Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 279 - So… (2)

 

 

Knock. Knock.

 

The sound of knocking echoed as the door creaked open.

 

“Mr. Hamel?”

 

Miella lifted her goggles, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Lucion. Like Kran, there were dark circles under her eyes.

 

“You’re here again?”

 

Lucion chuckled at her raised eyebrow.

 

“Can’t you be a little happier to see me?”

 

“It’s surprising to see someone who should be resting wandering around like this.”

 

“You sound just like Kran.”

 

“I don’t have anything to give you right now, Mr. Hamel.”

 

“I didn’t come for that. I just wanted to say hello. And… thank you.”

 

Lucion took off his mask and smiled.

 

Only later did he realize that the item Miella had given him in Nevast had helped lessen the effects of the light. At the time, he had thought Russell was dead, and there hadn’t been time to notice anything else.

 

“This feels unsettling. Why are you acting like this?”

 

Miella set down the tool she was holding.

 

“I’m just making the rounds, greeting everyone while I can. Once I’m done, I’ll go back to my room.”

 

Lucion waved at her lightly.

 

“You can get back to work now.”

 

“…Please don’t die. I’d rather you come back injured. You absolutely must not go back!”

 

“That won’t happen.”

 

Lucion chuckled, put his mask back on, and stepped outside.

 

*

 

“The scent of death still lingers. Greeting people in this state…it’s honestly quite frightening. If it were Heroan, I wouldn’t mind, but I hope you, Mr. Hamel, live a long life.”

 

Quate’s expression twisted slightly.

 

“Oh, since you’re here, why not chat with me for a bit? Delos would love that too. Now, where is Delos…?”

 

Reint remained calm, trying to seize the rare opportunity for a private conversation.

 

“Saying hello? It’s not a final farewell, is it? You’re acting strangely, Mr. Hamel, and it makes me uneasy. My happiness just vanished. No, wait—I should ask Miella to make more rings instead.”

 

Peter wiped the smile from his face and ran off in Miella’s direction.

 

“…It’s a little confusing, but I think I understand what you mean, Mr. Hamel. I pray we meet again with smiles.”

 

J.L. suppressed his sadness and responded with as much composure as he could muster.

 

“Mr. Hamel, you truly have a warm heart. Honestly, I don’t even know how to express my gratitude right now. Oh, I heard you like macarons. The Darkness told me in secret, so I’ve been waiting to give these to you.”

 

Delos smiled brightly and handed him the macarons.

 

Lucion accepted them gratefully.

 

Had he known, he would have brought something in return.

 

“Do you have a fever or something? This is odd. This isn’t like you, Mr. Hamel. Or… did you come to assign me another task? …Hmm. Or did I make some kind of mistake? No, that’s impossible—I don’t make mistakes. Then what is it?”

 

Heroan furrowed his brows.

 

“Oh! Are you giving that to me? If it’s a gift, I won’t refuse!”

 

Without hesitation, Heroan reached out for the macarons Lucion held tightly.

 

The sincerity of the moment, the weight of everyone’s concern—it was completely shattered by Heroan’s audacity.

 

“You really….”

 

Unable to tolerate Heroan’s shamelessness, Lucion swiftly kicked him in the calf.

 

“Ouch!”

 

As Heroan’s pained cry echoed behind him, Lucion left the room.

 

A slow smile crept onto his face.

 

This farewell could very well be his last, but at least, for now, he felt at peace.

 

*

 

Lucion made his way to the garden of the Chefran mansion and settled onto a chair.

 

Wasn’t this where his organization had first begun?

 

—Ratta doesn’t understand why everyone is so sad when Lucion is just saying hello. Except for Heroan.

 

Ratta tilted her head from within the shadows.

 

“…It probably feels like a final farewell,” Lucion answered hesitantly.

 

—Final farewell? That sounds kind of sad to Ratta.

 

“It usually means saying goodbye… before someone dies,” Hume added, completing the thought.

 

—B-Before dying?!

 

Ratta gasped and tried to emerge from the shadows, but Lucion spoke quickly.

 

“That’s not it, Ratta.”

 

Ratta tilted her head in confusion.

 

“I’m not going to die.”

 

He won’t die.

 

He repeated the thought like a mantra, almost like brainwashing himself.

 

“…Even so.”

 

Sadness seeped into Lucion’s voice.

 

“If I say goodbye later, it’ll be even sadder. So, I’d rather say it now.”

 

Lucion quietly watched the setting sun.

 

Why did everything feel so nostalgic today?

 

* * *

 

Knock. Knock.

 

Lucion knocked on the door.

 

“Brother, it’s me.”

 

The door swung open urgently.

 

“Why… are you here?”

 

Carson asked, genuine surprise written across his face.

 

“Aren’t you busy, Brother? Since I’m the one with free time, I figured I should be the one visiting.”

 

Lucion’s gaze flickered to the stacks of documents visible through the door crack.

 

“You, having free time? Don’t say such nonsense.”

 

“You were at the frontier fortress yesterday and only returned late this evening, weren’t you? You’re really busy, so don’t make that face, Brother.”

 

“Come in.”

 

Carson sighed and stepped aside, allowing Lucion to enter.

 

“You’re still not fully recovered. You shouldn’t be walking around like this. Next time, let me visit you instead.”

 

“Now that I think about it, it’s been a long time since I last visited you, Brother.”

 

Lucion smiled.

 

“Isn’t it past your bedtime?”

 

The clock pointed to 2 AM.

 

“I thought if I didn’t come now, I wouldn’t get a chance to see you.”

 

By now, Carson must have heard from Heint that Veronia could soon break through the barrier and appear in the world.

 

Despite their family being gathered, none of them could remain in Cronia for long because of that looming threat.

 

“I heard from Brother Heint.”

 

“…”

 

Carson looked at Lucion with an expression that showed he didn’t know what to say.

 

“Since Father isn’t here, I’ll speak to you instead. Don’t worry—I won’t take up much of your time.”

 

“What…do you mean?”

 

“I’ll be leaving quietly for the central region at dawn. You don’t have to worry about me anymore.”

 

Ketlan had already figured out that he was Hamel.

 

That meant Lucion could remain safe in the central region while Hamel moved freely in the frontier without restriction.

 

“That’s what I came to tell you.”

 

“…Lucion.”

 

“Yes, Brother?”

 

“Aren’t you afraid?”

 

Carson bit his lip after asking the question.

 

“For me, all I have to do is go to the central region. What’s there to be afraid of?”

 

“…Right. I suppose that’s true.”

 

“Brother, don’t underestimate him.”

 

“That won’t happen, so don’t worry. We have… Hamel.”

 

Carson hesitated before saying the name.

 

At that moment, Lucion’s heart sank.

 

“I heard the warlock Hamel is coming to the frontier.”

 

‘Did Heint tell him?’

 

However, Lucion feigned surprise, widening his eyes and waiting for Carson to continue.

 

“Not just him—other warlocks will be joining this battle as well.”

 

“I also heard that Nevast’s priests will be there. Will that be an issue?”

 

“It’s our responsibility to keep them in check. I’ve already assured them that it won’t be a problem. We understand that warlocks are necessary for this battle.”

 

Carson glanced at Lucion, absentmindedly fiddling with his fingernails.

 

Ketlan was planning something unprecedented in history.

 

A battle where priests and warlocks would fight together.

 

For now, that fact was being kept secret, and Cronia’s knights were ensuring the priests and warlocks didn’t cross paths.

 

“So, you don’t need to worry. I briefly lost my eye in the tower, but I know Hamel is strong.”

 

Lucion felt something off.

 

Carson wasn’t the type to praise others.

 

Especially not someone he had once tried to kill.

 

“Brother—”

 

“It’s late.”

 

Carson cut him off with a natural smile.

 

“You should get some sleep.”

 

“Yes. I hope I haven’t taken up too much of your time.”

 

“Taken up my time? Honestly, I’d like to have you stay longer, but I’m more concerned about your health.”

 

Carson hesitated slightly before speaking again.

 

“Anyway, don’t worry too much. Everything will be fine.”

 

“Yes. I wish you luck.”

 

Lucion stood up.

 

After seeing him off, Carson returned to his room, his gaze filled with deep anxiety.

 

‘…Please.’

 

He took a deep breath.

 

‘Please.’

 

Carson swallowed the tears threatening to rise.

 

Thus, he prayed.

 

* * *

 

At dawn, Lucion quietly left Cronia in an unmarked carriage with Hume.

 

In times of crisis for the empire, there would always be those waiting to reveal their hidden claws. This was the safest course of action.

 

Carson had already given his approval yesterday.

 

He had likely also informed Novio and Shaela in secret.

 

“…Phew.”

 

Lucion exhaled.

 

“I’ll be back, Hume. Wait here for a moment.”

 

“Yes, young master.”

 

Hume, holding Ratta in his arms, bowed his head.

 

—Ratta wants to go too.

 

Hearing Ratta’s dejected voice, Lucion boldly entered the room.

 

“Your Majesty.”

 

Instead of heading to the estate in the central region, Lucion made his way to the Imperial Palace.

 

It was the safest place for Lucion Cronia, the noble, and the perfect location to establish an alibi.

 

“Oh, Lord Lucion.”

 

Despite his demanding schedule, Ketlan willingly granted him a private audience.

 

“Your Majesty. First, I must apologize for my past rudeness.”

 

“Rudeness…?”

 

“I’ll be direct. While I move as Hamel, please ensure Lucion remains protected.”

 

“…”

 

Ketlan nearly spat out his tea, utterly shocked.

 

He had anticipated this moment, but for it to come today?

 

How bold.

 

‘No, this child is suppressing his fear.’

 

Ketlan steadied his emotions.

 

“I can no longer deceive Your Majesty. I…”

 

Lucion bowed his head deeply in sincerity.

 

“There is no need to apologize for such matters.”

 

Ketlan quickly stopped him.

 

Lucion cautiously raised his head.

 

“I have already decided to protect both you and Hamel.”

 

Ketlan’s gaze remained firm.

 

How could his heart not be moved, seeing Lucion seek permission to act despite his body still not fully healed?

 

“Go on. I will ensure Lucion’s safety.”

 

Ketlan offered a warm smile.

 

He had wanted to say those words for so long.

 

Lucion’s eyes trembled—greatly.

 

“…Thank you, Your Majesty.”

 

His voice carried both astonishment and deep gratitude.

 

“Lord Lucion.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

“Nothing is more valuable than your life. Cherish it in every moment.”

 

The Lucion Ketlan had observed was someone who placed the lives of others above his own.

 

Though there was no reason to restrain Hamel, it was different for Lucion.

 

“This is an order.”

 

As Emperor, he gave Lucion his first command.

 

To return alive.

 

“I will obey.”

 

Lucion couldn’t hide his smile as he bowed his head.

 

His chest felt warm, a sensation both unfamiliar and comforting.

 

* * *

 

Crack.

 

At the sound of yet another fracture, Veronia bared his teeth in a grin.

 

“Give up, divine beasts.”

 

-Shut up.

 

Troy growled.

 

“I don’t know what nonsense you’re clinging to, but this barrier will shatter regardless. Today? Tomorrow? Would you like one more day?”

 

Veronia leaned back leisurely, stroking his chin.

 

“What difference will a day make? Foolish, oh foolish divine beast.”

 

As he lightly tapped the barrier with a single finger, another ominous crack rang out.

 

“I have already won. This world is mine. Do you still not realize how many divine beasts I’ve killed?”

 

The number was in the thousands.

 

Bathed in their blood, he had only grown stronger.

 

“Half-baked—no, rather, wouldn’t it be less pathetic to die protecting the things you cherish than to try and stop me with a mere toy like this?”

 

Veronia sneered.

 

This wasn’t a holy relic.

 

The real one had long been tainted by corruption, unable to emerge.

 

“Oh, but wait.”

 

His grin widened.

 

“Are you placing your hope in a broken vessel?”

 

-He is not just a vessel. That child… that precious child… is now everyone’s hope.

 

Brillin snapped his beak sharply in defiance.

 

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll admit it. The darkness secretly drained my power and passed it to that vessel, and as a result, he has grown considerably strong—greedily consuming what was never his.”

 

Veronia scoffed, touching the empty socket where his eye had once been.

 

“But that little trick won’t work anymore. Now that I’ve broken free, all that stolen power will return to me. Before I was sealed away, I made sure of it—I laid the groundwork so that anyone who carries my power will be hunted and destroyed. And upon their death, my power will flow back to me.”

 

He secretly leaked darkness in the form of a serpent, its presence barely detectable.

 

“By now, that vessel must be panicking. No matter how much he tries to reclaim the power he stole from me, he won’t be able to find it. Too bad—he’s probably dead already.”

 

Veronia pressed both hands against the barrier.

 

“Divine beasts. If this were inside the door, perhaps things would be different. But now that I possess a physical body, this feeble light is meaningless against me. You know that, don’t you?”

 

-Yes. You wouldn’t understand. You will never understand why we are fighting so desperately. You, who killed the King of Darkness and stole the crown for yourself, will never know. Not even in death.

 

Troy let out a dry, amused laugh.

 

As divine beasts, they could sense it—the presence of the holy relic in this world.

 

Lucion had done it.

 

The light buried in corruption had returned.

 

“You look so pitiful, struggling like that. You know, we might have gotten along… maybe in another lifetime.”

 

Veronia smirked.

 

“But not today.”

 

Crack.

 

As he tightened his grip, the fractures in the barrier deepened.

 

“What a load of nonsense.”

 

A sharp voice cut through the air.

 

Swoosh.

 

The darkness surrounding Lucion dissipated in an instant.

 

The scent of blood from that time hadn’t completely faded, lightly tickling the tip of his nose.

 

-Lu… Lucion? Hume?

 

Troy was momentarily taken aback.

 

“I’ve come to get you. I won’t let that thing devour you.”

 

Lucion’s mask turned yellow.