Chapter 121
Raul’s mind was spinning faster than ever before.
“What’s bothering him? Did he bring too many agents from the main house? Or is it about the loot from the dungeon? Maybe he raided the Imperial hideout and wiped his hands clean? Or is it the new territories causing trouble?”
There were more than just one thing on his mind, making it hard for him to speak easily.
Suddenly, when Count Melvin grabbed Raul’s shoulders with his large hands, Raul’s heart pounded like a roller coaster.
“Raul! Didn’t we make a promise?”
Melvin thundered.
As Raul’s body was lifted up in the air like a paper doll, he couldn’t help but think, “Deja vu? Feels like this has happened before.”
Despite Raul’s height now exceeding 190cm and his weight over 80kg, the Count effortlessly lifted him as if he was a balloon.
‘Come to think of it, what promise was that?’
Raul struggled to remember, his mind jumbled as he was being shaken.
Realizing he couldn’t recall, he decided to…
“I’m sorry, Father!”
A moment later, the lecture commenced after the suspension in mid-air.
“… Wandering around outside without a word of contact is reckless, even for Lawrence! Especially you, Raul…”
Fortunately, Raul realized his father’s anger had nothing to do with the worries that had been plaguing his mind.
“Ah, right. During the expedition last time, we agreed that I would visit the main house at least once a month,” Raul thought back.
Six months ago, after the incident in the capital settled down, Raul visited the main house. It was to finalize the transfer of responsibilities of the “Calix” territory assigned to him and to seek support for additional territories.
Although he wanted to handle everything independently, he found it overwhelming to establish administrative, military, and logistical systems for the new territories within six months.
Ultimately, he had to seek his father’s assistance, and they agreed that he would report on the progress and spar at least once a month during his visits.
Despite Raul’s successful developments, his father, as a Count, would still worry about him, especially since he seemed like a newly adult.
“But in the end, I never visited once,” Raul reflected.
He had his excuses—busy securing three territories and the mana stone consumption for using portals. With so many expenses, he couldn’t afford to spend millions on each portal trip.
If he mentioned all this, the sermon would never end.
“I apologize, Father. I will make sure to keep my promises from now on!”
“Hmph, just keeping your mouth alive. Shouldn’t you at least contact us to say you can’t make it? If something like this happens again next time, I’ll confine you to the estate for a month and give you special training, so keep that in mind!”
‘It would really be a disaster to be confined for a month…’
It was scary because it seemed like it wasn’t just a joke, but something that would actually be carried out. It seemed like I would have to find time even if it meant tearing apart my schedule to visit my hometown frequently.
Right on cue.
“Meal preparations are ready.”
Just then, butler Ivan appeared. The Count finally relaxed his expression and patted Raul on the back before saying, “Let’s go eat.”
* * *
Mealtime passed in a warm and cheerful atmosphere. Eldest brother Dylan still showed off his robust physique, while Sister-in-law, as the impeccable hostess of Count Ashton, led the conversation.
Niece Libby, now four years old, had grown into a charming little princess, running around the dining room calling out “Grandfather” and “Uncle” with her little steps that were beyond adorable.
And second eldest brother Lawrence was once again absent.
Having never properly faced him since waking up as Raul, the thought of how he should react if they were to meet made him anxious.
After finishing their meal, they moved back to Count Melvin’s study. This time, even eldest brother Dylan was present.
“Come to think of it, why did you summon me?”
It wasn’t just to scold Raul or simply to have a meal together.
“Ahem. It would have been better to discuss this in Lawrence’s presence, but we can’t help it if he doesn’t come when called.”
After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the Count broached the main topic.
“Everyone is aware of the chaotic situation not only in the territories but throughout the continent these days. I had planned to proceed after the situation settles, but it seems we can no longer delay it.”
Clunk, clunk.
The Count brought over a small box that had been on his desk and handed it to Dylan.
“What’s this?”
“This is the family crest. Dylan, from today onwards, you are the official heir of Count Ashton and the acting head of the family business. I trust that even in my absence, you will lead the County without wavering.”
“…!”
While Dylan had implicitly received treatment as the heir until now, officially becoming the heir was a completely different story.
So far, if the Count decided, he could have chosen Lawrence or Raul as the heir without anyone raising objections. But once the Count’s heir was officially determined, even if the Count wished to change the heir to someone other than Dylan, he could no longer do so at will.
Those who had pledged loyalty to the Count would also pledge loyalty to the official heir, and the family members would start preparing for what came after the power transfer in their own ways.
And once that process was completed and unless any special variables arose, Dylan would become the next lord of the Ashton County.
“I will take responsibility and work hard.”
“Congratulations, Dylan hyung.”
Despite an important decision being made, the atmosphere was relaxed. It was just a matter of timing, as the outcome had already been determined.
Dylan seemed to be firm and determined behind his composed expression, while the Count appeared somewhat relieved, as if a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
And Raul let out a deep sigh of relief inwardly.
‘Finally, I can breathe a sigh of relief.’
When the incident occurred with Count Ashton in his past life, Dylan, the eldest brother, had not been officially recognized as the successor.
Therefore, with the sudden passing of the Count, the entire County was shaken, and there were aspects that were not properly handled in the confused situation.
‘And one more thing.’
Until now, there had been no one other than Dylan suitable to become the Count’s successor.
The second son, Lawrence, seemed to have no interest in estate affairs and was wandering outside, so he was out of the question.
The youngest, Raul, was a mischievous troublemaker who lacked the ability to take on the County.
However, over the course of nearly a year, Raul’s abilities and reputation had skyrocketed.
Of course, this didn’t mean the Count would easily change his mind, but his subordinates and family members were different.
In any group, there were bound to be dissatisfied individuals with the existing powers, and amidst the hidden forces eyeing the County, a new successor candidate had emerged.
‘It’s a good situation for those who want to shake up the successorship without my consent.’
In fact, not long ago, there was a report that such signs were emerging within the County, which Kane had brought up.
Count Melvin also seemed to know of this fact, which might have been why he somewhat hastily solidified Dylan’s position, unlike in his past life.
Anyway, it was a satisfying situation for Raul. The position of the Ashton County was like a poisoned chalice to him.
‘Just as I thought before, as long as the main house serves as a reliable backup, it’s sufficient.’
While organizing his thoughts in that manner, Dylan asked the Count, “But why did you make this decision at such a time? Isn’t it unnecessary to rush like this?”
Selecting a successor was a politically sensitive issue, and it was somewhat burdensome to proceed amidst the ongoing turmoil throughout the regions.
Usually, opinions were gathered through family councils and estate meetings.
“Well, it seems I will have to be absent for a while.”
“What? Suddenly, for what reason…”
As Dylan and Raul exchanged puzzled looks, the Count chuckled.
“It seems I’ve found a clue about the ‘wall’.”
“Congratulations!”
“Congratulations indeed!”
Dylan and Raul jumped up from their seats with excited expressions, extending their congratulations.
Enlightenment.
Ascending to the position of Sword Master was the dream of every knight and swordsman. It was also the fervent wish of the Count Ashton, who had failed to produce a Sword Master for three generations.
“What can we help you with?”
“Do you need anything?”
Count Melvin, smiling contently at his sons’ enthusiastic reactions, Calmed them down and spoke, “There’s no need to be overly eager. I’d like you two to take some time, maybe about two months, to reflect on your recent experiences in a quiet place. Dylan, even if I leave, you can manage the territory well, right?”
“Please trust me, father. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.”
The Count patted Dylan on the shoulder.
“All right, I trust you. I’m sorry for burdening you with heavy responsibilities during difficult times. And Raul!”
“Yes, father.”
The Count, placing a hand on Raul’s shoulder as well, said, “I understand that you’re busy with various matters. But remember, your roots lie with the Ashton County. Always keep that in mind and lead the territory well with your brother.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
“Well, now that we’re done talking, shall we go stretch our bodies a bit?”
As Count Melvin put on his finger cots and started stretching, his muscles swelled as if his shirt was about to burst.
“We’ve been waiting for this. With Raul here today, it should be a bit different.”
Dylan laughed and flexed his arm, causing the sleeve to tear.
“These crazy physical monsters!”
Raul, trying to avert his eyes from the daunting muscles, felt his body itching.
Just this morning, after competing in the round of 32 tournament matches, he had returned to the main house.
Of course, the match had ended with a decisive victory for Bae Dohyun, and Raul had entrusted the aftermath to Kane before stepping into the portal.
“Honestly, I didn’t even have a proper warm-up opponent.”
It had been a few days since he sparred properly with the knights, as he was busy pretending to be Bae Dohyun. And it had been over a year since he had properly wielded a sword with his father, Count Melvin, back during his academy days.
“Let’s see how it goes this time.”
With a hint of self-assurance, Raul headed to the underground training ground with the two physical monsters.
* * *
Kwaaang!
“Kek.”
Raul let out a groan as he pushed himself up from the wall of the training ground, unknowingly. Two streaks of marks, about 5 meters long, were etched on the ground before him. They were the footprints that were left as Raul was pushed back.
“Uracha!”
“No way!”
Thud. Clang!
Two monstrous beings were colliding in the middle of the training ground. The bright yellow energies filled the training ground.
And of course, Dylan was slowly being pushed back.
“Dylan! Still relying on your physical strength!”
“If it weren’t for your powerful energy, you would have been lying in front of me by now, father!”
Thump, thump!
The collision of the two great swords caused the entire training ground to vibrate. However, to Raul’s eyes, it seemed like they were evenly matched.
‘Both my brother and father are pushing with pure physical force…’
Literally, the energy swords were just tools. It was hard to tell if they were human or ogres.
Despite Raul using mana to assist his physical body and even employing the reinforcement of energy, he was effortlessly repelled when colliding head-on with the Marquis.
Spitting out a curse, Raul leaped back into the battlefield.
‘This time, I shouldn’t go all out.’
If he charged head-on again, he was bound to suffer defeat once more.
“Hahaha. Raul, this guy! Stop showing off tricks and charge in!”
“That’s why I said let’s train together. First, build your muscles before using your strength!”
‘These muscle-heads!’
Although Raul was irritated, he couldn’t afford to be provoked. He had his own way of doing things.
“Activate the Radiant Aura!”
Raul’s body was enveloped in a golden radiance, and suddenly, around 20 daggers appeared behind him, gleaming with golden energy.
“Let’s get serious now!”
With agile movements, Raul rushed towards Count Melvin.
(To be continued)