Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 288 - Epilogue - The Count's Youngest Son is a Warlock

 

A month later.

 

“…Haah.”

 

As Russell entered Lucion’s room, he pressed a hand to his forehead and let out a deep sigh.

 

“Why the heavy sigh first thing in the morning?”

 

Lucion blinked in surprise as he handed a macaron to Ratta, who was eagerly waiting with her mouth open, then took a bite of one himself.

 

“Just a second, Teacher. Uh…! This macaron—it’s from that place!”

 

Lucion briefly shut his eyes tight, as if trying to recall something.

 

“Merveille’s Afternoon! Right? Hume?”

 

“That is correct. Well done, Young Master. Your palate is getting almost as sharp as my nose.”

 

Hume gave a small, approving clap.

 

Lucion looked quite pleased with himself—until he suddenly remembered something and turned quickly back to Russell.

 

“My apologies, Teacher. You had something to tell me?”

 

“I heard all about it.”

 

“…About what?”

 

Lucion’s eyebrows twitched as Russell frowned deeply.

 

“You went out yesterday and trained with Bethel, didn’t you?”

 

“It wasn’t exactly training… more like… a light stroll.”

 

At Russell’s sour expression, Lucion glanced toward Bethel.

 

[I swear, it wasn’t me. I kept it secret because I thought Russell would be mad if he found out.]

 

—R-Ratta didn’t say anything either! Ratta’s mouth is as tight as a mountain!

 

Ratta, who was chewing on a macaron, stomped her tiny feet in a panic under Lucion’s gaze.

 

Naturally, Lucion’s eyes shifted to Hume next.

 

“I haven’t said anything since three weeks ago—when Young Master snuck past the frontier after waking up. I only reported it to the First Young Master.”

 

“…Wait. That was you?”

 

Lucion scowled and took another bite of his macaron.

 

After regaining consciousness, he had guided the wandering spirits who had died to Veronia. As a result, he’d been thoroughly scolded by Novio, Carson, and even Shaela.

 

They must have been frantic searching for him—Kran himself had stormed into the Cronia mansion, visibly angry.

 

“Young Master didn’t know?”

 

Hume raised an eyebrow.

 

“I didn’t. I thought it was Teacher. He knew and pretended not to, so I was thinking, ‘Wow… he’s really shameless.’”

 

“Me…? I was asking the darkness and the ghosts while searching for you with Bethel!”

 

[It’s true. Russell and I were running around together.]

 

Bethel crossed her arms beside Russell.

 

“So this time, who was it?”

 

Lucion’s eyebrow twitched again.

 

After spending over three weeks bedridden, Lucion had finally thought it was time to move a little, so he’d done some light exercise with Bethel.

 

“It was us!”

 

The darkness laughed playfully.

 

“The only one who could’ve stopped Lucion was Russell.”

 

“Lucion still needed rest.”

 

“Exactly. He needed way more rest.”

 

“Right. So much more rest, Lucion.”

 

Russell nodded in agreement.

 

“As you know, I was basically stuck in bed for three weeks. Still am, honestly.”

 

Lucion let out a dry chuckle.

 

“You were unconscious for a week. Then you had a high fever for another. And now? Care to explain what you’ve been doing since?”

 

“Teacher, I can’t take it anymore. I’m getting restless.”

 

“Of course you are. You were always running around nonstop before. Being confined to a bed must feel like torture.”

 

Russell’s comment left Lucion at a loss for words.

 

He had been constantly on the move for nearly three months. Sitting still for days on end really was harder than he expected.

 

“…I thought I’d finally be able to rest properly—do nothing and just relax.”

 

“You told me the same thing. That you’d take it easy.”

 

Hume collected the empty plate from Lucion.

 

“Anyway, consider yourself lucky. I let it slide. But if Carson or Novio found out, there’d—”

 

Russell abruptly cut himself off.

 

[There would be chaos…]

 

Bethel glanced outside for a moment before turning back with a sheepish expression.

 

Knock. Knock.

 

At the sound of knocking, Hume moved to open the door.

 

Carson entered, his expression stern.

 

“Lucion.”

 

‘Teacher…’

 

Lucion shot Russell an accusing glare, but Russell deliberately sat in a very visible spot, brimming with curiosity.

 

He was truly irritating.

 

“Three weeks ago—”

 

“I’m sorry. It was entirely my fault,” Lucion quickly cut him off before Carson could finish.

 

Carson looked momentarily taken aback.

 

“I’m not here to scold you.”

 

He had overheard their conversation from outside, and while he was indeed upset, he hadn’t come to lecture Lucion.

 

“Really?” Lucion asked, eyes wide with disbelief.

 

At that, Carson let out a laugh.

 

The world had repeated itself. In every cycle, Lucion had died countless times—yet every time, he defied fate and rose to become the ruler of darkness: the King of Darkness.

 

And still, Lucion hadn’t changed.

 

He was still his brother.

 

“Yes, really.”

 

“…Tch.”

 

Russell clicked his tongue behind them.

 

“Carson, you’ve always been lenient with Lucion, but now you’ve completely softened up like whipped cream.”

 

“I’ve made my fair share of mistakes too. So, Brother Russell, I’m counting on you to guide Lucion well.”

 

Carson smiled awkwardly.

 

Russell looked around the room slowly.

 

“Now that I think about it… it’s just me, huh.”

 

Two people who owed Lucion their lives.

 

One who had made many mistakes.

 

And a little fox that Lucion doted on.

 

He glanced at Lucion and smirked.

 

Lucion flinched under his gaze.

 

“You owe me a lot, my dear disciple.”

 

“Don’t tell me you’re trying to take credit now?”

 

“What was it again? ‘Thank you for remembering me… for not giving up on me…’ something like that?”

 

“I-I’m doing great now, aren’t I?!”

 

Lucion shouted, his face flushed.

 

He hadn’t thought much of those words at the time—but now? He wanted to bury them under his pillow and forget.

 

“Exactly. You’re doing so great that you keep sneaking out, huh?”

 

Russell teased with a grin.

 

—Oh! Ratta remembers that too. It was really sad.

 

“W-What brings you here?”

 

Panicked, Lucion quickly changed the subject before Ratta could say more, looking to Carson for rescue.

 

“His Majesty has something to tell you.”

 

Carson handed Lucion a communication device from Novio.

 

“Is there something my brother wants to say to me?”

 

Hume could’ve delivered this. Carson must’ve come for another reason.

 

“I was thinking of taking a short vacation. Something like a healing trip. What do you think?”

 

“That sounds great! Is Father and Sister coming too?”

 

“Yes. We thought it’d be nice to go on a family trip for the first time in a while.”

 

Carson smiled gently.

 

The king of the Neubra Kingdom had changed now.

 

They were now an obedient ‘dog of the Empire.’

 

Naturally, the soldiers who used to linger around the frontier were long gone, so it should be safe.

 

—Ratta wants to go too! Ratta too!

 

Ratta raised her front paws eagerly.

 

“Of course, we’re all going. I’ve always wanted to travel with everyone.”

 

Lucion turned his gaze toward Bethel and Russell.

 

Bethel looked thrilled. Russell seemed taken aback and pointed at himself.

 

“…Me too?”

 

“Of course. You’re family too, Teacher.”

 

“Russell-nim, why don’t you make Cronia your home like I did?” Hume suggested.

 

Russell scratched the back of his head and glanced at Carson.

 

“If you’re okay with it, Brother, I’d welcome you with open arms. Father’s already planning what drinks to share with you.”

 

Carson’s eyes shone with gratitude as he looked at Russell.

 

Who else would go this far for Lucion?

 

Even if he said thank you a thousand times, it wouldn’t be enough.

 

“…Well.” Russell rubbed his nose, flustered.

 

Bethel laughed beside him, and Russell looked away.

 

“Honestly, I’m fine as long as no one gives me the cold shoulder.”

 

“If anyone does—”

 

“I’ll take care of them. Without fail,” Hume interjected with a sunny smile.

 

“…You’ve gotten a bit tougher, haven’t you?”

 

When Lucion looked at him in surprise, Hume pointed at himself.

 

“I’m growing too, little by little.”

 

“If anyone dares to give Brother Russell the cold shoulder here in Cronia, I’ll root them out,” Carson added firmly, making Russell laugh.

 

“Then count me in.”

 

“Thank you. I’m glad—but Father will be even more pleased. Well then.”

 

Just as Carson was about to leave the room, he paused at the door and turned back.

 

“Lucion.”

 

“Yes, Brother?”

 

Carson hesitated for a moment, then slowly said, “I’m really happy right now.”

 

Lucion couldn’t see Carson’s face, so he had no idea what kind of expression he was wearing—but his voice was brimming with joy.

 

“I hope you feel the same way.”

 

Without waiting for a reply, Carson stepped out.

 

—Carson is just like Ratta! Ratta is happy every single day!

 

Ratta wagged her tail enthusiastically.

 

—Because Lucion pets me every single day!

 

Lucion quickly covered Ratta’s mouth, but her voice still echoed in his head.

 

—Tell Ratta that she’s cute and sweet! Ratta loves waking up every morning now!

 

With her eyes nearly closed in blissful joy, Ratta looked so content that Bethel glanced at Lucion, whose face was bright red, and stifled a laugh.

 

[There’s no need to be embarrassed. Ratta is truly sweet and cute.]

 

“That’s right. Ratta is the cutest fox I’ve ever seen.”

 

—Ahem.

 

“Pffft! Ah! This is killing me!”

 

Russell, who had been barely holding in his laughter, finally burst out.

 

Clack.

 

Bethel quickly lowered her helmet visor, trembling as she tried to hold back her own giggles.

 

“I-I’ll contact His Majesty now.”

 

Lucion reached for the communication device with trembling hands. The heat in his face wouldn’t fade anytime soon.

 

“Your Majesty. This is Lucion Cronia.”

 

<Ah, Lord Lucion. Thank you for calling at just the right time.>

 

Ketlan greeted him warmly.

 

“What did you need, Your Majesty?”

 

<How have you been feeling? I’ve been so busy lately that I haven’t had the chance to ask.>

 

“I know how much care and concern you’ve shown me. I truly appreciate it.”

 

They weren’t just empty words.

 

Even the macaron he was eating now was among the things Ketlan had sent. From doctors to food, clothing, and more—Ketlan had taken care of him with almost overwhelming attentiveness.

 

<Don’t mention such trivial things. Do you have time right now?>

 

“I’ve got plenty. Kran has banned me from touching any organization work.”

 

“Hamel-nim, I’m serious this time! Please don’t lift a finger until you’re fully healed and not even a scar remains. I’ll block everything!”

 

As Lucion had already realized, an angry Kran was genuinely frightening.

 

<Then, could you come to me for a moment?>

 

“Right now, Your Majesty?”

 

<There’s something I want to show you, and I think this is the perfect time. It won’t take long. But if you’re not feeling well, I can wait.>

 

“…Do I need to go without my father knowing?”

 

Lucion lowered his voice. Ketlan did the same.

 

<Can you manage that? If Novio finds out you moved even a little, he’ll throw a fit and storm over here. Just thinking about it is terrifying.>

 

“Would he really be that mad?”

 

<Considering what’s to come, it’s possible.>

 

“…I’ll be there shortly.”

 

<Thank you. I’ll see you soon.>

 

The communication ended.

 

“The Emperor summoned you, and you’re worried Novio might lose it? Just what is he trying to show you?”

 

Russell narrowed his eyes thoughtfully, rubbing his chin.

 

“Then let’s go together, Teacher.”

 

“I’m fine with that… But Lucion.”

 

“Yes, Teacher?”

 

“You agreed to go without even thinking it through.”

 

“Didn’t His Majesty ask me directly?”

 

Russell frowned at Lucion’s casual response.

 

“Do you know why I insisted so much that you rest?”

 

“I do. Because I still have work to do—as the King of Darkness.”

 

“Exactly. You told me the world is off balance, and that we need to restore it with the divine beasts.”

 

Russell was relieved Lucion had survived, and grateful that the cycle had finally been broken—but deep down, he still felt guilty that Lucion had to shoulder such a heavy burden he hadn’t asked for.

 

“You don’t need to feel sorry, Teacher. I’ve always wanted to see the world anyway.”

 

Lucion gently petted Ratta, his voice filled with joy.

 

“This room used to be my entire world. But after meeting you, it gradually began to expand. Didn’t we travel all over the Empire to the point where I felt sick of it?”

 

[…Didn’t we kind of just skim through it?]

 

Bethel raised an eyebrow as she questioned him.

 

“That’s why I want to see more. I want to truly understand the world I live in.”

 

Ever since the day the Sea of Death was purified and shimmered under the starlight, Lucion had been longing to explore.

 

What lies beyond the sea?

 

What does the rest of the world look like?

 

“As your butler, I will loyally serve you wherever you go, young master.”

 

Hume bowed respectfully.

 

—Ratta will go wherever Lucion goes!

 

Ratta clung tightly to Lucion’s finger, blinking her eyes.

 

“That’s why I want to travel—not just to sightsee, but also to save those blessed by darkness… and help them become warlocks.”

 

“I’m just worried you’ll rush into danger again without thinking.”

 

“I’m also growing little by little—just like Hume said.”

 

“Yeah, well… you’ve definitely grown taller. About this much?”

 

Russell chuckled, narrowing the gap between his thumb and index finger.

 

“…Just wait. I will catch up to you, Teacher.”

 

Lucion clenched his fist, trembling with determination.

 

“Well, we’ll see. You’ll need… a lot of effort.”

 

Russell smirked as his grin widened.

 

* * *

 

“Ah, you’ve arrived.”

 

Ketlan welcomed Lucion and Russell, who appeared wrapped in darkness.

 

There was no one else nearby—likely because Ketlan had dismissed his escort knights.

 

“I greet Your Majesty, the Great Sun.”

 

Lucion and Russell both bowed their heads.

 

“There’s no need for such formalities. I’m simply glad to see you both looking well.”

 

Ketlan smiled with his eyes as he looked at Lucion.

 

“Isn’t the sea… beautiful?”

 

He turned his gaze toward the former Sea of Death.

 

[It’s changed so much. All the buildings are gone.]

 

Bethel observed the now-clear coastline with curiosity. The land stretched out widely—easily large enough to fit two or even three of Cronia’s estates.

 

“That land originally belonged to eastern nobility. It’s a very fine piece of property,”

 

Ketlan said casually. Russell’s jaw dropped in disbelief.

 

“I’ve prepared it for you.”

 

Ketlan smiled brightly as he looked at Lucion.

 

Epilogue – The Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock (2)

 

“…”

 

Lucion held his breath for a moment.

 

Land?

 

He turned his head to look. In the meantime, Ratta had already run ahead onto the sandy beach and was playing happily.

 

“Isn’t it beautiful?”

 

Ketlan seemed amused by Lucion’s stunned expression.

 

“You once said you liked the East, didn’t you?”

 

“Y-Yes, I did say that.”

 

“If it were up to me, I would’ve given you the entire East. But now that you’ve been revealed as Lucion, I regret that I can’t do more.”

 

[D-Did I hear that right?]

 

Bethel covered her mouth, eyes wide in shock.

 

“He’s nuts.”

 

Even with Ketlan standing right there, Russell couldn’t stop the words from slipping out.

 

The sheer scale of the offer was overwhelming.

 

“D-Did you say you were going to give me the East, Your Majesty?”

 

Lucion stammered, shocked by such an outrageous proposal.

 

“Of course. It wouldn’t be a waste. If you hadn’t told me the truth, this land would’ve already fallen into Veronia’s hands.”

 

He had nearly lost the entire Empire—offering the East to Lucion felt like the least he could do in return.

 

“I was having a headache because my plans went awry. Perhaps you have a good idea? Those who have done nothing but talk will surely oppose it, claiming that power is concentrated in Cronia and so on…”

 

“Your Majesty. As I’ve said before, I don’t ask for much.”

 

“Yes, and I’ve told you before—because you never ask for anything, I’ll take care of it for you.”

 

“This place is more than enough. I’m genuinely overwhelmed by Your Majesty’s generosity… like the vastness of the sea itself.”

 

“Compared to the entire East, this is nothing. How are you so pleased with such a small piece of land?”

 

Ketlan was clearly frustrated by Lucion’s modesty.

 

“The view of the sea is excellent here. I think it would be perfect to have a place to sit over there.”

 

Lucion looked out fondly at Ratta, who was still rolling around in the sand.

 

It would be even more perfect if the divine beasts came here to play too.

 

‘Good. The sea and this sandy beach are mine.’

 

“…?”

 

Ketlan suddenly felt a bit confused and asked, “Aren’t you going to build a mansion?”

 

“A mansion?”

 

“Yes. Wouldn’t it be nice to have one here so you could sip tea while enjoying the view?”

 

“How could you build a mansion on the beach?”

 

“On the beach?”

 

Ketlan’s eyes widened—then he burst into laughter.