The Unfilial Heir Who Tries to Kill Me Tempts Me - Chapter 43

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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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Episode 43.

“…Griffin?”
“Yes, as you can see.”
The massive-winged Griffin lowered itself docilely and bowed its head.
“Contractor! Did you see? Did you? The Aerial Acrobatics was insanely cool, right? I’m the best, aren’t I?”
Eden leaped down from the Griffin at the front of the formation, his voice ringing across the sky.
“Your skills have improved while I wasn’t watching. When did you manage to tame it like this?”
“Ahem, and just who am I? Why, I’m none other than the greatest genius of all geniuses, Eden.”
His shoulders practically pierced the heavens.
The adorable fool.
“Your Grace, and honored Mage, we pay our respects.”
Daemon and the soldiers dismounted from the Griffin and bowed respectfully. Despite the brilliant acrobatic display they’d just performed across the sky, their complexions remained steady—clear proof that the training was bearing fruit.
“You’ve achieved remarkable progress in such a short time.”
“Thanks to Eden, the soldiers’ abilities improve by the day. At this rate, they’ll complete their training by next month.”
“Excellent.”
I gestured toward Arthur and made the introduction.
“Allow me to introduce you—this is Arthur Vulcan. He is the son of Vulcan.”
“Wow, so you’re the blacksmith I’ve only heard rumors about? For a human, you’re surprisingly big… oof, why’d you hit me!”
Golsuni appeared from nowhere and delivered a solid headbutt to Eden’s shin.
[Chirp! Chirrup-chirrup, chirp!]
Golsuni wore a stern expression, as if to say Eden should know better than to speak so carelessly. Eden clutched his shin and fell silent.
Good work, Golsuni.
A two-hundred-year-old Demon Race getting disciplined by a one-month-old Magical Beast. Now there’s a sight to behold.
“To meet the direct bloodline of the legendary Vulcan—it is truly an honor.”
Daemon extended his hand first.
Arthur, who had barely taken his eyes off the Griffin, awkwardly returned the handshake.
“Arthur Vulcan.”
Watching the warm exchange, I smiled silently to myself.
Halfway there.
“These men are Security Force members from Luciphenia and prospective candidates for the Flight Knight Squadron. Once they complete their training, we’ll hold a formal inauguration ceremony, and they’ll officially take the title of knights.”
“Wait—did you say Security Force?”
Arthur’s expression stiffened, and his brow furrowed. His gaze swept across the soldiers standing behind Daemon. One of them—a pale, handsome man with coarse beige hair—suddenly paled and lowered his head when their eyes met. It was Andy.
“Hello, sir.”
The attention of everyone present snapped toward them.
“Andy? ‘Sir’?”
“Do you know each other?”
The soldier who had been hesitating answered.
“He is Mary’s… brother.”
A collective intake of breath sounded from all around.
Meanwhile, Arthur’s face twisted into something ugly.
“What are you doing here? And since when do you have the right to address me like that?”
…Wait.
This isn’t right.
The atmosphere had frozen over in an instant, and I blinked rapidly, processing the shift.
“I told you never to let yourself be seen again! Don’t tell me you thought sneaking in like this would earn the family’s approval? It won’t happen!”
“Sir, please, if you’d just listen—”
“Sir? Enough of that! If you won’t leave, then I will! Come on, everyone turn around!”
This can’t happen.
“Wait!”
I rushed forward and grabbed Arthur’s arm before he could leave with his men.
“Please, don’t go just yet. Why don’t we step inside and talk this through?”
Arthur’s steps ground to a halt. He looked down at the arm holding him, then stiffened awkwardly.
I seized the moment and spoke.
“I’ve actually prepared some excellent liquor just for you!”
“…Yes? Liquor, you say?”
Perfect.
He’s taking the bait.
I knew alcohol was his weakness.
I sensed my moment and slipped on my best professional smile.
“Yes, a drink. I’m confident you’ve never tasted anything like it before. I prepared it myself, especially for this occasion.”
“You prepared it yourself, Mage?”
“I did. After going to such lengths… wouldn’t it be a shame if you simply left without trying it?”
I let my eyebrows droop and arranged my expression into the most pitiful look I could manage.
“And the food really is quite delicious….”
Come on, take the bait.
Come on, take the bait.
Arthur’s mouth opened and closed helplessly before his eyes finally clenched shut.
“W-well then, just one cup….”
Got him.
I spun back around and flashed Kaius a thumbs-up.
Cheer up, demon.

***

Ten minutes later.
I’d successfully herded Vulcan, Daemon, and the Security Force members into the banquet hall.
It actually worked.
Charlotte, you’re a master of improvisation.
“What are you grinning about?”
“My strategy succeeded. I figured anyone from the Vulcan Family would be helpless against the promise of a rare drink.”
Kaius watched me in silence, his arms folded across his chest.
“What?”
“It’s just remarkable how you stay positive without any real reason.”
“I’m doing my very best as a mage serving the Grand Duke right now.”
“I can see that.”
He wouldn’t offer me a single word of praise.
Why’d he have to be difficult again.
“I’ll prepare the drinks for you.”
A servant appeared, wheeling forward a tray laden with an enormous Oak Barrel and an array of Oak Cups.
“…You mentioned a drink no one’s ever tasted, but is this some sort of regional specialty beer?”
“Beer? What a dull assumption.”
This is Korean fermented liquor.
Have you ever heard of makgeolli?
I rose quickly and filled an Oak Cup to the brim, sliding it across to him.
“Try it.”
Makgeolli traditionally tastes best when drunk from a wide communal bowl, but this presentation has its own charm.
Vulcan’s expression shifted to curiosity as he beheld the milky-white spirit in the Oak Cup.
“This is alcohol? It doesn’t look like goat’s milk?”
“Don’t say such things. Once you taste it, your mind will change.”
Arthur’s eyes widened as he took a cautious sip of the makgeolli.
Good, isn’t it?
“…This is truly a drink I’ve never encountered before. It’s sharp yet smooth, tart yet sweet. However do you make such a thing?”
“It’s a secret. There’s plenty, so drink all you like. Go on, drink it down.”
Arthur drained ten cups of makgeolli in the blink of an eye.
I watched with quiet satisfaction as the tension in his face began to melt away.
“By the way, when I heard the House Head’s representative was coming, I was so curious who it might be—I never imagined the House Head had such a handsome and impressive son.”
“…You flatter me too much.”
“No wonder the fearsome Vulcan House Head sent a representative so readily. So you’re entrusted with full authority over this matter, then?”
“Yes, you could say so.”
“How remarkable—and you’re not even House Head yet! You’re truly impressive!”
“N-nothing special, really.”
“Nothing special, nothing. Come now.”
I can see that flaring of your nostrils.
There’s nothing quite like flattery to bring someone around.
As I rained compliments on him, Arthur’s throat burned and he drained cup after cup of makgeolli—already on his fifth.
I slid a fresh Oak Cup toward him, smiling brightly.
“What do you think of our Griffin Squadron? Please, don’t be shy. Since you’re the expert here, I’d love to hear your thoughts.”
“The idea of using griffins as mounts is truly ingenious. However….”
Arthur’s words trailed off as he turned his head away. Before he could glance toward Andy’s table, I seized the moment, drawing all eyes with a burst of loud applause.
“Exactly! I knew you’d think that way. We really do see eye to eye on so many things?”
“S-see eye to eye?”
“Yes! Just as you said, the Griffin Squadron will become the continent’s one and only military force. Who could have imagined a knight order that equips griffins with saddles and flies freely through the sky? I do so hope that Vulcan’s name will be etched into that unprecedented chapter of history, and I….”
I blinked rapidly, casting an earnest gaze his way.
Look at that.
This is the polish of a graduate student who’s spent two years dangling from a professor’s every word.
Arthur fell silent for a moment, his expression troubled as he scratched his cheek.
I quickly pivoted, turning to Daemon instead. “Speaking of which, you mentioned that the three soldiers you brought today are carefully selected elite from the Security Force, didn’t you?”
“Ah, yes. I brought the finest three out of thirty personnel. Particularly Andy possesses such exceptional Flight Proficiency that she could stand at the head of a full unit and command it without fault.”

Hear that?

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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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