An Unconscious Genius Magic Tool Maker Wants to Live a Leisurely Life

Chapter 37: Gaze

“Have you heard?”

“That rumor? It’s just a rumor, right?”

“But isn’t it suspicious? It came out of nowhere.”

“But that’s too easy of an explanation.”

Knights guarding the royal castle are conversing.

Among them, there is a rumor that has been circulating recently.

It is impolite to talk about it loudly, and no one openly asks about it.

“His Highness has a secret child…”

“I heard the other party is a magic tool maker brought in from the court. It’s not an impossible story, is it? She was suddenly brought into the castle by His Highness.”

“That’s true when you put it that way…”

“I saw it myself. The child was walking with them and calling them ‘Papa’ and ‘Mama.'”

Whispers of the rumor are spoken in hushed tones.

However, due to its intriguing content, it quickly spread outside the castle.

Similar rumors are spreading within the court as well.

Keeping Motivational Messages Alive

“But the child is too old for that. Probably around fourteen years old.”

“Then it’s impossible. Considering His Highness’s age. And the other party, the magic tool maker, is still young, right?” 

“I guess so…”

In reality, there are strong factors that deny the possibility of such a thing.

That’s why the rumors have spread.

Because people don’t know, they mix in various speculations.

“Your Highness is kind, so maybe if we ask, he’ll answer… or not?”

“If you have the courage to do so.”

“…let’s not.”

“Okay.”

❂❂❂

“So, the rumor that we have a child is spreading.”

“I-I see.”

I chuckle bitterly.

To be whispered about having a child at my age.

And to be thought of as His Highness, of all people.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. I’ve caused you trouble too.”

“Don’t apologize. I should be the one apologizing. If it’s going to come to this, we should have just announced Nero’s true identity openly.”

“I agree with you on that.”

We decided not to disclose Nero’s true identity.

Just being an autonomous golem attracts attention.

But he was even more human-like than that.

In appearance, behavior, and even his thoughts. 

It’s as if we created a living human being… If we were to announce it openly, it would cause more confusion than the response we received.

And many people would start trying to get their hands on Nero.

I think His Highness was able to vividly imagine such a future precisely because he knows the reality of the black market.

I also agree with His Highness’s opinion and have kept Nero’s identity hidden.

At least for now, we won’t make it public.

“But it’s backfiring. I intended to make him a foundling, but…”

“It’s just a rumor. It can’t be helped if people find it interesting to talk about.”

“Yeah. Let’s wait for things to settle down.”

“Okay.”

Rumors are just rumors after all.

Eventually, people will get bored and stop talking about it.

So I decided to wait patiently until then.

Fortunately…

“Mama! I’ll leave the materials over here.”

“Okay. Thanks, Nero.”

“I’m fine with this much! I’m strong, you know!”

Nero himself is very energetic.

It’s been over two weeks since he woke up.

He’s been living his days without any problems.

Now, he sleeps and lives in my room, and during the day, he helps me with my work. 

Lidoria-san knew that I was creating golems, and because she trusts me, I explained the situation to her.

After that, even the royal guards understood.

Surrounded by a small but understanding group of people, Nero spends his days in a human-like way.

“Eating, sleeping, running, laughing, thinking… it’s hard to believe he’s a golem.”

“Yes, I agree.”

If you don’t look at the core in his chest, no one would think of him as a golem.

He just seems like a cheerful and energetic boy.

His personality is obedient, and he listens carefully to what we say.

His efficiency at work has also improved because he is skilled.

Everything is going smoothly, and it’s scary how well he fits in.

However, there are some questions.

He moves using the core that I made.

Golem behavior changes depending on the number of commands given to the core.

I have put fifty-seven commands in so that he functions as an autonomous golem.

However, he shouldn’t be able to move with such human-like freedom.

How is it possible for him to move so much like a human? 

Over a thousand years ago… Why did the person named Master create Nero?

I want to unravel the mystery someday.

“I should be going back now. I still have work left to do.”

“Okay.”

“Papa, are you leaving?”

“Yeah, I’m still a prince, you know. I’ll stop by again around evening.”

His Highness stroked Nero’s head and left the laboratory.

As I took a break, I recalled the rumors I had heard from His Highness.

“The child of His Highness and me…”

That was the rumor.

Is that why I always feel like someone is watching me recently?

To be honest, it’s not a comfortable gaze.

But if that’s the reason, then if I wait a while, the rumors should disappear along with it.

So, I’ll endure it.

“Mama, what should I do next?”

“Let’s see. Can you help me with this one?”

“Yes!”

Now, this child is with me too.

It’s much livelier and more enjoyable than being alone in the laboratory.

I don’t mind the unpleasant gaze when I’m working. 

That’s why I didn’t consult with His Highness.

But… from this day on, I will feel even more eyes on me.