Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 171 - Listen To The Story (2)

 

 

* * *

 

[Did you hear everything yesterday?]

 

Bethel asked Russell all of a sudden.

 

She found it suspicious that he kept smiling.

 

[Do you think I’m always spying on you?]

 

Russell reacted as if it were absurd.

 

[I felt your presence.]

 

Russell flinched at Bethel’s next words.

 

[I only saw it when you brought your sword down, because Lucion didn’t come, I swear].

 

Lucion turned his gaze toward Russell.

 

[Why? I didn’t do anything strange, did I?]

 

“I didn’t say anything. It seems like the teacher is feeling uncomfortable.”

 

Lucion grinned, resting his elbows on the carriage window frame and leaning his face on the back of his hands.

 

[No. Not at all.]

 

Russell’s gaze remained steady.

 

[What should I do if my ears are sharp?]

 

Instead, the corners of his mouth rose up and high.

 

[Russell, how much did you hear? I was going to tell you anyway.]

 

Bethel stared at him, her eyes clear, and Russell reluctantly answered.

 

[All.]

 

He cleared his throat and quickly averted his gaze.

 

For a moment, silence fell inside the carriage.

 

Even Ratta, who had been energetically running around, stopped and perked up one ear.

 

—The carriage hasn’t left yet, so can’t Ratta run?

 

Ratta’s eyes wavered for a moment.

 

“No, it’s fine. You won’t be able to run later, so enjoy it now. Besides, Hume hasn’t arrived yet.”

 

—Yess.

 

Ratta giggled bashfully and ran around the room, bouncing on the windows and everything else.

 

“Uhm.”

 

Lucion let out a yawn, feeling the fatigue of their preparations for their final destination in the east. 

 

There was much to be done, including Hume contacting the reserved mansion and packing their belongings before returning to the Central region. 

 

However, Lucion was the only one who wasn’t occupied with tasks.

 

‘Last night, Kran took over the northern branch as well.’

 

After accepting Bethel’s knight’s oath, the three of them had a leisurely conversation over the warm milk Hume had brought, and Lucion noticed that one of the blue threads had been severed.

 

Now, there were only two blue threads remaining.

 

He was already curious about which red thread would be revealed when those two were cut.

 

Knock.

 

A knock on the carriage door interrupted Lucion’s thoughts, and he opened it to find Hume standing there. 

 

Ratta, who had been running around, stopped abruptly and climbed onto Lucion’s lap.

 

—Ratta didn’t run. Uh, just now.

 

Hume patted Ratta and got into the carriage.

 

“We’re ready to depart now. We’ll be leaving soon.”

 

“Thank you for your hard work.”

 

Lucion said it with a smile.

 

“No, where did I work hard? Isn’t it tough for you, young master? You must be exhausted,” replied Hume.

 

“I planned this trip, so what can I do?”

 

To be honest, this trip was somewhat naive. 

 

While it might be feasible for a mercenary, which noble would travel across the empire in just two weeks? 

 

It was only possible because of the portals; otherwise, it would have taken over a month.

 

Lucion chuckled.

 

Knock.

 

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Heint entered the carriage.

 

“We’ll be departing soon,” he informed them concisely before taking a seat.

 

*

 

As Lucion moved around, he interrogated Chelga intensively, trying to extract information. 

 

However, not much useful information came out of Chelga’s mouth. 

 

He revealed that he had followed orders from higher-ups to become a high-ranking priest and that stealing items at the auction house was his final command.

 

Lucion knew that there was more to uncover

 

Now that he had captured Chelga, it was a matter of carefully digging deeper to expose the true roots of the enemy.

 

Lucion didn’t disregard Heroan’s instructions to investigate Chelga. 

 

He believed that if he probed and searched diligently, something would eventually surface.

 

‘Ah. I forgot to ask about Twilo.’

 

While Carson would be a suitable candidate to ask, he might grow suspicious. 

 

It would be better to ask Heroan, who probably already had the information.

 

*

 

“Did you have fun yesterday?”

 

Heint asked after closing the door.

 

It was a load of crap.

 

He was in a hurry to come here.

 

Nonetheless, Lucion smiled and replied, “Yes, I wish we had more time.”

 

Despite having traversed half the empire, they hadn’t been able to leisurely appreciate the scenery or engage in other enjoyable activities. 

 

The only vivid memories were of the sky, mountains, and landscapes glimpsed from the carriage.

 

Similar views could be found in Cronia as well. 

 

Damn.

 

It irritated him to think about it.

 

They had embarked on a trip, but it didn’t feel like one. 

 

Even during designated rest periods, Lucion found himself occupied with work.

 

‘Damn it.’

 

“We should have planned a more relaxed travel schedule. When I first heard about the travel plans, I thought someone was chasing after you, Lucion,” Heint remarked with a soft chuckle.

 

‘I’m being chased by my brother. My life is on the line.’

 

Despite his inner thoughts, Lucion maintained his smile.

 

“I would like that, but I can’t stay for long.”

 

“Still, this time…”

 

Heint was about to bring up the idea that things might be different this time, but he quickly shut his mouth.

 

How could he be so certain?

 

“Lucion.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Have you noticed any suspicious individuals lurking around?” Heint inquired.

 

“Suspicious individuals?”

 

“Someone wearing a very shiny mask,” Heint described. 

 

―It’s Lucion! Just as Ratta said, it’s Lucion, right? 

 

Ratta’s eyes widened. 

 

[Yes. He’s talking about Lucion.] 

 

Russell nodded. 

 

―Heehee! Ratta got it right! Yahoo! 

 

Ratta’s tail wagged.

 

“No, I haven’t seen anyone like that.”

 

In response to Lucion’s answer, Heint instinctively turned to look at Hume. 

 

Instead of speaking, Hume shook his head. It was only then that Heint slightly slumped his shoulders.

 

“Well, that’s good. If you happen to come across him, let me know,” Heint requested.

 

“Who is he?”

 

Heint’s face wrinkled in response to Lucion’s question.

 

“He is an asshole.”

 

‘That’s my brother.’

 

Lucion’s mouth suddenly itched.

 

He didn’t expect to hear gossip like this.

 

[Pfft!]

 

Russell burst out laughing next to him.

 

“Have you ever fought with him?” Lucion inquired.

 

“No, it’s not that. It’s… how should I put it? I simply had some misunderstandings about him,” Heint explained.

 

“Misunderstanding?”

 

“It’s not just me; I’m often misunderstood by others as well,” Heint replied with a touch of resignation. 

 

“But has the misunderstanding been resolved?”

 

“Partially. No, maybe half. No, maybe even less than half. Anyway, I don’t completely suspect them anymore. I’ve seen their sincerity.”

 

Heint took a deep breath, and at that moment, the carriage began to move.

 

‘To hear those words right in front of me gives me goosebumps.’

 

Lucion forced himself to endure it and stroked Ratta soothingly.

 

“Recently…”

 

Heint hesitated for a moment before speaking.

 

He couldn’t quite comprehend why he was sharing this story all of a sudden. 

 

However, when he saw Lucion’s eyes sparkling with curiosity, he found himself unable to resist the urge to reveal more.

 

“Recently, that misunderstanding has been slowly unraveling, and it’s making me feel… unsettled,” Heint confessed.

 

“Why do you speak of it as if it’s a problem?”

 

“Because I’m becoming increasingly uncertain about whose standards I was misunderstanding. No, it’s more than that. It’s embarrassing, and it’s difficult to face someone when I know it was all a misunderstanding,” Heint explained.

 

“Is it because of the opinions of others around you?”

 

“Maybe so.”

 

“I thought you didn’t pay much attention to the opinions of others, Brother Heint,” Lucion remarked.

 

“I… ?”

 

“Even though you received the Blessing of Light, you chose to become a knight instead of a high-ranking priest. I may not know the exact reason, but I can imagine it must have been a challenging decision,” Lucion continued.

 

Heint momentarily held his breath at Lucion’s words.

 

‘Knight.’

 

His gaze trembled as he looked at the sword he had placed beside him.

 

Why had he chosen to wield this sword instead of taking the comfortable path of becoming a high-ranking priest?

 

Was it a sense of justice?

 

No, he couldn’t claim such nobility within himself.

 

He simply desired to be a man of integrity.

 

He felt shame in using the power of the light to discriminate against others and make himself feel unique.

 

That’s why he had opted not to become a priest.

 

He feared that, with the same power as those individuals, he would eventually lose his sense of shame and commit unjust actions without remorse.

 

Despite being born into nobility, Heint understood that his status was not merely a bestowed privilege. 

 

It was a position built upon the sacrifices and hardships of others. 

 

However, he didn’t harbor the desire to relinquish his privileges entirely. 

 

Instead, he aspired to be someone deserving of his position—a person of worth.

 

To him, a sword served one purpose: to defeat the enemy. 

 

He had no need for anything else. 

 

He believed that by doing so, he was prioritizing his identity as a knight.

 

So he wielded the sword.

 

‘Didn’t I choose to become a person first?’ 

 

Heint clenched his fist momentarily and then released it. 

 

The realization that his actions had been driven by cowardice overwhelmed him with shame. 

 

He had aimed to be someone who wouldn’t be consumed by his position, but in the end, he had allowed himself to be consumed by it.

 

“Brother… ?”

 

Lucion was taken aback by Heint’s sudden, deep concern.

 

‘What’s going on? Surely this isn’t a moment of awakening?’

 

Usually, when the protagonist gains enlightenment, they undergo an awakening.

 

[What is he doing?]

 

Russell stared at Heint.

 

Bethel, too, found herself puzzled by his actions.

 

The red thread connecting Lucion and Heint remained taut, providing some relief to Lucion, despite the uncertainty of the situation.

 

“Ah… Sorry. I just suddenly recalled something from the past,” Heint belatedly explained.

 

“Anyway, Lucion, you’re right. Resolving the misunderstanding isn’t the problem. Thank you. You’ve been helpful.”

 

“Yes. I’m glad I could help.”

 

Regardless of the situation, Lucion felt relieved that Heint seemed to be one step closer to seeing him, or rather, Hamel, without any prejudice.

 

“Ah, brother.”

 

Lucion suddenly remembered something he had forgotten.

 

“Why?”

 

“Is it correct to rest in the Central region for a day and then head to the Eastern region?”

 

“Is there somewhere you want to go?”

 

Heint’s question caught Lucion off guard, causing him to respond with a slight delay.

 

“…Yes.”

 

“Lucion, you’ve been diligent in keeping your promises, but were there truly so many things to explore within a 30-minute distance?” 

 

“I have a scheduled appointment this time.”

 

“An appointment?”

 

“I decided to meet my close friend, Lady Tella.”

 

“Ah,” Heint chuckled suddenly, a laugh reminiscent of Russell’s.

 

“Of course, you must go,” Heint acknowledged, granting permission to Lucion.

 

Despite receiving permission, Lucion felt an odd sense of annoyance. 

 

That laugh, in particular, struck a nerve.

 

[He’s quite an understanding friend.] 

 

Russell commented, sympathizing with Heint.

 

Even Russell’s understanding didn’t alleviate Lucion’s annoyance.

 

* * *

 

Since Lucion’s visit to Count Luteon’s house, where Tella resided, was unofficial, he arrived accompanied by the Imperial Knight and the Cronia Knight, both of whom were inconspicuously disguised.

 

Lucion had attempted to dismiss the knights once again, but the Cronia Knights were insistent, leaving him with no choice but to bring them along this time. 

 

He couldn’t help but feel a tinge of frustration, always being pursued by the knights and unable to escape their presence.

 

“Who are you?” The knight guarding the main gate of Count Luteon’s residence became alert upon seeing the group’s suspicious appearance.

 

Hume stepped forward and displayed the emblem of Cronia.

 

“I believe the details have already been conveyed,” Hume responded.

 

“Oh, my apologies. Please proceed,” the knight quickly relented, glancing at the crest before opening the gate.

 

The head of the household had received explicit instructions to allow the saint, Lucion Cronia, to enter discreetly and without raising any questions.

 

As Lucion and his companions entered the mansion, the main gate closed behind them.

 

The knights remained silent, their disappointment evident in not having caught a glimpse of the saint.

 

* * *

 

Lucion entered through the gate, guided by the butler, who had already stood in front of the gate.

 

“I hope Lord Cronia will feel more comfortable now. The Lord has temporarily relieved all the servants, so you can remove your uncomfortable attire here,” the butler remarked.

 

“Ah, thank you,” Lucion replied, finally removing the hood that had concealed his face and the outer coat he had worn beneath it.

 

His face was flushed, and beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.

 

‘I might not survive if I have to do this again.’ 

 

The daytime heat was unbearable, and he had no desire to venture outside. 

 

Wearing a mask would have been preferable.

 

Hume handed Lucion a handkerchief. 

 

“I’ll bring something refreshing shortly.”

 

The butler hesitated for a moment, observing Lucion, before quickly bowing his head. 

 

As the longtime butler of Luteon, he had encountered various guests, but none had ever captivated his attention for such a prolonged period. 

 

He couldn’t help but believe that this person must truly be a saint, regardless of what others might say.

 

“Will you, sir?” 

 

The butler felt a bit nervous at Lucion’s gentle tone and walked forward.

 

The once-familiar mansion, which he had traversed countless times, suddenly felt unfamiliar. 

 

However, as they reached the reception room, the butler’s tension eased slightly.

 

“Please wait a moment. I will bring a refreshing beverage shortly,” the butler assured.

 

“Take your time,” Lucion replied, offering a soft smile.

 

“Thank you,” the butler expressed his gratitude with a bow.

 

[…Wow. Lucion.] 

 

Russell regarded Lucion with indescribable awe.

 

Only after the door closed did Lucion let out a chuckle.

 

“Teacher, have you forgotten? I am a saint.”