In the world of Type-Moon, it all begins with becoming Morgan's husband!

Inside Agrippina's mansion.

Ian and Nero sat facing each other in a room.

The man's expression was very serious, and it was clear that he was deeply concerned about what he had just heard.

In contrast, Nero looked completely relaxed, as if he were simply sharing some perfectly normal things with his teacher.

However, she quickly noticed that her teacher's expression was not quite right.

"Hmm? Teacher, what's wrong? Why do you look so unwell—did you catch a cold on the way back?"

As he recounted these speculations, Nero reached out and touched his teacher's forehead to prove that his earlier thoughts were correct.

But Ian is not in the mood for such things right now.

Or rather, he felt that what he needed to focus on at that moment shouldn't be these things.

“Nero.” The man stopped little Nero’s hand, looked at the innocent and lovely girl in front of him, and asked in a very serious tone.

Were you serious about what you just said?

"You... really want to learn the knowledge to become an emperor, and nothing else?"

"Hmm?" Little Nero withdrew his hand and then muttered.

"Is what I'm saying so hard for the teacher to understand? I really want to learn the knowledge of becoming an emperor, and I'm not kidding."

"of course."

Young Nero met his teacher's gaze and spoke without fear.

"If I really have to figure it out, it's not just about learning how to become an emperor."

"Hmm... I'm also very interested in musical performances like the one just now!"

"..."

This is a fairly honest answer.

Nero did not try to hide his true feelings much.

She truly wanted to become the emperor of Rome.

[And my secondary wish after that was to become a performer in Rome.]

But you realize that this isn't the whole truth.

Everything has its reason for moving forward—Nero's imperial ambitions certainly wouldn't be achieved overnight.

There must be a deeper reason behind this.

“Nero.” Ian looked at the happy little Nero in front of him and asked earnestly.

"Then...why do you want to be emperor?"

"Huh?" Little Nero tilted his head slightly.

"Because once you become emperor, you will gain everyone's respect."

Isn't this a great thing?

"Just to gain everyone's respect?" the man pressed. "Isn't there any other motive?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Nero, unusually, fell into deep thought.

This is perhaps a rather important question for her.

After a long silence, she spoke again:

"Teacher, before answering this question, I want to ask you something."

"Is it a sin to dislike my current father?"

"..."

You suddenly realize some problems.

After Nero's first father died, Agrippina moved on to her next husband almost seamlessly.

There was absolutely no buffer time given to Nero, Nero's daughter.

In fact, as one of the wealthiest men in Ubiolum, Agrippina's second husband wielded influence in the area no less than that of the noblewoman.

In some situations, his status as a wealthy man can even play a greater role.

This resulted in the local tycoon treating Agrippina with less respect compared to her first husband.

[He treats his wife like this.]

Needless to say, their attitude towards Nero, who was not their own daughter, was even more questionable.

【certainly. 】

This isn't something you, as a teacher, can easily know—the wealthy aren't fools; they won't openly display this attitude.

The truly unfair treatment lies hidden in the shadows, where it cannot be known.

Nero had to endure all of this simply because her current father disliked her.

"..."

Ian's eyes softened immediately.

He, who has always advocated compassion and love, naturally could not bear to see his students suffer such treatment.

The man embraced the little Nero in front of him and gently asked her in his arms:

"so--"

Is this what you really think?

"Do you think that once you become emperor... you will receive respect from everyone, including your father?"

"Mmm~" Little Nero nodded obediently.

"That's what I thought."

The aspirations are grand, but the starting point is extremely small.

This is entirely consistent with the psychological characteristics that Nero should have at his age.

“Teacher understands.” Ian gently stroked the head of little Nero in his arms. “In that case… it is indeed a good wish.”

“Mmmmm!”

Upon hearing this, the little girl immediately looked up, her expression showing great joy.

"So, teacher, are you willing to teach me how to become an emperor?!"

"That's great!"

"...Don't get so excited yet, let the teacher think about it for a while longer."

"Hmm... okay~" Little Nero pouted, "But teacher, you can't think about it for too long—I'll get impatient."

"Yes, I won't keep you waiting too long."

Ian said this, then looked at Nero and said nothing more.

A complex emotion gradually spread through his heart, like poison eroding his original thoughts.

He knew how dangerous it was.

But I felt I had no choice but to do it.

Even so, you didn't completely believe Nero's words.

After all, using the idea of ​​"wanting to be respected" as a starting point is a bit too far-fetched.

At the same time, the disdain she described from her father is something worth examining in practice.

Following the belief that practice makes perfect, you begin your investigation in secret.

Soon, you will learn a truth far more brutal than Nero described.

Nero Jr. certainly did not receive any respect from his second father.

The latter never ate at the same table with her, nor did he address her as his daughter, and they almost never saw each other.

Even when Ian brought up Nero's interest in music and hoped she could pursue her studies further.

He would also use the excuse, "That's just slave junk, Nero doesn't need to learn that kind of thing," as a reason for his refusal.

Clearly, this father has no intention of fulfilling the responsibilities that come with his position.

He never understood his daughter.

Or perhaps it's more accurate to say that they have no intention of learning about it at all.

For this wealthy man, his marriage to Agrippina was merely a means for him to attach himself to the Roman nobility.

In this way, he could amass wealth at will in Ubiolum.

From this perspective... perhaps he only agreed to let her become Nero's teacher so that she wouldn't bother him.

Ian felt a chill run down his spine after his investigation reached this conclusion.

Is everything just business?

Upon learning the truth, you find it an incredibly cruel reality.

Looking at Nero, who remained as lively and confident as ever, you found it difficult to tell her all of this.

This has affected your usual state of mind.

She realized this.

“Teacher!” Little Nero’s voice rang in Ian’s ears.

"What's wrong with you these past few days... why do you seem so distracted?"

"Uh, this..." Ian, who had come to his senses, was a little embarrassed.

"I'm sorry, Nero."

"I'm sorry, teacher. You haven't been getting enough rest lately."