The Mad Dog of the Duke's Estate-Chapter 133

Caron strode into Azureocean Castle and headed directly to the head of the house's study. Inside, Halo and Third Elder Ulrich were together.

"...That concludes my mission report," Caron said, recounting every detail of his recent mission. He omitted only the part where Aqua had called him "Dad," as it wasn't relevant to the matter at hand.

"Hmm," Halo murmured, flipping through the concise report on his desk. His deep voice resonated as he spoke. "You personally executed the Lord of Reben, prevented the descent of the Demon King of Slaughter, stopped the Pirate Queen, and broke the alliance between her and the nagas..."

The feats Caron described were extraordinary—once-in-a-lifetime experiences for most. If anyone else had delivered such a report, Halo would likely have scolded them for exaggeration. But this was Caron, his grandson, a young man incapable of such deceit.

"Just surviving all that is remarkable," Halo admitted, setting the report down.

After four years of probation, the mad dog of the family had returned, surpassing all expectations. But more than anything, one detail stood out as particularly extraordinary.

"You've opened the seventh sea at last," Halo remarked.

"Yes, my Lord," Caron confirmed.

"You're seventeen years old and already at 7-Star. It's truly astonishing," Halo said, his tone laced with rare pride.

The seventh sea emanated unmistakably from Caron—a level of power unmatched in their family's history. Reaching 6-Star was already considered a feat that placed one far beyond the realm of promising talent. But 7-Star was such an achievement that there were no words to describe it.

"There was much help from Kerra Acht," Caron added humbly.

"Help can only guide you. To reach 7-Star requires personal enlightenment. The achievement is entirely your own," Halo stated firmly, his tone formal but approving.

Among his sons and grandsons, only Caron, his youngest, consistently surpassed expectations. There was no way he could fail to be proud of Caron.

Nodding slowly, Halo continued, "I heard you gained a new power in the Great Forest."

"I'll show you," Caron replied.

With a soft rustle, Pluto emerged at Caron's feet. Usually full of playful antics, the spirit of darkness immediately recoiled, hiding behind Caron and letting out a timid meow. It was clear Pluto feared Halo.

"This is Pluto, a Spirit of Darkness," Caron explained.

"What are its abilities?" Halo asked.

"They're varied—sound suppression, vision obstruction, hallucination. Most recently, it awakened the ability to manipulate minds. It can draw out the murderous intent of those consumed by darkness, causing them to lose their reason entirely," Caron explained.

At the explanation, Halo's brow furrowed deeply and said, "That sounds like dark magic."

"To be exact, it's Spirit Magic," Caron clarified.

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Ulrich, who had been listening intently, chimed in with concern, "It's a power that could easily be mistaken for sorcery. Caron, I'm not doubting you, but others might. Be cautious when using it."

"You're not telling me not to use it?" Caron asked.

"It's a power you earned. And besides," Ulrich added, his tone wry, "you wouldn't listen even if I forbade it. There'll be some talk about this at the Senior Member Council, of course, but don't worry—I'll back you."

"Thank you as always, Third Elder," Caron said with a respectful bow.

Halo and Ulrich's lack of outright rejection of Pluto's presence was, for Caron, a satisfactory outcome in itself.

He nodded slowly, then spoke carefully to Halo. "If you intend to discipline me for the clash with the Holy Kingdom during the mission, I will accept it without complaint."

He was referring to the incident right after his battle with the Fragment of Slaughter, where he had crossed swords with fanatics of the Holy Kingdom. In the process, Caron had inflicted a grievous injury on their most promising young warrior, leaving him unable to ever wield a weapon again.

However, Halo's response wasn't what Caron had expected.

"I've heard the details from Ulrich. Your actions were appropriate, and I see no need to punish you for them," Halo said, his voice firm. "But there's one thing you must remember."

Halo locked eyes with Caron, his voice dropping to a chilling tone as he continued, "Fanatics are relentless. If something like this happens again, make sure you handle it completely, leaving no loose ends. That is the way of Azureocean Castle."

The faint edge of killing intent in Halo's words sent a shiver down Caron's spine. He nodded solemnly and replied, "Understood."

Halo's expression softened slightly as he said, "One last question. What were your thoughts on facing the Queen's spear?"

Caron hesitated briefly, then smiled faintly and answered, "I felt a gap."

"A gap?" Halo repeated.

"What she embodies in her spear is far from my own path, and yet it was overwhelmingly powerful," Caron explained.

"Were you afraid of that power?" Halo asked.

"Not at all," Caron replied, shaking his head decisively. "I only thought of how I would devour her spear someday."

The Pirate Queen was an 8-Star being, and Caron's words indicated his ambition to surpass even that. It was a goal so audacious it bordered on arrogance. And yet, Halo knew Caron's confidence wasn't mere bravado.

"It seems to have been a valuable experience for you," Halo said with a hint of approval.

Caron had gained a clearer understanding of the path he needed to walk through this mission involving Kerra and the Queen. That alone made the whole thing worthwhile.

"Prepare a detailed final report for submission," Halo instructed.

"Yes, my Lord," Caron replied.

"You've had a grueling mission. Rest now," Halo said. Then, after a brief pause, he added quietly, "...I'm glad you returned safely."

It was a rare, heartfelt sentiment from Halo as a grandfather. For Caron, it was the first time in years he had heard such words.

"Thank you, Grandfather. Have a good night." Caron smiled warmly and left the study, closing the door behind him.

Click.

Now alone with Ulrich, Halo gazed at the closed door, his thoughts drifting to his earlier conversation with the Queen.

During his time in the North Sea, she had visited him astride a griffon and left him with a striking comment:

"Duke, Caron is too talented to be confined to Azureocean Castle. Mark my words, that boy will surpass you someday. Keep your sons in line—I already have my eyes on Caron."

The Queen's audacity was unparalleled, but so was her praise, which she rarely bestowed on anyone.

"He has a knack for captivating people. Must be something he inherited from his father," Halo muttered with a bitter smile.

Ulrich inclined his head slightly and asked, "Do you intend to give Caron a chance at becoming the heir?"

"The heir, you say," Halo mused, pouring himself a drink.

"You need to prepare for the next generation. Even if you remain robust, the world is changing. New wine belongs in new wineskins," Ulrich said earnestly.

"Ulrich, let me ask you this," Halo said as he poured liquor into the glass he had beside him. "Do you think Caron even desires the position of family head?"

"Not in the slightest," Ulrich replied without hesitation.

Caron's nature was far too unrestrained. His actions since his probation alone had made that abundantly clear. Halo found himself agreeing with the Queen—Caron wasn't someone who would be satisfied with Azureocean Castle. Like a storm-tossed sea, his course was unpredictable and boundless.

"Go tell the First Elder not to even dream of meddling in the succession," Halo ordered, his tone sharp.

"...You already knew?" Ulrich asked, startled.

"The First Elder is also my brother. How could I not know what's on his mind?" Halo replied, his voice tinged with both amusement and weariness. He downed the rest of his drink in one gulp.

"You're right—new wine should be poured into new wineskins. Let's see where Caron's waves take us," Halo said, exhaling softly as he closed his eyes, a faint smile lingering on his lips.

***

After concluding his meeting with Halo, Caron returned to his room to rest. However, his respite didn't last long, because Fayle soon summoned him.

"Sorry to disturb you while you're resting, Caron," Fayle said, gesturing for him to enter. "But it seems we can't proceed with drafting the treaty with the elves without you."

The meeting took place in Fayle's office, located within Azureocean Castle. Seated alongside Fayle was Orion, his composed demeanor reflecting the gravity of the situation.

"Was it really necessary to rush this?" Caron asked. "You could at least let Orion take some time to recover from the journey."

Orion shook his head lightly and replied, "I was the one who insisted. The regent specifically instructed me to finalize the treaty as soon as I arrived."

"Why the urgency?" Caron asked, leaning against the table.

"Should I speak honestly?" Orion inquired.

"Go ahead," Caron said.

"The regent was worried that I might be swayed by your silver tongue. She said your words are a force to be reckoned with—a disaster to guard against," Orion replied with a wry smile.

Fayle let out a soft chuckle at that and said, "The regent certainly is a wise one to have assessed Caron so thoroughly in such a short time."

"...Father?" Caron asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, I'm not making things up, am I?" Fayle replied, smiling knowingly. As expected, he understood his son better than anyone else.

Caron sighed but nodded, taking a seat across from them. He asked, "This has already been discussed with Grandfather, right?"

"Yes," Fayle confirmed. "Orion and I paid him a visit long before this. He granted full authority over the negotiations, so all that remains is drafting the treaty. You could have delivered the news yourself."

"I prepared this as a gift for you, Father," Caron said with a smirk. "It's only fitting that you deliver the report yourself."

"How thoughtful of you," Fayle remarked, his tone laced with a touch of pride.

He was fully aware of the value of forging a treaty with the elves—a race shrouded in mystery. All of the rare goods Orion had mentioned were items that couldn't be easily found across the continent.

"Orion, if you're ready, could you present the regent's letter?" Fayle asked.

"Of course," Orion replied, taking out the letter from his coat.

Fayle accepted it and said, "I'll need a moment to read this."

He opened the letter, his eyes scanning the elegant script. The handwriting was refined, and the tone matched it—formal, yet sincere.

"On behalf of the elves, I extend my deepest respect to the great Ducal Family of Leston."

The letter began with a courteous greeting, and as Fayle continued reading, the main proposal became clear. The regent sought to establish a mutually beneficial relationship between the elves and the Leston family.

At first glance, the words seemed vague. However, upon closer inspection, it was evident that the elves desired a comprehensive alliance—encompassing trade, military cooperation, and political collaboration. For a race that had long kept their distance from humans, this was a bold and unprecedented proposal.

"Hm?" Fayle murmured as his eyes caught a particular clause in the regent's letter. It was the only clause written with striking specificity, and its implications were far from ordinary.

"Orion," Fayle began, his tone measured. "Have you had the chance to review this letter?"

Orion slowly shook his head and replied, "My orders were simply to deliver the letter to your house. I was not instructed to review its contents."

"In that case, I think you should take a look at this," Fayle said, handing the letter back to Orion and pointing to the clause in question. "Here, this part. Caron, you should check it as well."

"Why? What is it?" Caron asked, leaning forward to examine the section Fayle indicated.

"We request that one percent of the total revenue generated through trade with your house be allocated to Caron Leston as a priority payment."

The clause was uncharacteristically detailed, outlining a suspiciously specific profit allocation.

Upon reading it, Orion turned his gaze toward Caron, his expression unreadable. He remarked, "...I had wondered why the regent's face seemed so troubled."

Caron, utterly unfazed, responded with a mischievous grin. "Well, isn't that generous of the regent? After all my hard work in the Great Forest, she's decided to reward me generously. First the Dew of the World Tree, and now a share of the profits. She's so gracious, don't you agree, Orion?"

Fayle let out a long sigh, glancing at his unabashedly smug son. Ah, so now even the elves' regent has fallen victim to your schemes, he thought.

Noticing Fayle's exasperation, Caron turned to him with a wide, innocent smile and said, "It's all thanks to your excellent example, Father. Thank you."

"Caron," Fayle said, his voice carrying a tone of quiet exasperation.

"Yes, Father?"

"...I never raised you to be like this," Fayle said.

What Caron had gained in the Great Forest extended far beyond mere strength.

Trade with the elves will generate enormous profits, Fayle thought.

It was wealth—a staggering amount of wealth.

It was as if wings had been attached to a son who was already hard enough to rein in.

"Father," Caron said.

"Yes, my son," Fayle replied.

"All my money is basically your money, isn't it? Haha. Why pretend otherwise? Let's finish drafting the treaty. I'm feeling a bit tired..." Caron said.

Thus, Caron secured yet another lucrative income stream, following his recent dealings in Belrus Barony. It was now only a matter of time before he became the wealthiest man in Azureocean Castle.

Fayle worried about what Caron could unleash with both wealth and power in hand, if he set his mind to causing trouble.

...My son, you terrify me, Fayle thought, his body trembling at the mere prospect. The very idea was enough to send a chill down his spine.