I was Reincarnated as the Youngest Child of a Villainous Noble Family Who Controls the Kingdom from Behind the Scenes

After more than two months of  being in the mountains, we found ourselves standing in front of a small shrine.

Well, to be precise, it was hard to call it a shrine based on its appearance.

At first glance, it just looked like the base of a cliff, but inside, there was indeed a shrine.

With a swift motion, I drew my sword from its sheath.

The rock wall was cleanly sliced in a cross shape, crumbling with a loud, rattling noise.

Beyond it, a grand-looking stone door came into view.

"Alphise-sama, wh-what is this?"

"Fufufu, I knew it was here. Let's go."

Ignoring the flustered Lushiel, I placed both hands on the shrine's door and pushed.@@novelbin@@

The heavy door opened, revealing a room that looked like it belonged to a man-made castle.

On a pedestal covered with a faded red cloth, a single sword was displayed horizontally.

"This is the ruins of the ancient Eldia Empire."

"E-Eldia? You mean the one that supposedly conquered the entire continent...?"

"With their overwhelming military power backed by magical technology, they even destroyed nations overnight. At the same time, people lived lives of convenience with magical tools that are unimaginable today."

"Why are the ruins of such an empire hidden in a place like this...?"

I approached the demon sword and observed it closely.

While the other furnishings were severely damaged, this demon sword remained as if untouched by time.

Of course, that's to be expected. The real terror isn't the Eldia Empire.

"But the truth is, their glory was sustained by a single demon sword."

"...Huh?"

"The demon sword Disvareid. Whoever wields it becomes the ruler of the world, gaining the power to dominate. The emperor, who possessed power that rivaled the gods, built a great empire."

"W-w-w-what are you planning to do with such an incredible demon sword?!"

"Well, what do you think I'll do?"

When I grinned, Lushiel's body shivered.

Though she's trembling, she has the potential to wield power equal to that of the one who resides within Disvareid.

It's no wonder she can't imagine it now.

"The emperor of Eldia, who became the ruler of the world, suddenly collapsed one day. His death was of unknown cause. The empire not only faced a succession crisis but also began to decline within a few years."

"Why is that?"

"Within the rapidly weakening Eldia Empire, accidents began to occur one after another. Explosions from failed experiments with massive magical tools, and so on... To make matters worse, neighboring countries formed an alliance and attacked the empire. Unable to handle the accidents, the Eldia Empire was swiftly conquered."

"W-wow... That's so abrupt..."

"Even the magical tools used to start fires in households are said to be remnants of the Eldia Empire. Their technology and wisdom still live on today."

I reached out and touched the sheathed demon sword.

In that instant, a dark miasma spread throughout the room.

——How many years has it been? A fool who desires me has finally appeared.

"Shyaaaah! What the hell?!"

"Your reactions are always so over the top. It's a demon sword, of course it can talk."

"R-really?!"

Lushiel, that girl, is humble in front of strong opponents, but when it comes to mysterious beings or those of higher status, she's like this.

When she appeared as a hidden boss, it was a real mess.

Well, that's part of her charm. Right now, she's hiding behind me, gripping my clothes tightly.

"Demon sword Disvareid. I, who will claim you as my own, have come."

——Oh? This one isn't a fool. Not even a fool. Just an idiot.

"You talk big. You're the one who whimsically destroyed an empire, aren't you?"

——You seem to know a little, but who are you?

The dark miasma began to seep out from the demon sword.

I felt it enveloping my hand, arm, and shoulder, gradually rendering my body immobile.

"Alphise-sama, what's happening?!"

"The demon sword Disvareid brings calamity when it grows tired of its owner. For example, causing frequent accidents, or making border guards suffer from mysterious illnesses."

"So the emperor of Eldia was disliked by the sword?"

"That's right. At first, the sword favored the emperor, but as he became consumed by greed and wealth, turning into an ordinary man, the sword grew disgusted. The emperor's body was covered in darkness, afflicted by various diseases, and he died. Just like what's happening to me now."

"W-wait! Lord Alphise! Let go of the sword!"

Even if she says that, there's no sign of me letting go.

I gripped the demon sword and unleashed a wave of energy.

——This energy... nostalgic.

"Disvareid. Acknowledge me as your master."

——What do you intend to achieve by wielding me?

"To conquer this world."

——Conquer, you say?

"To surpass everything. Does a person who wields a sword need any greater ambition?"

More dark miasma erupted from the demon sword, threatening to engulf my entire body.

My body went numb, and my breathing became erratic.

Dizziness, headaches, nausea—every kind of pain assaulted me at once.

——How dull. My previous master was consumed by desire. Once one obtains everything, they inevitably fall.

"D-don't compare me to that weakling..."

——Are you saying you're different?

"That's right... Look, did your previous master endure this much...?"

——To remain sane after coming into contact with my power... Who are you?

"Alphise of the Balfonte family..."

Honestly, if we were to fight head-on, I'd have no chance of winning.

My only hope lies in my resistance to darkness.

Most of the attacks from the being within Disvareid are of the dark attribute, so if I can solidify my resistance, the battle would become much easier.

That's why I need to show my determination while avoiding a direct confrontation.

If this being manifests from the demon sword, it's game over.

"Guh...!"

——Hmph, very well.

Suddenly, my body felt lighter.

I could move my limbs again, and the demon sword floated gently onto my hands.

——I was growing somewhat bored. I shall acknowledge you as my master.

"Ah, I'll be counting on you."

——But do not forget. If I grow even slightly bored, I will destroy everything, including you.

"That sounds like fun. By then, I'll have surpassed you."

——...An interesting boy.

The demon sword Disvareid, still in its sheath, attached itself to my waist.

For now, I'm dual-wielding, but this isn't so bad.

Depending on the situation, I might even change my fighting style.

"W-w-w-what?! Alphise-sama  has been acknowledged by the demon sword...!"

"We have no more business here. Let's go. Next is..."

As I turned to leave the shrine, a loud impact echoed.

The entire shrine shook, and dirt began to fall from the ceiling.

"Geh-geh-geh-geh! I saw it! Alphise, you're hiding in a place like this!"

"Just as Lord Gillium said! Hey! Lushiel's there too, right? Come out!"

One trouble after another.

It seems Gillium, that idiot, has sent his minions after me.

I wonder how he found out I was in these mountains.

That guy, my brother, is truly a creepy, obsessive stalker.