House Skyroad 2

At the Duke of Skyroad’s words, Theodore smirked and said:

“What if they do recognize me? What can they do? I am Theodore Skyroad of House Skyroad.”

“Yes, that’s true. You are my son, and my heir. But if they recognize you, they’ll be a nuisance.”

“I suppose so. Given that there are doubts circulating about whether this William is truly the Chosen One, they’ll need a replacement for propaganda purposes.”

Theodore coldly sneered.

The behavior of William, known as the Chosen One but simultaneously a ruffian, was famous even in the Arcan Empire.

He had been revered as the Chosen One because of the telekinesis he had shown since childhood, but in fact, there was no definitive proof that he was the Chosen One, and opinions were gradually circulating that the special ability mentioned in the prophecy couldn’t possibly be mere telekinesis.

This all started from the suspicion that such a ruffian couldn’t possibly be the Chosen One due to William’s bad behavior.

“The Britannia Empire has been acting arrogantly all this time by promoting the Chosen One, but our Arcan Empire knows the truth anyway, doesn’t it?”

“Hm, yes. That’s right.”

The Duke of Skyroad knew about the truth of the Chosen One that Theodore was referring to. And not just him, but the imperial family of the Arcan Empire knew as well.

That’s why they could secretly laugh at the Britannia Empire’s arrogant attitude.

“I think it’s about time to reveal the hidden dagger without concern. After all, a being that shines so dazzlingly cannot hide its light even among clouds.”

Theodore smiled with his arms crossed.

“Are you thinking of revealing your identity directly?”

At the Duke of Skyroad’s question, Theodore shook his head slightly.

“I won’t reveal it first. But even without doing so, an exceptional human who shines as brilliantly as I do will eventually be revealed.”

Having mixed self-praise into his statement that his true identity would eventually be revealed even if he didn’t reveal it himself, Theodore added:

“I am already the one who makes the name of House Skyroad shine more brilliantly than anyone. There’s no problem if I radiate that light even more strongly.”

Though the Duke of Skyroad couldn’t hide his worried expression at Theodore’s confident statement, he nodded and said:

“I’m still concerned as a father… but you’ll handle it well. I trust you.”

“Yes, you can expect the name of House Skyroad to be further elevated.”

“Right… know that I always believe in you.”

“Of course I do.”

Theodore showed an attitude as if it was so obvious, why even mention it, and the Duke of Skyroad chuckled at his demeanor.

“Anyway, the psychology of parents with a talented son is quite complex.”

“It’s because you’re good parents that you have a talented son. Unlike some others.”

Knowing that Theodore’s statement was praising him as a good parent, the Duke of Skyroad just smiled.

“Then I’ll go see mother for a moment, father.”

“Alright.”

Watching Theodore as he paid his respects and left the Duke of Skyroad’s room, the Duke muttered bitterly:

“Despite how he talks, he’s actually quite sensitive underneath.”

The Duke of Skyroad still vividly remembered Theodore from that day. Unlike now, the image of a young boy who couldn’t find his reason for existence, stained with despair, sadness, resentment, and hatred when they first met, had aroused an inexplicable impulse in him.

And the Duchess of Skyroad must have also felt an inexplicable impulse when she saw Theodore in that state, leading her to accept him as family and adopt him as a son.

‘Sigh, that face from back then just won’t be forgotten.’

How could his biological parents have treated their own son like that? As a parent with two children now, he couldn’t understand it.

While raising a son and daughter, Theodore and Judith, the Duke of Skyroad felt that he lived for the joy of watching his children grow, so he couldn’t understand how someone could show all kinds of favoritism to one child while not even maintaining minimal obligations to the other.

“I’m looking forward to the lunch my son is going to make.”

And as he continued thinking, the Duke of Skyroad, who was starting to feel a bit hungry, looked forward to the lunch his talented son would prepare.

---

In the dining room where the family of House Skyroad gathered.

Here, Judith slowly savored the country fried steak that was served for lunch today.

“Delicious!”

This was exactly the taste she had been expecting!

Judith thought this as she enjoyed the lunch her brother had prepared.

“Is it delicious, Judy?”

“Yes! As expected, what brother makes is the best!”

Theodore, seemingly satisfied with Judith’s enthusiastic response, slightly smiled and then looked for his parents’ reactions.

“Mmm, this is the taste indeed.”

The Duke of Skyroad also smiled with satisfaction as he enjoyed the country fried steak.

Not only was it fried at the perfect temperature, but the sauce combination was also excellent.

“It’s true. The food Theo makes is always delicious. Can I look forward to tomorrow as well?”

The beautiful woman with blue hair and blue eyes, the Duchess of Skyroad, elegantly cut the meat with her knife and tasted it as she spoke.

Theodore, who was happily smiling at the sight of his family enjoying the meal, said:

“Of course. And cooking is about sincerity. Food prepared with sincere care for family is the true secret to flavor.”

In front of Theodore, too, was the country fried steak he had made himself, and he also cut the meat with his knife to taste it.

“I will prepare a meal with the same sincerity tomorrow, so mother, you just need to trust in your outstanding son’s skills and look forward to it.”

“Yes! But it’s a shame. Since Theo is going to study abroad in the Britannia Empire, I won’t be able to see him for a while. Mom feels really, really sad about that.”

Judith agreed with the Duchess of Skyroad, who spoke as if she were pouting slightly:

“That’s right, that’s right. When brother leaves, I think I’ll miss his cooking and the times we spend together going out.”

Theodore chuckled at their words and said:

“The matter of going with Lady Yuria is already unavoidable. Although it might not taste as good as when I make it myself, I’ve written down all the recipes, so the food should come out about 50% as good. And if it comes to it, couldn’t mother visit me together with Judy?”

“That’s right. I should go see how well our son is doing.”

“Yes, with my dazzlingly brilliant talents, I’ll be clearly inscribing in the Britannia Empire just how great the name of the Arcan Empire and House Skyroad is, so you’ll see even more than you expect.”

Judith grinned at Theodore’s confident statement.

Though he spoke as if he were showing off, Judith liked such statements from her brother.

Theodore’s words might sound arrogant, but surprisingly, he had never been wrong.

He truly held the top position in various departments at the academy with his overwhelming talent, maintaining a significant gap with those in second place.

And beyond that, his versatile abilities were a source of pride for her as his younger sister.

‘How wonderful it is to have such an amazing person as my brother.’

When daughters from other noble families came to her, pleading for her brother’s autograph, she couldn’t help but feel proud. In fact, with Theodore present now, the status of House Skyroad was comparable to or even greater than the combined status of House Arsein and House Lurain.

He had achieved excellent results in all fields he was involved in, and she had also overheard that he was so exceptional at understanding the flow of funds that the Duke of Skyroad had expressed admiration.

“If you ever have any difficulties in the Britannia Empire, just let us know anytime.”

When the Duchess of Skyroad expressed concern about her son going to study far away, Theodore nodded.

“If such a situation arises, I will contact you. But there’s no need to worry. As you already know, I am special.”

“Yes, you are special. But that’s also why we worry, please understand that.”

“Yes, I understand. I already know that it’s a place full of cunning ticks trying to exploit special individuals, and dirty parasites trying to cling to special people.”

Judith understood to some extent the conversation going on among her family members. However, she never mentioned it to her friends.

It was a special secret known only to the imperial family and House Skyroad.

“Oh right, brother. Speaking of going with Lady Yuria, is there any lovey-dovey story to share?”

When Judith asked with sparkling eyes full of curiosity, Theodore smiled kindly and said:

“Judy has reached the age where she’s interested in such things too.”

And so, the four members of House Skyroad spent time together, wearing warm smiles.