Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 436

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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 96. How Moving

The Roan Kingdom, having maintained its long history, possessed numerous palaces within the Royal Palace.

“It has been quite some time since I have seen so many nobles gathered in one place.”

Among them, a palace used only during matters of great significance to the entire kingdom stood resplendent, welcoming countless attendees.

Within a grand hall rivaling a modest plaza in size, people clustered in small groups, absorbed in conversation.

“…I had not anticipated that the awards ceremony and banquet would be held together.”

Most of those gathered were nobility. Dressed in garments that were ornate yet possessed a certain refinement, they seemed unable to fully blend into the resplendent atmosphere of this magnificent hall.

“Indeed. And I hear the entire awards ceremony will be broadcast to the plaza via magical communication?”
“Yes. His Highness the Crown Prince stated that this joyous and glorious day should be shared with all the citizens of the kingdom.”

An awards ceremony following war.
Had the Roan Kingdom of the past year—which knew nothing but peace, let alone war—been asked to imagine such an occasion, it would have been unthinkable.
Moreover, no one had anticipated that what should have been a solemn affair would proceed in such a liberated atmosphere by combining it with a banquet.

All of this stemmed from Albert Crossman, the Crown Prince, and his forceful insistence.

“…I hear the plaza has been decorated in a festive manner as well today.”
“Indeed. It is said the Royal Court released funds from its treasury to accomplish this.”

The Crown Prince had adorned not only this hall but also the plaza where the awards ceremony would soon be broadcast, making it equally magnificent.
Temporary tents distributing food had been erected throughout, and the kingdom’s citizens were currently enjoying themselves as though attending a festival.

“…Damn it!”

Yet the expressions of the nobles were largely displeased.

“Father.”
“I know. I understand.”

A Baron who had uttered harsh words steadied his breathing at his son’s remark, composing himself.
His gaze swept across the hall.

‘…Quite the turnout.’

The Crown Prince had hoped for the maximum number of nobles to participate.
Because of this, most of the nobles had brought their families to attend this gathering.
Of course, they could have refused to attend.

‘But who would dare?’

At least, any family head worth his salt—any noble with sense—had to be present.

“…Sigh.”

Sighs echoed from various corners of the hall. Some nobles forced smiles, while others wore grins that belied the sharp, calculating gleam in their eyes as they surveyed the room.

“This has become quite the headache.”

The Baron quickly bowed at the sound of the approaching voice.

“Count.”
“No need for formalities.”

The Count waved off the Baron’s greeting and stepped beside him, lowering his voice.

“Most of the Northeast Nobles have arrived, haven’t they?”

The Baron nodded with a rigid expression.

“Yes, nearly all of them.”

The Count and Baron—both belonged to the Central Noble Faction centered around the Roun Kingdom Capital, and both followed Duke Orsena.

Marquis Sten of the Northwest Region.
Marquis Ilan of the Southeast Region.
Duke Orsena of the Central Region.
Duke Giyel of the Southwest Region.

The four factions that had led Roun’s noble society until now. Today, they would witness the birth of a fifth faction—an extraordinarily powerful one.

“…The Ubar Family has arrived, at least.”

The Count’s eyes fell upon the head of Count Ubar’s household—the family that commanded the Roan Kingdom’s largest naval force within their fiefdom. Accompanied by her husband and heir, Amir Ubar, the matriarch conversed with the Northeast Nobles with composed indifference.

‘Count Chester’s family, Count Wheelsman’s family.’

Alongside Count Ubar’s household, the Chester and Wheelsman families formed the core around which the Northeast Nobles gathered.

“…They have not yet arrived.”

The Count nodded at the Baron’s whisper.

‘That’s right. The truly important ones haven’t come yet.’

Marquis Sten’s house, Marquis Ilan’s house, Duke Giyel’s house, Duke Orsena’s house.
Though the leaders of these four factions and all the Dukes and Marquises had arrived, most of the nobility still waited for someone.
The Dukes and Marquises, too, waited like the others. That was surely why they had all come earlier than scheduled.

“…So the protagonist arrives late?”

The moment the Count let out a quiet laugh, the servant guarding the door’s voice rang out.

“House Heniatus, entering.”

The servant announced it as he always did—just as he would for any other noble house entering.
The musical accompaniment that played as nobles entered was no different, and the Royal Knights standing guard made no special gestures whatsoever.
The other nobles, too, remained scattered in small groups without any notable change.

Yet every sense of the assembled nobility turned toward the members of House Heniatus entering alone.
And all their eyes widened.

“Huh?”
“Mm?”

Count Derth Heniatus. Beside him stood Countess Viollan.

Noble families, by tradition, possessed strict rules and protocols governing the order of entry.
The family head, the family head’s spouse.
Then came the secondary family heads, or the most promising candidate for secondary leadership. After that, they entered according to the line of succession.
In other words, this order of entry alone could reveal the current state of affairs within a family and its future prospects.

“…Why?”

One of the watching nobles spoke up casually.

“…Why is he at the very back?”

Count Derth and Countess Viollan.
Behind them was Basen, then Lily. And finally.
Kale Heniatus entered last, moving at a leisurely pace.

“…Was that rumor actually true?”

The nobles who had visited the Capital for the banquet had heard a rumor that had been quietly spreading through the Capital’s noble circles over the past few days.

【Kale Heniatus desires neither title nor position.】

The nobles did not believe the rumor that had suddenly emerged and spread rapidly.

It was an abrupt rumor, and far too absurd at that.
Any person naturally coveted honor and power.
Yet strangely, the Heniatus Count Family showed no reaction whatsoever to the rumor spreading like wildfire.

“…Something’s off.”

The nobles sensed something amiss.
Especially the silence of the faction leaders, who said nothing at all.

What will be given to Kale Heniatus?
Will Prince Kale retain his current position as Commander? Surely military authority won’t go to him?

The leaders responded to every question that they could not answer at this time, and continued their close meetings with the Crown Prince alongside the highest administrative officials.

‘What on earth is happening?’

Everyone, regardless of age or gender, fixed their gaze upon the Heniatus Count Family.
Then they realized.

“Why aren’t they here?”

Kale Heniatus’s subordinates and companions.
Most notably, Choi Han and Merry were nowhere to be seen.

‘They should have come together to demonstrate their influence.’

Unease settled over me.

“Count, is it true that he refused the official position?”

The Count heard the Baron’s whisper but shook his head as if he didn’t know.
Another rumor.

【Kale Heniatus, Choi Han, and Merry refused official positions.】

This rumor too was spreading rapidly throughout the Capital.

“If it’s true, isn’t that a good thing?”

The Count could not answer the Baron’s hopeful words.

It was certainly a good thing.
If those three didn’t receive official positions, it would benefit the other nobles.
Of course, it would be unfortunate for the Northeast Nobles.

That’s precisely what made it so strange.

‘Why would they refuse?’

Why would rumors circulate about refusing something so advantageous?
It was why the nobles couldn’t simply laugh—why they remained anxious.

That was when it happened.

Creak—
The door swung open and a servant announced loudly:

“Necromancer Merry, Dark Elf warrior commander Tasha, and Mage Battalion commander Sesain. Entering!”

A figure in a black robe, a woman dressed in black, and an elderly man with white hair wearing a magical robe stepped forward.
These were Roun’s new powers.

The quiet undercurrent that had begun with the emergence of House Heniatus seemed to be rising ever closer to the surface.

Boom! Boom! Boom!

Yet that undercurrent soon vanished beneath the sound of drums.
A nobleman murmured softly.

“…So the Crown Prince now oversees everything.”

With those words, he bowed toward the entrance.
Jed Crossman was said to be in poor health and had retired to his villa outside the capital. That meant only one person could be presiding over this event.

Boom! Boom! Boom!
A servant’s voice cut through the drums.

“His Highness Albert Crossman, the Crown Prince, enters!”

The nobles bowed slightly in unison. And they saw.

‘What?’
‘Why are there two of them?’

Albert Crossman walked along the crimson carpet that crossed the hall, heading toward the chair on the highest dais.
And behind him, the footsteps of another figure.

“You may all raise your heads.”

At Albert’s words, everyone lifted their gaze and saw the one who had taken position behind the Crown Prince.

“Ah!”

A nobleman let out a gasp.

Roun’s newest powerhouse and the kingdom’s most beloved figure.
The youngest Sword Master, Choi Han.
The one who had followed only Kale Heniatus until now was today following Albert instead.

Choi Han, dressed in a striking black uniform, looked like the shadowy escort of the radiant Albert Crossman, complemented by his jet-black hair and dark eyes.

“How could that author—”
“How dare a commoner!”
“What is the meaning of—!”

Just as the nobles were about to voice their shock, a servant cried out.

“We will now announce the conferment of honors, and this ceremony will be broadcast to the Plaza!”

Boom!
At the same moment, the doors to the hall closed.
The nobles, remembering the kingdom’s citizens who would witness this spectacle, swallowed their gasps of astonishment. They all hastily composed themselves, returning to the dignified, refined expressions befitting their stations.

Then it happened.

“Today is.”

Before Albert Crossman ascended to the chair placed upon the highest dais at the northern end of the hall, he stood just below it, addressing the assembled nobles.

“Today is truly a joyous day. And a happy one as well.”

Albert, acting in the King’s stead, carried himself with an ease and gentleness toward the nobility. That gentle smile turned toward the one who had followed me here.

“It is all the more joyous to share this day with my teacher. Would you not agree, Teacher?”

A chill seemed to descend upon the assembled nobles.

‘Teacher?’
‘…What in the world is he saying?’

The nobles’ gazes turned toward the leaders of their respective factions and those holding high office.

“…My.”

They could see their leaders and officials in silence. Simultaneously, they witnessed the Sword Master Choi Han respond calmly.

“Your Highness, please speak freely.”
“How could I possibly do that to my teacher?”
“It would be more comfortable for me, Your Highness.”

Teacher.
An honorary position without official rank for life, making entry into politics impossible.
Several quick-witted nobles bore expressions suggesting they found this rather fortunate.

‘That’s right. If I become the Crown Prince’s teacher, no one can touch my rice bowl!’
‘As a teacher, I won’t be able to do favors for House Heniatus or the Northeast nobles! Then I’d lose honor and diminish the Crown Prince’s dignity too!’
‘Perfect! This way, House Heniatus can’t treat Choi Han like a subordinate!’

Even as everyone’s minds were occupied, Alberu gently spoke to Choi Han.

“Yes. I should let my teacher do as he finds most comfortable.”

Having said so, Alberu opened his mouth to address everyone.

“I have never had a teacher before. Yet today, in this glorious moment, I am truly delighted to take the continent’s greatest swordmaster as my teacher.”

The Southeast’s Marquis Ilan and the Central Duke Orsena, watching this unfold, squeezed their eyes shut then opened them wide.

‘The Crown Prince and Choi Han. Both their popularity will soar.’

Several nobles already seemed to hear the distant roar of kingdom citizens praising Choi Han and the Crown Prince.

The future king takes a young swordmaster of commoner birth as his teacher.
Judging solely by ability.
And that swordmaster is one of the heroes who saved this kingdom.

The kingdom’s people understood.
Becoming the royal family’s teacher meant separating from power, performing only the role of teacher, and living a lifetime of integrity and righteousness.
Therefore, in Roan, the king’s teacher was always respected.
Moreover, the kingdom’s people would marvel that this young swordmaster chose such a righteous path.

Yet the nobles could not oppose Choi Han becoming a teacher.
The situation was being broadcast in real time, and if they could not bring Choi Han to their side, it was better to place him somewhere no one could reach.

“Come now. Since this is a joyous day, let us all spend it at ease. Do not be so stiff.”

The Crown Prince spoke with a remarkably serene expression, his words unhurried and measured.
He looked nothing like someone who had just lobbed a bombshell into the room.

“Everyone here, and all those watching this broadcast, the entire kingdom must have been startled by the sudden announcement of my mentor. However!”

His tone shifted to something far more resolute.

“From this moment forward, there shall be no more surprises—only joy. So let us all savor this moment in peace. We have safely overcome our trials, and today is a day to bestow gifts and gratitude upon those who stood at the forefront of our struggle.”

Only then did the nobles relax.
Crown Prince Alberu ascended the platform as though nothing were amiss, while Choi Han quietly withdrew to a corner of the hall, standing alone.

‘Interesting. So the Crown Prince also wished to separate Choi Han and Kale.’

A few nobles allowed themselves subtle smiles at the sight.
An official respectfully handed Alberu, who was now seated, a document wrapped in fine cloth.

Alberu accepted it.
The contents within would surely be the results of the merit awards.

“Mm.”

Alberu unhesitatingly grasped the cord binding the cloth.

Whoosh—
The fabric unraveled, revealing a single sheet of paper within. Simultaneously, the official watching began to speak.

“We now proceed with the merit awards ceremony for those who distinguished themselves in the Heniatus Territory Battle, the Northeast Coastal Battle, and the Canyon of Death Battle against the Caro Kingdom—all great victories for the Roan Kingdom—”
“Wait.”

The official turned to look at the one who had interrupted him.
Creak.
Albert Crossman rose from his seat, cutting off the official’s words. The merit awards document was held in his hand.

The nobles’ gazes snapped toward him at his sudden movement, and Alberu swept his eyes across the video communication device through which the kingdom’s people were watching before he spoke.

“I have made a decision today that I simply cannot accept on my own.”

Kale’s gaze, which had been feigning composure, lifted toward the podium.
In that instant, Alberu’s and Kale’s eyes met.
A sly smile crossed Alberu’s face as he looked toward Kale.

‘…This feels ominous.’

A creeping sense of unease began to bloom within Kale.
There had been a planned scene for today, originally.

‘I’ll set the mood appropriately, then introduce you. So just play along with the rhythm.’
‘Your Highness, you’re not going to overdo it, are you?’
‘No, no. I’ll even prepare what you’re going to say. Then all you need to do is say those words—wouldn’t that be quite convenient?’
‘You’re not going to make me say anything strange, are you?’
‘Ha! I’ll teach you starting now. If the words seem strange to you, then don’t say them. How’s that?’
‘…I suppose so?’
‘Good. And consult with Count Derth and the Countess, then give me your answer to my proposal.’

Because there had been a promise, he wasn’t greatly anxious.

-Human! The Crown Prince is smiling strangely!

Ah, forget it.
Kale simply stopped thinking. Meanwhile, Alberu continued speaking with elegant yet resolute conviction.

“The one whose name should be written at the very top of the merit roster. I have removed his name.”

What?
The nobles stirred. Several gazes turned toward Kale.
The one whose name should be at the very top—it was obvious who that would be.

“Kale Heniatus. I have decided to grant him neither any official position nor any title.”

Alberu sensed the stirring of the nobles and, far away in the plaza, the bewilderment of the kingdom’s people. Savoring the mounting tension, he descended from the podium.

Soon, he passed through the parting crowd and arrived before one person.

“Kale Heniatus, what do you think? Are you satisfied?”

I looked at Alberu, who was smiling before me, and spoke the words I had promised.
It was not a long sentence, and it was appropriately suited to the situation.

“I am satisfied, Your Highness. I hope this honor will be shared with the many soldiers and others who suffered more than I did, and I am content to have safely endured those arduous days. I need nothing else.”

Ah.
Small exclamations escaped from various corners of the hall.

The rumors were true.
Kale Heniatus truly refused both official position and title.
He had wanted it that way.

He even asked that his share be divided among those who had fought alongside him.

‘Is he sincere? Or is there some cunning scheme hidden beneath?’
‘…If that’s genuine, he’s truly remarkable.’
‘He really is a hero.’

Thoughts mixed with admiration filled the hall from all directions.
And the words that punctuated those thoughts flowed from my lips.

“From now on, I simply wish to pray for the peace and wellbeing of Roan.”

I observed the atmosphere while gauging the reactions around me, and added a phrase I had not prepared beforehand.

“Your Highness, I am merely a small person who wishes to live quietly in a peaceful world.”

Surely this would prevent any talk of official positions from arising?
I observed the silent nobles, unaware of the gazes that regarded me as some transcendent sage, and organized my thoughts.
That was when it happened.

Suddenly.

‘Huh?’

Alberu suddenly grasped my hand.

‘What? Why is he doing this?’

My lines are done, so shouldn’t you announce the merits and rewards now?
When Kale naturally revealed his bewilderment at this unexpected turn of events.

Alberu spoke with an moved expression, offering a radiant yet melancholic smile.

“I truly am proud of you, Kale. You are truly a source of pride to me.”

The Crown Prince used an exceptionally casual tone with Kale in this official setting, yet no one had the chance to notice it.

“I am truly delighted to have such a precious younger brother as you.”

Younger brother?
A precious younger brother at that?
At Alberu’s following words, the nobility erupted in silent astonishment, while the Dukes, Marquises, and highest-ranking officials each displayed resignation and intrigue according to what they already knew.

‘You said you wouldn’t overdo it? This is overdoing it, isn’t it?’

Kale also broke into silent astonishment as he stared at Alberu, but Alberu’s face remained one of emotion, pure emotion.

“There is no one in this world as virtuous, righteous, and free from greed as our younger brother.”

What nonsense is this?
Who is he talking about?

Me?
He’s saying that about me?

-The Crown Prince must have been away for so long that he’s confused, but I know humans are good! The Crown Prince is good too! He’s not doing this just because I give him lots of cookies!

Sigh.
Kale was utterly speechless.
He kept his mouth firmly shut as he watched the moved Alberu, his father Derth nodding with a satisfied expression, and his mother Viollan.
Choi Han’s lips twitched upward—a curious quirk that was visible as a bonus.

“Younger brother. In this touching moment, I wish to hear your voice. Won’t you call me ‘brother’ just once?”

Kale watched as Alberu went beyond overdoing it, performing a theatrical scene as if they were siblings reunited after a hundred years, and he reflected.

Ah.
This is driving me insane.

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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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