Trash of the Count’s Family - Chapter 531

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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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“…The White Star is your great uncle?”

Kale muttered without thinking and lowered his head.
Choi Han, who hesitated at the sight, approached him and whispered quietly.

“Kale, shall I handle this?”
“Why?”
“Pardon?”

Choi Han was momentarily startled by Kale’s counter-question, then watched as he slowly raised his head.
A bright smile played across Kale’s gradually revealed face.

“This could be amusing.”

The White Star finds Fredo II endearing?

“Heh.”

It would be entertaining to properly show that arrogant nephew of mine.
It’s terrifying, yet it seems like it would be fun.

Kale’s lips curled upward in a twisted smile that wouldn’t stop twitching.
His gaze turned toward Duke Fredo.

‘He was an arrogant and presumptuous little one.’

The young Duke Fredo gave off an impression of arrogance, presumption, and willful behavior.

“What sort of temperament does Duke Fredo II possess?”

At Kale’s question, a faint smile bloomed at the corners of Fredo’s mouth.

“My son is a child of remarkable courtesy and dignity.”

Hmm?

“Intelligent and respectful to his elders regardless of social station.”

Huh?

“He was the kind of son that made all the parents in the Endable Kingdom say, ‘Look at how well Nar turned out! Isn’t he such a fine young man?'”
“Nar?”
“Ah. I called him Fredo II, but his real name is Nar Von Izelern. He’s quite shy and such a good child.”

…This wasn’t what I expected.
Kale heard Choi Han muttering beside him.

“…A model student?”
“Yes. Choi Han, that’s the perfect way to describe him. A model student. And on top of that, pure-hearted and gentle.”

Choi Han glanced sideways at Kale.

‘…He’s taken aback.’

Kale stood rigid, staring blankly at Fredo II.

“That’s why many of the higher-ups in the Endable Kingdom are actually worried. How can the one meant to lead the Seca Estate be so tender-hearted and virtuous?”

“Do your best.”

Kale felt a sudden surge of emotion.
Do my best at what?

“Ah. My son is 153 years old. In human years, that would make him about twelve or thirteen.”
-Human! We’ll be about the same age!

…So he’d get along with On just fine.
Kale lowered his head helplessly, forced to listen to Fredo’s calm voice.

“So he’ll grow into a kind and adorable Little One.”

…Damn it.
Kale’s hand trembled as he gripped the band.

* * *

“Your Majesty. Young Master Kale has departed.”

The Magic Captain conveyed those words while subtly observing Alberu’s expression.

‘Young Prince Kale reported to me less than an hour after our conversation and then departed. He only told me the reason for leaving.’

The Magic Captain deliberated before carefully opening his mouth.

“Your Highness.”
“What is it?”
“…Would it be possible for me to hear what Young Prince Kale is going to do?”

The Magic Captain stared at Alberu with tense eyes, his fists clenched.

‘I need to know.’

The Captain had heard from the Knights that Kale’s demeanor was extremely grave.

‘This is no ordinary matter.’

That was why he needed to know.
During the recent battle in Sten Territory, the Captain could not hide the thought that he was weak despite being the commander of the Magic Corps.
Because of this, he resolved to grow stronger and to do whatever he could.

“Your Highness may not trust me.”

Compared to Young Prince Kale, I fall far short.
Yet Lish still wanted to do something.
So he had to ask a question that went against propriety.

“What are you saying, Captain Lish? You’re not trustworthy? Don’t speak such nonsense.”

At Alberu’s gentle words, Captain Lish felt emotion surge within him, but he held it back and gazed at him.

‘Would it be possible for me to hear what Young Prince Kale is going to do?’

He still hadn’t received an answer to this question.
The Captain watched Alberu’s lips intently.
That was when it happened.

A soft chuckle.

‘Hmm?’

The Magic Captain’s eyes widened. He wondered if he had seen correctly.
Then, catching sight of Alberu’s solemn expression, he squinted slightly.

‘I could have sworn he was smiling just a moment ago?’

He was certain he had seen Alberu chuckle softly.
But now, faced with Alberu’s deadly serious expression, the Magic Captain found himself clamping his mouth shut without thinking.
A few seconds of silence passed before Alberu spoke.

“I can’t tell you everything. However.”

However?
The Magic Captain leaned in to hear what Alberu would say next.
As Alberu paused, Kale’s voice seemed to echo faintly from somewhere distant.

‘Your Highness, Your Highness. They’re telling me I need to act like a well-behaved, courteous twelve-year-old! Does that even make sense?’
‘And on top of that, I’m supposed to call the White Star my dear uncle and giggle like an idiot! Unbelievable!’
‘How frustrated must I be to come here and complain like this?’

Ah, nearly.
Alberu barely suppressed another laugh.

A man who had been notorious as a ruffian just years ago was now playing the role of a well-mannered young lord?

Alberu slowly opened his mouth.

“However, my brother will face difficult battles today as well.”

For Kale, this was likely far more grueling than any ordinary combat or scheme.

“So, Captain.”

The Captain felt tension settle into his shoulders as he saw Alberu’s gaze sharpen.
Alberu spoke quietly, almost in a whisper.

“Shouldn’t we do something as well? We can’t simply stand idle like this, can we?”

The Magic Captain slowly bowed.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Alberu smiled with satisfaction at the response.
The Endable Kingdom.
If Kale Heniatus had gone to its capital, then Alberu too must return to Rowan’s capital.
There was much work to be done.

* * *

The young prince’s footsteps lacked vigor.

“…Sigh.”

The Baker, watching from nearby, gazed at the boy’s retreating figure with pitying eyes.

His ash-gray hair swayed limply with each step, and the violet eyes glimpsed moments before were brimming with sorrow.

Endable, the capital of the Endable Kingdom.
This capital, sharing the kingdom’s name, stood as the very heart of the realm.

The residents of the merchant district in Endable’s northern quarter whispered as they watched the young prince pass.

“…Look at young master Nar. He has no strength at all.”
“I know. What should we do?”

Their voices were filled with concern.

“He looked especially pale just now.”
“Right. How heartbroken must someone so tender-hearted and virtuous be, thinking of Duke Fredo?”
“Exactly. Duke Fredo really needs to wake up soon.”

The forlorn young prince’s name was Nar Von Izelern.
He was the only child of Duke Fredo, who lived in a grand mansion in the northern quarter of the capital, and a virtuous boy beloved by the people of the Endable Kingdom.

“Still, it’s fortunate that Solena is by young master Nar’s side.”
“Indeed.”

And beside that young prince was a woman in uniform, escorting him as if standing guard.
Her name was Solena.
A Vampire known as Duke Fredo’s right hand.

“Young Master.”

Solena spoke to the young prince beside her.
In a voice so quiet that only he could hear.

“Please wear a sadder expression.”
“…Sigh.”
“That’s perfect.”

The young prince shot Solena a glare.

“Young Master. That expression doesn’t suit you. Virtuous! Kind! Delicate! An appearance! A fragile young prince that makes one want to protect him!”
“Damn it.”
“That vocabulary doesn’t suit the image.”

The young prince eventually gave up glaring and let out a deep sigh before opening his mouth.

“Can I just go to the mansion like this?”
“Yes, Young Master.”

A step forward.
Solena moved closer to the young prince’s side and whispered so quietly it barely reached his ear.

“Kale Heniatus. The White Star will arrive soon.”
“I know.”

A glimmer of light flickered across Kale Heniatus’s eyes before fading.

‘Kale Heniatus.’

That’s what Duke Fredo had said.

‘Currently Fredo II. So Nar is temporarily away from the capital. Then he received word that his father was in critical condition and is now returning to the capital.’
‘Should I hurry?’
‘No need. After all, within the Endable capital, no one without the King’s permission can ride a carriage or a horse. Everyone must walk. So just walk, don’t run.’

He continued speaking.

‘And while you make your way to the Mansion, I will be unconscious in the Mansion’s bedroom. The Butler will likely arrange for the White Star to visit around the time you arrive.’
‘And then?’
‘After that, the White Star won’t come for a while, so we’ll be able to discuss in detail about the Endable Kingdom and what we need to destroy.’

Kale Heniatus stopped walking.
The grand mansion, darkened before him, came into view.

“This is the residence.”
“I’m aware of that much.”

Solena whispered to Kale Heniatus as she saw the approaching gate guards.

“The Butler, myself, and the Knight Commander—these three are the only ones who know about Duke Fredo and you, sir. You must remember this.”
“Got it.”

Kale Heniatus suppressed a sigh and watched the main gate open.

Creeeeak—
The gate slowly opened, and the guards could see Nar Von Izelern and Solena stepping inside.

“Ah.”

The guard, who had been bowing in greeting, inadvertently let out a sigh.

‘The one who always greeted us so brightly…!’

Nar Von Izelern, who always wore a radiant smile and greeted everyone—guards and servants alike—with gentle warmth.
Today, he walked toward the Mansion with hollow eyes and lifeless steps.
Solena, the Duke’s right hand, walked beside him with an expression full of concern.

‘I’ve never seen him like this before.’

Sorrow flickered across the guards’ faces.

Fredo Von Izelern.
He was the Duke of the Endable Kingdom and the leader of the Vampires of the East-West Continent.
To the Vampires dwelling in this Mansion, he was no different than their sovereign lord.

And the lord’s son entered with vacant eyes.
To see his father, who lay unconscious.

The hearts of the servants watching this scene ached.

“Young Master. You’ve arrived? Allow me to escort you.”

I nodded weakly at the Butler’s words and followed behind him.
The Butler, observing this, approached Solena and whispered intently.

“He’s doing well, isn’t he?”
“Indeed he is.”

Solena, concealing her surprise, quickly matched the pace of Kale, who had become Young Master Nar.

And I, now playing Young Master Nar,

‘Ha. Choi Han and Raon must be resting comfortably in that secret room right now, enjoying some delicious food.’

had no particular thoughts.
I simply trudged along without a care in the world.

‘The mansion’s cuisine was excellent earlier. I wonder if dinner will be just as delicious?’

My mind drifted to thoughts of dinner.

“Y-Young Master. We’re here!”

And so I passed by Duke Fredo’s bedroom.

“Ah.”

I realized my mistake.

“My apologies.”
“Not at all, sir.”

The Butler, who knew my true identity, quickly surveyed the surroundings.
The guards standing before the Duke’s bedroom looked at me with sorrowful expressions.

His expression was one of shock so profound that he’d forgotten even his own father’s room.

“I will open the door.”

The Knight spoke carefully to Kale Heniatus, and the young man with hair now turned ash-grey nodded in acknowledgment.

Creeeeak—
The door swung open, and with it came the acrid scent of medicine. Duke Fredo lay motionless on the bed as if death itself had claimed him, his form now visible to Kale Heniatus’s eyes.

“I wish to be alone with my father.”
“Understood.”

The Vampire healer who had been attending Duke Fredo withdrew. Kale Heniatus entered the room slowly, alone.
His unhurried silhouette, seen from behind, was reflected in the eyes of the servants and Knights with profound sorrow.

Creeeeak—
The door closed gradually.

Before it shut completely—

“Father.”

What they witnessed last was a boy, still young, kneeling beside the bed and grasping his father’s hand.
The Knight closing the door felt his throat tighten, and he bit his lip firmly as he quickly sealed the entrance.

A family of only two—he would not intrude upon this time between father and son.

Click.
At last, the door was closed.

The boy held the gaunt Duke Fredo’s hand while gazing at his closed eyes.
Then he leaned close to the man’s face and whispered into his ear.

“Hey. The White Star is coming soon, right? What are you going to do?”

The gaunt Duke Fredo’s lips parted.

“Heh. My son, why do you ask?”
“My son will freeze to death.”

At Kale’s grumbling, Duke Fredo opened his eyes slightly and spoke to him gently.

“Kale Heniatus. Trust only me.”

Huff.
Kale snorted.
Then.

Knock, knock, knock.
“His Majesty has arrived.”

His Majesty.
The King of Endable. Not a true king, but there was only one being called by that title.

The White Star had come.

The door would open soon.
After glancing at the door for a moment, Kale looked back at Duke Fredo.
In this moment when Kale appeared before the White Star not as himself, but as Nar.
Kale was naturally tense, and he looked at Fredo, who had told him to trust only him.
Then Fredo opened his mouth.

“However, this time you must handle it yourself.”

What?

“I’ve laid plenty of groundwork, so you can relax.”

What nonsense was this vampire spouting?
Relax?
He was telling him to relax?

Screeeech—
But the door had already opened.

Kale shifted his gaze from Duke Fredo to look at the door.
Through the open doorway stepped the White Star with a grave expression.

The White Star looked at Kale and opened his mouth.

“Nar. You’ve been through so much.”

Solena said this.

‘She called me uncle.’

Kale Heniatus opened his mouth.

“Uncle.”

I spoke with sincerity.

“It’s been incredibly difficult.”

I dream of being unemployed, so why must I keep handling such grueling and complicated matters?
Why does Duke Fredo, that bastard, pretend to sleep and leave everything to me?

‘Ah. I’m starting to get irritated.’

My face, which had been expressing exhaustion, twisted into annoyance.
Those who had entered behind the White Star froze at the sight.

‘Ah, I’ve been caught?’

I felt a moment of panic and cried out without thinking.
It was an action to recover from the crisis.

“…Kale Heniatus. I will never forgive that man. I will not leave him be!”

Silence descended upon the bedroom and the open corridor beyond.
I felt slightly terrified by that suffocating silence.

‘Did I overdo it?’

The moment I thought that.

“…Nar.”

The White Star approached.
Then he placed a hand on Kale’s shoulder.

“A tender child like you must be suffering greatly to say such things.”

What? Tender?
Kale froze in bewilderment, remaining perfectly still.
The White Star then gently stroked Kale’s head and continued speaking kindly.

“Good Nar. When you’re sad, lean on your uncle here.”

…Seriously.
Kale was utterly flabbergasted by this situation.
Twitch.
He felt Fredo’s hand, which he was holding, tremble slightly.
Glancing sideways at him, Fredo still had his eyes tightly shut.

This bastard, won’t you open your eyes? Won’t you wake up?
You’re laughing inside right now, aren’t you?

Kale clenched his eyes shut, as if he might glare daggers at Duke Fredo at any moment.

To any observer, he appeared to be a tender young boy holding back tears at an adult’s comfort.

—————
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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