Chapter 12
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 12
Chapter Title: The Mad Dog of Azure Castle
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4. The Mad Dog of Azure Castle
1.
Father. Are you well? First, I want to apologize for being too busy to visit lately. The weather is already getting cold. Youre sensitive to the cold, so please always dress warmly.
I reached the fourth star of the Sea-Conquering Art two months ago, and Ive also mastered the fourth form of the Sea Wolf Sword Style. People say Im rewriting the history of Azure Castle, but honestly, Im not so sure. Im just doing my best.
Oh, and you told me to get along with my relatives, so yesterday I went to pay my respects to my second uncle. He was so pleased, his lips were trembling! You see, Ive been taking really good care of Brother Leo lately? I think thats probably why.
Right, Father. This is actually a request Im a bit short on allowance these days, so could you send some money.
Peil smiled faintly as he read the letter from his son, delivered by Heinrich.
His son, who sent a letter like this once every three months.
At first, he had been worried about leaving him alone in Azure Castle, but not anymore.
His son had adapted to Azure Castle with astounding perfection.
Far more impressively than he had ever expected.
These days, Azure Castle never has a quiet day, thanks to the youngest lord.
Ive told him countless times that its not good to stand out so much.
Hahaha A jewel shines even when it lies still.
The old butler, Heinrich, carefully took a sip of the tea Peil had offered him.
It was a fragrant tea.
Until now, weve managed to keep the rumors about Lord Karron from leaking out by keeping a tight lid on things, but I fear that will be difficult from now on.
Does that mean Karron is old enough to be assigned missions already?
Yes, that is correct. Sir Jeras also seems to be timing it. A Blue Wolf must, of course, carry out the tasks given to him.
I know.
For missions to be discussed for a boy of only thirteen meant that Karrons growth was nothing short of dazzling.
It was good news, but as a father, it left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Worry for his son came first.
My older brothers wont be pleased with Karron. Do you know anything about that?
You are aware, Third Master, that this is a difficult question for me to answer from my position. I cannot take anyones side.
Heinrich looked at Peil with a gentle gaze.
However, there is one thing I can tell you. Lady Sabina is extremely fond of Lord Karron.
The allowance I send her every month wasnt entirely meaningless, then.
Lady Sabina has been fond of you for a very long time, Lord Peil.
She has.
Peil thought of his aunt.
The White Wolf, the White Empressa powerhouse with many nicknames.
When he first left the family to live in this mansion, she was the first to visit under the pretext of a housewarming party.
He was simply grateful that such an aunt was fond of his son.
But my aunt will also be leaving Azure Castle soon.
One of his sons reliable shields would be gone.
Would his son be all right after she left Azure Castle?
To Peils worries, Heinrich replied with a smile.
You need not worry about that. There is no one who can touch the youngest lord. Not the First Master, nor the Second Master. They will not be able to move carelessly.
My brothers?
Among the nicknames the knights of the Sea Wolf Knights have given the youngest lord, there is one that is quite irreverent.
The Young Mad Dog. Ive heard of it.
The Young Mad Dog.
A rabid dog that charges until it collapses.
It was a nickname given to him by the knights who had sparred with Karron.
Of course, Sabinas influence played a part.
As the disciple of Sabina, who was called the Mad Dog of Azure Castle, it was only natural he would get a similar nickname.
It was too rude and disrespectful a name for a grandson of the Duke, but Karron had written in his letter that he surprisingly liked it.
He said everything was proceeding according to his plan.
Peil tapped his throbbing head with his hand and let out a small sigh.
He was his son, but he had no idea what he was thinking.
It had always been that way, and it only became more so as he got older.
The First and Second Masters are not ones to pick a fight when they know they might get bitten.
My worries for my son just grow day by day.
That is natural. That is what it means to be a parent. However, the youngest lord is exceptionally sharp. He will not easily show a weakness.
I certainly hope so. As it is, Saras nagging has been getting worse.
His hair was turning white from Sara pestering him every day to bring news of Karron.
Still, this letter would buy him some peace for a while.
This filial son of his sent separate letters for his father and his mother.
He always sent his mother letters full of affection, but lately, the frequency of his requests for an allowance in his letters to his father had increased.
These were days that made him question his authority as the head of the household.
But what could he do?
His son, who he wouldn't trade for the world, was asking for an allowance. He had to provide that much.
Especially since he was struggling all alone at the main estate.
Hoo, lets stop talking about my son. I called you here because I have a separate message to deliver to Azure Castle.
Please, speak freely.
Peil took out a small paper envelope he had kept in his drawer. He immediately unfolded it.
Inside the envelope was a white powder.
Its cocaine. A type of narcotic.
Where did you find this?
The inspectors found it in the carts of merchants coming from the Barony of Bellus.
The Barony of Bellus I heard they are currently having trouble with bandits.
They are.
Narcotics.
A terrible drug that gnawed away at peoples lives with its severe addictiveness and harmfulness.
Designated as a major crime in most nations on the continent, it was truly a product of evil.
Peil ground his teeth as he spoke.
I want Azure Castle to dispatch an investigator to the Barony of Bellus. I dont know who these bastards are, but they dare to spread this trash in my lands. Is my father in Azure Castle right now?
He is currently on his way to the capital for an audience with His Majesty the Emperor. I will relay the matter concerning the narcotics to Sir Jeras as soon as I return.
Im counting on you. The timing is not good. Of all times for this to happen
He had heard news that demonic beasts and other monsters had appeared in the duchys western granary region.
Beings that had not shown themselves for nearly forty years, since the Evil Emperor was deposed.
And now, someone had tried to use this chaos to smuggle in drugs.
He had a bad feeling. No, it was worse than bad. It was terrible.
Peils intuition screamed at him.
2.
Camilla, wife of the Duke's second son, had a very big problem.
And that problem was
Good morning, Aunt. Did you sleep well?
Yes, good morning to you. Did you sleep well?
I did!
the young boy who was a constant eyesore, Karron Leston.
The dreadful little brat who had come to Azure Castle three years ago and mercilessly beaten her son.
The events of that day were still vivid in her mind.
She wanted to slap the little vermins deceitful face right this instant, but she couldnt bring herself to do it.
Three years had already passed.
If she were to bring up a matter that the head of the family himself had passed judgment on, Azure Castle would surely be thrown into chaos.
Thus, she forced down her anger and managed a smile.
This was the dining hall of Azure Castle. There were many eyes watching, and more importantly, confronting that brat Karron now would be a burden in more ways than one.
I should have crushed him from the start.
It had already been three years since Karron arrived at Azure Castle.
In that time, the boy had blended in perfectly.
She had let her guard down, thinking he had no support base within Azure Castle, but he had found his own way.
The Sea Wolf Knights.
The support of the core force, the martial arm of Azure Castle.
She had heard rumors that those proud knights were giving their full backing to this young boy.
Of course, they didnt meddle in the familys internal politics, but she couldnt afford to ignore them either.
And that wasnt all.
The biggest reason she couldnt touch Karron was
Hmph. Theres no whiskey, Karron.
Drinking in the morning is bad for your training, Lady Sabina.
Training after a drink isnt so bad. Youre just too young to understand.
Then after training is done today, shall I sneak some from Sir Jerass room?
Not a bad idea. That Jeras fellow has quite a few good bottles. And he doesnt even drink them!
the family elder eating beside Karron, Sabina.
Sabina was the current family heads sister and one of the living legends of the ducal house.
Camilla bowed respectfully to Sabina.
Did you have a peaceful night, Aunt Sabina?
Im always at peace. Have you eaten? If not, come join us. The lamb is excellent today.
Ah, Ive already finished my meal, Aunt Sabina.
How diligent of you. Are you here to get Leo?
At Sabinas question, Camilla smiled and looked across from Karron.
Her son, Leo, oblivious to his mothers turmoil, was busy devouring his meat.
She let out a small sigh, then spoke carefully to Sabina.
Yes. Leo has a lesson today. A tutor we went to great trouble to invite from the capital
A child of the Leston Ducal Family must be skilled in both martial and literary arts. Good. Hmm, Karron. How about you join Leo for his lesson?
At those words, Camilla felt a fire raging inside her.
This was a teacher she had personally invited from the academy for Leos sake. He was the top disciple of Professor Yuris, the greatest history professor in the Empire.
She had no intention of letting someone like Karron sit in on such a professors lesson.
But to refuse Sabinas suggestion would be an act of disrespect in itself. Thus, she couldnt easily voice her displeasure.
A lesson? Hmm, what kind of lesson is it, Aunt?
A history lesson. Are you interested? I hear he is the top disciple of Professor Yuris.
Ah, then Im fine. Ill just stick to swinging my sword.
You cannot become a fine member of the Leston Ducal Family just by swinging a sword, Karron. Dont refuse, why dont you join him?
Camilla said, smiling inwardly.
Ignorant thing.
One could not gain the familys acknowledgment just by being good with a sword.
Knowledge befitting their station was essential for a noble.
That little brat Karron was probably so drunk on his own talent that he didnt even bother with knowledge.
Hmph, Karron. Still, isnt this a good opportunity?
Nah, Im really fine. Its a teacher my aunt went to great trouble to invite for Brother Leo. Its not my place to join in.
She thought that the boy at least had some sense.
But at his next words, Camilla couldnt help but tremble with rage.
Besides, Brother Leo and I are at completely different levels.
Hm? What do you mean by that?
The person who taught me history when I was young was Professor Yuris himself. I had learned everything up to the empires modern history by the time I was seven. So, Aunt, Im really fine! I would only be a distraction.
He was clearly saying it for her to hear.
That arrogant little brat was subtly rebuking her with polite words.
If she could, she would have lashed out in anger, but she was conscious of Sabinas presence.
So, she put on an even wider smile and nodded.
Thank you for understanding.
Dont mention it. Brother Leo, do well in your lesson. Ill be waiting for you at the training grounds.
Okay.
The first priority was to leave.
If she stayed here any longer, she felt she might die from a burst vessel.
Camilla bowed politely to Sabina and spoke.
Then, Aunt Sabina, we will take our leave.
Alright, see you later. Leo, Ill have you make up for this mornings mana practice in the evening.
Yes, Lady Sabina.
And so, Camilla and Leo left the dining hall together, leaving only Karron and Sabina behind.
Sabina watched the door through which the mother and son had left and said quietly,
Karron, is there really a need to sow animosity with them?
At her words, Karron shrugged.
I wonder? I just did as you taught me, Lady Sabina.
I did?
You told me not to let anyone see me as a pushover. My aunt still sees me as a competitor.
The boy smiled brightly. He took a sip of water, then said in a low voice,
Of course, Brother Leo probably doesnt think that way.