Breakthrough with the Forbidden Master [Chapter 3 – Exclusive Maid]

The esteemed position of 【Imperial Warrior】 was more than just a title within this nation; it represented a profound qualification. This esteemed qualification was bestowed upon elite individuals upon their graduation from the Academy, granting them access to employments exclusively reserved for those who held the status of Imperial Warriors.

【Hunters】 possessed the privilege of traversing international borders without restriction, often undertaking missions for the populace, such as eradicating fearsome demonic beasts or charting unexplored territories.

【Imperial Knights】 comprised a select group of high-ranking military prospects, directly beholden to the Emperor. Their mandate was to uphold the security of the Empire, and at times, they were tasked with endeavors on a national scale.

【Imperial Mages】 dedicated their existence to the intricate research and advancement of magic.

While numerous other classifications existed, one could not secure employment within any of these prestigious organizations without first obtaining the qualification of an 【Imperial Warrior】.

My father, despite his lackluster performance during his academy years, managed to ascend among the top elites and ultimately became an Imperial Knight. Currently, he holds the esteemed position of leading all Imperial Warriors as the 【Prime Imperial Warrior】.

Originally a commoner hailing from a disgraced noble lineage, he consistently strived for improvement, honed his strength, and on more than one occasion, played a pivotal role in saving the country, eventually extending his heroism to saving the entire world.

He was the one who vanquished the Great Demon King, the malevolent deity of the demons who sought to subjugate the world.

The legendary chronicle of my father, who journeyed from the lowest rungs of society to become a world-renowned hero, is celebrated, cherished, and deeply revered by people across the globe. He is famously known and addressed as 【The Hero】.

However, this is ultimately my father’s saga, entirely unconnected to me, his son.

In truth, apart from sharing his lineage, I have inherited absolutely nothing from him.

Even though the war against the Great Demon King had concluded, ushering in an era of global peace, my father’s responsibilities as an aide to the Emperor were so immense that he could scarcely find any time for his son.

Consequently, he never imparted any knowledge or skills to me.

Despite this, there persists an expectation for me to achieve feats that would vindicate my status as the hero’s son.

The outcome is that I am expected to surpass my father’s accomplishments at my current age, yet I find myself entangled in such a trivial and perplexing predicament.

Truly… I cannot fathom it.

“I’m home…”

Suffering from a pervasive sense of displeasure, I returned to my residence, even though the afternoon had barely begun to wane.

As I approached the mansion, situated beyond a sprawling, meticulously kept garden, a maid was diligently tending to the flora.

The maid’s eyes widened momentarily upon noticing my arrival, but she swiftly replaced her surprise with a sharp, crescent-moon-like smile.

“Welcome back, little master. However, the academy should still be in session, so please turn around and return immediately.” [1]

Given my standing as a Young Master, her manner of address was certainly not the customary deference, yet this was the typical mode of interaction with this particular maid.

“Worry not, ‘Sadiz’. I departed early due to a persistent headache.” [2]

“Oh my, your spirit is as weak as a slime’s, as usual. I believe today was scheduled for mock battles and the unveiling of written test results… did you perhaps falter against the princess?”

“……………”

“As anticipated, you are far too predictable, Lil’ Earth!”

Sadiz, the maid, was characterized by an unpleasant smile and an unfailingly sharp, venomous tongue.

It was rumored she was an orphan from the war, having been in service at this estate even before my birth. We were raised akin to siblings, and she now serves as my personal maid.

Her exquisite silver hair was swept back and tied neatly behind her head. The skirt of her immaculate maid uniform, inexplicably, stopped just above her knees, and her alluring figure, with its prominent curves, held a distinctly captivating allure for me.

At merely 19 years old, she felt more like a teasing elder sister than a mere maid.

Indeed, she was also my first love, and I harbored the firm conviction that I would eventually make her my wife.

She was not my betrothed, yet I was determined to claim her as my future spouse.

“It’s quite alright. The examinations have concluded, and the only remaining event is the graduation match. Regardless of my scores now, my overall evaluation will remain unchanged.”

“Indeed, as the second-seat holder, you possess the freedom to select your post-graduation career path. Therefore, should Lil’ Earth declare his intention to join the Imperial Knights, it appears to be a certainty.”

“Precisely! Then, neither the public nor anyone else would have grounds for complaint. Is this not precisely what everyone anticipates? My father is the Hero, after all.”

“My, you seem more irritable than usual today. Well, not only did you lose to the princess. Did the master perhaps see you and say something to you?”

“……………”

“That’s another one… you wear your emotions so openly, such a thin-skinned boy.”

Had she perceived my distress?! How could she possibly know?! Or, perhaps, 'thin-skinned'... I couldn't grasp how she'd discern that! No, wait, it’s perfectly natural; she occasionally bathes me, after all!

“Damn it. Always the son of a hero… Hero this, hero that. In the first place, the Great Demon King is deceased, the demons have been vanquished, and we now live in an era devoid of inter-state warfare. Warriors have become stagnant. If I were to achieve first place, and be the son of a hero, where would I even find an opportunity to demonstrate my prowess? If such a place doesn't exist, then second place is more than sufficient.”

There was no point in venting these grievances to Sadiz, who was, after all, a mere maid. However, Sadiz, with her persistently sharp and biting remarks, invariably provoked an emotional outburst from me.

It was only during moments like these that Sadiz wore a serious expression.

“Lil’ Earth...”

“......”

“I understand that you feel pressure and vexation from the selfish expectations and words of those around you… Even if you cannot share such pain with me, a mere maid. However, the people surrounding you, your master… and myself as well… it's impossible for us not to have expectations for Little man.”

“Sadiz...”

“It is widely known that the hero, ‘Hiro’, was considered a failure in his youth… Therefore, at this very moment, considering the progress Little Earth has already made and how much more exceptional he can become? It has already surpassed expectations, and everyone dreams of your future. Your very existence holds that much significance… I truly wish you would comprehend this, even though it is undeniably selfish of me.”

With gentle yet firm pronouncements, Sadiz conveyed this to me while bowing her head low.

This is exceedingly manipulative.

When is our wedding supposed to be?

“...But… Once in a while, aside from reprimands or encouragement… I desire a reward.”

Facing away with embarrassment, I had no alternative but to respond.

“A reward, you say? Are you not aware that you receive more allowance than the typical earnings of an average person? You can acquire anything your heart desires, can't you?”

“No, that is not what I intended…”

“Oh, but you cannot purchase any ero-books or visit a harlot. And currently… not even A?WO?MANS?HEA?RT?.”

“Nu…”

“And regrettably, it is not stipulated within my employment contract, so I cannot provide Little man with romantic education, even if you were to ask, I simply cannot afford to do so~?!”

Long ago, when I was still quite young, I had requested Sadiz to “be my bride,” and she had refused. However, since that time, she has been cognizant of my feelings and my inherent lustful nature, yet this is precisely how I am rebuffed.

To be perfectly honest, I had harbored the belief that I might be able to marry Sadiz once I matured a little further. But recently, no matter the extent of my efforts, the prospect of Sadiz marrying me was entirely absent from my mind. Apart from matters pertaining to my father, I was a non-entity.

Then, perceiving my overt despondency, Sadiz let out a sigh and put forth a proposition.

“That's right. I'm uncertain if it will serve as motivation for Lil’ Earth, but… today, I am cleaning the sealed pedestal for the first time in a year. Would you care to accompany me?”

“Sealed? Oh… Father’s sword…”

“Indeed, that is correct. The legendary blade that vanquished the Great Demon King. Due to its immense power, it is a sword that the master himself embedded into the pedestal and sealed away. Perhaps observing it might inspire a bit more determination in you?”

“…Well. It brought me joy when I was a child, but… now, even gazing upon my father’s sword… perhaps if he were to bestow it upon me.”

I wasn't particularly enticed by Sadiz's offer.

The occasion to unseal the locked chamber within the mansion arrives only once annually.

Within that chamber rests my father’s sword, sealed away. It is a blade spoken of in myth, a weapon of legend.

“Oh, there’s no use entertaining any peculiar notions. Even if you imagine you might attain greater strength by claiming the sword, ultimately, only the master possesses the ability to draw the sword from its pedestal.”

“I- I am aware!”

It was the sword I had once envisioned inheriting someday.

However, for someone like me, thoroughly weary of the moniker ‘The Hero’s Son’, it was a delicate matter whether my spirits would truly lift.

So it remained… until the moment I encountered ‘him’.

[S1] Taking more liberties here! She constantly refers to Earth as 坊ちゃま (Bochaman) which means “Male Junior”. Considering her personality it should be a more playful and teasing manner of calling him so I opted for “Little Man” and occasionally Lil’ Earth. “Young man” sounded more authoritative and respectful and that’s not what she’s about.

[S2] Her name is actually pronounced “Sadisu”. 3 guesses why! Any I went with Sadiz, also considered “Sadith”.