Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 480

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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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Click.
Kale Heniatus closed the reception room door and recalled what Sherit and Raon had just said to him.

‘Kale. I’ll wrap up this conversation as quickly as possible, so go see the World Tree.’
‘That’s right! And human, I’m coming with you!’

I decided to head to the World Tree as quickly as I could.
I walked down the corridor, glancing around to see where the others were.

I had told Choi Han and the Dragon Hybrid to go elsewhere, so there was a high probability they were together. I searched for them and soon found them.

“…What are you doing?”

I looked at Choi Han and the Dragon Hybrid as if I had witnessed something peculiar.

“Ahem. Lord Kale, you see…”

Choi Han’s face bore an unusual expression of embarrassment, and he stopped mid-motion as he reached to scratch his cheek with his hand.
His hands were completely covered in white flour dough.

I could see the flour dough clearly.
Whether the water ratio had failed, the dough existed in such a peculiar state that it was impossible to distinguish whether it was dough, water, or some strange slime. Nothing made from it would succeed.

“Ahem.”

And the Dragon Hybrid quietly cleared his throat.

“…What are you doing?”

The Dragon Hybrid was wiping his eyes, which glistened with tears, with his sleeve.
…He had been peeling onions.

“I’m truly… sorry.”

Seeing the Dragon Hybrid apologize with a dejected expression, looking quite pitiful, my words caught in my throat once more. This one was a formidable opponent in a different sense than Guardian Knight Clophe. His talent for rendering people speechless was extraordinary.
The mad Clophe would have been preferable; this Dragon Hybrid presented a far greater challenge.

“Ha!”

Kale couldn’t help but let out an exasperated sigh.
The Dragon Hybrid glanced nervously at Kale before speaking carefully.

“…I came to the kitchen to do what I could. I was going to ask Vicross for something to do, but he wasn’t there. So I thought I’d at least prepare the ingredients.”

Kale’s gaze shifted toward Choi Han.

“…I was just going to try cooking something.”
“What were you trying to make?”
“…Sujebi.”
“What?”
“…I thought the ingredients were all available here, so….”

Kale’s face contorted.

Sujebi?
That sujebi from Korea?
Making sujebi with that flour dough?
It seemed like he’d end up making flour porridge instead of sujebi.

“I thought it would take quite some time for a response to come from the Lord’s Castle once Vicross goes to report to Harris Village. But when I went to find Rak earlier, On and Hong said they were hungry.”

Vicross would take a while to arrive, and On and Hong had told Choi Han they were hungry.
And Rak and the children, who had returned from training, would surely be famished.

Furthermore, Choi Han had wanted to ask the others for help, but both Kale and Sherit looked far too serious. Something had clearly happened because of the Dragon Hybrid, but the atmosphere wasn’t right to ask questions carelessly.

In the end, Choi Han had been watching the Dragon Hybrid prepare ingredients when his eyes fell upon the flour, and he reached for it.

“…It seems I have no talent for cooking.”
“…I’m sorry. I was trying to help Choi Han by preparing ingredients as he instructed, but I’m clumsy.”

Oh, my head.
Kale grabbed his head with both hands.
While he’d been worrying about the Demon Realm and the White Star, seeing the state of these two made his frustration boil over for entirely different reasons.

‘Why did he use so much flour?’

I’m not sure where he found such a large basin, but it overflowed with flour-water mixture. At Kale’s exasperated expression, Choi Han’s head drooped toward the ground.

‘And wait—is he making onion soup instead of sujebi?’

When had he prepared so many onions?
Though I’d spent quite some time conversing with Sherit and Raon, the Dragon Hybrid had somehow become a first-rate worker in that span, having prepped all those onions.

‘It seems the inn must have kept him quite busy with work.’

Kale’s silence stretched on.
Of course, his mind churned with countless thoughts, but Choi Han and the Dragon Hybrid couldn’t hear them. Thus, their gazes remained fixed downward, unmoving.

Kale regarded the two of them with a sidelong, curious gaze.

‘Fascinating.’

He found these two intriguing.
Why was the Dragon Hybrid suffering so? It was because of the ‘despair’—that dark attribute—that Choi Han had embedded within him.
And hadn’t Choi Han himself been filled with hatred toward the Dragon Hybrid?

Of course, the two weren’t close even now.
It was plainly obvious that Choi Han disapproved of the Dragon Hybrid. Yet the fact that they were cooking together nonetheless was remarkable.
That was when it happened.

Thud.
Thunk.

Something fell from the kitchen entrance.

Rumble.
Kale saw a round potato roll to his feet.
Slowly, he turned his gaze in the direction the potato had come from.
He saw various vegetables and fruits, along with meat.
Finally, he could make out a bag and basket that had fallen to the floor.

“…Vicross.”

And he also saw Vicross, whose expression was absolutely terrifying.
Kale’s shoulders flinched involuntarily.
Unlike Choi Han, whose gentle demeanor made his fierce expression all the more striking, Vicross—already cold-featured by nature—had his face twisted into an even more menacing scowl.

“Hey. Choi Han.”

His tone was openly hostile, as if challenging Choi Han to a fight. Kale quietly shifted his position to stand beside Vicross.
In situations like this, one had to side with the person who controlled the food supply.

In that moment, Kale could see Choi Han glaring at Vicross with sullen eyes.

“What?”

And he responded curtly.

‘That bastard!’

Kale thought that the kitchen would explode before the White Star or the Demon Realm ever became a problem.

“…I’m sorry.”

Yet Choi Han offered Vicross a brief apology, bowing his head deeply.
It was the first time Kale had witnessed Choi Han apologize—though it was clearly a reluctant one.

Kale wondered if this old man had such a side to him. Soon, Kale’s expression twisted as well.

“…I’m sorry.”

The Dragon Hybrid apologized with a trembling body, his sincerity unmistakable. Kale watched as Vicross’s expression contorted similarly.
Vicross turned away from the Dragon Hybrid as if he found the sight distasteful.

Then he spoke coldly.

“Everyone out.”

At those words, Choi Han and the Dragon Hybrid began to clean up the mess they had created before attempting to leave.

“Out.”

At Vicross’s firm words, the two quietly left the kitchen.
Kale found himself alone in the kitchen, and his gaze met Vicross’s.

“Should I leave too?”

In that moment, Kale could see Vicross looking at him with a rather disapproving expression.

“You’ll watch but won’t listen?”
“Ah, right.”

Kale laughed awkwardly and sat on a simple stool in the kitchen. He considered cleaning up the onions and flour, but Vicross’s gaze—which promised he wouldn’t be left alone if he touched anything—kept him still.

‘I’m actually good at cooking.’

How long had he been living on his own?
Though unfamiliar with local cuisine, Kale was quite skilled at Korean cooking.
Of course, he wasn’t exceptionally talented, but unlike Choi Han’s cooking, he could at least produce food that was actually edible.

“Ahem. Did you have a good trip to Harris Village?”

Kale casually broached the subject with Vicross, who was rapidly tidying the kitchen. Without pause in his work, Vicross began his report smoothly.

“I conducted a video communication with the Lord’s Castle through the Mage in Harris Village.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. Initially, I intended to simply report our arrival by communicating with the Lord’s Castle Mage, but I was immediately connected to the Lord himself and reported directly to him.”
“Father?”
“Yes.”

Kale recalled the members of House Heniatus for the first time in a while.

In truth, it hadn’t really been that long.
Hadn’t they been together at the Roan Royal Palace banquet just recently? Not even a month had passed.
Of course, after that, the journey to the Caro Kingdom had entangled him in numerous incidents, and so much had happened in such a short span that it felt like an eternity had passed.

“How is the Count’s Household doing?”

Kale asked, and Vicross looked at him and spoke.

“It’s the Seca Estate.”
“Ah, yes. The Seca Estate.”
“Yes. They say everyone is doing well. And the Duke is quite worried about you. You’re aware that the Shield Prince went to the Caro Kingdom, aren’t you?”
“…I’m aware.”

At the mention of worry, Kale’s expression grew subtle.
Duke Derth and Duchess Viollan knew that Kale intended to leave for the Caro Kingdom immediately after enjoying the Roan Royal Family’s banquet.

Vicross caught a glimpse of Kale’s subtle expression before speaking again.

“As the Shield Prince instructed, I told the Duke that he would stay briefly within the Dark Forest before moving on. And that he would return to the Heniatus Territory as quickly as possible.”
“Well done.”

I planned to visit the World Tree and then return to the Heniatus Territory once more. I needed to see Alberu Crown Prince as well.
After that, I would occasionally need to leave for other matters, but I intended to visit the fiefdom as frequently as possible.

‘I don’t know when the White Star will arrive in the Roan Kingdom.’

Considering that the Demon Realm might exist behind the White Star, I decided I should remain within the Heniatus Territory or the Roan Kingdom more often.

‘…Of course, there will be times when I must leave for other matters.’

The Cat Tribe. And the final forbidden gate—the Gate of the Demon Realm.
Because of these two things, there would be moments when I must depart, but I resolved to handle everything else within the Roan Kingdom.

Vicross observed my hardened expression and continued speaking calmly.

“The Heniatus Territory has become quite lively these days, they say.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. The Heniatus Family is the first noble house to emerge in the Northeast Region, so the residents are delighted. And the Duke has apparently used his personal funds to host a brief festival. Even though the festival has ended, the festive atmosphere still lingers.”

Tap, tap, tap, tap. The onions trimmed by the Dragon Hybrid were being cut into proper sizes through the blade held in Vicross’s hand.

“And they say more tourists from outside have begun visiting. Though the Heniatus Territory is remote and difficult to reach, it seems everyone was curious about the new noble house and the fiefdom that played such a significant role in the war.”
“Is that so?”

I smiled at the news that the fiefdom was vibrant and bustling.
But the smile soon faded.

“The Silver Shield Prince. The youngest Sword Master. The last Necromancer we thought had vanished. Apparently, the number of tourists visiting has been increasing as they grow curious about the homeland of these three.”

The Silver Shield Prince.
At those words, Kale’s face contorted.

When would this wretched nickname finally disappear?

“Because of that, the territory’s residents are overflowing with pride in their fiefdom, and they seem delighted, calling it the strongest territory. It appears they miss you quite a bit, my lord.”

Kale fidgeted with the armrest, his expression reluctant.

The strongest territory.
The words lingered awkwardly in his mouth.

Tap, tap, tap, tap—!
As Vicross continued chopping vegetables, Kale’s voice finally reached his ears from behind after a long while.
It was blunt and sullen in tone.

“…I’ll need to resolve this situation safely as well.”

Whether it was demons or anything else, Kale felt compelled to handle this matter without incident.
With more tourists arriving and the territory becoming busier, his fiefdom would develop further. For the sake of his leisurely life as a nobleman of leisure, and to hand over the lordship to Basen and escape, the territory needed to become more prosperous and peaceful.
Only then would the possibility of a comfortable life of leisure truly unfold.

“And once everything is resolved, I should find somewhere quiet and take up farming.”

The Shield Prince.
Until that nickname disappeared, I resolved to endure quietly, working a dual job as a leisured nobleman and farmer.

Vicross shook his head from behind, chuckling softly at the murmuring, but Kale, preoccupied with how to make the arduous farming less burdensome, didn’t hear it.

Instead, a different voice reached his ears.
It wasn’t Hana.

“My lord!”
Meow, meow.
Meow, meow!

Kale turned his gaze toward the kitchen entrance.
Rak of the Wolf Tribe and Mess, along with the Blue Wolf Tribe Children, were approaching him. Of course, On and Hong led the way.
Kale could also see the Dragon Hybrid and Choi Han following behind the disheveled Rak and the Blue Wolf Tribe Children.

“How long will you be staying?”
“It’s been so long, Prince!”
“Have you been well?”

Kale frowned at the barrage of questions from the Wolf Tribe Children all at once. Regardless, the Wolf Tribe Children surrounded him.
It was because of how Kale gently stroked each of their heads despite his furrowed expression.

Kale’s gaze met Rak, who stood one step back unlike the other Blue Wolf Tribe Children.

A grin spread across his face.
Rak, smiling, still appeared somewhat timid, but noticeably more confident than before.
Kale let out a soft chuckle toward Rak.
That was when it happened.

“Out.”

Kale’s shoulders flinched.
Vicross’s menacing voice and the disheveled Wolf Tribe Children came into view.

“All of you, get out.”

Kale quickly followed On, Hong, and the Wolf Tribe Children as they hurried away from him and rushed out of the kitchen.
Even as he did, he opened his mouth while watching Rak, who had quietly approached his side.

“Your skills have improved quite a bit, haven’t they?”

Rak scratched his shaggy gray hair with an embarrassed expression.
Kale, who had been quietly observing him, spoke without emotion.

“I apologize for being late.”

Rak’s shoulders trembled slightly.
Previously, after destroying the Four-Directional Alchemy Towers in Mogur and returning, Kale had said he would finish his conversation with Rak.
However, due to various circumstances, that time had been delayed.

“It’s fine. I was able to train diligently during that time.”

Kale Heniatus observed Rak speaking with such composure, then whispered in a low voice.

“Do you remember what I said?”

Rak’s body tensed.
He recalled Kale Heniatus’s words.

‘I’m planning to strike the Cat Tribe.’

Rak’s mouth opened.

“Yes. I remember.”

As he answered, memories from the past surfaced in his mind.

‘Rak.’
‘Yes.’
‘What do you think?’
‘If it’s the Fog Tribe, could it be the tribe that On and Hong fled from? I think I heard about it from them before.’
‘That’s right. That one.’
‘Then I should help.’

Rak had said he would fight alongside Kale Heniatus against the Cat Tribe.
Recalling the past, he spoke to Kale Heniatus.

“Is it time for me to fight?”

Kale Heniatus gazed at Rak quietly, and that serene look alone was answer enough for him. Rak spoke with composure.

“I will be waiting.”
“Yes. Thank you.”

Though his voice was indifferent, at those words of gratitude, Rak clenched his fists tightly.
He had said he would help in the fight against the Cat Tribe and learn shield arts. Rak recalled what Kale Heniatus had said back then.

‘I want to become a shield like the greatest one I’ve ever seen!’

The greatest shield Rak had ever witnessed was Kale’s back.
Rak, who had strived the hardest to emulate him, waited calmly for the future that was to come.

Unaware of Rak’s thoughts, Kale stepped outside alone and caught sight of Sherit, who had just emerged.
She was watching the Dragon Hybrid.

“I suppose we need to talk.”

The Dragon Hybrid flinched and approached Sherit.
Kale observed the scene before shifting his gaze toward the clock at the center of the hall.

Tick. Tick.
Time was flowing forward.
Its pace matched exactly the time written in the letter the God of Death had given me, now resting in my inner pocket.

The God of Death had spoken to me through that letter.

【Will you return to your original world?】
【Or will you die in this world?】
【When this time ends, the moment of choice will arrive.】

Choose whether to live here or return.
The time of choice granted by the God of Death was drawing ever closer, moment by moment.

* * *

“Human, we’re done talking!”

Raon approached with a bright expression, and Kale immediately rose to his feet, addressing his companions.

“Raon, Choi Han, and I will visit the World Tree for a moment. If anything urgent comes up, contact us.”

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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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