Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 28

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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 Heniatus’s carriage leisurely made its way westward through the Capital Whis.
Capital Whis. The city was undergoing renovations throughout. With the birthday celebration festival drawing near in just a week, the entire city bustled with preparations.

Kale gazed out through the gap in the slightly drawn curtains, his mind wandering.

‘Choi Han should arrive in about three days.’

Unless he moved with reckless speed, Choi Han would arrive three days after Kale’s group. With Rosalind and Rak in tow, and the complications that arose from bringing Rak—entanglement with the Secret Organization—time would inevitably slip away.

Choi Han, intertwined with Rak, the sole survivor of the Blue Wolf Tribe and one bearing the qualities of a Wolf King, would clash with the Secret Organization once more on his way to the Capital. Combined with the Capital terror incident, Choi Han would become entangled with the Secret Organization four times in total.

The Secret Organization that had annihilated Harris Village, where Choi Han first spent time after leaving the Dark Forest. Choi Han would encounter their members twice, yet he would not know them accurately.

‘The Assassination Branch’s uniforms bore no stars.’

Since the annihilation of Harris Village and the Blue Wolf Tribe were the objectives, the Secret Organization dispatched its subordinate Assassination Branch, and they wore only black garments as a precaution. They were the type who would choose self-destruction if captured.

But from the Capital onward, things would change.

‘That blood-loving bastard will appear.’

Choi Han, together with Rosalind, would prevent this terror incident and witness an executive of the Secret Organization. That executive and his subordinates would bear a white star and five crimson stars engraved upon their chests.

Kale had already prepared an excuse for that as well. With emotionless eyes, he gazed out the window before drawing the curtain shut once more.
The excited faces adorning the streets, the increasingly brilliant city. All of it would transform into a scene of pandemonium a week hence.

“Young Master Taylor.”

On the western side of Capital Whis, where the mansions of nobles clustered together. Sensing the carriage come to a halt before one such mansion, Kale rose from his seat and prepared to disembark.

“Once we arrive at the mansion, Ron will see to the arrangements. Simply proceed in that direction.”

He added this while looking only at the carriage door.

“Forget it.”

Two voices reached his ears in response.

“Thank you.”
“We’ll laugh about this later.”

The corners of Kale Heniatus’s mouth lifted slightly. Kaige and Taylor watched him, but neither Kale nor his cats spared them a single glance.

The carriage door creaked open.

“Young Master, we’ve arrived.”

Kale, Hans, and the cats could see Taylor and Kaige, but they didn’t acknowledge them. Kale descended from the carriage as if they didn’t exist.

The moment Kale’s feet touched the ground, his gaze shifted toward the driver’s seat. Ron offered a benevolent smile and nodded. Having received an explanation about the mansion from Hans, the deputy steward, Ron would handle matters accordingly.
Ron headed toward the stables at the rear gate with the coachman.

Kale didn’t linger on their departure and turned his attention elsewhere.

“Oh.”

A short exclamation escaped him. The kittens On and Hong had their golden eyes wide with astonishment.

“…It’s more impressive than I expected.”

Indeed, a wealthy Count’s household. Beyond the massive iron gates stood a five-story mansion. Between the main entrance and the residence lay a garden. It wasn’t ostentatious or gaudy. Rather, it appeared far more expensive than the mansions of other nearby noble families.

True wealth, when spent properly, emanates a certain elegance and aura. The Heniatus Count Estate exuded that refined sophistication subtly, adorned with a statue bearing the golden turtle emblem.

Creak. Bang!

The massive main gate, carved with the golden turtle motif, slowly swung open. The guards opening the gate, and beyond it, the Head Steward and servants lined both sides to greet Kale.

“Young Master Kale Heniatus! Welcome!”

The greeting was excessively formal. They bowed so deeply their heads nearly touched the ground. The elderly man who appeared to be the Head Steward spoke with such vigor his neck seemed to strain.

“We shall dedicate all our efforts to serving you!”

What is this about?
Kale glanced at Hans. Hans feigned complete bewilderment.

I think I know what’s going on.

His gesture made it clear he understood perfectly well why they were acting this way. Rather than bother asking, Kale approached the Head Steward and lifted him to his feet by the shoulder. Then he turned to address the other servants.

“Everyone, raise your heads.”

The servants quickly lifted their gazes. They had never seen Kale during their time working at this mansion. However, they had heard about him from the estate people who visited the Capital mansion.

The reckless Kale. They’d heard he divided everyone who worked for his family into two categories: nobles, or vermin—or worse. They waited nervously for what he would say next.

“From now on, don’t be overly formal with me. I’m not the type to nitpick about etiquette with those who work diligently at their duties.”

In that moment, the servants’ eyes turned toward Kale. Sensing their expressions were still rigid and tense, I furrowed my brow slightly.

“My mother selected all of you, I’m told. I’ve heard you take great pride in your work, so I trust you’ll conduct yourselves accordingly.”

The servants’ expressions began to shift subtly.

“For any related matters going forward, consult with Hans.”

I already had plenty to do, and it was far better to leave such matters to Hans. Besides, I wouldn’t be staying long anyway—why worry about it? My expression relaxed as I observed the servants’ faces gradually brighten, and I moved forward.

“Let’s go.”

Kale led the way toward the five-story mansion beyond the main gate.
When the master of a house entered it for the first time, he had to walk from the main gate to the entrance himself. This signified that it was his domain.

When the Crown Prince ascended to the throne, he—no, the King—would walk from the palace’s main gate all the way to the Central Palace where his office was located. It was a ceremony of the same significance.

Previously, Count Derth and the Countess had walked this path, but now the master of this grand mansion was Kale Heniatus—me.

Creak—
The massive iron gate, engraved with a golden turtle, closed shut. At that very moment, news spread to the surrounding noble houses that a noble heir of the Heniatus Count Family had arrived—faster than if Kale had sent someone to report to the Royal Court.

Because of this, three members of the Northeast Noble Youth Gathering who had arrived early found themselves plunged into deep contemplation. The color drained from the faces of those who had been leisurely sipping tea.

“Sigh… So it really is Young Master Kale coming, not Young Master Basen. This is going to be troublesome.”
“Still, he’s one of ours, so we’ll have to manage.”
“True enough. Well, even if he is reckless, he won’t cause a scene in front of us, will he?”

The Heniatus Count Family, neutral and docile by nature. Basen, inflexible yet virtuous. The reckless one among them.
The noble families of the Northeast Noble Youth Gathering who were close to the Heniatus Count Family ultimately made their decision with the future in mind.

“Let us protect him properly so he cannot cause trouble. First, let us meet and discuss the matter.”

To them, Kale Heniatus was a dangerous existence prone to chaos, yet someone who needed protection like a child cast adrift. They promptly sent an invitation to Kale’s mansion. The invitation naturally reached Kale’s hands that very evening.

“Sigh.”

Kale threw the letter onto the table with an expression of profound annoyance.

“You will not attend, sir?”
“Can I afford not to?”
“No, sir. It is the Northeast Noble Youth Gathering, after all.”
“Quite so.”

Nobles were remarkably swift with information. Of course, Kale was no exception. Hans handed Kale the documents he had received from the Head Steward.

“These are the noble families who have arrived in the Capital, sir.”
“I see. Ron handled matters well, then?”

Hans answered briefly to Kale’s indifferent inquiry.

“Yes, sir.”

Kale was satisfied with that answer. I had prepared a wig, robes, a wheelchair with its emblem concealed, and funds—all properly secured—and handed them over. Of course, excluding the funds, Hans had done all the work.

“You have worked hard. Rest well today.”
“Yes, sir. I shall rest thoroughly.”

Hans did not protest when told to rest. Kale added something as Hans hurried to leave.

“Ah, send up some food for me instead.”
“Understood, sir.”

Hans answered immediately to the indication that I would not be going down to the dining hall. Shortly after, a rather generous spread was prepared in Kale’s bedchamber. I gazed quite contentedly at the table laden with meat, various desserts, and wine before heading toward the terrace.

My bedchamber was on the third floor, the sunniest spot in the mansion. I opened the large glass doors leading to the terrace without hesitation.

“Come in.”

He left the door open and settled into a chair before the dining table. As he gazed toward the terrace, a few leaves drifted through the air, hovering above the long chair across from Kale Heniatus.
The dragon entered, adorned with leaves.
On and Hong sat together in the chair, with the transparent dragon between them.

Kale Heniatus watched them intently before uncorking a wine bottle and speaking.

“Eat.”

Crimson wine filled the glass.

“I’ve gathered ingredients for you all this time, but you haven’t had the chance to eat yourself.”

Kale Heniatus brought the wine glass to his lips as he spoke.

“You’ve worked hard following me here.”

In that moment, the invisibility magic dissolved, and the Black Dragon revealed itself. On brushed away the leaves clinging to the dragon’s body. Hong then shoved the steak Vicross had prepared directly into the dragon’s mouth.

Kale Heniatus watched the animals—averaging seven years of age—eat, then pushed the food toward them. At this, On and Hong flinched, and the Black Dragon paused mid-chew, turning to look. Kale Heniatus sipped his wine again, his thoughts drifting.

‘They’ll have a difficult road ahead.’

Since they would endure hardship in his stead, he should feed them well. Despite their youth, these beings possessed strength rivaling seasoned warriors. Kale Heniatus savored a rare moment of tranquility.

“This would be enough.”

A home of this size, delicious food like this, and peaceful comfort. How wonderful it would be to live life enjoying these three things.
Once Basen became the head of the household, I would live this way. Kale Heniatus reaffirmed his resolve. He even activated the magical music device placed in one corner.

An unknown bard’s melody flowed forth. He took a sip of wine. Through the terrace, the sky grew progressively darker.

“This is pleasant.”

This is what life should be. A contented smile graced Kale Heniatus’s lips. Then it came.

Knock, knock, knock.

A knock sounded at the door. The Black Dragon immediately concealed itself with a transparency spell, and the cats began grooming themselves.
Kale Heniatus rose from his seat and moved toward the door.

“Oh.”

Crash!
As he stood, he knocked over a wine bottle, sending it crashing to the floor in a shower of glass. The carpet stained deep crimson with spilled wine.

‘…Something feels wrong.’

An inexplicable sense of unease washed over Kale Heniatus. He hurried toward the door. What could this anxiety be about? he wondered as he walked.

Could it be Choi Han?
No. It would be impossible for him to reach the Capital within three days unless he moved like a madman.

Surely Choi Han wouldn’t force-march the wounded Rak here? He’d given them a potion, but divine potions held no efficacy for the wolf tribe, forsaken by the gods as they were.
And there was no way the cautious Rosalind, who had initially hidden her magical prowess, would suddenly reveal a high-level teleportation spell to bring them to the Capital.

Above all, Kale Heniatus had explicitly instructed Choi Han to stay at a specific inn in the Capital for now. After meeting him once there, he’d planned to handle everything else through Ron and Vicross.

Yes. This anxiety was merely a chronic headache brought on by spending time with fellows like Ron and Choi Han. Kale Heniatus steadied himself and forcefully turned the doorknob, opening the door wide.

“…You—”

Kale Heniatus’s heart sank in an instant. An urgent and desperate voice reached his ears.

“Kale, I apologize. You were the only person I could think of.”

Choi Han stood before him, his face etched with urgency. He looked disheveled, as though he’d run here like a madman.

Kale Heniatus felt as though he were facing the greatest horror of his life. Yet the moment he saw Hans’s face—bearing an expression similar to Choi Han’s but tinged with bewilderment—along with the faces of the person who’d come with Choi Han and the one being carried on his back, Kale Heniatus opened the door fully.

“Come in for now.”

The one being carried on Choi Han’s back was Rak, the wolf tribe member.

“Bring the child with you.”

Rak of the Blue Wolf Tribe. The heir to the Wolf King’s condition was dire.
Rak was in a high fever state just before his first rampage—something that should not occur for another year. I couldn’t fathom why his first rampage was happening now, so far ahead of schedule.
Yet he spoke to the people around him.

“Don’t worry.”

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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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