Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 248 - I am a Saint.

 

“No, no. That’s impossible. The choice isn’t ours to make. We must find the person the vessel has chosen again, and when we do, we must protect them. Help them grow strong and thrive.”

 

“So, what you’re saying is… even if I die, the vessel will remain intact?”

 

Lucion’s heart trembled as a sudden surge of misery overwhelmed him. Why him, of all people?

 

“I’m sorry, Lucion. I know this must sound terrible to you. I know how much it must hurt to hear this. You’ve tried so hard… But I was so scared. So scared that if you hated us, I’d sink into sorrow as deep and endless as the ocean.”

 

The darkness spoke with a voice steeped in sadness, as if it had been submerged in grief.

 

[What exactly is a vessel? What is it for? Why Lucion? Of all people, why him?]

 

Russell shouted, as if the anguish he’d been holding back finally exploded. He couldn’t bear to listen any longer.

 

If Lucion wasn’t qualified to be the vessel…did that mean they really would have killed him? In all the countless worlds they’d repeated, had there ever been one where Asha and the darkness hadn’t killed Lucion?

 

[‘Damn it.’]

 

Russell sighed, staring at the ceiling as anger threatened to consume him.

 

[‘Endure it. Hold on. Lucion is enduring it, isn’t he? You can’t let this emotion consume you.’]

 

He worried about how much the darkness’s words would weigh on Lucion. After all the effort Lucion had put into avoiding death, to hear this betrayal from the darkness—whom he had trusted as an ally—felt like a cruel blow.

 

“We want to know too. We want to know why it had to be Lucion. We didn’t want this either. Do you think we wanted to make such a choice?”

 

The darkness seemed on the verge of tears.

 

[So, what is a vessel? What is it for?] Russell asked, gritting his teeth.

 

“Lucion is someone capable of holding a truly great, vast existence. If that existence goes wrong, we will disappear. So, we had no choice but to make a selection.”

 

Even as the darkness explained, Lucion’s gaze, fixed on them, remained devoid of emotion.

 

“Even your feelings toward me… aren’t they just because I’m the vessel? If someone else were to become the new vessel, you’d treat them the same way. So what are you so worried about? There are plenty of others who could become the vessel…”

 

“No! That’s absolutely not true! At least that part—please don’t deny it.”

 

The darkness immediately refuted Lucion’s words.

 

“You may not remember, but we treasured you long before we knew you were the vessel. You were the first one to treat us kindly when no one cared about us… We only learned that you were the vessel afterward. That’s the truth.”

 

“What on earth are you talking about?”

 

Lucion couldn’t make sense of the darkness’s words.

 

‘The kidnapping incident—that’s when I first spoke to the darkness, wasn’t it?’

 

“Poor child. When night falls, this pain will all disappear. Until then, I will stay by your side. I will sing you a lullaby so you can go to the sky without worry.”

 

That voice from the darkness still lingered vividly in his memory.

 

Lucion looked at Ratta. Since Ratta had once been his darkness before becoming Ratta, perhaps Ratta would know.

 

—Ratta… Ratta doesn’t know. Ratta’s never heard anything like that.

 

Ratta, who had started to answer Lucion’s hopeful gaze enthusiastically, drooped her ears and clutched the blanket tightly.

 

[But the darkness wouldn’t lie, right…?]

 

Bethel turned his head toward Russell. Seeing Russell’s surprised expression, Bethel called out.

 

[Russell…?]

 

Lucion also shifted his gaze to Russell.

 

‘What’s going on?’

 

Russell couldn’t hide his tense expression—he couldn’t hide it at all.

 

“Big Brother Russell. So, there is darkness both here and over there, right? Hey, darkness. Hello, I’m Lucion. Be my friend, darkness. I’m… um, not a bad kid.”

 

It was natural for Lucion not to remember the times he had spoken kindly to the darkness. Perhaps it could be a memory that only Russell knew.

 

“B-Brother Russell! The darkness really talked to me! It said ‘hello!’ Hello! Heehee. Big Brother! Look at me! Just like you said, I really made a friend!”

 

A younger Lucion, still a child, had smiled brightly, like a newly bloomed flower, in this memory from before the world started repeating.

 

“We remembered too late. We promised not to forget. We swore it, Lucion.”

 

[‘Did the darkness… regain its memories like me? How?’]

 

Russell desperately kept his mouth shut. He couldn’t reveal it now, not with Bethel, Ratta, and Hume present. How could he say that the world had repeated and that Lucion had kept dying in that endless cycle?

 

Russell looked at Lucion. Their eyes met.

 

‘Is what I’m thinking true?’

 

It felt as if Lucion was silently asking that, and Russell nodded.

 

Lucion took a deep breath.

 

‘No matter how many worlds have passed, if the darkness truly regained its memory, then its words to me aren’t lies…’

 

The longing the darkness expressed for him was real. But how many times had it been, Lucion wondered.

 

No.

 

How did the darkness know that fact?

 

“…”

 

Just as Lucion was about to speak, he noticed Ratta tugging on his clothes. How could he ask, looking into those eyes filled with worry, as if Ratta feared for him?

 

“So… the violet darkness?”

 

“Yes. Violet darkness is proof that the vessel has truly formed. Usually, Asha is the one who helps it bloom. But Lucion, you made it bloom yourself.”

 

The darkness cautiously observed Lucion, who was staring at his hand in silence.

 

“I see. Two left now. Like Asha said, the only way to uncover the truth is to get those damn orbs, isn’t it?”

 

The darkness nodded.

 

“What will happen to me then? After gathering all the black orbs… will I still be Lucion?”

 

The darkness exchanged glances but could not respond. Lucion let out a hollow laugh.

 

“Does no one know? Not a single person?”

 

“You were the first to summon the violet darkness, Lucion. I’m sorry.”

 

“Fine. For now, it seems there’s nothing we can do.”

 

Lucion swallowed the rising tide of anxiety and worry with effort.

 

Veronia.

 

He didn’t know when that man would come for him again, suffocating him. He had to defeat him, and for that, he needed strength.

 

‘It’s okay.’

 

Lucion repeated the words to himself as he gently covered Ratta’s eyes with his hand.

 

* * *

 

“What did you just say?” Carson lowered the sword he had been holding and glared at Heint. He hadn’t even taken the time to wipe the sweat from his training.

 

Heint cast a quick glance at the sword in Carson’s hand before continuing.

 

“I just received word from Prince Cetyl. A high-ranking priest from Nevast is currently at the Great Light Temple.”

 

“That bastard.” Carson’s grip on his sword tightened, his energy sharp and volatile, as though he wanted to cut the priest down immediately.

 

Unfazed, Heint added, “Actually, it seems he’s fled.”

 

“Fled?”

 

“Yes. A high-ranking priest who had run away was brought by Ale’s organization.”

 

“Why?”

 

“They claim they’ll only talk if Lucion comes in person. So, we need to take him to the central region to find out why.”

 

“Lucion hasn’t fully recovered yet,” Carson said, his tense shoulders lowering as he sheathed his sword.

 

Heint rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. “I know.”

 

“You know?” Carson’s eyes narrowed. “You know how much Lucion has suffered because of the light, and yet you expect him to go to a temple—a place brimming with light?”

 

“Calm down, Carson. I thought it was best to tell you first.”

 

Carson scowled. “Lucion will want to go. No, he’ll insist on it.” He grimaced, the weight of his younger brother’s determination pressing heavily on him. “Does Shaela know?”

 

“Not yet. If she did, there’d already be chaos. She’d have grabbed me by the collar by now.”

 

“Heint.”

 

“What?”

 

“If Lucion is determined to throw himself into the fire, are we just supposed to stand by and watch?” Carson asked, swallowing hard. It was always fascinating—how someone as cold and unyielding as Carson could be softened by his family alone.

 

“I wouldn’t know. I don’t have a sibling.”

 

Clang.

 

Heint instinctively drew his sword, blocking Carson’s sudden attack.

 

Clang!

 

“It was a joke!” Heint protested, retreating a step. “But it’s true, though.”

 

“Answer properly.”

 

“This is why you have no friends except me.”

 

“Look who’s talking,” Carson shot back with a smirk, sheathing his sword.

 

“Bastard,” Heint muttered, doing the same.

 

“What can I do? If I can’t stop Lucion from stepping into the fire, all I can do is try to keep him from burning,” Carson admitted.

 

“You can’t change his mind?”

 

“You already know the answer to that,” Carson replied.

 

Heint felt an itch to say something in response but managed to hold it back. He couldn’t talk about Hamel here.

 

“Then do it.”

 

“Do what?” Heint blinked, confused by Carson’s sudden command.

 

“Stop Lucion from getting burned.”

 

Heint stared, stunned. Carson wasn’t one to pass off responsibility for Lucion’s safety to someone else.

 

“Wh-what are you saying?”

 

“You’re the one blessed by the light.”

 

“If that’s the case, it’s my duty anyway. I don’t need you to tell me,” Heint grumbled. “Lucion is the reason the 8th Order of Knights exists in the first place.”

 

“You’re closer to Lucion than I am. Watch over him.”

 

“You sound like Shaela,” Heint muttered.

 

“Keep an eye on him. Make sure he doesn’t overreach. And this time…” Carson hesitated, biting his lip. “‘Watching’ doesn’t mean just standing by. It means stopping him.”

 

“We’re already trying—me, Shaela, even you.”

 

“Lucion doesn’t realize when he’s pushing himself too far.”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Heint’s thoughts briefly turned to Hamel.

 

‘That might be true.’

 

“It’s hard to tell if he genuinely doesn’t feel pain or if he’s just convincing himself it’s nothing,” Carson explained. “But no matter how much he suffers, he’ll dismiss it like it’s nothing.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Because of the aftermath of the kidnapping incident,” Carson said, his voice low with frustration.

 

Heint remained silent, sensing the deep pain behind Carson’s words.

 

“So, watch him closely. Don’t believe him when he says he’s fine.”

 

“Why are you telling me this? You’re his brother, not me.”

 

“Because you’re… safe,” Carson replied cryptically.

 

“What do you mean? What do you mean by ‘safe’?”

 

“You’ve never hurt Lucion.”

 

Without another word, Carson turned and walked away.

 

“I’ll leave first.”

 

Heint stared after him, perplexed.

 

* * *

 

“W-what? Leaving today? So suddenly?” Shaela stammered, her voice rising.

 

“I’m sorry, Shaela,” Carson said, his tone apologetic.

 

“Lucion hasn’t fully recovered yet, and you’re taking him to the… temple?” Shaela’s voice faltered, her frustration evident.

 

She was so flustered that her words came out jumbled.

 

“You’re supposed to meet those Nevast guys soon. By then, Lucion needs to be in perfect condition! The Magic Tower incident was one thing, but wasn’t the whole point of staying here to help him recover? Have you forgotten the doctor’s strict orders for absolute rest?”

 

“Shaela…”

 

“Brother, I’m losing my mind here. I feel like I should just march over and kill that high-ranking priest from Nevast myself…!”

 

“Shaela.”

 

“What does Lucion say about all this? Does he even know what’s happening right now?”

 

“I know.” Lucion entered Shaela’s room unannounced, his voice calm but firm. “Sister, I’m really sorry for leaving so suddenly.”

 

He had expected that he might be summoned by the high-ranking priest from Nevast who had arrived at the temple, but he hadn’t thought it would be this soon.

 

“Lucion, I’m not saying you shouldn’t go. Just rest a little longer before you do. Surely that bastard can wait a few more days, right?”

 

Shaela knew how unreasonable her words sounded, but she couldn’t help herself. The restrictions on mages’ travel following the Magic Tower incident had made her feel helpless. For the first time, she cursed being a mage.

 

“The mage travel restrictions will be lifted in just a few days, won’t they? I’ll meet you in Cronia then. Can you come, Sister?”

 

As she stared into Lucion’s unwavering gaze, Shaela’s protests faltered. Her eyes drifted to the bandages still wrapped around his face, evidence of his recent injuries.

 

“I’m sorry, Lucion,” Shaela said softly.

 

“Why are you suddenly saying that?”

 

“I promised to protect you…”

 

“And I’m still alive, aren’t I? That means you’ve done your job.”

 

“You really… truly…”

 

Shaela raised her hand as if to flick Lucion’s forehead, but instead, she pulled him into a tight hug.

 

Lucion blinked in surprise, but a soft smile soon spread across his face.

 

“Eat well and sleep well,” Shaela said.

 

“You’ve seen how well I eat, haven’t you?”

 

“And take your medicine, too.”

 

“I’ll think about it.

 

“Don’t worry about anything else. Just focus on taking care of yourself.”

 

“I’ll think about that too,” Lucion replied playfully.

 

Whack!

 

Shaela released him from her embrace only to flick his forehead.

 

“Ouch,” Lucion winced, rubbing the spot.

 

“If it hurts, don’t keep it to yourself. Tell us. And if things get too hard, complain to your brother once in a while.”

 

“My forehead hurts,” Lucion quipped with a teasing smile.

 

“I’ll definitely come to Cronia,” Shaela said, her expression softening as she gently touched the spot where she’d flicked him.

 

“Okay. I’ll be waiting,” Lucion replied, smiling warmly.

 

* * *

 

When they arrived near the Great Light Temple in the central region, Carson wasted no time dragging Heint out of the carriage, leaving Lucion behind.

 

Lucion, equally confused, called out to his brother.

 

“Brother…?”

 

“Stay here for a moment,” Carson said curtly.

 

“Excuse me?”

 

“You’ll soon see just how valuable the name ‘Cronia’ really is.”

 

With a sly grin, Carson pulled Heint along and marched confidently into the Great Light Temple.

 

[Wow. It’s like watching him stir up trouble ahead of time,] Russell said, his lips twitching as if holding back a laugh. How could two brothers be so alike?

 

―Whoa! That’s right! Carson and Lucion are so alike!

 

Ratta wagged her tail enthusiastically, pressing her nose against the carriage window.

 

[Is something happening?] Bethel asked, her tone uneasy. [Should I go check on them?]

 

[No. It’s more entertaining if we don’t know,] Russell replied, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he watched eagerly.