Chapter 48
Chapter 48
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 48
Chapter Title: Gaspar's Daughter
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I thought he was joking.
“I didn’t know you had such a lame sense of humor.”
“I’m not kidding. I can tell. That’s my daughter. I don’t know exactly when, but I’m sure of it.”
They say animals recognize their own young like ghosts. Gaspar, being a pureblood beastkin, might have that instinct strongly.
“Why do you think that?”
“The scent, the color of her tail… everything! I can feel it in my gut! Hey, don’t you know anything about that girl’s background?”
“I don’t know the details, but she said she was born between a beastkin gladiator and a human slave.”
“That’s definitely me. About thirty years ago, I was working as a gladiator in the arena. It paid pretty well.”
“…Really? You’re really Ymir’s father?”
“Ymir, huh. Nice name.”
Gaspar smiled warmly. He looked every bit the doting father.
“Wait, hold on.”
The story was so shocking that my mind couldn’t keep up for a moment.
“Even if that’s true, from the way you act, it seems like you’ve got a lot of kids. Do you really need to get all sentimental over finding one of them?”
“Kids? Yeah, I had several. They’re all dead now, though. That’s life for a pureblood beastkin on this continent. Every day’s a fight for survival. I haven’t had any since then. I didn’t want to watch more of my children die. I never imagined I’d meet a daughter here, let alone one I had with a human.”
“With a human slave in the arena…”
“It was nothing. The arena owner saw my success and wanted my seed to raise a new gladiator.”
“I see. Sigh…! Ymir was…”
She’d had to fight for survival from the moment she was born. At just six years old, she had to wield a dagger in the arena and kill a starving wild dog.
“I see. That bastard. He threw her away without mercy because she was a girl instead of a boy. Damn it. If I see him again, I’ll kill him.”
It seemed he really was Ymir’s father.
That explained some things.
Why Gaspar had followed the protagonist and then me.
‘It was the same in the game. He figured out Ymir was his daughter…’
After the protagonist’s failed assassination attempt on Ymir, Gaspar must have suspected something was off and left the protagonist to join me, whom Ymir originally served.
‘In that case…’
The chances of Gaspar being a traitor were slim. If Als was the traitor, Gaspar could be in on it too… but even thinking about it now, there’s no clear answer.
“So, what now? Are you going to reveal you’re her father?”
“What are you talking about? How could I show my face after all this time? N-No, I’m fine just watching over her from the sidelines. You guys don’t say anything unnecessary about me being her dad.”
“You’re a romantic in the weirdest places.”
“Can you blame me? She’s the last of my children. At my age, you start thinking about all sorts of things.”
“You seem plenty virile still. Why not just have another one?”
“Pureblood beastkin fertility drops sharply after thirty. I probably don’t have a single viable seed left now.”
“Wow. But if you’re over seventy now, that means you were over forty when you were in the arena, right?”
“That’s why I’m surprised too. And back then, I even caught on to the arena owner’s scheme and tried to use contraception.”
So he never dreamed Ymir had been conceived.
“I get where you’re coming from. But no.”
“What…?”
“I decided after seeing how you treat my other subordinates. Get lost now. I’ll make sure Ymir’s happy, so don’t worry.”
“Come on, man, don’t be like that.”
“No need.”
As I turned away without mercy, Gaspar spoke up in a panic.
“Fine! I’ll apologize. I’ll apologize! And I’ll watch my mouth from now on! That’s what you want, right?!”
“You said living freely as you please is your creed, didn’t you?”
“Even so, I can’t make a fool of myself in front of my kid. I’ve got to show her a proper side of me at least.”
He seemed sincere.
“If you’re that serious, I’ll watch you apologize once.”
“Good, just watch.”
The three of us returned to the room.
The atmosphere was still tense, but Gaspar, who had been growling about ripping throats moments ago, now scratched the back of his head with a foolish grin.
“Hey, sorry, everyone. I’m just wary of strangers. I get defensive without thinking. Forget everything I said earlier—they weren’t sincere. This damn mouth of mine.”
Smack! He slapped his own lips and apologized to Lutger first.
“I called you Albad rascals earlier, but I meant you’re that smart. I’ve always admired the Albad Kingdom deep down. The best, the best!”
He flashed double peace signs. His expressions had a dated vibe, probably from his age.
“I’ve always wanted to work with someone from Albad. Take care of me from now on, Lutger bro.”
“…?”
Lutger’s eyebrow twitched at the sudden change, but since he’d apologized, he’d observe for now.
Next was Eonia.
“I know Kurabel Holy Kingdom is an amazing nation. The Holy King, right? I’ve heard he’s a great man. So, like…”
“Hmph, you think I’ll listen to your honeyed words now?”
“That didn’t work… Okay, then… Oh, wow! You two look great together with Wade! Amazing. It’s beyond an ideal lord-vassal bond—soulmates, even?”
“S-Soulmates!? Me and…?”
“Yeah! You really match. I’ll cheer you on, so keep it up, miss.”
“Heh, heh heh. Really? Thanks. I’ll do my best.”
He might lack eloquence, but he was good at reading people.
Having finished his apologies, Gaspar glanced at Ymir.
“And you, miss beastkin. Ignore what I said earlier. Take care of me from now on.”
“…Yes. Please take care of me.”
“Ha, haha…!”
Ymir’s expression was unreadable.
‘Recruitment successful… I guess?’
I’d have to watch him for a while, but Gaspar seemed genuine.
This guy. He’d talked big about taming him, but he tamed himself.
*
*
*
With Gaspar’s recruitment complete, the war cleanup wrapped up, and leisurely days began in Rainpole.
I decided to head back to the academy soon and give my retainers a break too.
“There won’t be anything major for a while. Do whatever you want.”
At my words, Master Illya spoke up as if she’d been waiting.
“Then I’ll head northwest.”
“Northwest? The Eurofe Kingdom?”
“Yeah. I got a message from Master Guderian saying he wants to meet. He’s curious about my connection to Wade. Perfect chance to pay my respects.”
“About me…”
“I won’t mention Wade. But I plan to talk about you, Als. That someone like me has an undeserving disciple.”
“You’re overpraising me. I’m the one with an amazing master. But is it okay if I don’t go? He’s your master, so he’s my elder too.”
“It’s fine. He’s not one for formalities. Though you’ll need to meet him for the Chester Style promotion exam.”
“The one divided into Grade A and B?”
Master was currently Grade A-1, a Chester Style instructor.
“There used to be more ranks, but with fewer disciples, they simplified to two. You’re B-1 now. To reach Grade A, you’ll take the exam in front of Master Guderian.”
“Is there any benefit to Grade A?”
I had no desire to sweat for a mere title.
“Of course. Grade A lets you take disciples. The mercenary guild factors it in for higher ranks too.”
“Ah…”
“Heh, you look like you don’t need it. Figured as much. We’ll think on it later.”
“Yes, Master. Travel safely.”
No one else requested leave; they all looked aimless.
Letting them idle felt like a waste of talent.
“Fine. I’ll assign your breaks myself. First, Eo!”
“Me? I-I planned to stay by your side, Lord Als.”
“That won’t help you grow. Help Bisceta for a while.”
“Under her?”
“She’s swamped with the mines and Rainpole migration. Go assist.”
“Ugh… Understood.”
“Next, Lutger. Handle training for the regular troops stationed in Rainpole.”
Kurabel soldiers who’d shone under me.
Even after emancipation, they chose the military path, inspired by the battle. They wanted to serve me, so they joined the Kurabel migrants in Rainpole as regulars.
“What specific training?”
“They’ve had basic drills, so specialize by branch.”
“Got it. I’ll form an elite archer unit and infantry.”
“Cavalry?”
“If we had enough warhorses, maybe, but Rainpole uses most for pack duty. No conditions for breeding yet.”
“Understood. Then form a heavy infantry unit within the elite infantry. It’ll be your personal command someday, so put heart into it.”
“Will do.”
I could trust Lutger with troop training.
Now I’d have elite forces too.
“Next… Anton. Deliver this proposal to Juras and handle negotiations.”
It was for elementary and middle academies for Kurabel people.
Adults fit for frontline work had migrated first, but kids would come soon—in numbers. As former slaves, issues would arise.
We’d build academies for them, but funds were short.
“Here’s negotiation guidelines. Reference them.”
“Yes, sir. I’ll get the best deal.”
“Next… Gaspar.”
The guy, who’d been eyeing Ymir, scowled at getting work.
“I’ll assign you a guard unit. Manage security. Troublemakers are rising with the population boom.”
“Security? That’s kid stuff for me…”
“Hey, Ymir. Actually, this man is…”
“Argh! Fine, fine!”
“Take care.”
Everyone wore varied expressions at their ‘vacation’ assignments.
“Finally, Ymir.”
“Yes, young master. Command me.”
“What? Saying it like that makes me feel like a taskmaster.”
Gaspar and Lutger shot me silent protests of disbelief.
If they felt wronged, request leave like Master.
“You stick with me. When time allows, I want to visit that place I mentioned.”
My birth mother’s grave. No body, just her belongings buried. Ymir nodded deeply, as if expecting it.
“…Yes. Lady Lizna will be pleased too.”
Time to face my bloodline’s past.
Everyone started their ‘fun’ breaks. I headed back to the academy first.
‘This boring place feels nice after so long.’
Too busy lately, I actually looked forward to academy life.
But the academy, after a month away, was in uproar. Caliper refugees migrating to Rainpole brought a wave of transfers.
‘Right, the last paper I approved was academy transfers.’
With Crossing’s final okay, transfers arrived today.
The Caliper students stood tensely. One stepped forward.
Beril lifted her skirt hem and bowed.
“I’m Beril Milstein. Caliper and Crossing students alike, please take care of me.”
Beril smiled at me after. Happy to see a familiar face. I waved lightly.
‘Sorry to Beril.’
Rosbel, her family’s barony, was destroyed partly due to me.
Bannings, a Julia Academy classmate, transferred too.
“…Lord Als. What’s your relation to that young lady?”
“Huh? Oh.”
Another source of commotion.
Estelle, drawing attention, asked me. Male students glanced as she spoke.
Estelle’s condition had improved visibly with treatment. Worlds apart from Gransel two weeks ago.
Biggest change: the ugly facial scars gone.
They’d excised the damaged tissue with knives, then priests regenerated the skin, clearing it perfectly.
She’d delayed out of fear before, but post-Rainpole, she underwent it decisively.
Estelle regained her beauty.
‘Lutger had reason to worry.’
Pre-illness, her looks had the territory buzzing—not exaggeration.
Hair hadn’t fully regrown, but enough to captivate gazes.
The stench lingered but faded to heavy sweat level.
“Lord Als?”
“Sorry. I zoned out staring.”
“A-At me?”
“Not just me. Other boys are sneaking looks too.”
“Other boys don’t matter. What you think is most important to me.”
“Yes, you’re really beautiful now.”
“U-Ugh…! Th-Thank you.”
Straight ball flustered her. But she caught my deflection and smiled, pressing.
“More importantly, you haven’t answered. What’s your relation to that young lady?”
“Well…”
Luckily, Beril explained herself.
Over lunch together, Beril led with her affable charm. Estelle, initially guarded, dropped it after hearing Beril’s love life.
“Oh my, a classmate from the same academy…”
“Yeah, Ruan Chase. He’s from a world I can’t reach. Anyway, Estelle, speak casually.”
“I-Is that okay?”
“Of course! If it’s ’cause I’m noble, fine. Just a minor barony anyway.”
Estelle fidgeted. Friendless, closeness felt awkward.
“Then… Beril. Take care.”
“You too, Estelle.”
Time to pass the bestie spot. I’d detached Ymir from Estelle yesterday.
Estelle struggled with distance at first but soon chatted freely.
“That Ruan Chase has no eye. Missing affection from an honest girl like you.”
“No helping it. Ruan likes Erina.”
“…Erina? Erina Salleon?”
“You know Erina? Yeah, she’s famous among peers.”
Estelle’s eyes seemed to shift.
“Beril, tell me more about her?”
“Uh, sure.”
Beril hesitated under her intensity.
Fearing stray arrows, I slipped away.