The Dutiful Kid Who Saved the Villainous Family - Chapter 49

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

Episode 49

Calven’s eyes darkened.

“How could I forget.”

How could he forget all the countless events that had occurred?

Through times of endurance, the reason for returning to Ortejo Castle at this very moment.

It was solely to achieve one goal.

If only that goal could be achieved, even giving up his life wouldn’t be a waste.

Both Calven and Milligan thought so.

Milligan, who had been glancing at Calven’s solemn expression, lowered his voice.

“Before that, we must properly perform the return ceremony first.”

“I’m sorry, Lord Milligan. That return ceremony was abolished 200 years ago as far as I know…”

“Tsk tsk. These youngsters these days.”

Calven felt wronged in his own way.

Countless immune ones from the North. Among them, those special ones with abilities had gone to war to protect their country.

In that process, philosophical and humanistic education about souls and spirits had long been pushed aside.

“How would I know?”

“Anyway, why doesn’t anyone study the family’s ideology?”

Since demonic energy filled the family, those born afterward couldn’t help but not learn the fundamentals.

“Well, anyway, we must perform the return ceremony.”

“You’re not thinking of performing all of the 【128 Return Ceremonies】 that have long been abolished in the family’s history, are you?”

“Of course we must. Why, do you have complaints?”

* * *

24 hours had passed since then.

Sweat was pouring down Calven’s forehead like rain.

Looking at each portrait of the ancestors, he reported his return according to lengthy procedures, and paid sincere respects to the family’s record journal.

After that, he went to where the tombs of the previous family heads were gathered and offered a cup of alcohol.

“We haven’t performed the true ceremony of the North yet, but given the circumstances, it can’t be helped.”

He thought all the ceremonial formalities were finally over.

“Now, we should have time to inform the direct lineage of our return.”

It wasn’t over yet?

Just when Calven’s complexion turned pale with despair.

An unexpected man appeared before them as they were about to enter the Haunted Castle.

The question of why the Grand Duke, who should be on the battlefield, was here was brief.

Grand Duke Ortejo, Declan, looked at his father and nodded slightly.

“You’ve come.”

“Your father has come, and you won’t even greet me properly? How insolent!”

“Why did you suddenly come?”

“It’s nothing. It’s none of your business, so don’t concern yourself.”

“Yes.”

This sly fellow really did stop caring.

Truly befitting someone with the average manners of the North.

“Anyway, since I’ve arrived, gather all the direct lineage. Ah, there wouldn’t be any children. Ha, really. Are you and I the only direct lineage in this Haunted Castle right now?”

At his rambling words, he gradually wore a displeased expression.

“…They are at the family residence, the direct lineage.”

“What? Ah, it’s vacation so Serafin must have come.”

“There’s another besides Serafin. Please come in.”

What other direct lineage could there be?

Milligan entered the dining room with eyes full of doubt and opened his eyes in surprise.

“No, this is.”

“What?”

“Why is the dining table so long?”

“It was custom-made through a craftsman, and if you have complaints, you don’t have to sit.”

“Yes, your manners are truly average for the North.”

Even at the insolent words, Milligan remained calm.

This level of rudeness was a manageable level in the North.

Declan also nodded with an expression that it was no big deal.

“Well then, Father, you can sit right next to me.”

Then, who was the person planning to sit in that chair far away on the opposite side?

And the door opened grandly.

The person who entered the dining room was Serafin.

“Oh, hello Grandfather?”

“Se, Serafin?”

“Yes. I came, you know?”

Milligan’s complexion turned pale.

Although the last time he saw him was when he was three, Serafin had been very unusual.

“Gwandpa wook wike a fool.”

“What, what?”

“When I get biggew than Gwandpa, I’ll hit Gwandpa. Step on you.”

It had been an incredibly rude statement.

Of course, that was before he got hit on the head.

In other words, before he completely changed 180 degrees, so he had been proud thinking ‘This kid will become a warrior!’

But hadn’t they said ten years could change even mountains and rivers?

Watching Serafin bow his head politely, he asked with a bewildered expression.

“Ye, yes, Serafin. Have you been well?”

“I’ve been fine. I’m glad Grandfather has been healthy all this time.”

What, what was this?

Was Serafin a child who thought so normally like this?

And Milligan realized there was something even more surprising.

A child following behind Serafin.

The five-year-old with silver hair and purple eyes had a somehow familiar face.

And Milligan immediately recognized who that child was.

“Ah, isn’t that Airi?”

Milligan unconsciously shot up from his seat.

It was the appearance of his youngest granddaughter whom he had only known through portraits.

“Yes, I am Airi Ortejo. Nice to meet you!”

With her upright posture and proper attitude.

Airi politely gave a 90-degree bow.

But then, Milligan’s eyes sparkled like Airi meeting a master.

“Oho. You’re greeting me?”

He had barely calmed his excitement at seeing his youngest granddaughter in person for the first time!

“Yes, that’s right. I must offer my greetings.”

Her polite words and the neat bow of her head.

Milligan’s eyes widened greatly once again.

Just as Airi had seen a ‘prospective master’ for the first time here, Milligan had also never seen a child who greeted with hands clasped in front of their stomach in a respectful posture.

Moreover, that child was his youngest granddaughter whom he thought he’d never see in his lifetime?

Milligan barely calmed his blood pressure that had spiked twice in 10 seconds and looked at Declan.

With eyes asking him to explain what had happened.

“Isn’t this the child who should be in the South?”

“The child came up directly from the South recently.”

“Hmm… She must be a non-immune?”

“This time, I was determined to be immune.”

Having lived long enough to roughly guess the situation, he nodded his head.

‘Somehow became immune, but since it didn’t manifest greatly, seems vulnerable to magic.’

Milligan, having finished assessing the situation, cleared his throat and said.

“I see, then let’s have our meal first.”

“We’re already eating though.”

“Cheeky thing.”

Serafin was also in the middle of spooning his soup.

But one person, Airi alone, had not picked up her spoon.

She just sat in her seat, looking at Milligan with bright, clear eyes.

“Hmm? Why aren’t you eating?”

“I must eat only after Elder has eaten!”

“What?”

“Taking up the spoon after Elder has eaten is proper etiquette for a child.”

Milligan wore a bewildered expression.

This was the first time he’d heard such words in this Haunted Castle.

‘No wait, this is… This is definitely not the first time I’ve heard such words.’

Long ago.

When this family wasn’t overflowing with magic, when everyone still had soul and spirit alive.

‘Everyone had such bright, clear eyes. Observing proper etiquette toward the family elders.’

But now everything had disappeared.

The Northern Region’s endlessly murky magic had made countless people prioritize only survival.

But why does that child prioritize respect over survival?

He slowly lifted his spoon.

Then he took a spoonful of soup.

At that, Airi smiled brightly.

Seeing that smile, he couldn’t even taste the food.

The child neatly lifted her spoon and said cheerfully.

“I will eat well!”

No, she even gives thanks before eating?

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