Chapter 58. I'll See You Again
The next morning...
Servants bustled around at the mansion of Caron's grandfather Gyle, located just outside the Imperial Palace. They had been preparing breakfast from the earliest hours. The reason for this sudden flurry was simple.
"I didn't expect my brother- in-law to visit so suddenly. I'm afraid the meal is a bit too modest," Gyle said.
"This is more than enough. I'm sorry I haven't been able to visit more often," Halo replied.
"I should be the one apologizing. I haven't been able to make it to Azureocean Castle as much as I'd like," Gyle responded.
The reason for this commotion was because of the arrival of Duke Halo himself. He hadn't come alone, either. Along with him were all the members of the Leston family currently in the capital. Caron, Leo, and Hugo had accompanied him on this visit.
"I'll be traveling to the capital more frequently from now on, so we'll have more opportunities to meet," Halo said respectfully, addressing Gyle.
Gyle nodded with a warm smile and replied, "That means I'll be able to see my son-in-law more often."
"When Fayle comes to the capital, I'll make sure to send my daughter-in-law with him," Halo said.
"Haha, my brother-in-law, do you even know how much my daughter nags me? My ears are already ringing just thinking about it!" Gyle joked to lighten the mood.
The conversation between the elders flowed smoothly, and the atmosphere during the meal was serene.
Caron quietly listened to the conversation between Halo and Gyle as he took a spoonful of his soup. He didn't particularly want to join in the adults' conversation.
Gyle glanced at Caron and smiled warmly. When he first heard the news of the succubus's attack, it had felt as if the world had collapsed around him. But it was different when he'd received word that Caron had not only survived, but had successfully defeated the succubus. Plus, that wasn't it; on the very next day, he'd even bested Sir Luke of the Imperial Guards in a duel.
My heart swelled with pride, Gyle thought.
It was beyond surprising; no, it was utterly shocking. This was the grandson Gyle hadn't even seen since Caron had entered Azureocean Castle. And yet, as soon as Caron left the castle, he had begun accomplishing extraordinary feats one after another. There was no way Gyle wouldn't feel proud.
"Caron," Gyle called.
"Yes, Grandfather?" Caron answered.
"Eat plenty. And have more if you're still hungry," Gyle offered.
"Okay!" Caron responded.
Gyle affectionately patted Caron's head. He didn't understand the life of a knight well, but there was one thing he was certain of: It was that Caron's talent was beyond words. Even Halo, renowned as the strongest on the continent, hadn't achieved such feats at Caron's age.
As Gyle lovingly patted Caron's hair, Halo's deep voice cut through the room. "When we go back to Azureocean Castle, Caron will be placed under probation for the next four years."
"Probation?" Gyle asked.
"Yes," Halo confirmed.
"...Hmm."
Though it could be taken as a punishment, Gyle quickly understood Halo's intention. He knew his stern brother-in-law was trying to protect Caron. Being secluded in Azureocean Castle essentially meant that Caron would be safeguarded there.
I guess he plans to nurture Caron's abilities, Gyle thought.
It was good news. If Caron had caught Halo's eye, no one inside Azureocean Castle would dare to harm him.
The succession within the Leston family was still unclear. While the eldest son, Dales Leston, had shown promise, he hadn't been officially declared as the heir. With Caron now in the picture, it could cause significant changes in the succession plans.
I'll need to discuss this with my son-in-law, Gyle thought.
As Caron's grandfather, Gyle was determined to do everything he could for him.
As Gyle nodded to himself, he smiled and said to Halo, "Given all the trouble he's caused, I think this is a wise decision, my brother-in-law."
"If you ever wish to visit, you're always welcome at Azureocean Castle to see Caron. You should spend your winter holiday there," Halo offered.
"The winters at Azureocean Castle are truly beautiful. Since you've extended the invitation, I must make sure to spend this winter there. Haha," Gyle chuckled.
As the conversation continued, the meal gradually came to an end. Gyle affectionately ruffled Caron's hair once more and said, "How sad. I wish you could stay in the capital a little longer."
"I agree, Grandfather. Why don't you just come with us to Azureocean Castle tonight?" Caron suggested.
"Unfortunately, I have official duties to tend to, so I can't. But let's look forward to this winter," Gyle replied, pleased with his grandson's affection.
"And what do you plan to do before you leave tonight?" Gyle asked.
"Oh! I have a suit I ordered last time, so I need to visit the boutique district. I said I'd pick it up myself, but... well, you know how things went," Caron explained.
"Couldn't you send someone to fetch it for you?" Gyle asked.
"I believe in handling my own affairs. I'll be quick!" Caron replied with determination.
"That's a commendable attitude. I'll make sure to leave work early so I can see you off," Gyle said with a warm smile.
At that moment, Halo set down his teacup and said, "Now that the meal is almost over, you should go. Hugo, look after them."
"Yes, Grandfather," Hugo replied obediently.
With that, Halo's grandsons left the reception room, leaving only Halo and Gyle behind.
Creak.
Once Halo confirmed that the door was closed, he slowly got to the heart of the matter.
"There's something I need to discuss that's not suitable for the children to hear, so I had them leave," he began.
"Yes, my brother-in-law," Gyle replied.
"This is also related to Caron," Halo added, which caused Gyle's eyes to light up with interest. But instead of asking immediately, Gyle waited patiently for Halo to continue.
"As you know, Caron will now attract a lot of attention. This trip to the capital has made him the focus of far more eyes than we'd like. That will be the case within Azureocean Castle as well. I hate to admit it, but my sons are quite ambitious," Halo said gravely.
"The most important thing is your intention, isn't it?" Gyle asked.
"It's just the greed of an old man. I want my sons to push themselves higher through competition," Halo replied as he took a sip from his teacup. Then, he lowered his voice and continued, "My greatest mistake was sending Fayle away from Azureocean Castle. I used the family traditions as an excuse to send him off. It's a decision I deeply regret now. Which is why I intend to make the right choice this time."
"By the right choice, do you mean...?" Gyle began.
"The Leston Duchy will no longer sit on the sidelines of the empire's politics. We intend to directly influence the central government," Halo said with a calm expression as he locked eyes with Gyle. He continued confidently, "And I plan to entrust that responsibility entirely to Fayle. He's the most suitable for the role. Since he's already been building strong ties with the political circles, he will excel at this."
"Does this mean what I think it means?" Gyle asked carefully.
Until now, Fayle had never been put in a position to represent the family directly. His duties had been focused on managing the family's business and nurturing political relationships. But what Halo meant was that he intended to place him at the forefront of the Leston family's influence.
"I would ask that you help my son as much as possible," Halo said earnestly.
"This goes against my principles," Gyle replied, his voice firm.
"That's why I'm asking for this favor. Shouldn't Fayle have the strength to protect his son?" Halo added.
In the end, it was all for Caron.
Gyle reflected on his life. His belief in adhering to principles had carried him through his life, and with that belief, he had reached the point he was at now. Halo's request was, essentially, to break that long-held principle.
And yet, Gyle found that his decision came easily.
"There's no need to ask any further, brother-in-law," Gyle said with finality.
The choice between his lifelong principles and his grandson's future wasn't difficult at all.
"I will do everything I can for Caron," Gyle declared, his resolve clear.
Caron was his only grandson. Any old, stubborn beliefs he had clung to for his entire life couldn't compare to the love he had for Caron.
"Just tell me where to begin. I'm ready," Gyle said with his voice unwavering.
The Demon of the Imperial Tax Office had made his decision to support his grandson with all his strength.
This was the easiest decision of his life.
***
In the bustling boutique district, the tailor shop Asel stood quiet. Caron and his group pushed open the door and stepped inside.
"Luhon, I'm here," Caron called out.
The shop was deserted, devoid of any other customers. Moments later, an elderly man emerged from the back, greeting them with a warm smile.
"Ah, you've arrived, Young Master Caron," Luhon said, beaming as he welcomed them in. He added with twinkling eyes, "I was expecting you. I had a feeling you'd come today."
"Oh? How did you know? I came by because I'm heading back to Azureocean Castle earlier than planned, and I wanted to ask if you could send the suit there," Caron explained.
"One of my earlier guests already mentioned it to me," Luhon replied smoothly.
"An earlier guest?" Caron repeated.
Just then, a young woman wrapped in bandages emerged from the tailor room. It was Amy.
Caron glanced at her outfit and let out a chuckle, asking, "Are you feeling okay?"
"People usually don't ask that after seeing someone covered like this, Young Master Caron," Amy shot back, her voice laced with sarcasm.
"Consider it a badge of honor," Caron teased.
"Getting beaten up like a dog doesn't feel very honorable, does it?" Amy replied dryly.
"If you think of it as an honor, it becomes one. Haven't you ever heard of having a positive mindset?" Caron quipped with a grin.
Amy let out a small laugh at his playful remark and replied, "I guess that's true."
"I felt bad about not saying goodbye before leaving, so I'm glad we ran into each other. You didn't get hurt too seriously, did you? I tried to go easy on you," Caron added.
"Hey, Caron," Leo interjected.
"What, Leo?" Caron responded.
"Didn't you beat her up to the point she fainted? How exactly is that going easy?" Leo asked.
Caron shot him a look, then said, "Pardon? You also want a sparring session with me like the one I had with Amy?"
Leo immediately clamped his hands over his mouth in mock horror.
Having easily silenced Leo, Caron turned his attention back to Amy. He said, "So, when are you going to pay me back for all that meat you ate? You devoured quite a bit back then."
"Oh right, I was going to mention that. My salary went up a lot recently. I'll pay you back next month," Amy replied confidently.
"Oh? Does that mean you're getting knighted soon?" Caron asked, clearly pleased by the news.
"Yes, I am. The ceremony is set for next Friday. And, starting then, Sir Luke will be personally mentoring me," Amy answered.
It seemed things were starting to change. Caron narrowed his eyes slightly as he asked, "So, are you joining their faction now?"
"Of course not! Actually, I heard from Sir Luke... that Duke Halo decided to sponsor me. And, there's something I've been wanting to say to you," Amy said, suddenly bowing to Caron with deep gratitude. She said in a bright, sincere tone, "Thank you, Young Master Caron. I owe all of this to you. I'll never forget what you've done for me."
Caron scratched his cheek awkwardly, avoiding Amy's gaze, and replied, "Don't get all sentimental. Just pay me back on time. Oh, and if any punks like Count Kian give you trouble, feel free to handle it yourself."
"Really?" Amy asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
"Yeah, my grandfather has your back now, so make the most of it. Power's best used by those who know how to wield it. But don't go overboard, okay?" Caron added, though deep down, Caron knew Amy wasn't the type to misuse power.
Amy was a born warrior; she was the kind of person who was obsessed with the sword for its own sake, not showing off or flexing her strength needlessly. Even after getting beaten to the point of unconsciousness, she'd kept swinging her sword until the very last moment. It was that unyielding determination that Caron admired in her.
"When you reach 6-Star, drop by Azureocean Castle," Caron offered.
"Alright, I will," Amy replied with a nod.
"Are you not going to ask why?" Caron asked.
"You must have your reasons, Young Master Caron. Don't you?" Amy replied innocently.
Caron wasn't sure if Amy was just innocent or was being stupid. He smiled with a shrug and said, "I appreciate the trust."
Once she learned Moonlight , Caron planned to help her improve it. He also intended to subtly pass on the Moonlight technique used by his previous self, Cain Latorre. Of course, that would come after she reached 6-Star and learned the basics, but Caron didn't think it would take her long. After becoming a full-fledged knight, Amy would take on missions, gain real combat experience, and grow stronger quickly.
Having wrapped up their brief conversation, Caron turned back to Luhon and asked, "You can send the suit to Azureocean Castle, right?"
"Of course," Luhon confirmed.
"I'll also go ahead and pay for a suit for my Coming of Age ceremony," Caron said. This reunion with a past connection from his previous life was an unexpected but a welcome encounter.
Luhon smiled brightly and nodded at Caron's words. He promised, "I'll make sure to do my best."
"We'll take the measurements again closer to the time," Caron added.
"I'll always be here, waiting. Oh, Young Master Caron, I have a gift for you. Please wait a moment," Luhon said before disappearing into the tailor room.
A moment later, he returned with a small, weathered wooden box, clearly marked by the passage of time.
"Please, open it," Luhon said.
When Caron opened the box, a black sword-shaped brooch lay nestled inside. He immediately recognized it. It was a brooch he had worn in his previous life. There was no way he would ever forget it, because it was the only brooch his former self, Cain, had ever worn.
"This brooch was a favorite of Sir Cain. He broke it during a battle while wearing his suit. I repaired it for him, but I never got the chance to return it," Luhon explained.
"You've kept this all this time?" Caron asked, touched by the gesture.
"Sir Cain was a special person to me," Luhon answered.
Caron hadn't expected to encounter such a relic from his previous life here. The brooch was plain, without any extravagance, and that simplicity was what had drawn him to it back then. Seeing something from his previous life stirred emotions he couldn't quite explain. It could be nostalgia, regret, or perhaps both.
As Caron looked up at Luhon, he asked, "Are you sure you want to give this to me? I think Amy might want it too."
"Seeing you reminds me so much of Sir Cain. This brooch belongs to you now. Sir Cain would have wanted it that way," Luhon explained.
"...Me? Do I really resemble Cain?" Caron asked, sounding a bit skeptical.
"You have a similar aura. It's probably just the ramblings of an old man, but that's how I see it," Luhon said with a gentle smile.
Caron didn't argue any further. He carefully closed the box and tucked it in safely, then said, "I'll use it well."
This gift was something he knew he would never forget. The brooch, returned to him by an old man who had once known him as a young boy, wasn't just a simple accessory. It held years of cherished memories, preserved with care. Caron received those memories with gratitude. It was a gift that was far too precious.
"I'm glad I came to the capital. Thank you so much," Caron said, his voice filled with sincerity.