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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
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Chapter 13: The Kind Yet Simple-Minded Servant
"Why have you been fidgeting like a dog that needs to relieve itself?"
I asked Peter after freshening up and changing clothes.
"Ah, it's nothing, young master."
"Then go get some sleep."
"Yes, sir."
Typically, servants would eat and sleep in adjacent quarters as part of their lodging arrangement.
I was aware that Peter had to return home every few days to support his family. That must have been due to Allenvert's consideration.
"Peter."
I called out to his back as he was slowly walking away, his face suggesting he had something to say but couldn't bring himself to speak up.
"If you have something to say, say it."
"It really is nothing."
"I'll give you one last chance."
"..."
Peter clasped his hands in front, his eyes welling up with tears.
"Actually... My mother has been quite ill for several days. Even my youngest sibling has a high fever, and I need to prepare their meals and medicine."
The weight of life sat heavily on the fifteen-year-old boy's face.
"But with you just having awakened, young master, it would be unthinkable for me to be absent."
"That would indeed be improper."
I nodded.
"Yes. Moreover, to be absent for two consecutive days would be neglecting my duties. I couldn't possibly consider it."
"Yet your mother and siblings must weigh heavily on your mind."
Tears fell from Peter's eyes.
"Crying again? Don't you get tired of it?"
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
"I understand the situation roughly. It must have been quite unsettling. You wouldn't have known I'd wake up today."
"Unsettling? Not at all. It's joyous and fortunate news."
Peter quickly responded while wiping his eyes.
"Even if you hadn't awakened today, I would have stayed at my post."
"Oh really?"
"Yes. To even think of requesting two consecutive nights away is shocking in itself."
"That's admirable. Maintaining one's duties while facing family troubles isn't easy even for adults."
I pointed at Peter and asked.
“Is this the younger brother who is ill?”
"Yes, that's right."
“Does he have a fever?”
"No, it's just a mild cold. But he is the type who doesn't eat properly, always giving his portion to brother and mother... I think his weak constitution is caused by this."
"I'm a bit concerned about your second brother. He is not some good-for-nothing who shirks his responsibilities, is he?"
Peter hastily waved his hands.
"Not at all! They all are very good. They're just physically weak like my mother, lacking in strength."
"You must have it rough."
"Ah, no. I'm grateful I can at least feed my family. If not for this job, my mother and siblings probably would have already..."
Peter shuddered as if the mere thought was terrifying.
"But you know..."
"Yes?"
"From what I've heard, it seems like all three of them would improve significantly if they could eat some proper meat regularly and take even low-grade potions to restore their strength."
I knew about the illness afflicting Peter's family.
Its name was poverty.
"Yes... Doctor Joseph said the same thing. But when I think about living expenses, I just can't imagine affording it."
A disease that could be cured with just a few coins becomes an incurable curse for some - just like the terminal illness that afflicted Allenvert.
I know better than anyone how terrifying poverty and hunger can be.
"Peter, do I happen to have any emergency funds hidden away?"
"Pardon?"
Understanding my implication, Peter immediately prostrated himself.
"No, no! I couldn't possibly... that would be..."
"I'm the duke's son. Pocket change means nothing to me. But to you, Peter, it would mean something."
Peter could only respond with falling tears.
"Young master... Why are you being so kind to me?"
To me, this wasn't any great favor.
But Peter was someone who had never received genuine kindness before.
Here was one of those pitiful boys from the slums that Mad Dog Karzan had seen countless times.
Yet people like Peter who maintain their loyalty despite poverty and misfortune are rare.
"You showed me small but certain loyalty today. Moreover, I realized you were one of the few servants who remained faithful even when I was pathetic."
"Ah..."
Peter trembled.
"This is just a small repayment for that foolish loyalty, nothing extraordinary."
"It's different for me. I'll remember your kindness for life."
"Don't be dramatic. It's not that significant."
"Huuung... Waaah!"
Peter wept loudly. What an amusing fellow. He was the type whose reactions made it fun both to tease and to be kind to.
"Get up. You look even uglier when you cry."
Peter stood up and tears were pouring like water from a bucket.
"Go home for today. But once everyone recovers, be prepared to stay here for several days without going home."
"Of course. Thank you, thank you so much!"
Waving my hand, I asked.
"So where are these emergency funds?"
"In... in the middle drawer."
"Bring them here."
Shortly after, Peter brought a pouch of gold coins.
"Two pieces should be enough."
"Oh no no! One piece is more than enough! Please take it back!"
Peter was shocked.
"Take two pieces to prepare for emergencies. You can't be there every day, and what if your family suddenly falls ill again like this time? You'll need urgent funds."
"That's..."
Peter hesitated with a look that seemed to wonder why I understood their situation so well. I smirked. Did he think I was new to business?
"Give it to your sensible youngest sibling and make them keep quiet. Large sums of money entering a poor household can easily bring trouble."
Peter hunched his shoulders and replied.
"I'll make sure they keep absolutely silent."
"Good. Now go."
"Will you be alright without me?"
"I had things to do alone today anyway, so don't worry."
"Oh, what are you planning to do?"
"You'll find out when you return tomorrow."
I kicked Peter's heavy behind.
"Hurry up and go. Are there any general stores open at this hour?"
"Yes, I’ve known about this place since my childhood. They'll open if I knock."
"Good. Make them come out even if you have to sing and wail. Give them extra money too."
"Understood. Thank you so-"
"Shut it. My ears are getting crusty."
"Ah, sorry. Then I'll really be going now."
Peter bowed to me several times before finally leaving the bedroom. Really, it was hard just to send him home.
"..."
Silence returned.
But I still had something to do.
'The road ahead is long, but the destination is clear.'
Both my goals as Karzan and as Allenvert were clear. But above all else, 'survival' itself took precedence.
'With this terminal condition, sitting idle will only lead to a dog's death.'
I needed to become stronger. But if I acted carelessly, I would either be assassinated without a trace or end up as a cripple.
To overcome this fate, merely dodging and blocking incoming arrows wouldn't be enough.
'I need to cut off the head of the one shooting those arrows.'
In other words, I was firmly resolved to become the clan head, determined to destroy anything that stood in my way.
Along that path, I couldn't neglect the fact that I need to gather loyal subordinates and allies who would become my hands and feet.
What should I do first? Prove my capabilities and thereby gain father's acknowledgment of my qualification to enter the successor struggle.
The unintended confrontation with the butler turned out to be a good thing. I'll be able to draw more attention to myself early on.
'If I had kept my power to myself, I would have been less scrutinized by my brothers.
But what I really need to hide is not my qualities as an heir.
It's the darkness of the Underworld that I will one day return to.
No matter how hard my brothers tried to sabotage me, it was none of my business. Rather, if I can defeat them all, that in itself would be a testament to my competence.
What qualities does Duke Georg expect in a successor? Probably various things. Popular support, influence, mental fortitude, leadership, vision, intelligence, strategy, martial prowess...
And among these, which is the most immediately visible?
'Obviously, martial prowess.'
Moreover, in the prestigious martial house of Grunewald, showing exceptional achievement in the family's secret martial arts would be the most basic requirement.
Therefore, I will first prove that I possess the greatest martial talent among the successors.
What is there to fear? I was a genius and will continue to be one.
Everyone may lament the seven-year gap, but I'll show them talent so overwhelming that they won't believe that gap ever existed...
'I'll show them overwhelming talent.'
I savored the martial principles and insights swirling in my mind.
"Good."
Tonight, I planned to begin the Eternal Ocean Chain Technique and completely reconstruct this pathetic body.
"It's going to be a long night."
And when dawn arrives, I will be a completely different person than I am now.
***
"Young master."
A delicate, cautious knock sounded.
"Come in."
"Yes, sir."
It was a child's voice.
"Young master, I've prepared a late-night snack."
A freckle-faced girl entered carrying a bread basket.
"You've gone to trouble at such a late hour."
"It's, it's no trouble at all!"
The maid fidgeted uncomfortably. Poor thing, she must have been pressured into coming by the others.
But I couldn't help it. I'd missed dinner while in the library.
"Thank you for this."
"You're welcome."
The maid, who seemed rather tense from whatever she'd been told, bowed her head deeply.
"And... this too..."
"Hmm?"
The maid pulled out a bundle.
"It's the medicinal tonic from Doctor Joseph."
Come to think of it, he did say he'd send up medicine.
His not coming personally might mean he's avoiding potential sensitive questions. Or perhaps his master prevented him from coming? I could only guess without knowing the exact circumstances.
"Thank you."
"Yes, sir!"
Perhaps because I hadn't dismissed her, the maid stood there awkwardly, staring at her feet.
'She looks even younger up close. Twelve or thirteen perhaps?'
Yet she appeared better off than Peter. Though timid, working as a ducal maid at such a young age must come with its share of hardships.
"Go and rest."
"Yes, sir!"
"And if anyone's bothering you and you have no one to tell, let me know."
"Pardon?"
The maid finally looked up at me.
"Why? Is there someone like that?"
"No! Not at all!"
"Good then."
After sending the maid away, I opened the bundle while munching on the simply prepared bread.
"The bread's good."
As I'd noticed at lunch, the quality of food here was generally excellent.
This was typical of wealthy port regions with good climate, abundant ingredients, and active trade.
"Let's see..."
Inside the bundle were medicine balls made for easy swallowing. When I chewed one, it tasted awful.
"Was I not supposed to chew it?"
Swallowing the medicine with water made my stomach burn like I'd drunk strong liquor.
"Wow, incredible."
I could feel mana rushing into my stomach. They must have used high-quality medicinal ingredients. The higher the grade of the tonic, the richer it is in mana.
'So this is why I had so much mana remaining in my body, even without practicing any techniques.'
This was truly befitting of a ducal house. Even though I was considered the runt among the young masters, I was still receiving such high-quality medicine.
"Good."
The more I learned, the more I realized how blessed this environment was compared to Karzan at the same age.
Of course, I knew Allenvert had many wounds, but those wounds couldn't hold me back.
"Burp"
After finishing both the medicine and bread, I let out a satisfying belch. I liked this vigorous digestion.
"Let's begin."
I'd unexpectedly gained the medicine's aid.
It was a perfect night to begin learning the martial technique.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Prøks]
[Proofreader - Kawaii]
Join our Discord for release updates!
https://discord.com/invite/dbdMDhzWa2
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