I Will Try to Save My Dad - Chapter 23

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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 23

Reytan Quartz Trabel and Theon, who were supposedly at the training grounds, walked through Hisport Town in disguise.
“It seems there’s no one following us anymore.”
“You have a talent for sensing presences.”
Theon lowered his head shyly at Reytan’s praise.
The destination of the two who had shaken off their surveillance was the Moonflower Inn.
The Innkeeper Woman greeted them with a bright face.
“I made medicine using the prescription you found and sent over, and it really worked. The child’s body temperature is back to normal, and he’s regained enough consciousness to have conversations.”
The Innkeeper Woman believed that Jeffrey’s symptoms had improved because of the prescription I had discovered at Anne’s home.
She guided us to the room where Jeffrey was. When she opened the door, a young boy sitting on the bed turned his head. The first thing that caught my eye was his pointed, thick ears standing upright.
“This child says he has something to tell you, young master.”
The still-young Jeffrey was clumsy at hiding his ears. Upon spotting me, his ears flattened sharply backward.
It was one of the instinctive behaviors of the Wolf Tribe that appeared before a stronger individual.
“…I… saw it.”
Despite his instinctive intimidation, Jeffrey’s amber eyes stared directly at me.
“Saw what?”
“The people who brought the pearl earrings to our house. My sister isn’t the culprit.”
At Jeffrey’s testimony, Theon looked at me in surprise.
Even at this unexpected revelation, my expression remained unchanged from before.
Rather, it was the face of someone who had heard an anticipated answer.
I had already found it strange that Anne, Mariane’s spy, would steal the earrings in the first place. Well, truthfully, whether Anne was a thief or not made no difference to me whatsoever.
‘Tomorrow’s auction will unfold exactly as Mariane has orchestrated it.’
I had already decided to play along with her scheme. The Reytan of six years ago could never have imagined doing such a thing.
The easiest way to maintain the lowest position was to turn their carefully laid plans into chaos.
In truth, I did want to scratch at their nerves somehow this time as well—
‘But I must refrain. It could bring harm to Berry.’
The Innkeeper Woman asked me cautiously.
“Young master, from what I hear, it seems the older sister was wrongfully arrested. Wouldn’t she be released if Jeffrey testifies?”
“Perhaps not. A six-year-old’s testimony doesn’t seem like it would be enough to secure her release.”
At my firm answer, Jeffrey asked again.
“Did you hear something else?”
“Something else?”
“They said the earrings being fake mustn’t be discovered.”
My eyes sharpened.
“Tell me more details.”
Jeffrey clenched both his fists tightly.
Between his lips, where the wounds had not yet healed, came the angry growl of a wolf.
“A young man dressed in incredibly flashy and ornate clothing said so. The elderly man who came with him hid pearl earrings in a cabinet, just as the young man instructed.”
Reytan Quartz Trabel identified the suspect immediately.
In Trabel, there was only one person in a position to command an older man while dressed in such ostentatious attire.
Yosel—my half-brother from a different mother.
“Young Master, with testimony like this, can our sister be released?”
A maid from the Trabel Estate had committed theft.
Among the guests who had come to the inn yesterday, there were those discussing the matter, and Jeffrey happened to overhear their conversation.
They were speculating about Anne’s fate without any basis.
“Our sister… she won’t die?”
Jeffrey’s voice trembled.
I watched Jeffrey as he looked up at me with worry for his sister.
Used by Trabel and left to die—what nonsense.

“Brown, did you help Trabel again? Playing weak, acting troubled—you know it’s all a scheme to use you. Why do you keep helping him?”
“I raised you, didn’t I? A Grand Master, no less? These days I live for the pride of bragging about you.”
“That’s thanks to Trabel? It’s thanks to my own talent.”
“You’re something else.”
“Wait, brother. Soon I’ll let you enjoy the benefits of having such a talented younger sibling. Ah, but take it easy with that matter.”

I spoke to Jeffrey.
“Don’t worry too much.”
“Then—”
“Your sister won’t die. I’ll make sure of it.”
As I turned to leave, the Innkeeper Woman asked me.
“Are you leaving already?”
“I need to have dinner with my daughter. Let’s go, Theon.”
“Yes.”
I left the room and the Innkeeper Woman followed to see me off. Theon was about to follow behind her when someone grabbed his arm.
It was Jeffrey.
“You’re the one, aren’t you?”
Jeffrey’s amber eyes, fixed on Theon, were sharp.
“The person who brought the medicine yesterday.”
“No.”
“Don’t lie. My nose doesn’t deceive me.”
Jeffrey wrinkled the bridge of his nose.
“Why are you playing dumb? Who’s the girl who came with you? Tell me.”
“I’m not playing dumb. You’re mistaken.”
“It’s not a mistake. You and that girl saved me.”
Jeffrey growled, demanding that Theon reveal the girl’s identity. Theon, staring at him, spoke with firm resolve.
“You’re alive, isn’t that enough?”
“It’s done?”
“Does it really matter who saved you?”
Theon abandoned his seat before more questions could fly at him.
As he walked down the corridor, his face flushed at the thought of how childish his behavior had been.
She’s only six years old. I could have handled this more maturely. Yet some inexplicable emotion had surged up. For reasons I couldn’t fathom, I hadn’t wanted to reveal that the girl was Berry.
Why had I done that? I could have been evasive about it.
‘She recognized me by scent. If I hadn’t said it outright, she would have kept asking.’
Berry had said yesterday’s events were a secret, after all. Perhaps that’s why I’d spoken so curtly to a six-year-old.
“….”
Even I didn’t understand my own heart. Theon kicked at the wooden floor with the tip of his shoe, frustrated.

***

———-
Would you do anything to completely cure your younger brother’s illness for merely ten thousand Cona?
[Yes/No]
※ There will be no disadvantage if you refuse.
※ After accepting, you must carry out the plan I provide.
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The note Akum had brought had a checkmark in the [Yes] box. It was Anne’s reply from the Punishment Room.
The handwriting was what I had written with my left hand, and the checkmark was Anne’s.
‘It worked!’
How anxiously I had waited in my room after sending Akum.
The result was a success.
[That woman was quite suspicious, wasn’t she? Miss Mariane kept muttering about whether she was being tested, so I touched a few objects nearby, and she mistook me for the Aubaut god!]
Akum excitedly recounted what had happened with Anne.
[She was terrified and said she’d do anything if the god promised! How’s that for my skills as a partner?]
“Impressive!”
I gave Akum a thumbs up.
Akum’s eyes gleamed as his tail wagged at my praise.
[Is there anything else? What should I do next? Huh? Just give me the word!]
It seemed he found it entertaining to actually do something after being alone. It was fortunate for me. I couldn’t find a messenger as capable as Akum anywhere.
“Yes! Wait just a moment!”
I eagerly picked up paper and a pen. It was to inform Anne of the plan.
Hehehehe. I can’t wait for tomorrow’s auction!

***

The charity auction hosted by Count Trabel’s wife took place in the late afternoon.
A small banquet hall at Count Trabel’s Residence was arranged as an auction venue.
Soft lighting illuminated the antique interior. Four or five guests sat at each round table, facing the stage ahead.
“Congratulations! The ‘Mongcle Master’s Longsword’ submitted by Reytan Quartz Trabel has been sold to bidder number 14 for 25 million Kona!”
The auctioneer’s powerful voice announcing the sale echoed through the hall.
Applause rippled through the room, and a man dressed in white clergy robes was receiving congratulations from those around him.
It was Holte High Priest, a prominent figure whom Mariane had invited.
How amusing. He actually won the bid.
The representative of the Aubaut Order seemed delighted to have secured the sword that Reytan had submitted.
Mariane also applauded him, though inwardly she was mocking him.

“Will you be participating in today’s auction as well, High Priest?”
“I heard that a sword from Reytan’s childhood would be put up for auction. If the opportunity arises, I would like to bid on it. We have plans to create a display space in the Grand Temple for the belongings of our Grand Masters.”
“My, so you’re planning to display items from retired individuals as well.”
“Haha. Since Reytan will be returning to active service soon, I’m keeping that in mind.”

He’s about to waste 25 million Kona.
Mariane fanned herself leisurely and shifted her gaze. She caught sight of Reytan’s profile, seated two tables away.
That’s why he lived like a mouse in the countryside. Now that he’s foolishly stepped out into the open, I’ve set my trap.
After mocking Reytan as well, Mariane turned her attention to Yosel, her younger brother seated at the adjacent table.
Yosel was gripping a bidding paddle tightly in his hand while bouncing one leg anxiously.
“What are you doing?”
“Oh.”
Yosel glanced sideways at Mariane.
“Nothing much. But Sister, what’s the next item up for auction?”
“Are you planning to bid as well?”
Just then, the auctioneer opened his mouth.
“Our next item—! Here comes something you’ve all been waiting for! Pearl earrings made from the tears shed by mermaids of the Shusubia Archipelago!”

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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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