one’s status, a commoner summoning a noble was unthinkable. Rofus had no obligation to respond, but the Commerce Guild had matters to discuss regarding the [Demonic Sea], and since Rofus had business there as well, he had come as a mere detour.

Still, the fact of being summoned remained, leaving Rofus in an exceptionally foul mood. Moreover, the meeting place was this breakwater. Proper etiquette demanded a welcome at the town’s entrance, an invitation to a manor, and lavish hospitality. To make a noble wait in a place exposed to the sea breeze without so much as a greeting party was an offense worthy of immediate execution. Carlos’s gaze upon Mild was equally severe.

“Well? I’m waiting for your explanation,” Rofus demanded, his tone oppressive as he loomed over the prostrate Mild.

Mild, still pressing his forehead to the ground, replied, “It seems a subordinate made an error in communication... that subordinate will be dealt with immediately.”

“A subordinate’s error, you say? So, because of your incompetent underling, I was left waiting here?”

“Indeed. If you wish, I can bring that subordinate before you at once.”

“Haa?” A vein pulsed on Rofus’s forehead. The dense magical aura emanating from him bore down on Mild with crushing force.

“…Tch!” Mild broke into a cold sweat, his face paling.

Unable to stand by, Carlos intervened. “Please, wait. This man is a director of the Lightless Domain Commerce Guild. Disposing of him here could cause complications.”

Carlos whispered this to Rofus, who clicked his tongue and quelled his magical aura. Released from the oppressive weight, Mild let out a sigh of relief. But Rofus seized him by the collar and yanked him up.

“!?”

Startled, Mild was forcibly pulled close by Rofus’s strength.

“A subordinate’s failure is your responsibility as the one who gave the orders. Deal with it yourself. Don’t foist your pathetic cleanup on me,” Rofus growled.

“Y-Yes…” Mild’s face twitched under Rofus’s menacing glare.

“And don’t test a noble, you commoner filth. There won’t be a next time.”

With that, Rofus shoved Mild away roughly. Carlos tilted his head at Rofus’s words, puzzled. Mild, however, calmly adjusted his disheveled clothes and shrugged.

“…My, what a fearsome gentleman. When did you realize?”

“A fool who makes such a blunder could never rise to the top of commerce,” Rofus retorted.

Misjudging etiquette with a noble could mean death. Merchants, especially those of significant scale, frequently dealt with nobles. No one lacking such basic knowledge could become a director of the Commerce Guild. Rofus recalled a grotesquely obese director from a northern Commerce Guild who had grown arrogant from excessive ties with nobles and dared to send complaints to foreign lords.

“Indeed, that makes sense,” Mild said, smiling as if convinced. He ran both hands through his neatly parted hair, slicking it back in one smooth motion. His eyes, now sharp and predatory, fixed on Rofus—a merchant’s gaze, cunning and voracious.

“Allow me to apologize once more for my rudeness, Rofus Ray Lightless-sama. It seems we can have a proper conversation.”

At Mild’s brazen words, Carlos’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword, his eyes narrowing. But Rofus raised a hand to stop him.

“There was a reason I called you to this breakwater. I wanted you to see this.”

Mild smiled and snapped his fingers toward the sea, producing a crisp sound. Moments later, the sea’s surface swelled, and something massive emerged from its depths.

Rising with a surge of seawater was a large ship without sails. Rofus, who hadn’t sensed its magical presence until it appeared, widened his eyes slightly. With the ship at his back, Mild spread his arms wide.

“A rare vessel capable of submerging underwater—the submarine [Poseidon]!”

The rounded, black-painted hull reminded Rofus faintly of the airship [Ifrit].

“…An ancient relic?” Rofus muttered.

Mild clapped his hands and smiled at the question. “As expected, your insight is sharp. To be precise, it’s a replica of an ancient relic. Our guild poured all its technology into recreating it.”

“…Hoh,” Rofus said, gazing at the submarine with interest.

Replicating ancient technology was considered impossible with modern techniques. Likely, they had analyzed excavated relics and adapted their technology to recreate it as closely as possible. Rofus recalled that even the kingdom’s research into ancient technology and scripts had made little progress. Then, he remembered an organization dedicated to such studies.

“The technology’s source… is it the [Treasure Guild]?” Rofus asked.

Mild froze at the words. “…Rofus-sama, you’re well-versed in clandestine matters. The [Treasure Guild] is an unofficial organization, not widely known.”

“I’ve recently had dealings with some relic-hunting types,” Rofus replied.

“You have quite the network. I’m impressed. I spoke of our guild’s technology, but to be accurate, the [Treasure Guild] provided the ancient technology, while our guild supplied materials and shipbuilding expertise. I’m no match for you, Rofus-sama.”

“Enough flattery. Is your goal funding?” Rofus asked, cutting through the preamble.

His question implied: After testing me, the heir of the Lightless Marquisate, and showing off this submarine, is your aim to extort funding? Mild instantly grasped the meaning and shrugged, placing a finger to his lips.

“Rofus-sama, you’re a bit too hasty. I’ve arranged a meeting shortly, so let’s discuss details there.”

A gangway extended from the submarine to the breakwater, and its hatch opened. Mild bowed elegantly.

“Please, step inside. Allow me to invite you to an elegant underwater stroll.”

Mild smiled, but Carlos glared at him sharply. “Your insolence knows no bounds! Who do you think this—”

“Master!?” Carlos’s angry shout was cut off as Rofus strode past him, crossing the gangway toward the submarine.

Rofus glanced back at Carlos with a bored expression. “What’s that, Carlos? You’re not coming?”

“This unknown vessel could be dangerous, Master!” Carlos protested.

“Dangerous? What’s that now? It’s more practical than flying in the sky,” Rofus scoffed.

“Well… that may be true, but…” Carlos faltered.

Ignoring Carlos’s hesitation, Rofus gestured to Mild. “Oi. Hurry up and lead the way.”

“Yes, right this way,” Mild replied, guiding him with deference.

Rofus entered the submarine, leaving Carlos behind. “M-Master! Wait!” Carlos, left alone, hurriedly chased after him.

***

Inside the submarine [Poseidon], Rofus and Carlos were led to a grand hall with glass walls. The ceiling and walls, reinforced with pressure-resistant spells, offered a panoramic view of the underwater world. At the center of the hall stood a round table, where Commerce Guild executives were seated.

Among them was an executive who had previously visited Rofus’s manor. At Mild’s prompting, Rofus took a seat at the table, with Mild sitting across from him.

“Carlos-sama, please, take a seat as well,” a staff member offered, bringing an extra chair.

Carlos declined politely and stood behind Rofus. Once the table was filled, Mild spoke with a smile.

“Now that everyone is here, let us begin the regular meeting. Today, we are honored to have Rofus Rei Lightless-sama with us.”

At Mild’s words, the executives’ gazes turned to Rofus.

“Thank you for coming.”

“It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“What refined features!”

Each offered their greetings, but Rofus ignored them, fixing his eyes on Mild. “Mild, what happened to the elegant underwater stroll? How am I to enjoy it while staring at the faces of greedy merchants?”

The merchants laughed at Rofus’s remark, while Mild gave a wry smile. “Please forgive us; we’ll make time for that later. And since I’m one of those greedy merchants, it’s a bit late for that, isn’t it?”

“True enough,” Rofus sighed.

Mild narrowed his eyes and smiled.

“By the way, Rofus-sama, have you had lunch?”

“No. Come to think of it, I haven’t even had breakfast.”

“Perfect timing, then. Today’s meeting was planned as a dining session. Since you haven’t eaten breakfast, let’s make it a combined meal.”

Mild snapped his fingers sharply, and servers appeared, setting dishes on the table—primarily fresh seafood, likely caught from the nearby waters. In consideration of Rofus’s youth, the drink served was grape juice rather than wine. Though he didn’t show it, Rofus, who secretly enjoyed seafood, was pleased.

“Hoh. Quite considerate,” Rofus remarked.

“Thanks to you, Rofus-sama, our fish yields have increased significantly. Incidentally, the grape juice is made from Lightless Domain produce. We’ve heard of your efforts in the [Demonic Sea]. Rumor has it you’ve tamed the legendary [Ship Eater].”

Mild narrowed his eyes, and Rofus’s lips curled upward. “Enough idle talk. Knowing you, you’ve already guessed my concerns.”

“…Poverty alleviation, correct? Clinton-sama was a valued client, but our guild finds it regrettable,” Mild replied.

“As expected, you’re quick to understand,” Rofus said.

Mild and Rofus shared a laugh, haha. The rapid shift in topics and the seemingly disjointed conversation left Carlos and the other merchants frowning in confusion.

“Uh, what exactly are we talking about…?” one merchant ventured.

Mild raised a finger to his lips. “Rofus-sama and I are speaking. Whether you can keep up or not is of no concern to me. For now, remain silent and wait. Your turn to speak will come later.”

The merchants, cowed by Mild’s cold glare, fell silent. Mild cleared his throat lightly and turned back to Rofus. “My apologies for the unsightly display.”

Rofus waved it off, unconcerned.

“More importantly, about poverty alleviation. Personally, I believe the only solution is to open new markets.”

“Indeed, temporary tax exemptions alone won’t revive a struggling economy. In that case, specialty products would be ideal. The Lightless Domain has ample farmland. Why not expand the vineyards?” Mild suggested, glancing at the grape juice in his glass.

Rofus nodded. “True, grapes are a Lightless specialty. Hiring workers and branding it to expand the business could work. Grapes could also lead to winemaking or beekeeping.”

“No need to rush. Focus on stabilizing the vineyards first, then expand. Your insight is remarkable, as expected. If needed, I can arrange technicians. I have connections with vineyard managers,” Mild offered.

“Then I’ll leave it to you. I’ll supply all the goods to your guild,” Rofus said.

“Truly splendid!” Mild exclaimed.

Words flew across the table, their implications lost on the other merchants. In just a few exchanges, a plan to address poverty in parts of the Lightless Domain had nearly been finalized, but the merchants remained oblivious.

“Now, about the [Demonic Sea],” Rofus continued.

“Yes, securing trade routes comes first,” Mild replied.

At the mention of the [Demonic Sea], Carlos interjected urgently. “The [Demonic Sea], you say?”

“What’s the matter?” Rofus asked, glancing at him sharply.

Carlos lowered his eyes. “Actually, we’ve already formed an expedition team to explore the [Demonic Sea].”

Rofus narrowed his eyes curiously. “Father’s orders?”

“No, I prepared it in advance, anticipating the need. Would you like to see the roster?”

“Ever efficient, as always. No need for the roster. A list of names I don’t know is useless. If you selected them, that’s enough,” Rofus said, shrugging.

Carlos sighed in relief. Mild raised a hand. “In that case, I’d like to send one of our guild’s members to join the expedition.”

“…For what purpose?” Carlos asked, frowning.

“To ensure the optimal trade route is secured. We have someone well-versed in maritime trade,” Mild explained.

“That’s not so simple. The [Demonic Sea] is uncharted. We don’t know what dangers lie there,” Carlos countered.

Mild smiled. “I swear we’ll send someone who won’t be a burden. If they cause trouble or become a hindrance, you may cast them into the sea.”

Carlos faltered at Mild’s outrageous statement. “Well, but…”

“Let it be, Carlos,” Rofus said, turning a belligerent gaze on Mild. “This maritime trade expert—will they be useful?”

“I guarantee they’ll prove invaluable to the expedition,” Mild assured, bowing.

“Then it’s settled. Let them join,” Rofus said, grinning.

Though Rofus seemed to have taken a liking to Mild, Carlos, as his aide, raised his voice in protest. “Master…!”

Rofus’s grin didn’t waver. “However, if they disrupt the group or prove useless, you will personally behead them and present their head to me.”

The merchants froze at Rofus’s chilling words.

“Or perhaps, as Mild suggested, we toss them into the sea as shark bait? A fool devoured by sharks would be quite the spectacle, wouldn’t it, Mild?” Rofus glared at him.

“That’s… acceptable, isn’t it? If they’re useless, cast them into the sea, as you proposed.”

“Of course,” Mild replied, his smile strained.

Mild had no intention of sending an incompetent, but Rofus’s warning was clear: Don’t send anyone who might cause trouble, no matter how skilled. This ensured the expedition wouldn’t be undermined by the guild’s influence. Any attempt to do so would incur Rofus’s wrath. Mild shrugged, acknowledging he couldn’t outmaneuver Rofus so easily.

The meal with the Commerce Guild proceeded smoothly. Carlos, watching Rofus negotiate fearlessly with the merchants, sometimes toying with them, saw echoes of a younger Rudens in him. Though saying so would sour Rofus’s mood, Carlos couldn’t help but think Rofus took after his father.

However, Carlos was concerned about the growing number of women around Rofus lately. Unlike most nobles who took multiple wives, Rudens had been devoted solely to Rofus’s mother, his only wife—a rarity among nobility.

“Perhaps he takes after Linus-sama in that regard…” Carlos muttered, recalling the previous lord, whose womanizing had contrasted sharply with Rudens’s fidelity. His quiet words went unheard amid the heated discussion.

***

The meeting concluded, and the submarine surfaced.

After the meeting, Rofus had briefly admired the underwater scenery, but his curt “I’m bored” prompted the submarine to surface. On the deck stood Rofus, Carlos, and Mild. Rofus eyed the submarine’s hull critically.

“A «Mana Suppression» spell, huh?”

“As expected, Rofus-sama, you noticed,” Mild said.

It was the same concealment spell used on the airship [Ifrit]. Rofus hadn’t sensed the submarine’s presence because its hull was inscribed with a «Mana Suppression» spell, allowing it to evade his magical detection. However, to Rofus’s discerning eye, the spell’s structure was somewhat crude. With focus, he could easily detect it.

“No [Invisibility] spell?” Rofus asked.

Mild blinked in surprise. “…I’m astonished. You know the original’s functions? Unfortunately, we couldn’t replicate that due to technical limitations.”

“You called it a replica, but it’s more like a shoddy copy,” Rofus remarked.

“Haha, that stings,” Mild said, laughing wryly.

Replicating a submersible ship was impressive enough, but Rofus, familiar with the airship [Ifrit] of the [Scarlet Wind], held it to a higher standard. Still, despite his harsh words, Rofus recognized its true value.

“Can it be mass-produced?” he asked.

Mild’s eyes widened. “W-Well… building even one was exorbitantly expensive, so mass production is…”

He stopped, realizing his response was inadequate, and cleared his throat. “My apologies. To be clear, mass production is possible, but we lack the infrastructure.”

“What’s needed?” Rofus pressed.

“Funds and materials,” Mild replied.

“Hm…” Rofus stroked his chin, then looked at Mild. “I’ll discuss funding with Father.”

“That’s… most generous,” Mild said.

“But this submarine is a bit lacking. Build another, closer to the original.”

“Something even better…?” Mild’s face twitched.

Rofus grinned. “I’ll fund the construction of that one. Disassemble this ship to rebuild it or make a new one—your choice.”

Rofus mentally calculated the tribute funds left by Clinton.

“We’ll consider it,” Mild said.

“If you produce something impressive, I’ll fund it myself, even if Father doesn’t. Prove it with results.”

“Haha… I’m no match for you, Rofus-sama. Building another will take time.”

“No matter. If needed, I’ll provide magical support.”

“Understood,” Mild replied, bowing elegantly.

“…By the way, Rofus-sama, may I ask your purpose for coming here?” Mild tilted his head.

The submarine [Poseidon] was now far from Viper Port’s waters, near the [Demonic Sea], following Rofus’s instructions. Rofus gazed lazily at the sea.

“Oh. The now-empty [Demonic Sea] needs a guard dog.”

Rofus’s shadow stretched across the water’s surface. From it, a massive tentacle, large enough to pierce the heavens, burst through the sea, sending waves crashing. A demonic, malevolent roar from [Strarf] echoed, shaking the submarine. Mild, stunned by the colossal kraken’s appearance, collapsed to the deck.

“C-Could this be the legendary [Ship Eater]…?” he stammered.

“I kept it hidden in my shadow, but it’s needlessly huge and hard to handle. It’s somewhat useful… but it’ll do as a guard dog,” Rofus said.

Mild trembled at the sight of [Strarf]’s writhing, dark form. “So, you truly subdued and tamed it… Not that I doubted you, of course.”

As an afterthought, Rofus released a sea dragon from his shadow. “I’ve added an assistant. Now, no one passes the [Demonic Sea] without my permission.”

“You can control magical beasts, Rofus-sama?” Mild asked hesitantly.

“…Something like that,” Rofus nodded.

Strictly speaking, he had bound them as familiars, but the distinction was minor. The result was the same.

“Magnificent…” Mild said, gazing at Rofus with awe.

The gap in power between nobles with magical abilities and commoners without was vast. Even among nobles, the strength of their magic varied greatly.

Naturally, Rofus, possessing an immense amount of magical power that defies all reason, could be considered among the elite of nobles. However, what Mild was fixated on was the nature of that power—the ability to command and control magical beasts. Mild immediately recognized the value of this ability.

Currently, Rofus was using this power only tactically, but if he so desired, it could be applied in countless other ways. Simple tasks like transporting goods or providing escorts would be feasible, and beasts with strength surpassing human limits could be utilized in construction or engineering projects.

This power promised unparalleled benefits in every field: reduced labor costs, increased efficiency, and enhanced stability. Overwhelmed with emotion, Mild seized Rofus’s hand.

“Rofus-sama!”

“…Oi, what’s the meaning of this?” Rofus frowned in displeasure, and Carlos’s hand moved to the hilt of his sword.

“Oh, my apologies. That was terribly rude of me. But how could I restrain myself after witnessing such a marvel?” Mild’s lips slackened into a grin, his eyes glinting with greed.

Rofus shook off his hand, visibly irritated. “You’re creeping me out, you bastard! Have you lost your mind?”

“Eeh, having glimpsed a fraction of your power, I can’t contain my excitement, Master-sama,” Mild replied fervently.

“…I don’t swing that way. Don’t come any closer,” Rofus warned.

“A misunderstanding! I’m perfectly normal, I assure you!” Mild protested, still trying to approach.

Carlos drew his sword, pointing its tip at Mild. “One more step, and I’ll have your head.”

Faced with Carlos’s killing intent, Mild regained a sliver of composure. Catching sight of his disheveled reflection in the seawater pooled on the deck, he cleared his throat and straightened his expression.

“My apologies. I lost myself for a moment.”

“…So it seems,” Rofus said, casting a exasperated glance.

Mild shrugged under Rofus’s gaze. Thinking quickly to salvage the situation, his sharp eyes darted to Rofus’s missing left arm. “On another note, Rofus-sama, your left arm… I heard it was lost in battle with the [Ship Eater] demon. Have you considered treatment?”

The arm had actually been lost to an attack by the [Demon Whale], but since the existence of the [Demon Whale] wasn’t public knowledge, it was assumed to be a wound from fighting the [Ship Eater]. Rofus had no particular inclination to correct the misconception.

“It’s cursed. Healing magic can’t fix it, apparently,” he said.

“A curse? From the [Ship Eater] demon…? But you’ve tamed it…” Mild tilted his head, puzzled.

Rofus glared at him, annoyed. “…You want the details that badly?”

Mild straightened and took a step back.

“My apologies. I overstepped.”

Reaching into his pocket, futokoro, Mild produced a document.

“Please, take a look at this.”

Rofus received the document via Carlos and scanned its contents. In a word, it was a blueprint for a magical prosthetic arm—a device that could channel the user’s magic to mimic neural connections, tsu na. If the claims were true, it could be moved as freely as one’s own hand, even transmitting tactile sensations.

Rofus studied it with keen interest.

 “This is ancient technology repurposed, isn’t it?”

“Indeed. In modern times, even limb loss can be healed with advanced healing magic at the church—for a hefty donation, of course—so this kind of technology hasn’t progressed. But this should suit you perfectly, Rofus-sama,” Mild explained.

“I’ll take it. How much?” Rofus asked eagerly.

Mild’s lips curled into a smile.

“If it pleases you, I offer it as a gift.”

“Really?” Rofus raised an eyebrow.

“Of course! As an apology for my earlier disgrace and to celebrate our meeting,” Mild said, bowing elegantly.

Rofus’s lips twitched upward.

“Hoh. That’s commendable. Looks like we’ll have a long partnership, you and I.”

Rofus extended his hand, a gesture signifying the sealing of a deal. Mild grasped it firmly with both hands. “Eeh, absolutely. I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. I’ll visit your manor later to take measurements for the prosthetic.”

“Come anytime. For you, I’ll always make time,” Rofus replied.

Their firm handshake, struck at sea, was less a pact between the Lightless family and the Commerce Guild and more a personal bond between Rofus and Mild.