Our Make-Believe Ends Here - Chapter 19

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Hitaon let out a disbelieving laugh.

“If you’re drunk, just go home and sleep it off.”

“I’m serious. If someone I know well from the same empire came, there’s nothing more reassuring than that.”

“Wake up. I have no interest in that sort of thing whatsoever.”

“Really? I hear the Marchioness of Glair thinks a little differently.”

“If you know that well, tell the Countess of Pesche to stop blowing hot air.”

“Hahah—so it’s my mother’s loose lips that are the problem. But she’s actually holding back, you know? The day the Academy acceptance letter arrived, she forgot all dignity and even screamed.”

Hitaon, who had become an unintended victim of their celebration, sighed and took out a cigar. Broil lit it for him with sluggish fingers.

“Still, think it over. Because of the Adulthood Deferment System, we’re adults but can’t inherit the title right away. But if you can distinguish yourself within that time, you can draw up a much safer blueprint.”

“That’s still five years wasted. You know that well enough.”

“It means the rest of your life changes completely depending on how you spend those five years. Whether you’re branded an insufficient heir and remain in danger, or whether you solidify an unshakable position as a complete heir.”

The Adulthood Deferment System was enacted about four centuries ago.

Before then, youths of the upper class who came of age and formally inherited titles would act recklessly, causing all sorts of incidents and accidents. Within families, inhumane schemes ran rampant—using newly adult bloodlines to transfer titles to whomever they wanted, or manipulating things to favor the household.

The imperial family, having seen enough, issued a law called the Adulthood Deferment System to prevent the abuse of titles and restore order. Even after coming of age, a minimum of five years was required to verify the bloodline’s qualifications; if one did not train themselves during that time, they could not inherit the title.

With the enactment of this law, the educational period for noble children was significantly extended. That was precisely why, despite having come of age, Hitaon was still plagued by educational pressures both inside and outside the household.

“Right now, we’re all in the same boat.”

Broil’s drunken hand swept slowly toward the gathered young men in the distance.

The Adulthood Deferment System, seen from another angle, was also a period of surveillance to observe whether, despite the lifting of various taboos and permissions that came with adulthood, one maintained proper conduct as a noble.

They poured the vomit-like mixture of liquor over their heads, swayed limply to the melodies played by the orchestra. Outrageous jokes and pranks too obscene to witness ran rampant. Everyone, apparently having pent up quite a lot, was partying wildly like unbridled horses. Broil’s voice sharply targeted them.

“But things won’t be the same after the deferment period ends.”

“…….”

“Do you think I want to leave my homeland? I simply thought of the future and set the Academy as my goal. When I graduate safely and return, my world will be completely different.”

“No matter how high its reputation, I doubt it can actually change the world.”

“Is that really true? Hita.”

Broil took a long drink, then hummed as if singing.

“As you know, the tide of the world is changing. Capital is moving everywhere, new industries are emerging. At the center of it all are always the insight, research, and solid connections of Academy graduates.”

“…….”

“Using that as a foothold, I’m going to make my family even stronger.”

When Hitaon remained indifferent, letting it go in one ear and out the other, Broil squeaked the sofa closer.

“And I’ve been thinking—I’d like a few more people from my homeland at the Academy. Aside from the advantage of making it easier to scheme together in the future, first of all, without compatriots where graduates from other empires gather, it’s hard to stand tall.”

“That’s purely self-centered.”

“Heh heh, Hita, I think you’re clever. There’s no way you couldn’t aim for the place I got into. Isn’t that why the Marchioness of Glair is so desperate?”

He still had no interest, but Broil’s passionate advocacy made him understand at least one thing.

“If you ever change your mind, send word. You’re always welcome.”

“If I do? Are you going to assign me a private tutor for Academy entrance?”

When he teased mockingly, Broil giggled and waved his hand.

“If you’re already an accepted student, I can write a letter of recommendation. I hear it makes admission considerably easier.”

“I appreciate the thought, but give it to someone else. There are plenty of guys here who’d fall for that.”

“Unfortunately, you’re the only one here qualified to receive my goodwill.”

Broil cut him off firmly, saying recommendation letters shouldn’t be handed out carelessly and had to pass strict screening. Hitaon, his mouth dry from the cigar, poured himself some of Broil’s liquor and asked.