Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 483

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

The news that the Elves had already attempted once to destroy the new fake World Tree was astonishing to Kale Heniatus.

‘I never even considered it.’

I had never imagined such an event could have unfolded without my knowledge. Adite, sensing my thoughts, immediately spoke.

“After requesting that you visit our village, we found ourselves in a difficult position….”

She opened her mouth to continue, but her words trailed off. Kale Heniatus, understanding the reason, spoke.

“I was delayed.”

When the World Tree had requested my visit, I couldn’t come immediately and had fallen behind schedule due to other matters.

“Yes. So we couldn’t simply sit idle, and as you mentioned, our forces are far from weak, so we attempted an infiltration of our own.”

Elves themselves were among the most formidable in combat, and with their mastery of spirits, their power was quite considerable.
Moreover, the Elf Village had Guardian Elves, and they had organized a Self-Defense Group to manage their affairs, making them a formidable force to be reckoned with.

The Molden Kingdom.
Infiltrating a major power on the Eastern Continent was no simple task, yet they believed it wouldn’t be particularly difficult.

The Elves had been mistaken in that assumption.

“Following the direction the World Tree indicated, we succeeded in infiltrating near that location.”
“Where was that location?”
“…It was the Royal Palace in the Molden Capital.”
“And you failed?”
“Yes.”

Adite’s grip tightened on the map she held.
Kale Heniatus flinched at her formidable grip and averted his gaze, while Adite continued, recalling the past.

“We couldn’t reach the vicinity where the fake World Tree—where the new World Tree was being created.”
“Why not?”
“We were blocked by dead mana liquid.”

Dead mana liquid existed near the path to the new World Tree, blocking the Elves’ advance.

“As you know, Elves are particularly vulnerable to dead mana.”

Kale nodded in acknowledgment.
Wasn’t it because of this weakness that the Elves had nearly fallen helplessly to Dark at Ten Fingers Mountain?
If Kale and his companions hadn’t appeared to help then, the Elves would have been defeated despite receiving aid from the spirits, overwhelmed by the dead mana scattered by the animals controlled by the Tamer.

Kale opened his mouth.

“So my assistance is needed because of the dead mana.”
“Indeed. Previously at Ten Fingers Mountain, you demonstrated remarkable prowess, and you also have a Necromancer by your side, and furthermore.”

Adite’s gaze turned toward the place where the World Tree stood.

“…I’ve heard you’re close with the Dark Elves as well.”

Elves and Dark Elves were not on good terms.
What was a weakness for Elves was an essential substance for Dark Elves.

“Of course, if the Necromancer and Dark Elves would also lend their aid, we will provide the utmost compensation we can offer. The same goes for your other companions.”

Kale regarded Adite with renewed curiosity.
He had heard that Elves were not a race to humble themselves and request help from others in such a manner. Especially not from a Necromancer and Dark Elves, beings associated with dead mana that they despised.

‘This must be something truly important to them.’

The World Tree and the spirits.
These two things were of utmost importance to the Elves. The World Tree was the entity that created their homeland, and the spirits, who lived comfortably thanks to the World Tree, were precious companions to the Elves and one of the sources of their power.

Rustle, rustle—
Kale watched the trees around the World Tree sway.
Though he could not converse directly with the World Tree, it felt as though he could hear its plea.

‘If it’s related to the White Star, it’s something I need to do anyway.’

Moreover, it concerned the Molden Kingdom, where an Illusionist reigned as king.
Choi Han, who was currently staring grimly at a map in the corner, also had a debt to repay to the Illusionist.

He opened his mouth to address Adite, whose eyes were filled with earnest longing.

“First, I should ask the Dark Elves and the Necromancer about their intentions. But I will help with this matter.”
“…Young Master.”

Adite gazed at Kale Heniatus with moved eyes.

“Adite, I’ll help too!”
“I’ll lend a hand as well.”

When Raon offered his help cheerfully and Choi Han offered his with a grim determination, Adite expressed her gratitude to them both with an even brighter expression.
In the meantime, Kale quickly stuffed a heavy pouch of money into his spatial pocket.

“Oh!”

Adite turned her gaze back to Kale Heniatus and spoke.

“The World Tree says there is something urgent to discuss with you again.”
“Is that so?”

Kale Heniatus closed his eyes once more and reached his hand toward the tree trunk.

-Thank you for agreeing to help. I considered asking Erhafen, but his condition is not normal, so I’m asking you instead.

My brow furrowed again.
Erhafen’s abnormal condition. He had little time left to live. The more I thought about it, the more my mouth felt dry.
I wanted to resolve this issue quickly, but it wasn’t easy since Erhafen’s matter was of great importance.

-And about the fruit that Erhafen asked for.

The fruit that Erhafen had asked to be given to Raon.
However, during our first meeting in the past, the World Tree had been so busy providing me with information that branches fell, leaving no time to bear fruit.

-I said I would give it once summer passed, didn’t I?
“Summer has passed now.”
-Indeed.

The World Tree spoke in a benevolent voice.

Fortunately, I’ve already bonded with Hana. I’ve entrusted her to Adite. Take this with you. It will be beneficial for that young dragon.

I slowly withdrew my hand from the tree and opened my eyes.
Adite was standing before me again, and instead of a map, she held a box in her hands.

“Is this it?”
“Yes. It’s inside here.”

It was a metal box wrapped tightly in white cloth.

“Human, what is that?”

Raon approached with curiosity. However, the Ancient Dragon had given me specific instructions.

‘Don’t tell the little one.’
‘Kale Heniatus. Only you should know.’

The Ancient Dragon had instructed me not to tell Raon and to keep it myself.
I accepted the box containing the fruit without a word and placed it into my spatial pocket. Raon tilted his head and spoke to me.

“Human! Is there still space in your spatial pocket? If you’re running out, I can give you one of mine! You can have it without the apple pie!”

Apple pie. At those words, I flinched slightly before shaking my head. My spatial pocket still had plenty of room.

“That concludes everything.”

Adite handed me the map of the Eastern Continent and offered a gentle smile.
I looked at her and spoke.

“I have matters to attend to first, so I’ll return within three days.”
“Understood.”
“Before then, I’ll let you know what’s needed through video communication, understood?”
“I’ll have everything prepared.”
“Good.”
“Then I’ll show you out.”

Ssssssh—
The leaves of the World Tree and the surrounding trees rustled despite the absence of any wind. It was as if they were greeting me.
I bowed respectfully to the World Tree and followed Adite.
At that moment, Choi Han approached my side and carefully opened his mouth.

“Kale Heniatus.”
“Mm.”

I responded casually while recalling the hefty pouch of money I had received earlier. Suddenly, a sense of peace washed over me.

‘Money truly is the greatest treasure.’

A smile began to form on my face.

“What has the God of Death done?”

But at Choi Han’s quiet question, my peace shattered. I slowly turned my head to look at him. His eyes held a gaze so fierce and terrifying that one might fear seeing it even in nightmares.

“…Well…you see…”

I could see not only Choi Han but also Raon and Adite staring at me.

“Young Master!”

By the time I had walked out of the World Tree’s domain, I could see Tasha approaching from nearby with a bright smile.
Upon seeing her, I attempted to change the subject.

“Kale Heniatus.”

But Choi Han’s gaze remained fierce.
Eventually, my mouth opened.
I omitted the detailed explanation and cut straight to the point.

“…Well. It seems like they’re trying to take something from me.”

I could not bring myself to explain the letter from the God of Death.
Then, Adite’s serious voice reached my ears. It was a voice tinged with fear.

“Is it death?”

Is there anything the God of Death wants to take besides death itself?
Adite stared at Kale with a face full of fear and eyes brimming with concern.

Tasha, who had been approaching, stopped in her tracks and muttered.

“…You’re saying the young master’s life will be taken?”

Ugh.
My head began to ache.

“No. It’s not like that.”

I stated flatly that it wasn’t.
I still couldn’t be certain what the God of Death’s conditions for the deal truly were. Moreover, while the World Tree called it a deal, it could literally be an opportunity for choice.
I kept all possibilities open, and precisely because of that, I denied it firmly.

‘…Of course, it could be my life.’

Since all possibilities existed, the God of Death might desire my life. But I had absolutely no intention—not even a speck—of revealing or mentioning that fact in front of my companions.

I expressed with a very resolute expression that Adite’s words were not the truth.

But somehow, my expression was conveyed differently.

“…Kale….”

Choi Han opened his mouth quietly.

“If you don’t wish to speak the truth, that is your choice, sir.”
“What?”

That’s not what I meant.

“I’m telling you Adite’s words aren’t true.”
“I understand.”

Choi Han gazed at me quietly and spoke each word with deliberate clarity. Yet it was clear his words were not directed at me.

“I have nothing left to fear. Nothing at all. If anyone stands in our way, I will not show mercy.”

Kale Heniatus swallowed hard.
No matter how much I thought about it, those words didn’t seem to be directed at me.

‘…Could it be—’

Were those words meant for the God of Death?
I couldn’t bring myself to ask Choi Han, so I turned my head. That’s when I saw Raon nodding vigorously, his chubby cheeks jiggling with the motion.
Tasha stood with her arms crossed, observing me intently.

“…Should I tell him about this too.”

She murmured quietly, and her words didn’t reach me.
Instead, I approached her.

“Tasha.”
“Yes, Young Master.”

I organized and conveyed to Tasha everything I had heard from the World Tree and Adite. Throughout the story, Tasha regarded Adite with a peculiar expression.
And when all the explanations were finished, she nodded and uttered a single remark.

“No wonder she was so kind.”

Adite looked at Tasha with an awkward smile, and Tasha offered a comfortable grin in return. At that, Adite seemed relieved and gently released her clasped hands.

“In any case, we should meet here again in three days.”
“That’s right.”

Tasha acknowledged and said she would take the other Dark Elves to visit Market Leader Obante.

“Yes. We’ll take care of our business and return here as well.”

I left those words behind and departed from the Elf Village beneath the Lake of Despair.

* * *

‘Chaos, Destruction, Peace! Good to see you! Let’s go! The Baby Fire Spirit seems excited!’

I headed toward the shores of the Lake of Despair, holding the golden spinning top in my hand.
The Wind Spirit welcomed me enthusiastically.

‘Kahahaha! My disciple and I shall unleash a tempest of destructive flames! Kahahaha! Chaos, destruction!’

Kale Heniatus spoke to the creature who seemed somewhat unhinged.

“Take me to that one with the potential to become a Spirit Tamer. His name is Solly, right?”
‘That’s right! Kahahaha! Chaos, destruction, happiness!’

A whirlwind guided Kale Heniatus in one direction.

‘Kale, that’s the inn where you stayed!’

The Wind Spirit moved together with the Fire Spirit toward the inn where I had met Solly and his grandmother.
Kale Heniatus walked in the direction the wind gestured and opened his mouth.

“Raon.”
“What is it, human?”
“Connect me to Bud right away. Then Ron. And finally the Crown Prince.”
“All three in sequence?”
“Yes.”

Kale Heniatus watched as Raon pulled out a communication crystal, and his gaze met Choi Han’s.

“…Are you drawing everyone in?”

Instead of answering, Kale Heniatus smiled.

* * *

“Argh! This blasted flame! This wretched thread! I’m sick of it!”

In one corner of the inn, I clutched a seasoned roasted chicken leg in one hand and shook my head vigorously.
The inn held only my companions.

-Human! That one called Solly seems to be struggling!

Tell me about it.
I could hear Solly’s voice as he flailed his hands at the empty air and shouted.

“Why are you doing this to me! You blasted flame! Argh!”

At that moment, Kale heard the Wind Spirit’s voice.

‘…Chaos, destruction… The Fire Spirit is sulking. Apparently, it acts like that just from approaching it.’

Hmm.
Kale gazed at a figure beyond Solly’s shoulder—someone who might become a Tamer.
The Innkeeper, who was also Solly’s Grandmother, met Kale’s eyes.
The two of them stared at each other for a moment, and then Kale turned his gaze to Solly and raised his hand.

“Shall we talk for a bit?”

Solly’s gaze shifted toward Kale.

“…Would you like more chicken leg?”

In Kale’s raised hand was a half-eaten chicken leg.
Kale glanced at the chicken leg in his hand once, then answered with an awkward smile.

“…I’ll give you that. And let’s talk a bit too.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————