Chapter 4
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 4
Chapter Title: I Dream of Being a Scoundrel (3)
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5.
The Leston ducal familys main castle was also known as the Azure Sea Castle.
A place imbued with Azure Mana, a magnificent fortress that had witnessed the 300-year history of the Leston ducal family.
It was also the training ground for the Leston ducal familys Sea Wolf Knights.
Sea Wolf.
Literally, wolves of the sea.
The name was derived from the founder of the Leston ducal family, who was said to have been granted mana by the sea.
Of course, it doesnt have much to do with the sea now.
The founder of the Leston ducal family, blessed by the North Sea and its guardian dragon, had advanced onto the continent and built this very Azure Sea Castle.
I seemed to recall Halo once mentioning that the Leston familys sacred ground was located in the middle of the treacherous North Sea.
Karron slowly nodded and sank into the sofa.
As soon as they entered the main estate, his parents had gone to greet the family elders.
So he was left alone in this spacious reception room.
The servants were unpacking his luggage in his room, and besides, he didn't feel like being cooped up.
Maybe Ill check out the library?
Since his reincarnation, Karron's favorite pastime had been reading.
Even though not much time had passed since his previous life, the world had changed a lot.
The ducal family's library was sure to have many rare books.
Hmm, is anyone there?
Karron called out to no one in particular while still sitting on the sofa.
At that, a maid cautiously stepped forward.
Did you call, my lord?
Is there a place to do some strength training No, actually, Id like to see the library first.
I will guide you right away
It was then.
Looking for the library as soon as you arrive? Just as I heard, a model student. I heard you were a bookworm.
A boy walked into the reception room.
Karron could tell at a glance that the boy was a member of the ducal family.
Though faint, he could sense the Azure Mana emanating from the boy.
That mana symbolized that the blood of the Leston ducal family flowed through his veins.
He looked to be about the same age, so they were of the same generation. Assuming he was one of his cousins, the answer was fairly obvious.
The second son of the Second Lord, Leo Leston. That must be him.
Im Leo Leston. Your older cousin.
Leo waved his hand dismissively at the maid standing in front of Karron.
All of you, get out. We cousins are going to have a private talk.
At his words, the maid flinched and bowed. In an instant, all the servants in the reception room had left.
Just from the servants reactions, he could guess what kind of person this guy was.
And so, the two were left alone in the reception room.
I thought Id give my new little cousin some advice about the Eye-Opening Ceremony.
The boy said, sitting down across from Karron.
Karron stared intently at Leo's face without a word.
Ah, no need to be nervous. My father told me to come and have a chat with you.
Does he think Im scared of him?
As soon as the servants were gone, the boys lips twisted into a sneer.
I heard our youngest uncle couldnt open his eyes, you know? They say his sonyouwill likely be the same. So how could I not be worried? If you fail to open your eyes too, Grandfather might be very disappointed.
The boy skillfully dropped their grandfather's name.
Karron quickly figured out why the kid in front of him had arranged this meeting.
A simple probe, and beyond that, an attempt to assert dominance.
His antics were so cute and childish that Karron decided to play along for now.
After all, wasnt this the first time in all his lives that hed gotten to play with a cousin?
But a moment later, the boy boldly crossed the line.
But dont worry. My father doesnt hold any ill will toward our youngest uncle. In fact, he pities him. The son of a hero being obsessed with money like some commoner. What a disgrace. Oh, and.
It was a blatant insult.
Even though Peil was his uncle, the boy showed no hesitation in his words or actions.
Leo leaned in slightly toward Karron.
And, with a wide grin, he whispered in a low voice.
I think so too.
Karron gave his cousin, who had just spewed such vile words, a radiant smile.
How refreshing. This development is a bit unexpected. To think there was a budding scoundrel growing up right here in the main house.
What?
Youre more than I expected. You got me there. I guess Ill have to be on my guard. If Im not careful, you might just steal my spot.
I think I underestimated the fact that this was Halo's family.
Considering that bastard Halo was the most famous young scoundrel in the empire I should have expected his grandsons to be capable of this.
My father, unlike Halo, was such a normal person that Id let my guard down.
Karron slowly rose from his seat.
At that, Leo shrugged and said.
I insulted your father, so how about a duel? If you want, Ill even fight you without using mana. Think of it as your older cousin personally giving you a little practice for your Eye-Opening Ceremony.
A duel?
You grew up under a father who knows nothing of chivalry, so you might not know much about duels Guhaaaack!
Thwack.
Karrons fist slammed into the spot just below Leos solar plexus.
Right below the solar plexus, where the mana core is located.
He had already sized up this kid's skill level the moment he saw him. He had indeed awakened the Azure Mana, but his mana level wasn't very high.
Mana is the power that allows humans to transcend their limits.
However, it takes a considerable amount of time to be able to use mana freely.
Once one reaches a certain level, they can use mana to harden their entire body like armor, but that was still impossible for someone at Leos level.
And more importantly, Karron
You, you how how can you use mana
Oh, this?
Wooooong.
He had already awakened the Azure Mana.
Blue mana flickered in Karrons hand.
Its been quite a while, actually.
My father Father never mentioned anything like that
Of course my uncle doesnt know. Even my own parents dont know.
Karron smiled and kicked Leo square in the abdomen. Leo went sprawling gracelessly backward.
No, wait. They probably all know by now. Actually, I was found out at the train station earlier.
The knights waiting at the train station.
One of them had already noticed. By now, the news had probably reached the ears of his grandfather and the family elders.
He had hidden it well from the knights at the estate where he lived, but he couldn't hide it from masters who had surpassed a certain level.
It might have been a blessing that he had no contact with the main family until now.
This is the surprise party Ive been ambitiously preparing, after all.
This is just a taste of whats to come.
Unlike his past life, where he lacked talent for mana and had to endlessly accumulate demonic energy, his current body accumulated mana just by breathing.
And if he also learns the Leston ducal family's mana cultivation method through the Eye-Opening Ceremony?
It would be more than enough to surprise his grandfatherhis old friend.
Karron grinned broadly and mounted Leo's fallen body.
Like you said, my father doesnt know chivalry, so he never taught me. A duel? What duel? When youre a kid, you just punch and kick each other. And more importantly.
Thwack.
Karrons fist smashed into Leos face.
Gah Ugh.
I hate duels, big cousin. Who needs a duel? You can just beat someone up like this without caring what anyone thinks. I much prefer this way.
The screams coming from Leos mouth were muffled by Karrons hand.
If you scream, other people will come in, big cousin.
Insulting Grandfather was fine. That old man deserved to be insulted.
But insulting my father?
I couldnt stand for that. A rage I had never felt in my past life reared its head.
Of course, that wasnt the only reason I was beating him up.
Karron felt a great threat from Leo.
The threat that the position he desired might be stolen from him.
I had no idea you were such a scoundrel you'd badmouth your own uncle like that! It really sparks my competitive spirit, you know?
Thwaaaaack.
Blood burst from Leos nose. Leo screamed and thrashed, but he couldnt break free from Karron.
Im going to be the scoundrel of this family. And Im going to be the one to give Grandfather all his wrinkles.
It would be troublesome if there were more than one scoundrel.
A scoundrel is only meaningful when there's just one. The job of adding to Grandfathers worries had to be his and his alone.
It was only right to eliminate the competition in advance.
This kid was already showing the makings of an excellent scoundrel, spouting such disrespectful nonsense, but it was a relief to have figured it out now.
Leo was young, so hed be easy to correct.
With a little bit of added violence, he could be rehabilitated quite easily.
The position of the ducal familys scoundrel is reserved for me alone.
Leo saw something shimmering in Karrons eyes.
How could he possibly describe it?
At just twelve years old, he found it difficult to put into words. He only understood one thing: this cousin hed just met was a madman.
And so, he was terrified.
Because he didn't know what else this lunatic would do.
Driiibble.
The Third Lords son beat his older cousin to within an inch of his life the moment he arrived at the main estate. How about that, big cousin? This is my first move.
Leo wet himself. But he didnt even realize that he had.
There was no time to register it. The cousin before him was a devil.
So, big cousin, lets try to be a model child from now on. If you become a model child hmm, right. You know how there cant be darkness without light? There has to be a proper young noble for a scoundrel to exist. I think youll play that role quite well.
He had to nod.
Leo, trembling, nodded his head. Only then did Karron pause his descending fist.
Understand?
Mmph, mmph.
Glad we could communicate. Im counting on you.
He had escaped the situation for now. Leo vowed to tell his father everything as soon as he got out of the reception room.
His father would surely punish this madman severely.
But it feels a bit of a shame to end it here.
Mmph?
Ill give you a generous extra helping. This is the price for insulting my father.
Thwaaaaack.
Thwaaaaack.
The violence he thought was over continued, and the merciless beating went on until Leo lost consciousness.
Only after Leo was foaming at the mouth and went limp did Karron stand up. He then muttered as if disappointed.
Ah, I should have asked if there are any other cousins with a similar personality I guess Ill have to ask later, huh? Everyones so quick to act.
Craaaash!
The closed doors were thrown open violently, and soon the familys knights and elders stormed into the reception room.
As soon as they entered, they saw the scene and let out cries of horror.
L-Leo! Doctor! Call a doctor and a priest right now!
Young Master Leo!
The reception room was instantly thrown into chaos.
Karron watched the spectacle he had created and smiled with satisfaction.
My son.
Peil stared at his son, whose hands were stained with blood, at a loss for words. He had a rough idea of what had happened, but that was just a guess.
Believing it was another matter entirely.
Just a moment ago, he had heard something unbelievable from one of the three Knight Captains, who had been in charge of the escort from the train station.
-The young lord has already awakened his Azure Mana. If you, the Third Lord, were unaware then the young lord must have been deliberately hiding it. Hiding one's mana is no easy feat. As soon as the Eye-Opening Ceremony is over, we plan to reprimand you, Third Lord, and the knights serving at your estate. Your cooperation would be appreciated.
That his son had already obtained mana.
He didn't know how long his son had been hiding that fact.
That alone was enough to turn the family upside down, but now he had beaten up his own cousin.
The state of his nephew who had just been carried out was, even to Peils eyes, severe.
Despite causing such a major incident, his sons expression was confident. No, he was even smiling.
He insulted you, Father.
His son told him confidently.
I couldnt just stand by while he openly insulted the father I respect most in this world.
Son, this is
Serves him right. Dont you think so, Father?
But Peil couldn't ask his son anything more.
Because.
Brother!
Leos father and Karrons uncle, Raphael, had grabbed Karron by the collar and lifted him up.
Brother. Stop.
Peil, your son beat my son to a pulp. Could you stand by and do nothing if you were in my shoes?
Raphael glared at the boy, his grip tight on Karrons collar.
His youngest nephew, whom he was meeting for the first time.
But his youngest nephew met his gaze without flinching.
That wasn't all.
He even smiled and spoke to him.
A pleasure to meet you, Uncle. I am Karron Leston.
Youre quite an interesting one.
Your son insulted my father, Uncle. If someone insulted your father, could you stand by and do nothing?
The ten-year-old boy threw his uncles own words right back at him.
In that moment, the atmosphere in the reception room turned frigid.
The servants dared not think of stopping them, and Karrons mother, Sabina, looked as if she would faint at any moment.
Peil gritted his teeth and slapped Raphaels hand away. Then he pulled Karron into his arms and said.
He is my son.
The one who was carried out was my son. It seems your son hasn't been taught any manners. I will teach him myself.
I dont believe this is something for you to meddle in, brother.
Peil, are you now
The one who stopped the volatile situation was none other than the old butler, Heinrich.
Heinrich stopped them and said.
Third Lord, the head of the family has requested your presence, along with the young lord.
The master of the house had summoned them.
Peil felt a chill run down his spine at that moment.
How on earth was he supposed to explain this situation to his father? Considering his father's personality, there was no way he would let this incident slide.
But his one and only son, seemingly oblivious to his father's worries
I dont think Ive seen Grandfather since I was born. Wow, Im so excited.
was simply smiling brightly and holding his fathers hand.