Chapter 232, Whose Son I Am (5)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

A black cat with red eyes.

 

‘When you met His Highness, you said you would raise a cat.’

 

‘Yes. I said that. I said I would raise a red-eyed cat well and put it on the throne.’

 

‘A cat. I like it. Until now it had no particular meaning, so I should start using it now.’

 

At first, that was simply the reason.

 

He needed a symbol that would represent Kalian entirely without evoking Syspanian, so he had asked Satinn to make a cat-shaped ornament. Until that moment, he had no intention of giving it to Plants.

 

But then a more useful purpose arose.

 

So he shattered the emerald.

 

It was the smallest thing he had destroyed so far, but in terms of meaning, it was larger than even Heisia Palace, and once again he shattered it thoroughly without a moment’s hesitation.

 

To turn Marquis Evan Beurisen’s insides upside down, to remind the Nobles of Freya along with that, and since the Second Prince was already in his hands anyway, to send a warning message that if they did not want to crumble and disappear alongside Beurisen, they should carefully choose where to place their feet.

 

And above all, to replace the second contract bound to that pea’s heart with something that has a proper meaning.

 

After all, when one accomplishes something major, one must gain at least two benefits from it.

 

A gap where the Seal of Oath will not conflict with each other.

 

Had Allan not said exactly that?

 

Find a gap where the Seal of Oath could have opposing meanings without conflicting with each other.

 

‘Master. Once a Seal of Oath is made, it cannot be reversed, correct?’

 

‘Not until one side dies. That is why I simply watch as you, Prince, sharpen your blade for the day you will draw it against that bastard Evan.’

 

‘Then even if circumstances change after making the oath, the Seal of Oath remains valid.’

 

‘According to what is known, yes.’

 

So he simply thought of it.

 

The one thing Syspanian cannot understand: contradictions. A trivial method to establish that contradiction.

 

If a Seal of Oath cannot be made in contradictory circumstances, then just create contradictory circumstances after making the Seal of Oath.

 

“I am glad it seems to suit you.”

 

[Just say bell peppers are delicious instead. Do you really think this absurd cat brooch suits me? Have your eyes gone mad now too, and by the way why are you so strong, despite all those threats about not growing taller you picked up everything I fed you and kept growing at a similar rate anyway, did you convert all the meat you ate into Aura?]

 

Plants thought with his eyes.

 

Of course, only Kalian properly understood the various curses contained in those eyes, and most of the Nobles in the still-quiet Siegfried Hall heard only of Plants’ refined words.

 

However, unlike the words he spoke aloud or the curses in his eyes, Plants was not particularly surprised. The moment Kalian asked whether the ornament was precious, he had prepared himself mentally, even if he did not know what would happen.

 

Kalian had really shattered it in the end.

 

Then handed over one to replace it.

 

A black cat with red eyes.

 

By this very evening, it would come to represent Kalian to everyone. It did not take very long for something without particular significance to become a symbol carrying tremendous meaning, and surprisingly it did not require that much effort either. Like the black butterfly, or the Griffin.

 

And Plants properly understood the other meaning Kalian intended.

 

The covenant with the Seal of Oath inscribed on it had been written as if he would buy cat food if Plants kept a cat like Luci when he later went to the Beurisen estate.

 

[I was unaware that cat was that cat.]

 

Who would have known it meant to help Kalian ascend to the throne with Beurisen’s power, and that Kalian would work hard to reciprocate to Plants doing so?

 

This was why one should not take a Mage’s word literally. He also learned very well this time that one should not casually make contracts with Mages either.

 

[It can’t be helped.]

 

Plants could not break a contract already made.

 

What could he do, promises must be kept.

 

… Even if it goes against the will of ‘that Family.’

 

“Still, I will receive an apology later.”

 

One corner of Plants’ mouth rose slightly.

 

To others it would sound like an apology for arbitrarily shattering the emerald, but he did not care about that at all. Though the intent was different from Evan’s so he would not be angry, regardless he had been used as a canvas for displaying a grand picture, so he meant to receive an apology for that.

 

Kalian also smiled faintly.

 

“Of course.”

 

His eyes showed that Kalian stubbornly refused to listen to his words.

 

Even though he must have grasped the true intent written in the Seal of Oath, his face showed no particular reaction.

 

‘When Prince Plants helps you, thus creating an action that contradicts Seal of Oath with Marquis Beurisen, it is uncertain what result will occur. We cannot know whether the two forces will cancel out or send a colliding impact to the heart.’

 

‘Yes. I am keeping that in mind. Still, having even a slim possibility is better than the heart being unconditionally strangled in case of an emergency. Though it is not a complete safeguard against the originally made Seal of Oath.’

 

‘If you think so, try it.’

 

Thus, while using this opportunity to engrave a meaningful symbol representing Kalian in the Nobles’ minds, he also committed this act as preparation for the pea’s heart.

 

Yet even so, it was obvious Plants was thinking ‘my capable little brother will keep me alive anyway’.

 

“Thank you for understanding older brother.”

 

Kalian quietly answered with a face where his mouth smiled but his eyes did not.

 

Without looking at Evan who was furious after understanding Kalian’s intended meaning from the action just shown, the pouring gazes of Nobles who postponed understanding the situation and focused on listening to the conversation between the two, Dmirea’s expression having witnessed once again her fiancé’s personality-filled political maneuvering, or Randel who seemed to have no interest in the heartwarming scene of brotherly affection the two siblings were creating.

 

* * *

 

Silence amid chaos.

 

While all kinds of chaos whirled in every direction like a sharp winter wind over the Senu River within the suffocating silence that consumed Siegfried Hall.

 

In Wilhelm Hall, which was as peaceful as always today, Arsene, who had now stopped trying to banish his dark circles and peacefully accepted them, sat facing Hina, who would surely bring peace anywhere, sipping tea brewed with blueberry syrup and lemon.

 

—Blueberries and lemon, are good for, fatigue recovery. Do not leave any, drink it all. I cannot heal fatigue.

 

While Hina deliciously ate snacks of fluffy cream puffs filled with soft pie, the blue-haired Mage who preferred salty things over sour or sweet ones but must always listen well to Hina’s words nodded and looked at what he had just received.

 

“I wondered when I would get to see it, but I am seeing it sooner than expected.”

 

—They said you cannot bring weapons or Magic tools into the banquet hall. But since older brother is the Knight of the Kind Prince, he brought his sword in.

 

Kyrie, who had entered Siegfried Hall as Kalian’s escort, had temporarily entrusted the bracelet to Hina, and since many outsiders were coming today, Hina had come to Arsene’s office for safety.

 

Arsene nodded in reply and examined the bracelet for a moment.

 

It was too precious to be called a simple gift.

 

Even if they exchanged words every day for a lifetime, the Mana inside would not run out. So, it was difficult even for Arsene, a Mage, to gauge how valuable the magic stone must have been. However, he did not voice such thoughts.

 

Both Hina and Kyrie were already grateful enough, so there was no need to add more burden to them.

 

“Even if it was a gift from the Prince for protection, Knight Bern must have liked it very much.”

 

After Arsene finished examining the magic stone and wore the bracelet on his wrist, Hina’s voice naturally came through.

 

—Brother did not show that he liked it much. Prince Kalian also just thought of it as natural and did not like it very much either.

 

At Hina’s voice heard in his head, Arsene unknowingly smiled, feeling pleased for a moment, and opened his mouth to answer.

 

“How unexpected. I thought Knight Bern would be extremely happy to hear you speak.”

 

—If he was too happy, I might worry, so he did not show it. If I saw that he was too happy about me speaking, it would mean he felt that sorry about not being able to speak all this time. He thought I would dislike that, so he just acted nonchalant. That is the kind of person my older brother is. Still, I think he definitely liked it more than me. Perhaps Prince Kalian too.

 

Whether the reason Kalian did not like it much was because of Hina’s words or the same reason as Kyrie was something only he would know, having struggled not to storm up to the fourth floor.

 

“Ah… I am sorry. I spoke without thinking.”

 

—Not at all. I know it is natural to think like the Deputy Commander, and I know well that older brother and Prince Kalian are being excessive. The Deputy Commander has nothing to apologize for.

 

Surprisingly, Hina tended to give long answers.

 

Arsene thought about how frustrated Hina must have been all this time, then quickly shook his head in case Hina might hear that thought. He had made the same mistake again right after apologizing.

 

—And with this, even if we really do go to Secritia, I think I can feel a little more at ease. Since we might need to speak well, but it would be inconvenient for both of us if I had to write everything down and show it.

 

“Secritia? I believe the Prince said he would think of another method, was that not so?”

 

—Just in case. Still, older brother and the Deputy Commander, and if it is alright, Enclave Head Seiren said she would go too, so I am trying not to worry.

 

“Good. I am glad you are not worried.”

 

Arsene, who was answering thus, suddenly looked somewhat dazed.

 

An important name had just come up in the conversation, and he felt like he had forgotten something important, but could not quite recall what it was.

 

“… Whether we go or not, it is good that you have gained a useful item anyway. Still, since there should be no situation where it is needed for the concern, when you go outside Wilhelm Hall or Chermil Palace, absolutely do not go alone.”

 

—I know. I know it is bothersome for both older brother and the Deputy Commander, but I will not go around alone.

 

Hina remembered when Luci had just arrived at Chermil Palace. The incident when she had entered the rose garden alone to find the missing Luci and was nearly in danger. She briefly recalled Plants’ back that she first saw up close at that time and smiled as she continued.

 

—But while it is useful and good, I actually felt a little sorry. You said it was a magic stone extracted from a Harpy egg fossil, but Harpies do not exist anymore. It must be very rare, yet you gave it to me like this…

 

“You need not think that way. If it is something you need, both the Prince and Commander Manasil would go out and catch even a Sea Dragon if need be. And if it is a Harpy egg, though it is rare… it is rare… it is… Ah!”

 

[Egg! Right. The Egg. How had I forgotten about the egg!]

 

Arsene’s face turned pale.

 

—Why are you like that? Are you sick?

 

“No. I am not sick.”

 

Arsene, who was trying to smile calmly, opened his mouth to explain. However, since there was no good way to explain to young Hina that what was sick was not his body but his lifeline, he just gave up and closed his mouth again, then asked a question a moment later.

 

“Lady Bern. Do you happen to know where there is a good food ingredient shop outside the Royal Palace? I need to go buy some eggs after your escort duty ends.”

 

—Eggs? I have never cooked and rarely go outside. But, Veronica probably knows. She said she likes both going to the market and cooking.

 

Though Hina’s eyes said ‘what kind of Mage-like statement was that, so sudden’, she answered anyway, and Arsene smiled weakly with the eyes of someone whose death day had been set.

 

Thinking he should buy eggs and also alcohol. Of course, only if the great Midday Reaper did not fry the brat who forgot his promise before that.

 

“If you know where they sell good eggs, please ask her to let me know.”

 

Really good eggs.

 

Such good eggs, second only to those in the Cyries Royal Palace.

 

* * *

 

Perhaps because Kalian had scattered too much even before the ceremony began, the memorial ceremony that proceeded immediately after Rmain’s entrance went on without any problems.

 

He placed the Queen’s crown for Freya next to Rmain’s crown and declared that he would bestow upon Freya the title of Queen. Then after performing several rituals, the ceremony ended with placing the new Queen’s crown, never worn, in the place where the treasures of the deceased Royal Family were kept.

 

Afterward, everyone returned to Siegfried Hall, and a grand banquet commemorating this day was held.

 

Randel, who no longer had an obligatory reason to be present, and the pea who would be irritated by the black cat brooch, each left not long after the banquet began.

 

Queen Freya.

 

This was a place for Rmain to remember her.

 

And a place for their son, Kalian.

 

Kalian, worn out by the continuing Noble greetings and formal conversations, could not easily move his feet until the banquet ended. Thanks to this, he could not properly greet even Allan, who was conversing with Rmain from afar and who must have been concerned about Kalian all day.

 

While they could not approach the King first, Princes were different, so there were surprisingly many who wanted to properly make an impression on Kalian at this opportunity.

 

“Prince.”

 

“Ah, Kyrie.”

 

Finally, after the banquet ended and Rmain approached first with greetings saying he had worked hard before leaving his seat, Kyrie approached Kalian, who was watching the Nobles leaving the banquet hall one by one.

 

“How was it.”

 

“Everyone seems to be careful about speaking. However, there were a few individuals.”

 

Unfortunately, what was needed today was Kyrie’s ears rather than his sword. Kyrie, who would be happy to use anything for Kalian whether sword or ear, quietly conveyed the names of the few Nobles. It was a list of those thought to be on Beurisen’s side.

 

Kalian, who nodded without other response, turned his gaze. Because the person he had been continuously watching from beginning until now, wherever they were and whatever they were doing, had finally come.

 

“Do you have something to say to me, Marquis?”

 

Kalian, who had Kyrie step back, asked Evan. He considered using informal speech as last time but held back that far. He was still a marquis after all.

 

“Thinking about it, I came to see you because I had not given my congratulations.”

 

“How could there be greetings when there is no heart in them?”

 

“Why would you say such hurtful things?”

 

Kalian, who had been watching Evan make excuses for a moment, slightly raised his head.

 

“We do not seem to be on terms to exchange words without gain. I am tired too.”

 

“How can you say such things in front of me when you might not say it to others? Especially one who walks the path of the sword.”

 

“Ah.”

 

Kalian smiled gently.

 

“Looking at you always tires me.”

 

Evan closed his mouth tightly for a moment.

 

As if recalling the day’s events, eyes the color of light that still felt sorry to consider similar to Plants moved quietly.

 

“Do not continue to act without distinction of rank like this, Third Prince.”

 

Evan smiled similarly to Kalian.

 

“Though it is a glory that may not know how long it will last, so it would not be bad to keep enjoying it. However, I worry the end may not be pretty if it goes that way.”

 

Kalian opened his palm and turned it back slightly. Regardless of what Evan worried about, what Kalian worried about now was whether Kyrie might charge forward.

 

“Would there even be such a pretty end? Even that pure Sillike fell to the same thing as my Mother, so what would be different for the head of Beurisen who wields a sword well?”

 

A poison that was unusually painful for a long time.

 

He now knows the reason Rmain gave that to Sillike.

 

Kalian took one step toward Evan.

 

Hoping that Freya’s blood-red cloak would revive old memories.

 

Kalian, who had proven with his whole body all day that he was Freya’s son, spoke.

 

“By the way. I thought I gave a warning today. Was your head unable to understand even that? It seems my older brother at least did not inherit your head, so I should thank Serenty for that alone.”

 

Kalian, who had lowered his speech at some point, sighed as if pitying him. [Oh Marquis, do not think deeply, do not spare yourself, just step forward recklessly as you originally did without looking ahead or behind.]

 

He finished his words with the meaning, ‘please fall into the splendid trap you will create with your own hands.’

 

“Do not forget whose son I am. I’ve warned you.”

 

Evan, who had been glaring at Kalian for a while, trembled at the corners of his lips. Evan, who barely managed to put on a smile, answered.

 

“… How could I not understand that?”

 

Evan’s suffocating killing intent that no one else would notice flowed out directed only at Kalian.

 

When Kalian showed a pleased smile at the chilling feeling he was receiving after a long time, Evan opened his mouth with an air as if to completely crush Kalian.

 

“I will not forget even a bit, so wait. You will see me again soon enough.”

 

After spitting out those words, Evan turned and went outside without waiting for an answer. He had arbitrarily omitted greetings again.

 

Kalian, watching Evan’s retreating figure, quietly opened his mouth.

 

“Yes… Evan.”

 

Carrying Debeullan’s meticulousness, receiving Rmain’s blood, learning Allan’s wisdom, and never forgetting Freya’s grudge.

 

At this moment alone, Kalian, son of them all, drew a long arc with his red lips.

 

[Yes. You should have come out like this from the start.]