Chapter 181: A Long-Awaited Revenge on My Former Father
With Jalana Meitis, the barrier-wielding magician, and Lucas Evern, who had been brought along as a mere assistant, Rest and the others set off once more toward the center of the Subnock Plain.
“Is Prince Andrew joining us as well?”
“Yes, today is special after all.”
In addition, several knights accompanied Andrew, who was leading the group. At the forefront of the guards was Yusugos Beturas, Andrew’s aide and the secretary of the Student Council. Clad in armor, Yusugos was flanked by several knights dressed in similar gear.
“It’s not every day you get to witness the casting of a large-scale barrier. I simply had to see it… I hope I’m not being a bother?”
“Not at all.”
Andrew was the overall supervisor of the development project. Moreover, the center of the plain was set to become part of Andrew’s territory. There was no reason to refuse his request to accompany them to a place that would soon be his domain. Andrew rode in an open carriage, with Meitis seated beside him. Normally, one couldn’t bring horses into the Demon Realm, which was a den of monsters, but given that most of the extermination had already been completed, there was little to worry about.
“Hah… Hah… Hah… Why am I, a magician, stuck doing this…?”
Amidst this, one individual was already utterly exhausted at the thought of entering the Demon Realm. It was Lucas Evern, burdened with a heavy load as the assistant.
“Rest, is it really okay to leave him like that?”
Yuri, a member of the party, asked curiously.
“He seems quite worn out. If it’s just carrying the bags, I could help…”
“No, it’s fine. Yuri, focus on keeping an eye on our surroundings.”
Rest shrugged off Yuri’s concern, who was unaware of the circumstances.
“With Prince Andrew and Master Meitis along today, we can’t afford any mishaps. So please, be extra vigilant.”
“Understood. If Rest says so, then I’ll do just that.”
Yuri nodded obediently, her determination evident as she scanned the area, exclaiming, “Mmm!”
“Ah… So that’s the one from the rumors…”
Isis, another member of the party, also turned her gaze toward Lucas. However, her expression was one of disdain. Whatever rumors she had heard, her face reflected complete contempt for Lucas.
“Hmph…”
Lübesse seemed to sense something as well. He cast a sardonic smirk at Lucas, while Argil and Rail chose to ignore the burden-bearer, reading the atmosphere around them.
“Hah… Hah…”
“I see… It seems I have a surprisingly nasty side.”
Despite the larger group traversing the plain, Rest discovered a new facet of himself as he observed his father at the rear, panting heavily.
(I couldn’t care less about that man; I thought it would be fine as long as I never had to deal with him again… But why is that?)
Seeing him dragging his body through the sweat and toil… it brought a sense of relief to Rest’s chest.
(Could it be… that I secretly despised him all along, without realizing it? Did I wish for revenge in some corner of my heart?)
“How does it feel? Quite amusing, isn’t it?”
As if reading Rest’s inner thoughts, Meitis called out from the carriage seat beside Andrew.
“Even if I don’t desire revenge, it’s still quite enjoyable to see a loathsome person getting their just desserts. Don’t pretend to be enlightened, acting all high and mighty with, ‘I no longer harbor any resentment.'”
“Master…”
“Throwing everything away and dragging innocent people into your revenge is a backward approach, and you shouldn’t do it. However… seeking a little payback like this is, in fact, a positive step, I believe.”
Meitis turned to look at Lucas, a triumphant smile gracing his face.
“That man has lost his place in the court due to his mistreatment of you. Who would want to associate with a sinking ship like him, the next heir of the Rosemary Marquis House, and a favored Count of His Majesty the King? He’s been burdened with all the dirty work and is looked down upon by everyone around him.”
“……”
Lucas was in a situation he never could have imagined. While Rest had suspected he would be disheartened after losing his heir, it seemed his circumstances were even worse than that.
“To maintain the Honorary Viscount House, he seems to be looking to adopt a child with magical talent to become a court magician… but at this rate, that’s unlikely. It’s already common knowledge that he’s a terrible father. Who would give away a precious child with magical talent?”
“I… I see…”
“You should just laugh at his misfortune. Or perhaps report it to your mother when you visit her grave.”
Meitis cackled like a witch, but suddenly turned serious, gazing off into the distance.
“Is something the matter, Master?”
“No… it seems there was a rather rude person around. Honestly, that clingy little girl was quite bothersome.”
“……?”
Rest tilted his head in confusion, but Meitis offered no further explanation.
“Hah… Hah…”
Once more, he glanced back at his sweat-drenched father, stroking his chin thoughtfully.
(That’s one way to look at it… When I return to the Royal Capital, I might just report this to my mother.)
Perhaps, even in her grave, she would find it amusing. With that thought, Rest let out a small chuckle.
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Title: I Became a King by Fighting as My Little Sister Told Me To. What Should I Do About the Princess I Forced to Be My Wife Who Is Giving Me the Death Glare?
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