Chapter 87
Chapter 87
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Translator: Vine
Chapter: 87
Chapter Title: The Crodain Family (4)
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“The hour is late. I shall take my leave now.”
“Yes. Rest well.”
Jace rose from his seat.
Gerard watched his son’s back until the door closed.
He could feel the passage of time.
Just two years ago, he’d still had a boyish air about him.
But now, he had grown so much that he had to be treated as an equal.
His eldest son, a source of pride no matter where he went.
And now, he had even become a Hero.
That alone would ensure his name lived on in history.
It was cause for celebration, yet Gerard’s heart was not at ease.
“……”
A perilous journey surely lay ahead.
That was why he had spoken with him, out of an old man’s worry.
But the boy had far exceeded his expectations.
Jace already understood his destiny well.
He had mentioned the need for the Imperial family’s cooperation.
Furthermore, he had even anticipated how to respond in the event of a war.
A grand picture that felt nearly perfect.
It was beyond the realm of mere talent.
A political and military sense.
He had no memory of teaching him such things.
He had paid attention to him as his only heir.
But buried in his duties, he had failed to fully play the part of a father.
Though he felt he had done what he could.
He couldn't deny a sense of guilt lingered, known or not.
Despite it all, Jace had completed his formative years splendidly.
From a father’s perspective, he could only be proud.
A feeling of satisfaction welled up inside him—*That’s my son!*
He did seem a little different than before.
But he had a few ideas as to why.
Losing his dantian and becoming a cripple in an instant.
Perhaps a slight change had occurred in the process of overcoming that accident.
Also, by being chosen by the Holy Sword, maybe the goddess’s will had exerted some influence.
Well, it didn't matter.
Jace was still a good son who thought of his family and household.
A fact made clear just by watching how he cherished his fiancée, Ceria.
‘This is worrying…’
Everything was fine, but that righteous heart of his was the problem.
What if he pushed himself too far, trying to fulfill his duty as the Hero?
The family’s reputation would soar, of course.
But Gerard had absolutely no intention of achieving that by sacrificing his son.
The Crodain family was already the best.
Simply maintaining their current position was enough.
If only he were a bit more cunning.
If only he would leave the hard work to others and safely reap the rewards…
Of course, it was a futile wish.
Was he chosen as the Hero for nothing? Jace would stand at the very forefront.
He had already foreseen what was to come and planned countermeasures.
It was no different from declaring that he had hardened his resolve.
A parent’s heart is the same everywhere, so his worries only deepened, but it wasn't something he could stop.
It was a path the young man had chosen with pride.
He should not stand in his way when he could be helping instead.
The best course of action would be to support him with the full might of the family.
The one silver lining was that there were two Heroes this generation.
If the Heroes could trust and rely on each other, it seemed a good outcome was possible.
He suddenly recalled a report from Hector.
He had said that a considerable number of Hero candidates followed Jace.
He had been skeptical, but seeing it in person, it was more than he had imagined.
It was clear they held a fondness for him that was far beyond ordinary.
He didn't know how his son felt about it, but it looked like he was in for a tough time with women.
Anyway.
Having strong companions by his side put his mind at ease.
Esterize, that girl, was a given.
The elf was a bit ambiguous, but the fox beastkin’s potential was truly immense.
He hadn't confirmed it yet, but the Saintess was scheduled to join as well.
Amazingly, he had assembled the best party imaginable the moment he became a Hero.
‘No, he might have been preparing this for some time…’
The alcohol was starting to get to him.
Gerard sank into thought, a pleasant feeling washing over him.
Jace and his companions would become the protagonists of a new era.
As a senior in life, it was only right to cheer on the young ones.
‘I don’t know how much it will help, but I should pass on the enlightenment I recently gained…’
Hoping his son would grow even stronger.
The lord of the Crodain family simply waited for tomorrow to come.
* * *
The next day.
I was summoned by the family head first thing in the morning.
“……”
His gaze felt burdensome.
*My son, this father has been too indifferent all this time, hasn’t he?*
*I’m trying to act like a parent for once, so won’t you cooperate?*
That was the kind of sentiment I could glimpse.
Yesterday, his expression had been nearly blank, making it impossible to guess, but now I could read his mind clearly.
“A scabbard I haven’t seen before. Did you change your sword already?”
He pointed to the scabbard at my waist.
After receiving his permission, I respectfully presented my custom weapon.
“An excellent sword. I can feel the distinctive flair of a dwarf craftsman.”
His admiration was that of a fellow swordsman.
Since the topic had come up, I told him the plain truth.
“I recently visited the Dwarf Tribe, a privilege granted to Hero candidates. And so…”
“I see. A dwarven work would be more than sufficient.”
He nodded as if he understood.
But at the same time, he looked vaguely disappointed.
*What should I do?*
*I was planning to give him a gift to celebrate him becoming a Hero…*
*Now I’ll have to find something other than a sword.*
I wasn't completely certain, but that was the gist of it.
A father’s heart, always thinking of his son.
I was nothing but grateful, but under the circumstances, I would have to accept the sentiment alone.
My custom weapon was Jace’s final gear.
And depending on the situation, I could always use the Holy Sword.
Besides, there was something more important right now.
I abruptly bowed my head and begged for forgiveness.
“Actually… I took the liberty of making a contract with the Dwarf Tribe.”
“A contract? What kind of contract?”
“They seem to hold me in high regard and have offered to supply our family with a large quantity of weapons.”
“An enticing offer. It couldn't be better. So what's the problem?”
“The quantity is a bit… excessive.”
“───??”
He looked at me, bewildered, as if he didn't understand what I was saying.
*The more top-tier weapons, the better, so why is he acting like this?*
With that thought, he asked dubiously.
“Just how many are we talking about?”
“Enough to distribute to an entire knight order…”
“Considering a single knight order has around fifty members, that's quite a number. Still, that amount should be manageable enough…”
“I should correct myself. All four of our knight orders.”
“……”
His expression went blank.
For a moment, it seemed he had lost his train of thought.
But that was brief. His face hardened as he continued his calculations.
“Two hundred dwarven-made weapons?”
“That’s right…”
“That will require a fortune. It’s possible if we secure funds in the family's name, but…”
*Do we really need to go that far?*
*The greed is there, but this is way over the line!*
*My son, you’re not trying to bankrupt the family, are you?*
The look in his eyes was exactly that.
It wouldn't have been strange if he had lost his temper and flown into a rage, but he managed to maintain his composure.
A belief that I wouldn't have done it recklessly.
In reality, it just sort of happened, but anyway, I’ll try to live up to that trust.
“You won't have to worry too much about the cost.”
“Why is that?”
“They said they would only charge for materials and labor.”
“Those stubborn dwarves?”
He looked more and more baffled.
I relayed what the dwarf chieftain had told me.
That since we were risking our lives to fight on their behalf, it was only natural for them to provide the equipment.
I also revealed that they had asked me to rescue their kin who had been captured and enslaved by the Demon King’s army.
“Hmm, now I see. It seems they, too, despise the Demon King’s army. Still, the dwarves are not a race to ask favors of just anyone…”
He seemed to recall the dwarves’ notoriously strong pride.
Indeed, entrusting such a heavy responsibility to a mere heir, not the family head, was absurd.
“What was your level at that time?”
“Far inferior to what I am now.”
“I see. The dwarves have a keen eye. To recognize someone with the potential to become a Hero…”
To be acknowledged not only by humans but also by dwarves.
He looked extremely pleased with his son’s abilities.
Come to think of it, maybe it was pretty amazing.
It wasn't just that I had the support of the Dwarf Tribe.
If you considered Aruru and Ilensia as representatives of the other races…
Then I had already achieved harmony among all peoples.
“That is only the beginning. In the future, many more people will hope for the Hero’s success. Their numbers could be in the millions, or even tens of millions. Can you bear that immense burden?”
He was worried about the heavy weight on his son’s shoulders.
Gerard was also responsible for the many people in his domain, but it was nothing compared to the Hero’s burden.
“I’ll be fine. My resolve will never waver.”
“You’re saying you’ll sacrifice yourself for everyone?”
“It’s a little different. I intend to overcome any trial *with* everyone. I will have to take risks, but I have no intention of overdoing it alone, so please don't worry.”
I stated my conviction with confidence.
The model answer would have been to say I would fulfill the Hero’s duty even if it cost me my life, but my true desire was to take it easy and coast.
Who in their right mind would work themselves to death for someone else’s benefit?
I would only fight battles I could wisely win.
Gerard wouldn't want me to sacrifice myself blindly, either.
Laying the groundwork now would make it seem natural when I took things at a slower pace later.
“Yes. That mindset seems the most realistic.”
Even if one surpasses human limits, one cannot endure alone.
He advised that it was best to overcome challenges by cooperating with those around me.
“Yes. I will do just that.”
I answered with a deliberately spirited voice.
Finally looking relieved, he patted my shoulder.
“How long do you plan on staying?”
I was scheduled to enter the imperial capital in ten days…
With a plan to stop by my in-laws’ place on the way, I had about a week to spare.
“A week… Time is quite tight, but it should be enough to give it a try.”
Huh? What on earth is he planning?
His eyes darkened as if he were plotting something.
“The truth is, this father of yours recently had an enlightenment.”
“───!!”
I couldn't hide my surprise.
At this point in time, Gerard’s strength was among the absolute best.
At his considerable age, just maintaining his skill was impressive, and yet…
*Whoa, my dad got stronger!*
This was good news, with no reason to dislike it.
When I sincerely congratulated him, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
“I will show it to you. Along with the final secret art of our family’s swordsmanship.”
“……”
Hmm, how should I put it?
It was a gracious offer, but I wasn't exactly thrilled.
I was planning to rest up while I was at home…
But there was no way to refuse.
How could I ignore the fiery passion of a middle-aged man?
“If this teaching saves you from danger even once, this father could ask for nothing more.”
A father’s heart, wanting to do even one more thing for his son.
Having witnessed that, I had no choice but to change my mind.
“If you put it that way… I will do my best to learn.”
In the end, I spent the rest of the day in the training hall until the sun set.
A technique that involved condensing mana to unleash the pinnacle of power.
I wasn’t yet at Gerard’s level, so it felt like I could almost grasp it, but not quite.
“There’s no need to be hasty. It will resolve itself as you gain experience.”
Well, as he said, it was a problem that time would solve.
At some point, I’d probably have a moment of awakening and just get it.
I wonder how the girls are doing?
I pictured them all chatting, with Martina at the center.
Apologies to Ceria, but Aruru’s face was the first to come to mind.
I was tired and worn out, so I needed some healing.
As soon as I arrived where they were gathered, Aruru came trotting over.
The fox beastkin wagged her tail fiercely, as if she had been waiting.
Her familiarity was enough to remind me of a pet dog greeting its owner who had just returned home from work.
My little cutie.
*You seem to be in a good mood. What did you do all day?*
“Hehe, your mistress was telling me stories about when you were little. It’s super interesting!”
“……”
I almost let out a groan.
*Wait, not ‘Mother,’ but ‘Mistress’?*
As the lady of the house, it wasn't entirely wrong, but the nuance was a bit… off!
To think they had already established a master-and-pet relationship.
Well, whatever. It was for the best. At least I could skip the process of asking for permission later.
I hung out with the girls for a bit, then returned to my room.
I turned off the lights and lay down in bed, but I couldn't bring myself to close my eyes. Because…
“……”
“……”
Ceria had stealthily occupied my bed…
*Huh? What is this situation? I think I’m going to lose my mind!*