Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 432

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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 95. Me? Why?

Choi Han answered concisely.

“Yes, they will think it is me.”

The First Dragon Slayer Neran Berow. Choi Han was a swordsman who had appeared in this world at some point, bearing a striking resemblance to Choi Jung-gun. The White Star, being quite clever, would suspect Choi Han—whose past remained obscure—far more than Kale Heniatus and his companions, whose origins were clear.
The quite cunning White Star would suspect Choi Han, whose past is unclear, rather than Kale Heniatus and his companions, whose origins are obvious.

“By the way, Kale.”

However, the one who wrote the note was not Choi Han, but Kale Heniatus.

“What did you write in the note?”
“What did you write in the note?”

Kale Heniatus, clinging to Choi Han’s back, stared at the back of his head and asked.

“No.”
Yes.

A note that Kale intentionally slipped into the fake ancient document created by Marquis Taylor Sten. Choi Han had been too busy to check the contents of that note until now.

Choi Han suddenly saw the Black Dragon drop its invisibility and reveal its face before him, grinning. Behind him came Kale’s indifferent voice.
Choi Han suddenly deactivated his invisibility and revealed his face in front of me with a smile. The Black Dragon appeared before him, and behind his back, Kale’s indifferent voice was heard.

“I wrote it just the way Raon told me to.”

Doubt bloomed in Choi Han’s eyes. Judging by the grinning Raon’s expression, it was unlikely to be anything ordinary. Choi Han carefully asked Raon.
Doubt spread through Choi Han’s eyes. Judging from Raon’s smiling appearance, it didn’t seem like ordinary content. Choi Han carefully asked Raon.

“Raon, what did you say?”

He soon saw a confident six-year-old Dragon thrusting out his round belly and shouting proudly. The little Dragon spoke excitedly.

“White Star, you idiot!”

Ah.
Choi Han let out an exclamation.
Raon continued speaking.

“You completely brainless idiot! You fell for it, you fool! You can’t read this, can you? I, the great Raon Mir, will soon learn Hangul and be able to read and write! You fool!”
“…Is that what you asked him to write?”
“Yes! Strong Choi Han!”

Choi Han couldn’t help but chuckle.
The White Star would surely come find him with that note, asking him to read it, whether he could read Hangul, and to interpret it.
When Choi Han thought about reading that note’s contents at that moment, he felt oddly pleased.
That was when it happened.

“Young master…?”

The Northern Sea had grown quiet after all of the White Star’s subordinates teleported away. Someone was approaching Choi Han, Raon, and Kale Heniatus.

“Why—”

Witira looked at Kale Heniatus with a bewildered expression before turning to Choi Han and speaking.

“Wasn’t the young master supposed to be hiding and crouching? But why are you being carried? Are you injured somewhere?”
“Ah, well…”

The six-year-old dragon cut off Choi Han’s attempt to answer and responded cheerfully instead.

“Whale! Weak human crouched too long and got leg cramps! So weak human asked Choi Han to carry him! Weak human is really weak!”
“Ah.”

The moment I saw Witira’s expression of realization, Raon turned transparent, and I felt an indescribable awkwardness. Witira’s gaze was the kind one would direct at paper about to tear from moisture.

“Choi Han, put me down.”

I tried to dismount from Choi Han’s back to escape that awkwardness.

“Young master, don’t overexert yourself.”
-That’s right! Human, don’t overexert yourself! Just stay there!

Witira and Raon blocked Kale Heniatus from advancing further. The discomfort settling in his chest deepened as he dismounted from Choi Han’s back. Witira, whose combat attire was wrinkled from the fierce battle she’d just fought, regarded him with concern, her gaze carefully assessing whether he could stand properly.
Kale Heniatus finally exhaled and opened his mouth.

“I’m fine. Really—”
“Lord Kale.”

Good heavens!
Kale Heniatus spun around, startled by the whisper that suddenly came from behind him. There stood Clophe with a reverent smile.

“The mission is complete. One theatrical performance has concluded.”

Eyes gleaming with satisfaction turned toward Kale Heniatus.

“It was most enjoyable.”
“…Yes.”

Faced with that expression, Kale Heniatus found himself at a loss for words and simply nodded.

-Human, I’m telling you, we shouldn’t play with that unhinged Clophe. Do you understand, human?

He half-listened to Raon’s words while surveying the surroundings. In the distance, quite far from where they stood, the Whale Tribe, whales, marine creatures, and members of the Wyvern Knights were busily conducting cleanup operations.

“They really did abandon the sailors.”

The sailors and captains who had brought the White Star’s ships all the way to the glacier where the Whale Tribe Land existed were now moving under the Whale Tribe’s guidance, trembling with fear.

“That’s always been his way.”

Choi Han, standing beside Kale Heniatus, wore a bitter smile as he observed the scene. The White Star had teleported only those forces useful to his own battle—Sayehr, the Black Mages, Knights, and others.
It was his unchanging nature, yet seeing the terrified sailors stirred an unpleasant feeling. Though they were enemies, pity welled up within him.
However, unlike Choi Han, there was one whose judgment remained cold.
However, unlike Choi Han, there was someone who remained cold-headed.

“I will verify whether there are any spies or those hiding their identities among them, and I will keep them confined to the Paern Royal Palace until this matter is completely resolved.”

Choi Han regarded Clophe—who handled the matter with an impassive face yet appropriate pragmatism—with an enigmatic gaze.
Whether he was in his right mind or not, whether he was ally or enemy, remained utterly bewildering.
In that moment, the eyes of Choi Han and Clophe met.
In that moment, Choi Han and Clophe’s eyes met.

A sly smile crossed Clophe’s face before he turned to Kale Heniatus beside him and spoke.

“Lord Kale Heniatus.”
“What is it?”

Kale Heniatus regarded Clophe with a blank expression.

“I shall spread word that we have vanquished a demon—that we have driven back the calamity that plagued this land.”

But as he continued, Kale’s face gradually twisted. Unbothered by this, the clever schemer pressed on with his narrative.

“If we weave this victory into the current rumors, the tale will be most compelling indeed. The legendary Wyvern Knights of the North have returned to the world, and this time they fought alongside the Whale Tribe to drive back a demon called the White Star—a creature that sought to oppress the seas—forcing it to flee.”

Oppress the seas? Alongside the Whale Tribe?
Witira stared at Clophe in disbelief.
It was nothing like what actually happened. In fact, wasn’t it Clophe himself who had lost the Wyvern Knights without so much as a single proper fight, only to tumble into the sea?
She was exasperated, but when Clophe met her gaze with eyes gleaming with confidence, she simply held her tongue.

“Lady Witira, if we do this, the people of the North will surely view the White Star as evil—a formidable evil, yes, but one that can be overcome. Moreover, they will believe the North and the Whale Tribe share a strong bond, and will come to see your people as powerful and dependable allies.”
“…Do as you wish.”

Witira had no desire to argue further.
Though he seemed to be orchestrating events to benefit the Whale Tribe, there was something unsettling about his methods—a peculiar talent for leaving one with an uneasy feeling.

“Lord Kale Heniatus, thanks to you, the legend of the North shall be written anew.”

A sigh.
In the end, Witira could only exhale as she watched Clophe shower Kale Heniatus with praise.

‘Indeed, even Lord Kale Heniatus must find it difficult to manage someone like him.’

She gazed with sympathy at the frail Kale Heniatus, burdened with someone like Clophe at his side. Just then, Kale Heniatus was smiling in response to Clophe’s words.

“The true center of this legend is Guardian Knight Clophe. My congratulations. You have written a legend.”
“Hah, you are too kind.”

…So similar people truly do belong together.
Witira decided to think no more on the matter as she observed Kale Heniatus and Clophe. Instead, she turned her attention to her father Siceller and Paseton, who were handling the aftermath, and inquired about their future course of action.

“Young master, do you think the White Star will move according to plan?”

Kale Heniatus nodded without the slightest hesitation.

“Yes. He will. He has no choice but to.”

The forged ancient document I had Marquis Taylor Sten create. It contained quite a bit of text written not only in Korean but also in the Eastern Continent’s language.

The locations indicated in the document were Whale Tribe Land, Caro Kingdom, and Roan Kingdom. This was already known to the White Star, so I added one particular sentence to it.

【…After confirming Whale Tribe Land, I shall venture to Caro Kingdom. I plan to visit the eastern regions as well, but before heading to the Eastern Continent, I must visit that place overflowing with the earth’s essence—the desert.】

A desert overflowing with the earth’s essence.
The White Star would be tempted by that sentence, and he would want to move in the order written in the document if at all possible. After all, the eastern region where Roan Kingdom lies is merely something I plan to visit, but Caro Kingdom is a place I must visit without fail.
Furthermore.

“I’ll reveal myself there. He’ll come out of curiosity, won’t he?”

To see me and Choi Han.
A subtle smile crept across Kale’s face.

Right now, the White Star was likely confused by the note written in Korean, yet he would feel the necessity to grasp the current situation.

He would scrutinize whether this ancient document was genuine, attempt to discern its authenticity, and doubt everything.
But all of this ultimately required verification.

A being who had moved while waiting a thousand years would choose to act covertly and cautiously, keeping watch over Caro Kingdom and my whereabouts.

And then, if my form happened to appear somewhere in Caro Kingdom?

‘He’ll take the bait.’

Curiosity and a trap.
All of it would draw the White Star’s footsteps toward the desert.
Of course, there was a possibility he might go to Roan Kingdom first unexpectedly. For such a scenario, I had made arrangements with Marquis Taylor Sten and Kaige, so I would simply adjust my movements accordingly.

“Well then, I’ll be on my way. I’m counting on you for the cleanup.”

At my words, Witira and Clophe prepared to see me off.

Whoooosh—
Raon immediately unfolded a teleportation magic circle. There were quite a few things I needed to set up in advance, so I had to hurry.

The teleportation light began to envelop Choi Han, me, and Raon.

Beep, beep beep—

At that moment, a sharp sound pierced my ears.
Whoooosh. The teleportation halted abruptly.

“Human!”

I saw a communication orb materialize in the air above. A communication orb glowing crimson red. There was only one person who would contact me with a red signal, and this wasn’t even an emergency.

‘The Crown Prince?’

Albert Crossman, the Crown Prince, had contacted me after a long time.
I gestured for my companions to wait, then stepped back to a quiet corner of the glacier and pointed at the communication orb.

-Connecting!

Raon immediately connected the communication orb, and I soon saw an image appear on the ice.
Albert Crossman was there, and my expression grew peculiar.

“…Your Highness, what brings this call?”

Beaming brightly.
Albert Crossman, radiating a brilliant smile, waved his hand at me in a cheerful manner.

-Lord Kale, how have you been?
“Why are you acting like this?”

Oops.
My true feelings had slipped out before I could stop them.

“My apologies, Your Highness. My true thoughts escaped without my control. I beg your forgiveness for my disrespect.”
-Not at all. These things happen, you know.
“…Something really does seem off about you.”

A deep confusion crossed Kale Heniatus’s face. He examined the screen once more, carefully. It was certainly the office he used regularly, and though he appeared to have come from a meeting dressed in formal military attire, nothing seemed disheveled.
It was simply the usual state of affairs.

So why did something feel off?

As Kale’s expression grew increasingly troubled, Alberu spoke brightly.

-We’ll be executing those captured as a result of the war soon.
“I see.”

It was notification that the formal punishment of enemies like Sirem, whom they had captured, would begin.
Kale thought it had taken quite a long time. Yet considering that less than a year had passed since the war itself, it seemed appropriate timing after all the post-war reconstruction efforts.

-And so merit-based rewards will also be distributed.
“I see.”

Of course, now that the war had ended in victory, merit-based rewards had to be granted accordingly.

‘Hmm!’

Suddenly, a sense of foreboding washed over Kale.

‘That cheerful smile!’

Could something be happening to me?
When it comes to merit, wouldn’t Kale Heniatus be called first?
With an urgent expression, Kale quickly opened his mouth.

“Your Majesty! I need neither honor nor power—not even a speck! I’d much rather have lemonade!”

Alberu fell silent for a moment.

-Don’t worry.

Soon he spoke with a gentle smile.

-I’ll be removing your current commander position, and I won’t be granting you any official position or noble title in the future.
“Oh!”

I was genuinely moved, and the words poured out of me.

“Your Highness truly keeps your promises with me! That’s right! I don’t need anything except the Golden Token!”
-Yes, yes.
“Your Highness truly possesses the vessel to become the moon of the night sky and the sun of the day for Roan and the Western Continent!”
-Yes, yes. It seems House Heniatus will rise to at least the rank of Marquis, at most Duke.

Huh?
My body froze as if it had broken down.
Regardless, Alberu spoke with a radiant smile.

-No, I didn’t intend it, but the kingdom’s people say that House Heniatus is the guardian that protected Roan. In the Central, Northwest, Southwest, and Southeast regions of Roan Kingdom, there exist Marquises and Dukes, but why—there’s none in the Northeast! They keep petitioning me to elevate House Heniatus since you’re a meritorious family.
“…Your Highness, isn’t it truly difficult for a Count’s family to rise to the rank of Marquis or Duke? Unless they accumulate achievements on the scale of saving a kingdom or continent—”

…Ah.
I trailed off and closed my mouth. The deeds I had accomplished this year as a member of House Heniatus were indeed similar to those achievements I had just mentioned.
I had stopped the Indomitable Alliance, prevented the naval battle, suffered almost no casualties, and accomplished numerous feats that made Roan Kingdom feel like a great power.
My shoulders gradually began to slump.

-And there’s a rumor spreading, you know? That the Silver Prince is gathering heroes to protect the Western Continent against a villain called the White Star, who is behind the Imperial Alchemy Tower and orchestrated the war with the North. So the kingdom’s people say we must protect our prince?

Oh dear, oh dear.
I felt like crying.

-Congratulations. If all goes well, you’ll become the eldest son of Duke House Heniatus.

Alberu asked teasingly with a bright smile.

-By the way, who will become the next lord of your family? Why haven’t you decided yet?

My younger brother Basen… the truly excellent and magnificent Basen existed in the Heniatus Territory.
The moment my eyes gleamed, Alberu spoke brightly.

-There will soon be a title conferment ceremony led by Count Derth, so your family will contact you. All direct family members must come to the Royal Palace for such occasions, so let’s meet then.

I could see Clophe’s smile as he approached, having heard the end of the conversation.

“You put considerable effort into spreading the rumors.”

Ah, that crazy bastard.
I watched Clophe execute my orders with such excellence, such diligence, achieving results several times over—and fury surged through me.

‘How did he spread rumors across the Northern Region all the way to Roan in just a few short days?’

Before my speechless eyes, Albert Crown Prince spoke with a grin.

-The great hero, the Silver Prince. I’ll see you at the Royal Palace soon.

Damn it!
He’s definitely mocking me!
As my face twisted, the communication abruptly cut off. My shoulders sagged completely.

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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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