Chapter: 771
Since there wasn’t much to say about the events before the grand hunting war, I quickly skimmed over it.
While I do have memories of my childhood, I can’t convey them vividly since I didn’t directly experience them. Besides, this body’s childhood was rather dull, with no exciting events to speak of.
The most I have to offer is that the Krasius family once had a rather strict and stoic atmosphere, that the original owner of this body loved his parents despite that, diligently worked to earn their attention, and then had a little tumble off a horse. That’s about the extent of my stories.
“Is that enough?”
As I thought about it, it seemed like more than enough for a childhood episode. It’s suitable material for a tragedy featuring the protagonist, after all.
The real tragedy hasn’t even begun yet, though.
“Wait, was it at 16? I did faint for a bit after the fall, but thanks to Enen’s blessing, I was able to wake up safely. After that, I trained cautiously, you see.”
“Uhh, I see.”
To be honest, I had a laid-back mindset thinking, “Noble life is a breeze,” so my training was more relaxed compared to childhood. Objectively speaking, I still trained hard enough.
Maybe that’s true. I’m unsure since the only comparisons I have are with myself and Erich.
“So I passed the time like a normal person, and then turned 17. While entering the academy is the common path for an imperial nobleman at that age, I chose a different one.”
Unfortunately, the fact that I’m an uneducated adult is common knowledge across the continent. Even if I don’t say it myself, Alren knows well what path I chose.
In the name of loyalty to the imperial family and empire, I opted for a civil servant lifestyle instead of entering the academy. While others sat at academy desks scribbling with pens, I had to wield a sword up north.
Thinking of the agony I had to endure because of that choice makes my teeth grind, but it was the path that led to the relationships I formed. Looking back, I’d probably make the same choice again.
Sure, I’d hesitate a lot, but the outcome would ultimately be the same. Anyway, that’s how it is.
“Hmmm, I suppose there’s nothing remarkable in the pre-war tales. I feel a bit embarrassed sharing such unnutritious stories.”
“Not at all, Your Grace. It was a deeply touching story.”
“Is that so? Then I’m relieved.”
At Alren’s words, I chuckled softly and rummaged through the pile of documents brought by Friedrich.
“Now, to truly understand the grand hunting war, it’s best to start with this.”
I found the list of inspectors who went up north during the hunting war and handed it to Alren.
It was a list that included the Minister and the names from Section 4. The names of the team leaders and members, including mine, were neatly written on it.
“There were six Counts of Livnoman.”
Receiving the high honor of the Count of Livnoman placed their names at the very top of the list.
“They were remarkable folks. They fought alongside me as team leaders of Section 4 until the very end.”
The Counts of Livnoman were ranked above all other counts, making them higher-status than I was. They started as commoners but ended up looking down at counts as nobles.
“And here’s the deal. Hecate Larid of Livnoman is my first love.”
“…Huh?”
I sensed Alren’s shock at that sudden declaration.
Such a reaction was only natural. It’s only common to feel taken aback if someone who’s already married six women mentions their first love—especially if their first love was someone who was a commoner before receiving the title of Count.
Nonetheless, if I were to write my life story, I couldn’t leave out Hecate. If I’m going to reveal my life to the world, I might as well share all of it.
That’s my respect and obligation to Hecate.
“My family knows about this, so don’t worry. There’s no need to hide it.”
The fact that I cherished Hecate in my heart is something my family is aware of.
In fact, it makes a fascinating story of a man who closed his heart after losing his first love, eventually finding new relationships. It emphasizes the greatness of the wives, making it even cooler.
“Is this a story Alren would enjoy?”
Well, thinking about it, it seems like Rodesa would prefer love stories over Alren.
*
Without any rush, the Count casually continued speaking after that shocking declaration.
“─I originally started as a mere team member, but then all of a sudden, the team leaders and higher-ups died, you see. Thanks to that, a clueless guy got stuck being the team leader and suddenly found himself heading north.”
“Ah, quite the tumultuous start.”
He spoke as if it was nothing significant.
I almost doubted whether I had misheard because his demeanor was so nonchalant. Yet the Count’s gaze, his voice, conveyed undeniable truth. More than anything, there was deep emotion behind it.
I definitely hadn’t misheard. The Count truly had a first love. Even though the person was a commoner, he genuinely loved them, and death had separated them.
‘Knowing the ending is tragic…’
It felt bittersweet. The world might view the Count’s life as a glorious saga of noble blood, but a closer look reveals it’s not nearly as glamorous.
He lost a friend and a love who transcended their status on the battlefield and had to bear the weight of the power and honors he gained in exchange for that loss. No one who understands the Count’s plight could ever say such things lightly.
“It might be foolish to say so about a place that’s now part of the empire, but the north was a dreadful place. Thousands of cavalry charging at once was terrifying beyond words.”
“Anyone would be scared witnessing such a scene.”
“Thanks for saying that.”
The Count chuckled softly and once more pulled something from the pile of documents.
“Honestly, these were even more problematic than the cavalry. I questioned where such monsters came from.”
I quickly read through the documents the Count handed me.
“The Eight Cavaliers. Each one could easily claim to be a Khan with their abilities. In a way, the nomadic forces at that time could be seen as a conglomerate of several kingdoms.”
The subject was rather captivating, and I unconsciously swallowed.
As a human, I sympathize with the Count who fought those monsters; however, as a writer, I’m thrilled at the prospect of eight uniquely intense antagonists.
Even more surprising, these Eight Cavaliers were just under someone else’s command.
“The Herald of Disaster can truly be seen as the Khan ruling over the Khans.”
Just like that, the herald of disaster, who held the title of a calamity.
“C-Count, do you really mean the Khan? How can you say such a thing…”
“What’s it matter? Ultimately, they are the defeated who knelt before the empire’s might.”
“That’s true, but…”
It was a statement that exuded a winner’s confidence, leaving me in a daze, nodding in agreement.
An aristocrat from the empire, who shouldn’t acknowledge another empire or emperor, called the Herald of Disaster a Khan. This could only be said because the empire defeated that Khan, having conquered the north.
“Ah, just call him the Herald of Disaster in the novel. Using ‘Khan’ might provoke a lot of sensitive reactions.”
“Of course! Don’t worry about it.”
“Glad to hear it. I’ll trust you.”
With my answer, the Count nodded, looking satisfied.
“Speaking of which, now that we’ve talked about the Eight Cavaliers, how about I delve into their details too? The one named Talara among them was absolutely the craziest of the bunch─”
As the Count continued his tale, I felt an indescribable emotion rising inside me.
Was it sympathy for one who has triumphed through tragedy or admiration for a young man who pressed on no matter what? I couldn’t quite tell.
But whatever emotion I was feeling didn’t matter. After all, the only thing I could do was one thing.
“To create an outstanding work.”
For the Count, who has dared to share his tragedy, and for the Count who reveals his pain, I’ll pour my soul into completing my final masterpiece.
It’s my only dedication—my greatest consideration.
…
‘First love, huh?’
As I wrote down the Count’s words, I seriously pondered.
I can’t skip the first love story if I’m to write the biography of the Count, and sadly, I’m somewhat clumsy at expressing love. Particularly when it comes to a poignant, tragic love story.
Such a theme would suit Rodesa far better. Should I collaborate with Rodesa instead?
‘Not a bad idea.’
If I’m to cover the Count’s life, I’ll inevitably have to write about the stories after the war too. The Count reigned as the continent’s greatest swordsman not during the war, but after it.
And after the war, the Count who lost his first love ended up with six wives. My mission is to capture all the wounds and triumphs of this great hero.
‘Collaboration sounds splendid.’
Since Rodesa is taking on the romantic story of the Count and his wives, I’ll leave the love aspects to her.
Even if she occasionally grumbles about how busy she is with her work, I couldn’t recall how many times I had previously helped her. If it’s a topic we’re both tackling, she’d give in after a few whines.
“I’ve heard that Talara joined the Khan because he lost in one-on-one combat against him. Apparently, he couldn’t obey the commands of someone he deemed weaker than himself; that much seems quite fitting for him.”
In the midst of it all, the Count’s story grew increasingly fascinating.
A villain driven mad by battle. It’s hard to find a more intriguing villain than that.
*
They often say that if you speak ill of the same person, you’ll grow closer. Picking apart Talara’s madness and antics made me feel closer to Alren.
Of course, I’m not thanking you for this, Mister Talara. Considering the trouble you caused me, I’d rather have grown closer to King Balkros instead of Alren.
“Did you arrive?”
“Sorry. I’m a bit late, huh?”
“No worries. I just got here too.”
As I savored that delicate sense of relief, I returned to the resort, where Rizie greeted me, seemingly just finished changing her clothes.
“It’s surprising how quickly time flies when telling old stories. I almost ended up talking through till dawn.”
“Hehe. I felt the same way. Rodesa was so responsive that it just felt better.”
“They say married couples share one body and one heart. Seems to be true.”
That comment, given our similar situations, made me chuckle lightly.
But what can we do? Neither Rizie nor I has a particularly ordinary past, nor are there many opportunities to unravel those stories in such a legitimate way. When else could we possibly share our tales?
“Although I’ve passed the materials to Alren, we won’t need to stay here for too long from tomorrow. In the free time left, should I visit Rodesa?”
“Um… Oppa.”
Rizie tentatively grabbed my sleeve.
“I still have a bit of time left too, and it looks like you’ve got some free time, right?”
“Yep. I’ve said most of what I needed to.”
“In that case, how about we create some maple leaf decorations instead of cherry blossoms?”
“Huh?”
At Rizie’s sudden suggestion, I looked at her, and she turned as red as the actual maple leaves.
“M-Maru took Nar during her trip! I don’t want to go back empty-handed!”
As I stared at her, Rizie squealed.
No, it’s not that I said I didn’t want to.
‘Letting Rizie say something like this first…’
It felt less like being flustered and more like being embarrassed. As an older brother and husband, I should have taken the initiative to fulfill my wife’s wishes first.
I completely forgot my duties while I was lost in storytelling.
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