Note: The Novel Will Be Corrected Until Chapter 98, After That Chapter It Will Be All MTL
C3 - 4
The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin Chapter 3
Chapter 3. The Incompetent Child of the Duke Family (2)
During the duel between Kranz, the family’s rising star, and Sian, the incompetent one, spectators forecasted an undeniable victory for Kranz. Sian stood defenseless, leading some to wonder if he had given up on the duel entirely. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, Sian dodged Kranz’s swift strike and forced him to kneel, knocking him unconscious with a blow to the face and ending the duel with his sword pointed at him.
“…!?”
The servants, who had no experience in martial arts, were confused about what had just happened. However, the warriors, including the senior knights, saw something different. Sian’s footwork had been precise, dodging Kranz’s incoming sword at the right moment as if anticipating his every move. When Kranz lost his balance, Sian seized the opportunity and subdued him.
It could not have been mere chance. It required a delicate sense of perception and intense concentration. The same was true for Duke Verth. Sian Verth, his youngest of five sons, inherited none of the expected talents or enthusiasm for swordsmanship and martial arts. He was an overlooked child from birth. Nevertheless, as a parent, Duke Verth held a soft spot for him. He observed today’s duel with a glimmer of hope for Sian to show a hint of potential.
Unexpectedly, Sian had dominated his older brother in a single bout. The Duke smiled. Even the youngest had talent. He may have even been hiding it. If Sian completed his education at the academy, he would surely grow to be a reputable member of the family. It felt like finding a gem in the dark corner of a room.
The Duke’s joy turned to question at Sian’s next actions.
“……?”
The needless brutality of the beatdown seemed excessive, even if it was for the sake of domination, as the duel was already decided. Was it necessary to display such ruthlessness, especially to a brother, from a ten-year-old child? The Duke’s face reflected deep thought.
“Yulken?”
At the Duke’s call, one of the knights responded immediately.
“Did you summon me, my lord?”
“Delay the return. Inform the knights on the frontline….”
Upon hearing about the delayed return, the knight seemed surprised but did not question the order and left with a bow.
“…….”
The Duke continued to watch Sian attentively, though Sian merely returned his sword to the maid with an indifferent expression.
* * *
In the afternoon, with the sun high above, there was a strange feeling at the lunch table, surrounded by more food than one could expect for a single serving.
“What’s all this, Emily?”
“I don’t know, sir. I didn’t hear anything about extra help…”
The typically overlooked servants in the mansion now crowded before me. Some were Kranz’s attendants. The maids who prepared the food looked at me with eager eyes, waiting for me to taste their creations. My table was now accompanied by an overwhelming force of servants.
A single duel victory wouldn’t suddenly elevate my status. Originally, I only had Emily as my assigned maid; thus, their assembly seemed to be voluntary. Humans tend to return favors. When one succeeds, they’re supported by many people, including those who have taken care of them, like nurses and maids. It’s common for nobility to remember and treat well those who have raised them, a habit that’s become customary.
Yet this was an absurd display. Those who never greeted me now flocked for scraps. It’s a cynical reality of the world—surviving through necessary, yet human acts.
“Can you all leave?” I wanted to dine comfortably.
“Don’t take it personally. The food’s great, but I’d like some quiet for my meal. If I need anything, I’ll call. Please leave.”
With exchanged glances, the servants slowly withdrew. Emily, who was about to follow them, was stopped by me.
“Where do you think you’re going, Emily?”
“What about dessert?”
At the mention of dessert, she eagerly returned, grinning. It’s known Emily can hardly cook, ranking as one of the worst among the maids.
There’s nothing she’s particularly good at, but it’s not strange for an incompetent servant to match an incompetent master. I didn’t keep her for the sake of enjoying her tea. I simply showed some decency as her master. Still, it might be curious why I would keep such a maid that doesn’t hesitate to speak frankly to a duke’s son. However, I can confidently say that no one in this mansion cares for me as much as she did. When I was nine, gripped by a fever and delirious, Emily was the one who carried my burning body to the healing center and watched over me for two nights without sleep.
Her personality is unique, but without her, I might have met an early, unnoticed end in the mansion. In that sense, she’s the only person I cannot afford to lose.
After the meal, Emily promptly brought out the tea.
“But, young master! How did you beat Master Kranz?” she asked.
“How? Didn’t you see it?”
“No! You’ve never shown a shred of interest in swords. Unless you’ve been training in secret…”
“I trained when you weren’t around.”
It wasn’t a lie. My sword practice started at the academy—far from her eyes.
She was dumbstruck by my words.
-Clomp, clomp
During our tea, heavy footsteps approached. It was Darius Yulken, a senior knight in shining white armor.
“Knight Darius Yulken greets you, young Master Sian.”
He was a high-ranking knight from the Order of Light.
Startled by his sudden appearance, Emily stepped back with her head bowed.
“I apologize for intruding during your meal.”
“What brings you here?”
“Your father, the Duke, has requested your presence. Would you accompany me to his study?”
A summons from my father.
I had heard about the delayed return but didn’t expect to be called for so soon.
“Understood. Shall we go now?”
With the meal concluded, I followed Yulken to the Duke’s office.
Being escorted by a senior knight was not trivial. Messages could be delivered by even the lowest soldiers. That a knight of such status was here escorting me was a testament to my rising importance.
As we walked, servants bowed their heads in respect. I was under the unapproachable protection of a robust guardian.
“Master! Look!”
Emily, who followed discreetly, pointed down the corridor. Approaching was a group of dignified figures.
Margaret Erzis, the legitimate wife of the Duke and mother to Kranz, whom I had knocked down earlier.
By her direction, she appeared to have come from the infirmary, likely checking on Kranz.
Upon noticing me, her expression soured, naturally.
“How is Kranz?” I addressed her casually.
She was visibly displeased.
“Have you no shame showing your face after so brutally beating your own brother?”
Brutally beaten… The same could be said of Kranz’s past cruelty towards me. Did she not know about it?
I can understand her grudge. Her child had been harmed by me, so naturally, there would be resentment. I hadn’t counted out such a reaction. She’s never been fond of me. As long as she doesn’t cross a line, I’ll let it slide.
“Then perhaps it’s true that blood reveals its class. Born from such a vile mother, what chance does the child have to turn out decent?”
She crossed the line.
Any semblance of decency I held snapped at that moment. If I were still in my past life, perhaps, but now, her words equated to a death wish.
“You were bound to beg on the streets. The Duke took you in out of pity, and you dare act above your station? But then, scum like you wouldn’t understand even if it were explained a hundred times!”
Her words became white noise.
What to do? I really wanted to kill her.
If I were to kill the Duchess here, what would happen?
Should I decide after the act?
If I were quick enough, Yulken wouldn’t even have time to stop me from slitting her throat…
After a brief pause, I dismissed the thought. It would be meaningless to kill her so simply.
“Will you not move aside?” I ignored her, locking eyes.
“What is that look? How dare you glare at me?”
“What do you intend to do?”
My words froze the air.
“If the dignified Duchess speaks so harshly, it displeases me quite thoroughly.”
She scoffed, incredulous.
“Since when do I need to care about your feelings?”
“You should.”
“What?”
“What do you think I’ll do to Kranz?”
Her eyes trembled with fear.
“At least he should be in one piece for the academy, right?”
My grin revealed my genuine intentions.
She shuddered in response.
“That despicable, low-born brat, to dare…”
I closed the conversation, our paths now diverging. If she stepped any further out of line, it would not be overlooked. She stepped back, releasing the other servants to make way.
“Give my regards to Kranz!” I called over my shoulder with a cheery smile.
She was left speechless, glaring furiously as I serenely continued down the hall.
As if saying, “When did it ever happen?” I passed her with a bright smile. The Duchess, without uttering a word, just glared at me with a resentful gaze. I walked away nonchalantly down the corridor.
----------------
The Regressed Son of a Duke is an Assassin Chapter 4
Episode 4: The Incompetent Son of the Duke (3)
Duke Willius Vert.
The Grand Duke who governs the Western territories of the Empire, Belias.
Beyond his status as a mere Duke, the world calls him the ‘Guardian of the Continent’.
A hero who repelled the demon race’s invasions for a long time with his exceptional magical prowess and strategy.
People unanimously say that without him, the continent would have already been occupied by demons.
But do you know?
The most arduous life in the world is that of a hero.
By definition, a hero carries the burdensome fate of protecting all people in the world.
To protect the entire world with a human body that can barely protect itself?
In the end, it is a life without any gain for oneself.
And that man, who had chosen such a life, was my father.
*Sigh…*
As I arrived at the office under Yulken’s escort, I couldn’t help but let out a sigh.
It had been almost 15 years since I last saw him – after he died fighting during the demon army’s invasion.
*Knock knock*
As I composed myself and knocked on the door, a resounding baritone voice answered from inside.
“Come in.”
Yulken seemed to be waiting outside.
Without hesitation, I opened the door.
*Creak*
The Duke observed me enter with a scrutinizing gaze.
Ignoring this, I bowed and paid my respects.
“Sian, the youngest of the Vert family, greets father.”
“No need for such a formal greeting. Take a seat.”
The Duke gestured for me to sit in a prepared chair.
“……”
It might seem disrespectful, but I really want to describe my father this way:
‘A foolish man.’
A man who took on the unasked duty of a hero, foolishly hoping his children would carry on that mandate.
A man who possessed enormous power not even the Emperor could touch, yet lacked the smallest desire for power.
His only wish was for the peace of the continent – which really, if you think about it, is nothing more than volunteering for the good of others.
Even the desire for strong and capable offspring was merely to cultivate a successor who could continue this peace.
In my past life, I was far removed from such a successor…
“Have you learned swordsmanship?”
His first question was unsurprisingly about sparring.
“Rather than learning, I just practiced alone at night.”
“Who taught you?”
“No one.”
“So you did it all by yourself?”
“Yes…”
Of course, that was a lie.
My talent for swordsmanship in my previous life was clearly due to external assistance.
“The you I knew had neither talent nor interest in swordsmanship, yet possessing such skill, why hide it?”
If I had the interest and talent, I could have shown it off as much as I wanted.
Even receiving all sorts of support from the Duke.
What the Duke really wants to know is why I lived like a incompetent son all this time.
But there’s no need to tell him what I’m actually hiding.
With a sly look on my face, I replied.
“I just didn’t want to stand out. Considering my position in the family and various other reasons, I thought it best not to be too conspicuous…”
“Are you conscious of other people’s views?”
“Yes…”
The Duke looked at me with pity as I nervously hesitated.
It seemed my act of innocence had somewhat worked.
“Well, if that’s the case, it’s my fault. It won’t happen again. If you wish to refine your sword skills, practice freely. I’ll even provide a training hall if you want. No one will object.”
“Thank you, Father!”
An unexpected kindness was offered.
Although I didn’t really need it, there was no reason to refuse.
“Before we start today’s sparring, I had expectations of you.”
“Expectations?”
“You looked me in the eye before we started, right?”
I swallowed hard.
I didn’t expect the fleeting glance was so clearly noticed.
“Do you know what I saw in your eyes?”
“What, what did you see?”
“Confidence.”
The Duke smiled as he continued.
“I saw the confidence that you would surely win against Kranz. And you have proven that confidence admirably.”
To catch that in just a fleeting moment, should I be calling him father?
But it doesn’t matter.
If I can reestablish my reputation with him, all the better.
“However…”
The atmosphere changed in an instant.
The Duke’s tone suddenly became grave.
“Wasn’t your subsequent behavior unnecessary?”
He was referring to the merciless beating I gave Kranz.
“There was no need to resort to such extremes when the pressure was relieved and the contest was already decided, was there? Why display such a thing?”
The Duke asked softly, his face full of seriousness.
He wanted confirmation.
What was contained within the vessel named ‘me’.
The response to this question, would determine how I was perceived by the Duke.
It wasn’t difficult.
All I had to do was give the best possible answer in this situation.
“I thought it was insufficient.”
“Insufficient?”
“If I had ended it by pointing my sword at Kranz after he kneeled, he would never have accepted the defeat.”
The Duke’s brows furrowed slightly.
Unperturbed, I continued my explanation.
“The purpose of a swordsmanship duel is to contest one’s ability and prove superiority. If one side does not acknowledge this, it is meaningless. That’s why I took such action. I thought that kneeling wouldn’t be enough for Kranz…”
For a moment, silence lingered.
The Duke’s hand stroking his beard betrayed his deep contemplation.
Kranz, having been pampered with high expectations from birth, was someone whose pride soared to the heavens.
Such people generally do not accept defeat after just one setback.
Had I ended it with him simply kneeling, Kranz would have doubtlessly continued to challenge me repeatedly.
I wanted to break that spirit, to make him submit, hence the kick to his head.
If Kranz wakes up now, he likely won’t even be able to meet my eyes due to his trauma.
“Did you want to make Kranz submit?”
The Duke was quick to grasp my intention.
I replied with a measured voice.
“Yes. Even if he is my kin, I wanted to make him submit.”
I am aware.
The words and actions I have taken today do not match an innocent ten-year-old child.
Anyone looking at them would think they are anything but normal for a child.
But who is the person in front of me?
Duke Vert.
He’s not someone who cares about trivial matters like character development.
Look.
See the hint of a smile behind his veiled hands…
“Excellent! That’s right, the essence of a duel is to demonstrate superiority over your opponent. No need to get entangled in trivial feelings like family affection!”
The Duke was genuinely content.
He was probably very pleased to find a child who could uphold the ideals of the family.
From the start, he never regarded his children as anything more than that.
“Your cold rationality is commendable despite your youth! You shall become a sturdy support to help Aschel in the future.”
“……!”
I was stricken as if by a hammer blow.
What?
Become a support for whom?
Does he understand for whom I died when he talks like that?
Tension crept into my fists as a dirty feeling surged in a corner of my heart.
Another reason I called the Duke foolish.
His terrifying obsession with the eldest son, Aschel.
Aschel was not the child of the current Duchess, Margaret.
He was born from the first wife, who had supposedly died long before my birth. Whatever love he had for that first wife, the Duke’s love for Aschel was to an excessive degree.
As if he were under some spell…
Well, it’s not like I’m one to talk.
After all, I was the one who most often looked after that guy…
But now it’s over.
At the moment Aschel’s sword pierced my heart, a seal was etched within me.
A life solely for myself.
Every action that unfolds now will be the cornerstone of the future.
“As for a reward, it seems strange to call it that, but I still want to give you something for the duel. If there’s anything you want, just say it.”
Desires.
An opportunity bigger than expected had come.
In a short time, I had to think about what choice could serve me the greatest benefit.
Currently, all I have are the memories and senses from my past life.
I still need time to grow to regain my original power.
And beyond even what my past self could imagine, I need to develop an even stronger force.
That’s right, no need to think too hard.
Since I always felt the need for power, I won’t concern myself with possible dangers.
I just need to pursue the most assured and effective method given the current situation.
“I want to go to the frontlines, Father!”
* * *
A space underground where light does not penetrate.
A faint mist, almost tangible, fills the surroundings.
Despite the absence of any light source, the terrain is surprisingly visible – a very peculiar place.
-Step step
A woman emerged from the mist.
Her face hidden by a black hood, she walked along the corridor shrouded in fog.
Her steps seemed determined, as if seeking something.
Eventually, a faintly glowing desk at the end of the corridor came into view.
Atop it laid a mysterious black box.
As she always had, the woman naturally opened the box.
“……!”
The box was empty, devoid of even a speck of dust.
The item that was supposed to be there had vanished without a trace.
The woman, inspecting the box this way and that, soon broke into a cheerful smile.
“The time has come!”
She quickly packed the box and returned the way she came.
Back at the end of the corridor unfolded into a vast underground space.
The woman looked at figures also adorned in identical hoods – the so-called ‘members’.
They were engaged in various entertainments such as drinking, gambling, and sleeping, and paid her no mind.
Without any reaction, she continued to the center and casually flung the box before the members.
-Clang
The noisy sound of the box clattered as it rolled.
All at once, the members’ attention turned to the box.
“The mist stone has vanished.”
The woman announced the disappearance of the box’s contents.
None among the members were unaware of what it signified.
“…….”
The previously raucous atmosphere became silent in an instant.
Amid the silence, a member asked a question.
“Has the successor returned?”
The woman answered with a smile.
“We shall find out soon enough.”
She reached for the thrown box, summoning a black mist from her fingertips as magic swelled.
-Whooosh
An unfamiliar white smoke emerged from the empty box.
The smoke reached upward, morphing into an indiscernible shape.
-Zap!
The smoke shifted to black with a curious sound.
A moment later, the smoky figure took the shape of a young child before vanishing without a trace.
Having confirmed her objective, the woman raised her hands high and declared.
“The day of revelation has arrived! From this moment, we resume the activities of The Mist!”
With her command, all the members disappeared as if they never were.
All that remained in the expansive underground space were the woman and the box.
“…….”
The woman gazed at the box, a meaningful smile on her face.
(To be continued)