Kays Translations

Chapter 50: Serving Justice to Both Parents

Rest was led by his father, Lucas, to the reception room of the Ebern Honorable Viscount's residence. Although the lady of the house, who had just realized Rest's true identity, let out a sharp cry and was being restrained by a butler, Rest ignored her and walked through the mansion's corridor. Seated on the sofa in the reception room, he faced the man he used to call father.

"...It's been a while, Honorable Viscount Ebern. Or would you prefer 'Father'?"

"..."

As Rest inquired in a mocking tone, Lucas furrowed his brow deeply. In the past, this would have led to shouting, scolding, or perhaps even physical violence. However, today's Rest was an emissary from the Rosemary Marquis.

If violence were to be directed at Rest, the consequences could be severe.

"I never expected... You to be the representative of the Rosemary Marquis. Seems like you've been advancing well," 

Lucas reluctantly admitted.

"You seem unchanged... Oh, my mistake. I don't see Cedric around. Where is he today?" 

Rest asked, deliberately adding a touch of mischief to his tone.

"That, uh..."

"I'd really like to see him after such a long time. Is he away?"

"..."

Lucas fell silent. Rest couldn't help but smile wryly; it seemed like a provocative question. Rest already knew that Cedric had failed the entrance exam for the Royal Academy, likely spending his time studying for next year's exam in his room.

"Well, never mind that. More importantly... I came here today to report to the Ebern Honorable Viscount," 

"...Let's hear it." 

"Let me start with a light report. I recently passed the entrance exam for the Royal Academy. I'll be enrolling as a new student next year."

"What!?"

"Lies!"

Lucas's voice trembled, and in the corner of the room, the restrained lady Lisa let out a high-pitched scream while scratching the glass.

"Nonsense... No, I haven't heard anything about you taking the exam...!"

Ignoring the slip of 'you,' Rest continued. 

"I'm entering as a commoner. Besides, my parental rights have already been transferred to the Rosemary Marquis. There's no need for a report, right?"

"W-Well, that may be true, but... as a parent, I still..."

"As a parent?"

Resto narrowed his eyes.

He curls his lips and speaks sarcastically.

"As a parent? Did we ever have a parent-child relationship?"

Since his mother's death, when he was taken in by the Ebern Honorable Viscount, there hadn't been any parental actions. He had lived in the stable at the Honorable Viscount's estate, enduring the insulting treatment of being fed like a dog.

Did they really think there was any parent-child affection left for them now?

"....."

"Impossible... After all, Cedric failed, didn't he? Yet, a worthless brat born from a lowly maid passes the exam...! It must be a mistake. Something like this shouldn't be happening!"

"Silence Lisa! I've told you! This is an envoy from the Rosemary Marquis! Show some respect!"

While Lucas scolded his wife, who was about to be dragged outside, the situation continued to escalate.

"By the way, my major is magic studies."

However, Rest dropped another bomb, causing the Ebern couple to explode once again.

"Magic studies!?"

"Unbelievable!"

Leaning against the door outside the room, where she was being taken, Lisa shouted immediately.

"Why!? How!? How can a wretched filthy brat from a maid pass the magic studies exam...!? It's a mistake! Something like this shouldn't be possible!"

"I told you to be quiet! Lisa! This guy is an envoy from Marquis Rosemary! If you're going to make a fuss, do it outside!"

Lucas, in a hurry to admonish his wife, was also referring to Rest as 'this guy.' It seems Rest's thrown bomb is quite effective. It's tempting to see how much they'll be thrown into chaos; they are quite an embarrassing couple.

(It's crazy, it's starting to be fun...I guess I was this mean...)

"It's the truth. You'll understand when you see this."

Rest raised his index finger, and above his head, four spheres in red, blue, yellow, and green floated.

"A Quartet!? Why, such advanced magic...!"

Fire, water, wind, earth... the simultaneous activation of magic from four attributes. Even a court magician would find it extremely difficult. Lucas looked desperate, and his eyes widened in despair.

"You... weren't you, or rather, weren’t you supposed to have no magic power...?"

"You probably had my magic measured when I was a baby, right? You should know that magic increases as you grow."

"But... to increase so dramatically, and to be able to use four types of magic simultaneously, what kind of talent is this...?"

Lucas muttered in disbelief for a moment but soon took a deep breath and turned to Rest again.

"By the way, Rest-dono... No, I'll call you Rest on purpose."

"What is it, 'Father'?"

"...Come back home. Become the heir to the Ebern Honorable Viscount."

".........."

“You!”

Before Rest could react, Lisa screamed. Despite being about to be taken away by the butler, she seemed to be resisting.

(She should just leave... Or maybe she’s paying attention to me?)

The butler restraining Lisa was someone Rest knew. Although they didn't talk much when he was at the mansion, he occasionally provided him with food.

(...)

When the butler met eyes with Rest, he winked. It seemed that this man also had a considerably good character.

(...)

"What do you mean, 'Father'? This house should have an exceedingly excellent heir."

"Cedric failed the academy entrance exam. Even if he passes next year, there's no guarantee he'll become a court mage. But... you, on the other hand, can surely become a court mage."

"Well, I think I can."

"Inherit the title of Honorable Viscount. Become a court mage and elevate this house to the rank of viscount. Fulfill my long-cherished desire."

(…………...)

It was a presumptuous demand. Despite the mistreatment he had endured, he suddenly turned around when he realized Rest was talented. It was infuriating.

(But... this is Lucas Ebern we're talking about.)

For this man, who had risen through the ranks as a mage, magic talent was everything. If you had magic talent, even if you were a bastard or a commoner, you would be treated accordingly. Conversely, if you couldn't produce results, even if you were his biological son, you would be discarded.

In a way, he is a man with consistent beliefs.

(But... we are incompatible.)

At least, Rest didn't need a family like this. Since the moment he abandoned his mother, the concept of a father was non-existent for Rest.

"Although it's an honored invitation... I'll decline, 'Honorable Viscount Ebern.'"

Rest sneered as he changed his name back.

"Why? It's not a bad deal for you. You can inherit as a viscount."

"It's impossible. Because... I already have a house to inherit."

"What? What do you mean..."

"I am going to be adopted into the Rosemary Marquis Family. So, I won't be inheriting this house."

Rest stated clearly and smiled sarcastically.

"That's another announcement. I will become the next marquis, so I have no interest in inheriting a viscount's title."

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