Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 264

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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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I descended from the sky to the earth.
Dawn had already passed, and the sun now hung at its zenith—midday had arrived.

Uooooooh—
Waaaaah—

Cheers thundered against my ears.
Mere hours—not even half a day.

Yet in those few hours, so much had been accomplished and concluded.
I descended to the center of the Breck Kingdom military camp and encountered a single figure.

“Commander Kale Heniatus.”

It was Crown Prince Albert.
As he approached me, I could hear Rosalind’s voice.

“Bind all the defeated enemies!”

Defeat.
The enemies had been defeated, and we had seized victory.

Even if the Bear Tribe were renowned as the strongest among the beastkin, and even if they possessed the largest numbers of any such race, those gathered in the Canyon of Death fell far short of a thousand.
The Flame Dwarf Tribe was no different.
Tens of thousands of infantry and hundreds of knights, along with formidable warriors, had encircled them.

Naturally, victory was the only possible outcome.
The Crown Prince stood before me.

A hollow victory.
Still, I wanted to savor this triumph a little. That’s why I came to greet the one who had labored hardest.

“How do you feel?”

The Crown Prince looked at me and asked about my current state of mind.

Waaaaaah—
Boom— Thump—

Cheers and the joyful sound of drums mingled with the rhythmic stomping of feet. Alberu found himself curious about what Kale Heniatus was thinking.
He wanted to know what thoughts occupied that perpetually composed expression.

“Your Highness.”
“Yes.”

Kale Heniatus spoke bluntly, his face betraying nothing.

“I’ve been in the cold for so long—I’m hungry.”
“This emotionless bastard—”

Sigh.
Alberu barely managed to stop himself, exhaling a long breath.

Alberu, soon to be the next king of Roan, and Kale Heniatus, the commander at the center of this war.
The soldiers did not dare approach as they watched the two figures face each other. Instead, they gazed upon these two powers with a sense of anticipation.

In the distance, where the battle had raged, cheers filled the air.
But the allied encampment had not yet erupted in such jubilation. That was likely because the central figures within it remained silent.

Alberu understood this as well.
He drew a radiant smile across his face.

‘Come now, snap to it. Time to do what needs to be done.’

Alberu’s gaze conveyed the message, and Kale Heniatus understood perfectly.

“Your Highness, our forces have achieved victory.”

The commander reported to Alberu in a weighty yet joyful voice.
The Crown Prince approached Kale Heniatus and embraced him with overwhelming emotion.

The Crown Prince and the commander.

The sight of the two men embracing in silence stirred something deep within the soldiers’ hearts. Especially seeing these two seemingly cold leaders show such warmth—only then did the reality of victory truly sink in.

We’ve won.
It’s finally over.

The soldiers looked at one another and released their grip on their weapons.

Clatter. Clatter.
Weapons fell to the ground one by one, or soldiers raised them high toward the sky, gripping them tightly.
And they cried out.

Roooaaaarrrr—

Cheers of joy began to spread throughout the military camp. Between the tents, more and more voices erupted in celebration, and the emotion of victory rippled outward.

Alberu recalled the time with the magic bombs in the former capital. He had done something like this with Kale Heniatus back then. Of course, there wasn’t much difference to speak of.
He simply smiled brightly with a moved expression and muttered softly.

“Don’t like medals? Want money instead?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Gold coins, please.”
“What will you do with it?”
“Splurge on myself—no, I mean, I have things I need to spend money on.”

And then came Kale Heniatus’s sincere request.

“I’m hungry.”

Sigh.
Alberu felt irritation surge within him. Just then, he spotted someone who had descended to the ground alongside Kale Heniatus. Clophe Seka. He’d originally thought that fellow was a noble and silent guardian knight.
That man stood beside Alberu and Kale Heniatus, unlike the other soldiers and knights.
Alberu heard what Clophe Seka was saying.

“As expected, Kale Heniatus is a hero worthy of such cheers.”

Then came Kale Heniatus’s voice.

“Truth be told, that fellow’s a bit off in the head.”

I know.
Alberu swallowed his sigh and released the embrace with a radiant smile. Kale Heniatus wore the dignified and magnificent smile of a capable commander.

-A weak human and the Crown Prince laughing like that! Are you trying to pull a con?

I ignored Raon’s question about whether I was trying to deceive him, a question I hadn’t heard in quite some time, and surveyed my surroundings.
One by one, our party was returning from the battlefield to our allied encampment.

I heard Raon’s voice.

-Are we going home?

This time, I didn’t pretend not to understand Raon’s words.

“No, the villa.”

I answered in a whisper and then turned my gaze toward Crown Prince Alberu as I spoke.

“Let’s head back.”

Alberu nodded calmly.

“Yes, we should.”

First, we had to go to the Roan Kingdom, to the Capital.

* * *

“…Why did I do that?”

I began to criticize myself.
Why had I said we’d go to the Capital first?

I should have noticed the Crown Prince’s peculiar composure when I suggested returning. There was no way that man would simply nod his head so indifferently.
I had sensed something was off. I contorted my face in frustration.
A slice of apple pie entered my mouth, and as I ate it, I slightly parted the carriage window curtain.

I could see it.

A silver shield was visible.

I was not currently in a parade.
I was simply traveling in a carriage that lacked the golden turtle emblem of House Heniatus, appearing plain and modest to the eye.

Yet through the window, I could see figures carrying silver shields. Some wore black robes, while others carried swords with black cloth wrapped around their heads like turbans or black threads hanging like hair.

And I could see the ornately decorated streets.
The Capital’s joyous atmosphere overflowed visibly through the small carriage window.

Damn it.

“Human! It’s nice to visit the villa after so long! It’s not as good as our home, but certainly better than a tent!”

The Black Dragon Raon sat on the plush carriage sofa and shoved another apple pie into my mouth.
Raon had followed me and was quite pleased to return to one of the first places we had stayed.

The Heniatus Estate in the Capital.
After returning from the Canyon of Death and staying there for a day, Raon flapped his wings with a slight smile and offered an apple pie to Merry.

“Merry! You eat too!”
“Thank you, Raon.”

A calm, mechanical voice echoed.
The moment I took in Merry’s black robe, she spoke in an even, monotone manner.

“Yesterday, I heard voices outside the mansion occasionally calling your name, Young Master. It seems the kingdom’s people were so delighted that they sang songs for you. They were songs about shields, pillars of flame, and water barriers, I’m told.”

…It’s over.
I chewed on an apple pie with an expression of resignation.
Then I caught sight of Choi Han.

In the carriage were myself, Merry, Choi Han, Raon, and Rak. On the driver’s seat, naturally, were the coachman and Vice-Captain Hilsman.

Rosalind was still in Breck Kingdom handling cleanup, making it difficult for her to come. Particularly regarding matters involving the Bear Tribe and Dwarves, I had asked her to handle something, so she would be occupied with that task alongside Witira of the Whale Tribe.

‘I’ll need to visit the Bear Tribe and Dwarves later.’

I recalled the underground chamber of the Heniatus Estate in the Capital.
In the underground training ground—the place where Rak had first undergone his rampage—Orca Arch and Paseton were currently monitoring the Dragon Hybrid.

The week Kale Heniatus had given the Dragon Hybrid was drawing to a close.
Tonight. Kale had to go ask the Dragon Hybrid for the result of his choice.

Tangled thoughts swirled through Kale’s mind, and as he gazed absently at Choi Han, he noticed something in the man’s expression and asked without thinking.

“Are you heading off to another war?”
“…Me, sir?”

Kale nodded at Choi Han, who offered a gentle smile.

“Yeah. Why do you keep gripping your sword?”
“I suppose I’m nervous thinking about going to the Royal Palace.”

Is that so?
Kale found Choi Han’s state oddly peculiar, but he decided to let it pass. Just then, Raon cried out.

“Human, Choi Han is growing stronger right now!”
“…Here?”
“Yes!”
“Inside the carriage?”
“Yes!”
“While eating apple pie?”
“That’s happening too!”

What is he talking about?
Kale stared at Raon with bewildered eyes, but Raon pressed his lips shut and averted his gaze. When Kale turned to look at Choi Han instead, he simply spoke matter-of-factly.

“I’m merely trying to earn my keep.”

He’s already earning his keep more than enough.
Kale found it strange, but since Choi Han wasn’t directing any hostility toward me, I simply moved on. My gaze returned to the window of the carriage, and Choi Han watched me.

He recalled his conversation with Ron.
When Kale had been ill—or rather, nearly dead.
As that conversation was coming to an end, Ron had said to Choi Han.

‘You and I have all experienced it once. So no more. This is the last house. ‘You know that, right?’

I know.
I knew it all too well.

Ron would have referred to the Henitus family as his last home, referring to his experience of having to leave the East Continent and Choi Han’s experience in Harris Village.

However, Choi Han did not experience it ‘just once’ like Ron.
But Choi Han had not experienced loss merely “once,” as Ron had.
When I first fell into this world alone, I had already lost a home once, then lost it again in Harris Village. This would be the third time.

Choi Han was clearly aware of his own limitations.

Incomplete darkness.
Incomplete darkness.

He was still training, polishing his sword.
Even now, I was training while maintaining my sword.

How do we complete the darkness?
How could I complete the darkness?

All kinds of thoughts were mixed together, and Choi Han’s mind was quietly churning. He knew there was only one wall left.
A tempest of countless thoughts swirled quietly within me. I knew there was only one wall left.
A single leap to overcome that wall.

However, I was worried.

If you can’t stand on your own, you need a stepping stone.
If I could not propel myself forward, I would need a stepping stone.

But Choi Han didn’t want to do that. He wanted to climb over the wall with only his own two feet. Just like Raon did, just like Lark did.

“Ah, Choi Han.”
“Ah, Choi Han.”
“Yes, Kale Heniatus.”

Cale looked uncomfortably at Choi Han, who was smiling meekly instead of answering, but then adjusted his clothes at the sight he saw outside the carriage window.

The carriage was passing the main gate of the Royal Palace.

Little by little, news of the end of the war spread by word of mouth.
Whispers of the war’s end spread gradually, mouth to mouth.

Crown Prince Albert stepped on the stairs leading to the podium one by one.

The central palace is the first thing you see when you enter the main gate of Loun Royal Palace. The highest place in the central palace.
The Central Palace—the first sight upon entering the main gate of the Roan Royal Palace. The highest point within that Central Palace itself.

There was no king or other royals, only Albert ascended to this stage. Because that’s how it was said.

Waaaaaa-

The moment he stood on the podium, Albert could see the kingdom’s citizens gathered in the central square far beyond the main gate of the palace. They must have gathered like that and waited for Albert.
The moment I stepped onto the platform, I could see the kingdom’s citizens gathered far beyond the main gate in the Central Square. They must have assembled there to await me.

Ugh-

The video communication port began to shine brighter and connected. Albert turned around for a moment. And he gestured to the person inside the terrace.
The image transmission device began to glow brighter, establishing the connection. During that brief moment, I turned around and gestured to someone positioned inside the terrace.

It was kale.
It was Kale Heniatus.
He refused with a panicked face, his rather long hair swaying with each shake of his head.

‘Do you think that the people of the kingdom will not know your merits?’

He is a strangely smart yet stupid person.
A peculiar fellow—brilliant yet foolish at the same time.

He has no desire for power or fame, and is only greedy for money.

‘Why do I suddenly need about 5 billion?’

This guy is completely incomprehensible.

“Sir, you are connected.”

As soon as the wizard finished speaking, Albert stood straight in front of the video communication port.

Wow-

A louder cheer was heard.
An even louder roar of cheers erupted.
His image was undoubtedly appearing in the distant Central Square at this very moment.

The moment he opened his mouth, the square became deathly quiet. The crown prince’s words rang out through the silence.
The instant he spoke, the plaza fell into absolute silence. Through that profound quiet, the Crown Prince’s voice rang out.
His calm words spread throughout every corner of the Roan Kingdom.

“The war is over.”

The kingdom’s citizens clenched their fists or covered their mouths without making a sound.
The people of the kingdom clenched their fists silently or covered their mouths.

“Roun protected himself and also protected this continent.”

The crown prince’s words passed my ears and entered my heart.

The Kingdom of Roun was the first to face the Indomitable Alliance.
The Roan Kingdom, which had to face the Indomitable Alliance first.
A kingdom deemed unable to endure.

“Do you remember what I said?”

When the Indomitable Alliance declared war, the Kingdom of Roun was the last to announce its position.
When the Indomitable Alliance declared war, the Roan Kingdom had been the last to announce its stance.

“The place with the longest history in this land is the Roun Kingdom.”

Those words came to mind again among the kingdom people.
The people recalled those words.

‘I will show you the strength of those who survived.’

The Crown Prince said so.
That was what the Crown Prince had said.

“We survived, and we showed the strength of survivors.”

Roun showed their history and power to the West Continent as a result.
Roan had shown the Western Continent their history and power through this victory.

“Now all we have to do is welcome spring with a happy heart.”

Welcome spring.
Welcome spring.

With those words, the crown prince looked at the wizard, and the video communication channel was cut off.
With those words, the Crown Prince glanced toward the Mage, and the video communication channel severed.

Wow-

This joy will fill the capital and the entire kingdom for perhaps a week.
This joy would likely blanket the Capital and the entire kingdom for at least a week.

Crack. Crack.

After coming down from the stage, he passed through the terrace and entered the room again. Then Commander Cale Henitus and four more figures appeared.
After stepping down from the platform, he passed through the terrace and returned indoors. There, Commander Kale Heniatus and four other figures came into view.

Marquis of Sten of the North West.
Marquis Sten of the Northwest Region.
Marquis Ilan of the Southeast Region.
Duke Orsena of the Central Region.

The heads of noble families representing each region stood in front of the crown prince. Unlike his bright smile, the nobles’ faces were stiff.
The heads of the noble houses representing each region stood before the Crown Prince. Unlike him with his brilliant smile, the nobles’ faces had grown rigid.

widely.
Snap.

The moment he raised his hand, the terrace door closed and the curtain was drawn in an instant.
The moment he raised his hand, the terrace doors shut and curtains drew closed in an instant.
The outer landscape visible beyond the terrace disappeared.
The brilliant sunlight, the cheers of the kingdom’s people—everything was cut off.

“Commander Cale Henitus.”
“Commander Kale Heniatus.”

As the sunlight disappeared, only the chill of winter remained, making the room cold. Albert looked at the stern faces of the four nobles and asked Cale.

“What should we do now?”

A calm answer came to a calm question.

“We must go and tear down the imperial flag.”

Crown Prince Albert saw Cale’s appearance.
Crown Prince Alberu could see me clearly.

The end of winter. Just as the crouching creatures stretch out in anticipation of the coming spring, the Kingdom of Roun began to spread its wings.

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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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