Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 387

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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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“Crown Prince, don’t turn back!”

Raon appeared before Kale Heniatus and called out cheerfully.
Crown Prince Albert Crossman couldn’t help but offer a gentle smile, his face still bearing the softness of someone freshly awakened.

-Raon, I’m not actually turning back.

Beyond Raon, Albert could see Kale Heniatus with the corners of his mouth twitching.
I should have said something about that irreverent expression, but seeing his face, I could only sigh.

-Sigh.

At that sigh, Kale’s expression became peculiar.
Regardless, the Crown Prince placed his arms on the desk, interlaced his fingers, rested his chin upon them, and opened his mouth.

-So, what kind of incident have you caused this time?

His tone was gentle, as if addressing a small child.
Watching the exchange between Kale and Albert, Mercenary King Burd Illis’s expression became peculiar.

‘…The tone is gentle, so why does it feel so full of irritation?’

As the Mercenary Guild’s intelligence had ascertained, Crown Prince Albert Crossman of the Roan Kingdom on the Western Continent, despite his just-awakened appearance, radiated brilliance rather than looking disheveled.

According to reports, the Roan Kingdom had experienced rapid growth as a result of the various wars unfolding on the Western Continent, and Albert Crossman, who substantively led it, had accumulated considerable intelligence within the Mercenary Guild.

‘The one destined to become the next King of Roan.’

However, information organizations and power brokers across various regions were expressing doubts about Albert Crossman’s current course of action.
Burd was no exception.

‘Why hasn’t he taken the throne?’

The Roan Kingdom, receiving unprecedented attention and growing as a result of the Western Continent war.
Crown Prince Albert Crossman, who led it, had yet to claim the throne.
According to top-tier intelligence, the current King, Jed Crossman, wished to pass the throne to Albert, but Albert was reportedly refusing.

‘The justification was that the current situation was unstable.’

Crown Prince Albert conveyed that until the remnants of war disappeared completely from the Roan Kingdom and the Western Continent, and stability returned with peace, he wished to think only of Roan, setting aside all other matters.

‘Is that truly all there is?’

The Albert Crossman that Burd had come to understand was not a man capable of such sacrifice.
Rather, he was someone who would readily exploit even marriage as a political tool and view others as mere instruments.

‘Just look at how thoroughly he excluded the Second and Third Princes from politics.’

Even amid the chaos of war, Albert had not only removed the Second and Third Princes from the throne but had made them pariahs in the political sphere entirely.
Yet in doing so, he had become a fearsome Crown Prince to the Roan nobility and a radiant star to the people.

‘Of course, Albert Crossman knows of the White Star’s existence.’

Since the Crown Prince was aware of the White Star—the very catalyst of the Western Continent war—he could justify postponing other concerns until that threat was neutralized and peace arrived.
That could explain why he was deferring all matters of the throne and marriage.

‘…But my instincts say otherwise.’

Burd’s intuition insisted that Albert Crossman’s actions stemmed from more than just those reasons.

‘Well, there must be some reason.’

But Burd set aside his thoughts about Albert.
Whether that Crown Prince married or not was hardly a matter of such importance to him, situated as he was on the Eastern Continent.

And in truth, Albert was not merely deferring all matters solely for the sake of the Western Continent’s security.

‘This is troublesome.’

Albert rested his chin in his hand as he waited for Kale’s response, but the moment his gaze caught sight of documents on his desk, his brow furrowed slightly and he brushed them aside.

The documents contained writings from several retainers, clearly suggesting that he consider inheriting the throne.
Some had already begun broaching the subject of marriage. The Third Prince was still young, but the Second Prince had recently met someone he loved and married her. According to reports, when his intended confessed and asked for marriage, the Second Prince had nodded in agreement, and with no objection from any member of the royal family, the wedding proceeded swiftly.
I heard that the Second Prince nodded at the other party’s confession of wanting to marry, and since no one from the Royal Family raised any objections, the marriage was carried out swiftly.

‘…The throne must be inherited.’

Alberu desired the throne.
That desire remained unchanged even now.

Once I secured the Free City from the Mogur Empire, and once all my preparations were complete.
That was when I would ascend to the throne.

But as that moment drew near, my thoughts grew turbulent.
The reason was simple.

Not long ago, I had commanded my agents to gather intelligence about myself circulating throughout the kingdoms.
There were numerous reports.
Among them, several pieces captured my attention.

“A typical prince. Possessing the qualities of a powerful ruler.”
“The Crown Prince, whose appearance seems touched by the Sun God’s grace, is perceived by the people of the Roan Kingdom as one who will bring them the bright light of the sun once more.”

The golden hair passed down through the Crossman Royal Family.
Combined with pale blue eyes.

Crown Prince Alberu Crossman harbored far more worries than one would expect.

‘I would never have entertained such concerns in the past.’

Prince Albert I, who had coveted the throne, had no intention whatsoever of revealing his true self to the world mere years ago.
I only harbored the thought of making the Roan Kingdom a better place for its people to live during my reign.

I had planned to live my entire life wearing this false visage.
I would not marry.
I could not bear to show only a false self to someone I would spend my life with.
If I were to reveal my true self, there was a risk it might be discovered, so I abandoned both love and marriage.

Of course, my refusal to marry would prompt my vassals to urge me toward it, and my royal authority would be shaken as a result.
Yet I lacked the confidence to condemn a child of mine to a life like my own.

So the past me had planned to establish a powerful reign, rule without marriage, and when the time came, appoint another royal heir as Crown Prince before gradually stepping down from the throne.

Because I was a Dark Elf quarter-blood.

‘But the past and present are different now.’

At present, at least within the Roan Kingdom, the image of Dark Elves had become favorable.
More than favorable—they were met with cheers and acclaim.

This very fact had become a source of contemplation for Alberu.

His aunt Tasha and the countless Dark Elves who had aided him—as they gained recognition from the people and could now walk in the sunlight beyond the underground, revealing their true forms, Alberu felt a quiet joy. Yet with that joy came something else.

‘…And that is precisely why I find myself troubled.’

Alberu wondered whether he should continue to conceal his true appearance—not the golden-haired, blue-eyed visage, but his authentic self.
The reason was simple.

Every person yearned for something fundamental.

‘Everyone desires to have their true self acknowledged.’

Once, I believed only the Dark Elves would truly accept my authentic form. But I was mistaken.
More and more, those around me had begun to accept my true appearance without hesitation or second thought.

Truly, without any reservation whatsoever, they simply accepted it.
Those gazes filled my mind repeatedly. And alongside them came thoughts of the new forces emerging within the Roan Kingdom.

The Dwarf Tribe, the Tiger Tribe, the Wolf Tribe, the Cat-Human Race, the Dark Elves.
And my enemies had become equally clear.
Especially the White Star.

With the throne within reach, I found myself contemplating a question.

What kind of Roan do I envision?
Merely a Roan with greater territory and strength?
Would such a kingdom satisfy me?

They say humans never know contentment, and I found it almost amusing that I would harbor such doubts standing before the throne itself.
Yet in truth, this was no laughing matter at all.

“Your Highness?”

Ah.
Alberu quickly snapped out of the wandering thoughts that had briefly distracted him.
He had forgotten he was in the middle of a conversation with Kale Heniatus.

“Are you getting sleepy? Should I call you back later?”

As Kale Heniatus spoke in that blunt manner, Alberu thought him rather irreverent and opened his mouth.
His thoughts tumbled out directly.

-…You really don’t think much, do you?
“Pardon?”

Kale Heniatus’s expression became bewildered.
What was this Crown Prince saying?

Just moments ago, he had asked pitifully, “So, what kind of incident did you cause this time?” and Kale Heniatus had been about to answer when this Crown Prince’s mind had clearly wandered elsewhere—who was the one not paying attention?

Alberu’s eyes met Choi Han’s over Kale Heniatus’s shoulder.
He recalled meeting Kale Heniatus and Choi Han once while in Dark Elf Quarter form. The image Choi Han had presented at that time came to mind.

-You too.
“…I’m not sure what you mean, Your Highness.”
-You’re another one who doesn’t think much.

Choi Han’s expression remained mild, but his eyes held a look questioning what nonsense the Crown Prince was spouting.
In that moment, the Crown Prince’s eyes met Kale Heniatus’s again.

“Were you dreaming?”

At Kale Heniatus’s blunt question, Alberu answered readily.

-Yes. I’m dreaming right now.

Dark Elf Quarter Alberu Crossman.

‘This dilemma seems like it will be a long one.’

Alberu felt the beginning of a long contemplation, but decided to set it aside for now.
Between the White Star, stabilizing the Western Continent, and advancing the Roan Kingdom, there were already enough concerns to occupy his mind.
Soon, a radiant smile spread across his face.

“Sigh.”

Kale Heniatus let out a sigh as he watched Alberu tap on the window while he slept. Was he deliberately doing this because he’d woken him up?
Kale Heniatus simply shook his head at that radiant smile.

-Little brother.

Kale Heniatus paused at Alberu’s suddenly changed form of address.
What’s with this again?

-I’ve always been handsome, haven’t I?

He waited for Kale Heniatus’s response. Surely Kale Heniatus would understand the hidden meaning behind this question.

And Kale Heniatus answered.
Without a moment’s hesitation, he spoke with a refreshing expression.

“You are the radiant star that illuminates not only the Roan Kingdom but the entire East-West Continent. Of course, you shall become the moon and the sun as well. Sometimes, your brilliance is so dazzling that I find myself overwhelmed with emotion, thinking that the future of this Roan could never be so bright—”
-Irreverent fool.

Alberu’s face crumpled, and Kale Heniatus poured out his flattery without restraint. Of course, the expression on his face as he delivered the praise was utterly refreshing.

“…What, such flattery… from the Crown Prince… what kind of question is this….”

Mercenary King Burd Illis muttered to himself as he watched the scene, shaking his head.

“…Those two… the heroes of the Western Continent… the hope, they said….”

But no one paid attention to his quiet murmuring.
Everyone’s focus remained on Alberu and Kale Heniatus.

-So, what trouble did you cause?

Alberu asked, and Kale Heniatus answered.

“Your Highness, we have everything in the Roan Kingdom.”
-Everything? What do you mean?

I smiled.

“The power to eliminate the White Star.”

The Crown Prince gestured with his finger.

-Return at once.

I answered his command.

“I will see you at the Royal Palace in a few days.”

Why a few days?
As Alberu’s gaze posed that silent question, I responded.

“I need to relocate a castle.”

The Crown Prince cut off the video communication and left one final remark.

-You certainly do the most unusual things.

The video communication screen turned black.
I turned to my companions with a refreshed expression.

“Shall we go collect our payment?”

The target was set.

The Sinten Merchant Guild—among the top five in the Mogur Empire.
I had sold the Fire Stone to Flavin Sinten, the guild master of the Sinten Merchant Guild.

The price was thirty billion Counds.

“Heh.”
“Human! You’re laughing like that! That means you’re up to something!”

My lips curved upward slightly.

“…Spill it?”

Burd asked back, and Raon spoke excitedly.

“It means money is coming!”
“…Could it be… 10 billion… isn’t a fortune… Huff, hum-”

Burd’s face drained of color.
Even so, I recalled something Crown Prince Albert had once said.

‘A rebellion might break out in the Mogur Empire.’
‘The empire’s territory is quite vast, isn’t it? I hear several imperial family members are forming factions with nobles who follow them. It seems about three or four forces will emerge.’

I thought of the Sun God Cult twins in the Mogur Empire, Sir Rex, Necromancer Mary, and Rosalind.

I looked at my companions and spoke.

“Burd, Choi Han, and Raon move with me. And Erhafen.”
“Understood.”
“While I obtain the mana stones, please inscribe the magic circles.”
“Got it.”
“Once that’s finished.”

Lord Sherit and Raon reflected in my eyes.

“Please bring that one from the inn.”

The Dragon Hybrid.
I mentioned him but then shook my head.

“No, I’ll go meet him myself.”

Sherit’s other child, the Red Egg. A being who might be Raon’s sibling.
All the truth about that existence could be learned through the Dragon Hybrid.

“Let’s move.”

* * *

Late at night.
The Imperial Palace of the Mogur Empire.
The Crown Prince Palace where the deposed Crown Prince Adin resided.
Several figures revealed themselves in that place.

“How sorrowful.”

The woman in the black robe spoke curtly.

“You look like a rag that hasn’t been wrung out in a thousand years. You need to wash immediately. How sorrowful.”

Kale Heniatus waved his hand gently at those before him.

“It has been a long time.”

Rosalind spoke with a sigh.

“Young master, you’re always covered in blood. Everything Necromancer Mary said was right.”

Ha ha.
Kale Heniatus laughed awkwardly.

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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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