It Seems My Job Aptitude Didn't Come with Human Rights

No to Bullying!

In the Harvey Kingdom, just like in other countries perhaps, it was considered common knowledge that one should have the best job aptitude as a warrior or a magician, followed by priests and archers.

Why was that? While war with other countries, as well as thieves and bandits, were factors, the most significant reason was the existence of magical beasts in this world.

These magical beasts varied widely, from small ones that a single human could handle to large ones that could devastate an entire army. No country could escape the threat of magical beasts.

There was always a danger of fighting powerful enemies. In such situations, naturally, occupations suited for combat tended to be favored.

Incidentally, among citizens, merchants were also considered to have reasonably good job prospects.

Given all this, Nils and Erik, who had the occupational aptitudes of a warrior and a magician, emerged as the most promising candidates for the next head of the family, while I steadily maintained my last-place position.

This development was favorable for Olivia, their biological mother, and it seemed like every day I felt gradually more sidelined.

「Good morning~」

When I would wave one hand while walking down the hall, the reactions from the servants clearly diverged. High-ranking butlers and head maids would just give a silent nod.

In contrast, those from lower ranks, like maids from slave backgrounds, stable boys, and gardeners, would greet me back with smiles. It seemed a sort of faction within the Count's household was becoming apparent.

Moreover, Olivia started to stroll around the mansion with Nils and Erik more often. Even if I was walking, they'd ignore me, and sometimes I'd have to stop my sword practice—on my father's orders—and have Nils forcibly take over.

Obeying my stepmother's demand to step back, I would straightforwardly stop my sword practice and yield to Nils, which would somehow lead to my father being told about it during dinner—a frightening prospect.

「Lord Johanson? Today, Nils trained three times harder than usual in swordsmanship. He is said to have great talent and should aim to become a knight in the future...」

「Well, that's wonderful.」

「In comparison, despite being the legitimate heir, Lars stopped his swordsmanship training midway and went off to play...」

「... What? Again, Lars?」

And that was how our dinner time quickly turned into a lecturing session for me. When I tried to argue back, Olivia would say things like, 「Oh, you were practicing swordsmanship elsewhere, weren't you? Yes, we know,」 and laugh, acting as if she was an adult letting a child win.

Astonishingly, Johanson believed every word Olivia said and didn't stop scolding me. Poor Lars was pitiful enough to make all of America cry.

As a result, even the six- and five-year-old Nils and Erik started to mock me. They'd snicker at me and snort. Grr. Well, they're just kids, so I wouldn't get angry at these little brats.

Despite those long-endured days, they weren't all that bad.

Why? Because I had allies.

「Lars, over here.」

「Thank you.」

I followed Irinya to the back of the courtyard and moved to a small iron door. A middle-aged female beastwoman stood there, and she gave a deep bow upon noticing us.

「Master Lars, be careful...」

「No worries! I'm getting quite used to this.」

I answered with pride, and the beastwoman smiled awkwardly, nodding as she lightly knocked on the door. Soon after, the door slowly opened from the outside. Upon closer inspection, the door latch had already been removed.

「Oh, master Lars. You're looking well today.」

As the door opened, a man with canine features poked his face out. A man with droopy eyes, seemingly in his forties. On top of his head, actual ears resembling those of a large dog protruded. At his feet was a small boy who resembled the man, also resembling a smaller dog.

「It's this way. I'd like my son to join us today, if that's alright?」

With awkward formal speech, the man smiled, scratching his head with one hand. The boy at his feet waited anxiously. Smiling at the scene, I gave my permission.

「Of course. Nice to have you with us.」

「Oh, thank you very much. That's great to hear!」

The man was overjoyed, ruffling the boy's head roughly. With eyes squinting happily, it was like looking at a real puppy.

Led by the man, we passed through the door and, along with Irinya, headed outside. We greeted acquaintances among the residents as we exited the castle town and moved outside the city. There, men and women in armor awaited—all beastpeople.

「Hey, everyone!」

「Oh, master Lars! Good morning!」

「Let's do our best today!」

Upon greeting them, everyone gathered with smiles.

「We're heading to the forest today?」

「Yes, the forest sounds good.」

「Understood!」

-------------= Author's Notes -------------=

If you find yourself wanting to 'know what happens next,' please press the ★ button at the bottom of the page! It encourages the author!・:*+.\(( °ω° ))/.:+

-------------= Clacky's Corner -------------=
What's Lars up to?
【ദി(⩌ᴗ⩌ )】