episode_0010

Naturally, it was Dallin’s son, Akai, who disrupted the conversation.

“Ka, Kael…”

Faced with an unexpected three-way meeting, Dallin was taken aback. His pumpkin-colored pupils, which had been sparkling with excitement just moments ago, now began to wander off course.

“Didn’t I tell you to behave quietly when I’m alone?”

In truth, ordinary parents wouldn’t need to be so flustered. They could simply say, “What’s the big deal? I was just talking to your friend,” and that would be the end of it.

“Oh, no, it’s not like that…”

But Dallin couldn’t help but bow his head deeply, as if he were a great sinner. Perhaps it was reminiscent of when he first visited the imperial palace for the coronation ceremony.

Contrary to her belief that nobody would pay attention to a mature married woman like herself, the nobles’ gazes were fixated on the unfamiliar crimson-haired girl. Some bolder individuals even tried to subtly strike up a conversation with Kael, pretending to be acquainted with her.

So, in this situation, is it Dallin who feels awkward? No, it must be his son, Akai. Except for the barren territory, she was virtually unknown. After all, Akai was already a renowned hero thanks to his defeat of the demon king.

Because of parents who couldn’t even answer the barrage of questions, the child ends up becoming a shield. Dallin felt not only that she had become a burden to the being she loved most, but also that she was overwhelmed by unexpected excessive attention.

However, her humble background made it too embarrassing to proudly declare herself as this child’s parent, especially since the label of “commoner” attached to the parent of a celebrated hero would tarnish their reputation.

At first, Dallin had casually brushed them off as acquaintances. In reality, she did just that. However, the persistence of the noble class was not something to be taken lightly. They continued to press on relentlessly until they got the answers they desired.

It’s ridiculous that parents can’t attend their son’s improvement ceremony, so I only thought they should definitely attend. I didn’t consider this aftermath. It was an insight born of a narrow-minded view of country mice that if you consistently ignore their interest, they will naturally fall away.

The fortunate thing is that there are no figures who recognize Darin at the improvement ceremony. Even if we call it a social gathering she attended, it was just a small tea party attended by rural housewives 20 years ago.

Above all, it has been a long time since the noblewomen of the family that had hosted Darin and the tea party fell into ruin as a result of the strict punishment for their wrongdoings.

But even though I’m keeping an eye out, have I made such a big mistake? Akal, who returned after three years, felt rougher than before.

“But you haven’t moved your seat, have you? And the hero didn’t come to see you; he’s here talking to you…”

“Do you think I’m expressing my displeasure about that?”

“…No.”

The gentle impression of the child that was always there is now frighteningly crumpled. Seeing that he is much angrier than usual, it’s clear that he has been tormented by people to that extent.

Kael, who led his mother behind the chairman in order to soothe the woman’s troubled heart, was the reason for briefly leaving the seat, to remove the annoying individuals.

“I was short-sighted…”

One way or another, whether there was a hero around here or not, it was true that unnecessary actions were taken without finding curiosity. It was a mistake to blurt out excuses without realizing that I was scared of my son’s reaction. Darin may make mistakes, but she is a woman who knows how to reflect.

“What on earth was I doing?”

My mother ignored my words and attended the improvement ceremony. If she comfortably indulges in socializing while handling the aftermath, even blood relations would feel hurt.

“Sorry Kael, I won’t do that again.”

Therefore, Darin had no choice but to apologize to his son. He seemed excited about going out for the first time in decades, but somehow ended up looking depressed, only managing to disappoint his son. However, the reason his son got angry must have been something else.

“Are they close…?”

However, it was impossible to know from Lucas’s standpoint. Normally, he would have scolded Akal for interfering, but from their conversation, it was clear that their relationship was not ordinary. It was the first time he had seen such a rough barbarian treat someone so bluntly.

“I need an explanation, Akal.”

“What explanation do you need?”

“What exactly is the relationship between Darin and you?”

“Darin? Don’t casually mention that person’s name. And that’s none of your business.”

It was as if he found it bothersome. It was more like telling him to go away. Therefore, Lucas’s curiosity only grew stronger. Although Akal was not familiar to him, it was unusual for him to display such rude behavior.

And this person? If an arrogant barbarian addressed her with a title, does that mean she could be a princess of a ruined kingdom, even though she doesn’t seem proud?

“…Strange, you usually mimic a gentleman, but your words are rough.”

“I’ve never mimicked a gentleman. That’s your judgment.”

“Anyway, I am interested in her. I’m curious. I have no intention of backing off, you know?”

He was a neatly handsome blond young man on the outside, but his actions were as slippery as a snake. The behavior of a stubborn warrior gently irritated the barbarian.

Akal glared at his companion without saying a word. Lucas, unlike other men, had a sturdy physique, but compared to the giant barbarian, he looked quite vulnerable.

“Haah, this guy…”

However, rather than faltering, Lucas just spat out curses, taking the blows without flinching. Of course. To someone with such abilities, differences in physique were not a threat.

“Akael, ease up a bit. You keep pushing the boundaries because I always indulge you.”

“You’re talking nonsense. Especially for someone younger than me.”

“…Nonsense?”

Among men, the hierarchy of power is usually understood without words. The visible alone can convey the disparity in strength to some extent. However, strangely, despite encountering the limitless power of Chitkey, Bayolun’s savage had never bowed his head to a hero.

As a result, the hierarchy between the two men remained undetermined even though their journey had ended.

Lucas was a strong-willed individual, but he paid it no mind. He believed he was much stronger and didn’t doubt it. After all, he had been busy staying up all night with the harem members at the inn.

“Is this really not going to work out?”

Yes, “up until now.” This was what Lucas thought in his head. It was as if the time had come to establish the order of this childish stair game.

“Do you not know who I am? I’m a hero blessed by the gods, you know?”

His tone was flippant, and his eyes were excessively drawn into a smile. But beyond that expression, anger simmered.

A certain picture formed in Lucas’s mind. That woman must be Akael’s hidden fiancée, as Akael had mentioned before. Upon reflection, cherishing one’s partner was an age-old custom among Bayolun men. Referring to her as “this person” earlier was an exaggeration, but still.

After all, there was no way for outsiders to know that she was Akael’s mother based on external features.

Apart from her bosom and buttocks, she was petite, and her youthful face, even if generously assessed, was that of a late teenager. Akael’s appearance was like the interior of Bayolun’s ancestral homes. Whether it was unfortunate or fortunate, the two hats had no resemblance to each other in the eyes of others.

“Taking another man’s woman isn’t a hobby, but…”

It’s not like there’s a goalkeeper just because there’s a keeper.

“Is the blessing of the gods only bestowed upon the body? Your behavior and thinking are not even at the level of a child.”

It seemed comforting to despair such an arrogant savage. Above all, from Lucas’s perspective as a nobleman in his past life, the trend woman would be someone he truly wouldn’t want to miss. Moreover, she looked beautiful and had an excellent personality, so it was inevitable not to have desires. Originally, premarital affairs were taboo among nobles, so now was the time to win over the maiden.

“Hey, wait!”

Darin, who had been at a loss for words, reached out to intervene between them. It seemed like the usual argument between friends, but it wasn’t.

“Hey, Sir Knight, why are you acting like this? Your reaction seems excessive. Kael! What if you speak so recklessly? I may not know what’s going on between you two, but we’ve gathered as colleagues in a good place. You shouldn’t blush like this!”

It was like scolding two naive children. And that was indeed the case. Although there was some age difference.

“Well, then, please tell me. What is the relationship between that savage and you?”

“Uh…?”

“It seems like there’s quite an age gap, why does he use formal language with you? And why do you speak informally to him? When I think about it, there are many strange things to call him your fiancé.”

“Huh? Th-that’s…”

Do I look that young? It seemed unreasonable to say that I looked younger than my son in his early twenties, but anyway, how should I answer? It was hesitant to answer as his mother just now. There was nothing specific to say.

‘What should I do?’

He really liked Kael. It was so proud to have a son like him. However, Kael’s thoughts might be different.

‘No, that can’t be. Kael wouldn’t do that, right? He values me so much. But…’

Even if one’s child said it was okay, it was useless if others’ views were negative. A savage’s blood and partly the child of a commoner with unknown origins? It was a perfect material for the gossipy nobles who loved to gossip endlessly.

Then, if my son’s reputation were to be tarnished in any way, what should I do? Darin didn’t want to cause trouble, even if he couldn’t help Kael.

It’s true that they had a pleasant conversation with the hero. However, it would be reckless to consider someone a trustworthy person after just one meeting. Being pleased is one thing, trust is another issue.

So, the first principle of nobility.

If you don’t know what to do, keep silent and things will at least go smoothly.

“Now that I think about it, that crazy guy. He was a lolicon? Always ranting about dating any girl he sees.”

Suddenly, hearing that his son is a lolicon… Kael is 15 years younger than himself. Why does he have to hear such a thing? Shouldn’t it be the opposite? Anyway, Darin just keeps quiet and looks at Kael.

“Sigh…”

Kael let out a shallow sigh while scratching the back of his neck. It was a request for help from his mother, who judged that his explanation would be much better than that of someone with no experience in society. Kael showed a displeased expression at his mother, but he couldn’t ignore her request as it was from his parents.

“I don’t want to explain, but since Mother dislikes conflict, I guess I have no choice.”

A very brief moment of contemplation arrived in Kael’s mind. What should I say about my relationship with my mother to the hero?

Being honest and revealing that she’s my birth mother would likely disrupt my future plans.

Calling her my younger sister wouldn’t work, as I already had a sister, Pia.

So, the most plausible explanation would be the nanny who raised me from childhood. Considering my appearance and age, it seemed like it would attract undue attention.

In many ways, Kael, who was not accustomed to ‘worrying’, felt that this was not quite right for him. On the battlefield, all problems disappeared when he split them with an axe. However, being quite sharp-witted, his contemplation didn’t last long. Coincidentally, there were also some fallen nobles scattered near the Bayoren territory.

I found a solution, and the old man’s face started to break into a smile. With this kind of background, even that rascal wouldn’t be able to object. “She’s my long-time childhood friend.”