Chapter Fifteen: The One Struggling (Helfried’s POV)
“It’s been a while, Helfried.”
“Is that not my father-in-law? Are you certain it’s alright to leave your territory unattended?”
“I’ve entrusted the work to my son. As I mentioned in my letter, I congratulate you on conquering the dungeon of your territory.”
“I gratefully accept your kind words. It’s all thanks to my brother’s recklessness.”
Helfried suppressed a bitter smile and responded to the toast.
Emmanuel, the Marquis of Wallach and Alise’s father.
At the social gathering, Helfried unexpectedly encountered a particular individual. He abandoned his original plan to approach other nobles.
“I’ve heard rumors. Your brother intends to conquer the royal capital’s dungeon… and as compensation, he plans to request a legendary magic-sealing artifact from the royal family.”
Even if Julius conquered the royal capital’s dungeon, it was unlikely the royal family would hand over a magic-sealing artifact so easily. These magical tools, accumulated through their power, were intended for princes troubled by the heavy Bloodline Blessing that would be born into the royal family.
Even if a princess would be afflicted by the Bloodline Blessing, such items wouldn’t be used for her. The royal family would never easily relinquish something of such significance.
However, it must be obtained.
For this, Helfried had been spreading this rumor. It was, after all, factual. The wish of the guardian warrior who accomplished conquering the dungeon, a symbol of royal authority, must absolutely be fulfilled by the royal family. They were not permitted to substitute it with other rewards or evade the request. Laying the groundwork for this was Helfried’s role.
“You’ve raised quite a brother, Helfried. Without Sieg, Julius would be the next heir to the Ehlertt Earldom. Yet, he’s dedicating himself to Sieg and his brother without seeking personal gain—it’s surprising. With such strength, he could be sought after anywhere. And with that appearance of his.”
“My brother is far too talented for someone like me.”
Beautiful, noble, and strong. Helfried narrowed his eyes, picturing his brother’s radiant figure as a hero stepping out of an epic poem.
“Why don’t you give up already?”
“…Father-in-law? What exactly do you mean?”
“I’m telling you to give up on Sieg.”
Helfried’s gray eyes widened in shock.
“He is your grandson, Father-in-law.”
“Alise is still young. You should have her bear another child. With Julius’s unwavering loyalty, even without Sieg, he would not suddenly seek the position of Ehlertt Earldom head out of ambition.”
“What are you saying…!?”
“Do you intend to raise your voice in a place like this? Helfried, what I admired about you was your unshakable composure. When I saw you at your father’s funeral, coldly glaring at your relatives with those icy eyes, I recognized your worth. That’s why I approved your marriage to my daughter.”
Helfried clenched his teeth. Maintaining an outwardly calm appearance, he struggled to suppress the seething emotions churning within.
“As nobles, we have obligations. The effort you’re expending should be used to fulfill those obligations. The same goes for Julius. His strength and life are not things to waste for the sake of a mere child.”
“…Excuse me.”
Helfried spoke, forcing his voice not to tremble, and left the scene.
When Helfried boarded the carriage, the attendant waiting inside gave him a puzzled look, surprised at his early return.
“Lord Helfried, is something the matter?”
“Nothing. Let’s go.”
Helfried closed his eyes firmly and pressed his lips together.
When a child with a strong Bloodline Blessing is born into a noble house, they first celebrate. It means a child with tremendous power has been born. If that child’s body becomes ill from the immense magical power, they will support them with all their might. But if nothing can be done, they must give up.
As his father-in-law Emmanuel said, they would create another child and replace the heir.
This is the typical noble approach.
But Alise could not endure such a method.
Nor could Helfried himself.
“What composure…”
When Helfried was fourteen, his father died. It was because the territorial dungeon was on the verge of collapse, and he entered the dungeon himself to prevent it, ultimately dying in battle. Those who didn’t know would praise it as a noble’s dignified end, but his father was simply a battle-crazed man who enjoyed seeing blood. For a father thirsting for blood, family was nothing more than mere decoration.
Even his father’s death was something that made no difference to Helfried, and he had no reason to shed tears. He was desperately trying to restrain those eyeing his father’s position and protect his brother and mother. Even now, he was struggling desperately to protect his wife and child.
But as Emmanuel said, using a noble’s power solely for a family was wrong. This power was given to protect the country and the territory. Emmanuel’s argument was correct. Helfried might be accused of selfishness.
Helfried couldn’t deny that he was wasting his brother’s life. But even if it was wrong, he couldn’t help but struggle.
“Lord Helfried, we have arrived at the mansion.”
As Helfried descended from the carriage and entered the mansion, he was greeted by his butler, Volker.
“How is Alise?”
“She seems unable to eat, and she has grown thinner again. The doctor examined her but said there was nothing to be done if she didn’t eat. She is currently lying down, exhausted.”
“I see. What about Sieg?”
“He is likely with the alchemist at the moment.”
“I’ll go see Sieg. And while I’m at it, I’ll check on the alchemist as well.”
“In that case, I’ll arrange for an advance notice.”
“No need. I want to see what the alchemist usually does.”
Depending on the circumstances, he had no intention of monitoring the situation for an entire month. Therefore, he wanted to see the alchemist in an unguarded state.
“As you wish.”
With a shadowed expression, Helfried walked to his chambers, changed, and proceeded to the east wing where Sieg resided.
There, he saw a witch attempting to seduce his son with hope.
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