Chapter: 847
Even if Erich stuck a spear into my sternum, a promise is a promise. Especially when it’s not just for his personal greed but also for his wife and kids—I can’t back out.
“Here we are.”
Therefore, the day after signing the ‘Holy Beast Dispatch Agreement’ with Erich, I returned to his mansion as promised, accompanied by a holy beast.
The smallest and most humble one among the eleven holy beasts.
“Is this where your brother stays?”
“Yep. Although it’s officially our family’s mansion, I’m the master here, so don’t mess it up.”
“What kind of mess can I make with this body? No need to worry.”
The little creature perched on my palm vigorously nodded its head, as if it was excited to be here.
Has this little guy ever responded with such confidence? It seems thrilled to finally escape our mansion.
I felt a bit complicated about it all. I regularly send pairs of them back to Tailglehen and take them out for strolls around the capital, but still, it was almost as if I was neglecting them. It could look like I was abusing these little guys, considering how much they seemed to enjoy going out.
“You’ve got a little one just learning to crawl and another still in the cradle. Staying here won’t be too comfortable, you know?”
So I casually threw out a threatening remark towards the little beast.
Unlike the single care required at Tailglehen, here I’d have to manage two!
“The one in the cradle should be fine, just think of Teresa at her prime.”
Especially since the younger one isn’t exactly a pushover.
“Master, don’t say nonsensical things!”
However, contrary to my warning, the little guy smirked rather than showing fear.
“There can’t possibly be another child like Teresa. A being like that is born once every 50 years, so how could a second Teresa have already arrived?”
‘This little punk.’
I felt a jolt of anger at his sickeningly dismissive take on my sister, but what bothered me more was that I couldn’t entirely deny it.
Why couldn’t I just spit it out? Our sister is kind and gentle, and she’s not a being that deserves to be treated like that!
“…Let’s go say hello first. I’ll be visiting often, so we should make a proper first impression.”
“Isn’t it just a first greeting? Ugh— alright, Master! Don’t squeeze too hard! If you apply too much pressure, I might get scared!”
Before I could think, I had gripped the little guy lightly.
What an audacious little creature. Instead of following my lead when I tried to change the subject, he cowardly decided to cling to facts.
‘Have I spoiled these little beasts too much?’
It feels like I’ve given them too many privileges. Furthermore, our kids, who used to chew on and squeeze the holy beasts, have gotten older and are now playing nicely with them compared to their earlier chaotic behavior.
Yeah, they’ve definitely gotten too comfortable and gotten lazy. It’s painfully regrettable.
‘This time, perhaps some discipline should be enforced.’
The lazy mindset of Erich, composure of my second nephew, Eduard, should hopefully instill some tension among the sluggish holy beasts.
No, it’s not just a hope. It will definitely happen. I trust my nephew. I have faith that he, inherited from the blood of a warrior, will dominate both Erich and the emergency deployment of Zenobia.
‘This little one is also arriving one at a time.’
What if several holy beasts came at once? Then they’d face both kids together. It would be tough, but certainly manageable!
However, if just one comes at a time, it would face both kids alone. Even for Robert, who is relatively tame, facing a rambunctious Eduard solo would be an overwhelming challenge.
“Master, why are you suddenly looking at me like that…?”
“Just thinking about how you should get along with my nephews.”
“Of course! My master’s nephews are just like my own children, and if they’re my master’s children, they’re basically family!”
Having picked up on something off in the air, the little guy suddenly spit out a pledge of loyalty.
It’s quick thinking, but a futile gesture. The fate of beings like him rests not in my hands but in those of Eduard.
*
Ever since Eduard was born, the hours of my sleep have increased.
It brought back memories of how sickly I was before entering the academy, making my heart sink. What if my most precious treasure was obtained at the cost of other things? And why did my body, which had finally returned to normal, just slide back into that frail state?
“It’s true your body has weakened, but it’s a temporary condition due to suffering. If you focus on recovery, you’ll regain your strength.”
But thankfully, the medical team confirmed Eduard’s health and sanity.
That means I can relax. The able professionals who made an accurate diagnosis of our Eduard will certainly know how to handle me too. Distrusting them would mean mistrusting Eduard’s health, which is absurd.
“I’m so relieved, really relieved. You and the baby being safe is such a blessing…!”
It turns out my mother shared the same feeling, her eyes brimming with tears after confirming Eduard and I were fine.
Even my mother-in-law, who had worried about me since childhood. The retainers and staff from the Trimara family were also rejoicing.
Though my father didn’t shed a tear, he certainly held back. That was likely the last shred of dignity he carried as a noble.
“Thank you, Serra. You’ve truly been through a lot.”
Of course, the most memorable moment came from Erich’s hug. Despite not being able to hug tightly due to my condition, it was warmer and more intense than any before. That sensation is still something I can’t shake off.
“Waaaaah…”
“Eduard is also thankful to his mom─”
“Waaaaaaaaah!”
“He’s incredibly grateful!”
Honestly, the most memorable has to be Eduard wailing like the whole room could shake. Who knows whose child he got that voice from, but he seems destined to be a strong knight!
As everyone celebrated Eduard’s birth and breathed huge sighs of relief that I survived childbirth, the days flowed past.
“How’s your body? Are you okay?”
“I still feel a bit sluggish, but I’m getting better. Thank you for your concern, brother-in-law.”
My brother-in-law, who received a request from Erich, visited the mansion.
With me unable to move and Erich solely caring for Eduard, thankfully, Eduard was just too healthy for Erich to manage alone, causing even Zenobia to step in to help care for Robert.
That’s why Erich reached out for reinforcements. He made a desperate request to send over some animals capable of handling the kids.
“U-uh, brother-in-law. Did the little one come over because of Erich’s request?”
I cautiously asked while observing the chick perched in his hand.
Though small and compact, it was the one Erich truly wanted. A little creature that emanated power beyond its size.
“Yup. I’m here!”
The little chick replied, unintentionally causing a relieved sigh to escape me.
Of course, it was a sigh of relief, not frustration. With this little one here, Erich and Zenobia might finally catch a break.
If I were up and running, they wouldn’t have had to struggle! Even though it’s external help, I’m so thankful to have the gap filled by this little guy.
“Today it’s this one, but every day will see a different one coming. But I’ll start with the small ones, so don’t you worry.”
“Starting with the small ones?”
“Robert has just started crawling. It would be a bit much to show him bears or horses.”
That’s a valid point, I nodded. It wouldn’t be wise to throw massive creatures at Robert and Eduard all at once.
While it’s true my nephews live with those huge creatures, when they first arrived, the holy beasts were much smaller. Comparing back then with now just isn’t reasonable.
“Well, even if they’re big now, they’re still small compared to adults. Once the littler ones get accustomed, the bigger ones won’t be a problem.”
“I hope so. I’ve seen how well they play with the young ones at your mansion, so having them look after our kids should give us great peace of mind.”
With those words, I patted the chick sitting on my brother-in-law’s hand.
Was it called Humility? What a fitting name for a creature to play with the kids. It sounds like it could teach them the virtue of modesty or something.
“Let’s get along from now on. Eduard is a bit lively, but you’re an expert, right?”
“Of course! No newborn can be too lively, so you can trust that I’ve played with quite a few kids already.”
The little guy puffed up its chest as it proudly spread its wings. It looked like a human who would be incredibly arrogant if it were upright, and I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh.
“If it turns out you can’t do your job, just say so. I’ll swap you out for another one.”
“Yes, I definitely will!”
I readily nodded at the brother-in-law’s request.
Honestly, even if Humility just breathes without needing to say anything, Robert and Eduard would gladly play with it. How could they dislike a tiny chick waddling around?
“By the way, where’s Erich?”
“He’s with Eduard.”
“Maybe I should’ve gone there first then.”
A hint of discomfort flickered in my brother-in-law’s voice, making me feel sheepish.
Please let my body recover quickly! That way, I can take care of Eduard while Erich handles my brother-in-law.
*
After receiving a summons from Father King, I headed to his office.
“Come in, Rutis.”
“I greet you, Father King.”
As I entered the office, I bowed my head to the Father King welcoming me inside.
No matter how busy he gets, the royal family tends to gather for meals at least once a day, so if there’s something to say, it’s usually during those moments. But if he calls during work, there’s definitely a significant reason for it.
“I have something urgent to discuss, and I hope I’m not bothering you with your wedding preparations.”
“Busy? Not at all; it’s all thanks to the hard work of the attendants and maids.”
“Indeed, but…”
With a small laugh, Father King stroked his beard and handed me a document.
“You’re aware of the scepter since I’ve already mentioned it. Take a look.”
As he said this, I quickly scanned the document.
The scepter—the Trika Empire’s scepter found within Armein territory. Just thinking about how much trouble it’s caused for Father King—
‘Wait, what?’
As soon as I saw the document, I questioned my eyesight.
[Artifact Transfer Treaty between Armein and Kefellofen]
The title itself was intriguing enough, but the contents—
[In exchange for Armein’s agreement to transfer the Trika Empire’s scepter to Kefellofen, Count Tailglehen will, as requested by Armein, sever the heaven at the Swordsmith’s Hall.]
[Moreover, additionally—]
‘Whoa.’
It contained the thrilling detail that my mentor would sever the heaven at the Swordsmith’s Hall.
“Rutis.”
“Yes, Father King.”
“It will happen on your wedding day. Consider it a gift from your father.”
It was such an enormous gift that I couldn’t help but smile.
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