How to Replace Your Dad - Chapter 49

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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 49

 

I let out a groan inwardly.

 

‘She’s changing classes at this timing.’

 

The Emperor’s appearance was somewhat startling, but the location wasn’t bad.

 

With so many people around, even if divine waves occurred, they wouldn’t be able to identify me specifically.

 

Moreover, the possibility of divine waves occurring was slim.

 

The heavens and earth had already cried out once when the class change began.

 

That’s what I was thinking when it happened.

 

3rd Class Change Success!

 

[ Saint ]

 

*Traits are being activated.

 

‘Hmm, as expected.’

 

I had expected to become a Saint, but to have it hammered down so definitively.

 

There were no particular abnormalities in the sky or earth.

 

‘This should pass quietly…’

 

That’s what I was thinking when it happened.

 

I heard whispering sounds from beside me.

 

“No way, Father. How are you straightening your back like that? You said your back was hurting.”

 

“My knees… my knees… Oh, it’s like when I was young.”

 

I flinched.

 

I forced my stiff neck to turn and looked around.

 

The elderly were holding their joints in amazement.

 

‘Don’t tell me… this is…’

 

I’m screwed.

 

I think I’ve become a panacea.

 

* * *

 

Fortunately, it didn’t escalate to a commotion.

 

Since the Emperor and Pope were present, people quickly began to read the room.

 

Though the Emperor and Pope weren’t paying attention, busy greeting the heads of the Seven Families.

 

My heart was pounding.

 

Not from surprise, but from mana depletion symptoms.

 

‘This is strange. It’s not like I can’t control mana like before.’

 

I hadn’t done nothing while staying in Quaron.

 

I learned how to control mana from Yuise, a main force user whose usage was similar to divine power.

 

Yet I was healing all sorts of ailments around me.

 

‘Could it be because of that?’

 

Those words I saw in the window.

 

*Traits are being activated.

 

‘It might be because the traits are activated. How do I deactivate them? Status window…’

 

Just as I was thinking about the status window.

 

Name: Yustea Esgaroth

 

Class: Saint

 

Traits: Purification (Active), Healing (Active), Status Window (Active)

 

MP: 13/50

 

.

 

.

 

‘This is incredible.’

 

It’s like I’ve become the protagonist of a fantasy novel.

 

When I think about the status window, the status window appears.

 

Then the method to deactivate should be similar, right?

 

‘Deactivate Purification and Healing.’

 

Traits: Purification, Healing, Status Window (Active)

 

The “Active” labels next to Purification and Healing disappeared.

 

The air purifier state where just being near me provided healing and purification was deactivated.

 

As soon as that happened, the surroundings became noisy again.

 

“Ow, my back!”

 

“My knees… my knees are back to…”

 

I’m sorry.

 

I’d like you not to be in pain, but my life is precious…

 

Just as I was thinking that.

 

The Emperor’s voice was heard.

 

“What a series of surprising news. Not only do you have a hidden son, but the child that son adopted was a direct descendant of Andres.”

 

Everyone’s attention focused at once.

 

When such an intriguing topic came from the Emperor’s mouth, it was extremely interesting.

 

Marquis Esgaroth smiled broadly.

 

“These are the ones who will shoulder Esgaroth’s future. Please remember them.”

 

Father bowed toward the Emperor.

 

Next was my turn.

 

I spread my skirt wide and bent my knees.

 

“Yustea of Esgaroth greets Your Majesty.”

 

“Haha, a name that’s familiar yet unfamiliar.”

 

I often had occasions to see the Emperor while frequenting the Imperial Palace.

 

Back then, I introduced myself as ‘Yustea of Andres.’

 

The Emperor smiled broadly and said.

 

“Yes. Are you still working hard?”

 

“Though lacking, I am doing my best.”

 

Pfft.

 

A snickering sound was heard.

 

What could someone like me, who was doing all sorts of odd jobs to make ends meet just months ago, possibly accomplish by trying hard?

 

Everyone glanced at Marquis Esgaroth.

 

It seemed amusing to them that bringing someone like me into the family would invite ridicule.

 

‘I can’t let that slide.’

 

The Emperor asked.

 

“Recently, I’ve been studying the political situations of other countries.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“So I came to realize that the assassination attempt on the Prince of Tabira was rather suspicious.”

 

“…What?”

 

The incident where Father and I were detained by the guards.

 

The incident where the Prince of Tabira nearly got assassinated at the Empire’s party.

 

I know the truth behind that incident.

 

‘Such a major incident couldn’t have been left out of the game.’

 

Knowing the game’s story, I knew the culprit from the beginning.

 

“I heard that despite controlling all of District 2 and even searching the High Nobles, the assassin couldn’t be caught, so Tabira sent an official letter of protest.”

 

Tabira made two demands regarding the Empire’s failure to protect their envoy.

 

1. Reduce the price of mana stones sold to Tabira by half.

 

2. Allow Tabira’s investigation team to enter the Archipelago to investigate the assassination incident.

 

Number 1 was obviously beneficial.

 

And number 2 would give Tabira an opportunity to plant informants in the Archipelago.

 

I looked at the Emperor and continued speaking.

 

“Why is only Tabira gaining benefits from this incident where Tabira’s prince was attacked?”

 

“Continue speaking.”

 

“Furthermore, in Tabira, there’s fierce fighting between the First Prince and the Youngest Prince, who came as envoys, over the crown prince position.”

 

“What are you trying to say?”

 

I immediately prostrated myself and lowered my body.

 

“Your Majesty, there is someone missing from the investigation of the assassination attempt. Please investigate the attacked Tabira prince!”

 

“…!”

 

“…!!”

 

“…?!”

 

The entire assembly looked at me in shock.

 

“Are you saying it was the prince’s self-directed play?”

 

“Surely the prince wouldn’t stab himself with a sword?”

 

“But that child’s words make sense.”

 

“Yes. With the crown prince position and such benefits rolling in, what’s the big deal about closing your eyes and taking a stab?”

 

The Emperor widened his eyes and stared directly at me.

 

The heads of the Seven Families and the seasoned power holders did the same.

 

The Emperor, who had been gazing at me intently, soon….

 

“Hahaha!”

 

Burst into hearty laughter.

 

“Indeed, a prodigy recognized by the Archipelago! A talent worthy of carrying the Esgaroth name!”

 

People looked at the Emperor in surprise.

 

Marquis Esgaroth’s lips curved up to the sky.

 

Those who had been mocking me flinched.

 

Such high praise from the Emperor’s mouth was extremely rare.

 

The Emperor looked at Marquis Esgaroth.

 

“Anyone who accepts such a child as a daughter must be a seed destined for greatness.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Aslan. I shall remember your name.”

 

At the Emperor’s words, Father lightly bowed his head.

 

The faces of the Seven Families’ heads froze.

 

It was the first time the Emperor had spoken of remembering a successor.

 

The Emperor smiled and looked at me.

 

“This year-end festival will be memorable.”

 

“I am honored.”

 

When I answered, the Emperor looked around.

 

“Enjoy the party. Having welcomed a pleasant year-end, the coming new year will be prosperous.”

 

With those closing remarks, the Emperor turned his back.

 

It seemed he was going to resolve the troublesome Tabira matter.

 

The Emperor stopped when he reached Count Andres.

 

“Don’t you regret it?”

 

Then he chuckled and began walking again.

 

Meanwhile, Marquis Esgaroth rubbed my cheeks vigorously.

 

“Ugh….”

 

“So clever, admirable, and cute. How did such a thing roll into my hands?”

 

“Ughh….”

 

“Ah, let me introduce her. This is my granddaughter! Ah, how could you not know the Academy’s top student!”

 

The nobles looked at Marquis Esgaroth and Father with envious eyes.

 

* * *

 

Andres Estate.

 

The Marquise swept all the objects on the table to the floor.

 

Crash─!

 

The sharp sound of breaking shattered the night’s silence.

 

The employees hunched their shoulders.

 

Emma clutched her skirt with a pale face.

 

“M-Mother….”

 

“If only it weren’t for you. If you mother and daughter hadn’t made such a fuss with that poisoning incident, that child would never have left Andres─!”

 

The Marquise screamed with bloodshot eyes.

 

Emma’s eyes welled up with tears as she stammered.

 

“H-How can you say such things… Stella is still a fragile child who collapses frequently due to the effects of that incident….”

 

“My bloodline, Yustea has fallen into Esgaroth’s hands!”

 

“B-But there’s still Stella….”

 

“Right. Your daughter who caused a commotion by slapping a noble’s cheek in the street today.”

 

“Th-That was….”

 

“Do you know what Yustea was doing while your daughter was causing that commotion?”

 

“….”

 

“She made His Majesty the Emperor call her a prodigy and a talent!”

 

Everyone in the Archipelago was talking about it.

 

How clever she was, how she made the Emperor remember her adoptive father whose name became known today.

 

How Marquis Esgaroth was beside himself with affection.

 

How he even opened the impregnable First Residence to hold drinking parties with the elders, never tiring of bragging about his granddaughter!

 

Emma, who had been cowering in fear, spotted the Marquis outside the open door.

 

“Y-You’ve returned home!”

 

The Marquise pushed away Emma, who was about to run for help, and said.

 

“Bring her back. We must bring her back.”

 

“Rest now.”

 

“She was my granddaughter. All the glory that child brought should have been Andres’!”

 

The Marquis moved without answering.

 

The Marquise screamed as if in agony.

 

“Do you still think Stella is the Saint!”

 

“….”

 

“A real Saint has appeared. That means that child cannot become the Saint.”

 

“There doesn’t have to be just one Saint.”

 

“Rather, search for the Saint. Don’t pin it on that child.”

 

“I am searching. But how far would a Saint with no blood relation help Andres?”

 

The Marquis left the scene.

 

Arriving at his office, he opened a drawer.

 

He took out a worn old book and opened it with familiarity.

 

He had read it so many times that his hands now remembered the pages.

 

The seed of glory shall be conceived by a holy mother born on a moonless night

 

A moonless night.

 

So he had relationships with women born during lunar eclipses and had children.

 

Yustea was a failure.

 

But when Stella was born, the world trembled.

 

That child possesses a divinity that ordinary people lack.

 

So it was Stella.

 

A daughter who isn’t the Saint is unnecessary.

 

* * *

 

I bid farewell to Father and Grandfather and left the assembly hall.

 

Father needed to have deeper conversations with the nobles, so I stepped aside.

 

I walked down the corridor with a pleased smile.

 

‘Father is incredibly skilled.’

 

Despite not living as a noble, there’s nothing to fault in his etiquette or conversation style.

 

Having exited the corridor, I headed east toward the carriage waiting area.

 

After walking for quite a while, I tilted my head in confusion.

 

From a certain point on, I couldn’t see any guards.

 

‘Why aren’t there any guards?’

 

With so many nobles attending this event, there should be security stationed everywhere.

 

Since this is the Imperial Palace, nothing serious should happen, but it’s very late, so I’m a bit on guard.

 

It was when I was quickening my pace.

 

There was a rustling sound from behind me.

 

I quickly crossed my arms in an X-shape and stepped back.

 

“Do you think that can stop a suspicious person?”

 

Seeing the person who appeared with those words, I widened my eyes.

 

It was Luciano.

 

“Your Highness?”

 

When I looked at him with an expression asking why he was in such a place, Luciano nodded slightly.

 

“You came to my palace and ask why I’m here? What should I answer to that?”

 

“…You mean this is Luciano’s palace? Why?”

 

“During last year’s renovation work, the path you took became connected to my palace.”

 

“Ah…”

 

It seems the paths changed a lot while I wasn’t coming to the Imperial Palace.

 

I spoke with an embarrassed face.

 

“I made a mistake. I’m sorry.”

 

“That’s the fourth time I’ve heard that today.”

 

“Fourth time?”

 

“Three noble ladies before you came in the same way and asked me to have tea.”

 

I laughed awkwardly.

 

“Mine was really a mistake.”

 

“I wonder.”

 

“No, it wasn’t.”

 

“Couldn’t it be possible?”

 

“No. Absolutely not.”

 

Why would I pretend to make a mistake because I wanted to have tea with Luciano?

 

There’s plenty of tea at the manor where I’m staying now.

 

I even waved my hands as I spoke.

 

“Why would I do such a thing?”

 

“Because you wanted to see me?”

 

“What a joke.”

 

“I did.”

 

He approached me.

 

Due to the silent night, the only sound I could hear was his footsteps.

 

He came close to me and stared down at me intently.

 

I stepped back with an awkward expression.

 

“Well… I…”

 

“Land purification method. I thought you might know.”

 

“Ah!”

 

I smiled brightly.

 

So that was it.

 

When I showed a very relieved expression, Luciano spoke in a flat voice.

 

“Using the population you provided, I succeeded in subjugating monsters throughout the eastern region. Afterwards, I burned the monster corpses to prevent poison from spreading. But there’s a problem.”

 

“Because it can’t be used as farmland anymore?”

 

“Right. Do you know a method?”

 

I do.

 

And it’s easy.

 

If I bring a mana battery and stay in that area for a while, it will be purified.

 

‘Wait, isn’t this an opportunity for a deal?’

 

My eyes sparkled.

 

“Is the purification urgent?”

 

“Not really.”

 

“Then I’ll purify it for you later. In return, could you grant me a favor?”

 

When I spoke carefully, Luciano answered.

 

“Do you want to have tea after all?”

 

It would be troublesome if you tried to end it so simply, dear customer.

 

When I smiled kindly, he shrugged his shoulders.

 

“Speak.”

 

“Could you please protect my mother?”

 

Now in Esgaroth, there will be a fight between the Marquise’s son and Father over the succession.

 

The opponent might target Mother, who is my weakness.

 

And Luciano was the best shield to protect Mother.

 

Luciano stared at me intently.

 

“Why, why?”

 

When I asked, he answered in a low voice.

 

“I feel like I’m always the one at a loss.”

 

“If you purify the land, you’ll own farmland equivalent to a decent manor, won’t you?”

 

“I know. But that’s how I feel emotionally.”

 

“…?”

 

“I had a feeling I’d end up granting your request even before hearing what it was.”

 

“What do you mean by…”

 

Luciano sighed and moved away from me.

 

I flinched and followed after him.

 

“Um, then my request…”

 

“I’ll do that.”

 

“Thank you!”

 

“The exit is that way.”

 

“Thank you for that too.”

 

It was when I was giving my thanks.

 

Luciano stopped.

 

And stared straight ahead.

 

Someone was running toward us.

 

Since it was night and they were far away, I couldn’t see well, so I squinted my eyes, when I heard a voice first.

 

“Why are you taking charge of the Prince of Tabira investigation!”

 

I startled.

 

‘Gaspard.’

 

That scoundrel Prince Gaspard, whom I was relieved not to encounter at Esgaroth Castle.

 

He who had been running while fuming also spotted me and hesitated.

 

“What’s this now.”

 

Gaspard let out a hollow laugh.

 

Then he frowned and shouted.

 

“So the talk about being adopted into Esgaroth wasn’t nonsense after all? Seeing how you dare show yourself before me?”

 

“…”

 

I want to avoid fighting with Gaspard.

 

Gaspard is the Empress’s son.

 

Since I’m no longer the First Prince’s fiancée, if a fight breaks out, I’ll fall out of the Empress’s favor.

 

“I greet Your Highness.”

 

“You even have the leisure to greet me. How refreshing.”

 

Gaspard glared at me and roughly reached his hand toward me.

 

It seemed like he was trying to drag me over.

 

At that moment.

 

Swoosh.

 

Luciano hid me behind his back.

 

Gaspard’s face crumpled.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“Protecting her.”

 

“…What?”

 

Gaspard let out a hollow laugh as if he couldn’t believe it.

 

“You’re protecting that wench? Did she come crawling to you begging you to forget all the grudges?”

 

“No.”

 

“Then what reason do you two have to meet!”

 

Gaspard shouted fiercely, but Luciano spoke with an indifferent expression.

 

“A secret meeting.”

 

…What?

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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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