Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 119

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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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Yet despite his excitement, Tunka’s face—radiant with a madman’s grin—was hardly a pleasant sight to behold.

“You’re destroying it tomorrow?”

Tunka’s eyes gleamed as he posed the question to Kale, like a child desperate to know what gift awaits on their birthday. So Kale obliged his anticipation.

“No.”
“…What?”

Tunka and his advisor Herrol Codian—their faces froze. Watching their rigid expressions, Kale spoke with cheerful clarity.

“Not destruction—complete annihilation. Utter, absolute collapse.”
“What? Gahahaha!”

Kale watched as Tunka burst into hearty laughter and strode toward the clearing before the ruined Magic Tower, arms spread wide.
Countless soldiers stood in that clearing, awaiting Tunka’s arrival. He bellowed to them.

“Did you hear? This history of hatred vanishes soon! A new era for the Wipper Kingdom begins now!”

Thud. Thud. Thud.
The soldiers stamped their feet in jubilation.

‘Tedious.’

I found the spectacle tiresome. Herrol Codian approached my side, casting a glance at Choi Han, Rak, and Rosalind standing behind me before addressing me.

“Young Master, the number of soldiers must have been overwhelming, yes? The training grounds nearby are spacious, so we gathered everyone from the surrounding area upon hearing your arrival.”

Training grounds—what nonsense.
They’d clearly brought them to witness the Magic Tower’s destruction and bolster morale. I found such pretense tedious between those who already understood each other. My lips parted slowly.

“Indeed, that’s possible. More can come if they wish. It will be quite the spectacle.”

Of course, I was someone who committed fully to tasks, regardless of my personal feelings.

-Shall we witness the explosion together? Ah, you’ll understand the magnificence of my magical bombs!

The more one witnessed, the better it became.
Herrol Codian studied Kale with a penetrating gaze, observing his unperturbed demeanor.
A man who knew Herrol Codian’s secret. Yet he had spent a year without making any particular demands, and now he had returned to fulfill their contract.

“But how exactly do you plan to destroy the Magic Tower?”
“Magic.”
“…Pardon?”

Kale smiled as he observed Herrol Codian’s hardened expression. Mentioning magic before a man who despised it was quite the amusing thing to do.

“Why? What else would you use to destroy it?”

Herrol Codian glanced at Kale’s hand resting upon his shoulder. Tap, tap. The hand that had been drumming against his shoulder stilled, and Kale spoke to him.

“Destroying the Magic Tower—the very symbol of magic—with magic itself is quite entertaining, don’t you think?”

Herrol Codian’s gaze turned toward Kale at the sound of his laughter-filled voice.

“And respect the line. However I destroy the Magic Tower, whatever I do—that’s my decision to make.”

His voice drew a clear boundary, one that would not permit any crossing of that line. Herrol Codian observed Kale and his companions. Choi Han, who handled Tunka with ease. Skilled fighters who appeared his equal. Those skilled fighters were watching Herrol Codian and Kale.
Kale’s voice reached his ears.
Kale Heniatus’s voice reached his ear.

“You’re not in a position to say that to me, are you?”

Herrol Codian’s eyes gradually grew cold. This was the Wipper Kingdom, his domain after all.
Then Kale’s voice continued at his ear.
Then Kale Heniatus’s voice reached his ear.

“You’re ruling this kingdom with an iron fist and living exactly as you please more than anyone else. I’m no different.”

Kale’s gaze met his, and Kale added with amusement.
Kale Heniatus and his gaze met, and Kale added cheerfully.

“I won’t cross your line, so don’t cross mine.”

Herrol Codian, with his appearance of seeming virtuous and upright, slowly raised the corners of his mouth, and he finally burst into laughter.

“Ha, ha ha—”

After laughing for a while, he watched Tunka approach from the soldiers and finally offered me a warm greeting.

“You haven’t changed. Which is why it’s all the more pleasant to see you.”
“Indeed. I still cherish peace, after all.”

—The same smile he wears when meeting the Crown Prince.

Ignoring Raon’s agreement, I faced Tunka, who still appeared excited. More precisely, Tunka’s gaze was fixed on Choi Han standing behind me.

“Shall we test our strength after so long?”
“Getting beaten while holding the rank of general does sound entertaining.”

Choi Han accepted Tunka’s provocation with composure, his eyes brimming with annoyance. Rather than losing spirit, Tunka grew even more delighted and murmured.

“Your aura has grown even more intense….”

My shoulders trembled slightly.
Choi Han had grown stronger?
I slowly turned my head to look at him. Choi Han lowered his head slightly.

“I am always striving to protect everyone.”

Why?
You’re already incredibly strong. Why push further?

“Hearing Witira’s words, it seems like the right choice.”

A gentle, serene smile burned itself into my vision. I immediately turned away from Choi Han.

‘This feels ominous.’

Could he possibly be considering joining the Tiger Tribe and Whale Tribe’s plan to annihilate the Secret Organization’s 1st Combat Unit?
I knew I could simply look at Choi Han and ask for the answer, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. The premonition felt too dark.
So instead, I changed the subject. I tossed the words at Tunka casually.

“Tunka, how about a festival tonight?”
“A festival?”

Unable to comprehend what this seemingly ignorant fellow was saying, Kale answered with an excited expression.

“That’s right. A celebratory drinking party to congratulate destroying the Magic Tower tomorrow in advance. What do you think?”
“Kuhh! That’s excellent! You really are different from those rotten nobles! You understand what matters!”

Understand what? Well, I do understand that you’ve boarded the hell train. Especially since you’re planning to strike the Empire first instead of the Jungle.
Kale watched Tunka, delighted as he ordered his advisors to prepare for the festival. Then he withdrew his gaze and commanded his party.

“Let’s rest for a while.”

That way we could move at night.

* * *

And night arrived.

Kale looked down with an uneasy expression.
In one of the tents prepared for him, Choi Han and Rosalind were discussing the magical bombs they would install and detonate tomorrow, while Kale stood with his arms crossed, staring downward with a frown.

“…I’m still not reassured.”
“No way! We can do this well!”
“That’s right! With our older sister and youngest brother, we’re the best!”
“I am magnificent!”

As On, Hong, and Raon poured out their words in succession, Kale’s frown deepened. No matter how he looked at it, he couldn’t feel assured.

‘But I can’t remove the people who agreed to participate in the festival either.’

Choi Han, Rak, Vicross, Rosalind, Ron, Fendrick, and Kale himself. Thus the party had agreed to attend the drinking gathering.
The red cat Hong approached Kale confidently, standing ahead of On and Raon, and spread his shoulders proudly.

“With the three of us, we could destroy even a royal palace!”

That’s certainly true. Raon alone could destroy it and have power left over.
Rather, I was worried he might just destroy things without doing the job properly.

Kale kicked the large box beside him.
Thunk. His foot bounced back lightly, and the sound of the box being completely full rang out.

The box contained items discovered last year in the Underground 4th Floor research facility of the Magic Tower.

A mana storage device utilizing the principles of ancient power.
The reason magical resistance develops.
Research materials on these two subjects.
Additionally, another seed existed.

Of course, only half.
Precisely, only half with all the important parts removed.

“You need to transport this properly. Do you understand?”

I could see the five-year-old Raon clicking his tongue and sighing.

“Weak human, we are stronger than you. Stop nagging.”

Hah.
I was exasperated. On and Hong nodded in agreement regardless. As Raon flicked his front paw, the enormous box floated into the air and became transparent.

“We’ll be back soon. Human. Since you’re weak, drink a little alcohol.”

When I was left speechless by the absurdity, the red cat Hong approached and tapped my instep with his front paws.

“We’ll be back quickly! After everything’s done, we could even come back after playing tag with big sister and the youngest in the Magic Tower?”
“…Yes. You can.”

Hong and Raon giggled as they slipped out of the tent discreetly, and On patted my calf reassuringly before departing gracefully.
I rubbed my face with both hands. The work would certainly be done properly, but why did I feel so uneasy?

Yet I soon felt another layer of unease upon seeing who had entered the tent.

“Um, Young Master.”
“Yes.”
“Then after this task, will you be going to Rare together?”

Rare.
The Gold Dragon. That Rare where even ancient dragons dwell.
My breath caught in my throat.

“…I have to go.”

But go I must. When the strongest, Raon, wished to depart, what power did I possess to refuse?

“Then I shall send word ahead. They will surely be delighted.”
“Very well.”
“Um, Your Highness. Then perhaps I could also-”
“Also what?”

The sickly-looking Elf grew bashful. Just as Kale’s distaste for such an expression reached its peak, Fendrick posed a careful question.

“By then, might I also have the honor of meeting the Dragon who protects Your Highness?”
“…Yes. You will see them.”
“Wonderful! I dare say I shall be the only Elf in this world to behold two Dragons at once!”

Kale nodded with reluctant acceptance. Such purely, fanatically joyful creatures were simply incompatible with him.

“Yes, that’s right.”
“And the one I am to treat—shall I meet them on the return journey?”

Kale’s expression grew serious.

“Yes. You will see them then.”
“Understood, sir.”

When I had met the Dark Elf Tasha in the Capital, I had asked her to relay contact information to the Necromancer Merry regarding pain treatment. Tasha had gazed at me once more with those warm eyes at the mention of it, but I had promptly erased that look from my mind—I found it utterly distasteful.

“Then, as it grows late, I shall take my leave.”

Fendrick pulled his hood low over his ears without bothering with a disguise spell, then slipped out of the tent.
Kale exhaled a sigh, his gaze settling on the two who remained. Among them, Choi Han caught my eye and offered an awkward smile.

“How are things progressing?”
“Well, that is…”

Rarely did Choi Han respond so hesitantly. Yet Kale afforded him no opening, speaking with firm resolve.

“You must succeed. Without fail.”
“…Yes, sir.”

After hearing Kale’s solemn response, I gestured toward the tent entrance for Rosalind and Choi Han to join me.

“Let us join the drinking gathering as well.”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Understood, Kale.”

I pushed open the tent flap and stepped outside. Despite the late hour, laughter and singing echoed from Tunka’s encampment.
My gaze lingered briefly in the opposite direction.
By now, the average eight-year-olds should be diligently carrying out their mission. I hoped Tunka’s forces would indulge themselves even more recklessly as I turned toward their gathering.

* * *

And the day after the drinking gathering.
The day finally arrived when the Magic Tower would vanish into history.

I stood with my arms crossed, gazing up at the Magic Tower.
The Magic Tower, officially known to be composed of the Underground 3rd Floor and the 20th Floor above ground. Now, its former magnificent glory had faded, leaving only unsightly, rusted debris and the aura of death.

“Kekeke, how thrilling.”

As I glanced sideways, my eyes met Tunka’s. He grinned with a face still not entirely sober from drink. Anyone observing would think him utterly mad, yet his gaze remained sharp and clear.

“My tribal warriors, countless kingdom citizens—they all died because of that Magic Tower. It’s a shame we’re not destroying it with magic bombs, but this will be entertaining enough.”
“Indeed, General Tunka. Now our history truly begins.”

Herrol Codian nodded in measured agreement beside Tunka.
Behind him, countless soldiers were already stamping their spears against the ground and shuffling their feet, their anticipation evident.

“Kale.”

Choi Han approached at that moment.

“The installation is complete.”
“Is it?”

My gaze turned toward the Magic Tower. Several black magic bombs were affixed to the tower’s outer wall at regular intervals.

-The latest magic bombs created by this magnificent self.

This is Raon’s 5-second version magic bomb.

“I will detonate it upon your signal.”

Rosalind raised her mana, waiting for Kale’s instruction. She remained composed, having been using a disguise spell ever since arriving in the Wipper Kingdom.
Kale spoke while looking at Tunka.

“Let’s set it off soon. Don’t you think it would be good to inform the soldiers?”
“Kekeke, shall we?”

Tunka walked forward in front of his soldiers and spread both arms wide. He looked ready to say something else. Kale, showing no interest whatsoever in the sight, approached Rosalind to give his command. At that moment, Herrol Codian drew near to his side.

The abandoned son whom even the Tower Master did not know. Herrol spoke to Kale gently.

“You must find it regrettable.”
“What do you mean?”
“Obtaining nothing from the Magic Tower, merely possessing it, and then detonating it after a year.”
“Regrettable indeed.”

Regrettable, perhaps. But thrilling.
Kale answered lightly, even as a bitter smile crossed his face.

“I’ll think of it as money spent lightly. I’m quite wealthy, after all.”
“Moments like these remind me you are nobility.”
“Indeed. Don’t forget my position.”

With those words, Kale felt the ground trembling beneath him.

Boom. Boom. Boom.

“Ooh, ooh, ooh!”

The soldiers stomped the ground in unison, their voices rising together. Kale turned his head to observe the spectacle, and his gaze met Tunka’s. Seeing those eyes ablaze with fervor, Kale raised his hand.

“Begin.”
“Yes. Starting the 5-second countdown!”

Mana began to spread from the tips of Rosalind’s fingers.

“5!”

she cried out.
Boom. Boom. Boom. The tremors shaking the ground grew even more violent.
And then.

“4, 3, 2!”

Rosalind, Kale, Choi Han, Ron, and Vicross—the entire party’s gaze converged on her.
Mana poured from her hands toward the magical bombs.

“1! Detonate!”

Rosalind’s voice rang out.

Crash, boom, boom!

Countless explosions erupted simultaneously—detonations so tremendous that even the sound of soldiers’ footsteps vanished beneath them.

-This is exhilarating! So exhilarating! Since no one’s getting hurt, I can destroy as much as I want!

Raon was thrilled, and at the same moment.

Rumble rumble crash!

-The Magic Tower is collapsing!

The Magic Tower crumbled, descending slowly downward in clouds of dust and earth. The billowing dust swept toward Kale, who stood beyond the blast radius.

“Kuh, kuhahahaha! It’s collapsing! It’s actually collapsing!”

Behind Kale, Tunka’s laughter and the cheers of the Wipper Kingdom soldiers—those who had been oppressed by magic—erupted in jubilation.
Kale turned his gaze to the side.

‘A madman.’

Herrol Codian was laughing with his lips curled endlessly upward—a suppressed laugh. His gaze, brimming with madness, fell upon Kale.

“The Crown Prince is laughing as well, I see.”

Kale’s reflection in those eyes was smiling as well.

“Ah. Refreshing.”

The crumbling Magic Tower looked refreshing to him.
Watching a sight that would make most mages across the Continent weep and cry out in horror, Kale laughed. He couldn’t help it.

Crunch-crunch-crunch-boom—
The Magic Tower tilted sideways starting from the 2nd floor above ground.
Boom—!
Finally, the Magic Tower tilted to its side and collapsed completely.

“Cough, cough.”

Damn this dust.
Kale covered his mouth with a handkerchief because of the dust.

—Human, satisfied?

Ignoring Raon’s absurd question, Kale took in the sight of the devastated Magic Tower through the dissipating clouds of dust.
Slowly, very slowly, the Magic Tower revealed its collapsed form.

Boom. Boom. Boom!
“Ooh! Ooh! Ooh!”

The soldiers’ fervor grew ever greater. Feeling the madness behind him, Kale slowly approached the collapsed Magic Tower.
At the same time, Choi Han and the others entered into the dust ahead of him.

“Shall we see the sight of its collapse?”

Herrol Codian approached Kale’s side with a grinning smile.

“Yes, let’s.”

Kale smiled and stepped aside as if inviting him to walk together. The two of them, their hearts pounding for different reasons, walked into the clouds of dust.

And finally, the full form of the Magic Tower came into view.

“Gasp!”

Herrol Codian pressed his lips together, suppressing a smile. The Magic Tower that once stood twenty stories high was gone, its second and third floors blown away, while the first floor’s foundation had collapsed inward, revealing the Underground 4th Floor beneath.

“You seem to be in a good mood.”

Herrol Codian nodded at Kale’s voice without looking at him. The joy was beyond words. How long had he yearned to witness this sight?
Never again would magic take root in the Wipper Kingdom. Exhilaration surged through my entire body.

Then Kale’s calm voice reached my ears.

“I’m in a good mood too.”

At those words, Herrol Codian felt an odd sensation. It wasn’t mere agreement—there was genuine joy in the tone. Herrol Codian slowly turned his gaze.
Kale stood there with a faint smile gracing his lips.

In that moment, a voice rang out.

“Huh?”

It was Choi Han.
A flicker of surprise crossed Kale’s eyes.

The performance had begun.

Choi Han pointed toward what appeared to be an underground section beneath the collapsed first floor.
Yes, within that darkness, in that secret space on the Underground 4th Floor barely visible, lay the box they had moved yesterday.

Kale waited for Choi Han’s line—the one he’d rehearsed with him for days. The words flowed from Choi Han’s lips.

“W-what is this? This is strange. Should I report this to Kale?”

Ah, that terrible acting.
The moment Kale first wanted to grab Choi Han by the collar, Vicross seized Choi Han’s shoulder and hurled him backward, peering down into the collapsed foundation.

“There’s something down there.”

As expected, the assassin Ron and the torture specialist Vicross possessed superior acting skills.
Vicross turned his gaze toward where Kale stood.

Research documents, most destroyed by the explosion, with only a pittance remaining—documents Kale had deliberately left behind. They awaited him.

Vicross’s mouth opened.

“Your Highness.”

Now it was his turn.

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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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