Chapter 184
Chapter 184
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 184
Chapter Title: The Father They Feared
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Satisfied with the contract, we parted ways coolly.
Unfortunately, nothing like that happened again.
"But, everyone, have you found lodging in the Imperial Capital?"
"Ah."
"I figured as much."
Truly regrettably, the Imperial Capital had no places for ordinary travelers to stay long-term.
In the countryside or empire's outer cities, you could improvise with flexibility, bartering, or services in kind, but the capital didn't tolerate that.
Nomads weren't exactly broke, but the capital was pricey—even a day or two was manageable, but weeks? That was a burden.
And camping outside? Soldiers would haul you off in no time.
"Um, that... William, boss."
"Yes."
"Could you put us up for just one night...?"
So, their only real option was asking me for help.
"Please stay at our house for the time being."
"That's too generous. Once it's light and we find a place, one night is plenty."
"Do you have money to stay in the capital a few days?"
"Urgh..."
Of course, these folks had their pride and weren't angling for handouts, but reality's walls were sky-high.
"I'm not so strapped that hosting three of you for a few days is a burden. And in a way, you're my teachers—you shared your craft with me. Think of it as the disciple hosting his masters. Stay comfortably at our house."
"No, even so..."
"Besides, if guests who came to see me end up in a bind, how could I just leave them hanging? We're not one-and-done acquaintances. Take my help this time, and pay it back later."
"Ugh... Fine, just a bit. Thanks for the help."
"Thank you."
"Thanks."
"Haha, no, it's nothing."
I wore a faint smile as the elves bowed their heads in gratitude for my help.
Truth be told, I could've arranged other spots without inviting them home.
Scout an inn for them, or let them crash in the atelier's spare rooms—but I deliberately skipped mentioning those.
Because having them stay at our house sounded way more fun.
I was dying to see their faces when they bumped into my father, totally clueless.
"Heh heh..."
Regrettably, Father came home late that evening, so no hallway collision right away. But the next morning, as everyone gathered in the dining hall in twos and threes...
"......"
"......"
I spotted the three elves trembling like mice before a cat, while Father and Brother eyed them with keen interest.
"Heh heh."
Even without doing a thing, watching their already pale elven faces drain to paper-white was hilarious.
"Ahem. Did everyone sleep well?"
I couldn't let the moment drag forever, so I cleared my throat, made my presence known, and greeted everyone in the dining hall.
All eyes turned to me at once.
"Wi-William, boss..."
One side shot me looks of pure relief, like I'd just thrown them a lifeline.
"Yes, William—did you sleep well?"
The other side curled a lip in a smirk, eyes brimming with curiosity.
"I slept well, too."
Pretending not to notice those loaded glances, I flashed a casual smile and shrugged.
"More importantly, William, you've brought some intriguing guests."
"Yeah, we really clicked on business."
"Business, eh? You seemed weighed down lately—glad you've shaken it off and things are looking up."
"Haha, all thanks to the folks around me."
"Knowing how to pick the right people is a talent in itself. Anyway, quit looming there—sit and eat. Looks like you've got plenty to discuss."
"Yes, sir."
At Father's nudge to dig in, I strolled over and took the seat beside the elves.
A quick sideways glance revealed their complexions—Stefan's stood out, whiter than the rest.
"Wi-William, boss..."
The moment I sat and scooted my chair in, Stefan tilted toward me, face inches away, eyes quaking like an earthquake as he whispered.
"What's wrong?"
"Am I seeing something weird first thing in the morning...?"
"What do you mean?"
"Th-that... Why's that guy here?"
"Which guy?"
"Sigh, Hume. Don't know his face well, but that aura? No doubt about it—it's Hume."
"Aura?"
"T-ten years ago? L-long time back, glimpsed him from afar. Felt the exact same vibe: heavy and brutal like facing a mountain boulder in a raging storm...!"
"Oh... I see."
This was intriguing intel.
To folks who could see mana, Father must look like a walking natural disaster.
Explains why the elves were ghost-pale.
Waking up to a catastrophe staring you down? Terrifying, naturally.
"Er... Did I get it wrong? Is that it?"
Amazed by aura-sensing (which I couldn't do), I found Stefan twisting my wonder into hope, his face brightening as his mind raced for reassurance.
"Stefan, you're right—that's Earl Hume."
"......"
But my blunt confirmation drained what color remained from Stefan's face to a sickly blue; he stole a glance at Father.
"Th-that monster... why's he eating here...?"
"Why?"
I grinned and pointed at myself.
"He's my father—that's why."
"Hic...! Hic...!"
"Tsk..."
Reeling from the bombshell, Stefan hacked out hiccupping sobs. The other two elves gazed at him with pity.
Probably recalling his yesterday's rants to me.
Stuff like 'Butcher Hume' or 'one wrong move and your head flies.' Spouting that in front of the son? Stefan's heart must be shriveling right now.
"Why... is Hume's kid prancing around making lady-clothes...?"
"Father's incredible, but sadly, I didn't inherit the talent. So I just live how I want."
"That's why the aura...!"
"Worlds apart. Unlike my brother, who actually got Father's gifts."
"Urk..."
I nodded toward Brother, who was sneaking excited peeks our way. Stefan's face twisted in betrayal, like he'd just learned the culprit was a cripple.
Had to feel unfair from Stefan's angle.
A kid of that Earl Hume moonlighting as a tailor? And the shop owner being said kid? Astronomical odds.
But Stefan was the one who'd name-dropped Earl Hume and spun tales.
I never badmouthed or lied about not being his son.
Stay mum like the other two, and no gut-punch betrayal.
"William boss, what I said yesterday... that wasn't serious, uh... anyway..."
Snapping to, Stefan dropped into full apology mode.
Wracking his brain for excuses, but zilch would come easy.
"Don't sweat it. It's all common knowledge anyway."
"N-no, even so—talking smack about parents in front of their kid..."
I pulled a woeful pout and glanced at Father.
"What can you do? I take after his useless mug, but zilch on the aura front. My failing."
"Ah... Aaaah..."
Stefan's ears drooped limply.
"Wi-William, boss..."
He called my name with the forlorn look of a rain-soaked puppy, but timing was rotten.
"Young Master, your meal."
A servant plunked down plates before us all, cutting off whatever he'd mustered. Stefan straightened up, silenced.
"Ah, thanks. Stefan, mind if we pick up after eating?"
"Ah, yeah. Sure."
I excused myself to Stefan and promptly grabbed fork and knife, deftly slicing the meat on my plate.
"......"
The others followed suit, utensils clinking as they carved their portions—but Stefan just stared blankly at his plate, face ashen.
After the ordinary breakfast where Stefan alone was dying inside... "Stefan, Father—I need to discuss something. Got a moment?" "Mm, of course." "Er, uh, yeah." I pulled Father and Stefan aside for a private chat. "Wi-William, boss." "Yes." Unlike Father, who seemed to sense something, guilt-wracked Stefan trembled all the way to the drawing room, whispering frantically. "Wh-what's going on...? You aren't snitching on yesterday, right? I'm really sorry—spare me just once..." "Nothing like that. It's about sourcing materials. Remember I said I'd introduce an acquaintance?" "Ah, right." "This is it." "...Huh?" Stefan's face went blank. "Wh-what...?" "My father is that acquaintance. Talk materials with him." "Eh...?" Stefan let out a dumbfounded squeak and froze solid. That was the moment I learned elves could turn green.