Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 46

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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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Crown Prince Albert caught sight of my expression growing suddenly bitter. He could hear the voice I let slip in that same moment.

“…You’re human, aren’t you?”

My face bore the look of someone questioning why such a thing needed to be asked. Albert let out an involuntary sigh.

“Ha. Yes, that’s right. I’m human.”

I could see Albert’s finger pointing—at both himself and me.

“You and I are both human.”

In that moment, the Black Dragon spoke.

-That is a lie. You are not entirely human.

Dragon. Must you really say such things? I struggled to maintain my composure. However, there existed a fatal disadvantage between the Black Dragon and me. The Black Dragon could speak to me whenever it wished, but I could not respond in kind. It was one-way communication.
My weak magical prowess was my curse.

-In four years of my glorious existence, I have never encountered a being with such an aura.

Four years of existence. In those four years, the Black Dragon had seen only myself, humans, and the cat-kin and Wolf Tribe members it had recently encountered.
The Crown Prince fell outside that scope. I spoke to the Crown Prince, who was watching me intently.

“Indeed. There is nothing particularly special about humans. If we live together, we are human.”

So let us forget what the Black Dragon said. That was my resolve. Crown Prince Albert stared at me with his mouth firmly shut before finally opening it.

“True. Nothing special about it. But here’s the thing.”

But here’s the thing. But. Must I continue hearing such words? As I pondered this, the Crown Prince spoke.

“I was uncertain in the Banquet Hall, but from you—from your vicinity—there emanates a strange scent.”
“…A scent?”

I grew serious.

“I washed just moments ago.”

Crown Prince Albert opened and closed his mouth several times at my serious expression before falling silent. I could see deep furrows etched into his brow—he appeared to be contemplating something. But he quickly dismissed that look and moved to the heart of the matter.

“Since we both already know the full extent of things, there’s no need for unnecessary embellishment. So then, what reward do you desire?”

Alberu asked me while crossing his arms. He had come to visit me so late at night partly because he was occupied with cleanup efforts, but also because he needed to review the dossier on Kale Heniatus.
Yet there had been no dossier. Well, there was one, but it hardly qualified as useful intelligence.

【Famous in the Northeast Region as a wastrel.】
【Completely removed from the line of succession since two years ago, yet shows no discontent whatsoever.】
【No signs of discord within the family.】

Just a wastrel who loved to play, a man who became a beast whenever he drank—Kale Heniatus. That was no dossier. The Kale standing before Alberu was no wastrel.
Look at him now.

“Your Highness, might you first explain what it is you require of me?”

No wastrel would speak such words. The Crown Prince answered honestly.

“I would prefer that you say nothing of this to the nobility.”

That was the most difficult request of all. And this was what the Royal Family was offering compensation to secure. Today’s events were an embarrassment to the Crown. They could not become a point of contention. This was a condition that could only be made precisely because Kale remained neutral as a member of the Heniatus Family.

“And whenever you are asked about the Royal Family, I would appreciate your praise.”
“And regarding Your Highness’s own magnanimous heart as well?”
“Precisely.”

Both Alberu and I lifted one corner of our mouths in a smile. The resemblance between those smiles was quite striking.

“After all, it is ancient power—surely what you displayed today is not all you possess?”
“Indeed. In truth, anything beyond that is rather useless.”

I shrugged as Alberu’s eyes openly scrutinized me while I answered. From what I had read in books, Crown Prince Alberu understood ancient powers better than most. Of course, not as well as I did now, but as the bearer of the Healing Star, he possessed considerable knowledge.
Of course, I didn’t know him as well as I do Kale now, but as a bearer of the “Star of Healing,” I knew him to some extent.

“Now that I think about it, the ‘Star of Healing’ was given by the Crown Prince’s mother, wasn’t it?”

Kale Heniatus suddenly etched a memory that came to mind into his head. The Crown Prince then asked him about a reward. His tone was generous, as if he would listen to anything, and his posture was relaxed.

“What is it you desire? Your family’s advancement? Investment in the Northeast Coastal Area? Or perhaps stabilization of power in the Northeast Region?”

That was why I answered so readily.

“That isn’t mine to take, Your Highness.”
“…Not yours to take?”

I pointed at myself with my finger, meeting Alberu’s steady gaze.

“Give it to me instead.”

What I desired was what I needed for myself.
Alberu fell silent for a moment before letting out a scoff. He had seen through my true nature. I had lived as a reckless fool, yet like all living beings, I harbored the desire to climb higher, to grasp everything within my hands. In the end, what mattered most was not family or those around me—it was myself.

“Then what do you wish to possess? A title? A medal of honor? Do you wish to establish your power base in the Capital?”

Alberu’s expression shifted subtly as he posed the question. Contrary to his expectations, I slowly shook my head. None of those things. And then I spoke a single word.

“Money.”
“…What?”

Alberu hesitated and asked again. For someone like me, whose strongest desire was to live comfortably, I stated precisely what I wanted.

“Give me money. I don’t want medals or titles.”

Cash was always superior. With war on the horizon, what use were titles or medals? It was far more advantageous to accept currency and convert it into provisions, land, and tangible assets.
And the final ancient power I would seek after the “Whisper of the Wind” was one that grew stronger the more money I spent on it.

I could see Crown Prince Alberu covering his eyes with his hand. Then, lowering that hand, he asked me.

“To buy yourself some alcohol?”

I countered his question.

“How did you know?”

Alberu chuckled softly, and with that, my conditions were accepted. He rose from his seat and spoke to me.

“When the report arrives tomorrow, take a look at it and tell me what compensation you desire.”
“Will you be visiting again to check on my recovery?”
“Why? Do you dislike it?”

I answered with a perfectly natural expression.

“It would be an infinite honor, Your Highness.”

At my response, Alberu’s expression twisted as if he’d felt a chill run down his spine. He gestured for me to rest, then promptly left the room and disappeared. I gazed quietly at the closed door after the Crown Prince vanished.

-But even without mana, there exists a power that can dye things? Human, answer me. I am curious.

I ignored the Black Dragon’s words and fell asleep immediately. From now on, I was a patient.

* * *

But I was not a patient who could rest peacefully. From morning, I had to receive Ron’s letter from Hans.

“Ron departed as scheduled.”

I nodded at those words and unfolded the letter.

【Young Master, I will report once a month. I had no idea our Young Master possessed such power. I heard a description of that person from Choi Han. I will remember it. And I have informed Vicross as well.】

Redica would likely die if he caught Ron’s attention. Thinking this, I quietly observed the visitors who came after Hans.

“…I heard you’re in considerable pain.”

Eric Wheelsman. In all my life, I had never seen such a worried and anxious expression. However, I did not say I was fine. One must stay true to their role.

“I have no strength in my body at all.”
“…Kale.”

After sleeping all day, my body truly had no strength.

“And my stomach feels bloated.”

Lying in bed all day eating had left my stomach uncomfortably full. There was no more room for anything. Eric with his gloomy face, Gilbert with his stern expression, and Amir with the look of someone who had resolved themselves to something—the two cats, alternating their gaze between these three and me, shook their heads in disapproval.

“If you need anything, just say the word.”
“That’s right. We’ll get you whatever you need.”

I nodded at their words and asked a question.

“This doesn’t seem to be merely a courtesy visit, does it?”

At my words, Eric exchanged glances with Amir and Gilbert. When both of them nodded, Eric withdrew documents from his breast pocket and handed them to me.

“These are the revised contents regarding the Northeast Coastal Area tourism investment project. I brought them along as part of this visit.”

I turned to the first page of the documents. The first word that caught my eye: Navy. Both Amir and Gilbert appeared to have steeled their resolve.
I glanced at Amir. She smiled brightly. Judging by Eric’s actions, Amir had kept the secret I had asked of her well.

“Word will reach the Heniatus Count Family soon. Along with the proposal.”
“I see. Then you’ll be meeting with the Crown Prince?”
“Yes. We’re scheduled to meet this evening. We can only proceed properly once they show interest first.”

I spoke casually while looking at Amir and Gilbert.

“It will work out well.”

My voice was filled with certainty. Because I was certain. And at those words, the hearts of Eric and the three others found peace. To them, I waved the documents and spoke.

“From now on, you can send such documents through my attendants. It must be difficult to visit. You don’t need to come.”
“No, I’ll keep coming. You need to know everything.”

Seeing Eric, Gilbert, and Amir insist on coming, I nodded vaguely and ushered them out. It was exhausting to receive visitors while bedridden in a patient’s gown. So when the next group entered, I kicked off the blanket and sat up comfortably to greet them.
I spoke to Choi Han, who stood there like a criminal.

“Leave.”

Rosalind bit her lip. She had already dispelled her magic and now revealed her red hair and eyes. She had also removed her robe and wore formal attire instead.

“I’m sorry, Young Master Kale. But I need Choi Han and Rak.”

Now that Rosalind had revealed her identity in the Royal Palace, she had to return to the Breck Kingdom as quickly as possible. With her survival now known, those who had orchestrated the assassination could conceal evidence.
Yet she could not return alone. This incident had exposed her as a high-ranking mage or above, so enemies would adjust their response accordingly. That was why she needed strong allies.

Rak stood at the doorway, keeping his distance and fidgeting with his fingers. Kale observed both Choi Han and Rak before speaking in a matter-of-fact tone.

“What is there to apologize for? Rosalind, you helped us through difficult times. So we should help you in return.”

“Rosalind is Rak’s older sister and Choi Han’s friend, isn’t she?”

“Isn’t Rosalind Rak’s older sister and Choi Han’s friend?”
“…Thank you for saying that.”

Though Rosalind had faced death during this assassination attempt, she was certain that at least these moments would become a turning point in her life.
Kale watched Choi Han step forward.

“Lord Kale, I should be the one protecting you.”
“Choi Han.”

Kale needed Choi Han to leave so I could move more freely and prepare for hiding during the coming war. Choi Han could see Kale’s characteristic relaxed smile.

“I will never die.”

I would accumulate wealth and become strong enough to flee comfortably, living at ease and enjoying a full lifespan. Besides, I have the Dragon, and now Choi Han insists on protecting me. Choi Han himself was a burden.

“I see. I was worrying needlessly.”

Kale turned his gaze from the now-relieved Choi Han and beckoned Rak with a finger. At that gesture, Rak hesitated before shuffling forward cautiously. Why was this timid fellow so shrunken? But Kale had no intention of dwelling on such reactions.

“Rak, I will look after your siblings. Go now and return to my territory in three months.”
“…Pardon?”
“What do you mean ‘pardon’? Did you forget our agreement?”
“Ah.”

Kale handed a map to the dazed Rak, recalling the moment he would need to use this fellow. It was a map of the Northeast Region territory he had received from Hans.

“Heniatus. Come there. Your siblings and I will be waiting. You must return.”
“…A place to return to—”

Dissatisfied with Rak’s dazed murmuring, Kale gripped his shoulder firmly and spoke. I needed this fellow to come for things to go smoothly.

“Yes, a place to return to. Remember it well. Within three months.”
“Y-yes! I will definitely return within three months!”

After Rak nodded vigorously in understanding, Kale felt a wave of relief wash over him. The story had already deviated considerably from what he knew, but he still hoped it would follow the general trajectory to some degree.
That way, his knowledge would continue to prove useful. He regretted not being able to send Vicross along as well, but he could always send him together with Ron once the latter returned from his leave.

Kale lay in bed with a peace of mind he hadn’t felt in a long time, observing his companions scattered throughout his room, when Hans opened the door and stepped inside.
Hans glanced at Choi Han standing guard before the door like a knight, Rak playing with the cats, Rosalind leisurely reading a magical tome, and finally Kale reclining against the bed with a languid air—then he approached Kale quietly.

And he spoke softly.

“Your Majesty the King wishes to bestow a medal upon you, Young Master.”

In that instant, all movement in the room ceased.
Hans then produced a document, which contained information about the rumors circulating regarding the Plaza terror incident. The moment Kale received the papers and read the first line, he uttered a single word.

【The Young Master Kale Heniatus, inheritor of the pride of the Heniatus Family that guards the Kingdom from the Dark Forest】

“Sigh.”

It was a deep exhale.
He had anticipated it, but this was beyond ridiculous.

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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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