Chapter 137. A Wolf Must Be Solitary

The rumors spread like wildfire. Before a single day passed, everyone in Azureocean Castle knew about the mischief Caron and the rest of Halo's grandchildren had stirred up.

The next morning, Halo's grandchildren gathered in the inner courtyard of Azureocean Castle, harshly berating Caron. Yet the boy in question stood off to the side, casually scratching at his ear.

"...You cowardly brat," Leo muttered.

"How could you just wriggle out of the mess alone like that? Seriously, Caron, I swear I'm never listening to you again," Leon growled, glaring at her younger cousin.

"It's my fault," Hugo said with a sigh. "I should've stopped him. I didn't."

"That's right!" Leon snapped. "You should've stopped him before he dragged all of us into this."

Caron glanced at Leon, then interjected, "Hey, at least the marriage arrangement for you is paused, right? You should be thanking me. This is why anyone with dark hair—"

"We're all blond, you moron," Leon interrupted sharply.

"Anyway, taking in those golden-haired animals is nothing but trouble," Caron said.

"...Unbelievable," Leo groaned, glaring at his younger cousin with a scowl. "How could you make a mess this big and then just... slip out of it like nothing happened?"

They had every reason to be upset. The Council of Elders had passed a formal punishment, and it wasn't a light one.

"For disrupting the family's order, the

Council of Elders

hereby decrees that Hugo Leston, Leon Leston, and Leo Leston are to be placed under house probation for three months. During this period, all missions are suspended, and none may leave Azureocean Castle without the head of the house's explicit permission. Additionally, they are required to attend daily etiquette lessons at the council chambers."

As expected, they weren't free from punishment. Hugo and the others accepted this part of the punishment because they had crossed a line, after all.

But what truly grated on them was the exception that followed.

"Despite the severity of Caron Leston's actions, his punishment is deferred due to an urgent request from the elven regent."

The instigator behind the chaos had slipped through the cracks, conveniently shielded by a task only he could perform. It was impossible not to get angry.

"Well, what can I do?" Caron said with an exaggerated shrug. "The regent herself said I was indispensable. Trust me, I'd much rather laze around Azureocean Castle like the rest of you."

"...Want me to make you rest forever?" Leon asked with a venomous glare. "Leo, grab his arms."

"On it," Leo replied, stepping toward Caron.

"Just one punch," Leon muttered. "That's all I'm asking for."

That youngest rascal was utterly exasperating.

Leon let out a deep sigh as he looked at Caron. Then, she soon smiled faintly and said, "Thanks, Caron."

Caron turned to her in surprise and asked, "Leon, why are you like this all of a sudden?"

"If I say I'm grateful, then I am," Leon replied with a small laugh.

She had spent her entire life obediently following her father's every command. If it hadn't been for Caron, she could have caved yet again, accepting her father's will.

"Leon," Caron said, flashing an easy grin. "This was all you."

"What?" Leon asked, puzzled. "You're the one who—"

"Who knocked on Uncle Dales' office?" Caron interrupted smoothly. "Who spoke up first? Of course this is something you did. I just sat back and gave running commentary. That's all."

The touching emotion was shattered in an instant. Leon let out a deep sigh, deflating under Caron's playful tone.

"Honestly, Leon, you and Leo could use this time to fully absorb everything you've learned from the last mission," Caron said with a smirk. "There's plenty for you to do during this three-month break."

Both of them had undoubtedly gained invaluable lessons. Their battle against the Fragment of Slaughter, the encounter with Kerra, and even witnessing the Pirate Queen's spear firsthand... Each and every one of those events had been a valuable experience.

"Taking a moment to rest is necessary, too," Caron added with a shrug.

He had no doubt they'd grow stronger at an astonishing pace during their probation. Azureocean Castle, after all, was the perfect place for honing one's skills.

"And the same goes for you, Hugo," Caron said, turning to address the eldest of their group. "Stabilizing your mana core with the Dew of the World Tree was an incredible feat, but fully assimilating its effects will take time."

"You're right," Hugo replied.

"Hugo," Caron began again, his tone unusually earnest. "May I ask you a favor?"

"Of course," Hugo replied with a nod.

"While I'm away from Azureocean Castle, could you keep an eye on Leon and Leo? Not just with their training, but in other ways too," Caron requested.

Since they had risen against the key powers of the family, there would inevitably be many challenges that pushed them to their limits.

"My father will undoubtedly support us, but I'm worried it might be too much for him to handle on his own," Caron explained.

This incident, in which the younger generation had openly defied their elders, would leave lasting ripples. The atmosphere in Azureocean Castle was bound to shift, and Caron knew someone had to shield Leon and Leo while he was away. That was why he had brought Hugo into the fold.

Fortunately, Hugo seemed fully aware of what needed to be done, assuring him, "You don't have to worry about that, Caron."

"That's reassuring," Caron replied with a grin.

"When are you planning to leave Azureocean Castle?" Hugo asked.

"In two weeks," Caron answered, shrugging. "There's still one more thing I need to learn."

Caron had to learn Oceanwolf Sword Arts Form 7: Sea Fog. He intended to master it before his departure. It was a notoriously difficult technique, befitting its position as the seventh form, but for him, it was hardly an obstacle.

After all, it's a technique I faced so many times in my previous life that I grew sick of it,

Caron thought.

Sea Fog was one of Halo's signature moves, embodying the overwhelming force characteristic of the Oceanwolf Sword Arts. It was also the technique Caron had encountered most often in his previous life. Thus, mastering the form wasn't his concern.

The real question is how I'm going to integrate it into my own style,

Caron thought.

Having resolved that internal debate, he turned to his cousins and said, "In any case, don't think you can slack off just because I won't be around. Got it?"

"...What a useless concern," Leon muttered.

"Ah, what should I do when I leave?" Caron wondered, his grin widening. "First thing I'll do when I'm out is get some amazing food. You three will be stuck here, so I'll make sure to enjoy enough for all of you. If there's anything you want to do, let me know. I'll do it for you."

At that, the other three clenched their fists in silent frustration. If there was one thing Caron excelled at, it was driving people up the wall.

***

Time at Azureocean Castle passed swiftly.

Caron learned Oceanwolf Sword Arts Form 7: Sea Fog from Zerath and dedicated his remaining hours to mana training. Whenever he found a little room for amusement and wasn't training, he often visited the Oceanwolf Knight Order, providing impromptu lessons to the rookies. So before he realized it, two weeks flew by.

During this busy period for Caron, Fayle summoned him to his office.

Knock knock.

"Come in," Fayle said.

"You called for me, Father?" Caron called out with a smile as he stepped inside.

Two guests were already seated in the office. They were Utula and Orion, whom Caron had brought to Azureocean Castle.

Fayle greeted his son with a warm smile and said, "Take a seat."

"Yes, Father," Caron replied, settling into a chair.

Fayle had undoubtedly been the busiest individual at Azureocean Castle lately. His already immense workload had been compounded by the responsibility of fostering relations with the elves, yet his face radiated vitality.

"Father, you look like you're turning back the clock," Caron remarked.

"That's all thanks to you," Fayle replied. "But Caron, I'm not that old as to need talk of rejuvenation just yet."

"As your son, I find myself incredibly proud," Caron quipped.

He had given his parents a diluted vial of the Dew of the World Tree—a rare elixir that was as much a miracle cure as it was an excellent tonic. Even ordinary humans without mana could feel its remarkable effects.

"Should I start hoping for a younger sibling, then?" Caron teased.

"...Ahem. I don't know what you're talking about," Fayle muttered, avoiding his gaze.

"I'd prefer a little sister, personally," Caron said with a grin.

"Is there anything you won't say in front of guests?" Fayle grumbled.

"Guests?" Caron turned to Utula and Orion, slinging an arm over each of their shoulders. "These are comrades who've shared life and death with me. Isn't that right?"

Utula let out a hearty laugh, thumping his chest, and said, "Indeed, Caron! Your words are the truth!"

Orion, however, sighed and shook his head. He muttered, "I'd prefer to be excluded."

"So," Caron said, still holding his comrades close, "I take it there's a reason for calling us together so early in the morning?"

Fayle chuckled softly at his son's antics and nodded. He replied, "Our guests have expressed their intent to return home."

"Already?" Caron asked, his brow furrowing.

"Caron," Fayle continued, "Did you know Utula is the next chieftain of the Black Axe Tribe?"

Caron froze, then asked, "...The next chieftain?"

"That's correct. Yesterday morning, a letter arrived from his tribe. Here, take a look," Fayle said, handing Caron a piece of parchment.

In large, bold handwriting, the letter read:

"Chieftain. Gravely ill. Next chieftain. Utula. Return. Request."

The bluntness was a perfect reflection of the giant race's character.

Caron glanced at Utula, who thumped his chest again and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that, Caron?"

"...You're the next chieftain?" Caron asked.

"Yes! Before ascending to the position, I sought to experience the world firsthand!" Utula answered.

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" Caron asked.

"You never asked!" Utula declared.

Caron pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, then said, "If you're a leading figure, you should've mentioned it earlier."

"Titles mean nothing! What matters is the bond between warriors!" Utula replied, his voice booming with conviction.

"Ha..." Caron sighed.

It was such a blunt answer, the exact kind Utula would say, so Caron couldn't even point out anything to criticize.

Fayle watched the scene with an amused smile. He asked, "Caron, do you know much about the Black Axe Tribe?"

"No, not much," Caron admitted.

"They're one of the top three among the twelve great tribes of the giants. In other words, Utula is set to become the leader of a major tribe," Fayle explained.

Caron turned back to Utula, his face a mix of disbelief and resignation. He asked, "And yet you ended up captured and enslaved in Reben?"

"I lost because I was lacking. The responsibility was mine to bear," Utula said. "It is a shame, Caron—I wanted to continue traveling with you. But it seems I must return."

Caron thought that even considering that Utula was from the giant race, he fought well. If all the giants in the world could fight like that against the Demon King of Slaughter, they would have ruled the world.

"Don't worry, though," Utula added with a grin. "Once I become chieftain, I'll formally declare an alliance with the Ducal Family of Leston!"

"You don't have to be that—" Caron began, but was cut off.

"Our tribe controls many rich mines," Utula interrupted. "It'll be beneficial for you, too."

The giants lived in a place called Rubar Mountain, located to the west of the Zion Kingdom.

Rubar Mountain was not only one of the most famous mountains on the continent, but it was also towering and vast. It was known for its high-quality minerals, but due to the wars between the southern kingdoms, it had been isolated from the rest of the continent for quite a long time.

"Caron, I will work with you to make our tribe prosperous. Like the elves, we will stand together," Utula said.

"We're planning to establish a distribution network through the port of the Zion Kingdom after negotiating with them. Caron, thanks to the friends you brought, we'll be able to gain even more," Fayle said as he looked at Caron with warm eyes.

He's a child blessed with good relationships,

Fayle thought.

The fact that such noble people could gather like this could only be called a blessing. Fayle knew that even in the future, his son would meet many more people. And someday, they would become another force that would protect Caron.

"Ah, Caron," Fayle said suddenly, retrieving another letter. "There's also a request that has come in for you. I've put off replying for now, as you likely have your own plans. It would be better for you to decide directly."

Fayle handed Caron a letter bearing an eagle seal. There was only one organization in the empire that used the eagle seal: It was the Imperial Academy, which was located in the capital.

As Caron received the letter, he asked, "You're not planning to enroll me in the Academy, are you?"

Fayle quickly shook his head and said, "There's no way I would do that. The Academy didn't do anything bad."

"...You make me sound like a walking disaster," Caron muttered.

"Ahem... The weather is nice," Fayle said, not refuting his son.

Caron briefly glared at his father before checking the contents of the letter. The sender was his childhood tutor, Professor Ulysses.

"Dear Master Caron, I hope this letter finds you well. The reason I am writing is to extend an invitation on behalf of the Imperial Academy. You have saved the people from the cruel Marquis of the Border, and have also earned the Pirate Queen's recognition..."

Reading the letter, Caron found himself grinning. He remarked, "An invitation for a guest lecture at the Academy? How amusing."

Fayle sipped his tea, then said calmly, "The Academy's invitation is a testament to your growing renown. I know full well that you must carry out the elves' request. So, let's think of refusing the request if possible—"

But Caron interrupted by putting down the letter on the table, his smile widening.

"I was actually planning to head to the Pazar Sultanate first," he said. "And to get there, I'd have to pass through the capital anyway. The railway routes are laid out that way, aren't they?"

At those words, Fayle's face turned pale at an alarming speed. He asked, "...Caron, don't you dislike unnecessary hassle? There's no real need to stop by the capital—"

"Oh, come on, Father," Caron interrupted, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "The Academy, the very institution shaping this nation's future, went out of its way to extend me a personal invitation. How could I possibly decline such an honor?"

In truth, it was just because it was on the way. So, he thought it'd be nice to stop by. Besides that, Caron's curiosity had already been piqued. He wondered what kind of progress the Imperial Guards and Amy had made over the past four years.

"I'd been debating where to head first," he added with a sly smile. "Thanks to this, I don't have to worry about it anymore."

It was clear Caron had no intention of letting this opportunity slip by. And so, his next destination was set.

The Mad Dog was unnecessarily diligent.