Trash of the Count's Family Vol 2. Chapter 433: One Man, Two Roles, and Chaos in the Demon World (8)
The legendary Three Evils, with Cale secretly pulling the strings as the hidden boss.
And then there was the territory’s original formidable figure, the Dark Ghost Lupe.
“Human, was that Lupe’s domain over there?”
“Yes. It remains his domain even now.”
Count Lupe.
He had met his end at the hands of the Demon King's forces, and subsequent to an experimental procedure by the Transparent Blood family, he was transformed into a New World NPC.
“Young Master Cale.”
Cale, who had taken a concealed position atop a tree, didn't even acknowledge the voice. However, Clopeh Sekka was not one to be deterred by such a lack of response.
“I heard the situation within that territory is quite complex.”
“Indeed. Extremely.”
Count Lupe was a principal figure among the owners of the three most significant merchant guilds in the Demon World, designating him as the wealthiest individual in those lands.
- Wealthy indeed!
Cale paid no mind to the commentary from the Miserly Destroying Fire.
Aurora, from the mediator group, had previously stated:
‘It’s practically confirmed that Count Lupe is deceased, yet his body has never been recovered. Consequently, his status is effectively that of 'missing,' which has precipitated a considerable number of difficulties.’
By eliminating Count Lupe, the most affluent figure in the Demon World, the current faction of the Demon King had aimed to solidify their authority and, furthermore, to confiscate his immense fortune along with the merchant guild he controlled.
‘If the current Demon King’s faction had managed to locate Count Lupe’s hidden vault and the legal document proving ownership of the merchant guild, they would have concluded matters cleanly.’
However, the crucial deed for the merchant guild remained undiscovered.
This implied that the Demon King’s forces had faltered in their attempt to seize control of the paramount merchant guild in the Demon World.
‘As a result, Count Lupe’s territory, Dioriel, is presently without a designated owner.’
To put it plainly—
‘They have yet to successfully appoint a successor lord.’
This predicament arose because the Demon King failed to secure what rightfully should have been theirs.
‘Should the next appointed lord discover Count Lupe’s secret vault, that individual would then inherit ownership of the merchant guild, leading the Demon King to deliberately postpone the selection of a new lord.’
The rationale provided for this delay was 'the possibility that the missing Count Lupe might eventually return.'
“Young Master Cale, I understand that Count Lupe’s missing status is on the verge of being resolved.”
“Yes. That is correct.”
Yet, the position of lord could not perpetually remain unoccupied.
Therefore, the prevailing Demon King had imposed a time limit on this 'missing' status.
“...They mentioned approximately one month remains.”
In roughly thirty days, the missing status would be officially terminated, Count Lupe would be formally declared deceased, and the process of selecting the subsequent lord would commence.
“Precisely. Aurora indicated that once the new lord is chosen in a month's time, that will be the designated period for their planned entry into the lord’s castle.”
Count Lupe’s secret vault.
Its location was within the confines of the lord’s castle.
And contained within that vault was the deed to the most influential merchant guild in the entirety of the Demon World.
‘Young Master Cale, following our discussion with Count Lupe—’
Aurora had provided Cale with a general strategy for acquiring the deed.
‘Regardless of whether the newly appointed lord is affiliated with the Demon King’s faction or not, the current trusted retainers of the Demon King who are guarding the lord’s castle will be withdrawn.’
Even after years of diligent guarding, they had failed to locate the deed. With the emergence of a new lord, they would likely step back, at least temporarily, to ensure the consolidation of that individual's authority. Should the new lord prove to be one of the Demon King’s own inner circle, their departure would be even more swift.
In such a scenario, there would be no compelling reason for them to prolong their stay.
“I was informed that the expectation is for one contender from Count Lupe’s extended family line and one candidate from the current Demon King’s side to vie for the position of the next lord.”
As Cale offered a nod, Clopeh proceeded with his explanation.
While Cale had been engaged in meetings with Choi Jung Gun, Clopeh had concurrently been gathering intelligence regarding the Demon World from Aurora.
“According to Aurora, the equilibrium between these two factions is more delicately balanced than initially anticipated.”
“That is rather surprising.”
Cale maintained his gaze fixed on the wall representing Dioriel’s city defenses, and further beyond it, on the distant lord’s castle.
“It appears to be due to the unique characteristics of Count Lupe’s lineage, supposedly.”
Clopeh gestured towards the east.
“As long as this significant river and the established overland route remain functional, the influence wielded by this city cannot be unilaterally controlled by the Demon King’s decree alone.”
Beyond the lord’s castle to the east, a vast river flowed, its immense width suggesting a confluence of several major roadways. Countless vessels traversed its waters, whose depths were unfathomable.
And to the north of the territory—
there, a broad thoroughfare, as extensive as the river itself, bustled with an endless stream of freight wagons moving in both directions.
“The mines, is that correct?”
“Yes. Several sizable mines are situated in the northern regions of Count Lupe’s territory, as well as in the adjacent territories.”
The valuable minerals extracted from these mines were transported through this very city, subsequently distributing throughout the Demon World via the river's extensive network.
“Count Lupe’s bloodline holds shares in each of those mines. I’ve also heard that quite a few merchant guilds involved in transport are linked to them as well.”
This connection was the very reason for the Lupe family’s formidable influence within Dioriel. While pressure could technically be applied, the current Demon King, who publicly espoused an ‘open-door policy,’ found himself unable to act so decisively.
“Hmm.”
Cale’s gaze descended.
“So, the Order of the God of Chaos is within that place, is that it?”
A square stone rested in his hand.
A stone stained with blood.
“And it’s not just any force, either. It’s a contingent from the Order of the God of Chaos substantial enough to mobilize two fighters on Choi Jung Soo’s level, along with an entire squadron of high-ranking holy knights, all at once.”
If the Pope was truly present in the Demon World, just as they had anticipated—
“What a complete mess.”
Dioriel.
That bustling metropolis of commerce and mining was likely in utter pandemonium at this precise moment.
“One thing is for certain.”
Responding instantly to Clopeh’s declaration, Cale stated,
“Indeed. Whether it’s Count Lupe’s collateral line or the current Demon King’s lackeys, someone has colluded with the Order of the God of Chaos.”
“Precisely. Otherwise, a force of that magnitude could never have infiltrated so stealthily.”
Cale reached a definitive conclusion.
“We require intelligence.”
He recalled another piece of information imparted by Aurora.
‘Count Lupe mentioned a specific reason for keeping the location of the secret vault to himself.’
Count Lupe had not disclosed the vault’s whereabouts even to his own kin.
‘He feared that individuals with excessive greed might attempt something if they were aware of its location.’
Cale filed these words away for future consideration.
Then—
“Human, human.”
Raon, On, and Hong approached, their voices hushed.
“You already know the location of the secret vault, don’t you?”
Clopeh, who had been listening intently, suddenly exhibited a gleam in his eyes.
The average ten-year-olds mirrored his reaction.
“Yes. I do.”
Cale’s confirmation caused all four pairs of eyes to blaze with intensity.
Raon proclaimed with unwavering certainty,
“Our priority is to rescue Sui Khan! Following that, we can contemplate the matter of looting the premises!”
Cale responded with characteristic nonchalance.
“I never stated any intention of looting the secret vault.”
“Human, do not deceive yourself!”
Ha.
Cale stared at Raon, an expression of utter disbelief etched on his face.
Where did this child acquire such notions?
Regardless of Cale’s approval or disproval, Raon, On, and Hong swiftly commenced strategizing their respective roles.
“The city is likely in disarray. Hong and I should be the ones to gather information.”
“Noona, I can infiltrate the merchant circles and procure intelligence from them!”
On and Hong formulated an information-gathering plan, drawing upon tactics they had learned from Ron.
“Human, Clopeh. Both of you, look towards me.”
Meanwhile, Raon undertook his own assigned task independently.
“I shall alter both of your hair colors.”
Without any prompting, Raon proceeded to execute the necessary actions.
“We caused quite a stir in Primordial Night, so the Order of the God of Chaos has undoubtedly acquired intel on our human and the others! We must exercise extreme caution!”
Bzzzzz—
Even within the Demon World, Raon began drawing forth dark mana.
Mana perpetually surrounded Raon, whose attribute was inherently tied to the present moment.
Whoosh—
A sudden gust of wind swept past, and Cale instinctively drew back his hood.
Black hair cascaded over his hand.
“It has been a while.”
It had been a considerable duration since his hair was black.
For reasons unknown, it evoked memories of his days as Kim Rok Soo.
And since this current body resided in its early twenties, it prompted recollections of Kim Rok Soo’s life during that particular period.
“Hehe. Excellent.”
Beside him, of course, Clopeh Sekka also displayed a grin, now sporting black hair himself.
Cale felt a distinct unease regarding this development.
“Hehe! You are both my color!”
At Raon’s declaration, Cale simply remained silent.
The child seemed pleased. What else could he possibly say?
*****
“Ohhh. Are all of you members of the same family?”
“...Yes. That is correct.”
Cale offered a perfunctory response.
“Wow, black hair isn’t a common trait, so it’s truly remarkable that your entire family shares it!”
With that pronouncement, the official raised his seal.
Thunk!
A permit for city passage was placed into Cale’s hand.
Concurrently, Cale received four identification tokens.
“Hehe. Are you perhaps cousins?”
Cale prepared to speak.
However, Clopeh interjected more swiftly.
“We are full siblings.”
“!”
Cale registered surprise.
The official continued his conversation with Clopeh.
“Then, you must be the eldest brother?”
“Haha, I scarcely deserve such a title, but yes, I am.”
“Hm? Scarcely deserve it?”
“Haha, never mind that.”
Clopeh presented himself as the elder brother.
“And this one is our second.”
He gently placed a hand on Cale’s shoulder.
“This is the third.”
On.
“And this is the fourth.”
Hong.
On and Hong also sported black hair that day.
“And we have a fifth, the youngest as well—”
“Didn’t they accompany you?”
“Haha.”
Clopeh merely offered a smile.
-Human, I am the youngest! Clopeh Sekka is tolerable right now, no, actually, he’s a bit unhinged at the moment! He’s even including the invisible me!
Hehe.
Raon was visibly delighted.
-He claims we are all full siblings! Hehe! There’s a significant age disparity between you and me, human! Clopeh is quite amusing!
“Pfft.”
“Hehe.”
As On and Hong watched Cale’s expression with suppressed giggles—
“Haah.”
Cale exhaled and strolled casually into the city of Dioriel.
They entered the city without issue, utilizing the identification tokens previously prepared by Aurora.
“Is that the lord’s castle over there?”
Cale directed his question toward Clopeh.
“Indeed.”
Clopeh responded promptly.
“...?”
Cale’s gaze flickered towards him.
“What is it?”
Clopeh appeared genuinely and deeply perplexed.
“...It’s nothing.”
“He’s just acting.”
On whispered his observation.
Cale nodded in agreement.
-That's right, human! Clopeh is performing admirably right now! This location is fraught with enemies from all sides! Our only allies comprise the five of us! We must maintain our act and remain concealed amongst ourselves! If we intend to rescue Sui Khan later, we must excel even further!
Raon’s comment served as a defense for Clopeh.
“Here is the map.”
Moving to a secluded corner of an alley, Cale unfurled the map and examined Dioriel with attentiveness.
“Secondly, the castle ahead is the lord’s castle.”
“I am aware of that.”
“Still, I wished to inform you.”
“Just be quiet already.”
“......”
Once Clopeh finally fell silent, Cale directed his gaze toward the modest castle situated in the northern sector of the territory.
A small, ancient fortress.
The ancestral home of Count Lupe’s lineage.
It was understood that the collateral branch vying for the lordship, along with their adherents, resided within.
“Let’s begin there.”
“And why is that?”
Cale disregarded Clopeh’s inquiry.
“I am curious about the reason.”
Responding to On’s question, Cale elaborated.
“This.”
He retrieved the blood-stained stone from his pocket.
The distinctive slash-marks, intricately carved, were visible.
“A waypoint.”
Team Leader Lee Soo Hyuk had not presumed this location to be their ultimate destination.
When he left this behind previously—
he had regarded this place as a mere waypoint.
“Should you exit through the north gate, you will encounter the forest once more.”
If the path they had selected proved accurate—
“the markings will continue. If we have erred, we shall return to the city.”
Cale’s party proceeded through the north gate, their faces completely visible.
Upon entering the forest that led towards the ancient castle, Cale approached a tree situated beside the road.
“Found it.”
He had successfully located Lee Soo Hyuk’s mark.
“Urgent.”
Such was the message he had left behind.
“It appears he was being pursued.”
Cale lifted his gaze towards the sky.
Unbeknownst to him, the sun had begun its descent.
Perhaps due to this, the wide road, flanked by forests on both sides, carried neither carts nor individuals.
Only an encompassing silence remained.
Whoooosh—
The wind gusted, and Cale felt a certainty.
“He is here.”
Team Leader Lee Soo Hyuk was within this forest.
“Before nightfall, we must locate Sui Khan first.”
Cale was adorned with the same black hair that Kim Rok Soo had once possessed.
However, the Cale of the present was not the Kim Rok Soo of his youth.
Bzzzz—
The golden top emanated a faint vibration.
The Qi present here differed from the Qi of the world Cale had previously inhabited, yet—
“I require a favor.”
The wind elementals were also present. The sheer expanse of the area had previously been overwhelming, but within a forest of this magnitude—
he could now make his request.
“Seek out the individual I will describe.”
Whoooosh—
Whoooosh—
Whoooosh—
Multiple currents of wind surged into the forest simultaneously.
The wind elementals commenced their search for Sui Khan, guided by Cale’s will.
He then requested one additional service from them.
“If any living beings other than him are present, inform me immediately.”
Raon inquired:
-Human, whom are we searching for now?
Cale responded with an indifferent tone.
“We must also locate the enemies.”
Sui Khan.
And the scoundrels who were pursuing Team Leader Lee Soo Hyuk.
They too must be apprehended.
Cale’s eyes ignited with a cold, intense gleam.
A slow smile graced Clopeh’s lips as he observed the unfolding events.
Bzzzz.
His sword quivered subtly.
Like a serpent stealthily stalking its prey, and simultaneously embodying the darkness destined to become the shadow of the light and its guardian—Clopeh’s sword vibrated incrementally, awaiting the impending revelation.
“Take excellent care of him.”
Choi Han had issued this warning.
“And you should also develop.”
He had offered this advice as well.
“You are a genius.”
And he had bestowed this acknowledgment.
Clopeh Sekka, recognized for his swordsmanship prowess by Choi Han.
This time, he harbored a deep yearning—nay, a profound conviction—that he would truly become the Hero’s comrade.
“Allow me to guide the way.”
“Very well.”
Clopeh stepped off the path and ventured into the forest.
The reason was straightforward.
Whoooosh—
“I believe something is here!”
One of the wind elementals had indicated a direction to Cale, and Cale had pointed towards it.
Whoooosh—
The sound of the wind enveloped Cale and the others.
Tap!
Bathed in the fading sunset, Cale’s group vanished into the forest, where night had already descended prematurely.
Cale instructed:
“Raon, send a signal flare into the sky.”
Clopeh interjected:
“Won’t that alert the enemy to our presence?”
“It is of no consequence. As long as they remain unaware of our identities.”
How could the enemy possibly ascertain it was Cale simply by observing a signal flare?
It would appear as though the arrival of Sui Khan’s allies was imminent.
Such a display was absolutely necessary.
“We shall announce our presence.”
This announcement would be made to both the enemy and their allies alike.
This was also a message for the damned members of the Order of the God of Chaos.
And, of course, for that maddening Team Leader who was causing all this chaos.
“We must make it known that we are here.”
Cale stated this with unwavering resolve.
He declared that he was actively searching for them.
By doing so, wouldn't both friend and foe be compelled to direct their attention toward them?
Naturally, even as he made this bold declaration, Cale’s gaze meticulously swept across all surrounding areas.
Marks.
His eyes worked with an intensity greater than ever before, diligently seeking any signs that Lee Soo Hyuk might have left behind during an emergency.
- Human, I am deploying the signal flare now!
Bzzzz—
Following a brief, resonant vibration—
Fweeeeeee—
A brilliant streak of light ascended through the dense forest canopy, piercing the scarlet sky.
*****
“Huff. Huff.”
Sui Khan, leaning heavily against the rough bark of a tree, gasped for air with each ragged breath.
“Damn it all. Those persistent bastards.”
The individuals relentlessly pursuing him had to be true fanatics; their persistence was far beyond reasonable limits.
“This body still lacks sufficient endurance.”
A form that had not yet attained full adulthood remained inherently fragile.
Damn it.
If he hadn't made that critical error, he wouldn't have sustained these injuries.
But upon witnessing the atrocious actions of those villains—
How could he possibly restrain himself?
For a fleeting moment, his emotions got the better of him, and because of that lapse, the secret location where he had been concealed was compromised.
He had a history of making such blunders, even from a long time ago. The fact that he had never bothered to correct this persistent flaw in his character was indeed a significant problem.
“Huff. Hhk.”
Exhausted breaths escaped Sui Khan’s parted lips.
Fweee—
Then, his ears caught a distinct sound.
“!”
Sui Khan swiftly scaled the trunk of the tree.
From his vantage point, he gazed up at the sky.
“Ha, haha!”
A magnificent White Dragon was soaring gracefully into the sky, which was bathed in the hues of the setting sun.
Back when he