Chapter 61
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Translator: 8uhl
Chapter: 61
Chapter Title: 18. Confinement
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1.
Two weeks later, in the grand conference hall of Azure Castle.
All the direct descendants of the ducal family, excluding the elders, were gathered here.
Therefore, Karron Leston is hereby sentenced to four years of confinement, effective today. This decision will not be overturned, and Karron Leston will be restricted from leaving Azure Castle from this day forth.
Halo Leston, the head of the ducal family, spoke as he looked at Karron, who stood silently.
Karron Leston. If you have any objections to this decision, speak now.
The gazes of everyone present turned simultaneously to Karron.
Karron's father, Peil, could only watch his son with a pained expression.
This was the son who had survived a mysterious attack and returned from the capital with numerous achievements.
And now, this son was being disciplined.
But Peil couldn't even voice an objection on Karrons behalf.
He, too, understood why his father had made such a decision.
To guarantee Karrons safety by keeping him in Azure Castle.
That must be the profound meaning behind his father's decision.
I humbly accept the familys decision.
Karron bowed his head, his expression firm. Halo then spoke in a low voice.
During your four-year confinement, you must continue to hone your skills. When your confinement ends, I will be watching to see what you have accomplished. If you have not achieved enough, your confinement may be extended. Can you accept that as well?
Yes, my lord.
Karron obediently accepted Halos decision.
Since the subject of the disciplinary action raised no objections, the proceedings did not last long.
You may leave now.
Yes, sir.
Karron turned and walked out of the conference hall.
Leo watched Karrons retreating back, his brow furrowing slightly.
Did he just smile?
Shouldn't he look sullen after being disciplined?
Truly, a man incomprehensible by normal standards of thought.
Creeak.
After Karron closed the door behind him, Halo slowly surveyed the room.
Hugo, Rion, Leo. You three are dismissed as well.
Yes, my lord.
Yes, my lord.
At Halos command, the three left the conference hall, and soon, only his sons remained.
In the somewhat heavy atmosphere, Halo began to speak.
Starting today, Peil, you will be in charge of the familys diplomacy. From managing relations with other families to drawing them to our side. You will be solely responsible for all of it and must produce results.
The moment those words left Halos lips, his second son, Raphael, who had been sitting quietly until now, raised his voice.
My lord, Peil has not awakened the Azure Mana. We cannot entrust the familys affairs to someone like him
This matter has already been discussed with the elders. Raphael. This decision, too, will not be overturned.
Woooong.
The Azure Mana flowing from Halos body instantly filled the entire conference hall.
A presence that overwhelmed all.
Raphael bit his lip and clenched his fists.
To send away those who failed to awaken the Azure Mana from the familythis was a very old tradition.
He had heard that in the distant past, they were even struck from the family register.
But to entrust a major family responsibility to someone who had been cast out from Azure Castle?
It was an unimaginable turn of events.
Raphael, fists still clenched, glanced at Teils, who was sitting beside him.
Meeting Raphaels gaze, Teils sighed and nodded.
I share Raphaels sentiment, my lord. The position of overseeing the familys diplomacy is, in effect, the face of our ducal house. I do not believe Peil, who cannot even wield a sword, is suitable for that role. Others may come to look down on the Leston ducal family.
Halo looked at his two sons as if they were pathetic.
The sight of them worrying about their own positions being threatened filled him with a natural frustration.
But rather than scolding them, Halo chose to give Peil a chance.
Peil, I ask your thoughts. Are you confident you can handle this important family duty?
At that question, Peil quietly looked at his fathers face.
He knew as well as anyone how unconventional this decision was.
The contemptuous glares he had received since childhood after failing to awaken the Azure Mana.
The way his older brothers had looked down on him was still vivid in his mind.
If he accepted his fathers offer and took on this duty, he would have to face those gazes countless times.
In the past, it was a proposal he would have given up on without a second thought.
To him, Azure Castle was a place of failure, filled with bad memories.
If that is the familys decision, I will follow it with a glad heart.
But Peil nodded without hesitation.
How much helplessness had he felt since sending Karron to the capital?
Just hearing the news that Karron was in mortal danger had been enough to make his stomach churn.
This position will grant you significant authority. The responsibility that comes with it will also be yours. Are you prepared?
To Halos repeated question, Peil answered firmly.
Yes.
He never wanted to feel that kind of helplessness again.
Azure Castle was no longer a safe place for Karron either.
Now that Karrons fame had grown, his two greedy uncles would surely threaten him at any moment.
I will protect you.
Even if he had to sacrifice everything.
If you entrust this to me, I will not disappoint you, my lord.
Peil said, meeting his brothers eyes.
Their gazes were already laced with hostility.
But Peil met their stares head-on.
For Karron.
In the end, it was what a father must do for his son.
I will be your shade, Karron.
And so, Peil willingly accepted the offer Halo had extended.
Thus began the change within Azure Castle.
2.
While the adults were talking in the conference hall, in the reception room outside.
I really cant believe it, Karron.
Karrons cousin, Rion Leston, the daughter of Teils, shook her head as she looked at him.
It had been nearly three years since she had last seen Karron.
Shortly after Karron arrived at Azure Castle, she had left on a long-term mission.
Even when she occasionally visited the castle, she never had a chance to run into him. That was how engrossed she had been in her duties.
Just three years ago, Karron had been a little kid who had just awakened the Azure Mana.
But now?
A 5-star, no less.
The level she had only reached at the age of twenty-one, her cousin before her had reached at the mere age of thirteen.
Was it because the achievement was so overwhelming?
She didn't even feel a shred of jealousy toward Karron.
I heard you defeated a succubus in the Imperial Palace and even won a fight against the famous Sir Ryuk. Im so proud that youre my cousin.
Only awe.
All she felt was the awe of facing an incredible genius.
At his cousins sudden praise, Karron scratched his cheek.
Hey what am I supposed to do when you come at me so suddenly like that?
Why? I just said something amazing is amazing. Right, Hugo?
She smiled and looked at her older brother, Hugo.
Hugo let out a deep sigh and nodded.
Hes an amazing guy in many ways.
If Id known, I wouldve stuck by Karron instead of going on missions. Maybe I wouldve learned a thing or two. Right, Karron?
Come on, what could you possibly learn from me, Rion? I hear rumors about you are already spreading all over the southern region of the Empire.
Really?
It seems youve earned some nicknames, too. Rion Leston, the Bandit Slayer, the Beautiful Arbiter I mean, how on earth do you get nicknames like that?
Rion winked her right eye and replied.
I just swept away the bastards who were tormenting innocent people. And it wasnt something I did alone The help of the other knights was huge.
Humble, too. Leo, you should learn from her. You need to be a little more humble.
At Karrons sudden jab, Leo shook his head and said.
Please, why dont you try being humble for a change.
If I were humble, it would be a disservice to everyone else, cousin. Right, Rion?
Of course. Leo, its not a good look to be jealous of your younger cousins success.
Unlike the slightly chilly Hugo, Rion had a very bright personality.
Shes nothing like her father.
Bright, beautiful, and diligent.
Rion would likely be loved wherever she went.
Unlike Hugo, who had been openly wary from their first meeting, she looked at him without prejudice.
Moreover, her skills were outstanding.
On the cusp of 6-star at twenty-three.
There was no doubt she would break through to 6-star soon.
Karron. How are you feeling? I heard you were badly injured in the capital.
Ah, Im all better now. I ate a lot of good food.
You did? Thats a relief. In that case, if you have time, how about a sparring match with me? Ill be staying at Azure Castle for a while, too. I asked Sir Jeras, and he said your swordsmanship is exceptional. He said sparring with you would be a great opportunity.
Her blue eyes sparkled.
Karron met Rions gaze and grinned.
As you saw earlier, Im stuck in Azure Castle for four years anyway. Ill always be here, so I can take you on anytime.
Would a real sword duel be okay?
For that, I think youll need to get permission from Sir Jeras first.
Thats a problem.
Why?
Sir Jeras is on his way to the North Sea right now. Hes not in Azure Castle.
No wonder. I didnt see him today.
Then Ill ask grandfather for permission myself later. That should be fine, right?
Sounds good to me.
Rion didn't have a single thing in common with her brother, Hugo.
Her pure desire to delve into swordsmanship was very impressive.
Come to think of it, Lady Sabina was fond of Rion, too, wasn't she?
Karron recalled something Sabina had once told him.
-That first sons daughter, Rion, is at least commendable. She might even surpass her brother one day. Rion may lack talent in mana cultivation, but when it comes to the sword, shes incredible.
Coming from Sabina, who was stingy with her praise, that was as good as a rave review.
By the way, Sir Jeras suddenly going to the North Sea at a time like this
Could something have happened to Sabina?
Karron couldnt help but worry.
It was just as they were talking.
Creeeeak.
The door to the conference hall opened, and their fathers soon appeared.
At their fathers entrance, the children all rose from their seats.
Peils expression was relatively calm, but the other two looked anything but.
Hugo. Rion. Come here.
Teils spoke to his children in a low voice, and Rion gave Karrons back a couple of pats.
Well then, lets cross swords later!
Yes, Rion.
Karron gave Rion a slight nod.
Just then, Karrons eyes met Teilss.
Youve accomplished a great deal in the capital, Karron. Thanks to you, the ducal familys reputation has grown. But remember this. A tower built with great effort can crumble in an instant. If you do not conduct yourself properly, that fame will become a dagger that stabs you.
For advice to a nephew, the words were noticeably barbed.
But Karron smiled brightly and bowed.
Thank you for your constant and generous advice.
I will be watching.
With that, Teils led his children away.
Those left in the reception room were Karron and his father, and Leo and his.
Raphael, watching Teilss retreating back, smirked and said.
He always pretends to be so composed, but it seems hes getting anxious now that his feet are to the fire. Isnt that right, Peil?
Raphael turned his head to look at Peil.
It reminds me of Karrons Eye-Opening Ceremony. Our dear brother told me there that we should deal with Karron beforehand.
Why are you telling me this now?
Who knows.
He smiled and placed a hand on his son Leos shoulder.
Arent Leo and Karron as close as real brothers? I think of Karron as my own son. Im different from our eldest brother. It would only be natural for the two of us to get along.
Thats not what the man who belittled my talent in front of our father would say.
Haha! Still so thin-skinned, little brother. But remember this. In the end, the two of us will join forces. Well then, well be on our way. Leo? Lets go.
Yes, Father.
With those final words, Raphael also left the reception room.
In the end, only Karron and Peil remained.
Peil took his sons hand and smiled.
Dont you worry. Your uncles wont be able to touch you. I will protect you.
Words filled with affection.
At that, Karron smiled brightly and nodded.
I believe you, Father.
The four-year confinement had just begun.