Count’s Youngest Son is a Warlock Chapter 289 - Epilogue (2)

 

“Somehow, I had a feeling something was off. There’s no way you’d accept it that easily,” said Ketlan.

 

“Lucion, it seems His Majesty intended to give you all the land where the buildings were completely cleared out,” Russell interjected, unable to hold back any longer.

 

“That’s correct.”

 

“…!”

 

Only then did Lucion turn his head. He had sensed something strange about the unusually empty area.

 

“I’m giving you the most valuable land in the East. That area used to be filled with noble estates and shops, but now that their owners are gone, there’s no reason to leave them standing, is there? It was unpleasant, and I wanted to make things easier for your construction—so I had it all cleared away.”

 

“Y-Your Majesty…”

 

“Whatever kind of building you decide to put there, the Imperial Family will cover the full cost. Ah, and you’ll also be receiving an invitation from me soon.”

 

Ketlan smiled warmly at the shock painted on Lucion’s face.

 

“We must prepare a proper celebration to honor you—the Hero.”

 

“Y-Your Majesty, I…”

 

“Lord Lucion, I understand how you feel. I know it may seem like I’m forcing you into this, and for that, I truly apologize.”

 

Ketlan understood better than most how much courage it took for Lucion to stand before others.

 

“But now, you are not just Hamel—you are also Lucion Cronia. The world runs on power, but power comes in many forms.”

 

“…I understand. If I’m to live as a noble, I will need that kind of strength.”

 

“Exactly. Beyond the power that comes from Novio, you must have power of your own.”

 

Ketlan wanted to help Lucion maintain his organization with that power.

 

And with that in mind, there was no reason to refuse.

 

The organization he had founded, Ale, needed to be preserved, and it had to be strong enough that no one in the Empire would dare challenge it.

 

“That’s why I want to provide you with the strength you’ll need going forward. So, please—if nothing else—don’t reject the land and the celebration held in your honor.”

 

Ketlan gently reassured Lucion.

 

“I’ll make good use of the strength Your Majesty has given me.”

 

“Thank you. Ah, and of course—I plan to give you something else just for yourself.”

 

A spark ignited in Ketlan’s eyes.

 

It was starting to feel a bit intimidating.

 

Just as Lucion was about to speak, Ketlan naturally changed the subject.

 

“Well, I’ve got quite a bit of work to catch up on, so I’ll be off. Take care of yourself until then.”

 

With a refreshed expression, Ketlan turned and swiftly left.

 

Blink. Blink.

 

Lucion stared blankly after him, then ran a hand through his hair.

 

It felt as though he had just been hit by something.

 

“T-Teacher… Did I make the right choice?”

 

“You said you’d keep the organization going, right?”

 

“Yes. I created it, so of course I have to take responsibility. If I were going to give it up now, I wouldn’t have started it in the first place.”

 

“Then you made the right choice. You’ve no intention of giving up your noble title, and to keep the organization independent, you need power.”

 

[…Ah. Perhaps His Majesty is preparing for the outcome of the upcoming conflict between the Empire and Nevast regarding the position of the Saint.]

 

At that sudden worry, Bethel spoke up.

 

“I think so too. If the Saint turns out to be a warlock, it will create chaos. His Majesty is likely empowering you ahead of time.”

 

Lucion smirked.

 

Now that the truth had come out about him being a warlock, the ones most confused were the priests.

 

“But even if there’s chaos, I was chosen by a divine beast, and I can wield the Holy Sword. What can they really do?”

 

“Exactly. The priests can plot as much as they want, but the outcome is evident. Still, there will be backlash.”

 

Despite the words, there wasn’t a trace of worry on Russell’s face.

 

“Yes. Regardless of whether they oppose it or not, their scheme is clear, isn’t it?”

 

Lucion pulled a communication device from his pocket.

 

He needed to deliver this good news to Kran.

 

“Kran.”

 

<Yes, Hamel-nim. Do you need someone to talk to?>

 

“No. This is about something else.”

 

<…Hamel-nim. Didn’t I visit just a few days ago and tell you in person? I’ll be sending regular reports through Hume.>

 

“I have good news.”

 

<Good news? Could it be that you’ve fully recovered? I-I’ll head over right away!>

 

“Not that.”

 

From the side, Bethel looked at the communication device with a hint of pity in her eyes.

 

<Then what is it?>

 

“I just received land from His Majesty.”

 

<L-Land? From His Majesty himself?>

 

Kran let out a hollow laugh.

 

“Yeah. He said it’s the most valuable land in the East. I thought it might be a good opportunity to relocate our branch. You’ve always wanted a more stable base for the organization, haven’t you?”

 

<…Hamel-nim. Are you… in the East right now?>

 

“Oh? How’d you guess?”

 

Lucion chuckled.

 

—It’s Kran!

 

If Ratta hadn’t suddenly shouted—

 

Lucion’s smile quickly faded.

 

Someone had stepped out from a nearby shop, and the face was unmistakably familiar.

 

<Hamel-nim. I thought I was seeing things—it looked exactly like you. But I figured it couldn’t be. You promised not to go wandering around until you were fully recovered.>

 

Even from a distance, Kran’s furrowed brow was impossible to miss.

 

“You… What are you doing here?”

 

<Miella recommended a macaron shop. Said it was the best in the East.>

 

“Really?”

 

Lucion’s face lit up as he stepped closer to Kran.

 

“…You’re unbelievably shameless.”

 

“Hey, coincidences happen. I was summoned by His Majesty, I swear.”

 

Lucion waved a hand casually, and Kran looked at him, clearly conflicted.

 

“Why are you out handling things yourself? What about Heroan and the Rat?”

 

“I had business at the Eastern branch, so I stopped by.”

 

“See? A coincidence for both of us.”

 

“Hamel-nim.”

 

“I received everything from there to there.”

 

“…!”

 

Kran followed Lucion’s pointing finger and gasped.

 

“Think about how we can use it and report back to me. You like this sort of thing.”

 

“Am I… really allowed to plan for it?”

 

“Weren’t you the one always telling me not to get involved in everything?”

 

“That was…”

 

“Since the land is so vast, I thought maybe the remaining people of Keortia could naturalize into the Empire and settle there.”

 

As Kran stared blankly at him, Lucion shook a macaron he had taken.

 

“Well then, see you later, Kran.”

 

Unable to reach for the vanishing Lucion, Kran quietly watched him leave, wiping his nose.

 

‘Hamel-nim really… knows everything.’

 

* * *

 

“Hmm.”

 

Shaela stared intently at Lucion.

 

He had always been a brother who was easy on the eyes, but now he looked like a flawless canvas—and she was quite pleased.

 

“What do you think, Miss Miella?”

 

“I was thinking… maybe we should switch the decorations to yellow? The red feels a bit too intense.”

 

Shaela’s expression was serious, and Miella’s matched her level of earnestness. Just as Lucion opened his mouth to speak—

 

“Um…”

 

“Don’t move, Lucion.”

 

—It’s okay for Ratta to move! Ratta…

 

“You too, Ratta.”

 

Under Shaela’s gaze, Ratta lifted her front paw and then settled down.

 

A pretty ribbon was now tied around her neck.

 

“You’re just like me now, huh, Ratta?”

 

Lucion chuckled softly.

 

Knock. Knock.

 

Following the urgent knocking, Tella hurriedly entered.

 

“S-sisters!”

 

“Did you bring them?”

 

“Yes! I brought them! Today’s new arrivals!”

 

Tella proudly pointed at the bag in her hands, her lips curling into a smile.

 

“Alright, is everyone ready?”

 

At Shaela’s question, Miella, Tella, and the other maids all nodded in unison.

 

“Today is a very important day for Lucion—and he’s the main character. Thank you all for being part of this special moment.”

 

Shaela’s gaze was warm as she looked around at everyone gathered to dress Lucion.

 

“Sister, my neck is starting to hurt…”

 

“Lucion, this might be a once-in-a-lifetime day for you. Even if your neck hurts, don’t you think it’s worth enduring?”

 

“I didn’t think we had to go this far… but now that I think about it, it is necessary.”

 

Lucion quickly changed his mind upon seeing the disappointed look in Shaela’s eyes.

 

“Lucion, about the victory celebration banquet tomorrow… Can I help you get ready? It’s a little embarrassing to say it, but I’m not bad at it. Of course, the maids will help as well.”

 

Well, if his sister wanted to help, how could he refuse?

 

“Let’s begin.”

 

Shaela moved her finger with a determined expression.

 

* * *

 

“Step down.”

 

Novio reached out his hand to Lucion.

 

“Father, I can get down by myself.”

 

“I know. But today is a special day, isn’t it?”

 

—That’s right! If it were night, Lucion would probably be the only one sparkling! To Ratta, Lucion truly looked like a star today!

 

Ratta stared at him in awe, unable to take her eyes off him.

 

“Honestly, I didn’t expect you to allow this, Father.”

 

“Why wouldn’t I allow something that’s just like your celebration banquet? Although there is one thing I didn’t like… and that’s not you, Lucion. Anyway, this is the first banquet we’re attending together, so why would I let the opportunity pass?”

 

A gentle smile curved Novio’s lips.

 

“Father, I know the youngest is adorable, but if you’re this obvious, the eldest and second might get jealous.”

 

Shaela teased with a playful grin.

 

“Ahem.”

 

Novio cleared his throat and offered his other hand to Shaela.

 

She smiled brightly as she stepped down from the carriage.

 

“This reminds me of when you held my hand and took me to a banquet.”

 

“You were lovely back then too. And you’re still just as lovely now.”

 

Shaela’s eyes briefly shimmered.

 

“I-I’ll go ahead over there.”

 

“Still as shy as ever, both of you.”

 

Carson smiled as he got out of the carriage.

 

When Novio’s hand lingered awkwardly in the air, Carson nudged Lucion.

 

“Father might be feeling embarrassed. Quickly, take his hand.”

 

Caught off guard, Lucion took Novio’s hand and stepped down from the carriage.

 

“You’ve grown so much.”

 

“I need to grow even more. Do you see him? My goal is Teacher.”

 

Lucion pointed toward Russell, who had arrived first and was waiting.

 

“That’s more than possible. I’ll do everything I can to help you get there.”

 

Novio’s voice was full of confidence.

 

“Thank you, Father. If you’re helping, then it’s already half won.”

 

Lucion laughed as he lifted Ratta, who was stamping her feet, begging to be picked up.

 

* * *

 

“Novio Cronia, Carson Cronia, Shaela Cronia, Lucion Cronia, and Russell Paul are entering!”

 

At the mention of the main guests of today’s banquet, the hall briefly fell silent.

 

As Novio entered with the heavy, quiet presence of a lion, those who met his gaze instinctively tensed.

 

Even the Lord of the Frontier had come…

 

With the entire Cronia family present, no one dared to speak, completely overwhelmed by their imposing presence.

 

It was even difficult to look at Lucion, the guest of honor.

 

However, Lucion smiled at the members of the organization invited to this gathering.

 

He smirked especially at Heroan, who stood with his head bowed low.

 

He couldn’t help but feel pleased by that sight.

 

Once everyone had taken their seats, Ketlan finally entered.

 

As always, his demeanor was sharp, but today, he wore a smile as he walked in—causing a brief stir among the nobles.

 

“Is today not a joyful day? Let’s skip the formalities. I am eager to call out that name.”

 

He looked at Lucion with a bright smile, then lightly touched his own forehead.

 

“Oh dear, I almost forgot about my precious guest. Let’s open the doors.”

 

At Ketlan’s gesture, the doors opened, and Troy walked in.

 

—Uncle Troy!

 

Ratta jumped up and rushed toward Troy.

 

A brief commotion erupted in the hall.

 

The priests from both the Empire and Nevast gasped in shock as they witnessed the divine beast walking toward Lucion with the small black fox at his side.

 

“Silence, please.”

 

Heint stepped forward to quiet the room.

 

“Lord Lucion Cronia, would you please come forward?”

 

Ketlan’s voice was gentle and warm.

 

Another wave of murmuring broke out among the nobles.

 

“You are in the presence of His Majesty. Be silent.”

 

Heint’s firm tone brought order back to the room.

 

Then Novio spoke.

 

“This is a celebration for my son. I ask that you celebrate quietly.”

 

At his somewhat threatening words, the hall quickly fell silent.

 

Everyone knew all too well—when Novio spoke, it was never just a suggestion.

 

“Wow. This really is the best.”

 

Russell let out a small laugh.

 

[Don’t be nervous.]

 

Bethel, watching Lucion rise from his seat, clasped her hands tightly together.

 

‘She’s more nervous than I am.’

 

Lucion smiled at Bethel before stepping forward to stand in front of Ketlan.

 

Troy and Ratta sat beside him, staying close.

 

-Don’t be nervous.

 

Troy looked at Lucion with warm eyes.

 

“I’m not the one who’s nervous—it’s Bethel.”

 

Lucion chuckled as he glanced at Bethel.

 

“How could a divine beast be deceived by that warlock…”

 

Suddenly, the priest from Nevast stopped mid-sentence.

 

Whoosh.

 

A soft swirl of violet darkness bloomed around Troy.

 

“Th-that…!”

 

“Sorry, Troy. There was a bit of dust on you.”

 

Lucion smirked, one corner of his mouth lifting as he turned his gaze directly on the Nevast priests who had suddenly stood.

 

-Would you mind dusting off this side, too?

 

Troy also glanced at the bewildered priests and asked once more.

 

“If Troy wishes, I’d be happy to dust off the other side as well.”

 

As the violet darkness rose again, the priests could only click their tongues in disbelief.

 

Once might have been seen as coincidence—but twice?

 

That darkness hadn’t harmed the divine beast. It didn’t oppose the light.

 

If the divine beast had chosen him…

 

If this warlock’s darkness didn’t attack the light…

 

Then who could possibly deny that he was the true Saint?

 

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

 

Lucion bowed slightly toward Ketlan.

 

“No need for that. If the divine beast felt uncomfortable, it should certainly be addressed.”

 

Ketlan suppressed his urge to burst into laughter, clutching his stomach.

 

He had intended to handle the situation himself, but Lucion had effortlessly outmaneuvered the priests and boldly revealed himself.

 

He was both a warlock and a saint.

 

“Lord Lucion Cronia.”

 

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

 

“You are a hero who has saved not only the Empire but the world. Who could dare to dispute this fact? Because you risked everything to protect us, the Empire stands strong today—and I am here now because of you.”

 

Ketlan’s gaze, filled with deep gratitude, remained fixed on Lucion.

 

“I have been genuinely moved by you, and the courage and conviction you have shown shine brighter than anything else as a citizen of the Empire.”

 

Lucion’s eyes flickered at the flood of praise.

 

Ketlan’s eyes swept across the silent nobles.

 

“Therefore, here and now, I bestow upon Lord Lucion Cronia the title of ‘Duke!’”

 

“D-Duke?”

 

Novio was taken aback.

 

Ketlan had deliberately left the position of Duke vacant to strengthen imperial authority, hadn’t he?

 

“The same honor shall also be extended to Hamel, the warlock and leader of the organization Ale.”

 

With that, Ketlan officially recognized the existence of Ale—and publicly accepted the warlock Hamel.

 

Lucion stared at Ketlan, stunned.

 

“You mean… You’re officially acknowledging warlocks?”

 

He dared to ask.

 

“Of course, Lord Lucion. The Empire will no longer reject warlocks. I declare it openly, here and now.”

 

Lucion immediately glanced at Russell.

 

Russell’s eyes flickered slightly.

 

You did it.

 

It seemed to convey that message.

 

Clap, clap, clap!

 

Carson initiated the applause, and Shaela joined in with loud clapping, ensuring the sound echoed throughout the hall.

 

Clap, clap!

 

Heint followed suit, smiling as he clapped, and the members of the organization picked up the rhythm, urging others on.

 

As the applause spread throughout the hall, Lucion bowed his head to Ketlan, trying to steady his trembling heart.

 

“Thank you… Your Majesty.”

 

Then, conjuring his cloak, he stood proudly—as both a warlock and the King of Darkness—meeting Ketlan’s eyes.

 

A serene silence settled over the room.

 

Even in the face of Lucion’s now overwhelming presence, which was much stronger than before, Ketlan’s gaze did not waver.

 

“Thank you, Lord Lucion. No matter how many times I say it, it could never be enough.”

 

“I am deeply grateful for Your Majesty’s immense grace.”

 

Lucion expressed his thanks to Ketlan as a warlock.

 

Then he turned around and looked at his people, slowly smiling.

 

Everyone was wholeheartedly celebrating him.

 

—Heehee!

 

With Ratta’s cheerful giggle, soft snow began to fall gently outside the window.