How to Replace Your Dad - Chapter 19

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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How to Replace Your Dad

Chapter 19

They probably want me to play the role of strategist like I did for the First Prince, but I absolutely decline.

I have no desire to get involved in such a terrifying power struggle like the succession war anymore.

Most importantly….

‘All the princes are male lead candidates.’

Male lead candidates cannot be trusted.

After all, male lead candidates are the type to fall in love even if the female lead just trips while walking.

Then no matter how useful a potato I am, they’ll prioritize saving Stella.

So I should diligently help the Clan Leader, who isn’t a male lead candidate, and protect my territory.

* * *

It was a tiring affair in many ways, but the ending was good.

‘I succeeded in the mission and received what was promised.’

As soon as the matter was concluded, Luciano handed over the watch he was wearing.

I immediately examined the watch carefully like an appraiser.

‘This is an incredible item.’

The watch band and bezel were all platinum.

It could show not only the time of this Western Continent, but even the time of the distant Eastern Continent down to the second.

In the center was embedded a clear, uncloudy sapphire, and the hours were marked with diamonds instead of numbers.

It’s easily worth 1,000 gold… no, if I negotiate well, I could even aim for 1,200 gold.

But there was something more important.

“Um, but what about the other promise…?”

When I looked at him cautiously, Luciano answered.

“I’ll keep Gaspard in check. I’ll tell him about the servant matter as soon as I arrive in Esgaroth.”

“Thank you so much.”

I quickly bowed my head.

He didn’t forget to mention that I could contact Sanmiguel Castle about the servant matter.

Ain, who was watching this, looked displeased.

“You did something that would put you out of my favor and only got that much?”

“I thought I wouldn’t fall out of Your Highness’s favor.”

As I told Prince Luciano before, I didn’t want to get involved in the princes’ disputes.

But I still trapped Ain because I was confident.

“You’re wise, aren’t you? And rational.”

“What?”

“You acted out madness. Even though it would make others look down on you, you still did it. That shows you’re someone who knows what’s more important than mere pride.”

“….”

“So I was confident you’d choose the wisest method in an extreme situation.”

“….”

Ain, who had been staring at me intently, suddenly turned his head away.

“Just keep Colonel Lagoni’s mouth shut. If talk about assassins reaches His Majesty the Emperor’s ears, then I might not make a wise choice.”

“Yes.”

As I answered that way, I said “Ah” and asked.

“But what are you looking for using even tracking animals?”

“Ask the eldest.”

At Ain’s words, I looked at Luciano.

Luciano said.

“The Saint.”

“The Saint?”

“Yes. The World Tree sang.”

Ah. So that’s why the princes’ eyes lit up with fire.

Is there anyone in this world who doesn’t know about the Saint’s existence?

There’s an oracle that came down when the world began.

Fear not when despair comes.

The seed shall sprout in silence and bloom into a flower of glory.

The Teretsa Order interpreted this oracle as follows.

‘When the nation is in chaos, the Saint will appear and bring glory.’

This was a line that appeared in the game’s opening too.

This means….

‘The Saint must be Stella.’

Is Stella in the north?

Come to think of it, Marquis Yopis was looking for medicine in the north, saying Stella was sick.

He might have brought her down for treatment.

‘I’ll be returning to the territory anyway, so there’s no need to search from afar.’

I thought of it so casually.

* * *

Fourth Prince Ain said to Luciano as if dumbfounded.

“What on earth is that thing?”

The target was Yustea.

Colonel Lagoni had come to Ain’s barracks to make an accurate assessment of the situation before reporting to the Emperor.

And Yustea was, to that Colonel Lagoni….

“Yes. Yes. Really, it’s admirable how Prince Ain endured it all.”

She was shedding tears profusely.

She told an amazing story of ‘the tragic life of Prince Ain who had no choice but to pretend to be mad.’

She hadn’t lied either.

She had just cleverly twisted the truth.

To summarize the content:

Prince Ain’s maternal family is rather humble, right?

But His Highness’s mother was very greedy and kept trying to put her son on the throne….

Though he received excessive interference and violently oppressive pressure from his mother, well, Prince Ain is just too kind, you know?

He acted out madness because he was worried his mother might get hurt by getting involved in the succession struggle.

And she finished with a comment that stimulated the Imperial Army’s characteristic loyalty to the royal family.

“He also thought that surviving was the greatest filial piety he could show His Majesty the Emperor….”

Colonel Lagoni groaned “Oh my” and soaked his handkerchief thoroughly.

She even excused hiring assassins by saying it was because he thought Gaspard or Luciano might kill him.

She even poked the side of Luciano, who was making an incredulous expression, to make him add his words.

In the end, Luciano….

“…Since Ain and I have cleared up our misunderstanding, let’s conclude this matter here.”

“That’s quite fortunate.”

Eventually, Colonel Lagoni lifted the surveillance on Ain’s barracks while blowing his nose loudly.

Even then, he left while sobbing “Poor Prince….”

Ain let out a hollow laugh looking at Yustea, who had sorted out the situation in an instant.

Acting out madness was indeed because of his mother.

‘She stupidly went around provoking the Empress and the First Imperial Consort.’

Without the power to protect him, she had created an environment perfect for getting stabbed.

He started acting mad to stop such a mother.

“You know it wasn’t because of filial piety.”

“Of course. But narrative is important in these matters. The more pitiful, the better it works.”

Ain let out a hollow laugh and looked at Luciano.

“I understand how someone like you, brother, was fooled by that potato.”

Luciano chuckled.

Yustea’s words about herself being just a potato hit by dust were wrong.

That kid was a born competitor.

Her situational judgment was even innate.

Based on that, she could turn her cunning mind brilliantly.

She had outstanding abilities in the past, but now that she’s been through thick and thin, it’s truly amazing.

To put it metaphorically, she was a well-sharpened weapon that could handle any situation.

‘One that changes form according to its user.’

And Ain would agree with this thought too.

Ain’s eyes, which had been showing an incredulous expression just moments ago, sank deeply.

“Will you really not come to me?”

Ain asked Yustea.

“Pardon?”

“I’ll treat you well.”

Ain reached out his hand.

He cupped Yustea’s cheek and gave a sweet smile.

That smile that made everyone hold their breath, even when he was acting mad.

Yustea looked at Ain’s face with surprised eyes.

And then…

“I’m fine, thank you.”

She refused.

Very cheerfully.

Ain’s expression crumpled instantly.

“Ah. So you’ll board the jackpot ship?”

Luciano, who had been quietly standing with his arms crossed, glanced at her.

Yustea laughed heartily.

“As if.”

“….”

Luciano turned his head away.

His quiet profile seemed somehow displeased, so Ain forgot about being rejected and let out a small chuckle.

“Then what are you planning to do?”

“I should go back. I have a place to stay.”

“When are you thinking of leaving?”

“Hmm. Since I don’t need to take care of Prince Ain’s meals anymore, I could leave anytime, but…”

Yustea was saying that when.

Screech─.

At the bird cry coming from somewhere, the Death Servant in the iron cage lifted its head.

Ain and Luciano’s gazes also turned toward outside the barracks, the source of the sound.

In front of the barracks, an unfamiliar hawk had settled on the falconry perch.

Yustea smiled brightly.

“It’s now.”

“What?”

Ain and Luciano asked Yustea simultaneously.

Yustea smiled broadly.

“They came to pick me up, it seems. Me.”

It was a truly joyful smile that had never been seen during her time at the military camp.

* * *

Carrying a backpack stuffed with luggage, I greeted Colonel Lagoni.

“I’ll be going back now.”

“Alright. Be careful on your way back…”

The Colonel and his adjutants looked very regretful, but I quickly turned around.

My steps were light.

What had flown to the barracks was Sunguang, the Clan Leader’s hawk.

‘I guess it was good that I contacted the Irregulars before going to expose Ain’s fake madness.’

I had expected Ain would hire someone.

Since he hadn’t brought personal guards with him.

I had prepared for the case where the person he hired might be incredibly strong and beyond what Luciano or Colonel Lagoni could handle.

I offered my shoulder as a perch for Sunguang and quickly left the military camp.

I could see a group below the hillside.

It was a dark night and they wore their hoods pulled low so I couldn’t see their faces, but I could tell.

It was the Antonio Unit.

And…

‘The Clan Leader?’

He didn’t just send Sunguang, but the Clan Leader came personally?

I quickly ran down the slope.

I was running frantically and almost fell, but the Clan Leader caught me.

“You’ll get hurt.”

I kept laughing.

“Why do you keep laughing?”

“Because I’m happy.”

“…About what.”

“You came to pick me up. I have someone who comes to pick me up too.”

I couldn’t see his eyes well because of the hood, but I could feel him staring at me intently.

Antonio giggled and said.

“The Clan Leader said he would go, but the Clan Leader moved personally.”

“Ah…”

I’m happy he came, but I wonder if it wasn’t bothersome.

When I looked up cautiously, the Clan Leader said.

“When someone who went for my work falls into danger, it’s natural to rescue them.”

The Clan Leader is indeed a good person.

I really chose my boss well.

“It ended well. I even made money.”

I excitedly showed them the watch Luciano had given me.

Antonio and his unit members laughed as if they found me cute.

“Good. Then let’s go, miss.”

“Everyone’s been waiting with their eyes falling out.”

“Yes!”

I was about to leave surrounded by the Irregulars.

“Are those the ones you chose?”

When I turned my head, I saw Luciano.

Standing with the large full moon behind him, he was looking at me.

‘Why did he come?’

He wouldn’t be able to recognize the Irregulars because of their hoods, but having the Clan Leader and Luciano close together makes me nervous.

I stood as if to shield the Clan Leader.

Seeing me like that, Luciano said.

“Contact me if you change your mind.”

“Pardon?”

“I’m also the type who treats my people well. Quite devotedly, too.”

It was such an unexpected statement that I hesitated to answer for a moment.

Luciano smiled gently.

It was a smile more sweet than the moonlight behind him.

“See you again.”

That was the end of our conversation.

He turned around and returned to the military camp.

Really, you never know how fate will unfold.

Just a few years ago, I was being scouted by Luciano, who was practically my enemy.

Thinking it was quite an interesting experience, I also turned around.

‘Huh?’

The Clan Leader was silently looking at me.

Was he curious about who that was?

Having that thought, I soon felt like I made a mistake.

‘I should have introduced him.’

Officially, the Clan Leader’s status was Count Sanmiguel.

It would have been helpful if he had made acquaintance with the Second Prince.

I hurriedly asked.

“That was Second Prince Luciano. Should I go back and bring him over? It would be good for you to know him.”

“No need.”

“What? But…”

“I have a strangely unpleasant feeling about him.”

“…?”

Wasn’t the Clan Leader the type to dislike people without experiencing them first?

But he must have really felt unpleasant, as the Clan Leader’s voice was somehow cold.

Well, if that’s the case, there’s nothing I can do.

I soon organized my thoughts and followed behind the Clan Leader.

* * *

Two days later.

I stretched out fully.

‘They say anywhere becomes home if you get attached, and it’s really true.’

Sanmiguel puts my mind at ease.

It felt even more so after being all tense at the military camp.

Besides, there’s something else that puts my mind at ease.

I took out the watch Luciano gave me and examined it.

‘No matter how I look at it, my beautiful money.’

Had I ever gotten my hands on something worth 1,000 gold since being kicked out of Andres?

For me, who used to work my feet off all day to earn a mere 40 copper, 1,000 gold was an enormous amount.

I won’t have to worry about money for a while.

‘Now that I have some leisure, I’d like to give some gifts.’

I wanted to give small gifts to the clan members who had kindly welcomed me.

I looked at Charlie, whom the Clan Leader had assigned as my escort.

That Charlie with Antonio Unit’s brilliant swearing skills.

“Charlie, won’t you guide me to the blacksmith’s shop?”

“The blacksmith’s shop?”

But it was strange.

As soon as he heard the word blacksmith, Charlie’s expression changed completely.

It was a very tense face.

“You’re going to buy something, right?

“Yeah.”

“Does it… have to be the blacksmith’s shop?”

“Huh?”

“Isn’t it something they sell at the general store too? If so, the general store would be better…”

When I looked at him as if asking what he was talking about, Charlie gulped and said.

And he whispered as if telling me some important information.

“There’s only one blacksmith’s shop in Sanmiguel. And a money demon lives in that blacksmith’s shop.”

“Money demon?”

“He’s so good at scamming that people get fooled every time. A kind person like you will get completely ripped off.”

Come to think of it, I heard about the blacksmith’s shop when I first came to Sanmiguel.

He made fakes called Daegari-je and sold them to clan members, deceiving them as luxury Tekari-je.

But I’m also someone with quite thick bones from the market.

“It’s fine. Guide me.”

Charlie looked worried but eventually guided me to the blacksmith’s shop.

The blacksmith’s shop was located not far from the castle.

It was only a 20-minute carriage ride from the castle gate, so we arrived quickly.

As soon as Charlie entered the blacksmith’s shop, he widened his eyes and said.

“This person is the Clan Leader’s daughter. If you try to scam her, know that your wrist will be broken, old man!”

From what he said, the Blacksmith seemed to know the identity of the Irregulars.

The old man who was making clanging sounds while working the bellows glanced our way.

“Even if it’s not a scam, you say that. It was reasonable sales, I tell you.”

Charlie snorted.

“How was selling Daegari-je as Tekari-je reasonable?”

“How could you guys buy expensive stuff like Tekari-je. It’s best to buy similar items and cherish them thinking they’re luxury goods.”

“So that’s why you charged double the market price for Daegari-je weapons?”

“The price of goods is up to the seller.”

The old man who said that so nonchalantly looked at me.

“So what brings the Clan Leader’s daughter to my blacksmith’s shop.”

“Ah. I wanted to request custom work…”

It was just as I was saying that.

Clang, along with the door chime sound, the sound of military boots could be heard.

Wondering what military boot sounds those were, I turned my head and froze.

Soldiers were entering.

They weren’t Sanmiguel’s soldiers.

The emblem carved on their robes was Esgaroth’s emblem, the golden eagle.

The soldiers who burst into the blacksmith’s shop soon formed two rows.

Between them, a middle-aged man with his hands behind his back entered.

The man looked around the shabby blacksmith’s shop and covered his nose with a handkerchief.

Frowning as if displeased, he said.

“I’ve come to escort you. Saint.”

Saint?

Where is there a saint here?

There isn’t even a strand of Stella’s hair, so why are they looking for a saint here?

Could it be that the saint isn’t Stella?

I was wondering what was going on when the middle-aged man who brought the soldiers said.

“On the 3rd of last month. There was a divine wave in this area. And there’s only one person in this area who received the holy examination (the process of confirming divine power and being judged suitable as a clergy member).”

Could it really be that Stella wasn’t the saint?

I didn’t receive the holy examination.

Then…

“Charlie, is it you?”

“What? No. I’ve never even been near the temple, so how would I receive a holy examination.”

It’s not Charlie either?

Then who on earth is it?

The middle-aged man started moving with large steps.

And the place he reached was…

“Why are you looking at me?”

The Blacksmith looked bewildered.

The middle-aged man smiled kindly.

“We shall escort you, Saint.”

—And then.

The Old Man backed away as if looking at a madman.

He tried to flee in panic, but it was futile.

The soldiers, who had received a signal from the middle-aged man, grabbed the Old Man’s arms and legs.

The Old Man shrieked.

“I’m a man! A 68-year-old man…!”

His echoing voice was pitiful.

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