Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: A Treacherous Subject Also Has Its Uses
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After breaking through the 'Neumel Tenth Form' in that manner, autumn and winter passed, and as a new year began, people from the Callermain territory came to greet Beonald.
Shockingly, among those who came to greet him was one truly astonishing person: Sir Malderv, the territory's sole 'High Knight'.
Beonald, who had been pre-briefed on the Callermain territory's web of relationships, was inwardly flustered that such a key figure had come to receive him.
'Wow... Why has someone so high-ranking come?'
"We have come to escort you, Young Master Beonald."
"Thank you for coming. So... you are Sir Malderv, correct? Or should I address you as Baron?"
"Hahaha, I have lived my whole life as a knight. 'Sir' is fine."
They exchanged peaceful greetings and shook hands, but a strong tension swirled between them.
Beonald didn't want to reveal he was a knight yet, as the more hidden cards one has, the better. But with a High Knight showing up so suddenly, there was no way to hide or deny it.
The moment they shook hands, Sir Malderv's mana flowed in, seemingly probing Beonald's own mana. Beonald had no choice but to accept it without resistance.
"Oh ho? I suspected it might be possible, but to think it was true..."
"Huh? What do you mean...?"
"You, Lord Beonald, are a 'Natural Knight'. Hehehe! The blood of Count Callermain shines even brighter."
"Natural... Knight?"
"Yes. Normally, a knight is someone who gathers mana through mana breathing techniques to use Aura, but sometimes individuals are born who can do it innately. Perhaps the blood of an ancestor who could freely manipulate mana is mixed in, or it's a natural-born talent. At any rate, those who suddenly appear like that are called 'Natural Knights'."
"Ah-ha~"
Beonald reacted as if learning this for the first time, though he already knew the fact. Since he was already exposed, he decided to just roll with it.
Even so, he felt troubled, thinking something had gone awry from the start, when Alterio nudged him with its wing.
It seemed to have sensed its master's discomfort. Notably, the growth rate of magical beasts was beyond imagination; it had now grown past the size of a large dog to about that of a donkey.
Squeak?
"Ah, Alterio. You're here? Looks like all the luggage is loaded."
Squeak!
Various bags of Beonald's belongings were strapped to Alterio's body.
One of the results of training Alterio during this time was preparing it to carry things or be ridden.
Now that it was as large as a donkey, riding training had already begun in small doses.
The problem was that Beonald's height and weight were overwhelmingly large for his age, making it difficult to run around properly, but that would be solved with a bit more growth.
"Oh... this griffon must be the one that caused the commotion at the Count's birthday banquet. To think it has grown this robust."
"It was quite a struggle to raise it. Anyway... Alterio! Just follow this carriage. Got it? Well then, I'll be on my way! Father! Mother!"
Squeee!
With those farewells, Beonald boarded the carriage, and it promptly set off.
Alterio let out a cry and began running alongside the carriage.
Though it couldn't fly yet, perhaps due to its griffon heritage granting exceptional stamina and endurance, it followed along quite easily.
If anything, the carriage horses were the problem, startled by the griffon Alterio and speeding up, forcing Beonald to quietly instruct it to keep a bit more distance.
"Who would have thought the horses would get scared and bolt. Whew~ I'll have to give Alterio some extra treats when we arrive."
"By the way, it's truly remarkable. Does this mean you've succeeded in taming a griffon? That alone will raise your value, Young Master. And on top of that, being a 'Natural Knight'... the Callermain Earldom will be astonished."
"You flatter me. But... Sir Malderv, I'm sorry to ask, but could you keep the fact that I'm a 'Natural Knight' a secret?"
"Hmm? Why? Isn't it a good opportunity to increase your value?"
"I am being adopted for the purpose of 'rival education'. That objective is important. Within a reachable limit, people build the will to challenge and compete, but if they judge an opponent as absolutely unbeatable, they give up. A 'Natural Knight' would likely fall into that category."
Beonald's logic was a masterstroke perfectly suited to the current situation.
First, while a High Knight had discovered he was a knight capable of using Aura, this excuse provided the advantage of allowing it to be kept secret.
Furthermore, appearing to act for Young Master Ralt's benefit made it seem as if he had loyalty to the family, potentially earning Sir Malderv's favor on two fronts.
"Oh ho? Such a thoughtful consideration! However, you are now formally an adopted son, which grants you eligibility as an heir, no?"
"Hahaha, you jest too much. How could I, with half my blood being that of a lowly mercenary, possibly assume the position of heir to the venerable Callermain Earldom? Even if I did, a great storm of blood would follow, and in turbulent times like these, that would not be for the benefit of the territory's people."
'Heavens! There's a reason the Acting Family Head praised him until his mouth went dry!'
Possessing martial prowess unbecoming of a 14-year-old and being a 'Natural Knight' were already remarkable. But being thoughtful and having a perfect understanding of the nature of noble society...?
Of course, he didn't believe it was entirely sincere, but the mere fact of formulating such words was proof he was no ordinary youth, leaving Sir Malderv in awe upon awe.
"However... part of me does wish to accomplish something that will leave a name in history. Hahaha, of course, not now, and I have no desire to stir up such conflict within the Callermain Earldom. Ah, but first comes Young Master Ralt's education."
"Hehehe, I understand, Young Master Beonald. I swear upon my knighthood that I will remain silent about you being a 'Natural Knight' until you reveal it yourself."
"Thank you."
"Hehe, it's nothing."
Sir Malderv had received a baronial title but returned his territory, pledging continued loyalty as a knight to a single family. An oath from such a man was trustworthy, so Beonald decided to believe his pledge and feel relieved.
Meanwhile, Sir Malderv, having judged Beonald to be a figure of talent beyond imagination, seemed unable to let things be. He discreetly summoned one of his retainers from among the knights running outside the window and gave secret instructions.
'Hmm, what's that? Can't hear well... Is there some scheme? In all the questions and answers so far, I haven't made any remarks that would offend the sensibilities of such a sincere knight...'
Knight types like Malderv were common even 500 years ago and were generally very easy to flatter.
Competence but an attitude acknowledging the importance of bloodline, stability and peace for the territory, a secret oath to contribute to it, and even showing a young man's passion to avoid suspicion... It was a perfect answer, almost as if he had written the script in advance. Yet, Sir Malderv's attitude felt subtly off.
"It's nothing, Young Master. Hahaha. Anyway, upon arrival at the territory, there won't be any other events. You will be declared as officially adopted under the guidance of the Acting Family Head, and from then on, you will be 'Beonald Callermain', not 'Dustycloak'."
"Yes, I understand."
"And your residence will be in the main building. As for the training ground issue... To help you conceal being a 'Natural Knight', using a 'private training ground' would be best, wouldn't it?"
"If you could arrange that, I would ask for nothing more. I also find training alone more comfortable, and... there will likely be those who cannot accept me."
Though he didn't know what instructions were given earlier, it seemed he had certainly won Sir Malderv's favor. Seeing him provide various consultations and quickly agree to his requests put Beonald's mind at ease, for now.
He was heading into a place little different from a battlefield, and the presence of such a collaborator was precious.
'At the very least, he'll be an ally as long as I don't make an enemy of the Callermain Earldom. That's very good.'
'I simply cannot believe I'm speaking with a 14-year-old young master. It feels like talking with the late Count.'
Sir Malderv was both admiring the aura and dignity emanating from the pensive Beonald and genuinely lamenting.
If only this child, with such talent and ability, had a better bloodline?
If only this child were in Young Master Ralt's position now?
He couldn't help but think the Callermain Earldom's future would have been bright for the next century.
'It can't be helped. It simply can't be helped.'
But reality was reality. While internally expressing regret, Sir Malderv spent time conversing with Beonald, and before they knew it, they arrived at the Callermain territory.
Passing through the city streets and arriving at the Callermain Earldom's mansion, Beonald, upon disembarking from the carriage, immediately saw Acting Family Head Rengel Callermain and the knights waiting for him.
"Welcome. You must be tired from the journey."
"Thank you for summoning me, Acting Family Head."
"I summoned you for the family's affairs, no need for formalities. At any rate, from the moment you enter this mansion, you are a member of Callermain and will henceforth bear the Callermain surname, no longer Dustycloak."
"I will strive not to bring shame upon the family."
The dialogue, filled with pre-rehearsed courtesy and humility, astonished the family retainers gathered behind the Acting Family Head and the mansion's managers. They were further shocked by Beonald's appearance: a mature look belying his 14 years, a robust physique, and an aura of dignity infused with etiquette.
According to the information they had investigated, he was closer to the image of a country-bred ruffian with some strength, and any talk of intelligence was assumed to be lip service. But seeing his conversation and demeanor face-to-face with the Count was the complete opposite.
'...Is this for real? That's a 14-year-old?'
'The contrast with Young Master Ralt is too stark...'
'He must have practiced beforehand. Otherwise, it doesn't make sense. Wait, his clothes aren't even fluttering? That's not something ordinary practice can achieve...'
'Why do I suddenly see the silhouette of the Imperial Capital behind him?'
Doing the same thing for years leads to mastery; doing it for decades makes one an expert.
And for Beonald, who had lived 60 years as a High Noble, his actions alone were sufficient to recreate the dignity and charisma of a High Noble.
Especially since he had always served the Emperor, needing to overwhelm and manipulate him while crushing other nobles eyeing his position, requiring tremendous effort to project sharp charisma and dignity.
'Impossible! How can that wretch, with his lowly blood...! I... I!'
And that dignity was something felt more strongly by those of higher noble status and greater arrogance.
Lady Meira, facing Beonald's dignity, unconsciously trembled and stepped back, feeling profound humiliation at this fact.
Barely steadying her heart to look, she saw Beonald approaching to greet the family.
The feeling of a giant predator coming to devour her made her want to flee, but stubborn pride—that she shouldn't be frightened by a mere 14-year-old—made her endure and accept his greeting.
"I look forward to your guidance from now on, Mother. I will serve Heir Young Master Ralt as my elder brother and support him well."
"Y-yes... alright. I look forward to it as well."
Though Lady Meira barely withstood the pressure and accepted Beonald's greeting, a profound sense of humiliation had long been etched into her heart.