Chapter 12. The Troublemaker of Azureocean Castle
— Father, how have you been? I apologize for not being able to visit home lately. I've been extremely busy. The weather is getting colder, and I know you get cold easily, so please dress warmly.
Two months ago, I reached 4-Star in the Ocean Dominance Arts, and I've mastered up to Oceanwolf Sword Arts Form 4. People say I'm rewriting the history of Azureocean Castle, but honestly, I don't know about that. I'm just working hard.
Oh, and because you told me to get along with our relatives, I visited Uncle Raphael yesterday. He seemed so pleased his lips were trembling! It's probably because I've been taking good care of Leo lately.
By the way, Father, I have a favor to ask… I'm running a bit low on allowance these days, so could you please send some money?
Fayle smiled faintly as he read his son's letter, which Heinrich had delivered. His son sent him letters like this once every three months. Initially, he had felt uneasy about leaving Caron alone at Azureocean Castle, but now he no longer worried. Caron had adapted remarkably well, far beyond his expectations.
"Azureocean Castle has been quite lively thanks to the youngest grandson of the Leston family," Heinrich commented.
"I've told him many times that standing out too much isn't good," Fayle replied.
"Haha… A gem shines even if it stays still," Heinrich said with a chuckle. The old butler then carefully sipped the tea Fayle had offered. It had a pleasant aroma.
"So far, we've managed to keep rumors about Young Master Caron from spreading, but it's getting difficult," he continued.
"Does that mean Caron is already capable of handling missions?" Fayle asked.
"Yes, it does. Sir Zerath seems to be coordinating the timing. The Azure Wolves must fulfill their given tasks," answered Heinrich.
"I understand," said Fayle.
The fact that Caron, at the age of thirteen, was being considered for missions indicated his remarkable growth. Though it was good news, as a father, Fayle felt a bit of bitterness. He couldn't help but worry about his son.
"What about my elder brothers? They probably aren't pleased with Caron's progress. Do you know anything about that?" Fayle asked.
"That's a difficult question for me to answer, Master. I cannot take sides," Heinrich said gently as he looked at Fayle with soft eyes. He continued, "But I can tell you one thing. Lady Sabina is very fond of Caron."
"The monthly allowance I sent her wasn't meaningless," Fayle remarked.
"For the longest time, Lady Sabina has always been fond of you," Heinrich reminded him.
"Yes, she has."
Fayle thought of his aunt, who was known by many names. The White Wolf, the White Empress… She was a strong figure with numerous titles. She had been the first to visit him when he moved into this house, using a housewarming party as an excuse. The thought that she now cared for his son filled him with gratitude.
"But Aunt Sabina will soon be leaving Azureocean Castle," Fayle said, voicing his concern. His son's reliable protector would soon be gone. He wondered if Caron would be alright without her.
Heinrich smiled reassuringly and replied, "There is no need to worry about that. No one dares to mess with the youngest member of the Leston Family, not the First Master nor the Second Master. They wouldn't dare move against him."
"My brothers wouldn't?" Fayle asked.
"There is an irreverent nickname the knights of the Oceanwolf Knight Order have given the youngest master," Heinrich remarked.
"... The Mad Puppy. Yes, I've heard," Fayle replied.
"Mad Puppy" was a nickname given by the knights who had sparred with Caron, a testament to his relentless and fierce nature in combat. Of course, Sabina's influence played a part as well. Since she was known as the "Mad Dog" of Azureocean Castle, her pupil naturally earned a similar title.
Though the title seemed disrespectful and irreverent for someone of Caron's status, he had surprisingly expressed in a letter that he liked it. He had said something about everything going according to plan.
Fayle massaged his temple due to a slight headache and sighed quietly. Despite being Caron's father, he often couldn't understand what his son was thinking. It had been like that since Caron was a child, and it only became more pronounced as he grew older.
"The First and Second Master are not the type to pick a fight first while knowing that they might get bitten by a mad dog," Heinrich said.
"I find myself getting more worried about my son every day," said Fayle.
"Of course, that's the nature of being a parent. But rest assured, the youngest master is exceptionally clever. He won't easily be caught off guard," said Heinrich.
"I hope so. Lately, Sara's nagging has been getting worse..." Fayle muttered.
Sara pestered him every day to bring news about Caron, to the point that he felt as if his hair was going gray. But this letter would bring her peace for a while. Caron, the dutiful son, always sent separate letters for his father and mother. The one for Sara was always filled with affectionate and sweet words, while the ones for Fayle increasingly contained requests for allowance.
It was testing his authority as a father, but there was nothing he could do. His son, whom he cherished more than anything, was asking for pocket money. It was the least he could do, especially knowing Caron was enduring hardships alone back at the main residence.
"Alright, let's stop talking about my son for now. I called you here because I have something important to discuss regarding Azureocean Castle," Fayle said as he shifted the conversation.
"Of course. I'm listening," Heinrich replied.
Fayle reached into a drawer and pulled out a small paper envelope. He opened it, revealing a white powder inside. He explained, "This is kokin, a type of drug."
"... Where did you find this?" Heinrich asked.
"The inspectors found it in the wagons of merchants coming from Belrus Barony," answered Fayle.
"I heard Belrus Barony has been having trouble with bandits lately," Heinrich remarked.
"Yes, that's right," Fayle confirmed.
Narcotics were a serious issue, known for their addictive properties and destructive effects on people's lives. Most countries on the continent classified their trade as a major crime, an embodiment of evil.
As Fayle ground his teeth, he continued, "I need Azureocean Castle to send investigators to Belrus Barony. I don't know who they are, but they're spreading this trash on my land. Is my father currently at Azureocean Castle?"
"No, he's on his way to the capital to have an audience with His Majesty of the Empire. I'll inform Sir Zerath about this issue as soon as I return to Azureocean Castle," Heinrich assured him.
"I appreciate it. The timing isn't good. Especially in times like this…"
Fayle had recently received news that monsters and fiends had appeared in the western granaries of the state. They were creatures that hadn't shown themselves since the fall of the Malevolent Emperor forty years ago.
Taking advantage of this chaos, drugs had nearly infiltrated their lands. Fayle had a bad feeling. The timing was more than just "not good"; it was terrible. His instincts told him so.
***
Camila, the second daughter-in-law of Halo, had a significant concern. It was that Caron had been a constant irritation to her.
"Good morning, Aunt Camila. Did you sleep well?" Caron asked.
"... Yes, good morning. Did you sleep well too?" Camila responded.
"Yes!"
Three years ago, Caron had come to Azureocean Castle and mercilessly beaten her son. The memory of that day was still vivid in her mind. Even now, she longed to slap the insolent child across the face, but couldn't bring herself to do it.
It had been three years since the incident, but if she challenged the head's ruling now, it would undoubtedly cause chaos within Azureocean Castle. So, she swallowed her anger and maintained her smile. They were also in the castle's dining hall, surrounded by many people.
Besides, if she confronted Caron now, it would bring too many complications.
I should have put that kid in his place earlier, Camila thought bitterly.
Caron had been in Azureocean Castle for three years now. And in that time, he had seamlessly integrated into the place. Camila had initially underestimated him because she thought he had no support within the castle. However, Caron had found his own way.
The Oceanwolf Knight Order, the core of the Azure Castle's military force, had come to support him. She had heard rumors that the proud knights were backing this young boy. While they didn't involve themselves in the Leston family's politics, they couldn't be ignored either.
But that wasn't the only reason she wouldn't dare to mess with Caron.
"Hmm, there's no whiskey, Caron," Sabina remarked.
"Drinking in the morning is bad for training, Lady Sabina," Caron replied.
"Training after drinking isn't always a bad thing. You're just too young to understand," Sabina countered.
"How about I sneak some from Sir Zerath's room after training today?" Caron suggested.
"Not a bad idea. Zerath does have quite a collection of good liquor. And he never drinks them!" said Sabina.
The biggest reason Camila couldn't lay a finger on Caron was because of Sabina, a respected elder of the family, who was sitting next to him at the dining table. Sabina was the sister of the head of the Leston family, and one of the living legends of the territory. Camila acknowledged Sabina's esteemed status and bowed politely while greeting her.
"Did you have a peaceful night, Aunt Sabina?" Camila asked.
"My nights are always peaceful. Have you eaten? If not, join us. The lamb today is exquisite," Sabina answered.
"Oh, I've already had my meal, but thank you," said Camila.
"Such diligence. Are you here to pick up Leo?" Sabina asked.
Camila smiled as she looked at the boy sitting in front of Caron, devouring his food without a care in the world. She sighed softly and said to Sabina, "Yes. Leo has a lesson today. I managed to bring a tutor from the capital."
"A child of the Leston family must excel in both academics and martial arts. Alright, Caron, why don't you join Leo for the lesson?" Sabina suggested.
Camila felt a surge of anger at Sabina's words. The tutor was someone she had personally invited from the academy, the prized student of Professor Ulysses Hale, the empire's top historian. The idea of Caron, whom she held in disdain, attending such lessons was unthinkable. However, refusing Sabina outright would be seen as disrespectful, so she couldn't voice her objections easily.
"A lesson? What kind of lesson is it, Aunt Camila?" Caron asked.
"It's history. Are you interested? The tutor is Professor Ulysses' top student," answered Camila.
"Oh, then I'm fine. I'd rather just keep practicing my swordsmanship," Caron said, decisively rejecting the offer.
"You won't become a distinguished member of the Leston house by only wielding a sword, Caron. Why don't you join the lesson?" Camila urged, but she inwardly smiled.
Ignorant child, she mused.
Mastering the sword alone wouldn't earn the family's recognition. Nobles needed knowledge befitting their status. Camila thought it was likely for Caron to be so caught up in his own talents that he didn't pay any attention to learning other fields.
"Hmm… Caron, it's a good opportunity, isn't it?" Sabina pressed.
"Really, I'm fine. Aunt Camila had difficulty inviting a tutor for Leo, so it wouldn't be right for me to intrude," Caron replied.
Camila had to admit that Caron knew how to read the room. However, she couldn't help but tremble at the boy's next words.
"Besides, my academic progress doesn't match Leo's," Caron added.
"What do you mean by that?" Camila asked.
"The person who taught me history when I was younger was Professor Ulysses himself. I finished learning up to modern imperial history when I was seven. So, Aunt Camila, I'm really fine. I'd only be a distraction if I joined," Caron said.
Camila thought he had definitely said that loudly enough for everyone to hear. That cheeky child with his polite tone had subtly insulted her. She wanted to get mad at him, but she couldn't risk Sabina's disapproval. So, she forced a wider smile and nodded.
"Thank you for understanding," she said.
"No problem at all. Leo, have a good time at the lesson. I'll be waiting at the training ground," Caron said.
"Got it," Leo replied.
Camila needed to leave. If she stayed any longer, she'd explode from the rage building inside her. As she bowed respectfully to Sabina, she said, "Aunt Sabina, we'll take our leave now."
"Alright, see you later. Leo, we'll make up for this morning's mana training in the evening," Sabina said.
"Yes, Aunt Sabina," Leo replied.
With that, Camila and Leo left the dining hall, leaving Caron and Sabina alone. Sabina gazed at the door Camila and Leo had exited through and asked quietly, "Caron, was there really a need to provoke such hostility in your aunt?"
Caron shrugged in response, replying, "Really? I just followed your teachings."
"My teachings?" Sabina repeated, surprised.
"You told me not to let anyone underestimate me. Aunt Camila still sees me as competition," Caron said with a big smile.
After taking a sip of water, he added in a low voice, "Though I'm sure Leo doesn't think that way."
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