-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 38
Chapter Title: My Grave
-----------------------------------------------------------------
1.
A carriage, accompanied by an escort, kindly dropped Karron and his companions off at Gail's estate.
After they arrived at their destination, Rebellio, who had gotten out of the carriage with them, waved with a smile.
"This is as far as we go. It's a shame to part… but if you invited me to stay the night, I would. What do you say?"
Rebellio clung to them tenaciously.
Karron gave him the finger.
"No solicitors allowed."
"So harsh."
"Didn't you say this is a city of thieves?"
"Well… we'll be seeing each other the day after tomorrow anyway, so I'll let you off the hook for today."
Their visit to the imperial palace was set for two days from now. The banquet hosted by the palace was also scheduled for that evening.
"See you then, little brother. I'll be waiting for you at the palace. Bring that sword with you when you come. The Leston family is allowed to wear swords in the palace, right? I hope my brothers piss themselves when they see your sword."
"What touching brotherly love."
"You have to share the good things. It'd be even better if you took my brothers hostage. Hahaha!"
Rebellio revealed his madness without restraint.
After bidding them farewell, he climbed back into the carriage. He then leaned out the window and waved.
"Call me if you need a guide! I'll hop the palace wall in a heartbeat!"
Mason, who had been listening quietly, glared at the prince and spoke.
"Your Highness, don't you usually say such things when your escort knight isn't around?"
"What does it matter? If I said I was going out, you'd help me, Sir Mason. You're already my accomplice. Get ready for a whipping from Father."
"…With all due respect, His Majesty is not that kind of person."
"Oh, so he only whips me? What a damn twisted form of fatherly love."
"Would you please get back inside and be quiet."
Mason forcibly pushed Rebellio back and slammed the carriage window shut. He then turned to Karron.
"If you ever need my help, don't hesitate to call."
"…You have it rough."
At Karron's words of comfort, Mason nodded with a weary smile.
"Must be karma from a past life. What can you do? Well then, we'll be on our way."
With that, the golden carriage began to move once more.
After the golden carriage left Gail's estate, another carriage carrying Gail and the Leston family's servants soon entered the grounds.
The once quiet front yard of the estate was instantly filled with visitors.
"Is that my grandson?"
As Karron and Leo were quietly watching the scene, a gentle voice echoed from behind them.
Karron grinned and opened his arms wide.
"Grandma."
"Oh, my dear grandson. Have you gotten taller again?"
His maternal grandmother, Helena.
"Let's catch up later… This old grandma is a bit busy. You understand, don't you?"
"Hehe, of course."
"Alright, I've already had a bath drawn for you, so go and rest… Butler! Move it, move it. How long are you going to keep our guests waiting?"
"Yes, yes, madam."
"How can I face my in-laws at this rate! I can't just stand here and watch this mess. I'll have to handle it myself…"
Of note: she was the real power in this mansion.
For the record, his maternal grandfather was completely under his grandmother's thumb.
His grandmother rolled up her sleeves and waded into the throng of servants.
Leo, who was staring blankly at her from behind, muttered in a dazed voice.
"…Look at the forearms on your grandmother."
Just as Leo said, from the back, his grandmother's arm muscles were quite prominent.
"Grandma works out more than Grandpa."
"I thought your mother's side wasn't a family of warriors."
"Ah, they both dream of living a long and healthy life."
It was while the two of them were talking.
"Still, I'm glad everyone arrived safely. I was very worried."
From behind them, a familiar mana could be felt along with an unfamiliar voice.
Karron slowly turned his head.
A man was standing there.
His blond hair, which reached below his shoulders, was tied back with a cord, and he wore a cape emblazoned with the crest of a blue wolf.
His eyes were the same shade of blue as Karron's and Leo's.
The moment Leo saw the man, he bowed his head in greeting.
"It's been a long time, Brother Hugo. Have you been well?"
Karron saw Leo's body tense up slightly.
It wasn't that he found him difficult.
'Is he scared of him?'
He seemed to harbor a slight fear.
Leo had mentioned meeting Hugo a few times before. But Karron had no memory of him.
That was only natural, as he had never once seen Hugo since coming to Azure Castle.
"Yes, Leo. You've grown a lot. You finally look like you've taken up the sword."
Hugo patted Leo on the back with a relaxed voice. Then, he slowly looked at Karron.
"So you're Karron."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Brother Hugo."
"You are…"
He slowly sized up his younger cousin.
Even through his clothes, he could see a solidly trained physique.
The hard calluses on his hands, despite him being only thirteen, showed just how dedicated he was to his training.
And above all.
'Did they say he was a 4-star?'
The immense mana he could feel from his cousin's body.
Being a 4-star at thirteen meant this small boy had far surpassed him at the same age.
'So that's why Father told me to be careful.'
At first, he had thought his father was worrying for nothing, but seeing Karron in person completely changed his mind.
This kid definitely had the kind of talent that would make his father feel threatened.
And then there was that confident look in his eyes.
To be able to maintain one's composure in front of someone stronger meant he was born with great potential.
"If I'd known my youngest cousin was this incredible, I would have visited Azure Castle sooner."
"You're too kind, Brother. You're just as amazing as the rumors say."
"Haha, really? I'm glad to hear you think so highly of me."
Hugo smiled and offered Karron a handshake.
"Shall we introduce ourselves properly?"
"Of course, Brother!"
Karron smiled and took the hand Hugo offered.
Unlike his eldest uncle, maybe this guy wasn't so bad after all…
*Vwoooom—!*
'Of course not.'
The moment their hands met, Hugo's mana seeped into Karron's body.
It was Azure Mana, cultivated through the same Sea-Conquering Art.
The intention was obvious.
What was even funnier was…
"Since it's our first meeting, I thought we should get to know each other."
"You're much more forward than I expected."
"You certainly are…"
Hugo paused and looked down at Karron.
Most would be flustered or in pain, but his newfound cousin showed no such signs.
'I need to test him a little more…'
The moment he tried to send in more mana to gauge his reaction…
*Kyaaaaaak!*
The treasured sword at his waist, Ghost, began to let out a sound like a wail.
At the same time.
*Kwaaaaaa!*
'…What is this!'
The mana he had sent into Karron's body was pushed back, and in an instant, Karron's mana began to seep into his own body.
'A mere thirteen-year-old has greater control over his mana than I do?'
It wasn't just his control.
The very nature of his mana was different.
It was so violent that he wondered if it could even be called Azure Mana.
Normal Azure Mana brought to mind a calm sea, but this was reminiscent of a storm. The ferocious force felt like it would destroy everything it touched, and it made the hair on his body stand on end.
But that, too, was brief.
*Sssss.*
In the blink of an eye, Karron's mana retreated from his body.
And then, Karron gave him a bright smile befitting his age.
"Hehe, that was fun, Brother!"
"…What?"
"Let's play like this often! You're just as kind as they say, Brother. Playing so informally with a cousin you've just met! It felt like I was playing with friends!"
Though his words sounded appreciative, the underlying meaning was, 'How old are you again?'
Hugo immediately understood the implication, but he could only force a smile and nod.
"Of course, Karron. I look forward to getting to know you."
"Me too!"
Getting angry here would only make him lose face.
This was enough for a first greeting.
Still, he had learned a few things.
Karron was a far more dangerous being than he appeared.
His talent and guts were something even Hugo had to admire.
And above all.
'…That tongue is the real problem. A leopard can't change its spots. If we leave him be, he'll definitely tarnish the ducal family's honor…'
The biggest variable in this mission was undoubtedly Karron's tongue.
Even in less than ten minutes, he had instantly recognized the danger of that tongue.
Hugo recalled the direct order from Halo and let out a small sigh.
'This isn't going to be easy.'
This might just be the most difficult mission he had undertaken in a long time.
2.
After their light first meeting with Hugo, Karron's group immediately unpacked and settled into the mansion.
Nothing eventful happened after that.
Before they knew it, it was late at night.
"Well then, I'll see you tomorrow, Karron. We have to go to a boutique tomorrow to pick out brooches for the banquet, so go straight to bed. Understood, my grandson?"
"Yes! Good night, Grandpa!"
"Alright. Sleep well."
Gail gently patted Karron's head and slowly left the room.
Karron watched the door Gail had exited through with a pleased smile.
The warmth of family was always a happy feeling.
*Click.*
Of course, not wanting to have his alone time disturbed, Karron immediately locked the door.
He then pulled out a box hidden under his bed.
It was a box containing a bottle of high-end whiskey he had secretly taken from Rebellio's carriage.
Turan 30-Year-Old.
A premium whiskey distilled in the famous Turan region, supplied exclusively to the imperial family.
"A bottle of Turan 30-Year-Old as a service fee for dealing with that madman… Hmm, a profitable trade."
Whiskey in hand, he hummed a tune as he headed for the balcony.
The moon was bright that night.
*Shinggg.*
Karron drew Guillotine from the scabbard at his waist and lightly plunged it into the floor.
Soon, Guillotine's voice echoed in his mind.
—I don't sense any enemies nearby… What's this whim?
"Just wanted a talking partner."
—Why not call one of your cousins?
"If I call my cousins, they'll steal my drink."
—…Just like you, Master.
"Besides… if my cousins were here… I wouldn't be able to drink in peace."
*Pop.*
With a mana-infused hand, the boy lightly popped the cork of the whiskey bottle. He then took a swig directly from the bottle.
"The capital is my grave. By the way, did I ever tell you about my past life?"
To that question, Guillotine slowly replied.
—You never told me specifically. But I already know.
"How?"
—I read your memories.
"You can do that? As expected of a demonic sword."
—…Think what you will.
"By the way, the sword I used in my past life. The Blue Dragon said that was you?"
—That's right. I don't know why I was a demonic sword, but that was me.
"You don't have any memories of that time?"
—The master of that time was not qualified to release me. Hah, just thinking about it pisses me off. Daring to disguise me as a demonic sword? I don't know which bastard did it, but if I find them, I'll cut off their head a thousand times.
"You only have to cut a head off once, demonic sword."
—I'll just reattach it and cut it off again. What's the problem?
Now even his sword was a madman.
Karron chuckled and took another swig of liquor.
"Well, if it comes to it, I'll just go to the North Sea and ask myself."
The Blue Dragon he had encountered at the Stone of Oath would know the truth.
And he didn't necessarily have to go all the way to the North Sea.
"I could just find out for myself."
Reincarnation.
He still hadn't figured out why this second life had begun.
Being born as Halo's son, being chosen by Guillotine.
This second life was a series of numerous coincidences.
There had to be a reason for his reincarnation.
Something like this couldn't have happened without some power at play.
"I need to grow stronger."
But it was still too early to go searching for that reason.
To reach the truth, one always needed strength.
—Right. In your current state, you're no better than a bug. It's good that you know.
"Shut up, you damn demonic sword."
—You asked for a talking partner, didn't you? You complain even when I oblige.
Karron sighed lightly, then glanced at Guillotine.
"You want a drink?"
—…Are you serious? How does a sword drink alcohol, you idiot master? Are you walking around without your brain?
"You talk too much. Here."
*Drip, drip.*
He tilted the bottle and let some liquor run down Guillotine's blade.
Then.
*Vwooom.*
Guillotine's blade trembled slightly. Then, in a bright voice, it spoke.
—Oh, this is good.
"If you can drink blood, you can drink alcohol."
—…Is this what alcohol tastes like? Hmm, I can't really tell from just a little. You damn master. Give me another glass.
"Get lost."
Karron cut Guillotine off flatly. He sat on the railing and looked up at the moon again.
"It's a beautiful night."
A cloudless sky.
The boy thus tilted his drink, with his own grave as his accompaniment.