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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 58
Chapter Title: Let's Meet Again
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1.
The next morning.
At the residence of Gail, Karrons maternal grandfather, located just outside the Imperial Palace.
The butlers here had been diligently preparing a meal since early morning.
Because
I never expected you to visit so suddenly, my dear in-law. What weve prepared seems too modest.
This is more than enough. I only regret that I havent been able to visit you more often.
On the contrary, I am the one who feels apologetic for not visiting Cheonghae Castle more frequently.
Grand Duke Halo had come to visit in person.
And Halo had not come alone.
He had brought with him all the blood relatives of the Leston Ducal Family currently in the capitalthat is, Karron, Leo, and finally, Hugo.
I have decided to travel to the capital more often from now on, so we should have more opportunities to see each other.
Halo said politely to Gail.
Gail nodded and smiled.
Then I suppose Ill be able to see my son-in-laws face more often as well.
If Peil has reason to come to the capital, I will be sure to send my daughter-in-law with him.
Haha, my dear in-law. Do you have any idea how much my daughter nags? My ears are already ringing at the thought.
The adults led the conversation, exchanging pleasantries.
The atmosphere during the meal was quite gentle.
Karron listened to Halo and Gails conversation as he took a spoonful of soup.
He had no desire to intrude on the adults discussion.
Gail watched Karron with a fond smile.
When he heard the news of the succubus attack, it felt as though his world had collapsed.
But when he heard the rumors that Karron had successfully vanquished the succubus and, on the following day, had even emerged victorious in a duel against Sir Ryuk of the Imperial Guard
My heart swelled with pride.
It was beyond surprising; it was shocking.
His grandson, whom he hadn't even seen since he had entered Cheonghae Castle.
The moment that grandson left Cheonghae Castle, he began racking up one incredible achievement after another.
How could he not be proud of such a grandson?
Karron.
Yes, Grandfather.
Eat up. Have more if youre not full.
Yes!
Gail affectionately stroked Karrons head.
He didn't know much about the lives of knights, but he knew this one thing for certain.
Karrons talent was in a realm that words could not describe.
Even his own son-in-law, standing before him, had not accomplished as much as Karron at that age.
It meant Karron possessed a talent that surpassed even Halo, who was considered the strongest on the continent.
Just as Gail was stroking Karrons head, Halo spoke in his deep voice.
As soon as Karron returns to Cheonghae Castle, he will be placed under confinement for four years.
Confinement, you say?
Yes.
...Hmm.
Confinement.
It could be a punishment, but Gail quickly understood Halos true intention.
His stoic in-law was trying to protect Karron. Being confined in Cheonghae Castle was, in other words, the same as being protected within it.
My in-law intends to nurture Karron.
This was good news.
If Karron had caught his grandfathers eye, no one within Cheonghae Castle would dare to touch him.
The line of succession for the Leston Duchy was still unclear.
Although the eldest son, Teils Leston, was showing promise, he had not been officially named the Young Duke.
With Karrons appearance in such a situation, there might be a significant shift in the succession dynamics.
Ill have to discuss this with my son-in-law.
Gail was prepared to do everything he could for Karron as his maternal grandfather.
Nodding, Gail smiled and said to Halo.
He has caused quite a bit of trouble, so it seems a very reasonable decision, my dear in-law.
If you wish, you are welcome to come to Cheonghae Castle and see Karron anytime. Why dont you come for this years winter vacation?
The winters in Cheonghae Castle are truly beautiful. Since youve invited me, I must be sure to spend this winter there. Haha.
As Gail and Halo conversed, the meal gradually came to an end.
Gail stroked Karrons head once more and asked.
Its a shame. It would have been nice if you could have stayed in the capital a little longer.
Im sad too, Grandfather. Why dont you come with us to Cheonghae Castle?
This old man is tied down by his official duties. Lets look forward to this winter.
He smiled contentedly at his grandson's charming plea.
You said youre leaving this evening. What are your plans until then?
Ah! I have to stop by the boutique district for a suit I ordered. I was originally going to pick it up myself, but given the circumstances.
Cant you just have one of the servants do that?
Come on, you should do your own errands. Ill be quick.
A very admirable attitude. Alright, Ill make sure to leave work early to see you off later.
Gail smiled benevolently. Then, Halo placed his teacup down on the table and spoke.
Now that the meal is mostly finished, you children may be excused. Hugo, look after the others.
Yes, Grandfather.
And so, Halos grandsons left the reception room, leaving only Halo and Gail behind.
Creeak.
After confirming that the reception room door was closed, Halo slowly got to the point.
I felt it was not a suitable topic to discuss in front of the children, so I sent them out on purpose.
Of course, my dear in-law.
It is a matter that also concerns Karron.
At those words, Gails eyes lit up. However, he waited for Halo to speak rather than asking immediately.
As you know, Karron will now be followed by a great deal of attention. His trip to the capital has drawn an unnecessary amount of it. And it will be the same within Cheonghae Castle. Its embarrassing to admit, but my sons are very ambitious.
Isnt your intention what matters most, my dear in-law?
It is an old mans greed. A desire for my sons to reach greater heights through competition.
Halo took a sip of tea from his cup. He continued in a low voice.
If I were to name my greatest mistake, it would be sending Peil away from Cheonghae Castle. I sent him away under the pretext of family tradition. It is a decision I now deeply regret. So, I intend to make the right choice, even if its late.
...The right choice, you say?
From now on, the Leston Ducal Family plans to exert its influence directly in central politics. This means we will no longer stand by and watch the Empires situation unfold.
Halo looked at Gail with a calm expression.
I plan to entrust this role entirely to Peil. I believe he is the most suitable person for the job. He has always maintained friendships in the central political sphere, so he will do very well.
May I take that to mean what I think it means?
Peil had never before been tasked with representing the family.
He had merely managed the familys businesses and fostered political connections.
But Halos words now implied that he would be bringing Peil to the forefront.
I hope that you will also lend my son a great deal of support, my dear in-law.
That would be somewhat contrary to my principles.
That is why I am asking this of you. Shouldnt Peil at least have the power to protect his own son?
In the end, all of this was for Karron.
Gail reflected on his life thus far.
A conviction to uphold his principles in any situation.
He had climbed to his current position with that conviction alone.
His in-laws request was, ultimately, a plea for him to break those principles.
But Gail was able to make his decision without difficulty.
There is no need to ask, my dear in-law.
A lifetime of conviction versus his grandsons future.
It was not a difficult choice to determine which was more important.
I, too, intend to do my best for Karron.
His one and only grandson.
A stuffy old conviction he had held for so long was not even comparable to his beloved grandson.
Where shall I begin? Just say the word.
The Demon King of the National Tax Service readily decided to become a source of strength for his grandson.
It was the easiest decision of his entire life.
2.
Asel, a tailor shop located on Boutique Street.
Sir. Im here.
Karrons group opened the door and entered.
The shop was quiet, with not a single person in sight.
A moment later, an old man walked out from the tailoring room in the back and offered a greeting.
Welcome, Lord Karron.
Ruhon, the owner of Asel, greeted Karrons party with a bright smile.
I was waiting for you. I had a feeling you would be coming around today.
Oh? How did you know? Im heading back to Cheonghae Castle earlier than planned, so I came to ask if you could have the suit delivered there.
A customer who arrived earlier already told me.
An earlier customer?
Just then, a woman wrapped in bandages emerged from the tailoring room.
It was Eimi.
Karron glanced at Eimis attire and let out a small laugh.
Are you okay?
People dont usually look at someone like this and ask if theyre okay, Lord Karron.
Those are glorious wounds.
...I dont think getting beaten like a dog in the summer heat is very glorious.
Its glorious if you think it is. Havent you heard of positive thinking?
At Karrons playful words, Eimi let out a small laugh.
You have a point.
I felt bad for leaving without a proper goodbye. This is perfect. Youre not seriously hurt anywhere, are you? I tried to go easy on you.
Hey, Karron.
What is it, Brother Leo?
Didnt you beat Miss Eimi until she passed out? How is that going easy on her?
What? You want to spar like Eimi did, brother?
Hmph.
Leo clamped both hands over his own mouth.
Having lightly quashed Leos rebellion, Karron turned back to Eimi and said.
So when are you going to pay me back for the meat? You ate a considerable amount that day.
I was about to mention that. I got a big raise, you see. Ill pay you back next month.
Oh, are you receiving your knighthood?
Yes. The investiture ceremony is next Friday. Oh, and Sir Ryuk has decided to train me personally from now on.
It seemed things were starting to change for her.
Karron narrowed his eyes slightly and asked Eimi.
Have you decided to completely join their faction?
How could I? I heard from Sir Ryuk that Grand Duke Halo has decided to sponsor me. And so, I have something to say to you, Lord Karron.
Eimi bowed deeply to Karron. Then she said in a cheerful voice.
Thank you, Lord Karron. Its all thanks to you. I will never forget this kindness for the rest of my life!
Karron averted his gaze slightly and scratched his cheek with a finger.
Dont be so dramatic. Just pay me back on time. Oh, and from now on, if anyone from Count Kians family tries to cause trouble, you can handle it yourself.
Really?
Grandfather said hes got your back. You should make good use of it. Power is best wielded by those who have used it before, you know? But dont abuse it too much. Got it?
Though he said that, Karron knew Eimi wasnt the type of person to do such a thing.
Eimi was, from birth, a warrior.
She might be crazy about the sword, but she wasnt the type to get caught up in pointless displays of power.
The will to swing her sword until the very last moment, even after being beaten unconscious.
Karron held that aspect of Eimi in high regard.
Once you reach the 6-star level, come visit Cheonghae Castle.
I will.
Arent you going to ask why?
You must have your reasons, Lord Karron. Am I wrong?
He wasnt sure whether to call her naive or just simple.
Karron shrugged his shoulders and said with a smile.
Well, I appreciate you thinking so.
He planned to give her some pointers once she learned the Moonlight Sword Style.
He even intended to subtly pass on the Moonlight Sword Style that he, Kain Rator, had used in his past life.
Of course, that would be after she reached the 6-star level and mastered the fundamentals of the style, but from what Karron could see, it wouldn't take her very long.
Once she officially became a knight, she would undertake missions, naturally gaining real combat experience and growing stronger quickly.
After his brief conversation with Eimi, Karron turned back to Ruhon.
You can send the suit to Cheonghae Castle, right?
Of course.
Ill also pay in advance for the suit for my coming-of-age ceremony.
An encounter with a connection from his past life in an unexpected place.
That made the connection all the more welcome.
Ruhon smiled brightly at Karrons words and nodded.
If you entrust it to me, I will do my utmost.
Well take new measurements then.
I will always be waiting here for you. Ah, I have a gift for you, Lord Karron. Would you mind waiting just a moment?
Ruhon went into the tailoring room and soon returned with a small box.
It was an old wooden box that showed the passage of time.
Please, open it.
Opening the box revealed a brooch in the shape of a black sword.
It was a brooch Karron remembered.
He couldn't possibly forget it.
It was the only brooch he had ever worn in his past life.
This was a brooch that Sir Kain was fond of. He broke it while fighting in a suit. I had it repaired for him, but I never had the chance to return it.
Youve kept this all this time?
Sir Kain was a special person to me.
He never thought he would see it again in a place like this.
It was a simple brooch, without a hint of extravagance. That was why he had liked it.
Seeing an object from his past life like this stirred an indescribable emotion within him.
Was it longing, or was it regret?
Perhaps it was both.
Karron looked up at Ruhon and asked.
Are you sure its okay to give this to me? I think Eimi would covet it, too
Looking at you, Lord Karron, I am naturally reminded of Sir Kain. Therefore, this brooch belongs to you. I believe Sir Kain would have wanted it that way.
...Me? Do I resemble Sir Kain?
Your atmospheres are similar. Please, think of it as the ramblings of an old man.
At those words, Karron didn't argue any further. He closed the box and carefully tucked it away in his coat.
Ill make good use of it.
This was a gift he would likely never forget for the rest of his life.
This brooch, returned to him by a boy who had since become an old man.
It wasn't just a brooch. It was a memory that an old man had carefully cherished for many long years.
Karron accepted that memory with a grateful heart.
It was a gift far more precious than he deserved.
Im glad I came to the capital. Thank you, truly.
The boy spoke with all his heart.
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