‘I don’t know what it is, but it must be an expensive item, right? Then it may be good to not dwell on it but instead find some way to sell it and pay off the debt.’

[1]

‘I really hope the item is one with a good resale value.’

***

‘What could Father have bought?’

Flash!

My beloved son Milton,

If you’re reading this letter, it must mean that I’ve passed away and you’ve succeeded me as the head of the household. I’m leaving this letter here separate from my official will because I have something I want to tell you intimately. 

You may already know this, but I’ve borrowed money from Charlotte Merchant Company to attend the auction held in the empire. The reason for this is to raise up our Forrest house once again. 

As you’re already aware, our Forrest house originally held the position of Marquis and held a lot of sway in politics within the capital. However, we got swept up in conflicts and were relegated to the position of Viscount, falling to a noble house in the province. I was constantly reminded by my father and grandfather from an early age to restore our house, and I tried my best to do so. 

I’ve tried my best to restore the house to its former glory, but I was limited by my abilities. 

I tried many things, but luck was not with me. In such a circumstance, I heard from a doctor recently that I will not have much longer to live. My death is unavoidable, but it is such a shame that I could not restore our house to its former glory.

In that state, I received information that the empire will be hosting an auction. I heard that an ancient relic would be making an appearance at the auction. I knew I was taking a gamble, but I borrowed money from Charlotte Merchant Company after putting down our territory as collateral and attended the auction. 

It was because, if the ancient relic can be used well, I had high expectations that it would be helpful to our territory. The thing I was able to successfully bid on at the auction was a single scroll. It may have been an ancient relic, but since nobody knew the purpose of the scroll, there were not many competitors, and I was able to attain it for the comparatively low price of 10,000 gold. 

The item I purchased is a relic called the Monarch’s Authority. In truth, I knew nothing about the scroll except for its name but I had the conviction that this item will grant our House strength. 

‘Just on what basis did he have to…’

However, regretfully this relic is a useless item to anyone except to those that have the aptitude for it. 

A normal scroll is an item that can be used by everyone, but I have been told this item only shows effect to a person that has the aptitude for it. And unfortunately, that was not me. Perhaps it can be construed as being fortunate. Even if it showed some effect to myself, it wouldn’t have been much help to our House since I don’t have much longer to live. 

However, it could be different with you. If you have the aptitude to use the Monarch’s authority, then it is sure to be a great source of strength for you. If by chance you don’t have the aptitude for it either, then sell the scroll again and pay off the debt the House owes. 

I don’t know what the results will be, but I have faith that you will return our House Forrest to glory once more. 

Your father, Sauss Forrest. 

‘No way? No way? Please don’t let it be….’

[2]

‘Of all the personnel I have currently, he is indeed the most useful one.’