Chapter 359
Chapter 359
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Ryuma
Chapter: 359
Chapter Title: Epilogue: Yurensuto -3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'd tried to rescue someone drifting in the water, only for them to ask if they'd have to pay me a reward if I did. It felt cynical as hell.
I'd imagined some heartwarming family drama where we reunited after ages apart and helped her live a happy life. But in an instant, the mood shifted to salary negotiations.
Yuna looked a bit flustered as she proposed an amount.
"Uh, um, so if I provide this much for free..."
"Sounds good. That should be enough to make it worth the rescue."
"Jewel, you haven't changed a bit..."
The funding for the rescue was settled. Yuna wore an expression like this wasn't what she'd hoped for, looking somewhat disappointed. Like she'd taken a loss somehow.
Yeah, there was no gratitude. When you throw a salvation punch, shouldn't they counter with a thanks technique? At this rate, Yuna might end up feeling hurt.
"Ahem. Th, thanks—cough—gratitude."
I blatantly signaled from the side. With her sister back and succeeding, pulling her out of this upside-down household, shouldn't she at least say thanks, sis?
But the response was odd.
"I'd rather pay it back later than feel any gratitude. That damn 'thanks' is exhausting."
"...Why?"
"They say it's thanks to us that you've grown into such a fine noble, so how can you not feel grateful—how can you even say you hate it? Repaying what we've raised you with... need I explain more?"
I got it. After hearing that from her parents so much, she didn't want to be leashed by gratitude anymore. It even felt like she wanted all her relationships to be something she could settle and clear.
Sad. It'd take her a long time to open her heart to anyone.
As I gazed at her with pity, Yuna's little sister stared right back at me and spoke. Come to think of it, we hadn't introduced ourselves.
"Who's this?"
"Ah, yeah. My boyfriend. They call him the 'Mad Wizard'..."
"Ah, I've heard about him at balls now and then. The guy who looks like a crow next to Second Prince Irid. Does that make me his concubine or something?"
"Hyaaaaah!"
Yuna bared her teeth and blocked me like she was guarding me. Her little sister flinched in surprise, her face twisting subtly. No wonder—with her grand mage sister suddenly turning feral.
"...Wh-what's that about. All of a sudden."
"Guess she doesn't want more rivals. Little sis, mind explaining that in detail? It's not like you fell for me at first sight."
"It seemed the simplest way. With the engagement tomorrow and no time for drama, I figured borrowing some political clout from the prince's sidekick would smooth it over."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Engagement? Tomorrow?
"...You didn't know? Makes sense—I didn't know sis was back either. Guess that's why Dad and Mom kept quiet."
Yuna's little sister seemed pissed, gnawing on the handkerchief by her bed like crazy. It was practically shredded from her chewing.
A bit rude, but she kinda overlapped with a Chihuahua for a second.
She growled.
"Tomorrow's my engagement to that old geezer, Count Montbrue. Heard it's at the Yurensuto estate. Wondered why people who love showing off picked the house over renting a temple..."
"They wanted to show us off. Parading to the guests that our family mingles with the Violet Magic Tower Master, who's even snagged the next emperor as a husband prospect."
"Th-they didn't even ask us first..."
"They didn't ask when picking my fiancé either. You know that, sis. They've never asked their kids' permission. Or maybe it's been too long for you to remember."
"......"
My head kept tilting. So did my mood.
Yuna's anger gauge was filling up too. In the full-length mirror on the wall, mirror-Yuna clenched her fist and shook it wildly. Like she'd blow the estate sky-high if Yuna just said the word.
I agreed. One word from Yuna, and I'd raze it all. If it were me, I'd have aimed to topple the family by now. But... they're her family.
She had to decide. I asked carefully.
"What do you want to do?"
"...First, get Jewel out. Just to confirm, but... you don't actually like your fiancé, right?"
"I'd sooner marry a rolling pebble than that old creep. At least it wouldn't leer at me."
"Alright, that's settled. Next... what comes after."
How to handle the Yurensuto family, the couple. How to deal with the chains of blood. Yuna squeezed her eyes shut, wrestling with it, then spat it out.
"I want to give them one last chance. Maybe they don't realize. So... I want to tell Mom and Dad how much we've suffered. And if they reflect on it, I want to forgive them."
"Give them a chance?"
"...Not because I want family. Sure, I'd love a happy one—that'd be a lie if I said otherwise. But the reason I'm deciding this... is because I want to be like you."
Me?
Yuna fidgeted with her fingers, hesitated, then looked up at me.
"I want to be someone who gives people chances too..."
My lips nearly reached my ears.
"C'mere. How do you say such pretty things? Good Yuna needs lots of pets. How'd she come out under those folks? My angel walking the earth."
"Auuugh...?!"
Pat-pat-pat.
I hugged Yuna, nibbling and plotting. Yeah, put the Yurensuto couple on the scales. Make them reflect. If they repent... I'd gain in-laws.
If they don't change despite the chance, we'll collect the price.
Behind that resolve.
"Um, could you take the lovey-dovey stuff outside? It's pissing me off."
Only Yuna's little sister's mutter faded quietly.
===============================================================
Morning broke.
Peering out the sunlit window, carriages of all sorts were entering the territory one by one. Nobles heading to Jewel's engagement party, no doubt.
I called a servant and asked what was going on.
He replied flatly, "Today is Lady Jewel's engagement day."
Press him on not being informed, and he claimed ignorance.
If we hadn't visited her last night, we'd have been blindsided. Yuna and I didn't pry further.
The more people, the better. The couple wanted to flaunt our ties, but depending on their answer, it'd flip completely.
By midday, the Yurensuto estate hosted a dozen nobles. A servant informed us lunch was ready.
The players gathered. The stage was set.
"...Let's go."
"Yeah, let's blow it up clean."
I took Yuna's hand and joined the meal.
===============================================================
The table buzzed. Unknown faces everywhere. They clustered, chatting and sipping wine, then zeroed in on us newcomers. Whispers rose.
"...That's the Violet Magic Tower Master we've only heard of?"
"Then the guy next to her is that rumored..."
"Nah, rumor must be distorted. Hair color screams commoner—how'd he snag a seat by Second Prince Irid?"
Nothing substantial.
Yuna feigned ignorance and asked the couple.
"...Lots of new faces."
"Ah, this is Baron Russell and Viscount Viet. This is Count Montbrue... It's Jewel's engagement today, so we invited acquaintances. Five more soon."
"No need to mind them—relax. You too, mage. Even with the ceremony, we won't neglect hospitality. Hosting guests during an engagement is tough, but House Yurensuto has the chops. Don't worry."
"......"
Ask why they didn't mention the engagement, and we get boasting.
Next to old Count Whatever sat Yuna's sister, pale from her corset. Hang on, sis-in-law.
Yuna said directly.
"You could've told us ahead... And scheduling it on the same day."
"Thought you'd want to celebrate your sister's big day. Not unhappy about it, right?"
"Of course not, madam. Our family's so harmonious and caring."
"......"
Words failed. Asking for notice twists into "you hate your sister?" I squeezed Yuna's hand in support.
Yuna steadied her breath.
"I have something serious to say."
The couple caught the tone—nothing good coming. They showed clear discomfort.
"...Must it be now? Should've asked first. Other nobles here."
"'Silent Zone.' They can't hear now. Better?"
"...Fine, let's hear it."
She inhaled.
"It's too much. You expected way too much from us. So Sisel, Jewel, and I... we got hurt bad. Did you know?"
She let it out.
The couple's faces clouded in confusion—not the good kind. They didn't get why this was coming up.
They plastered on awkward concern, eager to defuse.
"Must've been tough. Becoming proper nobles with refined education is hard. But you succeeded—lucky, right?"
"Not like that. Sisel's power eats her soul every use. Her lifespan shortened drastically."
"Such effort—Sisel's a pride! True Yurensuto. Haven't heard from her lately—resting? Tell her rest alone won't cut it. Her fame's slipping."
Totally missing the point. Yuna thumped her chest in frustration.
"...Her lifespan shortened! Without him, Sisel would've died young. Dead! Don't you feel anything?!"
"......"
"Me? I got sold to Violet Tower for human experiments. Agonizing hell. No feelings on this either?!"
"......"
The silence was so empty. No drama, regret, or empathy. Just Jewel's face paling as she heard her sisters' tales.
After the long quiet, worthless words.
"...It worked out, didn't it? Good thing. You and Sisel raised the family name."
"That's what you're..."
Enough.
I stepped forward in Tower robes, purified Shadow Pierce Illusion spinning in my grasp.
"Count Yurensuto, Madam Yurensuto. This black arrow holds your daughter's pain. Purely from you."
"...What is this?"
"Empathy's hard for others. I know. So I prepared this. Use it, and you'll 100% feel it. Gauge your daughters' suffering."
Thud!
I slammed the Shadow Pierce Illusion into their table.
Last chance.
"Use it or not. You know the outcomes."
"......"
Their choice?
"This how you repay birthing and raising you? Shame on you, Yuna Yurensuto! I didn't teach you to treat parents like this!"
"We suffered too! Think discipline's easy?! It hurt us more hitting you! All for your sake—how dare you?!"
Mouthing off instead.
"Screw this!"
Crash!
I flipped the table. Plates and food flew, painting the sky. Guests' jaws dropped.
Yuna strode to her sister, grabbed her hand, and we headed for the gates. She shouted.
"I, Yuna Yurensuto Violetiris, Violet Magic Tower Master, hereby sever ties with my family forever!"
"...Kn-knights! What are you doing? Subdue the riot! Shut their mouths!"
"Stay put. You know what happens messing with Archmage-tier. Move! The 'Mad Wizard,' Second Prince's right hand, is now House Yurensuto's enemy!"
Boom!
I punched the gates to bits with a petite monster punch and walked. Home to the lab for good eats and sleep. Came hyped for meeting the in-laws—total waste.
The late-arriving couple screamed.
"Think that erases blood? Your eyes and hair say it. Can't erase that violet—you're Yurensutos forever! Your deeds are ours!"
"Think you can survive without a house?! Come back now—no need for the estate. Just use the name, and we'll forgive!"
No interest, no reply.
Clop-clop. Trot-trot.
About to spit and leave forever—perfect timing. A fancy carriage with eight horses approached.
Its crest and grandeur froze everyone. Imperial seal only. Late nobles bowed.
Out stepped radiant blond—our next emperor, Prince Irid.
He glanced around.
"...Came early since it wrapped quick. Made a scene, huh."
I scratched my head sheepishly.
"Yup. Messed it up. You set it all up and came... sorry. Don't regret it, but hate wasting your thoughtfulness."
"No need. Not a wasted trip anyway. Stand before me."
"Pardon?"
Shing.
Irid drew his longsword.
"Planned to announce post-coronation. But now, early it is."
"Huh?"
"These things need to etch who's above whom for the audience. Sever the house, but no losses. I'll grant you a title here—play along smartly."
Ah.
"...Yes, sir!"
I knelt on one knee promptly.
Irid summoned solemn dignity, ruler's charisma atop all. Loud enough for afar, but refined proclamation, not shout.
"Unknown mage. Your academy contributions, purging infamous dark mage leaders repeatedly, research for the Empire. Innumerable deeds beyond words—my thanks."
"......"
"Thus, unknown mage, I grant you the childless Duke title and the surname Blackraven."
Tap. Tap. Tap.
His sword touched my shoulders and head. Ceremony done, he said lightly.
"Handle the rest."
"Yes, Your Highness. Thank you—I'll cherish it!"
Chest swelled—not from the title, but my friend Irid going this far. Moving. He declared: side with us, not them.
I stood, pulled Yuna into a hug, and bellowed.
"This lovely lady is now Yuna Blackraven Violetiris. No honor from House Yurensuto returns—not a scrap!"
"...Y-yeah! I, Yuna Blackraven, m-married, eek!"
Whoosh.
With Yuna and Jewel aboard. Cloak fluttering into Irid's carriage. Jewel rummaged inside briefly.
Plink-plink.
She chucked all family jewels, rings, bracelets from her dress out the window. Yuna barely stopped her stripping the dress and undies.
Irid eyed the couple pityingly.
"Mad Wizard's soft-hearted deep down... Guess they weren't human enough. Count Yurensuto. With your three bright daughters gone, no more hearing that name."
"Th-this... how..."
"Depart."
He boarded and signaled go.
Invited nobles glanced warily, then slipped away one by one. Present power maybe, but no future—who'd value that?
They ended up alone.
House Yurensuto cried honor after, but no standout bore the name.
They claimed Yuna Blackraven as daughter—no believers.
Thus, Yurensuto faded into indifference. And in the near future...
Vanish utterly, unnamed.