Chapter 14
Belrus Barony was located to the east of the Leston Duchy. Although it wasn't small, its terrain was mostly rugged and mountainous, making it a less prosperous region. Despite its harsh landscape, however, it was a cherished place. The people of the barony trusted their lord, and the lord cared deeply for his people, which fostered a strong bond between them.
Rohan Belrus was the sole heir to the Belrus Barony. As the baron's successor, he had come to Azureocean Castle to seek help from an old ally. His barony had been plagued by troubling incidents as of late.
"So, let me summarize this. About a year ago, a band of bandits set up in the mountains to the east of your barony, correct?" Caron asked.
"Yes, that's correct," Rohan confirmed.
"And since then, drugs have started circulating within your territory?"
"Yes. And we've also discovered evidence that they're kidnapping residents and selling them as slaves," Rohan added.
"Those bastards deserve to be torn apart, don't you think?" Caron muttered angrily.
"...Yes, I do," Rohan replied, masking his discomfort as he observed the angry boy before him. The boy, who seemed no older than twelve, had skipped the formalities, diving straight into Rohan's troubles. Despite his lack of manners, there was something about the boy that compelled Rohan to fully explain his situation.
"Oh, right. You're a guest, so… Would you like a drink? I happened to sneak a bottle of Sir Zerath's favorite whiskey not too long ago," Caron offered.
"...I'm fine—"
"Figured you'd say that, so I brought it anyway," Caron interrupted.
The blond boy took out a bottle of whiskey from his pocket. Then, he poured it into a glass on the table.
"This whiskey is Luanoir. It's seventeen years old, and this one is a rare vintage. You must be feeling quite stressed, so have a drink," Caron insisted.
"...Thank you. I appreciate it," Rohan said, accepting hesitantly.
Rohan wondered whether he was really supposed to be drinking this. The name Sir Zerath likely referred to Zerath Winterguard, the captain of the Oceanwolf Knight Order. Then, Rohan's next question was who exactly the boy before him could be.
He quickly recalled the genealogy of the Ducal Family of Leston. A twelve-year-old capable of sneaking the captain's whiskey… The deduction wasn't difficult, and a name quickly came to Rohan's mind.
Caron Leston.
Rohan knew that Caron was the only son of the third master, Fayle Leston, who had been removed from the line of succession. Unlike his father, Caron had passed the Awakening Ceremony and entered Azureocean Castle. But that was all Rohan knew about him. The boy's activities after entering Azureocean Castle were not widely known.
"If there's drugs and illegal slaves involved, and they're bold enough to do such things openly… You could've mobilized your army," Caron remarked.
"It's embarrassing to say this, but our barony's military strength is quite lacking. Moreover, the bandits are very well-armed, and have training equivalent to a regular army," Rohan admitted.
"Trained bandits… You must've already attempted to suppress them at least once to know that," Caron inferred.
"Yes. During that attempt, my father, Baron Belrus, was severely injured," Rohan said as he lowered his head in shame.
To a lord, failing to protect one's own territory was a disgrace. Yet Caron wasn't one to dwell on such matters.
Could they be deserters who turned into bandits? I've heard the southern kingdoms are at war, Caron thought.
This conflict had even drawn the empire's regular troops southward. In truth, the empire's army had been significantly reduced; the noble houses, led by Halo, had diminished the emperor's influence and downsized the military under his command.
Rohan, who was no doubt aware of that, had come seeking help. Caron nodded slowly, then took a discreet sip of the whiskey he had poured.
"Ah, let's keep this whiskey sip between us and not tell Sir Zerath—" Caron began.
At that moment, the door to the parlor opened, and Zerath walked in. He was clad in armor that gleamed with a soft blue light.
"Young Master Caron, haven't I told you how harmful liquor is for a growing child?" Zerath remarked. He continued, "When did you even manage to get this whiskey?"
"Maybe you didn't secure it well enough? If you leave it out in the open, it's too tempting," Caron retorted.
"...Please, stop picking up bad habits from Lady Sabina." Zerath sighed as he moved the bottle aside. Then he turned to Rohan, who was staring at him in a daze, and bowed politely.
"Welcome to Azureocean Castle, Young Baron Belrus. I apologize for being late. We've been dealing with a monster outbreak in the granary region to the west of the territory. The Duke is away right now, so I am here in his stead," Zerath explained.
"It's alright," Rohan replied as he pulled himself together.
The knight before him was one of the empire's strongest, and was also the captain of the Oceanwolf Knight Order, the empire's premier knightly order.
"I heard about the bandits in Belrus Barony. How is Baron Belrus?" Zerath asked.
"He suffered serious injuries, but his life is not in danger. We have a priest treating him," Rohan replied.
"That's a relief amid the misfortune." Zerath nodded, then glanced at Caron. He continued, "This is Caron Leston, the youngest grandson of Duke Halo. Have you two been introduced?"
"We spoke briefly, but I hadn't heard his name until now," Rohan said.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you my name. I'm Caron Leston. Pleased to meet you," Caron said with a wide grin as he extended his hand.
Rohan took Caron's small hand with a forced smile. Despite its size, Caron's hand was rough, with callused skin.
"Have you come to Azureocean Castle seeking reinforcements?" Zerath asked.
"It's a shame to admit it, but yes," Rohan said.
"You've come to the right place. We've been monitoring Belrus Barony closely. Azureocean Castle will not stand by while an old ally faces such a crisis," Zerath reassured him.
Reports had already indicated that drugs were being distributed from areas near the border of the Leston Duchy and the Belrus Barony. Azureocean Castle had been keeping an eye on the situation ever since. However, the timing was not particularly good. Many of the Azure Wolves were away to investigate a monster sighting in the granary region, so it was challenging to send immediate support.
"Sir Zerath," Caron began slowly. He then said, "I'll go."
"No. It's too dangerous. The bandits are trained, and we don't know what skilled fighters might be among them," Zerath replied firmly. The leadership of Azureocean Castle had also concluded that the bandits in Belrus Barony were likely trained soldiers. It was too risky for Caron.
His mana had already reached 4-Star, and he had mastered the Oceanwolf Sword Arts Form 4. It was an astonishing degree of growth that was hard to believe, especially after only three years. Caron had already surpassed his cousin Leo, who was two years older, and was recognized as a member of the Azure Wolves by the Oceanwolf Knight Order. Still, it was too soon for him to face such a threat, especially when it involved trained soldiers.
But Caron, as if he had been anticipating Zerath's objections, continued, "Experiencing real combat early on is beneficial, isn't it?"
"It's still far too soon. Although your accomplishments are indeed impressive, it's not yet time for your first real battle," Zerath replied.
"Overprotection hinders growth, Sir Zerath," Caron said.
"I'd rather send you to the granary region. Visible dangers are better than invisible ones. Face the monsters instead," Zerath said.
"But those bastards are spreading drugs in the very place where my parents reside!" Caron protested.
The region of the Leston Duchy that bordered the Belrus Barony was directly governed by Fayle; it was an autonomous territory granted by Halo. Fayle had even been given the title of count for that reason.
However, Zerath remained resolute as he replied, "Are you using your father's name just for something like this? A no is a no."
"...Was it that obvious?" Caron asked.
"Yes," Zerath replied bluntly.
"In that case, I'll pass on this method. But how about this one instead?"
Caron was a boy who never gave up.
"No matter what method you propose, I won't approve—" Zerath began, but he fell silent as he listened to Caron's new method. Instead of rejecting the proposal flatly, he looked at Caron suspiciously and asked, "Did you get permission for this?"
"That's something I have to try to persuade Lady Sabina for. What do you think, Sir Zerath?" Caron asked.
Zerath sighed deeply, then nodded. Caron's suggestion was too appealing to dismiss outright.
"Fine, but if Lady Sabina rejects it, you must drop the matter without complaint," Zerath said.
"Of course," Caron answered.
Rohan's eyes widened at the mention of the name Sabina. She was known as the White Empress. If she agreed to help, the bandits would be eliminated in no time. Caron winked at Rohan and said confidently, "Young Baron Belrus, trust me. I'll make sure to help you."
"Please, I sincerely ask for your help," Rohan said earnestly.
"Don't worry. Lady Sabina adores her grandnephew," Caron reassured him with a grin.
Sabina's promised protection over a three-year period was nearing its end. If Caron suggested making some final memories together, she wouldn't refuse. Caron smiled at the thought of having an outing after such a long time.
***
Caron's prediction was, of course, correct. Sabina had eagerly agreed to her grandnephew's request.
"Join you in eradicating bandits because it'll be a memorable experience? Haha, bandit hunting as the first memory I get to make with my nephew outside Azureocean Castle… That's very fresh and interesting. Alright, let's go together, but I won't be helping you. I won't lift a finger unless you're on the verge of death, so don't expect any help."
For three years, she had stayed cooped up in Azureocean Castle to teach Caron. The thought of separating from her adorable grandnephew had saddened her, so Caron's proposal sounded delightful. It was sweet of him to suggest creating memories together. He was a grandnephew destined to go down in the history of the Leston family. She wanted to create at least one memorable experience with him outside the castle.
Thus, Caron's first unofficial mission was decided, and the dispatch procedures were immediately initiated.
At Azureocean Castle's train station, a boy stood between Caron and Sabina, grumbling with a sulky expression.
"If he's going, he could've gone alone, why does he have to drag me along?" Leo complained.
"Leo, we can hear you," Caron said.
"I said it for you to hear," Leo retorted.
"Leo, you've recently taken a break from sparring with me, right? Let's warm up when we arrive. It's going to be your first real combat experience too, isn't it?" Caron asked.
He looked at the grumbling Leo with satisfaction and nodded. One of Sabina's conditions had been to bring Leo along. Though Leo wasn't as advanced as Caron, his growth was still commendable.
Sabina watched her two grandnephews conversing and nodded with contentment, thinking, They're our family's future... Leo has talent too. He must be nurtured to support Caron well.
She couldn't let Caron bear all the burden alone. That was why she had also focused on Leo's education. Leo had reached 3-Star in the Ocean Dominance Arts. Though he couldn't yet compare to Caron, who had already opened four seas, Leo's growth was still impressive and far exceeded that of his peers.
The lack of real combat experience will be addressed this time, Sabina thought.
Sabina had approved this mission precisely for the combat experience it would provide. Real battle was entirely different from training. Although all training existed to prepare the practitioner for actual combat, to become a better martial artist, one had to go through many real battles. She believed that the only thing Caron lacked was experience.
However, there was one thing that troubled Sabina. She thought, The people spreading drugs within the empire won't surrender easily. They will fight to the death.
Ultimately, Caron and Leo would have to kill people during this mission.
To live as a martial artist, there would inevitably come a time when one had to stain their sword with blood. When that moment arrived, would Caron and Leo be able to wield their swords and take a life?
"...Caron, you'd do it without hesitation," Sabina muttered.
"Huh? What?" Caron asked.
"Nevermind," Sabina replied.
If it was Caron, this crazy boy would surely take the enemy's life without a second thought. Her concern, however, was with Leo.
"Leo, you will have to fight people. Are you prepared for that?" Sabina asked sternly.
"Lady Sabina, I mean… Maybe I-I could stay back at Azureocean Castle…" Leo stuttered.
"There's no need to be humble. You are now a proud member of the Azure Wolves. Do not hide your Azure Wolf spirit from me," Sabina insisted.
"Well, I mean, I—"
"Exactly. You too must feel your blood boiling. You cannot stand idly by while those vile people kidnap the innocent and sell them into slavery, spreading drugs in our glorious territory. I understand your reaction[1]," Sabina interrupted.
The decision had already been made. Leo realized that he couldn't escape this situation. His insane cousin and equally insane great aunt would drag him along, even if it meant hauling his corpse. This was a conclusion based on his three years of experience living with them.
Thus, he could only nod weakly and say, "Okay, Lady Sabina."
"This will help you grow stronger," Sabina assured him.
"...Of course," Leo replied.
Rohan watched the scene in a daze. When Zerath noticed him, he smiled bitterly and said to Rohan, "Don't worry about it. This is a common occurrence."
"...I see," Rohan replied.
Rohan didn't know why, but even Sir Zerath's reassurances didn't seem trustworthy. However, he forced a smile as he tried to suppress his anxiety.
"When this is all over, I'll bring my father and visit again," Rohan said.
"We'll prepare a feast for that occasion," Sir Zerath replied.
After exchanging a light farewell with Rohan, Zerath turned to look at Sabina and the two young boys. He let out a deep sigh and said, "Just please, come back safely."
"Don't worry about me," Sabina said.
"Of course, Sir Zerath. I'll bring you a souvenir," Caron replied.
"I'll… be back, Sir Zerath," Leo muttered.
Zerath wondered if he could really trust these three people. He sighed deeply once more, shaking his head.
And thus, Caron's first mission began.
1. The author is making a joke about how Sabina doesn't listen to others when her mind is set on something, so any response from Leo right now sounds like "YES! I also want to go on an adventure!" ☜
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