Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 78

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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“Ludrik, what’s the matter? Are you feeling unwell?”
Ludrik snapped back to attention at her concern, lifting his head with a start.
“Ah, forgive me. I was just—I’ve been so shocked that I haven’t even properly thanked you yet. I should have done it the moment I woke up. It’s just… I was so surprised.”
He rose from the bed, belatedly offering his formal thanks to both Diena and Helio before swaying slightly and sitting back down.
“So I really was… a Non-Ability User all along.”
That was the first thing he said.
Diena understood his heart. His last memory must have been of the Priest who examined him suggesting that the darkness accumulating in his body might be because he was an Ability User. He’d held onto hope, surely.
Perhaps he was an Ability User after all. Even in his illness, he might have found comfort in that possibility—that he was simply awakening late, like everyone else.
‘I once yearned for that as desperately as he does.’
Because that was the only way to earn the love of those around her. It was as Diena recalled her past, feeling a pang of sympathy for him, that something happened.
Elia struck Ludrik’s back.
“What does that matter!”
It was a surprisingly bold gesture.
“Do you think crafting House Castleton’s weapons requires an Innate Ability? Do you believe House Castleton rose to its station simply because of such power!”
It was a remark that would have shocked any other Ability User who heard it.
“Do you really think every member of House Castleton throughout history possessed an Innate Ability? No! Yet among them were many who created masterworks worthy of immortal fame.”
“Mother…”
“So work harder instead. There’s plenty you can accomplish without an Innate Ability.”
At her words, Ludrik’s face brightened gradually. His eyes reddening, he smiled broadly and turned to Elia.
“You’re right, Mother. Creating weapons under the House Castleton name—Innate Ability isn’t necessary for that.”
Mother and son gazed at each other warmly and laughed. Diena watched the scene in a daze.
She recalled the image of House Castleton’s Duke, keeping vigil at Ludrik’s bedside while he lay sleeping, striving in every way to keep him alive. The same emotion filled her heart now.
‘I envy them.’
Having parents who could say it was all right not to have an Innate Ability.
‘If my parents had lived, would they have been like the Duke? Would they have done as much for me?’
She’d thought of her childhood often before.
Theodore had been quite a gentle father, though her memories of him were fading now. He simply hadn’t been there very often, and she had no memory of her mother at all.
If her mother had been beside her. If her father hadn’t passed away so early. What kind of life would she have lived?
Then Ludrik looked at Diena and spoke.
“Being able to meet my mother again is all thanks to you, Diena. I’m truly grateful.”
“What? Diena?”
“You are my benefactor. If you hadn’t been there, my mother might have made a terrible choice because of me.”
He was referring to what Balthasar had done. Diena nodded carefully, and Ludrik, his face growing confident, raised his voice.
“Once my skills improve and I can craft weapons worthy of the name, I’d like to give you the first one I make.”
His cheeks flushed softly as he gazed intently at Diena. Barcan, noticing his stare, frowned and positioned himself between them.
But Ludrik was not the only one at Diena’s side. Elia, pretending not to see Barcan, clicked her tongue at Ludrik’s words.
“Then you’ll need to work without rest. You’ll have to craft something perfect.”
Saying this, Elia subtly took hold of Diena’s hand.
Diena looked down at the Duke’s rough hand—unbecoming of a noblewoman’s touch.
“Thank you so much for saving our Ludrik. I don’t even know how to repay such kindness.”
Tears pooled in her eyes.
“If you’d give me just a little more time, I could do so much for you. I’d feed you delicious food, have beautiful clothes made for you, take you on a pleasure cruise when I had the chance…”
“Ah.”
Hearing these words, Diena’s chest tightened. What the Duke spoke of were the very things she had once wanted to do with her mother.
“Truth be told, I visited House Rothwell once before to see you. You weren’t home, and I was curious how you were doing. I’m glad to hear you’re settling in well at House Cardian.”
Diena responded with a surprised expression, hearing this for the first time.
“Is that so? Thank you.”
“I understand you’re now the dedicated healer for House Cardian. If ever you wish to change positions due to unsatisfactory terms, feel free to tell me. Money is the one thing I have in abundance.”
At this, Barcan, who had been listening until now, finally interjected.
“I also have money in abundance.”
“Barcan, I have more than you.”
“Perhaps. But shouldn’t we examine the financial statements to be certain? Besides, since His Grace has agreed to conduct trade with our company, I’ve just become wealthier.”
Elia narrowed her eyes at Barcan.
“Is that a challenge?”
“No. Both of you, stop this.”
It was Diena who stepped between them. If this went any further, the fragile goodwill she’d worked to build between the two houses would shatter.
“Your Grace, I have no plans to change positions for now. I still have work to do.”
At Diena’s words, Elia nodded with a look of disappointment.
“Very well, I can’t force such things. Then at least accept this.”
“…This?”
What she held out was an ornate key adorned with a ruby. Elia smiled with pride and explained.
“Remember when you said you’d like something from my treasures? This is the key to the Castleton Treasure Warehouse. If there’s anything you want, take as much as you’d like.”
Diena’s eyes widened at the answer. She only needed one thing, yet the Duchess was offering her the key to the entire warehouse. But rather than refuse, she decided to accept.
“I’ll accept it gratefully. I’ll only take what I truly need.”
Both her words and her actions were straightforward. Diena gripped the key Elia offered tightly.
* * *
Diena stepped into the Castleton Treasure Warehouse.
As the heavy iron door swung open, a chill swept over her along with the sharp scent of metal.
Master Swords hung on the walls, each one visibly crafted by a master artisan, and intricate Enchanted Armors imbued with mana rested on display stands.
These were treasures so rare that any Ability User who saw them would have their eyes widen in wonder.
Diena too finally understood why her uncle had been so desperate to seize House Castleton. The weapons the Duke had crafted were truly magnificent beyond measure.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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