How to Replace Your Dad - Chapter 73

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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 73

 

The Marchioness passed by Stella.

 

Stella rubbed her reddened hand.

 

At that moment, a window appeared before her eyes.

 

GM: It seems your grandmother’s refinement is just a tool she uses when she needs it.

 

GM: Her temper gets worse by the day.

 

‘She must be shocked. After hearing such words from Yustea.’

 

Things like how she hated breathing in the same space, or how meeting her gaze felt like bugs crawling around.

 

She heard such harsh words, so it’s understandable she’d be angry.

 

‘So that’s why she took it out on me…’

 

GM: But why would she take it out on you?

 

GM: Not on your father or your brother, but on you.

 

“….”

 

GM: Because you lack ability.

 

GM: That’s why you’re not precious to her.

 

GM: Isn’t that unfair?

 

“It’s unfair….”

 

Yustea had lived here since birth.

 

If she had the same conditions as Yustea, couldn’t she have displayed abilities like that child too?

 

GM: The past can’t be helped.

 

GM: But the future can be changed.

 

GM: If I help you.

 

Just then, someone grabbed Stella’s shoulder.

 

Stella flinched and turned her head.

 

Onel was looking at her.

 

“There was a loud noise.”

 

“Ah….”

 

“What did Grandmother say to you again?”

 

Stella’s eyes wavered.

 

It looked like tears would well up at any moment.

 

“Grandmother really….”

 

At that moment, another window appeared.

 

[Hint] “It’s okay. Grandmother is just upset. But I’m a strong young person who knows how to overcome such things.”

 

Stella paused, then smiled brightly.

 

“It’s okay. Grandmother must be upset. But I can overcome it. I’m strong, after all.”

 

Onel sighed.

 

Then he cupped Stella’s cheek and said.

 

“I like that about you, but that’s also why I worry more about you. You know?”

 

“I said I’m fine. More importantly, let’s have some tea. With lots of milk and sugar.”

 

“Alright.”

 

She hugged the arm of Onel, who was smiling faintly.

 

GM really was amazing.

 

A precious friend who helped in any situation.

 

Stella had met this friend around the time she learned to read.

 

She was by the riverside with neighborhood children when she got into trouble fighting with the leader-type kid.

 

“Stella, why does your mother make our father throw away trash and clean the house!”

 

“Huh? That’s because your father came to work at our house?”

 

“Father is an herb merchant. He went because your mother said she needed herbs. So why does she make him do such things?”

 

“Since we’re buying herbs, isn’t it okay for him to do that much?”

 

At that moment, a window appeared for the first time.

 

[GM: That child’s father was a pharmaceutical administrator. He was pushed out when higher-ups installed their relatives and became an herb merchant.]

 

[GM: The child who had always respected his wonderful father witnessed his father doing menial tasks just to sell a single herb.]

 

[GM: What that child needs is empathy and comfort.]

 

And the words she should say appeared as a hint.

 

When she followed GM’s advice, amazingly, that child came to like her.

 

From then on, her friend became a reliable ally who helped her in any situation.

 

Stella smiled sweetly.

 

Seeing such Stella, Onel asked.

 

“Why?”

 

“Just because. It feels reassuring.”

 

Onel chuckled and patted Stella’s head.

 

‘Thank you.’

 

As she thought this, another window appeared.

 

GM: Don’t mention it.

 

‘But why do you help me like this?’

 

GM: There’s something I want to get back.

 

GM: Stella, if you help me, I’ll be able to get it back and achieve my dream.

 

‘Yes. Just like you helped me, I’ll work hard too.’

 

* * *

 

I returned to my room.

 

As soon as the door closed, Yuise asked.

 

“Are you feeling a bit better now?”

 

I tilted my head as I sat in the tea table chair.

 

“Huh?”

 

“You received an apology from the Marchioness.”

 

“But why would that make me feel better?”

 

To kindle a fire, there had to be some spark left in the candle first.

 

A completely extinguished fire couldn’t be rekindled no matter what.

 

“You need to have some feelings left to think about whether it’s okay or not, don’t you?”

 

When I tilted my head, Yuise placed her hand on top of my head with a thud.

 

Then with an expressionless face, she roughly ruffled it.

 

I quickly pulled my neck back and furrowed my brow.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“On behalf of the Clan Leader.”

 

“On behalf of Father?”

 

“He’d say he feels sorry for the hardships you went through to get to this point, and that he’s proud of how composed you remain even in this situation.”

 

Yuise said this as she withdrew her hand.

 

I fixed my disheveled hair.

 

“More importantly, we need to quickly resolve the contamination and return. Fill the bottle with mana.”

 

When I held out the bottle, Yuise took it and lifted it up.

 

I wonder how much of my mana is left.

 

There don’t seem to be any symptoms of depletion.

 

I should check.

 

‘Status window.’

 

Name: Yustea Esgaroth Quaron

 

Class: Saint

 

Traits: Purification (activated), Healing, Status Window (activated), Divine Prophecy (100% (more))

 

MP: 6/55

 

.

 

.

 

‘Whew, that was close.’

 

If it drops below 10 percent, depletion symptoms occur.

 

I could ask Yuise to replenish my mana, but physical recovery takes time.

 

Just as I was thinking how fortunate that was, a trait caught my eye.

 

Traits: Purification (activated), Healing, Status Window (activated), Divine Prophecy (100% (see more))

 

‘What’s this next to Divine Prophecy?’

 

It was a trait I had gained after the last heretical sect extermination.

 

This was the first time I’d seen this trait.

 

It seemed to be a trait that only existed for Saints.

 

And next to it was a 100% display and “see more.”

 

‘What’s “see more”?’

 

The moment I thought that, a window appeared in the air.

 

Divine Prophecy (Available for use)

 

[Remaining Time] 00:11:40

 

‘There’s remaining time?’

 

Only 11 minutes left.

 

Seeing that there was a percentage, it seemed like it would take time to use again in the future, or I’d need to meet some condition.

 

If I don’t use it now, I don’t know when I’ll be able to use it again.

 

I grabbed the bottle that Yuise had filled with mana and placed on the table.

 

Yuise asked.

 

“Why?”

 

“I want to test out a new trait I got.”

 

“It’s not dangerous, is it?”

 

“Looking at the name Divine Prophecy, it doesn’t seem that dangerous.”

 

I activated Divine Prophecy just like that.

 

Then at that moment…

 

There are a total of 3 Essences of Ecstasy obtainable in this land.

 

2 of them are in the hands of Onel Andres.

 

‘…What?’

 

Soon the window disappeared.

 

And next to the Divine Prophecy trait in my status window, a ‘0%’ display appeared.

 

I made a “Whoa!” sound and covered my mouth.

 

Yuise, who had been sprinkling special feed outside the window to call Oscar’s crow, looked at me with a start.

 

“Why, why!”

 

“It’s divine prophecy. Wow, it’s really fortune-telling.”

 

“What?”

 

“I got an incredible trait!”

 

I bounced up and down excitedly.

 

* * *

 

The next day, morning.

 

There was a luncheon.

 

Since the contamination issue would be discussed at the luncheon, I couldn’t miss this one.

 

When I went to the dining hall, people had already arrived.

 

The vassals I had seen when I arrived yesterday.

 

And Stella and Onel.

 

Count Andres hadn’t come yet, it seemed.

 

The butler guided me to the right side of the head seat.

 

Onel and Stella were sitting across from me.

 

As I sat down and picked up my napkin, Stella spoke up.

 

“Did you sleep well?”

 

It was a bright voice.

 

I wasn’t surprised that she spoke to me.

 

She was originally sociable and a spirited child who quickly forgot uncomfortable things.

 

“Yes.”

 

“How’s the room? It’s called a VIP room, but isn’t your usual room more comfortable? I can have you moved if needed.”

 

“I’m just a guest, so I can’t use a direct family member’s room.”

 

At my words drawing a line, several vassals made disapproving sounds.

 

Just when those who wanted to bring the Saint looked troubled.

 

“His Lordship enters.”

 

At the voice from the doorway, everyone rose to their feet.

 

Count Andres strode over and took his seat at the head of the table.

 

Marquis Rochette, the head of the vassals, said.

 

“We greet the head of the family.”

 

Greetings followed and the Count raised his hand lightly.

 

Only then did people sit back down.

 

The meal began.

 

After ceremonial conversations like asking about each other’s well-being, the topic of contamination, which was the purpose of this gathering, came up.

 

“The contamination that started in the farmland of Tidas Jurisdiction is also affecting animals and plants.”

 

“It’s highly contagious, so we’ve sealed off the area.”

 

“We received word this morning that there have been fatalities.”

 

‘This is more serious than I thought?’

 

It doesn’t seem like they deliberately caused contamination just to call me out.

 

They used contamination that had already occurred as a means to call me out.

 

Just as I was thinking that while cutting meat with my knife.

 

Stella raised her hand saying “Um.”

 

Everyone’s attention turned to Stella.

 

“About the contamination. I want to help too.”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“What do you mean…”

 

The vassals furrowed their brows.

 

Then Stella smiled brightly and pointed at herself with her index finger.

 

“I’m not a Saint, but I have healing power too. I can save people, can’t I?”

 

“Well…”

 

“When Yustea purifies, I’ll treat the people.”

 

The vassals stirred.

 

Most of the vassals seemed worried about that child going to the contaminated area. They were completely smitten with Stella.

 

But a few frowned.

 

They were probably worried since Stella caused so many incidents.

 

Anyway, they all seemed to not want to send Stella.

 

Then, Onel spoke.

 

“I will go with her.”

 

Stella wasn’t surprised by those words.

 

It seemed like Stella had asked Onel for help in advance.

 

“But young master…”

 

When a long-bearded vassal called out in a troubled voice, Onel put down his utensils and said.

 

“Since contaminated beasts are running wild, we need to deploy the military. Stella has often healed the military, so she’ll be more helpful than any healer.”

 

“…”

 

“…”

 

The vassals were left speechless.

 

So now the decision was in Count Andres’ hands.

 

The marquis looked at me.

 

‘What. Why.’

 

When I didn’t avoid his gaze, the marquis let out a small laugh.

 

And he said.

 

“Onel, you lead the army and go to the contaminated area with Yustea.”

 

Stella’s face brightened immediately.

 

“I’ll work hard….”

 

“Stella, I haven’t given you permission to participate.”

 

“…!”

 

At the marquis’ firm words, Stella’s face turned pale.

 

‘What’s going on.’

 

When Stella was stubborn, he would usually pretend to lose and give in to her.

 

“Father, why….”

 

“Let’s end this conversation here.”

 

Stella bit her lips tightly.

 

After that, the atmosphere at lunch became heavy.

 

A few vassals tried hard to lighten the mood, but it was useless.

 

Because Stella kept her head down and didn’t say a word.

 

Even so, the marquis didn’t try to comfort Stella, just ate his meal silently.

 

‘What’s really going on?’

 

* * *

 

‘So that’s why.’

 

I glanced at Onel, who was standing next to me with a furrowed brow.

 

He looked really displeased but was holding it in.

 

Since he had become my chief bodyguard.

 

Yuise, who was behind us, whispered.

 

“The marquis has vassals too, so why did he assign that guy?”

 

“He wants to leave Onel and me alone together. He probably hopes our relationship will improve.”

 

“Does he think you’ll want to go back to Andres then? He’s not giving up.”

 

While the two of us were whispering like that, a mage approached.

 

“Preparations for entry are complete.”

 

They had set up a barrier to prepare for contaminated rampaging beasts.

 

Onel said.

 

“Let’s depart.”

 

We entered the contaminated area under the escort of soldiers.

 

It wasn’t just the soldiers, Onel, and me going to the contaminated area.

 

Several vassals were also with us.

 

The servant of Beudeungni, who had picked a fight when I first came to Andres, clicked his tongue and said.

 

“It’s almost ruins. The restoration costs will be enormous. Won’t other jurisdictions be forced to provide support again? I wonder if they’ll demand money from my jurisdiction nearby too.”

 

Marquis Yopis smiled and said.

 

“It’s cooperation, not coercion. Besides, it will mainly involve the major jurisdictions, so Marquis Namia doesn’t need to worry about it.”

 

It meant to shut up and not complain when you’re not even a major jurisdiction.

 

Beudeungni’s vassal frowned with anger.

 

However, he couldn’t say anything to Marquis Yopis, who had now become a key retainer of Andres, so he turned his head away sharply.

 

Marquis Yopis ignored him and said to me.

 

“This is the place.”

 

This must be the starting point of the contamination.

 

Indeed, it was tremendous miasma.

 

I touched the ground that had turned almost coal-black.

 

‘Activate purification.’

 

The moment I thought that.

 

“…?!”

 

“…!!!”

 

People’s eyes widened.

 

From where I touched, about 500 meters instantly regained its original color.

 

The vassals exclaimed in amazement.

 

“You’ve truly become a saint.”

 

“What dozens of priests found difficult to purify even a little, you did in an instant….”

 

Onel was also looking at me with a stern expression.

 

Regardless, I tilted my head.

 

“Dozens of priests found this difficult to purify?”

 

When I tilted my head, Onel frowned and said.

 

“Yes.”

 

“That can’t be right?”

 

“It actually happened. Thirty-two renowned priests from the southern temple attempted purification but only purified an extremely small part.”

 

That can’t be right.

 

It purifies so easily, what do you mean.

 

It was easier than purifying people poisoned by the population.

 

Of course, my purification might have become stronger than before.

 

Since I went from ‘Purifier’ to ‘Saint’.

 

But even considering the level up, it’s too easy.

 

But then.

 

Grrrr….

 

A low growling sound was heard.

 

A herd of wild boars had appeared.

 

The soldiers gripped their weapons.

 

And they blocked the charging wild boars, but….

 

“Kugh!”

 

“Krgh….”

 

Starting with those closest to the wild boars, they dropped their weapons and groaned.

 

They turned around.

 

Their eyes were bloodshot and blood flowed from the corners of their mouths.

 

“C-contamination! It’s contamination symptoms!”

 

Only then did I realize.

 

‘It wasn’t the land. The contamination started with the animals!’

 

“Don’t get close. Archers! Archers and mages! Handle them from a distance…!”

 

But it was already too late.

 

The wild boars began charging fiercely.

 

A wild boar that got past the soldiers charged at Onel, who was in front of me.

 

‘No, my 【Essence of Joy】!’

 

If Onel dies like this, I don’t know where the Essence of Joy will go.

 

The Essence of Joy gives +200 mana. Onel has two of them, so that’s +400 mana!

 

I grabbed Onel’s arm and pulled him toward me to protect the +400 mana!

—————
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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