Chapter 207. The Revulsion (1)
"Grrrrr..." Caron growled.
"Uh... Leon? Are you sure about this?" Hugo asked hesitantly.
"Just keep going, Hugo. He can't fight back anyway. He knows exactly what he did wrong," Leon explained.
"Exactly, Hugo," Leo chimed in, nodding eagerly. "Do you know what he did in the conference room earlier? He actually threatened the elders!"
Thwack!
The so-called Mad Dog growled low, curling up as if to protect himself, but his cousins showed no mercy.
They were in the training grounds on Oceanwolf Island, deep within the walls of Azureocean Castle. Amid a light drizzle, Caron was getting the beating of his life in the middle of the training grounds.
"Grrrr...!" Caron growled once again.
"Leon! This bastard is growling again!" Leo exclaimed.
"Just ignore it! Everyone knows a mad dog only listens to a beating!" Leon reasoned.
"Should I grab a wooden sword?" Leo asked.
"You still haven't brought one?" Leon replied.
The beating dragged on for quite a while.
Eventually, the cousins' relentless assault stopped, and the so-called Mad Dog, who had been taking the hits without resistance, slowly lifted his head.
Then, with a mischievous grin, Caron said, "Heh... Even while getting beaten up, I managed to protect my face. That's a skill, don't you agree?"
Whack!
Leon's wooden sword came down hard on the back of Caron's head, sending him face-first into the ground with a yelp.
"Argh!"
"You're just begging for another beating, aren't you?" Leon scoffed. "Don't play dead. I know you're not knocked out."
"Hah, as sharp as ever, Leon," Caron mumbled, picking himself up and dusting off his clothes. "You guys must've been training while I was gone. Your hits packed a punch this time."
"If you ever sell us out and run off again," Leon warned, her eyes narrowing, "It won't be a wooden sword next time. I'll bring a real one. Got it?"
"Clear as a crystal, Leon," Caron replied, giving her a mock salute. He stood up as if nothing had happened, dusting himself off.
Meow...
Pluto, who had been quietly watching its master get pummeled, let out a soft cry and rubbed its head affectionately against Leon's leg.
Leon picked Pluto up and gently stroked its fur, murmuring, "Pluto shouldn't have to see stuff like this."
Caron, however, smirked as he watched the scene and muttered, "Leon, if you knew how many dark elves that little guy devoured in the Eastern Great Forest, you wouldn't be saying that."
"Like you're one to talk," Leon retorted, her tone dry.
"People do say a spirit reflects its master," Caron said with a grin.
While Caron was bantering with Leon, Leo handed him a water bottle. He said, "Caron, I didn't hit you passionately, okay? It was mostly them."
"Hey, remember the one who kicked you in the gut earlier? That was Leo," Hugo snitched immediately. "Leo was the worst one."
"Oh? Thank you for the information, Hugo," Caron said with a grin, taking a swig of water.
"Wait, wait, it was Hugo who punched you in the back with mana earlier—" Leo added, but was cut off.
"Leo," Caron's smile grew wider as he cracked his knuckles. "Do you want me to bring back some fond memories?"
"Will you all shut up already?" Leon jumped in.
As expected, it was Leon who finally restored order. With a sharp shout infused with mana, she silenced both Hugo and Leo, making them glance nervously in her direction.
Caron, meanwhile, took another sip of water and flashed his signature smirk. He looked at Leon and said, "I took the beating. Doesn't that mean you'll go a little easy on me now?"
Leon's response was immediate. She smiled sweetly... then casually flipped her middle finger at him and retorted, "Go easy on you? To the guy who ran off and left us stuck in Azureocean Castle while he wandered around outside?"
"Still," Caron said with a grin. "It looks like you've had some good results. I'm impressed, Leon."
"I ate, trained, and cultivated. It's not as if I had anything else to do," Leon replied, her tone as dry as ever.
"You still managed to internalize the experiences from the Eastern Great Forest. It must have been a beneficial time for you in many ways," Caron said.
"That's because we put in the effort. What did you contribute?" Leon asked.
"I set the stage for you, didn't I?" Caron answered with a smirk.
"...Should I just cut that tongue out?" Leon scowled.
"Gulp." Caron took another sip of water, silently observing his cousins.
It seemed everyone's personalities had gotten a lot bolder since the last time they'd seen each other.
Hugo's 7-Star mana was now fully stabilized thanks to the World Tree's Dew. He could now truly be called a full-fledged 7-Star knight. Leon was also on the verge of reaching 7-Star.
This is impressive, Caron thought.
It was an achievement beyond his expectations, a moment that reminded him once again how extraordinary the blood running through the Ducal Family of Leston was.
"At this rate, we'll be ready to make a move," Caron murmured to himself.
Sensing something ominous, Hugo narrowed his eyes and asked, "What are you plotting already?"
"Nothing much, Hugo," Caron replied casually. "I was just thinking about starting a little... private alliance here in Azureocean Castle."
"A private alliance?" Hugo asked.
"Don't you think we need to unite our strength to have a stronger voice? I'll even put you at the front, Hugo. Call it special treatment," Caron explained with a smile.
"Why me?" Hugo asked.
"You're the eldest. It's only right that you lead us, isn't it?" Caron replied.
After his earlier conversation with his uncles, Caron had secured complete autonomy. He had agreed not to pursue the position of successor, and in return, they had promised not to interfere with whatever he chose to do.
But Caron had never said he would do nothing.
I'll make sure they can't ignore me, he thought.
If he stirred things up just enough, his uncles would have to stay sharp and strengthen their own positions. After all, a little healthy competition was the best motivator.
"As for the name of the alliance..." Caron trailed off, then smirked. "How about... 'The Unfilial Brats'? Has a nice ring to it, don't you think, Leo?"
"Can't you leave me out of this?" Leo groaned, already looking tired of the conversation.
"We're in this together, remember? It's a shared destiny," Caron said.
"Caron," Leon interjected, her voice unusually serious. "I'm asking this sincerely... Why the hell are you doing these mad things?"
Caron answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "So our generation can band together and ensure the prosperity of the Ducal Family of Leston, of course."
"...And you're sure you're not interested in the successor's seat?" Leon asked.
At that, Caron grimaced as if the mere thought was repulsive and waved his hand, saying, "Ugh, no thanks. That kind of tedious position is better suited for someone like Hugo."
"Don't talk nonsense," Hugo scoffed, running his fingers through his rain-soaked hair before shooting Caron a glare. "I've got no interest in that position anymore."
"Why not, Hugo?" Caron asked, feigning innocence.
"Because I have zero confidence in being able to control you," Hugo answered, narrowing his eyes. "As long as you're around, the successor's seat is nothing but a poisoned chalice."
"Wow, you make me sound like some kind of venomous snake," Caron said.
"Forget me. Give that seat to Leo," Hugo said with a sigh. "He's the youngest after you, so it makes sense for the youngest to bear that burden."
"Come on, Hugo. Why are you giving me such a hard time?" Leo asked.
"You abandoned Leon and me, and ran off on your own outside Azureocean Castle," Hugo replied, his expression deadpan.
"That was... because of Grandfather's orders..." Leo mumbled.
"Orders, excuses—same thing," Hugo said.
It seemed he had been through quite a lot emotionally.
Caron smirked as he listened to their banter.
The four of them continued exchanging lighthearted jokes as they made their way to the resting area next to the training grounds.
Pitter-patter.
The sound of raindrops falling echoed softly in the background.
Caron wiped himself with a towel, then glanced toward Leon.
"Leon, I'm guessing there haven't been any more talks about marriage since then, right?" Caron asked casually.
Leon let out a heavy sigh and nodded, then replied, "No, but... I also haven't been talking much with Father lately."
"Time will smooth things over. It's normal for a parent to be shaken when their child rebels for the first time," Caron said, his tone surprisingly sympathetic.
"I hope you have a kid just like you one day," Leon muttered.
"Come on, Leon. Cursing me like that is just cruel," Caron said.
"So, you do know it's a curse," Leon replied, then grabbed the nearest water jug off the table and chugged it down.
"Anyway," she continued after wiping her mouth. "There's been a problem while you were gone."
"A problem? Tell me, Leon. What happened?" Caron asked, leaning in.
"...It seems the royal family was more serious about the marriage proposal than I thought. When we tried to call it off, they immediately sent someone," Leon explained.
"Wait, wasn't your intended... Revelio?" Caron asked, his brow furrowing.
"Yes," Leon answered.
The current emperor was a man with a sharp political mind. He had likely intended to use the Ducal Family of Leston to keep the capital's nobility in check.
But Caron wondered what breaking off the engagement had to do with sending someone personally.
As Caron tilted his head in confusion, Leon let out another exasperated sigh and said, "Speak of the devil... He's here. I guess he heard you were back."
"Who's here—" Just as Caron asked, a figure holding an umbrella appeared in the distance.
It was a tall, lean man with black hair and golden eyes. Caron knew him all too well.
"...So that's what you meant when you said they sent someone? When did he arrive?" Caron asked, a hint of annoyance creeping into his voice.
"About a week ago. It's been hell ever since," Leon answered.
"Ahh... That explains it," Caron said with a chuckle. "No wonder your kicks were extra vicious earlier. I'd be pissed off too."
Moments later, the approaching man raised his hand and shouted with a wide grin, "Little brother! It's been ages! I heard you stirred up quite a storm in the Eastern Great Forest!"
He sounded far too carefree for a prince.
Caron shook his head as he listened to that familiar tone, utterly devoid of dignity, then said, "Great. It's an unwanted guest. Why is it that every time I see him, I just feel so—"
"That's called self-loathing, Caron," Leon quipped with a smirk.
"Ugh," Caron replied.
It was the Sixth Prince of the Orias Empire, the one person even Caron acknowledged as a complete lunatic.
Revelio was waving cheerfully at Caron, his energy as overwhelming as ever.
"So much for a peaceful break," Caron muttered under his breath.
It seemed rest was out of the question for the foreseeable future.
***
In Caron's room, located in the main building of Azureocean Castle...
"So, this is your room? Feels a bit... dull," Revelio said, lounging on the leather sofa while taking a sip of tea.
Inside the room sat Caron, Leo, and Revelio—just the three of them, engaged in conversation.
Caron took a sip of his tea, laced with plenty of brandy, and spoke in a languid tone. "What brings you to Azureocean Castle, dear brother?"
Revelio shrugged and replied casually, "My old man told me to go and win over the Ducal Family of Leston. He said I should at least earn my keep. He's been running around like crazy lately—probably because he doesn't have much time left."
Only Revelio would dare to describe the Emperor of the Orias Empire in such blunt, irreverent terms.
Leo turned deathly pale as he listened, but Caron merely nodded in understanding.
"I wonder if our old man will be like that when he's older?" Caron remarked with a smirk.
"Hmm, probably not. The Duke's still as strong as ever. My old man's just a weakling," Revelio said, waving his hand dismissively.
"Is that so? Care to place a bet on it?" Caron asked.
"Sure. I'll put the throne on the line," Revelio said.
"Revelio, you're supposed to bet something that's actually yours," Caron said.
"Ah, such a shame. Since I'm here at Azureocean Castle, how about you just take me hostage and start a rebellion?" Revelio suggested.
"Go say that to the elders. They'd probably have a heart attack. But... We are kind of specialists when it comes to that sort of thing. You've come to the right place," Caron replied.
The conversation sounded like a joke on the surface, but the underlying tension was anything but lighthearted.
Listening to the back-and-forth, Leo squeezed his eyes shut. He thought, These lunatics...
If it were anyone else, such talk would be brushed off. But with these two, things had a way of spiraling out of control.
While Leo fidgeted anxiously, Revelio, having drained his teacup, glanced at Caron with a grin. He asked, "Aren't you curious about Reben?"
"I'm sure you've handled everything perfectly. The people are doing well, right?" Caron asked.
"Of course. There's no reason they wouldn't be. The Cobler Manpower Agency has been doing an impressive job. The refugee problem is practically gone," Revelio answered.
Caron's mind immediately conjured an image of Cobler's ugly face. He asked, "That guy isn't lining his own pockets, is he?"
"On the contrary. He's actually been pouring in his own funds. The operation's ridiculously transparent, and thanks to that, the refugees are settling in well. As for security... the Oceanwolf Knight Order's stationed there, so everything's under control," Revelio explained.
He downplayed it, but the truth was, much of the credit belonged to him. In a city thrown into chaos after its lord was executed for treason, it had been Revelio's efforts that stabilized the situation.
Mad as he was, there was no denying his competence.
As Caron stirred a bit more brandy into his tea, he asked, "Enough small talk. Let's get to the point."
His azure eyes gleamed with sharp focus as he said, "There's no way you came to Azureocean Castle without a reason. Are you actually interested in Leon?"
"Leon Leston? She's far too good for me. Even a madman like me knows his limits," Revelio answered as he set down his cup and exhaled softly. "To be honest, the marriage talk was just an excuse. I came because I heard you'd be returning soon."
Revelio was a lunatic, but at the same time, he was just as smart. There was no way someone like him would have come in person just because of a marriage proposal.
Caron leaned back comfortably in his chair and gave a slight nod, then asked, "Then what's the real reason?"
"I have something to talk about with you," Revelio answered.
"You could've just used a communication orb for that," Caron countered.
"This isn't something that can risk leaking out," Revelio said.
The fact that it required such extreme confidentiality... Caron's gut told him this wasn't going to be good. Without hesitation, he summoned Pluto and gave a small flick of his fingers.
Swoosh.
Darkness silently spread across the room, ensuring that not a single word of their conversation would escape.
"If it's something that requires you to visit in person, it's worth sealing the room. Right?" Caron said.
"As expected of my little brother. Always sharp," Revelio said with a grin.
"Alright, let's hear it," Caron said.
Revelio took a brief moment of silence, his usual playful demeanor vanishing. Then, in a calm, grave voice, he said, "My old man collapsed."
"Everyone in the empire knows the Emperor's health has been failing—" Caron began.
"This time it's different," Revelio interrupted. His golden eyes glinted coldly as he continued, "At best, he has one month."
"...Is it perhaps—" Caron began.
"Damned old man, isn't he?" Revelio muttered with a wry smile.
The news he had brought was a bombshell.
And not just any bombshell, it was one powerful enough to shake the entire empire to its core.
Caron's expression twisted in response to the weight of that revelation.