I'm the Crazy One in the Family-Chapter 135: Quite Timid for a God (1)

The man lying on the sofa was, of course, Keter. Then why had Butler Forty-Two stumbled back in shock? It was because when he lifted the jacket covering the man’s face, he found himself locking eyes directly with Keter.

“W-weren’t you sleeping, sir?”

“I just woke up.”

Keter stretched lazily as he rose from the sofa.

“Ugh... So? What’s the rush? Why are you looking for me?”

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Butler Forty-Two replied, “Ahem, Lord Keter, we’ve completed all preparations for the surgery you requested. Please come with me immediately.”

Keter waved his hand through the air as if swatting at a fly.

“If you don’t know better, you should have just stayed quiet. You think I forgot? The surgery’s happening tonight.”

“Tonight? Why wait until nighttime for surgery?”

Keter, annoyed, waved his hand again.

“Even if I explained, you wouldn’t get it. Curette, or whatever that old man’s name is, will understand. Go ask him.”

“But even if the surgery is set for tonight, shouldn’t you at least examine Lord Ryze now and prepare? I may not know much about surgery, but I do know correcting a rare condition isn’t easy...”

“You know it’s not easy, but you still don’t understand my personality?”

“...?!”

“Do you not understand what I’m saying? When the time comes, I’ll prepare and show up myself, so get lost.”

“...Understood. I’ll see you later, then.”

Butler Forty-Two gave up on trying to deal with Keter. He had never in his life met a noble who was so utterly uncooperative.

Does he have no fear of the Eslow family?

Even high nobles wouldn’t dare treat the vassals of the Eslow family with disdain. Even Myle, sitting nearby, showed at least basic courtesy.

If the surgery on Lord Ryze fails, I’ll die too. Until then, I’ll endure. But if it succeeds... Just you wait. I’ll report every bit of your arrogant, insolent behavior to Lord Eslow himself!

With that petty vow burning in his heart, Butler Forty-Two turned and left.

Watching him go, Myle said, “Keter, could you try being a little more polite? It’s obvious that man’s holding a grudge against you. There’s no need to go around making enemies unnecessarily.”

“I am being polite. Any more polite, and I would end up punching him instead of talking. You okay with that?”

“...Forget it.”

Myle couldn't argue. Keter spoke his mind even to the elders of Sefira. If he only acted this way toward the weak, it would be easy to call him cowardly, but Keter didn’t discriminate based on who he was dealing with.

And it’s not like he actually curses them out... He even says nice things sometimes, even if they come out rough.

To be honest, Butler Forty-Two had been plenty rude and overbearing too. Myle just hoped his impression of Keter wasn’t wrong.

“Ugh, now I’m not sleepy anymore. I was planning to sleep until the surgery.”

Keter, who had been running around inside and outside the city nonstop for six days, had finally returned to the palace on the seventh day and gotten a decent sleep for the first time.

“Let’s see... What should I do until evening?”

Keter turned to the right.

Myle was engrossed in his book. Katherine was practicing magic, forming and shaping mana spheres. When their eyes met, she smiled at Keter.

Keter turned to the left. There, he caught Anis and Taragon sneaking toward the training grounds, trying not to be noticed.

“...”

Anis and Taragon both turned away awkwardly, pretending not to see him, and hastened their steps toward the training ground.

“Let’s check on my brothers, see how their preparations are coming along.”

Grabbing a fire poker from the fireplace like it was a weapon, Keter casually followed after them toward the training ground.

Only after Keter had fully left did Myle shake his head and murmur, “I told you two to get out before Keter woke up, you idiots.”

Moments later, muffled thuds and painful screams echoed from the training ground. Myle did his best to ignore them and returned to his book.

* * *

Keter, the illegitimate son of Sefira: only a select few who knew the inner workings of Sefira were aware of that name. However, because of the incident at the casino, Keter’s name started to spread quietly among the nobles.

"Did you hear? Apparently, something interesting happened at the Red Siren.”

“Of course I heard. You mean that young noble who supposedly bet ten million gold on an unwinnable gamble? His name was... Keter, I think.”

“Did you also hear he’s the illegitimate son of Sefira, the Masters of Archery?”

“Ha, who would have thought a bastard would come out of Sefira? I never imagined Count Sefira to be that kind of man.”

“Even the righteous Count Sefira turned out to be a man after all. And I heard Keter is from the Lawless City, too.”

“So that's why he stirred up such chaos at the casino? Tsk, Sefira is dragging down the dignity of all the southern nobles.”

Naturally, Keter’s name didn’t spread because of fame; it was infamy, or at first, mere contempt. After all, he had bet ten million gold on the prediction that none of the fifty strongest knights in the tournament would win first place.

But in truth, it wasn’t so simple. Keter only stirred up the idea, and the one who actually paid was Ultima. Still, rumors always became distorted. Before long, people came to believe that Keter, using Sefira’s money, had placed the reckless bet.

“That's strange. From what I heard, it was Ultima, the merchant company owner who placed the bet, not Keter.”

Of course, there were those who heard the correct story, but...

“Haha, the Ultima Merchant Company is a famous company in the kingdom. Why would a famous merchant like him really gamble away his entire fortune?”

“Now that you say it, you’re right. I must have heard it wrong.”

Nobles, bored with their comfortable lives, always craved scandalous stories. The truth was irrelevant. Besides, they weren’t the only ones gossiping about Sefira.

“Disappointing. Even if everyone says Sefira is a useless master family, I had hoped Sefira would restore their honor through this tournament. Instead, they disgrace themselves even before it begins.”

The more neutral nobles evaluated Sefira through Keter.

“Why in the world does Sefira allow a wild dog like Keter to run loose?”

“The count must be senile. He’s lost all sense of judgment.”

Everywhere, Keter and Sefira were mocked and derided by some out of jealousy, by others just for entertainment.

It was then that the cafe door quietly opened. All the nobles turned toward it. It wasn’t the sound of the door that caught their attention—it was the sheer presence. It was a knight in seamless silver armor, from head to toe, who entered. He was massive and imposing. Even though the cafe door was large enough for a horse to pass through, the silver knight still had to bow his head to enter.

“I request your assistance.”

From within the helmet, a deep voice echoed like a cave, resonating with an almost monstrous gravity.

“I heard the Sefira family is in this city. Yet I cannot find them. Has anyone seen them?”

Overwhelmed by the knight’s presence, the nobles were frozen, unable to move or speak.

It was then that one noble recognized him and gasped quietly.

“...S-Sir Minerva, the Shield of the East. Why are you here when you should be on the front lines?!”

Just as the south had its Sword of the South Tournament, the east had its own Sword of the East Tournament some years ago. The winner of that tournament was the man standing before them: Minerva Aegis, the twelfth Sword of the East.

However, no one called him the Sword of the East; he was known as the Shield of the East. The Aegis family, the only shield-wielding noble house in the Lillian Kingdom, did not use swords—they mastered the art of shieldsmanship. As such, the knight carried an enormous rectangular shield almost the same size as him on his back instead of a sword.

“There is no time. If no one knows, I will take my leave,” Minerva said coldly.

Then, the noble who had recognized him replied, “I don't know why you're looking for the Sefira family, but you won't be able to meet them. They're staying in Lord Eslow’s palace.”

“By the palace, you mean the largest and most hideous building in this city?”

“Y-yes, well... but even if you try, it would be a waste of time. Many nobles have already gone to find out how Sefira managed to enter the palace, but every single one was turned away.”

“Thank you for the information.”

Minerva turned and left the cafe. His movements were so smooth and quick that the nobles doubted their eyes. Mass was equal to weight. Moreover, Minerva wore thick armor covering his entire body and carried a massive shield. By all logic, he should have moved sluggishly, even if he used aura. But he moved as lightly as if he were wearing mere cloth. Even his footsteps were so quiet, it was like walking barefoot.

“W-why is the Shield of the East looking for Sefira?”

That was what shocked the nobles even more. In an instant, the nobles’ interest shifted. The name Keter and the Sefira family, once the targets of mockery, now became the center of all curiosity.

* * *

Minerva, now knowing the whereabouts of the Sefira family, gazed at the palace of Eslow.

“Of all places, it had to be there. Sefira, you have made an unwise choice.”

A knight standing behind him spoke up, “Sir Minerva. If they went there, they may already be dead. No, the odds are high they are. Eslow is not one to show kindness to Sefira, or to humans at all.”

“I am aware of that. But there is still a possibility they are alive.”

“There is no one in Sefira capable of standing against Lord Eslow. Please reconsider, Sir Minerva.”

“If it were any ordinary Sefira, perhaps. But Keter is different.”

“What do you mean, different?”

Minerva recalled the time when Sefira’s elder, Panir, had visited the Aegis family.

Panir had asked them to sponsor Keter, the illegitimate child, so he could participate in the Sword of the South Tournament. The patriarch of Aegis asked why they should sponsor a lowborn bastard, and Panir had begun to explain Keter’s character, describing him as rude and deserving of a thump on the head. It was unclear if Panir was trying to persuade them or just complaining.

Yet, at the end, Panir said reluctantly: "That boy will succeed. Keter is that kind of person."

There was no proof behind what Panir was saying—no claims that Keter had reached the level of a Master, or that he had defeated any renowned knights. It would have served Panir better to have lied.

Minerva had thought for sure the patriarch of Aegis would reject the request; he himself would have refused as well. However...

“I see. Very well. We will sponsor Keter. But tell him to visit us once the tournament is over.”

The patriarch had accepted.

Unable to accept it, Minerva separately asked Panir just how extraordinary this Keter was that he would go to this extent for him.

Panir had simply laughed heartily and said, “Keter is a lot like you.”

Recalling those words, Minerva, with a faint smile, said, “He is rare, just like me.”

* * *

As the sun set, Keter set aside the bent fire poker he had been holding.

“This much I’ll admit.”

Keter gave a thumbs-up to Anis and Taragon, who were lying sprawled on the ground.

“Your endurance has definitely improved.”

Having been beaten all over under the pretense of sparring with Keter, Anis and Taragon didn’t even have the strength to stand.

But they didn't need to stand—their minds were far busier than their bodies. They had learned a lot through the beating Keter gave them, breaking through frustrating obstacles and limits that were hindering them.

“I should quickly go deal with that surgery. Hmm♪”

Keter hummed a cheerful tune as he walked, clearly in a good mood.

Watching him, Anis felt both admiration and fear toward Keter’s growth.

How has he gotten even stronger than the last time I saw him? He just lazed around all day!

To Anis, Keter hadn’t even trained. He wondered if Keter had just been hiding his power, but it didn’t feel like that; it seemed like Keter had simply gotten stronger, somehow.

Taragon, lying flat, turned over and said, “Anis, maybe I was seeing things, but did Keter just block an Aura Arrow with his bare hand?”

“...So you saw it too.”

It was absurd. Aura could cut and shatter steel. Of course, it would take longer if it were thicker, but it still could. But somehow Keter had blocked that with just his bare hands.

“We probably just didn’t see it. He probably used aura to shield his hand. It would be impossible for a human being to block aura without anything.”

“But it wasn’t just his hand. He got hit on his forearm and shoulder too, and only his clothes got torn, not a single drop of blood.”

“...He probably blocked it with aura, too.”

“If he blocked it with aura, how come there was no sign? I had to protect my body with aura to block that fire poker, and it made a shattering sound like ceramic breaking, and shards of broken aura flew everywhere.”

“I think it’s because we didn’t shoot our aura hard enough.”

“Per...haps?”

Too tired to think anymore, Taragon collapsed again, staring up at the night sky.

Anis also gazed upward, murmuring softly, “Keter is Keter, we’re us. Let’s not overthink it.”

“Wasn’t thinking anything anyway.”

“Good job.”

Even after they recovered enough to move, Anis and Taragon continued quietly stargazing.

Meanwhile, Keter, accompanied by Katherine, headed toward Ryze’s recovery room.

“Stay by my side and do exactly as I say.”

Katherine didn’t bother asking why Keter kept making her do stuff. She simply nodded, trusting that Keter had her reasons for coming here.

After sterilizing and changing into clean clothes, Keter and Katherine entered Ryze’s room.

Three people were waiting inside: Curette Lajes, a professor of mana pathology affiliated with the Blood Cross Academy, Butler Forty-Two, and Henya, a tall woman with vivid red hair.

“So you’re actually the one who's going to treat Ryze, Keter,” Henya said.

“I’m the Solver and Sefira’s genius doctor.”

“...Either way, I’m trusting you with my only brother. If anything goes wrong, you’re not getting out of here alive.”

“That's quite the heartwarming encouragement. Now step aside. We’re starting. You, too.”

Butler Forty-Two hesitated, pointing at Katherine.

“Why did you bring a knight of Sefira?”

“She’s my assistant.”

“Wasn’t I your assistant...?” muttered Curette, looking disappointed.

Keter just shrugged.

“You can never have too many assistants.”

“Haha, true enough.”

Curette, who was worried he wouldn’t be able to observe the surgery, lit up in happiness.

Butler Forty-Two had no more objections and quietly stepped back.

“Pull back the blanket.”

Keter didn’t need time to prepare himself. Raising both hands to chest height, Keter immediately gave orders.

Katherine and Curette moved quickly.

“Take off everything except the underwear.”

“I’ll cut it off.”

Curette, who had surgery experience, carefully cut the garments with scissors.

“Katherine, one Pure Spirit Pellet.”

Gulp.

Curette swallowed nervously.

Was it finally beginning?

He was dying to know why Keter had gathered all those rare elixirs. He just couldn’t understand why.

Normally, elixirs benefit humans, but in someone like Ryze, whose mana is overheated, they would act like poison. One dose could cause him immense pain and kill him. So what is he planning?

While he puzzled over this, Katherine picked out the Pure Spirit Pellet from the prepared tray.

“Feed it to me.”

Katherine obediently popped the pellet into Keter’s mouth.

“...?”

All three observers were dumbfounded. Still, they didn’t dare interrupt—Keter’s expression remained serious.

There must be a reason.

“Alright, next, the White Flower Pill.”

“Yes.”

“Feed it to me.”

“Here you go.”

Gulp.

After swallowing the second pellet, Keter grimaced.

“The White Flower Pill sure is dry. Katherine, the Eternal Snow Water.”

“Of course.”

Without being told, Katherine poured the liquid into Keter’s mouth.

“Ahh, refreshing down to my bones.”

Why are you eating that?!

That was all the observers could think while watching Keter.

If looks could kill, Keter would have been burned alive.

Yet Keter, as if to make matters worse, said, “Katherine, bring two Pure Spirit Pellets. You have one, and put the other one in my mouth.”

They each swallowed a pellet worth over three hundred thousand gold.

That was when Butler Forty-Two’s patience snapped. Just when he was about to protest...

Squelch.

Without warning, Keter’s left hand plunged into Ryze’s abdomen.