I Will Try to Save My Dad - Chapter 21

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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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Chapter 21

That afternoon.
Serber found the empty classroom after the children had left.
It was after Madam Frea had reported Berry’s evaluation from her first lesson to Serber.
Though she had spoken indirectly, the result was essentially that this year’s lowest grades in the Education Hall were already decided.

“I hesitate to say this, but I must. You were quite dreadful.”

Berry had stayed after class to complete her assignment, then returned to the Separate House with Reytan’s disciple who had come to collect me, or so I was told.
Madam Frea had handed over that assignment along with her report to Serber.
“If you hadn’t told me those were letters, I would have thought earthworms had crawled across the page. Certainly, the penmanship was dreadful. Wouldn’t you agree, Callet?”
“…It appears Miss Berry is simply unaccustomed to writing. She will improve soon.”
“That atrocious handwriting? We shall see.”
Serber let out a hollow laugh.
But was that child truly ordinary? The discerning eye she had shown when selecting expensive items in the Commander’s Office was something that could never be learned through effort alone.
Innate talent was something that could not be acquired through hard work. The world was inherently unfair, after all.
Serber’s golden eyes swept across Berry’s desk. Being the first day, the desk and bookshelf were pristine.
There was nothing of particular note.
Serber moved to the back row and confirmed that the twins were studying by pulling books one by one from their bookshelf.
“It seems the twins are still studying the history of the continent.”
“They appear to have considerable interest in maritime trade history. They expressed their desire quite enthusiastically to visit a harbor.”
The twins possessed strong initiative and drive. That was why they had earned high marks in the more active subjects.
“Then they should go. Experience is always valuable. Arrange for the other children to accompany them as well.”
“Yes.”
Serber moved to the back row. By the window was Calips’s desk, and beside it was Ciel’s desk.
Serber stopped in front of Ciel’s desk, which was nearby.
“Ciel has already finished two more economics books.”
Ciel possessed a sharp mind. She was quick at calculating profit and loss, possessed a cunning nature, and knew how to conceal it in her actions.
In the struggles among the direct line, such a disposition was dangerous.
She was the type of child who could make others lower their guard by claiming to be on their side, then achieve her own objectives.
Serber did not view such traits negatively.
History had shown many instances where such a family head had brought about the growth of their house.
“It seems Calips abandoned his studies while solving mathematics problems.”
Serber moved to Calips’s seat and picked up the thick mathematics book on the desk. Calips’s name was written on it. The front pages bore traces of diligent work, but…
“The back is clean. I saw this book last month too. Is that boy actually studying?”
“Young Master Calips has clear preferences regarding his subjects. I’ve heard he possesses natural talent in horseback riding.”
“If he has clear preferences, he should make more effort in the subjects he dislikes.”
Tsk, tsk. Raysec turned the page with displeasure at his foolish grandson’s narrow perspective.
Unlike the easier beginning sections, the difficulty of the problems increased considerably toward the back. No wonder Calips ran away.
“He should have chosen something suited to his level…. Hmm?”
Flutter.
When I turned the final page, a single sheet of paper fell from between the pages.
Raysec picked up the paper from the floor. His golden eyes gleamed sharply as he examined its contents.
“Callet, wasn’t there a problem using the Edward Equation on your Academy graduation exam?”
At Raysec’s words, Callet flinched.
The notorious reputation of problem number 28, which he’d forgotten, suddenly came to mind.
“Yes, sir. Because of that problem, many cadets had to repeat years for quite some time.”
“It’s been about twenty years now. Do you think current Academy cadets can solve Edward Equation problems easily?”
“No, sir. The problem was removed due to fierce protests from repeating students, so even graduates would find it difficult.”
“Then, did you solve it?”
“Pardon?”
Callet accepted the paper Raysec offered and read it.
His confusion gave way to a glimmer of intrigue in his eyes.
A problem solved using the Edward Equation. And even a proof of the equation itself. The answer would need to be verified through calculation, but the solution process and proof were flawless.
Raysec spoke.
“It certainly wasn’t Calips. Whose handwriting is this?”
“I’m…not certain, sir. I know the handwriting of all the instructors who teach the relevant subjects and the direct family members….”
Rarely did Callet let his voice trail off like this.
It meant he hadn’t noticed that there was a highly educated person roaming freely enough within Trabel’s grounds to sneak into classrooms.
“What about Reytan?”
“No, sir. It’s not Young Master Reytan’s handwriting either.”
Raysec stroked his chin.
“So someone trespassed into the direct family’s classroom, solved a problem on their own, and left….”
“Shall I summon Commander Rex?”
“No. If we deploy the Knights, it’ll become a commotion.”
“Then…?”
Raysec looked at Callet before him and lifted the corners of his mouth. Callet sensed something was wrong from that smile, but there was nowhere to escape.
“You figure it out alone.”
“Very well, sir.”
What aide could refuse the Count’s orders?
If ordered, one must obey. Even if it felt like grasping at clouds.

***

By the time I finished my assignments, Theon came to the classroom.
I submitted my work, obtained a slice of cake from Serber along the way, and returned to Stone House with Theon.
“Did you just train all day long, Theon? Aren’t you bored?”
“It’s fun.”
“I see. I was bored.”
Nothing was as tedious as writing the alphabet a hundred times each. My right hand still tingled from using a hand I rarely employed.
‘Solving math problems was somewhat enjoyable, though.’
Theon considered my words seriously before making a tentative suggestion.
“…Would you like to practice sword training together?”
“No.”
Swordplay didn’t suit my aptitude. Perhaps if I earned 100 Cona with every swing of the blade, it might align with my talents.
“Berry doesn’t particularly enjoy wielding a sword.”
A large shadow fell over Theon.
When I tilted my head back, Father stood in the doorframe with his elbow propped against it, looking down at us.
“Oh, Father!”
“You’ve arrived, Master.”
Theon rose from his seat, while I remained sitting and waved at Father.
“So then… what is this situation?”
Father regarded us with an exasperated expression—me inside my room and Theon sitting in the corridor just moments before.
It was all to protect my allowance.
“It’s past three o’clock. I wanted to talk with Theon, but going downstairs to the first floor seemed bothersome—”
“For what it’s worth, I tried to stop both of you.”
Sherry, who had come upstairs with Father, insisted on her innocence.
“That’s right. Sherry tried to stop me. It was my fault for being stubborn.”
“…You understand so well that Father has nothing to say.”
At my words, Father abandoned his scolding and removed his elbow from the doorframe.
When the conversation paused, Theon asked Father a question.
“Did you visit the maid in the Punishment Room?”
“You went to see Anne? Because of your younger brother?”
I also jumped from my seat and asked.
Father pretended to deliberate before sharing what he had learned from his visit to the Punishment Room.
“No. There’s a final interrogation the day after tomorrow, so no one can visit until then.”
“There’s a charity auction the day after tomorrow.”
“The day after tomorrow?”
Theon answered Father’s words, and I spoke in surprise.
“Why? Berry?”
Theon asked. I quickly shook my head, feigning indifference.
“Oh, no. I just thought Anne would worry if she didn’t hear about her younger brother until the day after tomorrow—”
“That’s true.”
So the charity auction was the day after tomorrow! No visits allowed until the day of the auction.
That my own father couldn’t even conduct an interview with a mere maid spoke volumes. The stench of corruption reeked from every corner.
The auctions hosted by the Countess attracted high-ranking nobility. Surely, the High Priests of Aubaut Temple would be among them.
If Aunt Mariane, who orchestrated this auction and was one of the three siblings who didn’t wish for Father’s return as Grand Master, intended to do something at that gathering through Anne—
‘Wait, what?!’
One hypothesis fit perfectly into place.
I looked up at Father.
“Do you have something you want to say?”
Despite that beautiful face, Father’s reputation with women had remained spotless.
Though he looked intimidating, the evaluation Father received in Bonwell Village was that of a ‘diligent young man with a capable daughter’!
“Father!”
“…What?”
“Aunt Mariane is up to no good! Right?”
I clenched my fists tightly.
Without explaining my reasons, Theon and Sister Sherry nodded at my indignation.
Father lifted me up into his arms.
“I can’t say you’re wrong. I don’t know what it is, but calm down anyway.”
“Ugh.”
“…This will take some thought. Sherry, is dinner ready?”
“Yes, just now.”
“Then let’s head down. Theon, come.”
“Yes.”
As Father carried me down to the Dining Hall, dangling from his arms, I made a silent vow.
It was time to execute one of the ten plans I had devised to take revenge on Aunt Mariane.

9. Operation Begins

It was the next day.
“Miss Berry.”
Madam Frea now sighed openly as she called to me.

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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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