Chapter 52
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 52
Chapter Title: Desperate Struggle (1)
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Watching Roin step forward on his own initiative, Barton fell deep into thought.
This incident was no trivial matter that could be brushed aside.
It wasnt just about the school principals ties to the tactical golem manufactureruncovering it could expose a host of other unknown corruptions.
That said, he couldnt send the trainees off alone.
Bermin.
Bermin responded immediately to Bartons call.
Yes, Captain.
Go with Remina and Roin.
Me too...?
Just in case something happens.
Barton wanted nothing more than to lead them himself.
But he was the training captain.
If he stepped away during training, the school would surely grow suspicious.
They absolutely could not let Oval or Nutt catch wind that they were gathering evidence of their collusion.
Using the teleportation magic circle, you should get there in less than half a day. Ill buy as much time as I can here, so work with Remina to secure every scrap of evidence you can find. Leave the rest to me.
All they needed was the evidence.
He would expose Ovals corruption and drive him out of the swordsmanship academy alongside Nutt.
That was Bartons plan.
Bermin nodded gravely.
Understood.
Meanwhile, Remina, who had overheard their conversation, turned her head toward Roin, standing a good distance back.
Roin was already ready to depart.
Remina. Theres a teleportation magic circle near your home, right?
Yeah. There is.
Every nation in the world, including the Delont Kingdom, was required by law to install teleportation magic circles in noble residences.
Of course, the Leyden family had one too.
But due to the exorbitant maintenance costs, they hardly ever used it.
The Whisli family was in far better financial shape than the Leydens.
Whisli, huh...
A memory from the past suddenly flashed through his mind.
He had no real connection to the Whisli family.
But he had heard plenty about its head, Billian Whisli.
A man once renowned as a powerhouse rivaling even Kern Tayla.
Yet after his left arm was severed in a betrayal by one of his subordinates, his fame plummeted overnight.
After that, Roin heard no more tales of Billian Whisli.
Whatever had transpired in the Whisli family since then, Roin had no way of knowing.
Ill find out when I get there.
If he didnt know, hed see and hear for himself.
Roins group arrived in the Whisli familys territory via the teleportation magic circle.
Along the way, Bermin checked his outfit several times.
Shouldve packed some formal wear if I knew this was coming.
It was a formal visit to nobility.
Proper etiquette demanded the best presentation possible.
But having come straight from training, he hadnt been able to dress appropriately.
He considered stopping at a nearby shop to buy something, but Remina stopped him.
Its fine. Father wont mind.
Remina headed toward the Whisli estate.
It had been so long since shed returned to her beloved home, yet...
Her expression wasnt exactly bright.
Roin watched her face closely.
Come to think of it, no one from the Whisli family showed up for the apprentice programs final exam either.
Even Kern Tayla, infamous for his packed schedule, had made time to attend his sons finals at the Loud Swordsmanship Academy.
It had been a hugely prestigious event, yet not a soul had come to cheer for Remina.
Not even on rest days did she receive a single visitor.
Family situation must be pretty messy.
Roin generally avoided meddling in others family affairs.
But this time, he had no choice.
The Whisli family might even be linked to the forbidden mage.
As they approached the estate entrance, guards suddenly blocked Reminas path.
Bermin couldnt hide his bewilderment.
Remina. Isnt this your house?
It is.
So there was no way the guards wouldnt recognize her.
The lead guard asked Remina impassively.
Please show proof of your identity. Without it, you cannot enter the estate.
To Bermin, it was utterly absurd.
Not recognizing the family heads daughter?
But the guards hadnt forgotten Reminas face.
Far from it.
Theyre doing this on purpose.
Thats how it seemed to Roin.
Remina began unbuttoning the top of her uniform.
One button, two, then three.
Once shed opened enough, she pulled the collar wide to the side.
Revealing a small crest symbolizing the Whisli family.
Three swords crossed in an intricate pattern.
It was no bigger than a thumbnail.
This good enough?
Yes. Confirmed.
Its been a while since you visited the estate, miss.
......
Despite the guards words, Remina said nothing.
She buttoned up again and strode quickly through the now-wide-open estate gates.
Roin and Bermin followed amiably behind her.
As the Whisli estate came into full view, Bermin swallowed hard.
Its huge.
She had visited plenty of noble estates herself.
But few boasted a scale to rival the Whisli manor.
The Whisli family, which had faded from public chatter after Billian Whislis injury.
There had even been rumors at one point that the family was in decline.
Yet here they were, thriving beyond expectations.
Rumors and reality often differ.
Roin knew that all too well.
Back when he was called the Black Helmet Hero.
Word had spread that Rodri hid his face because he was so handsome he could mesmerize anyone at first sight.
Of course, that was nonsense.
His looks had already been a source of grief, and such baseless rumors only doubled Rodris misery over his appearance.
Not that I mind now.
But back then, it had been yet another stressor.
The Whisli family was likely far removed from the rumors too.
As they crossed the long courtyard, Bermin asked about the earlier incident.
But those guards back theresurely they knew who you are, right?
They did.
And they still did that?
Disguises are possible, so even family members have to show the mark branded on our bodies to set foot inside.
Ah......
It wasnt entirely incomprehensible.
Still, Bermin thought it was a bit much.
A highly suspicious household.
Not that it could be helped.
After all, hadnt Billian Whisli lost his arm to a subordinates betrayal?
They had no choice but to be wary, even of those close to them.
The three entered the estate through the doors.
In the center of the grand lobby, an unfamiliar man greeted them.
Welcome. Weve been expecting you.
The androgynous figure, impossible to peg as male or female, flashed a broad smile.
Roins immediate thought upon seeing him was:
Not a bad-looking face.
Handsome if a man.
Beautiful if a woman.
His features were striking enough to draw such praise.
Perhaps because Roin had grown so attuned to appearances himself, the mans looks stood out all the more.
Roin asked Remina.
Whos that?
Remina replied with a stiff expression.
My brother.
It turned out he was the culprit behind it all.
The man who could be called the mastermind of this incident.
Bartler Whisli had stepped forward of his own accord.
Bermin couldnt make sense of it.
The moment the assassination failed, Bartler had to know Remina would suspect him first.
Yet here he was, greeting her with utter confidence.
Bermin whispered.
Surely he doesnt know why were here... right?
Oh, he knows. One hundred percent.
And hes still this bold?
Yeah. Thats just how he is.
......
Being stopped by the guards was one thing.
But this defied Bermins common sense.
Roin, on the other hand, smiled as if it were perfect.
You Reminas brother?
Bermin gasped at Roin addressing a stranger so casually with you.
It bordered on rudeness.
But Roin didnt see it that way.
Bartler had tried to kill not just Remina, but Roin and Luem too.
He had no desire to play polite in front of the man who ordered their deaths.
Bartler grinned.
Thats me.
Then youre the one behind this whole thing?
You could say that.
Bartler admitted it coolly.
He even went further, voicing his regret.
Shouldve handled it myself. Then I couldve properly finished off our cute little sister.
Bermin snapped, incredulous.
Is that any way to talk about your own sibling?
But Remina, the target, remained unfazed.
Thats just how hes always been. I dont mind.
Always...?
As the incomprehensible exchange continued,
Whats all this commotion?
A deep baritone echoed through the lobby.
A one-armed man descending the stairs.
Billian Whisli.
At the sight of him, Bartler and Remina bowed their heads.
Father. Its been too long.
Billian Whislis gaze passed over Bartler to Remina.
Why are you here instead of at the swordsmanship academy?
I had to come all this way because of my brother.
Remina explained the full story to Billian as well.
From how hed enlisted Nutt, colluding with Principal Oval to assassinate her, to the ambush just this dawn.
......
Billian narrowed his eyes at Bartler.
Is this true?
Yes, Father.
Bartler admitted his actions once more.
Billians response was curt.
See that nothing like this happens again.
That was it.
Bermin doubted his ears.
Th-thats... all?
Any issue?
There were too many issues to count.
A brother trying to assassinate his sisterand this reaction?
No, absolutely not normal.
Billian turned back up the stairs, saying to Bartler.
Since you failed this time, cooperate fully with whatever Remina demands.
Yes, Father. I will.
Bermin stood there stunned, listening to the father-son exchange.
Roin, by contrast, wore the faintest of smiles.
Quite the interesting family.
His interest in the Whisli household suddenly surged.