Kays Translations

Chapter 4: Polishing My Fangs

“I’m back…” 

“hee-hin!”

Returning to the stable after finishing the training ground cleanup, Rest was greeted by the neighs of two horses. While stroking the head of the horse that nuzzled against him, he glanced around the stable.

“Oh… looks like there’s a gift again today. I always feel sorry about this.”

In a corner of the stable, a wrapped bundle was discreetly placed. Unwrapping it and checking its contents revealed bread, cheese, dried meat, and ointment for wounds. This was a gift secretly sent to Rest by one of the estate’s servants who had worked alongside his mother.

Rest’s mother used to work as a maid in this estate. Exploited by the master Lucas Ebern, she was eventually cast out after becoming pregnant. However, among the long-serving servants, there were those who were familiar with Rest’s mother. The servants who had been close to his mother sympathized with Rest’s situation and often took care of him in secret.

He won’t openly defend him in front of the master, but he quietly provides food like this.

(Well, it seems that Mom had good colleagues… Well, it looks like she wasn’t blessed with a good employer in return.)

“Delicious…”

Taking a bite of the bread and nibbling on the cheese, the flavors were simple but vastly superior to the leftovers served at the breakfast table. While enjoying his meal, Rest looked toward the mansion through the stable window.

Light leaked through the mansion’s windows, and it seemed warm inside. It was a stark contrast to the cold, drafty stable.

(They probably don’t care if I freeze to death…)

Ignoring his stepmother and half-brother Cedric, who treated him unfairly, Rest wondered how his father Lucas could mistreat him to this extent. Despite being his blood-related son and the product of a forced encounter, Lucas seemed entirely unwilling to take responsibility.

(Is being a new noble really that great? They don’t even have a territory, and they call themselves ‘Honorable’ Viscounts. They’re no different from commoners.)

Inwardly cursing, Rest knew that if he were to utter such words to his father, he would likely face a furious response and further punishment.

Although the Ebern Viscount family was considered noble, they couldn’t inherit their title. The title of “Honorable” Viscount was temporary and would be revoked if they stepped down from their position. Lucas obtained the title due to his role as the royal court magician.

Lucas is a court magician who reports directly to the king, and by taking this position he was given the status of “honorary viscount.”

While they proudly flaunted their status as nobles, in reality, they were no different from commoners.

(But if Cedric can receive the title of Honorable Viscount, they’ll be officially recognized as a hereditary noble family…)

Honorable nobility, despite being temporary, could become hereditary if the same title was granted for three consecutive generations. The Ebern family, having produced royal court magicians for two generations, held the title of Honorable Viscount. If Cedric, the third generation, could also become a royal court magician and receive the title of Honorable Viscount, they could officially be recognized as hereditary nobility.

(That’s why they’re showering praises on Cedric’s high magic talent and allowing him to indulge in all sorts of whims… It’s ridiculous.)

If Cedric were truly considered the heir, they should educate him to be more upright. When officially recognized as a Viscount, he would have more opportunities to enter high society. Without proper manners, he would only bring shame upon himself.

(Well, it doesn’t concern me anyway. Whether Cedric makes a fool of himself or not is none of my business. Let’s just focus on polishing my magic skills.)

Once he reached the age of fifteen, the age of adulthood, Rest planned to leave this estate and strive for success. Until then, he would hone his magic skills to become as strong as possible.

“…Tonight, let’s go to the forest again.”

Finishing the last piece of cheese, Rest muttered to himself.

Rest resides in the estate of the Ebern Honorable Viscount family, located on the outskirts of the royal capital.

Nearby, there is a forest inhabited by magic creatures, and Rest routinely ventures there.

The purpose, of course, is to hunt magic creatures and train in magic.

One day, he plans to leave home and establish himself through his own abilities.

For that reason, he diligently sharpens his fangs like a tiger, hidden from his family’s eyes, and patiently waits for the right moment to strike.

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