Chapter 132

There wasn't even time to linger in Reben or Thebe.

After washing up and finishing their meal, Caron and his group headed straight to the train station in Reben. Thanks to the Duke of Leston's arrangements, a special train had been scheduled just for them. It was a direct express to Azureocean Castle, with no stops along the way.

Revelio yelled after them, accusing them of irresponsibly running away, while Cobler waved and promised to find them again anytime.

Without delay, Caron and his companions boarded the train.

Whoosh.

Four hours into the journey, the steady hum of the magical engine filled the cabin. Caron sat by the window, flipping through newspapers he had picked up at the station.

The headlines were as follows:

"The Youngest of the Ducal Family of Leston, Caron Leston! A Dazzling Return After Crushing the Schemes of Leandro, the Marquis of the Border!" "The Pirate Queen of the Southern Seas, Kynda Reynolds: 'Caron Leston Deflected My Most Powerful Strike. I Believe He'll Rival the Strongest in the Next Ten Years.'" "Following in His Grandfather's Footsteps: The Youngest Grandson and the Future of the Ducal Succession." "A New Era, A New Hero."

Caron scowled as he read the dramatic headlines.

He had expected the story of taking down Marquis Leandro to gain traction. After all, it was about the youngest of House Leston and the Sixth Prince teaming up. What truly caught his eye, though, was the interview with the Queen prominently featured in several newspapers.

"...She's completely lost her mind," Caron muttered under his breath.

He wondered what on earth had possessed her to give such an interview. From her perspective, failing to kill a seventeen-year-old in a single blow should have been a humiliating ordeal. Yet, the Queen had spoken about it proudly, throwing in phrases like "dazzling swordsmanship," "unmatched talent," and "destined to surpass the Grand Duke Halo one day."

"A hero overnight, huh?"

Guillotine quipped.

Orion furrowed his brows, clearly perplexed, then asked, "Isn't that good news? Why do you look so upset?"

"How is this good news? It's the worst thing that could happen to me," Caron growled.

"I heard humans, especially nobles, are obsessed with fame. Your reputation is spreading across the empire. Shouldn't that be considered a good thing?" Orion asked, genuinely confused.

"That's other people, not me! This senile old Queen—what kind of scheme is she playing at now...?" Caron clenched his fists, his frustration boiling over.

Leo, who was calmly eating a sandwich beside him, turned to Orion and asked, "Do you know what Caron's dream is?"

"I don't," Orion replied, shaking his head.

"To become the empire's—never mind, the continent's most infamous troublemaker," Leo explained. "He's the kind of guy who wants to give his grandfather a stroke from sheer frustration."

Orion stared at Caron for a long moment before slowly nodding, then replied, "...He does seem dedicated to that goal."

"Do you really think someone like that would accept being called a hero? To him, being labeled a hero is an insult—a downright humiliation," Leo said, speaking from seven years of firsthand experience. No one understood Caron's mindset better than him.

"The world is forcing me to be seen as a hero. Wow, is this what manipulation looks like?" Caron muttered bitterly, pounding his chest in frustration.

Leon, who had been quietly reading a newspaper, finally shook her head and said, "Let's break it down, Caron. Did you save Reben or not?"

"I mean, all I did was chop off Marquis Leandro's head because I couldn't stand how he profited from slave trading—" Caron began.

"And the result? The atrocities Leandro committed came to light. You freed the slaves and the citizens of Reben," Leon interjected firmly.

"But all I wanted was to get rid of Leandro!" Caron protested.

"Look at the bigger picture, not just your intent. And when one of the continent's strongest figures makes rare comments praising you, this is the natural outcome," Leon explained.

𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

"Why does nobody understand how I feel?" Caron grumbled.

"Ugh, just jump out of the train and die," Leon retorted dryly. She folded the newspaper she had been reading and draped a blanket over herself. Lowering the footrest, she said, "Leo, wake me up when this lunatic calms down."

"If that's the case, you might not be able to wake up until you die," Leo quipped.

Leon clicked her tongue.

"Yes, I got it. Understood," Leo continued.

Caron let out a sigh so deep it seemed as if it could sink the earth beneath them. This wouldn't do. If things continued like this, he would be irreversibly branded as a hero. He needed a grand plan.

"Once we're back at Azureocean Castle, I have to come up with a plan. Seriously, what are those idiots in the Holy Kingdom doing? Weren't they supposed to spread rumors that the Grand Duke's grandson is the owner of a cursed sword?" Caron said.

"...Then why don't you start the rumor yourself?" Leon suggested flatly.

"Should I really?" Caron mused, as if genuinely considering the idea.

"I am not a cursed sword. When will this endless argument stop, you stubborn owner?"

Guillotine argued.

Snoring loudly, Utula slept on peacefully while Caron raged.

Not a single normal being here,

Orion thought, sighing quietly as he observed the chaotic group around him. Ever since he met them in the forest, he had come to realize there wasn't a shred of normalcy among them.

Then, he thought back to the words of the regent.

"Your mission is to observe everything. Caron Leston will lead our elves into the world. We must prepare for a new era."

It was a weighty mission, one of great importance. After all, the elves had avoided stepping outside the Great Forest for centuries.

The regent must have seen a future,

Orion thought. Surely, there was a role for the elves in that future—a purpose they needed to fulfill. This mission wasn't just about Caron; it was tied to the destiny of the elves.

Orion was determined to carry out his duty to the best of his ability. However...

"How about we stop by the capital and stir up some trouble? Maybe perform a little 'troublemaker's sword dance'?" Caron suggested.

"For what reason?" Leon asked, unimpressed.

"Or I could storm into the Imperial Guards's barracks and make a scene there," Caron continued, ignoring her disapproval.

"Do you think that will work out?" Leon replied, narrowing her eyes.

"Look, if I don't do anything, Grandfather's going to be grinning ear to ear. I can't stand the sight of that! This isn't rebellion—it's filial piety!" Caron said.

"Orion, please just ignore whatever this lunatic says," Leon implored, shaking her head. Caron Leston was, without a doubt, someone she would never fully understand, not in this lifetime or any other.

Regent, what kind of future did you foresee?

Orion wondered. He was wondering how it would be if most humans were like Caron. But he quickly shook his head, dismissing the thought.

If all humans were like him, they'd have gone extinct a long time ago,

Orion concluded. Satisfied with his flawless reasoning, he turned his attention to the window.

The train continued its relentless journey toward Azureocean Castle, the hum of its magical engine steady and unwavering.

***

The train traveled steadily for half a day before finally slowing its pace.

"Caron, wake up," Leon said, gently shaking him.

Caron stretched and adjusted his seat upright. Just then, the soft voice of the conductor echoed through the train.

"We will soon arrive at Azureocean Castle. It has been an honor to serve you."

Caron rubbed his eyes, then turned to look out the window. Familiar sights came into view—a city bustling with far more activity than it had four years ago. Around the castle, countless carriages moved in and out; meanwhile, lines of migrants burdened with goods waited for inspection.

This was Azureocean Castle, now a thriving hub of the empire's northwestern regions under Fayle's leadership.

"Amazing," Orion murmured as he took in the vibrant scene.

Caron smiled at Orion's awe and said, "My father has a talent for this sort of thing."

The trade with the elves would become a significant boon for the duchy, providing them with the wings they needed to soar. Projects once stagnant due to funding issues were gaining momentum, and those ventures would inevitably bolster the power of House Leston.

"Orion, remember this: You can never have too much money," Caron remarked with a knowing grin.

Orion frowned slightly and said, "...We have our own currency. Are you implying we elves are some primitive tribe?"

"Of course not," Caron said, waving off the comment. "I just mean that in the human world, money carries a unique kind of power. It's not just a means of trade—it's influence, authority."

"Power?" Orion asked, tilting his head.

"Exactly. Seems like you've done some homework," Caron teased. "Used wisely, money can become a versatile weapon. Trust me, it'll be invaluable for your people too."

He knew the true weight of wealth all too well. His past life as a slave had taught him its overwhelming power.

"For example," he continued, "you could use it to buy information or put bounties on those who threaten the elves. Foina is an expert in this area; you should consult her."

His advice was deliberate. A stronger elven alliance benefited Caron just as much as it did the elves themselves.

While Caron and Orion conversed, the train began to slow before coming to a screeching halt.

Screech.

Moments later, the train stopped and the doors opened.

"I wish I could go on a vacation," Caron muttered under his breath, standing and stepping out of the compartment first. He was greeted by the sight of the grand station, elegant and bustling with life.

"Caron!"

The first to welcome him were his parents, Fayle and Sara. Together, they enveloped him in a warm embrace.

"Are you hurt anywhere?" Sara asked, worry etched on her face.

"Of course not," Caron replied confidently.

"I'm so relieved. Do you know how much I worried about you? You should send letters more often!" Sara said.

Caron hugged his mother tightly, a gentle smile softening his features; he replied, "I've been busy with work. I'm sorry."

"It's fine," Sara said, her voice warm. "I'm just happy you're back safely."

Feeling the comforting presence of his parents, Caron smiled contentedly and turned to his father, saying, "I didn't get sidetracked this time."

"Well done," Fayle said with a proud nod.

As Caron exchanged pleasantries with his parents, the rest of the group disembarked. Unlike Caron, neither Leo's nor Leon's parents had come to greet them, but the two seemed entirely unbothered by it.

"Uncle, Aunt, how have you been?" Leon asked with a warm smile, bowing respectfully as she approached.

"Leon, you've grown even more beautiful since I last saw you," Fayle remarked as he nodded approvingly.

"Thank you, Uncle," Leon replied with a gracious smile.

Fayle tilted his head slightly and added, "I have something I need to tell you. Could you come over here for a moment?"

As Fayle leaned in to whisper something to Leon. Caron could have eavesdropped, but he just watched without eavesdropping. He figured his father had a reason for addressing Leon alone.

Moments later, Leon's expression darkened and she asked in a voice tinged with disbelief, "...Is that true?"

Fayle nodded solemnly and replied, "Yes."

"Thank you for telling me. I'll head in first," Leon said, bowing her head slightly. Turning to Caron and Leo, she added, "I'll see you guys at Azureocean Castle."

"Alright, Leon," Leo said.

"See you later," Caron added.

Without another word, Leon began sprinting toward the castle, her speed enhanced by mana.

Caron watched her retreating figure before glancing back at Fayle and asking, "What's going on?"

Fayle let out a bitter chuckle, shaking his head as he said, "You'll find out soon enough."

"I've never seen her make that kind of face before," Caron remarked.

"There's a good reason for it. You'll understand later," Fayle said, patting Caron lightly on the back. Then, his gaze shifted to Orion, who had been standing quietly behind Caron.

"So, you've brought a guest," Fayle noted.

"Yes, Father. Orion, these are my parents," Caron said.

At Caron's prompt, Orion slowly pulled back the hood of his robe, revealing his pointed elven ears. He said politely, "It's an honor to meet you, Marquess Fayle Leston. I am Orion Windkeeper, the elf patrol captain of the Southern Great Forest."

"I am Fayle Leston. On behalf of Azureocean Castle, I welcome you, Orion," Fayle replied warmly, extending his hand.

He had been informed about Orion in advance before their departure from Galad, so he wasn't surprised. Instead, he offered Orion a bright smile and a handshake.

Orion grasped Fayle's hand, returning a faint smile of his own as he said, "Thank you for the warm welcome."

"You must have had a long journey. Please let us know if there's anything you need during your stay at Azureocean Castle," Fayle added.

With the introductions complete, he turned back to Caron. "The head of the house is waiting for you."

"I guess he's returned from the North Sea," Caron said.

"Yes, he came back two weeks ago. You should go see him as soon as possible," Fayle suggested.

"Understood, Father. Leo? Let's go together," Caron said, motioning to his older cousin.

"Sure," Leo replied with a nod.

As they took their first steps toward Azureocean Castle, a familiar voice rang out from behind them.

"Caron! Why didn't you wake me up? That's just cruel!" Utula shouted as he stormed out of the train, his giant frame unmistakable.

Fayle looked at the scene with a bemused smile, remarking, "It seems like my son has made many new friends."

"That's the giant friend I mentioned earlier," Caron explained. "He might seem a little... lacking, but he's nice."

"Caron! Have you seen my ax? It's gone!" Utula shouted.

"The cargo car," Caron replied.

"Thanks, Caron!" Utula bellowed as he rushed toward the cargo car.

Caron let out a small sigh, watching the giant dash away. "It's true, he's nice."

"I can see that," Fayle said with a chuckle.

"Well then, let's go, Father, Mother," Caron said, motioning for them to continue.

The mad dog had finally returned to Azureocean Castle.