Chapter 23. To the Capital

After the negotiations with the Belrus Barony concluded, preparations for the trip began. The emperor had personally summoned the children of the Leston family. Given that the Leston Duchy was one of the pillars supporting the empire, proper decorum was necessary.

"During this trip to the capital, the Second Squad led by Hans will escort you," Zerath stated.

"I think it would also be fine if we went alone," Caron remarked.

"This is a direct order from Duke Halo. It's also to prevent you two from tarnishing the family's honor," Zerath replied.

"If you say it like that, everyone will think we're always causing trouble," Caron said.

"A leaking barrel leaks both inside and out," Zerath retorted.

Caron shrugged at Zerath's comment and glanced backward. He raised his hand slightly and said, "Water."

Urhan, who was waiting behind him with a water bottle, quickly handed it over and said, "Here you go, Young Master. Hehe."

In just one day, Urhan seemed to have become thoroughly disciplined. Whatever happened the previous night, his smile was genuine.

The reason for that was simple.

For a deserter and bandit to become the servant of a noble young master, isn't that a stroke of luck?

Urhan thought.

If Urhan was unlucky, he would have been executed. Though Caron had a difficult personality, he had spared Urhan's life and given him a once in a lifetime opportunity. Thus, Urhan had decided to serve Caron with all his heart.

As Caron drank from the water bottle, he glanced at Urhan. He said, "Sir Zerath, please take care of this guy while I'm gone. He seems intent on slacking off. Can you turn this vile bandit into a decent person?"

"I'd like to start by turning someone else into a decent person. Wasn't it you who took the alcohol from my room yesterday, Young Master Caron?" Zerath asked.

"Oh, that was Lady Sabina herself, so you might want to ask her. But the alcohol was excellent. There's a reason why expensive drinks are the best," Caron said.

"Yeah, it did taste good," Leo added.

𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"Leo, now you know the taste of liquor," Caron said.

At that moment, Zerath felt a vague sense of dread. Caron had always been like this, but now Leo was starting to resemble him. Letting them loose in the capital was dangerous. These two were a combination almost guaranteed to tarnish the family's honor.

He wondered if it was really wise to send these two to the capital. The Imperial Guard, the traditional rivals of the Oceanwolf Knights, were stationed there. If Caron and Leo made a poor impression in front of them... Zerath felt his blood boil just thinking about it.

But it was too late to change their plans now. The Duke had already made his decision. Zerath could only hope that Hans' squad would prevent the young masters from causing trouble.

"Has the schedule for the trip to the capital been finalized?" Caron asked.

Zerath nodded slowly and answered, "You will be taking the train again. It passes through the Thebe Autonomous Territory. It is the fastest route to the capital."

"The Thebe Autonomous Territory... That's the place where citizens elect their own mayor, right? I've heard that it's quite interesting," Caron mused.

"The Duke has forbidden any activities outside the capital. Please wake up from your daydreams," Zerath replied firmly.

"That's a shame." Caron sighed.

When Caron first heard about such a region existing in the empire, he'd thought that it would be a fascinating place. There, the people elected their own leaders. Though they swore loyalty to the imperial family like other territories, the city was governed by commoners. One's status as a noble or a slave didn't matter much in the Thebe Autonomous Territory.

However, Caron didn't take such utopian tales at face value. His childhood tutor, Professor Ulysses, who was a renowned academy professor, had often said this about the city.

"It is a place where money is the real sign of status."

The Thebe Autonomous Territory was home to the empire's largest entertainment districts, gambling halls, and other places where human desires thrived.

"We've arranged a special train that goes directly to the capital. You'll have a chance to see some sights through the window," Zerath said.

"How long will it take to get there?" Caron asked.

"It will take about six hours to get to the capital," Zerath answered.

It was going to be a boring six hours. Although trains were fast, they didn't offer the freedom one would get when riding a horse.

Caron let out a light sigh, then stood up. He picked up the wooden sword he had leaned against the wall and asked, "The briefing is over, right?"

"Yes, it is," Zerath confirmed.

"We can't afford to be looked down upon in the capital, so we should train until we leave. Leo, grab your sword," Caron said.

"...All of a sudden?" Leo asked, surprised.

"Leo, you said you wanted to stand out at parties, right? Who knows? You might need to duel someone in the capital. If you win a duel, noble ladies might take an interest in you," said Caron.

At the mention of a duel, Leo jumped to his feet and said enthusiastically, "As a member of the Ducal Family of Leston, I must not lose a duel. Father always said to keep my swords sharp. Alright, I'm ready."

"That's a good attitude," Caron said.

Caron's skill in manipulating Leo was improving day by day. As Zerath was watching them, he shook his head again.

"Sir Zerath," Caron called.

"Yes, Young Master Caron?" Zerath responded.

"Could you call the Second Squad too? It'd be good to train together," Caron said.

"I already scheduled an emergency response drill for this afternoon," Zerath replied.

Caron smiled slyly then said, "Sir Zerath is always well-prepared. Then, please train us until the time comes. We can't be underestimated by those Imps[1] in the capital."

"If that happens, you'll both have to prepare for hellish training the moment you return to Azureocean Castle," Zerath warned as he raised his wooden sword and looked down at the two boys. He continued, "Let's see how much you've improved through your missions. Come at me together."

As soon as he finished speaking, Leo and Caron charged at him. Moments later, the thunderous noise of wooden swords striking each other echoed through the training ground.

***

Late that evening, Fayle adjusted his attire before knocking on the door in front of him.

"Come in," Halo called from inside.

Fayle masked his nervousness as he stepped into the head office and asked, "Father, you called for me?"

"Yes," Halo replied.

A half-full glass of liquor was in front of Halo, which indicated that he had been drinking alone. Fayle knew this meant his father was troubled about something, because Halo never drank without reason.

He quietly took a seat to his father's left. Halo handed a glass to Fayle and poured a measure of whiskey into it.

"I heard that the negotiations with the Belrus Barony went well," Halo said.

Fayle responded softly, "They conceded a great deal. It wasn't a difficult negotiation."

"And they offered some of their shares to Leo and Caron, yes?" Halo asked.

"Yes, they seemed keen on investing in the two boys early," Fayle explained.

"That's interesting. The young baron I knew would never make such a bold move," Halo said.

"It seemed that the young baron had a strong influence on the decision, though," Fayle added.

Halo nodded, intrigued. He remarked, "What a daring fellow."

"With the mana stone mine at their disposal, I believe we can expect significant development in the Belrus Barony," Fayle said.

"A prosperous neighboring territory is beneficial to us as well. Forming a solid alliance will be crucial. I leave that entirely to you, Fayle," Halo said.

"I won't disappoint you," Fayle replied.

"You'd better not," Halo said, taking a sip from his glass. Fayle followed suit, taking a sip of the whiskey.

Fayle doubted his father had summoned him merely to commend his work. Halo was not one for empty praise. There had to be another reason.

Perhaps something to do with Caron,

he thought.

It was likely a matter related to Halo's grandson, who had caused commotion at Azureocean Castle. Fayle suspected it could involve Caron's upcoming trip to the capital. As it turned out, his guess was accurate.

"The emperor has never personally summoned members of our house, except for me. This trip to the capital is highly unusual," Halo began.

The imperial family had always been wary of the Leston Duchy, given its significant influence since the empire's early days. Moreover, the Duchy had been involved in deposing a corrupt emperor. While the nobles and citizens had supported that act, it was still a coup d'etat, so it remained a sensitive issue. Naturally, relations between the imperial family and the Leston Duchy were strained. More accurately, the imperial family feared the Leston family.

Yet now, the imperial family had reached out first.

"Father, you recently had a private audience with His Majesty. Could it be that that meeting influenced the emperor's decision?" Fayle asked.

"Hmm," Halo mused as he recalled the expression on the emperor's face during their last meeting.

Although his tone had been outwardly pleasant, the fear in the emperor's eyes was unmistakable. It was the fear that Halo could dethrone him just as he had dethroned his father, the Malevolent Emperor. For such an emperor to suddenly extend a friendly hand...

Impossible,

Halo thought.

Summoning Leo and Caron was not an act of mere goodwill. There were likely numerous as yet unknown political motives behind it. It could be a task that was too challenging for children to handle.

"Father," Fayle said softly, interrupting Halo's thoughts."This was something you could have refused, and yet you handed the choice over to the children."

"Yes, you're right," Halo admitted.

"May I ask why?" Fayle inquired.

Halo glanced at his youngest son. Fayle always approached matters this way. He knew the answers, yet still questioned them, implicitly challenging Halo's decisions. Fayle had likely already guessed the reason.

"I am curious about Caron's potential," Halo responded honestly, confirming Fayle's suspicion. He then continued, "Caron has vast depths of potential, like an unfathomable ocean. That very potential could become his prison. I am genuinely curious as to how far ahead he can see."

"So, it's a test," Fayle remarked.

"Any child chosen by Guillotine must bear such a burden," Halo said.

Caron was destined to walk into the eye of the storm. Whether he wanted to or not, he had to move toward the center of the world. Thus, Halo wanted to provide Caron with as many diverse experiences as possible. He wanted to help Caron understand how many enemies the Leston family had, and to discern which choices benefited him the most. Being a remarkably astute and mature child for his age, Caron was bound to learn much from this trip to the capital.

"The movements of the influential nobles are unsettling," Fayle noted.

"And yet, the one who knew about that stayed quiet," Halo replied.

"I trust our family. Those who dare to challenge the Leston family will surely regret it. And more importantly," Fayle paused to finish his drink, then continued with conviction, "I trust my son."

Halo exhaled softly as he listened to Fayle. This was his youngest son, who had once hated the family and Azureocean Castle. Fayle had always seemed diminished whenever he entered this place, but now, he spoke with confidence. Halo was happy to see this transformation in his son.

Some said Fayle had regained his confidence due to Caron's immense talent, but Halo knew that wasn't the reason. Fayle, like any good father, had changed to protect his beloved son. In a place like Azureocean Castle, surrounded by those envious of Caron, Fayle's transformation was inevitable.

"Trusting your son... That's a good answer," Halo said as he poured another drink for Fayle. The father and son shared their drinks in silence for a while.

And so, the time for Caron and Leo to depart for the capital was fast approaching.

1. The raw used "Imperials" as a derogatory term for the Imperial Guard, but that doesn’t sound offensive in English. ☜