"Leon! Get down from that thing and greet your family properly!" My mother yelled up at me as she tried to keep Colin from climbing up Black Getter's foot.
"Sorry mom, I'd rather keep my position of power until we resolve my marriage status." That and I didn't actually know how to make this thing move yet. "Speaking of, is that Zola I spy peeking out from the front door?"
My provocation seemed to trigger the old bat as she started stomping towards us. "Leon fou Bartfort! Dismount and surrender that Armor to me at once!" Looks like her pride won against her good sense considering her demand.
"I'll have to decline. I don't really feel like giving away my property." I definitely was getting a real kick from seeing just how mad Zola looked.
"Stupid child! Your father is under contract with me! As his child, I own everything you have!" I just smirked at her words. If I hadn't made preparations for this encounter, thanks to both Control and the Adventurer's Guild, then I might have gotten worried.
"I apologize then. I'm already a legal adult and a registered Adventurer." I countered with faux concern. "I even made sure to have my new assets officially recognized by the Guild. I have all the paperwork and everything."
Our Kingdom, Holfort, had a very stringent rule about Adventurers being able to keep what they find. The guild takes around twenty to thirty percent of the profits, but that's just the usual bureaucracy.
"If you are that concerned about it, I'm planning on investing most of my treasure back into the Bartfort lands as infrastructure. A better harbor would help a lot in the long term, for example. This also means that I am no longer beholden to marrying anyone for financial security." Even though she couldn't see me, I was sure that my tone conveyed the sheer amount of smugness I was feeling at that moment. Zola was red with anger, but I wasn't about to give that hag even a pinch of my treasure.
I suggest against antagonizing this woman any further. She may not be able to seize your assets, but she may still find a different way to avenge this humiliation.
Control's voice cautioned me from inside the cockpit. I mean, fair, but I deserve some catharsis for what she threatened me with.
"If there are no other issues, I'd like to talk to my parents about some things." I didn't intend to ever apologize, but I could at least drop the subject. Zola decided to back off and stalked back into the manor.
I will be lowering Black Getter F to a kneeling position shortly. Please prepare for disembarkment.
"Thanks a lot for doing this Control." I wouldn't have been able to look this impressive without the AI's help.
You are welcome. This has also been a successful initial test as well.
"Test?" What test?
On whether or not your body would react poorly towards exposure to Getter Rays. I am glad to report that there are no negative effects to the minimum amount needed to operate a Getter Robo.
"That's great!" I squeaked out. I completely forgot about that in my excitement to show Zola up! Oh god! I could have gotten cancer or something if I was unlucky!
I barely even registered Black Getter's movement because of my panic. I only came back to my senses when the displays shut off and the cockpit opened up to show the Getter's massive hand waiting for me to get out. With another word of thanks to Control, I climbed out and was gently lowered to the ground.
"Leoooon!" Colin yelled out right as he jumped into my arms. "You have an Armor! That's amazing!"
My younger brother's joy was infectious enough that I started laughing. Well, up until I felt my father smack me on the upside of the head.
"What were you thinking, not even checking in on us even once?! You damned fool!" Dad scolded me even as he enveloped both me and Colin in a hug.
"My baby boy!" And there was mom. As uncomfortable as this was, I didn't have the heart to shake them off me.
…
A few weeks had passed since my triumphant return. The treasure I brought back with me ended up being valued more than they normally would because of the high quality. That got us even more money to work with after dad got me connected with some buyers. Afterwards, we both agreed that renovating the harbor and roads was to be the first priority as they would make subsequent renovations easier.
Once word of large scale improvements in our lands got around, merchants started showing up in order to take advantage of the windfall and establish themselves in an up and coming market. Control said that any realistic financial gains would not be felt for at least another year, but it was a good start.
Speaking of Control, we had come to the conclusion that keeping people off my new floating island was the best course of action for now. It turned out that the research lab was not just the structure I encountered and some underground facilities. Instead, nearly everything beneath the surface of the island was part of the lab. I mean, the island wasn't big to begin with anyway, but it was still impressive to consider.
So instead, we agreed to slowly start taking out the stockpiles of materials stored in the warehouses and passing them off as mining expedition gains. Of course, we needed to keep exports small to both make it believable and to make the stockpiles last for as long as possible. Control assured me that it would provide a steady flow of income for a few years that I could put back into other investments if I wanted to. By the time we ran out, if we even got that far, the other sources of income I've developed would have started paying off.
Man, having an AI as my financial advisor was super convenient!
Still, even though I wasn't going to use the island for much, it would still be enough to eventually let me coast through life as a Baronet and Vassal of my father after I graduate from the Academy. As much as I wished that I didn't have to attend the Academy because of all the horrible people there, I still needed to 'socialize' with my peers.
We also took this chance to get started in training me to pilot Black Getter. I would have liked to say that I suddenly discovered my hitherto unknown ability to become an ace pilot, but of course such a thing was impossible for a mob like me. I actually had to do things the hard way, which is what I was doing.
-Baby Mode-
Those were the words that were plastered on the upper part of the display inside Black Getter's cockpit. I reached out and pushed a lever forward and was greeted with an error noise and the whole inside of the cockpit flashing red a couple of times.
As Control explained to me, attempting to pilot Black Getter at full capacity at my skill level would end up with the robot on the ground several miles away and me dead from the physical trauma. Professor Jin anticipated that whoever would inherit the Getter Robo might not be up to the standard they would want as a pilot, so they installed several levels of control complexity access to ease any new pilot into the process.
The lowest setting, Baby Mode, would prevent any action that would cause the Getter to fall over. Instead of taking the command, it would just show as an error like what happened just now. It was really embarrassing, but it wasn't like anyone else was watching.
"I still don't understand why there are so many levers when you said that controlling a Getter is more about focus and intent." I complained as the cockpit lighting went back to normal.
That has more to do with Professor Jin's sense of nostalgia as older Getter models featured this style of controls.
"But I could control this even without touching the levers, right?" I asked, tapping one of the levers with a foot.
Theoretically, but I would suggest against attempting to do so. The levers may be superfluous, but they act as a focus for the pilot. Humans do not normally learn to manipulate machinery using their mind, they do so with their hands and feet. Having something to physically manipulate makes the process feel more natural.
"Sure. That makes sense, I guess."
Pushing the right lever is equated to moving forward. Pulling the left lever is equated to equipping a weapon. Pushing another lever activates flight. Pulling another activates a different weapon. On and on until it comes naturally, to the point that you no longer notice it.
I look around at the array of levers. "So what am I doing wrong?"
You don't believe that the levers do anything, so they don't.
I blinked, opened my mouth, then closed my mouth.
Hmmm…
I would suggest trying it. There aren't any real consequences to failing.
That was a fair point. Right, intent. Believe that it will work. I looked around and settled on a lever that seemed like it would be the most comfortable to use for movement. I reached out and pushed it forward.
I smiled as Black Getter started to walk forward.
Without saying a word, I eased up on the lever and the giant robot slowed to a stop.
Well what do you know?
Excellent. Well done, Leon.
Unfortunately, the breakthrough didn't make me an expert overnight. It got me out of Baby Mode at least.
…
As part of my overall plan for the future, I had tried to convince my parents that I could be independent. At first, they didn't believe that I was responsible enough to be left on my own. I countered that I had an Armor, a ship, and my own floating island.
That made them even more skeptical. Rude.
It was then that their hands were forced when a letter from the Capital arrived.
"Excuse me?" I asked dad after he explained the contents of the letter. I was summoned back home and was currently in his office.
"In recognition for discovering a new floating island, uncovering new lost items, and acquiring a large amount of treasure from clearing an unknown dungeon, you have provisionally been granted the title of Baron. This is under the condition of eventually graduating from the Academy as a Knight." Dad summarized the contents of the letter before handing it to me. I scanned the piece of paper over and over again as if I could change its contents through force of will.
I was unsuccessful.
"Wait! If I do that, I'll be your peer instead of a Vassal!" Dad merely rubbed his temple at my alarm.
"I am aware how the nobility is structured, son."
"Can I decline?" Based on the look my dad gave me, it wasn't an option.
"Your achievements are too impressive to ignore. That the Royal Palace itself praised you is basically an order to attend the Academy as an equivalent to a fully recognized noble heir." He explained and I could do nothing but slump in my seat, my plans crumbling right before my eyes.
"But I was just planning on attending under General Studies, like Nicks." My whining just made dad sigh in exasperation. Clearly wanting to be like my older brother wasn't going to fly.
"Then you shouldn't have shown back up with all the stuff you brought back with you." How dare my father justifiably point out the consequences of my choices!
The curriculum in the Academy is divided into two main tracks based on the students' social standing.
Those of lower noble status, like the sons of Knights or Baronets, or even sons of houses who would not end up eventually inheriting anything, end up in General Studies.
Sons of higher standing houses end up in Higher Studies. Of course, due to the matriarchal setting, daughters of noble houses all go straight to Higher Studies regardless of the standing of their house.
There are exceptions, of course, but that's how it usually goes. Unfortunately, I was now one of those exceptions.
It gets even worse.
The Academy is generally also where children of noble houses find their future spouses, with sons being very strongly advised to find a suitable bride by the time they graduate.
"You have to undergo education in Higher Studies in order to learn how to manage your future Barony. It's not just about learning to take care of your lands either. It will also be a chance to establish yourself with your future peers and superiors." He continued and I felt more and more mentally tired as he went on. I suddenly felt my spine tingle when he sent me a very meaningful look. "This also means that the girl you decide to court while you are there must be from a prominent family befitting your new status."
Nooooooooo!
"But girls from Baronies and up are horrible harpies! You can't possibly think that they'd actually take someone like me seriously?!" I bemoaned. I had originally planned on just finding a nice simple girl from a family of lower status to avoid all that nonsense. Someone like my mother, who was mellow and supportive.
"Hey now. Zola is not the norm when it comes to women in the nobility. I'm sure there will be nice girls at the Academy!" Dad tried to assure me, but I wasn't buying it.
"At least look me in the eye when you say that, dad." Mainly because of that.
He ignored my words and cleared his throat. "You can also take this as an opportunity. The crown prince and several other prominent heirs will be attending in the same year as you. This is your chance to get into their good graces."
Right, the five possible love interests of the main heroine. Based on my own experience from going through the game, I already knew how well trying to suck up to them would turn out.
"Stop making such a disgusted face. Your enrollment is already set on stone, so you might as well make the most of it." Just because that was true didn't mean I had to like it.
I then blinked when he stood up and placed a hand on my shoulder. "I know you think this will be impossible, but you've already done the impossible right before my very eyes. Despite my and your mother's misgivings, I know that you will find a way to overcome the challenges in the Academy as well."
Aw come on! I was trying to be mad at you, dad!
…
"So what exactly can this thing do?" I asked while looking at the unassuming black and green colored bracelet around my right wrist. I was back on my island, making preparations for my departure for the Academy. Ugh! Even thinking about it is making me upset.
Its primary purpose is as a communication device and as a health monitor.
I was currently with the floating probe in one of the many, many, lab areas deep underground where I was outfitted with my new accessory.
It will allow us to contact each other as well as inform me if you are in any critical danger.
That's actually super useful! "So how do I use it to talk to you? I don't see any buttons."
Like with controlling Black Getter F, you will simply need to want to speak to me. This can also act as off-field practice for you on using intent to control a system.
I raised my arm up and spoke into the bracelet. "Hello? Hello? Can you read me? Over." Wow, this felt like a spy gadget or something.
Negative. We will have sufficient time to practice before you start at the Academy.
"Ugh! Don't remind me."
If possible, I would like to know of your experiences in the Academy as they happen. If you need advice, as well as someone to vent to or bounce ideas off of, I would be happy to do so.
I raised my eyebrow at that. "You sure? I didn't think that you'd be interested in all the nonsense that will happen there."
The opportunity to find out more about the society that the new humanity has built would be worthwhile. Not everything important is exciting. In fact, most important things are very boring. Seeing how the future leaders of your country develop and grow will also be interesting.
I thought about it for a moment before making a suggestion. "Do you want to just come along then? I'm sure you have some super technology that will make you invisible or something."
I had considered it, but decided to give you space and privacy in this matter.
"I appreciate the gesture, but I would be fine if you want to come along. God knows that you'd be better conversation than anyone else I'll meet there." I shuddered at all the inane things that I'd need to talk about during the tea party events as part of trying to find a bride.
Then I will take you up on the offer. A special stealth drone will be assembled shortly for this purpose. You should keep the communications bracelet anyway as its functions will still be valuable in emergencies.
I smiled at Control. Having someone I know who is on my side for sure will definitely make the whole thing more bearable. "Sure, but don't expect too much. I plan on completely staying under the radar during my entire stay at the Academy."
An odd silence settled between the two of us, almost like a sense of comfortable companionship and–
You realize that there is a narrative concept known as 'jinxing yourself', yes?
SHUT UP!