DLBF Chapter 4

Chapter 4 – Mr. Ludendorff

Chapter 1, Part 1.4

Novel Title: ルーデンドルフ公と森の獣 (Duke Ludendorff and the Beast of the Forest)

Author：かわい有美子 (Kawai Yumiko)

Illustrator: 周防佑未 (Suoh Yuumi)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: 藤森賢士 (Kenji Fujimori -MC), ユリアン ルーデンドルフ (Julian Ludendorff -ML)

*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*

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The inside of the mansion was as impressive as it looked from the outside, with an entrance that was already breathtaking.

It was a wide, high-ceilinged Western-style building. Yet there were touches here and there that were clearly designed with Japanese people in mind. This was likely because it was built by Japanese carpenters.

In the past, master carpenters sometimes constructed unique hybrid buildings that mixed Japanese and Western styles through self-study. Such craftsmanship irresistibly appealed to architecture enthusiasts like Fujimori.

The fine and sometimes bold sensibilities of this era’s eclectic style still hit the right note with modern tastes.

There was a door leading directly to a black stone-paved area. Perhaps it was a storage room or shoe cabinet—a kind of shoe room that was innovative for its time. Given the location, it wouldn’t be surprising if it were designed to store ski equipment.

Fujimori wanted to examine everything closely. But he thought it would be best not to upset the seemingly strict Madam. So, he obediently followed her guidance.

Walking on a well-worn deep crimson carpet, Madam knocked on the door of a slightly recessed room.

There was a short, growling response. But Fujimori couldn’t quite make it out. It was quite an impressive low voice, though not particularly pleasant.

Madam opened the door and gave a small nod.

She gestured with her eyes for Fujimori to enter. Fujimori muttered “excuse me” in Japanese as he stepped inside.

It seemed to be a study.

The towering figure of Mr. Ludendorff stood by the window.

The bright sunlight streaming in made his enormous shadow appear even larger. His dark blond hair shone golden in the sunlight.

Previously, he had worn a long coat reminiscent of a frock coat. But today, he was dressed more casually in a summer cotton shirt and slacks. This lighter attire made him appear somewhat younger.

His physique, which Fujimori had thought was simply bulky, was actually more toned and youthful than expected. He seemed to have quite a bit of muscle, possibly from doing some kind of sport.

However, his impressive beard still gave him the appearance of being in his mid-forties.

To be honest, with such a beard, it was hard to determine his exact age as a foreigner. He might even be over fifty.

Supposedly, he had some Japanese ancestry a few generations back, but there was no trace of it in his appearance.

“It’s been a while. Thank you for inviting me here today.”

To Fujimori’s surprise, Mr. Ludendorff responded in Japanese.

“Welcome. I see you’ve arrived.”

His accent was off, and the Japanese sounded awkward. But Fujimori smiled, taking it as a friendly gesture.

Having heard from the law firm’s representative that Mr. Ludendorff was somewhat misanthropic and eccentric, Fujimori felt slightly relieved.

When he shook Mr. Ludendorff’s hand, he found that his own hand fit entirely into the man’s massive one. Not only was he towering, but his hands were also enormous.

However, despite their size, his hands had long, graceful fingers.

“I’m sorry for imposing. I’m very impressed by this wonderful mansion.”

Mr. Ludendorff held Fujimori’s hand tightly, peered into his eyes, and then subtly moved his mouth.

It was hard to tell because of the beard. But it seemed like he smiled.

Fujimori decided to interpret it as a smile, thinking; Maybe he smiled… Let’s just assume he did.

Westerners, especially Europeans, often seem to consider fake smiles a sin. In Germany, smiling is sometimes seen as a sign of weakness, and people rarely smile casually. Therefore, Madam’s stern demeanour wasn’t necessarily mean-spirited; it was likely a typical German reaction before becoming familiar.

Although Fujimori wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about German daily life or character, he wanted to view everything positively.

Given that perspective, Mr. Ludendorff’s agreement to let him come to the mansion, even for a week or two, was already quite a friendly gesture.

“It’s an honour to see you again. I’ve heard you’ll be teaching me a bit about Japanese language and customs. Please, enjoy your stay.”

Although Mr. Ludendorff addressed him as “Herr Fujimori,” it seemed a bit difficult for him to pronounce Fujimori’s last name.

“If it’s hard to pronounce, please feel free to call me Kenji, if you don’t mind.”

Fujimori was aware that, in Germany, people generally don’t call each other by their first names unless they are quite close. However, Fujimori wasn’t particularly attached to formalities. So he suggested using the easier option.

Mr. Ludendorff nodded once, indicating he understood.

“Then, please call me Julian as well.”

The name ‘Julian’, which could also suit a woman, sounded unexpectedly delicate for such a burly man. But that was part of his charm.

As Fujimori looked up at Julian’s eyes, which had softened, he noticed something peculiar.

He had thought they were grey. But under the right lighting, they seemed almost silver.

Fujimori had heard that grey eyes could appear blue or green depending on the light. But he didn’t know they could also appear silver.

How fascinating, Fujimori thought, finding them beautiful.

The colour of the irises was so different from Japanese eyes, making them seem strange and unique. However, he felt it would be inappropriate to delve into such personal and unchangeable aspects like facial features, physique, skin colour, or hair colour, especially considering the sensitivity of racial differences.

He decided it might be something to ask about if they grew closer in the future.

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*Translator’s Note: “Fujimori was aware that, in Germany, people generally don’t call each other by their first names unless they are quite close.” = That’s similar to Japanese culture as well. Yooo… One look at that guy you could tell he’s a werewolf. Oops! It’s not a spoiler tho. It was already in the tags…so yeah… -K

*GLOSSARY: 

• Herr = Mister/Mr.

Illustration 2:

Next update: 2024.10.24

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