Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 118

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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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Kale found himself lost in thought.

‘What is it with me and these beast tribes?’

He couldn’t fathom why so many demi-humans kept getting entangled with him. And it was always the ones facing hardship and crisis who clung to him most persistently.

‘This isn’t like I’m running some kind of animal sanctuary.’

Kale glanced around. Ron and Vicross were already positioned nearby, keeping watch to ensure no one else approached. They truly were perceptive fellows.
His gaze returned to Witira.

“What information do you want to exchange?”

The Whale Tribe heir, Witira, wetted her lips slightly with her tongue at Kale’s piercing gaze. His apparent disinterest left her mouth uncomfortably dry.
Conversely, Kale’s mind churned with complexity.

‘If the Tiger Tribe gets involved too, this will be a complete mess.’

As he pushed aside these grim imaginings, Witira’s voice finally reached him.

“In truth, it’s less of a grand information exchange. You need not provide us with information at all. We simply wish to share what we know with you.”

A peculiar light crossed Kale’s face.
There was no such thing as a free meal in this world. He fixed Witira with an unwavering stare and spoke.

“Go ahead then.”

Witira nodded and opened her mouth, recounting information she had gathered while reconnoitering the Eastern Continent’s coastlines.

“The organization you once called ‘Dark’ has apparently seized complete control of the Eastern Continent’s underworld.”

Ron’s eyes remained fixed on Witira, tracking her every word.

“And we’ve discovered evidence that members of the Tiger Tribe have crossed over to the Western Continent. While gathering information related to this, we’ve determined that a considerable number of skilled individuals have already made their way to the Western Continent.”

Kale nodded.
Of course. The Spear Master and the golden-haired Sword Master were both exceptionally skilled individuals, difficult to find.
Witira continued, watching Kale’s acknowledgment.

“And we’ve recently discovered signs that the 1st Combat Unit—one of the core battle divisions of Dark—is preparing for a large-scale mobilization.”

Hmm?
Kale, who had been nodding absently, froze mid-motion.

“…What did you say?”

For a moment, Kale wondered if he’d heard correctly.
What was moving where?

“The 1st Combat Unit. We’ve confirmed signs that they’re preparing to move in their entirety.”
“…Where to?”
“Here.”
“The Western Continent?”
“Yes. The Western Continent.”

Hah.
The sheer scale of this intelligence left Kale momentarily speechless. A cold chill crept up the back of his neck, and he quickly rubbed the nape of his neck with his hand.
Witira caught the flash of concern crossing Kale’s face.

‘As expected, he’s worried.’

Her heart warmed at the sight of Kale’s grave expression, seemingly concerned for the Western Continent. But Kale wasn’t worried about the Western Continent—he was worried about himself.

“Young master, that’s why.”

Why? Was there more?
Kale stared at Witira, who had brought him this unwelcome information, as if she were a time bomb. She spoke gently, as if to ease the concern evident in his eyes.

“The Tiger Tribe and we are currently gathering information on this situation regularly. The Tiger Tribe estimates that the large-scale mobilization will likely occur this coming winter.”

Kale’s mouth twisted. The Tiger Tribe had barely survived near-annihilation, yet why were they poking their noses into everything? Did they intend to seek revenge against the Secret Organization?

“When passing along this information, the Tiger Tribe made us a proposal.”

Kale hastily opened his mouth. For some reason, he felt he shouldn’t hear that proposal.

“Right, you made a proposal. I see! So what information do you want from me?”

It was Kale’s hurried agreement, wanting to simply nod and move past it. But it was futile. Witira nodded at Kale’s words and opened her mouth.

“The proposal is this: when Dark’s 1st Combat Unit boards a ship heading to the Western Continent and all of them reach the midpoint of the sea.”

Kale’s eyes narrowed. His gaze shifted toward Witira’s waist.
Tap, tap. Witira gently caressed the whip hanging from her waist and murmured softly.

“We kill the entire 1st Combat Unit.”

A deep sigh escaped from Kale’s lips.
Now he finally understood why the Secret Organization, with Dark at the forefront, sought to cooperate with the Mermaid Tribe to seize the maritime routes. It must have been to gather the Eastern Continent’s combat forces to the Western Continent.
Kale heard Witira’s words, spoken as she tapped the whip like piano keys, thundering in his ears.

“The Tiger Tribe wanted to eliminate the 1st Combat Unit completely, leaving no trace, on the vast sea. To deal them a blow, and also to capture prisoners and extract information.”
“…Is that so?”
“Yes. A very pleasant plan, wouldn’t you say?”

Hehe. Witira’s laughter lingered in Kale’s ears.
Such terrifying creatures.

Dark, one branch of the Secret Organization. The 1st Combat Unit from there would certainly possess tremendous skill. For that reason, Kale had no desire to get involved in that bloody battle that would unfold upon the sea.
Therefore, Kale asked again.

“So what information do you want from me?”
“Hmm.”

Witira didn’t answer immediately, carefully gauging Kale’s reaction before cautiously opening her mouth.

“The Tiger Tribe is looking for information in exchange for conducting reconnaissance until winter and providing us with intelligence. Actually, since we need to take revenge on that organization, we wanted to obtain that information for them if at all possible.”

Kale stared at Witira instead of speaking. She continued unbothered by his gaze.

“Actually, it’s not particularly difficult information, and it’s knowledge that the young master would know better than I would.”

Knowledge?
Kale made no effort to hide his suspicion at Witira’s sudden shift from “information” to “knowledge.” Yet Witira slowly recited the knowledge she desired.

“The population should be sparse, and cooler temperatures are preferable. There must be a proper forest with dense vegetation. It would be even better if there were no ruling powers actively controlling the area. And yet, it should be a fairly expansive territory that borders the human world, allowing for active exchange.”

The more Kale listened to Witira’s flowing words, the less he understood what she meant.

“Why such a place?”
“The Tiger Tribe is planning to relocate.”
“Ah, relocation. Then that would make sense—”

Kale trailed off and stared at Witira. The Tiger Tribe was doing what?

“Yes. If you think about it that way, the location I just described makes perfect sense. So I was wondering if you might know of such a place.”

Kale found himself at a loss for words.
Such a place?

No people. No ruling powers.
Cool but not freezing. A well-developed forest.
And easy exchange with humans.

Raon’s voice echoed through his mind—like a contestant shouting the final answer just before claiming the prize.

-There is one! The Dark Forest!

And Kale completely ignored that answer.

“Well, I can’t think of anywhere right now.”

Why?
Would Witira of the Whale Tribe really not know of a single place suitable for the Tiger Tribe to inhabit? The reason she was asking now was undoubtedly because she wanted the name “Dark Forest” to come from Kale’s own lips.

“…Really?”

Look at that. The expression on Witira’s face as she pressed him again was exactly like someone desperately hoping he knew, urging him to speak.

-Human, you don’t know? I know! Say it as I told you. The. Dark. Forest!

I don’t like it. I’m not doing it.

“Well, nothing comes to mind right now.”

Kale’s expression of genuine bewilderment was so natural that anyone would have believed him. Witira bit her lip slightly before nodding.

“I see. Then, if you happen to remember later, could you let me know?”
“Sure. I will.”

Kale had no intention of doing any such thing.

‘The moment the Dark Forest comes to mind, I’ll make my request. Why can’t the Tiger Tribe live there?’

Of course, the Whale Tribe wouldn’t ask for free after what they’d experienced so far. They would certainly demand appropriate compensation, but the prospect didn’t appeal to me. I was a Tiger Tribe member seeking vengeance against the Secret Organization—getting entangled with them would be like boarding a train headed straight toward overwork.
The Tiger Tribe is trying to take revenge on the Secret Organization, but getting involved would be like running headlong into an oncoming train.

“Well, it would be reassuring to have the Tiger Tribe around if the Knights Order comes down from the North.”

The Wolf Battle Squad was already sufficient.
As Kale organized his thoughts, Witira brought up a different matter.
When Kale had roughly organized his thoughts, Witira brought up a different topic.

“And it seems that organization is trying to find sea routes to avoid us Whale Tribe before a large-scale movement, or perhaps a few of them will cross the Sea in advance.”

His tone was remarkably calm. Kale immediately asked in response to that composure.

“Yes. We’ll observe them for now.”
“Yes. We’ll keep an eye on them for now.”

The reason for watching was obvious. Kale Heniatus immediately mentioned that reason.

“Yes.”
Yes.

The Whale Tribe would be most curious about where the organization’s members were going. Though those Dark members wouldn’t head directly to their headquarters on the Western Continent, they could certainly gather small clues.
The Whale Tribe will be most curious about where the Dark members are going. Though those Dark members won’t head straight to their headquarters on the Western Continent, they will certainly be able to obtain small clues.

“Yeah, work hard—”

I told them to work hard and do their best, then tried to end the conversation, but I felt my cheeks burning hot, so I glanced around cautiously.

Good grief.

Ron, Vicross, Choi Han, Rak, Fendrick.
Everyone except Rosalind, Hans, On, and Hong—essentially all of my combat personnel—was staring directly at me. They were all people who harbored deep resentment toward that organization.

Still, this seems excessive.

I found it strange that my companions appeared even more furious than before, but especially faced with the cold gleam in Ron’s and Choi Han’s eyes, I ultimately opened my mouth again.

“Right, work hard. And you’ll report information to me too, won’t you?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”

Choi Han stared intently at Witira and me. His expression looked ready to draw a sword at any moment. Ron was fingering his dagger. Did that old man still harbor resentment about his lost arm?
But as someone with little courage, I ultimately had to add one more thing.

“Ahem, first, make sure to inform me the moment they touch ground—where they’re headed.”

I glanced around cautiously once more.
Choi Han nodded with a satisfied expression, and Ron smiled faintly while muttering under his breath.

“…We should make them starve to death while coughing up blood.”

What a bloodthirsty thing to say!
I, who had once coughed up blood and starved when lightning struck me, shuddered at the horrifying words. And I thought once more.

People like these are truly too much for someone as timid as me to handle.

“Um, Young Master Kale.”
“What is it?”

Witira pointed slightly behind me. At that gesture, I turned around. A golden turtle shell gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight.

“Is that your ship, Young Master?”

Witira’s voice trembled slightly. Unaware of this, I nodded.

“Yes. To be precise, it’s our Territory’s emblem. You guessed it right away?”

Kale pointed toward Mueller, the dwarf-hybrid who stood at a distance, unable to approach.

“That fellow built the ship.”

Tap, tap. Kale’s index finger beckoned, and Mueller scurried forward eagerly. The hybrid of rat and dwarf remained stocky, though noticeably plumper than before.

“Young Master, hello? How have you been?”

Mueller spoke with a nervous chuckle, though he seemed less terrified than before. Kale let out an admiring hum. This was better than cowering in fear.

“Good. I’ve been well. On and Hong have been asking about you too. Let’s have dinner together with them later.”

Hiccup. Mueller suddenly began hiccupping. His shoulders hunched further as he asked Kale hesitantly.

“D-did those two come as well?”
“Yes. They talked about you a lot. Seems they’re happy to see you.”

Mueller’s face went pale. Regardless, Kale introduced Mueller to Witira.

“He’s a hybrid of dwarf and rat-tribe. A fellow with remarkably skilled hands. Isn’t that right, Mueller?”

Witira and Kale’s gazes fell upon Mueller. Receiving both their attention, Mueller faltered at Witira’s appearance before nodding vigorously and exclaiming.

“Yes! The ship will be equipped with maximum offensive capability and possess a forward-thinking design. It’s a vessel unlike any you’ve ever seen!”

Witira nodded.
Even to her eyes, the golden ship appeared to have excellent defensive capabilities, and while she wasn’t sure how the offensive power would be enhanced, with Kale overseeing it, the ship would surely become a formidable weapon.

‘As expected, the Young Master has remarkable foresight.’

Preparing for naval warfare. Witira marveled at Kale, who always stayed one step ahead.

“You truly are extraordinary, Young Master.”
“…Me?”
“Yes.”

Mueller fell silent as Witira and Kale conversed.
He wanted to explain Kale’s motto—that the greatest defense was striking first—but there was no opportunity.
Then Kale directed a question toward him.

“The villa blueprints?”
“Ah, they’re nearly complete!”

Kale’s eyes crinkled with delight.
The blueprints for Kale’s villa to be built on the Coastline of Ubar Territory.
A house where one could enjoy a leisurely life in safety, even if war broke out. It was a dream home. And that dream was flowing from Mueller’s lips.

“We’re planning to secure as much underground space as possible, make it as sturdy as we can, and construct it with superior defensive capabilities!”

Tap. Tap. Kale bent at the waist and patted Mueller’s shoulders—the shorter man’s shoulders.

“You’ll need to pour everything you have into this.”
“Yes! Absolutely! I will succeed without fail!”
“Good. I trust you.”

At those words of trust, Mueller grew even paler. Witira, by contrast, let out a murmur of admiration.

‘It’s called a villa, but they’re really building a secret base.’

A sturdy structure with extensive underground space. The answer was clear. As Witira observed Kale, she could also see the faces of the others. Choi Han wore a satisfied smile, nodding repeatedly. The rest of the group remained composed.

‘They truly are exceptional.’

Concealing her thoughts, Witira asked Kale, who had finished encouraging the ashen-faced Mueller.

“Will you be departing tomorrow?”
“We must.”

The Wipper Kingdom. In just a little more time, it would mark exactly one year since Kale’s visit to the Wipper Kingdom. Before then, there was one task Kale needed to accomplish.

* * *

In less than a year’s time, Kale had returned to the Magic Tower.

“It has been a while, young master.”

Kale grasped the hand extended toward him.
A hybrid of the Wipper Kingdom’s tribal warriors and a Mage—the most unfortunate mana user. The hidden child of the former Tower Master.
Currently deceiving everyone as one of Tunka’s advisors. A madman.
Herrol Codian.

“Herrol, it’s been a while.”

The man consumed by hatred for magic looked refreshed when I saw him after so long.

“Where’s Tunka?”
“Right here!”

Kale released Herrol’s hand at the sound of the rough voice and turned his gaze.
Screeeech.
A rusted iron gate groaned open, and Tunka—still possessing his massive frame—emerged from the darkness within the building, gradually revealing himself.

The building he emerged from was the Magic Tower.
An ancient cultural heritage of the Wipper Kingdom, now reduced to an eyesore—a relic of a forgotten past. Around it lay nothing but withered grass.

“So you’ve become a general?”
“Kahahaha! That’s right, I’ve become a general now.”

Tunka shrugged his shoulders with laughter at Kale’s question, then answered in a voice brimming with excitement. His eyes, burning with fervor, fixed upon Kale.

“So before I take on my first duty as general, I thought I’d perform one final ritual cleansing.”

The scent of madness wafted from Tunka as he grinned wickedly, his lips curling upward. He pointed to the Magic Tower behind him and asked Kale.

“You’ll destroy it as promised, right?”

Kale had written a contract agreeing to destroy the Magic Tower.
Tunka’s eyes held the look of someone who would destroy Kale right here if he broke that promise. Of course, with Choi Han and the others standing behind him, such a thing was unlikely to happen.

“I…”

Kale’s mouth opened. After a year, we faced each other again—Kale and Tunka. We remained unchanged. I answered in my familiar tone.

“I keep my word.”

Like Tunka, Kale’s lips curved upward.

“Let’s demolish it spectacularly.”

And I’ll secure a substantial share for myself.
The documents and seeds I’d discovered in the Magic Tower’s underground laboratory a year ago had appreciated considerably in value.

“Krahahahaha!”

Tunka burst into hearty laughter, clearly delighted by my words. In that same moment, Raon’s voice resonated in my mind.

-Human! Hey, human!

Raon’s abrupt call made me flinch. Whenever he spoke like this out of nowhere, I felt uneasy. What was he going to say this time?

-Actually, I enjoy destroying things! That’s why I’m excited now! Let’s blow it away!

Raon was thrilled at the prospect of obliterating the Magic Tower, a cultural heritage of the continent. My lips curved upward in a peculiar smile.

Our thoughts aligned this time?

Raon and I were in perfect agreement.
Truth be told, I was exhilarated too.

The prospect of putting on a show thrilled 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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