Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 440

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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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“Quite a cozy and quiet place, isn’t it?”

Kale Heniatus said this while surveying his surroundings.

The destination of the teleportation was a small reception room. Though it was adorned with the exotic yet antiquated decorations characteristic of the Caro Kingdom, its size was far too modest for a place befitting a Crown Prince.

“Isn’t a discreet location fitting for a discreet conversation?”

Prince Valentino spoke in a friendly manner as he accepted a teacup from his escort knight.
Inside the cramped reception room were only Valentino’s closest confidants and Kale’s party.

“Come, sit and let us talk. I’ve made certain no outside sounds can reach this place.”

The door remained firmly shut, and the large window on the western side of the reception room was also closed.
Valentino spoke to Kale as he settled into the sofa.

“Do you know how quietly I traveled from the Royal Palace to this city just to see you?”

Kale recalled the moment when he had shared a meal alone with Prince Valentino.
The Mogur Empire. That Crown Prince who had spoken of how satisfying it would be to witness the downfall of Crown Prince Adin, who had betrayed him, had matured considerably in the time since.

“I had no idea you held me in such regard. How touching.”

Kale replied lightly and took his seat across from Valentino.

“It’s nothing compared to what the Caro Kingdom has received from you and the Roan Kingdom.”

Thud.
In that moment, a dull sound reached Valentino’s ears. His gaze shifted toward the table.

“…The Golden Seal.”

It was the special golden seal of Albert Crown Prince.
The faint smile that had been playing on Valentino’s lips vanished.

“I’ve heard the general details. This ‘White Star’ who is behind all of this—he’s coming to the Caro Kingdom?”

Where the smile had vanished, quiet fury began to reveal itself bit by bit.

“Remarkable. Do you know how shocked I was to hear those words from Prince Albertu? Truly, I thought only the Empire was involved in the naval battle with the Indomitable Alliance that threw our Caro Kingdom into chaos.”

Prince Valentino’s fingers trembled slightly as he gripped the teacup.
In a way, he was the most human among the crown princes Kale knew.

“There exists someone even greater than those two? And his name is the White Star?”

I had already heard rumors spreading across the Western Continent about myself and the White Star. However, it was only the information common folk knew, and I could learn the details through Albertu.

That night when Valentino heard from Albertu about the existence of the “White Star” and all the incidents he was involved in.
A secret meeting was held in the Royal Palace at the heart of the Caro Kingdom.
Most of the kingdom’s citizens, nobles, and officials had no idea such a secret meeting was taking place.
This was because Valentino had heeded Albertu’s request.

‘I would appreciate it if information about the White Star heading toward the Caro Kingdom could be kept as secret as possible. After all, he has planted his forces even within the Mogur Empire. That is why I am handling information about him with strict confidentiality even within Roun.’

Valentino announced the results of the meeting.

“The Caro Kingdom, with me, Valentino, as its representative, has decided to accept the request of Prince Albert Crossman and our benefactor, Prince Kale.”

What Albertu and Kale had asked for.

“We will turn a blind eye to your battle with the White Star in the Land of Death. And—”

He hesitated for a moment before continuing.

“And we will not interfere. We will not enter the battlefield separately.”

From the Caro Kingdom’s perspective, this was a battle occurring on their own land. Moreover, in a sense, the White Star was their enemy.
Therefore, to declare that the Caro Kingdom would not involve itself in the battle as Albertu and Kale had requested was not only a blow to pride but also somewhat—no, quite—embarrassing.

Because the request not to interfere meant.

‘…that our kingdom’s strength would be utterly useless in a battle against this being called the White Star.’

Valentino felt a bitter taste in his mouth, wondering if the Caro Kingdom’s power was truly so insignificant.

“Furthermore, I shall permit the forces of Roun, including the Dark Elves, to traverse Caro Kingdom for this battle.”

A leader forced to allow foreign troops to move through their own lands for a war fought on their soil—a bitter position indeed.
Prince Valentino found himself unable to laugh.

“Your Highness.”

At the sound of Kale Heniatus’s quiet voice calling to me, I forced a smile and hastily continued speaking.

“Thank you. I’ve heard that the White Star is exceptionally strong. I’ve heard there are Black Mages among those who follow him. Yet you’ve stepped forward to face them in battle—I wanted to express my gratitude on behalf of my kingdom.”

Kale Heniatus listened quietly to Prince Valentino’s words while observing his expression.

—Human, didn’t we actually lure the White Star to the Land of Death ourselves?

Raon’s voice echoed in my mind.

Just as Raon said, I had guided the White Star to the Land of Death.
That fact was naturally hidden from Caro Kingdom.

Otherwise, Caro Kingdom would have turned hostile toward me and Roun Kingdom, becoming uncooperative.

‘Of course, even if I hadn’t lured the White Star, he would have targeted Caro Kingdom at least once.’

The three locations where the White Star anticipated the power of the final land would exist were Southern Caro Kingdom, the Whale Tribe Land, and the Northwestern Region of Roun Kingdom.

Though I forced myself to smile, I felt a pang of sympathy for Prince Valentino’s bitter expression. Yet there was nothing I could do about it.
I suddenly recalled what Alberu had said about this matter.

‘Why worry about Caro Kingdom’s feelings? When you think about it, we’re the ones suffering, aren’t we? Or rather, you are—my aunt and the Dark Elves.’

Alberu was absolutely certain.

‘Prince Valentino and the Royal Palace may feel insulted. But pride is never worth more than the lives of Caro Kingdom’s people. So he’ll definitely express his gratitude, won’t he?’

True to his prediction, Prince Valentino thanked Kale Heniatus.
It was quite sincere.
And so I responded with equal sincerity.

“Your Highness, thank you for hearing my request.”

Prince Valentino offered a somewhat more relaxed smile—not to Albert Crown Prince’s proxy, but to Kale Heniatus himself.

“Not at all. You are the true hero here.”

Kale’s expression wavered for a moment, but Valentino continued with sincerity.

“To be honest, what riches and glory would you gain by fighting in Caro Kingdom? It is only you and your companions who bear the hardship.”

His eyes gazing upon Choi Han and Kale brimmed with warmth, yet his heart grew heavy at the thought of his kingdom’s inability to stand alongside these heroes.
That was when it happened.

“If you believe it is hardship…”

At Kale’s words, Valentino’s gaze turned toward him.

“Then next time, please lend us your aid. I believe it would be far better if Caro Kingdom fought alongside us.”
“…Next time, you ask for our help?”
“Yes. Is that an unreasonable request?”

Watching Kale meet my gaze with such composure, Valentino’s lips gradually curved upward. The forced smile he had worn moments before vanished.

“Not at all. It is no unreasonable request whatsoever. Next time, Caro Kingdom shall fight alongside you.”
“Yes, I shall trust in your word.”

A hero—one becoming a hero—had asked to fight together next time.
From that single fact alone, Valentino felt he could envision Caro Kingdom’s future, its tomorrow. For in Kale’s voice and eyes lay an unwavering certainty that next time, he would stand with Caro Kingdom.

‘That conviction carries within it the belief that our kingdom will grow stronger.’

Since the war of the Indomitable Alliance, Valentino’s heart had grown bitter and aching from relying upon external forces. Now, a powerful resolve took root within him.
He straightened his shoulders slightly and continued speaking.

“Ahem, in any case, I shall grant all of your requests, but we cannot simply sit idle either.”
“Of course. I understand.”

As Kale nodded in agreement, Valentino raised his hand. At that signal, a Knight moved toward the reception room’s sole window.

The large window opened immediately.

Clang.
With a crisp sound, the opened window revealed the view beyond.

“This is the highest floor of the tallest building in this city.”

My gaze turned toward the window.

—Human! Isn’t that the Land of Death far in the distance? That’s kind Merry’s neighborhood!

Far, very far away, I could faintly see a midday desert covered in reddish sand.

“I plan to wait here in Yengen City with the Caro Kingdom Knights and the Court Mages.”

Yengen.
A city that lay just beyond Dubori Territory, which bordered the Land of Death—the most developed city in this region.

“If the White Star and his subordinates were to inflict real damage upon Dubori Territory or harm the people of the Caro Kingdom!”

Valentino’s voice grew firm.

“Then I shall take these knights and mages and fight the White Star immediately.”

A declaration that he would fight if the kingdom’s people were harmed. I nodded in agreement to those words.

“A fitting course of action, Your Highness.”
“Indeed.”

A brief silence descended.
Having established the main course of action, this silence came naturally. After a moment, Valentino broke the quiet.

“I hope you return safely without injury. I cannot forget the formidable power of those Dark Elves crossing the Land of Death. It was truly magnificent.”

Valentino offered words of encouragement, and I lowered my head in gratitude before raising it again.

—Human! Dark Elves originally live in the Land of Death! The Crown Prince knows nothing, so he’s pitiful!

Letting Raon’s words pass by, I opened my mouth to speak.

“Your Highness, I shall take my leave now.”
“Very well.”

I watched Prince Valentino rise and recalled a conversation we had shared in the past.
During the battle for the Caro Kingdom, I had spoken to Prince Valentino about the Land of Death.

‘Your Highness, are you aware of the people who flee to the Land of Death?’

To the unknowing Prince Valentino, I revealed the truth.

‘They cannot sustain themselves within their fiefdoms and cannot bear the tax burden, so they flee to the desert instead. They rush toward that desert from which no one is said to return alive.’
‘What? To the Land of Death? And the fiefdom residents are fleeing because the taxes are too high?’

Prince Valentino had been astonished upon hearing this unfamiliar truth, and he seemed to burn with indignation.

And after the war ended, peace descended upon the Caro Kingdom.
This morning, I recalled what Tasha had said.

‘The taxes? They remain unchanged. Even now, fiefdom residents are crossing the city walls and fleeing into the desert. I hear the taxes keep rising? They say life in Dubori Territory has become unbearable.’

Prince Valentino is truly a human being.
That is why he can be a good person, yet sometimes he becomes a poor crown prince.

‘I hear the Lord of Dubori’s relative holds tremendous power in the central court. They say this person is an enormous asset to Prince Valentino? So it would be difficult for Prince Valentino to reprimand the Lord of Dubori over the taxes, wouldn’t it?’

Tasha spoke with a smile.

‘Young master, once the Caro Kingdom learns of the underground city, it matters little that they call us Dark Elves their soldiers.’

The Dark Elves had insisted strongly that the underground city must not be discovered by the Caro Kingdom in this battle.

‘Do you know what the greatest problem is? The fiefdom residents who fled to escape taxes. When the Caro Kingdom people discover them? They will surely impose severe punishment according to kingdom law. After that, they must return to their original fiefdoms.’

In the Caro Kingdom, those who fled to escape taxes faced harsh penalties, and they had to repay those taxes along with added fines.

‘Well, Prince Valentino could simply let the fugitives go. But who knows? I cannot say for certain. He is a crown prince whose nature—good or evil—remains unknowable.’
‘Young master, our underground city was not created by the Caro Kingdom. It is our own land, built by our own people.’

A city where Dark Elves and humans lived in harmony.
The people there hoped it would remain forever hidden from the world.

“Prince Kale Heniatus.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”

Prince Valentino extended his hand.

“You will win. Roun has that formidable Necromancer, the youngest Sword Master here, and Prince Kale Heniatus—what could you possibly fear?”

Kale Heniatus grasped the hand offered in greeting.

—No! Merry’s homeland is here!

Right. That formidable Necromancer set foot in the Land of Death and ultimately conquered even death itself.
Kale Heniatus spoke, thinking of the countless Merrys who had raced across the desert without looking back, and of the Crown Prince before him who had led knights and mages to protect his own people.

“Yes, we have nothing to fear.”

Kale Heniatus released his hand first.

“There will be no casualties among our people.”

We simply do what we can.
That was how Kale Heniatus—selfish and of questionable character—kept “us” as “us.”

“Then I shall take my leave.”
“Yes. Contact me if there’s anything I can help with—”

Prince Valentino’s words never reached their end.

Boom!
The floor of the reception room trembled.

“Your Highness!”

The knights rushed to steady the swaying Prince Valentino, surrounding him urgently as they entered a state of heightened alert.

—Human!

Raon’s startled voice reached my ears.
At the same moment, Choi Han steadied Kale Heniatus as he stumbled.

“Lord Kale Heniatus.”
“…Damn it all.”

A curse slipped from my lips unbidden. Yet no one dared to reprimand me for uttering such words before the Crown Prince.

“What is that?”

Prince Valentino’s gaze remained fixed beyond the expansive window, unwavering.

The vast desert sprawling across the Southwestern Caro Kingdom.
The place known as the Land of Death.
That desolate and barren expanse that appeared beyond Yengen City and the Dubori Territory.

Boom!
The reception hall—no, the very earth itself—trembled violently once more. Even amidst the chaos, Prince Valentino gazed out the window toward the desert and spoke.

“…Is that not fire?”

A land covered by crimson sand during the day and black sand at night.
From that place, a massive inferno surged skyward.

—Human! I received a message from the kind Tasha!

I let out a dry chuckle.
The source of that flame was undoubtedly him.

“…He struck first.”

The White Star had launched the opening attack.
With roughly a day and a half remaining before the dead mana smoke would rise.

“I shall depart at once.”
“Y-yes! Go quickly!”

I burst through the reception hall doors in haste.
I could not perform a teleportation through Raon before them. I stepped into the corridor, confirmed it was empty, and swiftly issued instructions to Raon.

“Raon, get me a communication crystal.”
-Understood!

Thanks to Valentino clearing the top floor for my meeting with Kale, I didn’t need to worry about prying eyes.
Whirrrr.
The communication crystal materialized in the air and descended into my hand, already connecting.

Boom! Crash!
Even so, the ground trembled beneath us.

“These tremors are relentless.”

I had no time to respond to Choi Han’s sigh.
What in the world was happening in the desert to cause vibrations strong enough to reach us here?

-Young master.

I quickly spoke at the sound of Tasha’s voice.

“Is the city alright? What’s this ominous feeling?”

I asked urgently, relieved at least that the Underground City’s residents had evacuated.

“The tremors are intense—the city won’t collapse, will it?”
-What are you talking about?
“Huh?”

My hurried footsteps came to an abrupt halt.

-What ominous feeling? What tremors? It’s quiet here.
“…What?”

Through the communication crystal, I could see Tasha’s bewildered face. I looked up, and Choi Han wore the same expression of confusion as I felt.

-I contacted you to ask when you’d arrive. I wanted to come greet you.

Listening to Tasha’s calm voice, I turned to Choi Han with a question.

“…Hey, can you see the fire outside?”
“…Yes, Kale Heniatus.”
“What is that fire?”

What in the world were those flames engulfing the desert?
My face twisted in alarm.

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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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