Chapter 2. Being a troublemaker is the dream.

Ulysses Hale, the esteemed teacher of Duke Leston’s family, took immense pride in his role of teaching the family’s young masters. Although he was also hailed as the top history professor of the Orias Empire Academy, his pride stemmed from the fact that he served a noble family of significant renown and prestige.

This was exemplified by Halo Leston, the revered hero who had liberated the Orias Empire from the devils’ grasp. Under his leadership, the Leston family stood as a symbol of honor and greatness, rivaling even the imperial lineage of the empire.

Recently, however, Ulysses Hale had taken a hit to his pride, and it all started with...

"So, what happened next? Is that it?"

"...Excuse me?"

"The damn emperor who sold his soul to the devils, no one managed to kill him, huh?"

It undoubtedly started with the ten-year-old kid who was complaining right in front of him.

Ulysses forced a smile as he adjusted his glasses and answered, "The Tyrant... Well, nobody knows whether the Malevolent Emperor is alive or dead. The only one who witnessed his demise is your grandfather. Why don't you ask him directly?"

"My grandfather is busy. Oh, and, Teacher."

"Yes, Young Master?"

"Did you bring what I asked for?"

Hold it in, just keep it together.

Suppressing the boiling anger within him, Ulysses stared firmly at the boy.

Caron Leston was ten years old this year, and he was the youngest grandson of the Duke. With his distinctive blue eyes inherited from the Leston family, well-groomed blonde hair, and strikingly clear white skin, he exuded an undeniable charm. His adorable appearance tempted one to pinch his cheeks at first sight. However, despite his irresistible cuteness, the dignity expected from the esteemed grandson of the Duke was notably absent in this mischievous youngster. Given a little more time, it was clear that this lad would undoubtedly earn the label of troublemaker within the Duke's family.

Ulysses, a teacher admired by many students at the academy, could see that outcome coming from a mile away. He wanted to instill nobility in his student, but it was obvious that this little one wasn’t receptive to etiquette training.

Unfortunately, his relationship with the little brat was crucial to him. After all, the father of this troublemaker was none other than the third son of Duke Leston, Marquess Fayle Leston, who oversaw various businesses of the ducal family.

"Of course, Young Master. As you requested, I've brought the materials on the Fallen Knight, Cain Latorre. My assistants worked hard on compiling them."

"Thank you, Teacher."

"Don't mention it. I'm just glad that your interests align with my society's research fields."

"I'll put in a good word to my father about you."

"Marquess Fayle Leston has always been generous in supporting my Modern History Society. Haha."

Ulysses nodded with satisfaction as he handed the book to Caron.

It had already been two weeks since he took charge of history education for the youngest grandson of the Duke. Originally, he had intended to focus on educating Caron about the great achievements of the Leston family. However, the young master's peculiar interest had always been directed toward one specific topic—Cain Latorre.

Cain Latorre was a knight who had faithfully served the Malevolent Emperor and stood as one of the final pillars of the Imperial Guards. Originally, he had been destined to be remembered as one of the worst figures in history alongside the Malevolent Emperor. However, as time passed, he came to be seen as a figure worthy of reconsideration.

The steadfast knight was unable to steer his master from the path of error, but unwaveringly stood by his side until the end.

𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

That was the evaluation handed down by the scholars of their time on Cain Latorre. Additionally, Ulysses' Modern History Society often delved into research on him.

"The Leston family had been supporting my society for quite some time. Without their sponsorship... it would have been difficult to conduct research on Cain Latorre."

"Ahem."

"What's on your mind?"

"Don’t worry about it."

The merely ten-year-old boy looked through the materials handed to him by Ulysses, visibly annoyed. It seemed absurd that a ten-year-old would take an interest in the society's materials, but Ulysses wasn't too surprised.

Caron Leston was no ordinary child. He was a person who would be considered a genius by some, an exceptional individual whose talents set him apart from his peers. To be the teacher of such a prodigy was a privilege enjoyed by only a select few, an honor that carried both great responsibility and immense pride.

With that thought, Ulysses continued with a contented smile, "Perhaps Duke Leston wanted to restore his friend's honor."

"Honor?"

"The fact that they were friends is quite well-known. It was a clash between the knight defending his corrupt master and the hero striving to bring light to the world! The play about the epic showdown before the throne has been cherished for generations."

Upon hearing that, Caron closed the material he was reading. Then, he looked at his history teacher and asked, "Why don’t we change the historical perspective on this matter?"

"Hmm?"

"Maybe Cain wanted to die quietly. Although Grandfather wished to rescue his friend, Cain still died, so Grandfather was annoyed by his friend’s stubbornness, prompting him to deliberately praise Cain. It's like a kind of punishment... Yeah, a posthumous punishment. After all, Cain was also supposed to be executed, wasn't he?"

Ulysses thought he had misheard. The ten-year-old boy’s shocking words left him speechless. If he were to agree with such a statement, he would become entangled in profane talk. The knights of the Leston family could come for him.

So, with a trembling voice, he replied, "That... perspective... I've never... considered..."

"Have you considered conducting research from such a perspective?"

"...Young Master, did I perhaps do something wrong?"

"It's a joke, Teacher, just a joke. Relax!"

Damn. It’s evident that this ten-year-old harbors the soul of a demon.

Ulysses trembled as he looked at Caron.

Caron gave a big smile to Ulysses as he continued, "But it's not impossible, right? That could have been the case, though."

"Duke Leston wouldn't have had any reason to do that... Would he?"

"They were friends."

"Yes, and?"

"They were friends, so it would have been natural for them to tease and mess with each other, right? That's what friends do. Oh, and teacher, since your son is about my age, do you think we could be friends? Maybe he and I can play together later."

"Well, of course... That's fine."

"Yay!"

As Ulysses looked into Caron's innocent smile, he silently vowed never to introduce his son to this little demon. Never.

Whether Caron was aware of Ulysses' feelings or not, he simply nodded with a smile.

"Then let's call it a day for today's lesson, young master."

"Thanks, Teacher! I'll send the materials to the academy tomorrow!"

"Yes, yes... Sure."

Ulysses hurried out of the room as if fleeing, while Caron sat down, gazing at the materials left behind by Ulysses. Then, clenching his tiny hands, he let out a sigh.

Ten years had passed since he reincarnated as his friend's grandson, and forty-five years had gone by since the death of "Cain Latorre." In his absence, the world had changed...

A loyal knight who protected the Emperor to the end? The epitome of knighthood? Why did they think I actually wanted to protect the Emperor?

Suddenly, they were commemorating Cain in a strange manner. And Caron firmly believed it was his friend's revenge.

Honestly, though, it didn't feel entirely bad for him.

***

"How was class today?"

"It was great, as always. Teacher Ulysses is always friendly and kind."

"That's good to hear. Oh, and... Son."

"Yes, Father?"

"Don't forget to eat your vegetables, alright? Just chowing down on meat all the time will mess with your health."

Caron set down the fork he was holding in response to his father's words. He looked back at the middle-aged man who was his father in this life.

In his past life, he had grown up without ever feeling the presence of a parental figure, but it was different this time around. Caron always felt infinite love from Fayle. His father consistently looked after him, fulfilling his wishes whenever feasible but firmly reprimanding him when he overstepped boundaries.

Referring to Fayle as Father always brought Caron happiness. In his previous life, enduring twenty-nine years as a servant for the emperor had left him with nowhere to rely on. However, in this life, he received plenty of support.

With a grin, Caron replied, "But you still need to eat plenty of meat to build muscle."

"That's... true."

"And meat tastes better. But since you’re concerned about me, I'll have some salad too."

"Thank you."

"Oh, and after we eat, would you like to join me for a workout? I'm planning to do leg exercises with the knights."

"Hmm, I've got a lot on my plate today," Fayle replied.

Caron scooped some salad onto his plate and furrowed his brow slightly as he took a bite. Fayle watched him and chuckled contentedly.

At moments like these, Caron seemed just like any other child, disliking vegetables and yet staying obedient to his father's words.

"Oh, and Father?"

"Yes?"

"When will Grandfather be back?"

"He said he'd be back for your tenth birthday. You know how important tenth birthdays are in our family. He sent a message saying he'd return to the family house. Since your birthday is next month... Hmm, he'll likely be back in about two weeks."

The direct descendants of the Leston family participated in an important ritual upon reaching the age of ten. It signified the end of their protected childhood and the beginning of their education as a member of the family. It was called the Awakening Ceremony.

This ritual not only proved the Leston family's continued emphasis on martial arts, but also marked the beginning of rigorous physical training and the development of a body capable of managing mana. Its purpose was to awaken the Azure Mana, which represented the Leston family.

However, not all direct descendants of the Leston family achieved success through the Ceremony. While there was undoubtedly immense talent running in the Leston family, not everyone inherited it. In fact, Fayle himself hadn’t. Unlike his elder brothers, he had never shown any aptitude for martial arts.

Lacking talent in martial arts within a family known for it held significant meaning. It meant being excluded from the succession order and struggling to find one's place within the family. That was the main reason Fayle's household had moved out of the family house.

Whenever Fayle saw Caron, worry consumed him. He feared that if his son were to share his fate of lacking talent in martial arts, it could reignite his suppressed self-loathing.

Watching Fayle's troubled expression, Caron quietly pushed aside his salad and let out a deep sigh.

Here we go again. He's eating himself up inside

.

"Father."

Upon hearing his son's call, Fayle pushed aside his thoughts and smiled again, replying, "Yes?"

"I respect you, Father,” Caron said. He meant that sincerely.

Surviving in a family of martial artists without innate martial talent was practically impossible, but Fayle had managed to defy the odds.

How? Simply with his own abilities. Between land management, running a merchant guild, establishing connections with politicians, and more...

Fayle’s talents lay in completely different fields from those of his siblings. Perhaps the soft-hearted Halo had felt sorry for his third son and offered him plenty of support, but not everyone who received such help managed to excel to this extent.

Fayle had single-handedly secured thirty percent of the vast assets of the Leston family, making it impossible for anyone in the family to think lightly of him.

A wolf in sheep's clothing, and yet he’s sweet in front of his son...

Perhaps that was why Caron had come to like Fayle.

And above all, Fayle is the only son of Halo I ever met.

Caron remembered Fayle from his past life, a young child who had held Halo's hand and greeted Cain with a bright smile. He vividly remembered the exact words he had spoken to Fayle in his past life as Cain:

"You don’t look like your father at all."

Caron chuckled as he recalled these old memories. "Father, you're nothing like Grandfather."

Fayle laughed at his son's words, then nodded while patting his head. "Someone used to tell me the same thing back in the day. Looking back now, they were right. I'm nothing like my father."

"And that’s a good thing."

"Hmm?"

"It's good that you're not like Grandfather. That's why I like you."

This, too, was genuine. Caron had always felt relieved that Fayle didn't resemble his rascal friend, Halo.

He smiled brightly again as he took another bite of meat. "Oh, and Father, don't worry about the Awakening Ceremony. I've got everything planned."

Despite being cursed to be reborn as his friend's grandson, Caron had already accepted his fate willingly... but he could still disrupt his friend's retirement.

"The thought makes me happy."

"It would be even better if we could enjoy it together. What were you thinking, son?"

"It's a secret."

Fayle looked at his son in silence.

... Why did I suddenly feel a shiver down my spine?