Chapter – 125…
“I greet Your Grace, the Grand Duke. My name is Kaldor von Loren.”
Kaldor bowed respectfully to the lord of Decaron.
No matter how hostile their families might be, it was impossible not to show courtesy before the only duke of the United Kingdoms — and not just any duke, but a Grand Duke.
“Well then, what brings the eldest son of House Loren all the way to Decaron? The two lands may be near, yet the distance between our hearts is farther than the ends of the world.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
Lowering his head, Kaldor began to speak.
“My father, the Lord of Shuvern, has always desired amicable relations with Decaron. Thus, he has sent me here to clear up past misunderstandings and to seek reconciliation.”
“Misunderstandings, you say…”
A cold smile touched Grand Duke Guntram’s lips.
Misunderstandings? Between House Sigmund and House Loren?
The cause of every feud and grievance had always been House Loren.
After all, it was the Lorens who had betrayed the Chaos King and become the lapdogs of the royal family. There was no “misunderstanding” about that.
Not only had they served as the royal family’s hounds to restrain House Sigmund, they had even acted on their own accord on multiple occasions.
If not for the royal family’s mediation, the Lorens would have been wiped out long ago by the Sigmunds.
“Decaron has never misunderstood. The royal family’s protection cannot hide your family’s blackened heart. Do not try to deceive Decaron with that silver tongue of yours, son of Loren.”
“I can understand why Your Grace might feel that way… but this time, the circumstances are different. I beg you to consider the situation carefully.”
As befit the heir of House Loren, Kaldor did not lose his polite smile, even in the face of Guntram’s icy warning.
A young serpent indeed — one who knew how to wield his serpent’s tongue in any situation.
“Different, you say?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Explain yourself.”
“The reason I came to Decaron is because of the relationship between my half-sister, Alicia, and Your Grace’s second son, Carlisle.”
“My son and the daughter of House Loren, is it…”
“You are aware, I assume, that your second son once requested aid from my half-sister?”
“Haa…”
Guntram let out a deep sigh — as if he had seen this coming.
‘So. Just when I thought he’d finally calmed down… another mess.’
The Grand Duke covered his face with one hand.
His head was already pounding. It felt as though all his fatigue had rushed straight to his face.
‘Of all women, why her? The daughter of our sworn enemies?’
Kaldor cautiously continued.
“My lord father fears that their relationship may worsen the tension between our houses. If Decaron were to use it to interfere in Shuvern’s succession line—”
“Hold.”
Guntram raised a hand, cutting him off.
“What did you just say?”
“My father fears Decaron may intervene in Shuvern’s line of succession—”
“Pff—! Hahahahahaha!”
Guntram suddenly burst into hearty laughter.
“……?”
Kaldor blinked in bewilderment.
He had come to discuss a matter of grave importance — yet the Grand Duke was laughing?
“Kaldor, was it? Heir of House Loren.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Have you heard the rumors about my second son?”
“I believe everyone experiences a stormy youth now and then.”
“Then you must know. I’ll speak plainly — my son lacks the cunning for such schemes.”
“……Pfft.”
Kaldor barely managed to stifle a laugh.
“Tell your lord father this: House Sigmund has no reason to meddle in Shuvern’s succession.”
“Still, from Shuvern’s perspective, it could look that way—”
“Listen well, son of Loren.”
“I am listening, Your Grace.”
“To turn Shuvern into ashes would not be difficult for me. Do I look like a man who needs petty intrigues?”
“……!”
“Remember this: Decaron spares Shuvern not for lack of strength, but out of loyalty to the crown.”
Kaldor dared not refute him.
For it was true — without the royal family’s protection, Shuvern would have been annihilated by Decaron’s forces long ago.
“Is it proper, Your Grace, to speak so harshly to a diplomatic envoy?”
“A man carrying the blood of traitors dares speak of propriety — here, in the heart of Decaron?”
“Ghh—!”
Kaldor clutched his chest, gasping for breath.
He’s… killing me.
Pure terror consumed him.
His body trembled uncontrollably, cold sweat running down his back.
“I may be the lord of Decaron, but before that, I am a father to a foolish son. As one parent to another, I will show the courtesy due. But if you dare twist this matter into political intrigue and insult Decaron again… not even the royal family’s mediation will save Shuvern. Do you understand?”
“I… I will remember, Your Grace…”
Kaldor could say no more.
Even his serpent’s tongue was useless before the Grand Duke’s overwhelming power.
* * *
To Carlisle, his grandmother in his previous life had been an irreplaceable figure.
Born into a wealthy yet loveless family, abandoned by his parents, she had been his one and only pillar of warmth.
He had spent more time with her than with anyone else — even his own parents.
And when she passed away, he closed off his heart completely.
That lonely existence had ended only with a fatal accident — after which he awoke in this new world.
Perhaps that was why he couldn’t bring himself to hate Gorbad, no matter how harsh she was.
Every time he looked at her, she reminded him of his grandmother from his previous life.
Feeling that warmth, Gorbad’s expression, too, had softened slightly.
“At least you’ve got some table manners, boy.”
“I’m not that rude, you know.”
Carlisle replied, meeting Gorbad’s glare.
“If someone keeps picking fights and throwing punches, who wouldn’t curse a bit? It’s natural.”
“That’s because your behavior is wretched! You’ve caused so much trouble that—”
“I don’t do that anymore. I’m living quietly now.”
“Is… is that so?”
“If you don’t believe me, ask Maranello. He’ll tell you I’ve changed.”
“I have heard rumors that you’ve calmed down somewhat. But still — you turned your back on your enemy!”
“I told you, I didn’t see a reason to risk my life that time.”
“You brat!”
Gorbad roared furiously.
“A Sigmund turning his back on an enemy — do you hear what you’re saying?”
“That’s exactly the problem.”
“What’s the problem now?”
“Our family’s too honest for our own good, don’t you think?”
“……!”
“All we ever do is fight head-on. No strategy, no subtlety. That’s why we always get pushed around by idiots.”
“Y-you little—!”
“What? Am I wrong?”
Carlisle had expected her to explode.
But instead — something completely unexpected happened.
“Bwahahahahahaha!”
“……?”
“Hahaha! Hahahahaha!”
“What the— did you eat something funny?”
Carlisle stared, bewildered, as Gorbad burst out laughing.
‘She’s lost it. Old age, maybe? Wouldn’t be surprising… she’s old enough.’
Considering her age, it wasn’t unreasonable to think so.
“Good! Very good! I knew my eyes didn’t deceive me! Hahaha!”
“What are you even talking about?”
“There’s something about you!”
“……?”
“Yes! Don’t live like a Sigmund! Don’t live like a fool!”
“Didn’t you just scold me for not being Sigmund-like?”
“That’s because you were weak! A Sigmund must be strong!”
“That doesn’t make any sense…”
“Silence, you brat!”
“…….”
Carlisle gave up trying to understand.
The old woman’s logic had transcended mortal comprehension.
“Hohoho! Worry not! This old woman will make you strong with her own hands!”
“I never asked for—”
“Quiet! I said it, so it shall be! You have no right to refuse! Now grit your teeth and prepare to grow stronger!”
“Sigh…”
Carlisle exhaled deeply.
‘She’s impossible to reason with. But whatever — if she’s forcing me to train, that saves me the effort. Not a bad deal, actually.’
Having resigned himself to his fate, Carlisle decided to just go along with Gorbad.
* * *
For some reason, Gorbad, in an unusually good mood, granted Carlisle some free time.
“We’ll start training tomorrow morning. Don’t even think about running off. Be there at dawn, you hear?”
“I’m not going anywhere, don’t worry. See you tomorrow, Grandma.”
“Good.”
Freed at last, Carlisle headed toward his new quarters to rest.
His old room had been destroyed thanks to Gorbad, so he had no choice but to move.
Along the way, however, he ran into a group traveling back toward Shuvern — led by none other than Kaldor.
“So you’re Carlisle, are you? I am—”
Kaldor began courteously, but Carlisle walked right past him without a glance.
Kaldor’s face twisted in offense.
“Hey. You there. Hey! Hey!”
He called out several times, but Carlisle didn’t stop.
“Damn you.”
Irritated, Kaldor strode forward and blocked his path.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“What.”
“Have you no manners?”
“What about it?”
“I am—”
“I know. Kaldor. From House Loren.”
“And yet you ignored my greeting?”
“So what? Who are you to me?”
Carlisle’s tone carried a faint edge of irritation.
“What?”
“I said, who are you to me?”
“You know who I am and still—”
“House Loren’s a marquisate. Ours is a grand ducal house. Why exactly should I bow to you?”
“Th-that’s—”
“Strictly speaking, I outrank you.”
“……”
Kaldor had no rebuttal.
House Sigmund stood just below the royal family itself in status.
“And you dare talk about manners, you pompous marquis brat?”
“Even so, is ignoring a greeting the Grand Duke’s way?”
“It is when you’re from the Grand Duke’s house.”
“What…?”
“Do you have any idea how much blood we’ve spilled for this continent? A little privilege is the least we deserve.”
“Tch. And to think a discarded wastrel of your house dares spout such nonsense…”
Kaldor growled.
“For a defective like you to speak of Sigmund’s honor — don’t you feel any shame—”
At that moment—
“What’s going on here?”
A woman’s voice cut in.
Carlisle turned to see Selena approaching.
It was rare for her to be in Decaron during the war season, but the thick scent of blood wafting from her made it clear — she had just returned from battle.
“What is this? What’s happening?”
“Sis.”
“Hm?”
“He’s bullying me.”
Carlisle pointed straight at Kaldor.
