Chapter 30: It Was Over Before It Even Began
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 30: It Was Over Before It Even Began
"Father, you were looking for me?"
After making his way through the vast courtyard of the Duke’s estate, Muen finally arrived at the main entrance of the mansion. There, he found Duke Lorne Campbell, and...
"Oh? Mother, you’re here too."
"My little Muen, how is your body feeling?"
Muen’s convenient mother, Noyce Campbell, was also standing by the gate. The moment she saw him, she rushed forward with a look of heartache and pulled him into a tight embrace.
"Did that healing spell have any side effects? Sigh, I told you not to get too close to that Princess. She has the look of a woman who brings ruin to her husband. See? She’s gone and turned our little Muen into this."
"Ugh... Mother, there’s no need to worry. My body is perfectly fine now."
Enduring his mother’s "death-by-hug," Muen spoke with a wry smile.
"In fact, if you don't let go soon, Mother, I’m going to suffocate."
"Hmph, what’s wrong with a mother hugging her own darling son?"
Noyce pouted like a young girl and reluctantly released Muen.
"You really spoil him too much," Lorne Campbell interjected from the side, feigning a stern expression. "As a man, he should endure more hardships. How else is he supposed to grow?"
"Hardships? Hardships?! Do you have any idea that your son almost lost his life because of those so-called 'hardships'?"
At the mere thought of the incident, Noyce’s heart still hammered with fear. Her eyes reddened instantly as she took Muen’s hand.
"Little Muen, promise me. Stay away from that woman from now on, alright?"
"...I will."
Muen’s cheek twitched.
Of course he wanted to stay away from Celicia for the time being; after all, he still didn't know how to face her.
But wasn't this engagement set by you two? With the engagement still in place, where exactly am I supposed to hide?
"Hmph, it’s all your useless father’s fault."
As if seeing through Muen’s thoughts, Noyce couldn't help but shoot a glare at Lorne.
"He can't even get a simple engagement annulled."
"Ahahaha... well, Celicia is His Majesty’s beloved Princess, after all. If I brought that up to him, he might just serve me a cup of poisoned wine on the spot," Lorne said, scratching his head and laughing it off.
"Heh... heh."
Muen gave a couple of dry laughs before changing the subject.
"Speaking of which, Father, did you call me here for something specific?"
Muen looked past the two of them and noticed a magnificent carriage waiting there. Furthermore, the creature harnessed to the carriage wasn't a common horse, but a majestic Griffin.
"Are you two heading out? And you’ve even brought out the Griffin... are you going on a long trip?"
"Exactly. That’s what I wanted to tell you."
Lorne let out a sigh and said, "Your mother and I have to go away for a while. We likely won't be back for some time."
"For a while? How long is 'some time'?"
Hearing his father’s words, Muen’s head began to throb.
I just finished drafting a whole series of plans centered around you as the core, Father! If you leave, what am I supposed to do?
"That... I’m not entirely sure. There are too many variables. But for the short term, we definitely won't be back."
Seemingly aware that leaving so abruptly was a bit unfair to Muen, Lorne gave an apologetic, sheepish grin.
"It’s a sudden development. I didn't have a choice."
"By 'sudden development,' you mean..."
"The Abyss on the western front. Those damn demons are making moves again."
"The Abyss..."
Muen was stunned.
The so-called "Abyss" referred to a special dimension occupied by the mortal enemies of humanity—the Demon Race. It was a place filled with chaos, death, and unspeakable horrors.
Even with the Demon God currently sealed, the demons in the Abyss continued to use it as a stronghold to launch constant raids on the human continent, intending to counterattack and liberate their sealed deity.
The Leopold Empire was the human nation with the largest border shared with that Abyss. While this was a testament to the Empire’s strength and vast territory, it also meant the Empire bore the brunt of the pressure from the Demon Race.
Therefore, whenever the Abyss stirred, the Empire had to be on high alert. If the front lines fell, countless imperial citizens would be swallowed by the ensuing catastrophe.
Conversely, if a disturbance in the Abyss was significant enough to force the massive Empire into a state of total readiness, it certainly wouldn't be resolved quickly.
"Right... I remember now."
A flash of realization struck Muen’s mind.
The original novel mentioned this period. A demon invasion—but it was actually a feint. Its purpose was merely to distract the human world and lay the groundwork for a certain demon plan three years later.
And that three-year mark is exactly when the protagonist officially enters the Salvation Arc.
"Wait, three years?"
Muen’s face turned pale.
Does that mean Father will be at the front for at least three years?
Then what about my plans?
My teacher?
My safety?
My dream of being a shut-in who hides away until the end of time, only to shock the world when I finally emerge?
With Father heading to the front...
Pop. It’s gone?
Before I even had a chance to implement it, the plan is officially dead in the water?
"But... but... does it have to be you, Father?" Muen stammered. "Can't someone else go?"
"I know you’re worried about me."
Thinking Muen was concerned for his safety, Lorne patted his son’s shoulder with a gratified expression.
"But this time, I must go."
"Why?"
"Because of this."
Lorne showed Muen the badge on his chest.
It was the Campbell family crest.
A dragon-slaying sword.
The "Sword of the Empire," the Campbell family, had represented the Empire’s sharpest blade since its very inception!
Therefore, when war broke out, Lorne Campbell had to stand at the very front!
"I see..."
Muen knew there was no point in saying anything else.
"Then what about Mother?"
Muen turned a confused gaze toward his mother, who was clearly prepared to leave as well.
"Is Mother going to the front lines too?"
"Of course not," Noyce shook her head. "Your father is just dropping me off on his way."
"On his way? Where are you going?"
"Back to our fief, the Campbell Territory."
"Huh? Why? Mother, why would you go there alone..."
"Because..."
Noyce’s expression suddenly turned a bit bashful.
"There’s something we haven't had the chance to tell you yet, little Muen."
"What is it?"
"Actually..."
Noyce placed a hand over her lower abdomen, a look of pure happiness on her face.
"You’re going to have a younger brother."
"Or perhaps a younger sister."
Lorne took Noyce’s hand, his expression equally tender.
"Well? Are you happy?"
"Huh?"
Muen didn't know if he was happy, but he knew he was definitely shocked.
Wait, what?
A younger brother or sister?
Are you two joking?
Hasn't the Campbell family always had only one child per generation?
"Sigh, I never expected that the curse of the Campbell single-heir lineage would be broken in my generation."
The usually iron-willed Duke Campbell actually had a sentimental tear in the corner of his eye.
"Heaven is truly kind. I’m sure our ancestors will be overjoyed when they find out."
"So," Noyce picked up the thread, "to better look after the pregnancy, I’ll be staying in the countryside of the Campbell Territory for a while. After all, little Muen, your school term starts soon. If I stayed in the Duke’s estate, I’d be all alone. It’s better to go back to the countryside where I can avoid those annoying noble ladies and get some peace and quiet."