Trash of the Count's Family Vol 2. Chapter 440: …Can I Take It All? (3)

Ah, what a refreshing feeling.

This was Cale’s thought as he led the way, overhearing the conversation between Head Steward Hitelis and the novice knight, Rom.

Rom—the one from the Demon King’s faction, bearing a divine relic of unknown origin—exclaimed,

“Head Steward, this is my first visit to the old castle— I mean, Moraka Castle—and it appears incredibly secure! It gives the impression that anything could transpire within its walls, completely unknown to the outside world!”

What business do you have within Moraka Castle right now? Hurry and state your purpose.

To this, Head Steward Hitelis—the one in possession of a divine relic from the God of Chaos—replied,

“It is a place as robust as the vast history it has witnessed. Even under an external assault, there would be no concern of it being compromised.”

This place isn't so fragile as to expose weaknesses to outsiders like yourselves. So keep quiet and mind your actions.

Cold gazes met, a silent readiness to attack permeating the air.

Ah, this is quite amusing.

Cale couldn't suppress a pleased smile as he observed the head steward and the rookie knight subtly sizing each other up.

Just then—

“We have arrived.”

The head steward halted his steps and announced.

“You may remain here.”

A separate, smaller building designated for Cale's group.

Head Steward Hitelis.

The rookie knight Rom.

All eyes turned towards Clopeh Sekka.

“……”

Clopeh meticulously surveyed the detached building.

It did not present the appearance of accommodations suitable for guests.

It was evident they were being treated as undesirable leftovers.

Or perhaps they intend to keep us isolated from the primary keep.

Cale assessed the separation between the main castle and the annex, clearly deciphering Young Master Jimon’s intention: to maintain maximum distance between Cale’s party and the central structure.

Within the confines of Moraka Castle, every direction Cale’s party faced was fraught with hostile observation.

Above all—

“……”

“……”

The head steward and the novice knight.

Both were keenly watching Cale’s group.

Specifically, their attention was fixed on Clopeh.

Cale's gaze shifted to Clopeh.

“Head Steward.”

Clopeh began to speak.

And once all attention was directed towards him—

“Will the cuisine served here be consistent with that of the main castle?”

At this question, Cale managed to stifle a grin.

“……”

Head Steward Hitelis paused momentarily.

The rookie knight Rom regarded Clopeh for a second as if witnessing something captivating, then composed his expression.

Shortly thereafter, the head steward responded with composed restraint.

“Yes. The meals provided are identical.”

“I understand. May we then take our rest?”

“Yes.”

“At what time might we anticipate meeting Young Master Jimon?”

“It is presumed he will arrange individual summons this evening.”

“I see.”

Clopeh replied placidly before reaching for the annex door handle.

“We shall rest independently. There is no requirement for an accompanying guide.”

“Yes.”

Head Steward Hitelis readily acquiesced with a nod.

Then—

*Creak.*

Clopeh opened the door, cast no glance inside, and turned his head back towards the head steward.

“I trust there are no listening devices within?”

“!”

Hitelis froze, her gaze fixed on Clopeh.

*Smile.*

Clopeh offered her a gentle smile.

And then he addressed Hitelis,

“Your presence is no longer required, you may depart.”

It was a clear dismissal, delivered in an exceedingly mild and gentle tone.

“……”

Hitelis found herself momentarily speechless. She then offered a polite bow and departed.

“Should you require anything, kindly inform the attendant stationed outside. We shall reconvene at a later time.”

After ensuring Hitelis had departed, Clopeh turned his attention to the manager of the New Business Department.

“……”

Under his silent scrutiny, the manager slowly opened his mouth.

“Mr. Kase?”

“We shall occupy the second floor of the annex; you may utilize the first floor.”

Establishing a clear boundary, thus delineating that no further encroachment was permitted, Clopeh fully opened the annex door and examined the interior.

He then directed his gaze towards Cale and the others.

“My dear siblings, the interior is suitably maintained. We may proceed inside.”

With a radiant smile, Clopeh gestured them in, and Cale stepped across the threshold as a matter of course, accepting his lead.

With a glance—

he offered a gracious smile towards the rookie knight Rom, who observed them from the ground floor.

And the rookie knight Rom—or rather, Mol, the commander of the Third Army—regarded the five siblings silently before averting his gaze.

“……”

His expression darkened with coldness.

This was due to the magical voice emanating from the manager of the New Business Department reaching him.

He was a notably skilled high-ranking mage. Consequently, he might have been counted among Terosa’s trusted individuals.

There was a listening device. Positioned at your nine o’clock. That specific spot was instantly visible the moment one pushed open the annex’s main door.

Kase, was it? That individual must have detected the presence of this magical surveillance tool and deliberately uttered those words to Head Steward Hitelis.

I trust there aren’t any other listening devices within these premises?

Ha. Mol managed to suppress a hollow chuckle.

He’s certainly not a simple man. Moraka Castle, the stronghold of Young Master Jimon. If the Order of the God of Chaos were truly operating here, engaged in some clandestine activities, then yes, that would undoubtedly pose a significant problem. However, he was beginning to realize that while concentrating on that threat, he absolutely could not afford to overlook this man named Kase.

The second brother might be rather absent-minded, but the eldest is distinctly different. Could this be attributed to him carrying Count Lupe’s bloodline? Mol, known as the Hand Behind the Back, adopted a stern expression.

Step. Clopeh reappeared on the second floor. He directly addressed the manager of the New Business Department and stated, “Please remove all eavesdropping devices.” Without another word, he casually turned and retreated back into his room.

“!”

“......!” Both the manager of the New Business Department and the middle-aged knight turned ashen from shock.

Well, would you look at that? The eyes of Mol, the leader of the Third Army, gleamed with interest.

From the very beginning, this individual known as Kase had been aware that the manager of the New Business Department was a mage. So, he knew everything and chose to feign ignorance? Then, after assessing the rundown state of the annex and its considerable distance from the main castle, he leisurely and gracefully revealed his true capabilities. No— he was issuing a warning.

Terosa. And Young Master Jimon. ...As one would expect from the lineage of Count Lupe, the eminent tycoon. Mol softly clicked his tongue. He was intensely curious about what Young Master Jimon had been involved in and desired to uncover the truth as swiftly as possible. But this man named Kase— for some inexplicable reason, Mol found himself wishing for this individual to join his ranks. He is meticulous. Furthermore, he did not display his fangs from the outset; he exhibited adaptability, composure, and an elegant demeanor in all his actions.

Mol found himself partial to backstabbing maneuvers that resembled a theatrical performance rather than crude and ignoble treachery. In his estimation, Kase represented an exceptionally intriguing talent. I want him. Later, after observing him further, it might prove beneficial to attempt to recruit him into the Third Army.

The instant a sly smile crept across the corner of Mol’s mouth— “...I shall remove them.” The manager of the New Business Department, a high-ranking mage, proceeded to dismantle every single listening device that had been discovered.

*****

“All eavesdropping devices have been eliminated. We have confirmed that the manager of the New Business Department is indeed a mage possessing the capability to destroy them.”

“Hm.” Having verified the latest intelligence acquired through their surveillance, Head Steward Hitelis put down the report. “...They are not easily dealt with.”

The rookie knight, Terosa, who had been dispatched with them. He too warrants close observation, but Kase, that demon himself, is no minor concern either. “Instruct Young Master Jimon to meet with Kase this evening.”

“Yes.” “Tell him to prioritize listening to their account first.”

“Yes.” Hitelis turned her gaze towards the window. From this chamber, which had officially become the head steward’s quarters as of today, the detached building could be observed most clearly from the main castle. With all the surveillance devices now gone, their only recourse was to monitor from the outside. Hitelis’s eyes locked onto the annex, and a chill settled upon her.

“...They even managed to remove the eavesdropping devices that were secretly placed by the most skilled mage in our Order?” Could the manager of the New Business Department possibly be that potent a mage? The magical surveillance devices had been installed by the mage currently serving at the Pope’s side. It was widely acknowledged that he had already attained the pinnacle of his craft.

“How can that even be—” Ah. Hitelis abruptly stood up. She moved closer to the window, fixing her gaze upon the annex.

“I must reconsider my strategy.” A demon so formidable that even she could not ascertain the extent of his power. And accompanying him, a demonic mage who appeared to have reached the highest echelons of his art. These individuals had infiltrated this location under a guise. And Kase was at the forefront. Were they truly merely subordinates of Terosa? Or should she be approaching this situation from an entirely different perspective?

“...They are not Terosa’s subordinates.” Those who had infiltrated this place under Kase’s guise were not mere underlings of Terosa. It was far more logical to perceive them as individuals of higher standing. If that were the case, who held authority above Terosa? And someone possessing such strength would have to be— “...the Eighth Army.” The Demon King’s eight blades. Only a commander on the level of one of those eight demon commanders would make sense.

“Ha.” Yes. It all makes sense now. “...How dare they—” Flames ignited in Hitelis’s eyes. The grand endeavor the Order of the God of Chaos was poised to achieve in the Demon World was imminent. Yet, as if to thwart it, one of the Demon King’s blades had arrived here.

She still couldn't quite determine which of the eight individuals it was.

However—

“Whoever it may be, their only destination will be the beginning.”

Death.

That was the sole path granted to them—the path leading back to their origin.

“These scoundrels deployed a challenging pawn to the front lines while concealing themselves behind it, blade in hand.”

Their strategy was to use Kase as a diversion, sowing chaos, and then to strike at the Order of the God of Chaos from the shadows.

Hitelis tilted her head back, addressing the ceiling.

“Relay a message to the Pope.”

The Demon King’s lackeys.

Those fiends would be unaware of the unfolding events.

That was precisely why they had infiltrated in disguise—to observe.

In that case, she would enthusiastically welcome those who had foolishly ventured into the lion’s den.

“Inform him that one of the Demon King’s eight hounds has appeared, and request the dispatch of one highest-ranking holy knight.”

Straight to their demise.

And there was no justification for postponing their end.

If they had come snooping around, the only appropriate response was to eliminate them swiftly.

“Inform him that we will commence our assault tomorrow night.”

A profound smile graced Hitelis’s lips.

At that moment, a subordinate's voice echoed from the ceiling.

“Captain, the Pope has issued an order for the recall of those dispatched to search for the Wanderer.”

Ah.

The Five Colored Blood hunters.

One of them, suspected to be either the third or the first Emperor, had attacked this location. Subsequently, they had vanished after abducting the subordinate who had already been under surveillance.

As a consequence of this incident, the Order had intensified its vigilance, and the Pope had assigned a top-tier holy knight named Satun—the upper holy knight who claimed to have faced the first Emperor at that time—entrusting him with the pursuit.

Satun possessed a keen sense of smell.

Particularly for the scent of an enemy's blood.

Satun, the master of pursuit, had departed with substantial forces and was currently scouring the surrounding vicinity.

The Pope had now ordered their immediate return.

“Understood. Inform the Pope that I will ensure their complete return by tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

Tomorrow night.

Given that they would be confronting one of the Demon King’s blades, it would be prudent to gather as many forces as possible to eradicate them cleanly.

“…Rats trapped within a bottle.”

Gazing down at the annex, Hitelis's smile widened.

*****

Raon executed a mid-air pirouette before unfurling his wings with a magnificent flourish.

“I have also eliminated the surveillance devices that the New Business Department manager overlooked! Now we can converse without any hindrances!”

Naturally, the manager of the New Business Department had failed to detect every single eavesdropping device cunningly placed by a high-level mage.

Raon had diligently found and removed the remaining ones.

“Raon-nim, thank you for notifying us immediately.”

Furthermore, it was Raon who had initially alerted Clopeh to the presence of the eavesdropping devices.

“Hehe. Clopeh Sekka! Your recent performance has been exceptional! Truly outstanding!”

“Thank you, Raon-nim.”

Responding with genuine sincerity and respect, Clopeh offered Raon a cushion to rest upon.

He then proceeded to pour lemon tea into Cale's teacup and placed a bowl of cookies before him.

Crunch. Crunch.

Cale, accepting Clopeh's attentive service without question, broke his silence.

“That head steward from earlier. You are aware of her identity, correct?”

“Yes. She appears to be affiliated with the Order of the God of Chaos. And she exuded considerable strength.”

“Indeed. And the novice knight as well. You have deduced his affiliation, haven't you?”

“He seemed to possess greater power than I do. Additionally, when I mentioned the eavesdropping devices earlier, the manager of the New Business Department observed his reaction closely. Based on that, I do not believe he is an associate of Terosa.”

“Then, who does he resemble to you?”

“Most plausibly, one of Terosa’s superiors—”

Pour.

While replenishing the tea, Clopeh calmly reported.

“—one of the generals serving in the Eighth Army.”

“Which one?”

“I have already cross-referenced the appearances of all of them. None were a match. However, there is only one individual who would resort to such a disguise.”

Cale narrowed his eyes slightly at Clopeh, signaling him to proceed, and Clopeh promptly answered.

“The Hand Behind the Back, the master of treachery. I am convinced it is Mol.”

Cale gave a single nod and uttered one word.

“Excellent.”

“Thank you.”

Clopeh was genuinely overjoyed. Then, casting a glance at Sui Khan, who was reclining on the bed enjoying his apple pie, he spoke again.

“Since Sui Khan-nim does not appear to have been recognized either, it suggests that the tracker from that time is not among the forces currently observing us.”

“That is correct. He is likely engaged in a thorough search of this entire region for the Wanderer.”

Cale briefly met Clopeh’s gaze and delivered a blunt observation.

“You intend to orchestrate a confrontation between those two, do you not?”

He was referring to Hitelis of the Order of the God of Chaos and Mol, the commander of the Third Army.

Clopeh returned his gaze as if the answer were self-evident.

“Was that not your objective when you shared the urban legend of the gray sickness, Cale-nim?”

Wow.

Cale offered a genuine smile and stated.

“You truly operate precisely as I prefer.”

“…Thank you…!”

Clopeh beamed radiantly, striving to contain the surge of emotion within his chest.

These days, he truly was happy.

“When we meet Young Master Jimon, I will learn more through him and try to shape the situation so that a fight breaks out as much as possible.”

“Right. Right.”

“And while they are fighting, I believe we can inspect the castle, look for Choi Jung Soo, and ruin whatever it is the enemies are trying to do.”

“Exactly. That’s what I’m thinking too.”

For the first time, looking at Clopeh, Cale felt genuine contentment.

“Here.”

He handed Clopeh a cookie.

Crunch. Crunch.

Watching Clopeh eat the cookie, Cale found him absurdly reassuring.

If I keep this guy by my side, I really think I could just live as a slacker.

Without realizing it, Cale imagined a happy future.

Watching him, Raon tilted his head and sent a magic voice message to On and Hong.

Meeeow!

On and Hong nodded.

“Hm.”

And Sui Khan, feeling a chill of unknown origin, rubbed the back of his head.

It felt strangely similar to the feeling he used to get right before Choi Jung Soo and Kim Rok Soo caused some kind of catastrophe. Without realizing it, Team Leader Sui Khan grabbed the hilt at his side hard.

And three days later, Moraka Castle was completely shattered and collapsed into ruins.

No one had noticed that future yet.

*****

A few hours later, in the time between evening and night—

“Come in.”

Young Master Jimon looked down at Clopeh Sekka and Cale as they approached him, as if they were ridiculous.