Chapter 43
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: Our Dog Bites (3)
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5.
I'm truly grateful for the offer. But I still want to remain with the Imperial Guard.
That was Eimis answer to Karrons proposal.
But Karron wasnt particularly surprised.
He had already expected she would give such a response.
Not exactly surprising.
Aren't you going to ask why?
It's obvious. You want to stay there and change the Imperial Guard, don't you?
...You're right.
I know a thing or two about people like you. Stubborn, upright foolish people.
Karron smiled bitterly, then took a sip of the sangria the waiter had brought.
Was it because it had been so long since hed come to the capital?
Old memories he hadn't thought of in a while were resurfacing.
The faces of the subordinates who had stayed in the Imperial Palace and fought with him to the end, back when he was Kain Rator.
Unlike him, who had been forced to keep his post due to his subjugation to the Evil Emperor, they had stayed of their own free will and died there.
Those guys were just like her.
You don't have to be here. Leave the Empire and find your own lives.
But those fools had shared their fate with Kain.
-That His Majesty is a crazy son of a bitch? We've known that for ages.
-Is there any idiot who doesn't? We're just planning to die with you, Commander.
-We don't care if His Majesty gets cursed out, but at the very least, you have to die an honorable knight, Commander. Hahaha!
Most of them who had fought alongside him until the end were cut down by Halo's sword.
He was never able to confirm whether they lived or died.
Because before he could properly check on their fates, Kain's own life had run out.
Foolish bastards.
Karron smiled bitterly and looked into Eimis eyes.
Her eyes were no different from theirs.
They looked foolish, filled with a pointless stubbornness.
But maybe that was why.
He liked that look in her eyes. It was as if he could see traces of them in her gaze.
Perhaps, deep down, he had been hoping she would refuse his offer.
I should be able to repay the debt soon. My father is working hard, and Ill be formally commissioned before long. My salary will increase significantly then, so things should be better than they are now, don't you think?
Youre surprisingly optimistic.
Ill just have to work harder.
The bullying will probably get worse because of todays incident. Are you sure youll be okay?
Hed heard from Hugo that the Kian County had considerable influence within the Imperial Guard.
That was because Marquis Diaz, who backed the county, held immense power.
However, Eimi smiled brightly and nodded.
Still, I got to see that bastard Degol get wrecked, so isn't that a win?
You call that a win?
Actually, I wanted to get a punch in myself earlier.
You should have. I was planning on letting you have a few shots.
Ah, I should have said something.
Then Ill grab him again for you later. You can get your licks in then. If youre scared, prepare a mask beforehand. If you wear a mask when you hit him, no one will know it's you.
Youre really smart, Sir Karron.
Eimi smiled gently as she looked at Karron.
A boy who hadn't a shred of seriousness or courtesy.
Yet, Eimi felt an inexplicable sense of comfort from Karron.
She knew that his recent recruitment offer had also been made out of consideration for her.
He's surprisingly considerate.
They had known each other for less than a day.
In fact, when they first met, they had been on the verge of fighting.
Even so, he had worried about her and even presented a realistic solution.
And he was just a boy of thirteen.
Thank you, truly.
These had been difficult days.
Setting aside complex interests, it felt like it had been a very long time since she had received such pure goodwill.
So she expressed her gratitude with sincerity.
At Eimis heartfelt thanks, Karron turned his head slightly and replied.
If you were truly grateful, you would have accepted my offer.
She couldn't see his expression, but for some reason, he seemed embarrassed.
She watched his profile and smiled softly.
How cute.
Looking at him like this, he was every bit a thirteen-year-old boy.
Shy and unaccustomed to the opposite sex, just like that.
Eimi spoke to Karron in a bright voice.
I will truly never forget the grace youve shown me! Oh, where should I bring the payment for the meat we ate at the restaurant earlier?
Aren't you still paying off your debt? Come back to pay me after youve settled that.
Umm, okay.
Thirteen servings of beef. Two servings of lamb. Four servings of chicken. You have to calculate it precisely.
...Yes.
This isn't because you rejected my offer. You know that, right?
Who said it was?
I'm just worried you'll think I'm holding a grudge.
Haha, of course not.
Eimi let out a small laugh.
He was a truly unique boy for a child of a prestigious family.
And above all.
Hes strong.
Even without crossing swords, she could tell that this boy was strong.
Was that why?
She felt a flicker of curiosity about him.
When will we have our duel?
At Eimis question, Karron waved his hand dismissively.
I changed my mind. Not today.
What?
Ill think about it after I have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor.
...I think you are holding a grudge.
Thats not it.
Karron turned his head back to look at Eimi.
Im thinking of asking my grandfather to arrange a formal visit to the Imperial Guard headquarters. Rather than a duel hmm, right. A friendly match. Lets call it that.
Pardon?
After hearing your story, Ive decided I want to visit the Imperial Guard headquarters. Well cross swords then.
He wanted to see for himself what the current Imperial Guard looked like.
If it was in worse shape than he imagined.
Ill have to shatter them.
He felt an urge to break them so badly they wouldn't know what hit them.
Of course, he was still weak now, so completely destroying them would be difficult, but couldn't he at least cause a little chaos?
At Karrons words, Eimi obediently nodded.
Alright. Ill go back and wait for you, then.
Ill be sure to come, so don't you worry.
I should head straight to the training grounds as soon as I get back.
Why?
If I just get beaten up one-sidedly by you, Sir Karron my dignity as a member of the Imperial Guard will be in tatters, wont it?
Good attitude.
But, Sir Karron.
What now!
You do know I'm four years older than you, right?
At her words, Karron replied with a sullen expression.
So what?
Im not a commoner either Its just a bit disappointing when you keep speaking so informally. I am your senior, after all, aren't I?
At her remark, Karron scoffed in reply.
How dare a daughter of a provincial count!
...Youre more authoritarian than you look.
And I only treat people stronger than me as my elders. If you want to be treated like one, try beating me.
Eimi looked at Karron and let out a soft smile.
Ill do my best.
She now had a new goal.
6.
After parting with Eimi, Karrons group returned to the boutique street to purchase the items they needed.
Time flew by, and evening fell before they finally returned to the mansion.
The first thing they did upon their return was report the incident to Sir Jeras.
So, you beat up the son of the Kian County. Is that it?
It wasn't just beating him up.
Then what was it?
I beat him to within an inch of his life.
...Haaaah. You did such a thing even with Sir Hugo present?
Ever heard the saying 'birds of a feather flock together'? Hehe.
On the other end of the communication device, Jerass voice sounded half-resigned.
I have already received a report on the incident's overview from Sir Hugo. Thanks to you, we have a lot more work to do.
Oh, really? To Grandfather
The Lord has also been briefed on the matter.
Did he say anything?
Yes. Not yet.
Perhaps he was trying to find a fitting punishment for Karron.
Although he had been released because the victim pleaded for leniency, the incident had ultimately entangled noble families.
If the other side decided to press the issue, the situation could easily escalate.
Sir Karron.
Yeees.
...You must be on your best behavior at the Imperial Palace. We can pass this off as the wild antics of a high-spirited youth, but inside the palace, it would be truly troublesome.
I know.
Karron replied in a bright voice.
Ill restrain myself where His Majesty is present.
You must promise.
I swear on my father's honor!
...Why on Sir Peils honor, of all things, and not your own?
Because I don't have any honor.
You say that with such pride.
He could vividly picture the expression on Jeras's face on the other side of the crystal sphere.
He was surely sighing with a look that said he needed a drink.
Karron smiled faintly and continued speaking.
By the way, Sir Jeras. Do you know an Eimi Altura? A knight apprentice in the Imperial Guard.
I do. Eimi Altura. A pearl buried in mud. I heard she was involved in today's incident.
I made her a recruitment offer, but she refused.
You personally made an offer, Young Master?
Yes. I thought she would be helpful to us as well. But I was soundly rejected. Her loyalty is quite high.
It is true that she is a talent wasted on the likes of the Imperial Guard.
So, about that theres something Id like to discuss directly with Grandfather. Is there any way I can contact him?
This was a matter that had to be settled directly with Halo, not Sir Jeras.
Karron held the crystal sphere and waited for Jerass reply.
Understood. I will transfer the communication to the Lord.
Jeras agreed surprisingly easily.
Thank you.
Please wait a moment.
Wooooong.
The crystal sphere in his hand vibrated faintly. After about thirty seconds, a deep voice came from the other side.
I heard you were looking for me, Karron.
It was Halos voice, its weight undeniable even through the crystal sphere.
Karron let out a light breath, then slowly offered his greeting.
I should have contacted you as soon as I arrived in the capital. My apologies, my Lord.
The fact that you call me 'Lord' suggests you've brought a matter concerning the family.
Hehe, I guess I cant fool you, my Lord.
...How do you find the capital?
It was a direct question from Halo.
Karron replied with a smile.
Its much more chaotic than when I was in Azure Sea Castle.
Are you experiencing many things?
Yes. Ive even made some new friends.
Like the 6th Prince, for instance, and Eimi.
They were all strange, but they were very interesting friends.
Then that is good. Now, let me hear this matter you have brought.
Halo didn't mention the incident Karron had caused today at all.
Thanks to that, Karron could get straight to the point with ease.
I wish to visit the Imperial Guard headquarters in person and cross swords with their knights.
The Imperial Guard was the knighthood of the Imperial Family.
It wasn't an organization Karron could just barge into and demand a fight.
Therefore, to gain entry, he absolutely needed Halos help.
It might have seemed like a rather random request.
But Halo asked Karron in a calm voice.
Your reason?
A warrior's spirit. The Sea Wolf Knights and the Imperial Guard have been rivals for a very long time, haven't they? Since Im in the capital anyway, Id like to witness their swordsmanship.
He offered the reason he had prepared in advance.
I also want to show Sir Leo the swordsmanship of other knights... I believe it will be a good experience.
Just then, Halo, who had been listening quietly to Karron, asked in a low voice.
Is that all?
Yes.
That is not a difficult task. However, there is one condition.
A condition?
You are to restrain yourself until after you have an audience with His Majesty tomorrow and attend the evening banquet. If you get through tomorrow without incident, I will arrange for your visit to the Imperial Guard headquarters.
Hearing those words, Karron furrowed his brow slightly.
A lord is a lord, I suppose.
Unlike Jeras, he was offering a carrot to demand restraint.
But looking at it another way, it meant he only had to be careful tomorrow.
Its just one day.
Sometimes, one must make concessions to get what one wants.
The Imperial Palace was the place where he had met his end.
It held no good memories, so he had planned to cause a ruckus there as well, but that could be done later.
Now was the time to take a step back and get what he wanted.
Karron obediently nodded and replied.
Yes, Ill do that.
Is that sufficient?
Its more than enough.
Karron. Not even I can fathom what you are thinking. But remember this much.
Halos warning came through the crystal sphere.
The reason I am not controlling you now is because I believe your actions will ultimately bring profit to our family.
It sounded like praise, but the meaning behind it was completely different.
It was a threat that his attitude could change at any moment if Karron's actions were to harm the family.
That was why Karron replied in an even more confident voice.
I will keep that in mind, my Lord.
My expectations for you are high. So I hope you will not disappoint me. Do you understand?
It was a direct way of speaking, typical of Halo.
Dont worry.
When you enter the Imperial Palace tomorrow, ensure you conduct yourself properly.
With that short admonition, the communication ended.
Phew.
Karron placed the crystal sphere on the desk and let out a small sigh.
...Sly old fox.
Experience was certainly not something to be taken lightly.
Didn't he speak as if he saw through everything?
A stern warning disguised as praise.
He needed to be mindful of that warning, but there was no need to be overly concerned about it either.
After all, he only had to endure it for a single day.
Karron lay down on the bed and slowly closed his eyes.
The Imperial Palace...
The Imperial Palace.
...What a goddamn garbage heap, every time I think about it.
And so, he let out a heavy breath, chewing on the hatred of his past life.
Tomorrow was going to be a very long day.