Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 427

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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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Chapter 94. The Trap

“…How is this possible.”

Clophe’s voice trembled slightly.

“What must I do?”

The Wyvern Knights.
No matter how many times I heard that name, my heart raced with anticipation.
The legend of the Northern Region and its greatest military force. If I could unfurl them once more under my command, the power of the Northern Region—at least the Paern Kingdom—would be built around me.

A subtle smile.
Clophe caught sight of Kale’s lips curling upward. Kale lowered his head further and whispered in hushed tones.

“Temporarily, I shall restore your limbs to their proper function. Of course, the restrictions remain unchanged.”

Thump. Thump.
My heart pounded fiercely.

‘Truly.’

I thought to myself.
Truly, this man before me knows exactly how to manipulate me as he wishes.

The mention of restrictions barely registered in my ears.
The restrictions Kale spoke of meant they would detonate if I betrayed him. As long as I didn’t betray him.

Once more, I would have the chance to unleash the legend.

“You must be tired of staying in the rear, aren’t you?”

Tired. Exhausted.
How could I not be weary of it?
After confirming my innate talent with the blade, I trained without a single day’s rest to become a legend.
Even if I chose this path to survive, I had never truly adapted to this sudden change in how I lived.

Clophe saw Cale pointing at two people.
The Necromancer and the youngest Sword Master. Cale pointed at those two and spoke to Clophe.

“Those two people. Sir Clophe.”

The Guardian Knight stood on the brink of resurrection.

“Between you and me, there is only a transaction.”

Thus, the Guardian Knight willingly matched grins with the human who smiled like a demon.

“I will accept any transaction.”

A noble smile took the place of glittering desire before Cale.
Cale observed Clophe, who instantly reverted to his former Guardian Knight demeanor, and opened his mouth. His voice flowed with a gentle lilt.

“Spread word. That there exists a being who has invaded and seeks to invade the Empire, the Northern Region, and indeed the entire Western Continent. That being’s name is the White Star.”

The Bear King had said so.
That there are those chosen, and those who are not.
That those not chosen would face desolate lands and calamity.

It was nonsensical drivel.
Who would fall for such obvious lies?

“Spread word that the White Star is a calamity.”

This time, I would create a situation opposite to that ancient one.
Cale’s gaze left Clophe and turned toward Kaige and Taylor. It also reached Witira.
They realized that Cale’s words now were directed not only at Clophe, but at everyone present.

“And that there are those who stand against it.”

Cale recalled Mercenary King Bird Illis.
When I opened my eyes, I had briefly returned to the Eastern Continent and made one request to that fellow through video communication.

‘Spread the word.’

If the rumors spread, the situation will unfold quite differently than it did in ancient times.
Unlike the Ancient White Star, the current White Star will not be granted the privilege of choosing humanity, land, or anything else.

“No matter how strong the White Star, the Bear Tribe, or the Lion King may be.”

No matter how formidable one becomes alone.

“Rumors are an enemy that cannot be defeated.”

The White Star, who wishes to become nature itself, to become a god.
Unlike in ancient times, this time he will have almost no one willing to follow him.

Kale watched Clophe’s mouth open as he gazed at me.

“Lord Kale, so this time our Wyvern Knights will be fighting that calamity.”
“Yes. Doesn’t that sound good?”
“It sounds absolutely wonderful.”

At that moment, Raon’s voice echoed in my mind.

-Human, Clophe’s eyes look even more unhinged now!

Indeed.
He had obtained an opportunity that would never come again, and on top of that, he now had the chance to face off magnificently against the White Star—a being who had committed countless evil deeds throughout history.
How could he not lose his mind? How could he possibly remain sane?

-…Human, what if the completely unhinged Clophe charges into battle shouting “I am a legend!”?

He would absolutely do something like that.
My lips curved upward in genuine amusement.

White Star.
You’re mad yourself, but go ahead and fight someone who’s mad in a very peculiar way.

I felt excitement building as I imagined the entertaining spectacle that was about to unfold.

* * *

“Let us conclude this strategic meeting here.”

At Kale’s words, everyone rose from their seats.
With so much to do ahead, there was no time for leisurely conversation.

“Young Master.”
“Young Master! Let’s go together!”

Taylor and Kaige approached Kale’s side, while the Whale Tribe and Clophe exchanged brief farewells before quickly leaving the room.

“Young Master, I’m relieved to see you’ve awakened safely.”

Taylor offered a warm smile along with his belated greeting, and Kale responded with one of his own. Then he asked Kaige quietly.

“Have you done what I asked of you?”
“Pardon?”

In Kaige’s bewildered eyes, I could see the gravity of my own gaze reflected back.
I spoke seriously.

“Cursing the God of Death.”
“Oh!”
“You forgot, didn’t you?”
“…Yes, I’ve been so scattered since arriving at the Empire.”

Kaige scratched her head and asked.

“Should I do it now?”

Her voice carried a hint of jest and playfulness. But she didn’t know.

“Yes, please do it every single day. I’m asking you.”
“I’m asking you as well.”
“I’m asking too! Sharp-witted Kaige! Tell him you’ll smack the back of my head!”

Kale, Choi Han, and Raon poured out their words to her in succession, their expressions quite serious. To anyone watching, they were speaking from the heart.
Soon, Kaige’s face turned grave as she spoke bluntly.

“It seems you’ve done something troublesome. Understood. I shall offer prayers laden with curses every night. Look forward to it.”

Kale smiled genuinely at Kaige, gratitude shining in his expression.
That was when it happened.

‘Kale.’

The voice of a Wind Spirit reached him as he gripped the spinning top.
It was a familiar Wind Spirit.
One of the three that followed him—the one who constantly cried out ‘destruction, chaos, despair.’

‘Do you remember what I said last time?’

What did it say last time?
Kale recalled the final words spoken by the one who always shouted about destruction.

‘It’s impossible unless you hear the Wind Spirit’s voice like you do. I have something to tell you. For the sake of destruction.’

This Wind Spirit said it had something to tell Kale. And it was for the sake of destruction.

“…Young master?”

At Kaige’s call, Kale gave a signal to wait and moved away from the group toward a secluded corner.
There, separated from his companions, he spoke softly.

“What did you want to say?”
‘The World Tree is looking for you.’

Ah.
Kale remembered an existence he had forgotten about.
The being that had lived the longest in this world. There was so much he needed to ask the World Tree. Though he had said he would visit, he never managed to find the time, but this time he would have to make a point of seeking it out.

As Kale organized his thoughts about his schedule, the Wind Spirit spoke one more time.

‘Darkness is fire.’

What?
What are you suddenly saying?

‘You showed me. The fire that destroys darkness.’

Huh?
You mean Destructive Fire’s power?

‘I know the identity of the spirit Dorf possesses. You’ll figure it out too.’

Lion King Dorf.
He and the Bear King each handle the darkness and light of the White Star, or so they said.

“…Darkness?”
‘That’s right.’

So Dorf is…

“A spirit user of darkness?”
‘No.’

No?

‘Back then, we thought Dorf was a spirit user. But we couldn’t see any spirit.’

That’s true.
The Wind Spirits said the Lion King was a spirit user, but we never found a spirit.

‘We were mistaken.’

The Wind Spirits were mistaken?
Kale’s mouth fell open without his realizing it.

“You’re saying Dorf isn’t a spirit user?”

His voice was quite loud, and Merry, Choi Han, and Raon reacted strongly to his words. Their gazes focused on him, but Kale had no time to care.
Why?

‘That bastard consumed a spirit.’

What?
What did you say?

‘He consumed a darkness spirit. And he possesses the spirit’s power.’

Is that even possible?

‘So that’s why the World Tree is searching for him.’

Wow.
I was at a loss for words.
Eating a spirit? How?

‘A darkness spirit dwells within that creature’s body, which is why we couldn’t perceive the spirits.’
“…Sigh.”

The Wind Spirit spoke to me, who could only sigh.

‘I once cared for a baby spirit for an entire year.’

What are you talking about?
My face twisted at the Wind Spirit’s incomprehensible words. Yet the Wind Spirit continued speaking calmly.

‘A baby fire spirit specialized in destruction. It might be capable of destroying darkness. It says it wants to help.’

…Really?
My eyes gleamed at this new information.
Was there a fire spirit with power like Cale’s Power?

Spirits, after being born, each choose their own path and nature, and their appearance changes accordingly, granting them unique properties.

An ordinary fire spirit would struggle against darkness as Cale’s Power does. The fire spirits possessed by several Dark Elf warriors were like that.

But there existed a fire spirit capable of destroying darkness?

If so, I would have far more diverse strategies and countless ways to respond easily in combat.

‘However, that baby fire spirit needs a spirit mage to assist it.’

Ah, that’s right.
I nodded without thinking.
To artificially wield a spirit’s power, a spirit mage, elf, or dark elf had to exist. The contracted spirit and the mage needed to communicate.
I was an extremely rare case—someone who could communicate with all Wind Spirits.

“…Should I introduce an Elf or Dark Elf worthy of contracting with that Fire Spirit?”
‘Not necessary.’

The Wind Spirit spoke her refusal with solemn gravity.

‘That Baby Fire Spirit wishes to contract with a human. One with the aptitude of a Spirit Summoner.’

Oh!
Such a person exists?
Spirit Summoners were rarer than any other profession.

‘I’ve brought the Baby Fire Spirit with me. Since you won’t be able to hear the Fire Spirit’s voice, would it be alright if I relay what it says directly?’
“Of course it would be.”

Kale nodded readily.
If fortune favored him, this could be an opportunity to gain a truly invaluable talent.

‘It says this.’

The Wind Spirit relayed the Baby Fire Spirit’s words as they were.

‘Destructive Fire, Sea of Fire, admiration.’

Huh?

‘Sea of Fire mastery complete. Sea of Fire to Darkness and Chaos. I am a great Fire capable of destruction. Respect Raon Mir. Respect Destructive Fire greatly, my idol.’

Kale’s mouth fell open involuntarily.

“…What? This is strange—”

Did you bring something strange?
As his face contorted helplessly, a pleased voice rang out.

‘Resembles me, excellent spirit. Chaos, Despair, Destruction agree.’

It was the Wind Spirit.

‘You brought something just like yourself!’

Kale’s head throbbed on account of the Wind Spirit, who had brought along the Baby Fire Spirit—a creature that shrieked destruction, chaos, and despair like some broken record.
Regardless, the Wind Spirit relayed the Baby Fire Spirit’s words.

‘We’ve met before. I saw you off. That red bundle of thread—that was me.’
“Hm?”

Kale’s mind drifted back to the day he had visited the World Tree.
He had stopped by an inn then—a modest establishment run by a grandmother and her grandson.
On his departure, he had returned there for drink and sustenance, and now he recalled what that grandson had said.

‘Excuse me, guest.’

Not to Kale himself, but to the empty air around him—the Innkeeper’s grandson, Solly, was looking.

‘I, I’m sorry, but I think something’s wrong with my eyes. Ah, really, it’s this.’

The simple-hearted young man had rambled on, pointing at the void.

‘Like, like a bundle of red thread or something, a small round red thing—do you see it? Am I, am I seeing things right now? Ah, why am I like this?’

That red thread had been the Baby Fire Spirit who, upon leaving the World Tree Elf Village, had wanted to see Kale off out of admiration.
The World Tree’s elf priestess, Adite, had explained it.

‘If you wouldn’t mind, would you permit our, well, one-year-old Baby Fire Spirit to see you off as far as the village entrance beyond the lake?’

And she had explained why the fire spirit wished to do so.

‘It admires you greatly and insists—no, earnestly requests—to see you off.’
‘…Admires me?’
‘Yes. It says it’s never seen such destructive, mad fire power before! It wants to become like you!’

A creature merely one year old had spoken of wanting to emulate mad fire power.
And following that path, the fire spirit had grown.

“…Insane.”

The word escaped Kale’s lips unbidden.
Regardless, the Wind Spirit relayed the fire spirit’s words.

‘The human who wants to make a contract keeps ignoring me. Treating me like a ball of thread. I am a great fire! Help me make a contract. I want to create a sea of fire too! Destroy chaos, despair, darkness! Destroy everything!’

Kale felt an odd sense of unease creeping over him.
So he took a step back for now.

“We’ll head to the World Tree soon anyway. Let’s finish this conversation there.”

The Wind Spirit immediately relayed the Fire Spirit’s words.

‘The World Tree said there’s a high chance I’ll burn the lake when I grow up, so I should wait until I’m older. I can’t help it. I have a place to stay. It’s my contractor’s home. My contractor keeps having nightmares.’

Sigh.
Kale exhaled deeply.

“What’s the matter?”

When Kaige, unable to bear it any longer, approached, the Wind Spirit spoke.

‘By the way, I saw you using wind together with fire. Our Baby Fire Spirit and I have decided to combine our powers. We’ll create a fiery wind! A magnificent fiery wind!’

Kale hesitated before speaking to Kaige and the others.

“It seems like something good has happened.”

It seemed like something good, so why did he feel so uneasy?
Kale gazed at the desolate seashore of the Northern Region, now that summer had passed, and sighed.
Though his companions wore puzzled expressions, Kale spoke without energy.

“Let’s proceed with the operation.”

For now, there was much to be done.

* * *

Blood-red hair swayed in the wind.

“Summer seems to be leaving us soon.”

The Northern wind caressed his cheek as he murmured softly.
The figure gazing upon the frigid northern sea, where glaciers gleamed in the distance, finally spoke.

“What is the matter?”

In that moment, a gentle voice reached him.

“Kale Berrow, what are you thinking about?”

The red-haired man’s face contorted as he turned around.
Exhaustion marked his beautiful features, yet his cold eyes fixed upon the one who had come to find him.

Berrow.
Every Dragon Slayer who ascended to that position received the surname Berrow instead of their original name. Only their given name remained as a thread connecting them to their life before becoming a Dragon Slayer.

The red-haired man covered his face with the white mask he held.
The moment his beautiful features vanished behind it, his lips parted.

“…Sayehr, if you speak that old name even once more, your life will cease to exist.”

A cold smile graced the White Star’s lips.
He had no need for the name of his past, one he had possessed only briefly a thousand years ago.

—————
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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