I was Reincarnated as the Youngest Child of a Villainous Noble Family Who Controls the Kingdom from Behind the Scenes

My name is Ios. I’m the unremarkable eldest son of a baron’s family.

Though I’m technically a noble, I hold no territory, and almost no one knows my family name.

A person’s worth and life are determined by their birth.

That’s what I believed—which is why I swore loyalty to Lord Eric of the ducal house.

Though I had no great talent, I was recognized well enough to secure the position of second-in-command among Eric’s faction.

I never wavered in my loyalty, and in time, I gained power.

Even a mediocre man like me could attain a respectable standing if he played his cards right.

That’s what I thought—but now, I’m lying so close to the floor that I might as well be licking it.

G-guh…!

"Hurry up and get up, dumbass."

I couldn’t land a single hit.

I didn’t even understand what had been done to me.

Even someone like me had deluded myself into thinking I’d grown stronger just by being second-in-command.

That I’d become something greater.

But all of that was just an illusion.

"Hey! Get up already, you loser! Trash!"

Thanks to Yetti, we had the upper hand at first—but in the end, we lost.

I thought I could at least put up a fight after Alphies dispelled his Summon Next.

But the reality is, I’m so weak that I can’t even beat some bratty underclassman.

"Why the hell were you following someone like Eric anyway?"

Alphies’ casual remark stabbed deep into my chest.

Why am I even here?

Did I want to become stronger? No… that’s not it.

"I… I just…"

I was just infatuated with the idea of a stronger version of myself.

Despite having nothing, I dreamed big—and then took the easy way out by settling for being second-in-command.

This Alphies… he doesn’t settle. He keeps aiming higher.

Even if Alphies had been born into my family, I doubt he would’ve acted any differently.

In other words, the difference between us was fundamental—in every possible way.

If only I’d realized that a little sooner, maybe something would’ve changed.

"Ugh, what’s with this guy? Mumbling to himself like a freak."

After forcing Ios—who had lost to Rüschel—back onto his feet, I handed him over to Miley-nee.

Summon Next, much like my own wave energy, is difficult to maintain for long periods.

Once it was dispelled, I had Rüschel fight Ios instead.

She was grumbling too, but she’s the type who’ll do it if I just give her a push.

After Ios was sealed inside Miley-nee’s water orb, I braced myself.

"Big Sis + Summon Next—goooooo!!"

"Knew you’d do that."

I crouched to dodge as Miley-nee lunged straight for Rüschel.

"Huh…? Wait, Rüschel-chan?"

"GYAAAAAH! Y-You damn pervert woman! Now you’re coming for me too?!"

That was close—she almost kissed Rüschel.

While the two of them were tangled up in chaos, I decided to talk to the headmaster.

"Headmaster, you’ve been through a lot. Sorry for putting you in danger."

"When we discussed this beforehand, I wasn’t sure how it would turn out… but thanks to you, everything ended safely."

"We managed to crush the enemy’s vanguard too. By now, the Grim Reaper’s Sixth Division should be wiped out."

"Oh? Is that true?"

As if to confirm my words, Vaid-nii appeared.

In his hand was the tattered, rag-like arm of an old woman.

"Seems things are wrapped up here."

"Is that… the Sixth Division’s captain?"

"Yeah. She looked tired, so I figured I’d let her rest a bit before finishing her off."

"Just let her go already."

Her spirit’s completely broken—she’s got nothing left.

Even I wouldn’t be able to easily defeat a Grim Reaper captain.

She’s contracted with Garm, so her speed should far surpass mine.

If the demon Müha is power, then she’s speed.

Unless you can see the future, beating her would be seriously tough.

"Ah! So you’re the rumored summoner who contracted with one of the Thirty-Two Pillars of the Demon Realm? Fascinating!"

"Nah, I’m in no state to fight right now. Besides, you took way too long—you were fighting that old woman the whole time, weren’t you?"

"Indeed. She was quite skilled. If left unchecked, she could’ve destroyed the entire academy. Truly terrifying…"

"Says the guy who did the same damn thing."

Eric, Ios, and Waltamine were being kept barely alive by Miley-nee’s healing.

Trapped inside water orbs, they floated like specimens in formaldehyde.

Soon, they’d be sent to Miley-nee’s research lab.

They’ll be thoroughly studied for whatever contract magic they’ve got from the Allgan Kingdom.

Speaking of Allgan, things are about to get messy.

We could apply diplomatic pressure, but they’re part of the Avantgarde Union.

The Avantgarde Union is an alliance of nations spanning about a third of the continent, centered around the northern empire, Avantgarde.

If we mishandle this, the Avantgarde homeland might step in.

This is where the World King’s skills will really be tested.

"By the way, Alphies—that old woman, Baur, was fighting a girl. Looked like one of this academy’s students. She was definitely a wave energy user."

"R-Really? Someone like that here?"

"She seemed inexperienced and collapsed at one point, so I helped her… but she was interesting. I wanted to fight her later, but she disappeared."

"That’s… good."

No doubt—that’s Esty.

She survived an attack from Baur?

No way.

Did I… awaken something monstrous?

The moment that thought crossed my mind, an uncontrollable shiver ran through me.

"So, Esty is…"

"Fufufu… I look forward to meeting her next time."

While Vaid-nii and I were radiating weird auras, the headmaster and the others turned pale.

We just saved them, and now we’re scaring them again.

"Umyumyuuu~!"

Sliding in was Level 20, clinging to me and clearly seeking praise.

"That’s right. You took care of the Sixth Division’s reinforcements. Good job."

"Umyu!"

Seems she handled her task perfectly.

Then, from within Vaid-nii’s shadow, Level 25 glared sharply.

"Moyuu."

"Umyuu…"

…Why are they glaring at each other?

If these two start fighting here, I’m not confident I can protect the headmaster and the others.

So I scooped up Level 20 with one arm and stuffed her into my bag.