Kays Translations

Chapter 439: The Heir and the Retainer

Although Tauro and Count Graunewald had already discussed the matter, they decided to speak in detail with Haku, who had been welcomed as the eldest son of House Graunewald, and with his foster father, Cross, about their futures.

To their surprise, Haku accepted the adoption without resistance.

Tauro had helped persuade him, but Cross had also given Haku a brief warning before they left for the unveiling.

“Whatever happens from now on, don’t resist it. Accept it honestly. Nothing bad will happen to you.”

Haku had therefore known that something significant would occur at the ceremony.

At the venue, Tauro—his swordsmanship instructor—had taken him by the hand, led him onto the stage, and announced the adoption.

Once Haku realized that this was what Cross had meant, he wasn’t as shocked as he otherwise might have been. When their eyes met across the hall, Cross quietly nodded, which reassured him.

Haku had been startled when Gaze was taken away, but when Cross went with the guards without resisting, he understood that the outcome had been planned in advance.

For several days afterward, Haku accepted each development without complaint while the adoption arrangements proceeded. Tauro and Count Graunewald therefore decided it was time to let him meet Cross again.

During those same days, Cross had cooperated with Count Graunewald in persuading members of the opposition faction and resolving the aftermath of the failed plot.

“It’s been several days, Haku,” Cross said.

“Father… I heard what happened from Master Tauro—no, from my brother. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

“If Lord Tauro hadn’t approached me, I might have driven you down the wrong path. You have no need to thank me.”

Cross stressed that Tauro hadn’t only healed his grave injuries, but had also changed the fates of both Cross and the adopted son he cherished.

“I only gave you more choices,” Tauro replied. “The two of you chose where you stand now.”

“I’m still grateful, Big Brother. You could’ve remained the legitimate heir yourself. I wouldn’t object if the position were returned to you.”

Haku directed the proposal toward both Tauro and Count Graunewald.

“No, Haku. There’s a sound reason for you to become heir, and I still want to travel as an adventurer. If anything, I’m the one forcing the responsibility onto you.”

Tauro smiled awkwardly and exchanged a glance with his adoptive father.

“As for Cross’s future,” Count Graunewald said, “I’ve decided to appoint him as one of my aides in recognition of all the assistance he has provided. You need not worry, Haku. You’ll still be able to see him.”

Count Graunewald had formed a favorable impression of Cross. Tauro’s reports had already described him well, and their conversations confirmed that he was sincere, intelligent, and highly skilled in martial matters.

The count therefore welcomed him into his service.

Cross had initially intended to refuse. He remained worried about Haku, and he also felt ashamed that a single wrong decision could have made him an enemy of Count Graunewald.

In the end, however, he was persuaded that the best way to atone for that possibility was to serve the count faithfully and contribute to the territory. Count Graunewald’s sincerity also moved him, and Cross agreed to become his retainer.

“Why don’t the two of you spend some time alone?” Tauro suggested.

He left Haku and Cross together and returned to the room where Count Graunewald and Marquis Van Dyne were waiting.

The three had discussed many things over the past several days, though much of the conversation consisted of complaints directed at Tauro.

Count Graunewald had accepted Tauro’s decision after being persuaded, but he had always intended for Tauro to succeed him. Countess Aida loved Tauro like her own child and was equally reluctant to give up that future, even though doing so prevented House Graunewald from splitting into opposing factions.

Thus, although the matter appeared settled, their dissatisfaction hadn’t entirely disappeared.

Marquis Van Dyne, who had attended the unveiling, joined them in voicing his own grievances.

He had been surprised when Aeris said she wanted to resume adventuring, but he had initially assumed she would travel with the three senior dragonfolk presently staying at the Van Dyne residence, one of whom was a [True Saint].

Those three had effectively become guardians of House Van Dyne and had protected Aeris from the remaining members of the Assassins’ Guild. The marquis had learned enough about their strength and character to trust them completely.

When Aeris expressed her wish to adventure again, he therefore assumed that she would be traveling with those dragonfolk and returning home regularly.

At the unveiling, however, Tauro unexpectedly surrendered his position as heir and regained the freedom to continue adventuring. Inspired by his decision, Aeris announced that she wished to return to Black-Gold Wings.

That was an entirely different matter. With Tauro and the companions she cared for so deeply, Aeris might face countless dangers, remain away for long periods, and perhaps never settle permanently at home.

Marquis Van Dyne couldn’t help directing his frustration at Tauro.

“Even if circumstances forced the decision, you surrendered the position of heir. Had you properly succeeded House Graunewald, I could’ve married my daughter to you. Instead, you now intend to resume adventuring. What exactly are you planning, Tauro? I’ve already given Aeris permission, so I can’t object now.”

The marquis punctuated his complaint by poking Tauro in the forehead.

“Ha ha… I’m very sorry. I had no idea you were considering anything like that.”

Tauro had no useful answer and could only apologize.

“Marquis Van Dyne, there’s nothing to be done,” Count Graunewald said, suppressing grievances of his own. “Everything happened through a series of coincidences.”

The two men continued complaining until Aeris, who had come looking for Tauro, entered the room. She immediately sensed the atmosphere, seized her father, and began dragging him away.

Before leaving, she glanced back at Tauro.

“Tauro, I’ll need to borrow the equipment I returned to you.”

She winked and departed with Marquis Van Dyne in tow.

Count Graunewald watched her go, then turned to Tauro with an amused smile.

“Lady Aeris has become even more beautiful during the short time you were apart. What do you think, Tauro?”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“My son can accomplish almost anything and is exceptionally clever, yet he’s astonishingly oblivious about matters like this.”

Count Graunewald chuckled at Tauro’s baffled expression.

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