Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 140

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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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Silence descended upon the coastline.
Chief of Staff Herrol remained silent, while Prince John of the Breck Kingdom listened to whispers from his subordinates while observing Kale and the Whale Tribe.

Then, Witira opened her mouth. Rather than lowering her head before the leaders of four kingdoms, she appeared more confident than ever.

“I am Witira, representative of the Whale Tribe. I have come at the invitation of our benefactor, Prince Kale. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

It was a greeting with appropriate courtesy. As it should be.
The Whale Tribe, who held even the Mermaid Tribe in their grasp, had become the supreme power of the sea. She, designated as the next Whale King, had no need to show deference to the leaders of other kingdoms.

Moreover, they were a natural race known to be second only to Dragons in strength. People could see the water whip coiled around Witira’s wrist.

Kale observed this entire scene with satisfaction. He had made a request of Witira.

‘Set the mood for us.’

Witira had done an excellent job of establishing the atmosphere of a powerful ruler and authority. Paseton and Archie behind her also stood silently, perfectly reinforcing that presence.

The Whale Tribe would have left a vivid impression on both the warriors and the delegations from each kingdom. And the impression of the Roan Kingdom, which had brought the Whale Tribe, would have been equally well established.

‘Not bad.’

Kale, pleased with this atmosphere, slowly surveyed his surroundings. Then he paused.

Queen Ritana, who had clearly looked flustered just moments before, was now looking at Kale.

‘Hmm?’

She gazed at Kale with eyes as if observing something fascinating, smiling brightly. Her fresh smile made Kale uneasy, so he turned his gaze away, only to meet the eyes of the smiling Herrol.
Herrol too was staring at Kale with a smile whose meaning was incomprehensible.

‘Why are these people acting like this?’

Kale could not fathom the reason for the gazes directed at him. Then it happened.

Clap!

Light applause echoed through the space. All eyes turned toward the source of the sound.
Crown Prince Albert Crossman opened his mouth, meeting the gazes of those around him.

“Then we should step inside and discuss this matter in greater depth.”

Prince John agreed with the sentiment.

“That seems necessary. An overwhelming amount of information has been presented all at once. It’s rather confusing.”

Despite his words of confusion, Prince John’s complexion remained serene—a stark contrast to the bewildered expression worn by his youngest brother, Prince Pen, who stood behind him.
Crown Prince Albert nodded at John’s words and turned his gaze toward Ritana.

“Your Majesty, it appears we shall require three additional chairs.”

Ritana nodded in acknowledgment.

“Three chairs for the Whale Tribe members, then?”

She spoke while looking toward her subordinate, Bin.

“Bin, while you’re fetching chairs, bring one more. Let Kale Heniatus sit as well.”
“Your Majesty, that would be three chairs including Kale Heniatus.”
“Pardon?”

Ritana turned her head to regard the Crown Prince once more. Albert had said three including Kale Heniatus.

‘So only two of the Whale Tribe are sitting?’

That was her thought. Everyone shared the same assumption.
But a sound shattered that assumption.

“Huh?”

A startled voice escaped from someone.

Crackle. Sparks erupted from the teleportation circle. To use this teleportation circle, one had to specify the location using a magical incantation containing a cipher sent by the Jungle’s mage.
Sparks were occurring on the teleportation circle. To use this teleportation circle, you had to specify the location using a magic spell that contained a cipher sent by the Jungle Kingdom’s Mage from the Dark side.

So the Mage standing right in front of the teleport gate was flustered.

At that moment, a hand descended upon the Mage’s shoulder, drawing him back slightly.
The Mage turned his head.

Kale Heniatus.
He gazed down at the Mage.

“She is our invited guest.”
“…Pardon?”

Crackle, crackle.
The sparks intensified, and soon a brilliant light swelled, gradually completing the silhouette of a human form.

Kale had prepared more than merely the Whale Tribe. He smiled as he observed the figure materializing along the coastline. It had been quite some time since their last meeting. He extended his hand, and as the newcomer grasped it, she stepped free from the teleportation circle.
It had been a long time since I’d seen him. He extended his hand. As I grasped his hand, a new figure emerged from the teleportation circle.

“Indeed it has, my lord.”
“You’re right, Master Kong.”

Mad Priestess Kaige. She stood outside the teleport circle, treading on sand as she followed Kale’s lead. Fluttering her black priesthood robes devoid of any divine insignia, she greeted him.

It’s an honor to meet you.

The appearance of this mysterious priestess caused several to falter once more.
Yet the delegation from Breck Kingdom remained composed. They had seen Kaige before.
However, the Breck Kingdom side remained composed. They had seen Kaige before.

Kale introduced the Mad Priestess to the people.

“I am a priest who serves the Death God.”

The moment those words left his lips, the assembled naturally recalled another phrase.
The moment that word was uttered, people naturally thought of another word.

There could be only one reason for a priestess of the Death God to appear at these negotiations.
There was only one reason for the Death God’s Priest to appear at the conference table.

As Kale closed his mouth, the Crown Prince continued speaking.

“What I’m about to tell you is a matter that requires considerable discretion, you see.”

Alberu spoke with a smile.

“So then, faith and trust? Surely nothing is a more certain promise than one’s life, is it?”

Unlike the Crown Prince’s radiant smile, the atmosphere along the coastline grew heavy.
Crown Prince Alberu had presented the Priest of Death and the Whale Tribe before all gathered at the coastline. His words meant that everyone present would have to swear the Oath of Death.

“Truly, truly so.”

A single voice followed.
Herrol Codian, the Chief of Staff. He spoke while looking at the Crown Prince and Kale.

“It seems the Roan Kingdom has many interesting people. And I find their interesting methods quite to my taste.”

Kale’s eyes met Herrol’s as he smiled virtuously for a moment.
Why is he looking at me?
Just as that question formed, Herrol turned his gaze toward the Crown Prince and spoke.

“Indeed. Life over faith. It is a good method.”
“I shall hear it first, then decide whether to follow such a method.”

John spoke after Herrol and stepped back. Finally, only Ritana remained, and all eyes turned toward her. She opened her mouth.
She opened her mouth.

“Three chairs, then—one for the Whale Tribe’s successor, one for the Priest, and the last for Duke Kale.”

She issued an instruction to Bin.

“Bring me a list of all the warriors and mages who came to this place today.”

Her gesture was a tacit acceptance of the Oath of Death. The Crown Prince walked toward the tent and spoke.

“Let us discuss the rest inside.”

* * *

After a commotion unfolded on the coastline in the dead of night, a new conference was arranged with additional participants.

Kale sat at the conference table and reflected. The discussion was well underway.

‘Why can’t I simply stand behind her?’

Originally, the table was meant to seat only Witira and Priest Kaige. Of course, since Kaige held the rank of Priest, it was decided she would only be seated if the other powers consented.

‘So why am I here?’

Kale swallowed his doubts and observed the conference with an expressionless face.

Just moments ago, through the words of Witira and Alberu, the discussion had unfolded regarding the Secret Organization and their combat-specialized faction, ‘Dark’.

The Dark faction, which controlled the Eastern Continent’s underworld.
The entity that conducted magical bomb terrorist attacks against the Roan Kingdom and the Sun God Church.
The organization that had assaulted the Elf Village in an attempt to seize branches of the World Tree.
The matter of sponsoring the Mermaid Tribe to dominate the maritime routes connecting the Eastern and Western Continents.

The more the explanations about the Secret Organization and Dark were presented with supporting evidence, the heavier the atmosphere in the conference chamber became.

“…Sigh.”

Prince John could not compose his expression, pressing his temples repeatedly with one hand. He spoke as if lamenting.

“So you’re saying such an organization cooperates with the Northern 3 Nations and the Empire, and we were unaware of it all while this organization operated freely across the Western Continent?”

John felt utterly astounded.

‘How could such an organization exist, and how could we have been ignorant of it?’

It was incomprehensible. Yet on the other hand, if the Northern 3 Nations and the Empire had supported them, it made sense that they remained unknown. Moreover, an organization that controlled the Eastern Continent’s underworld could hardly be weak.

Then, a calm voice resonated.

“A most sinister organization indeed. To think they conduct magical bomb terrorist attacks. They must be eradicated without fail.”

Herrol Codian—his response.
Kale shifted his gaze to observe Herrol’s expression and flinched slightly.

‘Murderous.’

Herrol, who despised magic. For him, magical bomb terrorism was an existence that ought to be eradicated. Tunka likely harbored a similar sentiment.

‘He’ll put on quite the show.’

I was pleased with Herrol Codian’s reaction. A faint smile threatened to bloom across my expressionless face. But the moment my eyes met Ritana’s, it vanished.

Ritana was watching me with utmost seriousness. Under her gaze, I found myself opening my mouth without thinking.

“Ritana, is there something you wish to say?”
“It’s fascinating.”

What?
A question mark materialized in my mind. What an unexpected thing to say.
Ritana continued.

“I heard that it was Crown Prince Kale who greatly contributed to preventing the magical bomb terrorist attack on the Roan Kingdom. You also helped the Whale Tribe. And you extinguished the flames in our jungle.”

Ritana was truly fascinated.
The man sitting expressionless at this negotiation table. Kale Heniatus.
After hearing about the Dark organization, I couldn’t begin to fathom just how virtuous this person truly was.

“And you even saved the Elf Village, didn’t you?”

Did Crown Prince Kale ever have a moment of rest?
With that composed expression, how many nights of anguish had he endured, striving for peace?
Surely this man carried a heavier burden than anyone else, spending countless sleepless nights.

“And you made such efforts to save the Saint and Saint Maiden.”

Ritana believed that setting aside her personal connection and gratitude, Kale was the most deserving person to sit at this negotiation table. So she asked.

“Crown Prince, what do you think we should do moving forward?”

One by one, gazes turned toward me.
Receiving those looks, I contemplated.

‘What am I supposed to do?’

Wasn’t that their responsibility to decide?
Of course, I had my own plans. But I couldn’t speak of them, nor did I have reason to.
I was about to open my mouth in response to their gazes when Raon’s voice suddenly echoed through my mind.

-Human, are we saving them again? Saving people is a great and noble deed! Such a fulfilling endeavor!

This time, I didn’t let Raon’s words go in one ear and out the other.

Crown Prince, Queen, Heir Apparent, Chief Strategist, First Prince. Among them, the voice of a mere noble’s heir rang out clearly.
My response to the question of what should be done going forward was remarkably composed.

“Should we not save the Western Continent? Should we not bring peace to the people of the continent?”

And with that, peace would come to me as well—I simply wanted to relax at home without having to move around so much.

“I believe those gathered here would be capable of accomplishing such a task.”

I truly hoped they would work hard so that I would have fewer things to do.
I spoke my wishes exactly as they were.

-That’s right, human! You truly are virtuous!

I ignored Raon’s praise.
After finishing my words, I fixed my gaze upon Ritana. Her lips parted.

“…Indeed. The young master’s words are correct. You always walk the righteous path.”

I caught the gaze of those looking at me with eyes similar to Ritana’s, and my eyes briefly shifted to Crown Prince Albert. Then I paused slightly.
The Crown Prince wore a warm smile, but his eyes held that unmistakable gleam—’this fellow is spouting insincere words again.’

I offered a gentle smile to the Crown Prince, who understood my heart.
John opened his mouth.

“The Roan Kingdom has—”

He trailed off and closed his mouth.
The Crown Prince and I exchanged a smile brimming with trust, and John couldn’t quite remember what he had meant to say.

Yet in his mind, their enemies became somewhat clearer. The same was true for the others.
Ritana’s lips parted. Her voice was crisp and decisive.

“We shall provide food supplies to the Wipper Kingdom.”

This marked the Jungle’s strategic retreat from a position of significant advantage, while simultaneously signaling a deeper commitment that extended far beyond mere alchemy.

Herrol Codian spoke calmly, a benevolent smile gracing his features.

“We would like to assume responsibility for all matters concerning magical bombs in the future. Creatures like that deserve to be eliminated.”

It was a chillingly pragmatic response, befitting one who harbored such conflicted feelings toward magic.

I watched as the table gradually grew more animated once more, then leaned back against the chair’s backrest. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Albert, who possessed the most comprehensive intelligence, the negotiations were proceeding smoothly.

The Wipper Kingdom side had agreed to secretly supply funds and provisions through the three nations, and should the Imperial Army cross into Wipper Kingdom’s borders during the forthcoming conflict, combat units from the Jungle would be dispatched immediately under concealment.

Furthermore, should the Empire employ dead mana bombs, the Roan Kingdom would provide all corresponding countermeasures, while the costs would be entirely borne by the other nations.

Beyond that, support for the Whale Tribe conflict scheduled for winter and the issues of the Northern 3 Nations were addressed. The broad framework of plans extending through the following spring had been established.

“Then let us take the oath now.”

At the Crown Prince’s gesture, the Mad Priestess Kaige rose to her feet.
After the Oath of Death was inscribed upon all gathered at the coastline, the negotiations concluded.

I watched as night passed and the sun rose above the horizon, then made my way toward the teleportation circle. Erhaben followed in my wake.
I stood before the teleportation circle alongside the Crown Prince’s entourage and Kaige, waiting. Chief Strategist Herrol Codian was departing first in haste.

Crackle—
The teleportation circle activated, and Herrol Codian gradually faded away atop the magical formation.

My eyes met Herrol Codian’s as I waited for my turn. He offered me a smile.

“Young Master Kale, let us meet again in victory.”

Before I could respond, Herrol Codian vanished from the magical formation. The Crown Prince looked at me and asked.

“He wants to see you again?”

The Crown Prince read the answer from my reluctant expression. He chuckled softly and stepped onto the magical formation alongside me.

We soon arrived at the Ubar Territory, and before parting ways with me, the Crown Prince spoke.

“There’s nothing to do until winter anyway. Rest well. While you wait for the good news of victory.”

Kale answered matter-of-factly, as it was only natural.

“I was planning to rest anyway.”

Yet something felt off about the Crown Prince’s smiling face. He wore an expression suggesting it had been a long time since he’d spoken such lighthearted nonsense, and he bid me farewell with that smile.

“Yes, do exactly that.”

* * *

But it was impossible.
I frowned as I watched Tunka press his face against the video communication device’s screen.

Aaaahhh!
We can do it!

Voices filled with determination still echoed from outside my bedroom window.

Autumn had already arrived, yet the voices showed no sign of fatigue.
I had to face Tunka to hear the first news transmitted after autumn’s arrival.

“What is it?”

In the meantime, I had been checking daily reports about the Wipper Kingdom through the intelligence organization led by the Crown Prince and Ron.
The Wipper Kingdom was fighting the Imperial Army on equal footing, contrary to expectations.

The Empire had not revealed all its forces, including the dead mana bombs.
Moreover, contrary to most predictions that Wipper would falter due to insufficient funds in a prolonged war, the Wipper Kingdom continuously secured funds and various weapons including siege weapons, making such a stalemate possible.

‘But it’s dragging on far too long.’

Until this morning, I had received reports of this sluggish state.
So my expression toward Tunka was lukewarm.

-I wanted to tell you first.

Tunka spoke.

-We won half the battle.

Kale’s expression shifted.

“What did you say?”
-We captured a castle! Kahahaha!

Tunka, laughing, stepped back slightly from the video communication device.

‘This madman.’

Only then did Kale notice that Tunka’s entire body was drenched in blood except for his face, which he had wiped clean. Behind Tunka, countless corpses were visible.
He had stacked the bodies and conducted the video communication from their midst. Truly, he was no ordinary madman.

-And I did as you said.

The man who had been laughing cheerfully spoke in a calm tone, and Kale was bewildered.

“As I said?”
-Yes. I didn’t abandon the wounded soldiers. I brought them with me.

Was Tunka truly insane?
Kale was taken aback by Tunka’s claim that he had brought the soldiers. It was strange that he was doing something he had never done before.

Tunka continued with a rather satisfied expression.

-A strong person must also possess the magnanimity to care for the weak.

Was this man truly insane?
Kale seriously wondered if Tunka was actually Tunka. However, at Tunka’s following words and his displeased expression, he set that concern aside.

-But treating them will be difficult.

Kale could roughly guess what he meant.
Even with increased funds on the Wipper Kingdom’s side, they could not treat all soldiers with expensive potions.

‘And we’ll be short on Priests.’

The Wipper Kingdom had originally been weak in any religion. This was because it was a magical powerhouse. Therefore, there were insufficient Priests to bring during wartime.

Amusingly, the Religious Order considered the tribal warriors—who revered nature but did not believe in gods—to be savages.
Thus, they did not send Priests to aid them.

Moreover, as a result of the prolonged civil war, ordinary healers without divine healing or sacred power had become scarce, for the Mages had once targeted them relentlessly.

Kale observed the regret lingering in Tunka’s composed expression.

-We lack healers. We’ve only secured half a victory, and we cannot expend excessive potions here. Few ordinary healers remain, and we have no Priests.

In that moment, Kale recalled two individuals—people currently residing at my Mansion at no cost, living idle lives.

The Mad Priestess and the half-baked Saint.

And one more.
An Elf lounging about in Erhaben’s Lair came to mind.

“Hmm.”

Kale fell into contemplation, arms crossed. Each of those three individuals could accomplish the work of several ordinary Priests.
As Kale pondered, Raon’s voice reached my mind.

-Human, are we saving these people?

A peculiar anticipation tinged Raon’s tone. Yet Kale first turned to Tunka and posed a question that had been nagging at me.

“What do you mean by securing only half a victory?”

Victory was victory; defeat was defeat.
But half a victory?

At Kale’s question, Tunka offered an awkward smile.

-Ahem, the enemies abandoned the Castle and fled.
“Then you’ve seized the Castle for yourselves.”

So Tunka had taken possession of a Castle.

-Ahem. Well. We did seize it, but… we cannot enter it.

…What on earth are you talking about?
Seeing the look in Kale’s eyes, Tunka scratched his head before turning the video communication screen to the other side.

Then something crimson came into view.

Kale understood why Tunka had conducted the video communication from the midst of corpses rather than from within the castle, hidden from the eyes of ordinary soldiers. Raon’s voice echoed through my mind.

-Human, it’s blazing fiercely!

The fire was burning intensely.
A towering pillar of flames so immense it seemed to reach toward the heavens surrounded the castle, obscuring it from view.

-Ahem, suddenly a pillar of fire erupted and surrounded the castle, and it won’t go out.
“…It won’t go out?”
-That’s right. So I’ve positioned soldiers along the perimeter of the fire pillar. Strangely, that pillar of fire doesn’t spread to the castle itself—it just keeps burning in place. It’s almost like a barrier protecting the castle.

Tunka spoke of his half-won victory while venting his honest feelings to his friend. Still, after telling Kale, his mind felt more at ease.
Unlike when he simply charged into battle, war demanded far too much thought and presented far too many problems to solve.
The pillar of fire surrounding the castle was one of those problems.

-I have no idea what scheme the Empire is pulling. Still, I must find a solution— hm?

Tunka stopped speaking as he looked at Kale. But then, uncharacteristically, he asked with concern.

-Is something wrong?

Kale’s expression had twisted. Ignoring Tunka’s words, Kale stared at the fire within the video communication screen.
Into his mind came Raon’s voice—cheerful and excited.

-Human, isn’t that the same fire we saw before?

Kale recalled the pillar of fire I had witnessed more than a year ago.
A fire that had burned only Jungle Zone 1 and spread no further, maintaining its form even when rain fell.

‘Damn it.’

Kale touched the necklace around my neck.
It was a necklace containing the water of dominion.

A deep furrow formed between Kale’s brows.

‘Somehow, that fire… I have a feeling I’m the one who needs to extinguish it.’

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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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