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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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Chapter 198: Father's Intention
Somewhere in the maze-like back alleys of Grunewald, Huten was hiding with his remaining men.
"Damn it."
Even his face, which was always composed, was now twisted with rage.
"Karzan, Karzan, Karzan."
Huten muttered a man's name like a curse.
"Just who the hell is this Karzan bastard?"
"...We simply cannot find out."
"Useless fools."
Huten looked at his subordinates, who hung their heads, with murderous eyes before taking a deep breath.
"...Enough. More important than finding out who he is, is how we prepare against him."
He knew how to distinguish what was important. Reason that wasn't consumed by anger—that was the key to controlling the seed of demonic power.
"When you think about it, our plans have been completely ruined because of that man and Zizek's intervention."
"Yes."
Caleb, who had been defeated by none other than Karzan, bowed his head.
"How is your body?"
"Regretfully, my combat ability has significantly decreased."
"Damn it."
His ankle, which had been completely twisted, had recovered more than 80% of its mobility, but there was no way to reattach his severed left arm. The only fortunate thing was that he was right-handed.
"If he could defeat you, it means he's clearly stronger than Nagan. In terms of combat ability alone, he's probably close to the 6th tier."
Such masters were naturally rare.
Yet why was he so unknown? And why was he cooperating with someone like Zizek, the head of a mere fifth-rate organization?
'There must be someone behind him.'
Huten's conclusion was clear.
'Whose orders is he following? Another organization? Or could he possibly be a special operative of Grunewald?'
Huten pondered who among his enemies would do something like this.
"What form did his martial arts take?"
"It was truly peculiar."
Caleb chose his words carefully.
"It clearly seemed like the sword of the underworld, but the fundamentals were too solid and stable, making me think it was the sword of a properly trained martial artist. Yet it was difficult to discern its origin."
"...That too must be intentional."
Huten's expression grew serious.
"I don't know who's behind him, but he clearly intervened knowing 'what I was aiming for.'"
Huten first established a clear premise.
"If my operation had succeeded, we would have been able to 'completely draw attention' while infiltrating the Grunewald through Somerset."
"Yes."
Caleb also bit his lip in frustration.
"Not only that, but we could have also swallowed the Bisakino Brotherhood at the right time and exerted influence over the underworld of Grunewald City."
"...How many years did we spend preparing this plan?"
It would be a lie to say it didn't sting.
"Grunewald must be aware of our existence."
"Yes."
"Therefore, I anticipated they would interfere with our operation through Somerset. Even sending assassins."
That's why he was able to move so quickly. From Huten's perspective, even the premature rebellion was a situation he had prepared for.
'It might not have been the best outcome, but it would have been a second-best or lesser evil.'
...Until the diversion operation failed.
"Karzan, Zizek."
After muttering the names of the unexpected interlopers, Huten spoke.
"This makes it even more suspicious. The reason Zizek suddenly swallowed the Night Cloud Gate and even captured our spy—"
"Yes, it must be because he joined hands with that Karzan fellow."
"I thought it was too strange."
In that sense, Huten's intuition had been remarkably accurate.
His only mistake was not taking that suspicion more seriously.
"...I'll have to request reinforcements."
Finally, he had to make a decision he didn't want to.
.
.
.
"Hahaha! To think that the great Huten would request help from this Rugen! This is quite embarrassing, isn't it?"
Huten slightly furrowed his brow at his competitor, Rugen, who was smiling mockingly with a triumphant laugh.
"Rugen."
"Whoa, whoa, why such a sour face? Disappointed? Don't be too disappointed. These things happen in life."
Rugen was a man who instinctively intimidated others with his ice-cold demeanor, narrow slitted eyes, and scars scattered across his closely shaved head.
His dark gaze concealed a faint scent of blood that would make the weak hearted people wet themselves like dogs encountering a predator.
"Shut up."
In response to Huten's cold reply, Rugen sneered.
"Your arrogance won't last much longer. Once this is over, I'll be standing above you."
Kugugugu.
The pressure emitted by both men collided, causing the air to vibrate. The two were nearly equal in tier.
"Fine, whatever. What do you want me to do?"
As Rugen backed down as if he'd never been growling, Huten sighed and replied.
"The assassins of Svaltalfar. Take care of them."
"Ha, haha."
Rugen's lips curled into a smirk.
"You should be ashamed, Huten. After years of preparation, you can't handle it alone and have to borrow 'our' hands."
Rugen laughed, pointing at the black-clad figures standing behind him.
"The branch head was very disappointed."
"Even so, it's better than failing to resolve the situation."
Huten coldly dismissed him.
"As you said, this is your achievement too, isn't it? Shut up and help."
"Hehe, you do have a way with words."
Rugen nodded.
"Fine, I'll help. Since our Lord Huten is begging so earnestly."
But then, Rugen asked.
"Aren't you worried about Grunewald's reaction?"
"...If necessary, 'that person' will intervene."
Huten answered.
"Anyway, we just need to focus on our mission. And this is my mission."
* * *
"Venion never came?"
Upon returning to the annex, I frowned at news that was somewhat different from my expectations.
"No, young master."
"That's odd. When is he going to teach me the Ink Soul Sacred Shadow Technique? The competition is only two weeks away."
I grumbled.
"I wonder what's keeping him so busy."
Then Peter asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Venion has always been like this, hasn't he?"
"That's true."
I was strangely concerned about Venion. Maybe because I'm a bit on edge right now. Perhaps Venion already knows my every move.
'But I still don't know Venion's true identity.'
He seemed to be my father's man, but there was occasionally something cold about him. He was the type of person who gave me the strong feeling that I shouldn't trust him completely.
'If I could learn advanced martial arts now, I could fight Huten much more easily.'
I shook my head to dispel my regrets.
I'm a man who can slaughter an ox with a chicken knife. In a way, I've just now met a proper challenge, and I can't speak weakly out of anxiety. That would be pathetic.
'There are more important matters now, Allenvert.'
I didn't take my own intuition, and Turnak's warning, lightly.
'Father, Verdzig, and Venion.'
I know the vastness and depth of Grunewald. It would be too naive to believe that they still don't know about such a large conflict taking place in their territory and the name of a man called Karzan.
So.
'First, I need to meet father.'
After all, understanding father's intention is the most important thing.
'If I can just understand father's will clearly.'
In truth, Venion's or Verdzig's intentions are less important.
"Peter."
"Yes!"
"I'm planning to find the head butler and request a meeting with my father."
I said.
"If there's any contact from Venion or my mother's side in the meantime, please let me know."
"Of course! Absolutely!"
Peter answered firmly.
"...But are you really okay?"
"Don't worry."
I ruffled Peter's hair.
"Even if I'm not okay, I have to make myself okay."
* * *
"Young master, it's been a while."
Head butler Count Aiden greeted me warmly.
"Indeed."
I greeted him calmly. It wasn't a situation for exchanging light pleasantries as usual.
"I hear you've been training in martial arts lately."
"Hmm."
I wondered if this man already knew everything and was just testing me. He's the type who knows how to hide his intentions in casual remarks.
Even if the head butler harbored goodwill toward me, he was still my father's man. It was natural to be cautious.
'My goodness, I'm losing my mind.'
I feel like I'm becoming paranoid.
"...Well, something like that. In many ways."
I gave an answer that could be interpreted either way.
"I see."
The head butler looked at me with a knowing yet ambiguous expression.
"Would you like a cup of tea?"
"No need. I'll be having one soon enough."
He nodded as if understanding what I meant and asked.
"Do you wish to see the Duke?"
"Yes. As the head butler probably guessed."
"The Duke has been waiting for you. He mentioned you would be coming soon."
"...!"
At that moment, I abandoned any expectation mixed with doubt.
'Let's assume father already knows everything.'
If so, my clumsy pretense won't work.
"I'll escort you right away."
"Ah, I'm sorry for the sudden intrusion."
"Not at all."
I followed the head butler down the corridor.
...I felt like a sparrow willingly stepping into a snare.
'Calm down.'
I thought about the conversations I had with my father and the bond I felt with him.
He is a duke and the head of the clan, but he is also a father and a human being of flesh and blood.
If he accepts me, it must be the result of both human affection and judgment as the clan head.
"Perhaps Duke wanted to see exactly this side of you."
Recalling Turnak's words now, while my heart sinks heavily, I am left with one question.
'What does father want from me?'
And will I be able to accept it?
* * *
"This is developing more rapidly than expected."
At that time, Duke Georg was conversing with Venion in his office.
"Looking back, it was the incident at the last banquet where I scolded Somerset that created all these changes."
"Nevertheless, the one who first rolled the growing snowball was also Young Master Allenvert."
How much was intentional, and how much was improvisation?
That remains unknown.
"In any case, the boy is certainly watching for my reaction."
"Hehe, a son naturally watches his father's reactions."
Venion laughed.
"Indeed, he couldn't possibly be unaware. Being such an intelligent person."
"You can speak freely. You really mean 'cunning,' don't you?"
"I decline to answer that."
Venion made a gesture of sealing his lips.
"Either way, it's surprising that Allen is moving completely differently from our expectations but ultimately acting for the good of the clan."
The Duke looked at a map of Grunewald City covered with dense notes.
"...Allen might truly be suitable as 'its' successor."
"Indeed."
Venion's eyes sparkled with a peculiar light.
"But this matter is so intricately entangled that Allen cannot resolve it alone. You should step in this time."
"Yes. I must protect my disciple."
Just then.
"My Lord, Young Master Allenvert requests an audience."
At the report from the guard outside the office, Venion exchanged glances with the Duke.
"Of all times, he chooses now. This is awkward."
After thinking for a moment, the Duke said.
"...Leave through the back door for now."
Of course, the clan head's office also had an 'unofficial' exit.
"Oh, well."
Venion scratched his head.
"Anyway, have a good conversation."
"You seem amused."
"Well, I'm human too. I'm certainly looking forward to it."
"Yes, 'if things go well,' teach him the Ink Soul Sacred Shadow Technique soon."
While not as urgent as other matters, the competition with Valkenhain was not something to be taken lightly.
"Understood."
After Venion carefully rolled up the map that had been hanging on the wall and disappeared, Duke Georg waited a moment before saying:
"Let him in."
Allenvert was coming.
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[Translator - Pot ]
[Proofreader - Kawaii ]
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