Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 437

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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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—Human, why is the Crown Prince acting so strangely? It’s odd.

Right?
Raon, doesn’t it seem odd to you as well?
Kale Heniatus found himself agreeing with Raon’s words even as a melancholy settled over him.

He was in a position where he had to dance to the tune of this overly theatrical Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince gazed at me with an expression of profound emotion, but I turned my gaze away from those eyes that held a faint glimmer of mischief, and quietly surveyed my surroundings.

I saw nobles just as bewildered as myself. And not only them. The musicians who had been performing had stopped their music and were staring at me and Alberu, while the Knights standing guard and the servants bustling about the periphery of the hall all looked at us with expressions of shock.

Of course, Marquis Taylor Sten, the head of the Ducal-Marquis household, and Duke Giyel regarded us with pleased smiles, as if finding the situation intriguing.
Marquis Ilan and Duke Orsena, however, wore grave expressions.

‘…This is troublesome.’

The moment my gaze swept across the hall and landed on one final point, my expression darkened with unease.

Uuuuuung—
A faint vibration accompanied the shimmering communication crystal.

This scene was being broadcast in real time to the Roan Capital Square. And soon this spectacle would seep among the citizens gathered there and become visible to foreigners observing from within their midst.
Within moments, this scene would spread across the entire Western Continent.

‘Damn it.’

I offered Alberu a strained smile and spoke to him. Of course, I naturally attempted to extract my hand from his grip.

“Your Highness, everyone seems quite startled.”
“Ah.”

Alberu feigned surprise as if he had only just realized, glancing around before he spoke.

“A few days ago, I made a sworn brotherhood oath with Kale Heniatus. Though I am of the Royal Family and he is of House Heniatus, and thus we are not bound by blood, I was so moved by his devotion—his singular focus on the kingdom and peace—that I asked him to become my sworn brother.”

Words flowed effortlessly from Alberu’s lips—a tongue well-oiled and practiced.
The nobles could not hide their confusion at the sight.

‘Who would believe such words!’

Not a single noble accepted Alberu’s claim that he had simply been moved to become sworn brothers.

‘Ha! As if the Crown Prince would be such a man!’

Albert Crossman was one who smiled while remaining more calculating than anyone else. For such a man to speak of being moved? Of peace? It was laughable and utterly unconvincing.

The nobles’ minds began to spiral into complexity.

‘…Kale Heniatus is the sworn brother of the next king!’
‘We shouldn’t have been happy about removing Choi Han! The Crown Prince currently has no maternal relatives backing him. But if the rapidly rising House Heniatus and the Northeast nobles become the Crown Prince’s supporters, then!’

Crown Prince Alberu currently held military forces and authority that even the King himself could not easily overlook, so the nobles kept themselves bent low in deference.
Especially those from the Central and Southeast factions who were not favorably disposed toward the Crown Prince.

Yet they held onto one belief.

A king cannot stand alone.

Alberu, who would become the next king. He possessed no backing woven together by blood, regional ties, or school connections. Because of this, the nobles believed that a moment would come when their own power grew, and they remained prostrate in anticipation.

Yet now they found themselves facing Albert Crossman, who had acquired the youngest Sword Master through school ties and Kale Heniatus through sworn brotherhood.

‘…A frightening man.’

One noble, whose judgment of situations was relatively sharp, felt fear crystallize in his gaze as he looked upon Alberu.
Fear of the Crown Prince’s cunning in binding heroes whose names resounded across the entire Western Continent and beyond Roan to his side.
Fear of that cold-blooded judgment—granting the two heroes only hollow positions without actual authority.

The noble could only watch Albert Crossman and this situation with dread.

Before his eyes lay the truth.
Albert Crossman’s power, his strength, had become even more solidified.

And pity stirred in his gaze as he looked upon Kale and Choi Han. As a noble with quite a sharp mind, his thoughts differed considerably from the other nobles who gazed upon the two men now elevated to the positions of the King’s sworn brother and master with admiration and envy.

‘I fell for the Crown Prince’s honeyed words.’

A mentor and sworn brother.
A position with no power, no authority whatsoever.
In the eyes of the nobility, all they saw was a Crown Prince who had seduced two inexperienced young men with promises of honor, and the foolish youths who had swallowed his bait whole.

‘Still children, so they’re intoxicated with heroic fantasies. That’s why they fell so easily for a position that’s nothing but a title!’

How terrifying the Crown Prince was.
The nobleman gazed at Kale and Choi Han with pitying eyes.
At the same time, he made a resolution.

‘Choi Han is no longer worth worrying about. But Kale Heniatus—he’s the one to watch from now on.’

That man must never gain an official position!

He would surely move for the Crown Prince above all others. No matter what achievements Kale might accomplish in the future, he must never be granted a position or title.

This sentiment aligned perfectly with what most of the nobility were thinking at that very moment.

‘…Kale Heniatus must be prevented from gaining any significant power.’

In this political arena, in this struggle for power, he must not be allowed to gain influence.
If the House Heniatus cannot be stopped, then Kale himself must be.

A resolute determination began to spread quietly among the nobility.

One person spoke with apparent obliviousness to this entire atmosphere.

“Though it saddens me to have removed your name from the list of merit rewards, I am truly delighted to have you stand beside me as my brother. Is this not so?”

Only one thought occupied Kale’s mind as he heard these words.

‘How much longer will this continue?’

Yet Kale had to play along. A smile graced his lips for the first time that day.
That smile, unlike his weary expression, appeared quite genuine. His voice, bright and earnest, answered with humble gratitude.

“I am honored as well, brother.”

The nobles observed his humble and seemingly innocent demeanor and formed their own conclusions.

‘A truly pure-hearted hero….’
‘Being manipulated by the Crown Prince!’
‘…This is unexpected. Kale Heniatus actually seems like someone who genuinely aspires to be a hero?’
‘Politics is going to flow in strange directions.’

Meanwhile, Kale quietly stepped back and withdrew his hand.

Smoothly.
Alberu released his hand without resistance, and only then did Kale let out a relieved, crooked smile.

‘Freedom at last.’

My work here was done.
Kale thought he could now simply enjoy the banquet at his leisure. Looking around, the nobles had grown quiet, unlike before, which put his mind even further at ease.

“Brother.”

Then came Basen’s whisper. At the soft voice, Kale turned his head.

“You really do want to live quietly, don’t you?”
“Hm? That’s right, isn’t it?”
“…I see.”

Basen, who had studied political science diligently, came to understand that his brother was a truly pure soul.
Intelligent, yet self-sacrificing and pure. He had found another reason to protect him.

‘Perhaps someone so pure dreams not of difficult politics or power, but simply of world peace and a quiet life.’

Basen gazed at him silently with a wistful expression, but Kale merely rubbed his stomach discreetly with his palm.

-Human! Look, look! The chocolate is dripping from that cake over there! What kind of magnificent cake is that?

Indeed.
I was hungry.
The emotional shock from Crown Prince Alberu had left me with nothing but hunger.
With a vacant expression, I waited for the ceremony of honors to end.

‘…Truly a face devoid of greed. Is this genuine?’

The nobles continued to observe him with keen interest, but Kale, overwhelmed by annoyance, paid them no mind whatsoever.

“Then let us proceed with the announcement of merits and rewards!”

Alberu, who had taken his place on the platform, and an administrator who glanced at him, announced the beginning of the merit ceremony.

“This announcement will proclaim both the details of each achievement and its corresponding reward! I shall announce the achievements and recipients on behalf of the Crown Prince, and His Highness will personally bestow the honors.”

At last, the merits and rewards began to be announced in order of their significance, flowing from the administrator’s lips.

“For distinguished service in the Canyon of Death battle, representing the Roan Kingdom. General soldiers of the Magic Corps—Kepai, Rabbit, Meu—”

One by one, they took their place on the platform, and Alberu shook hands with each of them, presenting their rewards.

“Thank you.”
“Not at all! Your Highness, we merely did what was required of us!”

Those called forth grasped Alberu’s hands firmly and responded spiritedly to his gratitude, and the sight was nothing but heartwarming.
As the announcements continued, the warmth only grew stronger.

Roooaaaar—

Though the hall’s entrance was sealed, the cheers of the kingdom’s people seemed to echo from far away.

Yet the nobles were tense. Their hearts pounded ever more forcefully.
Then the administrator’s voice rang out.

“For distinguished service in the naval battle of the Caro Kingdom, representing the Roan Kingdom, defeating the enemy’s fierce warriors and earning the greatest merit in the purification of dead mana!”

Now it begins.
New powers are about to emerge.

“The Dark Elf Warriors. Representing them—Tasha!”

A woman reminiscent of black pearls ascended toward the platform where the Crown Prince stood.
Alberu looked down at Tasha, his aunt, from one step above. The two faced each other, exchanging a smile that only they could perceive.
Alberu’s lips parted.

“Tasha, representative of the Dark Elves who shall become Roan’s new strength. I bestow upon you the rank of Baron.”

A sharp intake of breath.
Several nobles gasped audibly.
For the first time, a peerage had been granted.

‘The Crown Prince is truly drawing the Dark Elves into the kingdom!’
‘Has he learned nothing from the Mogur Empire’s fate?’
‘Nobility bestowed upon such a base race!’

The nobles’ discontent, unlike before, began seeping openly to the surface.
In that moment, Alberu offered Tasha a bitter smile and spoke.

“However, this barony is non-hereditary, and no fiefdom shall be granted.”

A title that could not be passed to heirs.
And a baron without lands.
The nobles’ burning discontent faltered slightly. Only then did they understand why their faction leaders had remained silent.

‘Mere window dressing.’

They realized the Dark Elves had been drawn in as nothing more than a facade.

Yet Alberu’s true intentions were different.
Before these nobles and the kingdom’s people, he could not speak openly, but gazing into the eyes of the aunt who had raised him like a son, he made a silent vow.

‘This is merely the beginning. Next time, I shall surely create a land where the Dark Elves can live freely beneath the sunlight.’

A hereditary title, not a non-hereditary one. And a fiefdom—a truly excellent one—I will prepare it all.

Tasha, understanding her nephew’s heart, drew a gentle smile.

“Thank you, Your Highness. For the peace of Roan.”

With a measured bow, the Dark Elf withdrew.
Yet the announcements that followed left the nobles unable to remain composed.

A group of nobles began to stir.

“Count Chester’s household shall be exempt from taxes for three years, and the young lord Gilbert Chester shall receive the position of Grand Admiral of the Naval Procurement Division as recognition of his achievements.”

Rewards and official positions were bestowed upon the Northeast’s Count Chester household and its young lord.

“Amir Ubar and Eric Wheelsman. Both shall be appointed as Left and Right Chief Advisors of the Naval Staff, the highest positions in the Naval Command.”

The positions of Chief Naval Advisors were granted to Eric and Amir, the young lords of the Northeast’s Wheelsman Count Family and Ubar Count Family respectively.

“The Ubar Count Family shall henceforth be elevated to Duke status.”

Ubar, who had ruled the fiefdom where the largest naval force was stationed, was now promoted to Duke Ubar.
Beyond this, the Northeast nobles who had participated in the war began receiving various honors and official positions.

The distribution of positions was particularly exquisite.

It was comparable to the four factions that currently dominated the noble society and government positions.
To anyone’s eye, another faction had clearly been formed.

‘…Only a leader.’

If only those Northeasterners had a leader to unite them.
A powerful new faction would be established in Roan.
It might very well become the strongest force in Roan at present.

Not a single person dared to speak.

“From now on, I shall take the lead.”

However, the Crown Prince did not give them time to collect themselves.

“In the two battles waged across the Roan Kingdom—the Heniatus Territory Campaign and the Northeast Naval Battle—there are three individuals who have achieved the greatest merit.”

Three people.
The nobles drew in their breath.
The eyes of the kingdom’s citizens gathered in the plaza gleamed with anticipation.
This was the moment everyone had been waiting for.

“These heroes, serving under the Roan Kingdom, have recorded the greatest achievements in the battles of the Caro Kingdom and the Valley of Death in Breck Kingdom, becoming the very heart of Roan and protecting the peace of the Western Continent from the Indomitable Alliance. Moreover, they are heroes who continue to stand against the wars and dangers unfolding across the Western Continent, moving solely for the sake of peace and security.”

It was an extraordinary achievement.
A magnificent feat unseen in nearly three centuries.

“Merry, Choi Han, and Kale Heniatus. These three individuals.”

The noble closed his eyes tightly.

“Geniuses of such caliber appear scarcely once in an age, and they are great heroes besides. In all of Roan’s history, no heroes have ever achieved such magnificent feats as these three.”

A peculiar warmth and chill swept through the hall.

“They rejected both titles and positions.”

So the rumors were true after all.
The nobles nodded at the news that even Merry had refused.

Alberu gazed down at them. He had not spoken of compensation.

‘Your Highness, both Merry and Choi Han have requests they wish to make.’
‘Is that so?’
‘Yes, shall we grant them their wishes?’
‘Very well. And you?’
‘A golden badge.’
‘Granted.’

Choi Han and Merry had no desire for titles or positions, yet each had their own requests for compensation. Alberu naturally granted their wishes.

“I have graciously accepted their petitions.”

At Alberu’s measured words, the nobles exhaled in relief.

“Phew.”

None of the three would encroach upon our interests.
Such was their thought.

“However, I have determined that this would set a troubling precedent.”

“Hmm? You say it’s not good?”
The nobleman’s eyes widened.

“Those who have sacrificed their bodies and minds for everyone deserve more than mere gratitude. I, Alberu Crossman, will not settle for such a thing.”

It was the honest conviction of his heart.

“I believe that every single life—those who toil for this Roan Kingdom, every citizen watching this broadcast—is precious and invaluable. Therefore, I wish to offer them proper compensation.”

Refuse and then offer compensation? Did they understand?
As the nobles’ confusion deepened, Alberu continued, standing tall and resolute.

“And these three individuals have agreed to this intention.”

His gaze fixed upon one place.

“The house to which these three currently belong.”

Ah.
A sound escaped—whether admiration or a sigh, none could say.

“The house that represented Roan in the Indomitable Alliance War and achieved a great victory in battle. The house that demonstrated tremendous power in the Northeast naval campaign and likewise contributed to a great victory.”

Alberu’s voice grew stronger with each word.

“A house that would not be overstated to say it alone protected Roan!”

One person’s eyes met Alberu’s gaze.

“Derth Heniatus!”

Count Derth slowly bowed.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

And as he slowly straightened, meeting Alberu’s eyes once more.
The moment the nobles drew breath, swallowing their tension.

Alberu’s lips parted.

“From this day forth, the Roan Kingdom has given birth to another ducal house.”

Gasps of shock rippled through the hall.
They had suspected, but never imagined he would grant a dukedom instead of a marquessate!
Astonishment etched itself across the nobles’ faces.
Yet Alberu posed his question to Derth with perfect composure.

“What do you think?”

But his gaze was fixed upon the nobles gathered in the hall. His eyes were cold and merciless, and they averted their stares. Some opened their mouths as if to protest.

Creeeeak.
At that moment, the servants threw open all the windows and doors of the hall in unison.

Roooaaarrr—
Roooaaarrr—

From the distant plaza, the genuine roar of the kingdom’s people rang out clearly to every ear in the chamber. It was a cheer brimming with excitement and joy.

‘…So that’s why he broadcast the ceremony to the plaza!’
‘He laid the groundwork with Choi Han, Merry, and Kale Heniatus to establish House Heniatus as a ducal family!’

Disappointment washed over most of the nobles’ faces.
In contrast, the Northeast Nobles and those allied with them wore expressions of unmistakable delight.

‘We’ve been outmaneuvered…!’
‘…The Crown Prince has made House Heniatus his backing!’

Nobles hung their heads in defeat throughout the hall.

Roooaaarrr—

Yet the jubilant roar continued to pour in, filling the chamber.

Today, the future King of Roan’s mentor and sworn brother had emerged.

And a new ducal house had been born in the Roan Kingdom.
House Heniatus.

This news spread swiftly to the neighboring kingdoms.
It reached the ears of the White Star as well.

-Human, I’m hungry!

Even now, Kale rubbed his belly and pondered.

‘Perhaps I can just live as a ne’er-do-well of the Duke’s household—no, rather as an idle layabout of the Duke’s estate?’

It sounded rather appealing.
It was the finest profession of all.

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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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