Chapter 29
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Translator: Wjin
Chapter: 29
Chapter Title: I've Missed You Terribly
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Time flew by like an arrow, and before they knew it, three days had passed.
When the promised time for the decision arrived, Johann and the Domos side gathered together with the Yegar side to begin negotiations on the final contract terms.
The one who spoke first was Yegar.
"Let me get straight to the point. After repeated deliberations in our meetings, we've decided to view Sir Alpha's proposed contract positively. However, there is one condition that must absolutely be included."
"Let's hear it."
Yegar stared straight at Johann as he replied.
"We want this contract notarized by House Crimford as is."
"Hmph!"
At the mention of notarization by House Crimford, Domos openly showed his displeasure, while Henderson, standing behind him, glanced at Johann with a slightly surprised expression.
'It's exactly as Sir Alpha predicted.'
"My apologies, Sir Domos. Before being a noble, I am a merchant. There's a merchant saying that even when giving pocket money to one's parents or children, one should draw up a contract. We place great importance on the reliability of contracts. After all, trust is a castle built upon the solid foundation of a firm agreement."
"Who said otherwise? Didn't I say the full authority for this matter is delegated to Sir Alpha? Isn't that right, Sir Alpha?"
As he spoke, Domos glared intently at Alpha.
It was a silent pressure implying that if anything went wrong with the territory, he wouldn't let the family or lives slide—not his own, either.
'If the day ever comes when you take my territory, be prepared. I'll stake my family, my life, everything to slit your throat.'
Of course, Johann paid no more mind to Domos's pathetic threat than a speck of dust.
"Of course. Let's do that."
Johann stamped the contract with Domos's seal without hesitation, and Yegar's expression brightened.
'I need to double-check the types and quantities of goods for this trading venture. I should max it out as much as possible.'
It was a natural decision for Yegar.
If the venture succeeded, the greater the scale, the greater the profits. If it failed, they had tenfold compensation as insurance—no losses either way.
"From what I've heard, Sir Hayden happens to have an open schedule tomorrow, so if we set up an appointment now and depart immediately, we should arrive around then."
"Right now? At least let us have dinner..."
Domos clutched his hungry stomach and looked at Yegar with regret as the merchant moved eagerly to match Hayden's schedule.
Johann answered Domos in his place.
"We can settle for jerky on the way. Surely you're not saying dinner is more important than this contract right now, Sir Domos?"
"What are you waiting for? The thought of jerky for dinner already has my mouth watering. At least we'll have some black tea, right?"
Confirming Johann's smiling-but-not-smiling eyes, Domos rose from his seat faster than anyone.
The group was kept to a minimum.
From the Domos side, it was Johann, Domos, and Henderson, just as when they arrived. From the Yegar side, Yegar, Lilia, and Cleidor handled their security.
Thanks to the six of them urging their horses onward, they arrived at the lord's domain a little earlier than promised.
'This feels kind of strange...'
Johann awkwardly scanned the city.
Was it because of his disguised identity?
The familiar scenery felt strangely foreign today.
Seeing that, Domos snorted and patted Johann's shoulder.
"Even a man like you must be visiting Crimford territory for the first time. Well, there aren't many cities as grand and splendid as this one. Relax and take it all in. Haha!"
Johann was dumbfounded by Domos introducing the lord's domain like it was his own home, but he chuckled it off lightly.
Right now, more important matters lay ahead.
"Welcome. We sincerely welcome the distinguished guests who have come to visit House Crimford."
Upon arriving at the mansion, servants and maids greeted them according to etiquette.
Johann followed them to the guest room, feeling as awkward as if visiting someone else's house.
As they rested and shook off the travel fatigue, a servant came to invite them to the evening banquet.
"Lord Crimford invites those who have traveled far to the evening banquet. Please follow me."
Guided by the servant, they arrived at the banquet hall where Hayden and Annette were already waiting for Johann's group.
Annette elegantly bowed her head in greeting, and Hayden shook hands with each guest.
"Sir Domos, it's been a while. I hear you've met some eccentric fellow lately and changed how you run your territory quite a bit. As you know, we have high expectations for you. Please do your utmost for the kingdom's prosperity and glory."
"O-Of course! Your Excellency! I, Domos Hirobenkal! I pledge my life and limb, breaking my bones and grinding my marrow, in unwavering loyalty to our homeland and House Crimford! Believe in me!"
"Hahaha! That's reassuring."
Johann couldn't hide his inner surprise at Hayden's relaxed amusement toward Domos's over-the-top display.
'What? Could this be the first time I've seen Father smile?'
Even comparing memories from before and after his regression, he couldn't recall his father smiling.
If he hadn't forgotten, this truly was the first time.
A bittersweet smile crept onto his face, but fortunately, the mask hid it.
"Sir Yegar! I'm sorry. It's my failing in raising my child that left a painful memory for your daughter. Allow me to apologize sincerely to both of you once more on this occasion."
"Your Excellency! Please don't! It's too much for us to bear! Didn't you already visit our family in person to ask for forgiveness?"
"I'm truly fine. I've already forgotten all about that. So please, lift your head. As Father says, it's hard to bear, Your Excellency."
Hayden bowed his head and apologized sincerely to the two.
Johann hadn't known, but from Yegar's words, it seemed Hayden had personally visited the baron's residence to seek forgiveness.
'Father...'
Johann's heart grew heavy in that moment.
After exchanging heartfelt handshakes with Yegar and finishing the greetings, Hayden finally stood before Johann.
"So you're the fellow they call Domos's lucky charm."
"I'm called Alpha. Please forgive my rudeness in keeping the mask on due to circumstances."
"No need to mind. I heard you suffered severe burns as a child? And your voice was damaged too—must have been devastating. Yet here you are, having overcome those wounds of body and soul to become such a great man. You're no ordinary fellow. Hahaha!"
"Thank you, Your Excellency."
After greeting everyone, Hayden directed the servants to guide the guests and returned to his seat.
Howard was away on business for a few days, perhaps already throwing himself into acting as family head in his heir's role.
"Come now, you must all be famished. Dig in."
The table overflowed with delicacies from land and sea, and an orchestra livened the atmosphere.
The guests savored the food and enjoyed conversation.
As an evening meal where family gathered with invited guests after the day's work, nobles and commoners alike laughed and chatted without difference.
But for Johann, it was a fresh shock.
The dinners he had joined were always as heavy and somber as funerals.
Father never uttered a word during meals, and if he did, it was always scolding Johann.
Mother watched father and son anxiously in that atmosphere.
His brother would try to change the mood with other topics, but it always ended in Johann's own anger.
'So Father was such a cheerful, talkative person... Brother really does take after him completely.'
Without him there, Father was incredibly jovial.
He hadn't understood Mother's words before, but now he fully did.
"Sir Alpha is quieter than I expected. Or is this a silent protest that the food isn't to your taste?"
"N-No! It's truly delicious. It's just been so long since home-cooked food; it's a bit emotional."
"Hahaha! I see. Then I understand. My wife is skilled at many things, but her cooking boasts the kingdom's finest touch."
"Oh, you. There's plenty more food, so everyone, don't hold back—eat your fill."
"Thank you, Madam."
Johann felt a lump in his throat.
If only he'd realized sooner how happy it was to gather with family, laughing and eating together...
Regret from that time washed over him like a wave, but Johann brushed it all away.
What mattered was not the past, but the present.
After the dinner ended, Johann, Yegar, and Hayden met separately in Hayden's study.
"I've heard the gist of it. Notarization for the new trade route being prepared in Hirobenkal Viscounty? Impressive. The Gurkan Mountains are treacherous even for the kingdom to approach lightly, yet you single-handedly negotiated successfully with the Gurkan Orcs, their rulers there? Is that true?"
"Your Excellency, forgive my rudeness for a moment."
"Rudeness? What do you—"
Crackle!
At that instant, blue lightning discharged from Johann's body, and his form vanished in a flash.
Thud. Thump...
The one Johann had knocked out with a chop to the neck was none other than Yegar.
He then deployed an aura barrier enveloping the room, and his senses caught the hidden eavesdropping items.
"What is the meaning of this! Sir Alpha! Guards! Is no one outside?!"
Shing!
Startled by Johann's sudden action, Hayden drew the sword at his side and shouted warily.
But no one could hear him.
Johann's aura barrier completely blocked all sound in and out.
Hayden tensed as no soldiers came despite his shouts, but he didn't move rashly.
He had seen Johann's speed and realized even fleeing at full power would keep him in the palm of his hand.
Confirming Hayden wisely holding position, Johann drew curtains over the windows, obscuring the interior, then swiftly located and destroyed the caught eavesdropping items with his senses.
Hayden couldn't help but grow curious.
"What are those?"
"Eavesdropping items. Probably planted not just in this room, but throughout the mansion."
Hayden exclaimed in shock.
"What?! Who dares eavesdrop on me, Hayden?! Even His Majesty the King—"
"Not the King. Something higher, overlooking the world from above."
After removing all the items, Johann finally relaxed and reached for his mask.
"I've waited for this day. A situation that won't seem suspicious even to the eyes of the Shadows possibly watching from hiding—a room where I've removed all eavesdropping items and blocked sound with an aura barrier, yet they'll assume it's for business secrets."
"What are you talking about...?"
Hayden trailed off, eyes widening in shock. Johann had removed his mask, revealing his true face.
"Suddenly requesting a private audience with Your Excellency as my true self, or blocking sound and removing such items here would draw the Shadows' attention instantly."
"You—you're...!"
"I've missed you terribly, Father..."
How the Regressed Young Master Lives