Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 35

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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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Choi Han shifted his gaze from Kale to himself, glanced at the Black Dragon once more, then asked Kale carefully.

“Are you perhaps planning to destroy everything?”
“No. Absolutely not.”

How could his thoughts be so extreme? I waved my hand dismissively at Choi Han from the bed.

“Go on and come back quickly. Wear a hat too.”
“Understood.”

Choi Han extinguished all the lights in the room except for the magical lamp beside the bedside table, stepped outside, and said something to Hans who stood beyond the door. I pretended to sleep with my eyes closed.
Soon the door shut, and Hans did not enter. As the door had been open, the Black Dragon, who had been invisible, deactivated the invisibility and descended onto my bed. One side of the mattress dipped, and a deeply concerned voice reached my ears.

“You absolutely cannot fall asleep.”

Hearing those words, I wondered if I looked like a four-year-old to him. I sighed and rose from my position. Shortly after, Choi Han entered the room through the terrace, dressed in a robe.

“You’re here. The robe is better than a hat, actually.”

As I handed over the hat, Choi Han nodded once, then opened his mouth while looking at the Black Dragon.

“Will you follow us in that form?”
“I’ll turn invisible.”
“…I’ve heard dragons can use polymorphism. Why not take human form? That would be more convenient.”

Dragon magic was an expression of will. Therefore, Choi Han believed that if the Black Dragon had the will, polymorphism would be entirely possible.
The Black Dragon snorted at Choi Han’s words.

“I despise humans. I refuse to become like them. You said dragons are arrogant and magnificent.”
“Who said they were magnificent?”

At Choi Han’s question, the Black Dragon glanced at me, then swiftly turned away. It then turned invisible and took flight. The deep impression on the bed vanished.
I spoke indifferently to Choi Han, who was regarding me with an enigmatic expression.

“Dragons are magnificent.”
“Indeed.”

Choi Han nodded and followed Kale toward the terrace, but soon came to a halt upon catching sight of the third-floor terrace window.

“Um, Kale.”
“What?”
“…Should I carry you?”

At Choi Han’s reluctant question, Kale snorted and pointed his index finger toward the ceiling. In that instant, Kale’s body lifted slightly off the ground. His form began to gradually fade from view. As he watched his own body become transparent from his feet upward, Kale spoke into the empty air.

“Dragons are magnificent.”
“Indeed. I am magnificent.”

The now-invisible Black Dragon responded. In that moment, Choi Han caught a glimpse of Kale’s sinister smile—fleeting and then gone. Choi Han understood how Kale commanded the Black Dragon, and he spoke.

“Dragons are truly magnificent.”

He found himself in agreement, and with the transparency spell cast upon him just as it was upon Kale, he was able to leave the mansion with ease. Of course, there were magical barriers surrounding the mansion’s walls, but since they were designed to prevent intrusion rather than departure, passing through proved effortless.

Choi Han came to a stop in an alley some distance from the mansion and opened his mouth.

“We should be safe here.”

With those words, the transparency spell enveloping both Kale and Choi Han dissolved. Released from the flight magic, Kale descended gently from where he hovered about ten centimeters above the ground. And internally, I was astonished.

‘The Black Dragon’s magical prowess is far better than I anticipated. Could it be related to their nature?’

With this level of power, one could say it was slightly above that of a top-tier mage. Indeed, it was truly dragon-like how a mature Dragon could destroy an entire kingdom with the resolve to die.

“But if I only had the sound of the wind, I wouldn’t need to go through such a process, nor would I need to bring the Black Dragon or Choi Han along with me.”

The Sound of Wind. It was the ancient power that Kale Heniatus sought for the third time. However, this power required him to go to the Northeast Coastal Area of the Roan Kingdom.

“I’ll have to go to the Emir’s daughter’s territory.”

On his way back, Kale obtained the sound of wind and planned to return to his Territory. He could simply tell the others that he would sightsee while he was out and then head back. The fact that there was an ancient power by the seaside nagged at him somewhat, but since it was a power he could obtain quietly, Kale decided not to think too much about it.

“Besides, Choi Han’s group won’t be by my side by then anyway.”

Kale concealed his red hair beneath a hat and withdrew a map from his breast pocket. Then he took the lead.
Kale Heniatus hid his red hair under a hat, pulled out a map from his chest, and took the lead.

“Follow me.”

The invisible Black Dragon and Choi Han flanked me as we left the western quarter of the Capital where the nobility gathered and headed toward the heart of Whissis.

As we moved toward the center, the night of the Capital became as bright as day. Shops conducting late-night business blazed with brilliant light throughout the streets, and the Taverns in particular displayed more vitality than ever.

“The Capital’s night is certainly brighter than other places.”
“Indeed.”

I nodded at Choi Han’s words and entered the Plaza of Glory, the heart of the Capital Whis. A circular plaza materialized before us, with fountains positioned at each cardinal direction. Groups of kingdom citizens gathered in small clusters around each fountain.
It was a pleasant sight—people who had finished their day’s work enjoying time with family or friends. Since it was around 9 PM, these small gatherings would likely remain in the plaza until the night patrol guards began their rounds around 11 PM.

I glanced sideways. Choi Han stood transfixed, watching families laugh and converse by the eastern fountain.
Observing both Choi Han and the scene with indifference, I opened my mouth.

“Block our voices.”

With those words, a transparent magical barrier formed around me within a certain radius. Only Choi Han, myself, and the Black Dragon within this barrier could see the transparent wall.
Only then did Choi Han turn to face me.

“There exists something called a magical bomb.”
“A bomb?”
“Yes, a bomb. Magical bombs come in various forms. Since the Western Continent has a long history of warfare and magic has been employed in war for an extended period, their varieties are numerous.”

Choi Han listened quietly to my explanation.

“However, they have many restrictions. Installation location, mana supply, and so forth—bombs are quite difficult to use.”

That’s why in typical warfare, mages prefer to use magic directly rather than magical bombs. But this magical bomb was different from those.

“A newly developed magical bomb will detonate in various locations near here, including this plaza, in six days.”

I didn’t believe the locations or people where the five bombs discovered by Choi Han and Rosalind in ‘The Birth of a Hero’ were installed would remain the same now. The story had diverged. If so, this situation could easily diverge as well. That’s why I had formulated a new plan.
But I held firm conviction that the magical bomb terror incident itself would still proceed.

‘Because that insane mage bastard has been confirmed to be in this country.’

The one who created this magical bomb was a mad mage. Later, he would supply these bombs to several fiefdoms in the Roan Kingdom. Of course, while concealing the identity of the Secret Organization behind it all.

“Are you saying a bomb will detonate in this place?”
“That’s right.”

Choi Han gazed at the fountain in the Plaza of Glory and the crowds scattered throughout. Then a cold voice reached his ears.

“It could be buried somewhere, or it could be planted on a person. Of course, that person would have no idea they’re carrying a bomb—they’d think it’s something else entirely and carry it around with them.”

Person. At that word, Choi Han turned his head to look at Kale. Kale spoke to him coldly.

“That’s why we have to stop it.”

Of course, it was work for Choi Han, Rosalind, and the Black Dragon—not for Kale himself. Kale planned to remain still and uninvolved in this matter.

“How should we stop it?”
“It’s simple.”

Kale crossed his arms and leaned his back against a tree planted in the plaza as he continued.

“Magical bombs are fundamentally clusters of mana. So you just need to detect them using mana sensitivity and look for places with unusually high mana density compared to their surroundings.”

At his casual explanation, Choi Han hesitated for a moment before asking carefully.

“Is the mana density high enough to be distinctly felt?”
“No. Most mages would find it difficult to detect—the mana density will be extremely subtle. That small cluster of mana suddenly draws in the surrounding mana all at once to create a powerful explosion.”

Choi Han’s expression became complicated. He wielded a sword and used aura, so he could sense mana to some degree. However, he wasn’t as sensitive to mana as a mage would be, and he couldn’t manipulate it.

“Kale, this doesn’t seem like an easy task.”
“It’s easy.”

Kale answered thus and asked.

“Isn’t it?”

Then a response came from the empty air.

“It’s manageable. Just tedious.”

Kale had the Black Dragon by his side—a creature whose mana sensitivity surpassed even his own magical prowess. Choi Han nodded slowly. He had momentarily forgotten just how formidable this dragon truly was.
Kale handed the map he’d been holding to Choi Han.

“I don’t know about the people involved, but the bombs placed at the locations will definitely be installed at least two days beforehand.”

On the day the King delivered his address, security throughout the Capital would be dramatically heightened from the day before. Moreover, since various structures and platforms would need to be erected in the Plaza of Glory, access would be strictly controlled.

“I’m uncertain about other locations, but I’m certain at least one bomb will be placed near this plaza. It’s where the largest crowds will gather.”
“Yes, that does seem likely.”
“Right. So, with this plaza as the center—”

Kale’s finger pointed toward Choi Han, then gestured vaguely into the empty air.

“Choi Han, you and the Dragon—the two of you will patrol throughout the Capital every night and search for the magical bombs.”
“Just the two of us?”

At Choi Han’s question, Kale patted his shoulder and spoke. His approach to handling the Black Dragon and Choi Han was remarkably similar.

“Yes. You’re capable of concealing your presence and moving without drawing attention from others. You have exceptional abilities.”

Choi Han nodded silently, his expression grave. Then he asked.

“Once we find them, what should we do?”
“Leave them for now.”
“…We won’t disarm them?”
“We’ll disarm them on the day itself.”
“May I ask the reason?”

The corners of Kale’s mouth lifted.

“You want to find that mage, don’t you?”

It wasn’t a direct answer to his question, but Choi Han nodded anyway. Kale surveyed the Plaza of Glory. Everyone appeared content, yet members of the Secret Organization could be moving among them undetected.
I don’t know where that blood-drinking mage is hiding. He could be concealed somewhere, or perhaps moving about with an altered appearance.

“Magical bombs ultimately require a mage to detonate them. The mage who created the bombs must activate the device through a central control mechanism.”
“…Then—”

Choi Han began to speak, then caught himself and swallowed his words, looking at Kale instead. Kale regarded him with an indifferent tone.

“First, find the bombs. And if you happen to spot the people installing them, it would be even better to follow them without being detected.”

With the Black Dragon accompanying them, Choi Han could pursue those individuals to the threshold of any alarm magic devices hidden in their lair. Yet Kale sensed that discovering those people themselves would prove difficult.
Locating areas of minute mana concentration required extensive footwork and wandering about. It would be tedious and exhausting. That was why Kale delegated this task to the two of them. He himself could offer little help and had no desire to undertake it anyway.

“Then we should search until two days before the event?”
“No. You must come secretly the day before as well.”
“The day before too?”

Security would be even tighter then, making it more difficult—Choi Han harbored this doubt. Yet it was not a task beyond his capabilities. It would be somewhat bothersome, require extra caution, and prove arduous, but manageable.
In that moment, Choi Han witnessed Kale flash that mischievous smile once more.
Kale withdrew a black orb from his pocket and displayed it before Choi Han.

“Ah.”

Choi Han let out an exclamation. It was the black orb he recognized well. A mana disruption device. Once again, it revealed itself to the world through Kale’s hands. A device so exceptional it could cover the range of an entire mountain.
Kale spoke with leisurely confidence. He knew the exact moment the bombs would detonate.

“That day, with so many mages present, we won’t be able to use it for more than ten minutes, but it will prove quite useful. Everything related to magic will become completely inoperative.”

Ten minutes would be sufficient.
Within those ten minutes, we would rescue the people bearing the bombs. They would surely stand out. And by then, we would have not only Choi Han and the Dragon at our disposal, but truly countless humans and races to command.

Choi Han alternated his gaze between the black orb and Kale, then opened his mouth with a swallow.

“…Lord Kale, you’re planning to do all of this alone—”
“That’s right.”

But Kale, seeming to understand what Choi Han meant to say, cut him off decisively and spoke to both Choi Han and the Black Dragon.

“Go do your work.”

Choi Han stared blankly at Kale. In response to that gaze, Kale pointed toward a draft beer tavern known throughout the Plaza for its quality and added:

“I’ll be waiting here. Today, just scout around the Plaza area and come back before eleven.”

Choi Han paused briefly in thought, then let out a laugh that was almost like an exclamation, and nodded.

“Yes, today I’ll quickly scout the vicinity of the Plaza with the Dragon and return.”

When Kale told Choi Han to go and come back, a question suddenly flashed through his mind—why wasn’t he going along? But he quickly understood. To Choi Han and the Black Dragon, Kale was nothing but a burden in their work.
Kale was weak. No mana emanated from his body, and he bore none of the presence of one trained in swordsmanship. He was merely ordinary. And yet, he was anything but ordinary.

“Yes. I’ll do my best and return, so please buy me a beer when I come back.”
“Sure. You come back safe too, Dragon.”

The Black Dragon, as if answering Kale’s words, dispelled the transparent barrier that had been blocking sound from leaking outside. Choi Han gave only a slight nod before distancing himself from Kale.

Two hours later, Kale returned to the Mansion with Choi Han and the Black Dragon, having discovered nothing. And the following night, the three of them again found nothing.

Kale, who had not slept through the night, finally rose leisurely when daylight came. With the vitality of his heart, he scarcely felt the weight of fatigue.

“Young Master, you’re awake?”
“…Ron.”

Kale’s honeyed sleep vanished like a midsummer night’s dream, and reality returned.

“I’ve returned, sir.”

Ron had come back. He handed Kale a letter. The moment Kale saw it, he gave Ron an instruction for the first time in a while.

“Ron, wrap up a bottle of the finest wine we have.”

A letter bearing the emblem of the Flynn Merchant Guild. Kale opened it and read a single line.

【My lord, will I finally be able to mooch some drinks?】

Bilos, the illegitimate son of the Flynn Merchant Guild. He was coming to the Capital soon.
As Kale calculated when he would arrive, he realized there wasn’t much time left before he would have to face the Crown Prince at the Royal Palace. It was a time to simply remain still, perfectly still—a place where villains abounded.

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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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