Act 52

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After wiping off the sweat from training, I turned to Herand.

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other in the imperial palace, Brother Herand. Do you have any business here?”

“I, I was just on my way back from the secretary’s office, on the orders of Lord Orren.”

Orren.

At the mention of that name, I looked intently at Herand.

The former head of the Crypart family and the chairman of the Council of Nobles.

He disliked Julian to the extent that ‘loathe’ would be an appropriate word.

It’s understandable.

Orren, a pureblood advocate, despite being a collateral relative, detested that Julian, who had become a dog of the imperial household by joining ‘The Closed Eyes,’ had a reputation higher than that of the four major families.

If infamy counts as a form of fame, that is.

‘Orren going to the secretary’s office… What could it be about?’

I couldn’t help but become curious.

“Do, don’t worry. It wasn’t anything related to you.”

Perhaps sensing my thoughts, Herand waved his hands and spoke, his face dripping with cold sweat but not showing signs of lying.

“But, Julian.”

“Yes, brother.”

“It’s about… Milena’s belongings.”

Milena’s belongings?

Ah, he must be talking about the ‘Soulstone Necklace’ I had obtained and entrusted to Herand.

“Is it really alright for me to have it? It’s a special item to you, isn’t it?”

Herand, stroking his beard, spoke with an awkward expression.

It seemed like he wanted to return it immediately, fearing I might harm him using that as a pretext.

But I couldn’t take it back.

If the Dawn Society found out that I had secretly acquired the ‘Soulstone,’ they wouldn’t leave me be, especially since I don’t have a secure place to store it.

“Please keep it a little longer. Once the work I’m doing is settled, I will come to retrieve it myself.”

“Is… is that so?”

At my words about settling the work, Herand shivered.

It’s hard to grasp what he’s thinking.

“Then, I’ll be going first, brother. I heard there’s a family meeting, please send my regards to the head.”

Deciding there was nothing more to discuss, I turned to leave.

Testing the ‘spear’ at the training ground made me realize that this body is not only talented with the ‘sword’ but also with other weapons.

This spurred an eagerness to try out other weapons.

“Ho, how about coming to the family meeting with me, Julian?”

Caught off guard by Herand’s sudden suggestion, I turned back to look at him.

Our eyes met, and a shade of ‘fear’ flickered above his head.

“Yo, you’re a member of the Crypart family, aren’t you?”

“I am a collateral relative, brother. The ‘Forsaken’ label was what you guys attached, wasn’t it?”

I thought the Julian I knew would have smoothly laughed it off.

But the emotion boiling inside me… What is it? Anger?

“Ye, yes, I know you detest the Crypart family immensely.”

That emotion naturally flowed out of my body.

Julian’s bitter anger, though it was difficult for Herand to receive, he continued speaking.

“The environment, the treatment… it must have been the worst for you. Even Milena’s funeral was poorly conducted, and they even forbade young you from attending because they didn’t want to hear you cry.”

Though I had no memory of it, the mention of ‘Milena’ once again caused a dull ache in some corner of my heart.

But it wasn’t enough to significantly disrupt the conversation. The simmering anger just slightly subsided.

“I’m not saying to forget about the past. Just…”

“Brother, I appreciate your words, but I have no intention of attending the family meeting.”

I cut off his following words and firmly stated my stance.

“Is that so…”

“Yes.”

I nodded calmly to him, his voice trailing off.

Truthfully, I understand rationally that there’s nothing good about making an enemy of a family like ‘Crypart.’

However, Julian, or rather his instincts, unlike the rational ‘me,’ could not accept reconciliation with the already estranged ‘Crypart’ family.

‘It’s not just that.’

My reluctance to step into unnecessary matters was greater.

Surely, the high-and-mighty direct descendants of the Crypart family would expect my unconditional obedience.

“If you say so, then I won’t speak further.”

Herand touched his beard once, his expression revealing his troubled heart.

This fearful ‘third son of the Crypart family,’ unlike the spiteful other family members, seems quite kind-hearted.

That’s probably why, despite being from the Crypart family, I didn’t feel a particular aversion to him.

“Regarding Milena… I truly am sorry. I know this apology might not mean much to you, but I still wanted to say it…”

“It’s okay. It’s an old memory.”

Not that I’ve actually experienced it, but…

“But, are you sure it’s okay? Joshua will also be attending this family meeting. The youngest who recently got a beating from you.”

Ah, so that was why he wanted me to attend the family meeting.

Joshua Crypart.

In the storyline of the game, this character, deeply loved and supported by the current head and the Council’s chairman Orren, was set to succeed and eventually be talked about as the ‘next head’ due to his success both within and outside the family.

“As Joshua will be attending the family meeting for the first time, it’s natural for the elder and many vassals to focus their attention on him. Surely, because of the previous incident, they might ask you for a punishment…”

“Don’t worry about that, brother.”

I smiled at his concern.

I’m not sure how that smile looked, but seeing Herand sweating coldly, it must not have been very reassuring.

“Joshua and I had the opportunity to strengthen our bond recently.”

***

“Damn! That guy…”

Joshua, who had stopped by the meeting hall for the family meeting, cursed with a deeply furrowed face.

Fidgeting with the tie of his formal attire, showing his discomfort, he then shifted his gaze to the clock on the wall.

‘The meeting is about to start.’ 

It was his first time attending the family meeting, but he would not have been this nervous if he had been his usual self. With a confidence as high as his proud nose, the emotion of ‘nervousness’ was an alien concept to Joshua. 

‘Let’s start the negotiation, Joshua. This matter is far too significant to be dismissed or forgotten.’ 

However, things were different now. On the day Julian’s mansion was attacked. Because of the ‘negotiation’ they had, Joshua bit his lip hard. 

‘First, the identity of Alphas Mayfield will be transferred to the Closed Eyes. And the damages caused by this incident should be fully covered by Joshua.’ 

Up to this point, the content of their ‘negotiation’ was acceptable. But what followed was enough to perplex Joshua. 

‘In the upcoming family meeting, I would like you to support me as the head of the family.’ 

Due to Julian’s actions, the noble elders and the ‘Crypart’ family had been grinding their teeth at him. Moreover, hadn’t there been a ‘warning’ through the secretary’s office recently? 

The ‘Crypart’ family, whose pride was hurt by an unprecedented event, was searching for a reason to send him back to the northern front. The incident at the banquet hall was perfectly suited for this purpose. After all, a ‘sideline’ had tarnished the honor of a ‘direct line’ member in an official setting. 

‘Was it a mistake to step in… Swayed by foolish emotions…!’ 

The humiliating incident at the banquet hall, and the impulsive decision to raid his mansion at night, turned out to be a self-defeating move for Joshua. It was an opportunity he had kicked away himself to exile Julian. 

“Lord Joshua, Lord Herand has arrived at the meeting hall. The meeting will start soon, please come inside.” Lost in thought, Joshua was startled by the servant’s voice and looked up. 

Then, he nodded and began to move his feet. As he approached the venue of the meeting, Joshua’s steps grew heavier. 

‘Damn it.’ 

However, shaking off his feelings, Joshua opened the door and entered. The eyes of the retainers were fixed on him. 

“You’ve arrived, Joshua.” Among them, the emotionless gaze of the current head of the Crypart family, and Joshua’s father, ‘Oben Crypart’, turned to him. Joshua gave a light bow and sat in his seat. 

Looking around, Joshua saw familiar faces of the retainers. The first thing he noticed was Herand, who was sweating profusely, followed by the relatively calm expression of the butler, Lahart. 

“Let’s start the meeting.” With the words of the head, Oben, the family meeting began. The first topic discussed was the actions of ‘Sword Saint’ Hayden Reich. 

“Everyone knows that the Sword Saint has deep connections with the Second Prince. If the Sword Saint supports the Second Prince, the succession to the throne will lean towards him.” 

“However, we cannot overlook the Third Prince, Kaldrek, who has shown valor on the northern front. Most of the military supports him…” 

“The Fourth Princess, supported by the Magic Tower, cannot be ignored either.” 

“However, everyone knows that her influence cannot compare to that of the Sword Saint. The only person who can match his honor and fame is…” The speaker trailed off, as only one person came to mind, whose notoriety was even greater. 

“But it is presumed that Julian has no great interest in the throne succession.” 

“It’s better that way. If Julian shows interest, it could further complicate the current situation.”

“What do you think, Joshua?” In the midst of the discussion, Oben’s sudden interjection quieted the meeting room, and all eyes turned to Joshua. “Since it’s your first time participating in a family meeting, I understand you might be nervous. So, please, calmly state your opinion.”

“Yes, I understand.” Joshua politely responded to Oben’s words and slowly stood up. He could openly express his antipathy towards Julian here, but that would be problematic.

‘Don’t be foolish. If this situation is reported to the Closed Eyes and the secretariat, an investigation will begin.’ 

The leverage in the negotiation was on Julian’s side.

 ‘Then…’

“Good day, I am Joshua Crypart.” The sight of Joshua greeting the retainers around him brought pleased expressions to most of their faces.

“How about officially recognizing brother Julian as a member of our family now?” Those expressions were fleeting. Shocked by Joshua’s words, the initial surprise soon gave way to anger from most of them.

“What…?” 

“Are you actually saying that now?” 

“If we recognize that villain, the name of Crypart itself will be tarnished!”

Joshua decided to take a strong stance. Because of his promise with Julian, he couldn’t directly say that Julian should be sent to the northern front. Thus, Joshua decided to antagonize him in a different way. Let them react. React even more.

“However, isn’t brother Julian’s reputation on par with that ‘Sword Saint’? Therefore, I believe…”

Joshua watched the retainers’ voices rise, twisting his lips. 

“That brother Julian is the right person to be the next head of the family.” 

‘I will support you as you wished. Argue strongly to the point where you have no choice but to feel antagonized.’

“The next head…!?” 

“Are you really saying that now!?” 

“No matter how young, that statement is hard to accept, Joshua!”

As Joshua expected, the retainers’ backlash was intense. Because of this, some members stood up from their seats and raised their voices. 

“Indeed, Joshua is still young, easily influenced by rumors at such an age.” 

“It’s absurd that the source of these rumors still remains within our capital.”

“I agree. Sending him to the northern front right away is in the best interest of both our family and the royal court…” 

‘Yes, that’s exactly it.’ 

Joshua smirked inwardly at the sight of people fuming in anger. 

‘What happened today can be glossed over after we’ve sent him away.’ 

It was thought to be a card to be used and discarded. It wasn’t meant sincerely. ‘Then, there wouldn’t be anyone to seriously challenge it.’

As the discussion gradually shifted back to the idea of sending Julian to the northern front again, “But… I think Joshua’s words have merit,” Herand interjected. 

Startled, Joshua slowly turned his head to look at Herand. 

“Brother Herand?”

‘Wasn’t Herand also afraid and disliked Julian? What are you saying, brother?’

“Even though Joshua used to dislike Julian so much, it seems his assessment has changed. Recently… his actions seem different from before, almost as if they’re showing his humanity. Isn’t that proof?”

No. Absolutely not, Brother Herand! Joshua wanted to object to Herand’s sudden statement, but he couldn’t. Knowing that if he changed his stance now, after having defended Julian just moments ago, he would be seen as someone without principles,

“Indeed, considering the current political climate of the royal court, Julian’s influence cannot be ignored.” 

“Correct, although it’s infamous, it’s still a form of renown.” 

As if waiting for this moment, starting with Herand, those retainers who had less animosity towards Julian, especially those who had risen to their positions purely based on their talents, began to raise their voices.

‘Have I become the starting point for this…?’ Joshua glanced at Herand and thought, ‘Damn it…!’

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