Chapter 434: Quirky Friends 

　There was a huge buzz in the hall.

　

　of course.

　Today, they had been invited to the unveiling ceremony for the adopted eldest son, Tauro.

　Then, a new surviving child of the previous generation appears and they decide to adopt him as well.

“This is quite a surprise…”

“The orphaned child of the previous generation… I’d often heard rumors about him, but I guess that means he really did exist. ……”

“If you are going to adopt the orphaned child, then which one is the true heir?”

“That’s certainly true. Is it Tauro-dono who they adopted first?”

“Wait, wait. Being the orphan of the previous generation means he has a legitimate bloodline. There’s no way that could be compared to a child of commoner descent, right?”

　As the guests began to exchange such comments among themselves, one of the invited aristocrats clapped his hands to stop the conversation.

　While everyone was murmuring and lost, the applause drew their attention.

　

　The man applauding was none other than Marquis Van Dyne.

“This is wonderful news!  My dear friend Count Graunewald will have two children at the same time! Don’t you all agree?”

　When he said this on behalf of everyone, the girl who was with him also applauded.

　It was Aeris.

　As the two of them applauded, the people around them began to clap along with them, and the applause spread until it began to ring out throughout the entire venue.

“Indeed, this is a very happy thing!”

“Just as Marquis Van Dyne says!”

“Congratulations, Count Graunewald!”

　Thanks to Marquis Van Dyne’s words, the atmosphere in the hall was one of celebration.

“Um, um, sensei. I don’t know what’s going on…”

　Haku was left feeling confused as he was called up onto the stage by his sword teacher, Tauro, and applauded by the guests in attendance.

　He was even told that he was the surviving child of the previous generation.

　It was surprising enough to be introduced as the lord’s younger brother, so when he was also introduced as his adopted son, it was only natural that he would be confused.

　Of course, the village chief and his faction, who were trying to cause chaos by promoting Haku, were also in confusion.

　And while they were wondering whether or not to implement their plan, their friends who had been waiting in various places as extra staff for the unveiling ceremony were overpowered by the dragon people and the soldiers trusted by Count Graunewald.

　The soldiers who followed the village chief faction who were standing by to hold down the various posts behind the venue were likewise defeated by the Dragon Tribe, Ragune, Ankh and Zion.

　The village chief, who was in disbelief of what was happening, regained his senses and gaves orders to Cross.

“Cross! Quickly, secure Haku’s safety ……! Then take Count Graunewald hostage ……!”

　But Cross did not budge.

　On the contrary, he retrieved the dagger the village chief’s faction had hidden under the table and he’d placed in his inner pocket, but he threw it on the ground in a show of surrender.

“Wh-what are you doing Cross?!”

　The village chief hastily reprimanded him.

　At that moment, two soldiers disguised as servants grabbed the village chief from both sides.

“Wh, what are you doing…?!”

　The village chief tried to resist, but he was no match for the force and was taken out of the venue.

　Cross followed behind him.

　Once Tauro and Haku moved to the waiting room, he briefly explained what had happened so far.

“I, I’m the lord’s younger brother, and adopted son… ?”

“Yeah. So that makes us brothers.”

“What?!”

“And as the eldest son of the Graunewald family, you will inherit this territory.”

“Eh?! Wait a second, Sensei! Aren’t you going to be the eldest son?!”

　Haku, being clever, quickly understood the situation and pointed this out.

“Haku. In this territory, there are currently two factions: those who support our father, Count Graunewald’s faction, and the opposing faction that wants you, who has the rightful bloodline, to succeed him. Under these circumstances, what would happen if I were to be announced as the eldest son now?”

“The …… territory could be split in two. ……”

“Correct. My father was concerned about this and decided that the best way for both sides to reach a compromise was to adopt you as his son and have you succeed as the next generation of the Count Graunewald family.”

　In reality, it was Tauro who persuaded his father, Count Graunewald, to do so, but since the final decision rested with the Count, he explained it that way.

　At first, the Count and Countess Graunewald were unwilling to give up Tauro as their heir apparent.

　However, Tauro said that he wanted to pursue the path of an adventurer if it was permitted, so

“Tauro probably feels most alive when he’s adventuring. ……”

“I agree. Our son is very active. ……”

　The couple let out a deep sigh of understanding.

“What will happen to my father, to Cross?”

　He was concerned about the treatment of Cross, the man who had raised him.

“Mr. Cross, instead of resisting, has cooperated with me, so if things continue as they are, I think he will be employed by the Graunewald family.”

“…I see. So he won’t be charged with a crime? That’s good…”

　Haku was relieved.

“I’ve already recommended Cross to father, so I don’t think anything bad will happen. Also, although we were born in the same year, from now on you’ll be the big brother, so please take care of me.”

“You’re my brother, Sensei? ……. I never thought I’d have a brother. Nice to meet you.”

　Haku smiled shyly and shook hands with Tauro.

“My goodness… I didn’t expect leader would give up the position of the Count’s heir so easily.”

　Ankh muttered in an exasperated voice from the back of the hall.

“It couldn’t be helped. It was the best decision in this case. Tauro himself had made that decision, so there was nothing we can do.”

Ragune showed understanding for Tauro’s decision.

“That’s right. Tauro-sama’s judgment is always  right!”

　Zion, being Tauro’s yes-man, responded with a reproachful rebuke of Ankh’s complaints.

“…Hey, hey. I guess this means I’ve lost my retirement job…!”

　Ankh chuckled bitterly and sat down on the spot.

“Well, isn’t that great? This means our adventure will continue!”

　Ragune replies happily.

“That’s right. I still want to go on an adventures with you all too!”

　Zion also seemed happy.

“…… Good grief. We’re all a little eccentric. Wahaha!”

　Ankh, one of those neophiliacs’, pointed out and laughed, the other two were caught up in it and started laughing too.

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