I’m the Madman of This Family

Chapter 291. Failure is Treason, Success is Revolution (5)

Suddenly appearing, Hisop invited the representatives from various countries to the reception room for a conversation.

Although he already knew, Hisop asked what Keter had promised them under the pretext of confirmation, and the representatives told him everything without missing a single detail.

Having heard everything, Hisop had anticipated it, but Keter’s grand ambitions left him speechless.

‘It’s true that there are many empty lands in Sephira’s territory. If we absorb Baydant, it will double. But to take full responsibility for their residence and provisions? Money aside, I wonder if our Sephira can handle it.’

Since Daat, who called himself Sephira’s strategist, was also in the reception room, Hisop gave him a look, asking if it was okay.

Daat readily made a circle with his finger. It wasn’t entirely reassuring, but it was better than showing uncertainty.

After discussing official matters for a while, Hisop looked out the window. They had only talked about official business without any small talk, and the sun was already setting.

Although Sephira’s future was at stake, the family war was not yet over. Hisop stood up and said,

“Let’s leave the details in the contract for mutual confirmation. By the way, the sun will set soon. I would like to offer you a place to stay, but since Sephira is currently in a family war, I’m worried about inconveniencing you. So, I’ll show you the way back before night falls.”

Hisop politely suggested, but a noble from the aggressive Adeus Kingdom grumbled.

“It seems you’re completely overwhelming Baydant. I guess our presence is just uncomfortable.”

“I’ve learned that a war isn’t over until it’s over. Just as Sephira lured and exploited Baydant’s carelessness, Baydant could do the same.”

“Hmph. This is why archers are…”

The Adeus noble kept grumbling until the end. No one stopped him.

There was no reason to. It was interesting to watch Hisop’s reaction and test his capabilities.

Hisop responded softly but firmly.

“I know Adeus looks down on bows. What a coincidence. Baydant also looked down on bows.”

“Oh? Then would you like to try, Lord Hisop? I don’t mind even now.”

The Adeus noble showed his competitive spirit by clenching and unclenching his fist.

But Hisop shook his head.

“I can’t just pair you with anyone who came here risking danger from a neighboring country. I should pair you with Sephira’s best knight. However, he’s not here right now. So, let’s postpone that opportunity.”

“Hmm… That’s certainly true. But I won’t forget your promise to pair me with the best knight.”

“Of course.”

Hisop gently soothed the belligerent Adeus noble. The looks in people’s eyes changed as they watched Hisop.

‘He’s quite skilled in diplomacy for his age.’

‘I could feel he was careful with every word during the conversation. Has he experienced politics?’

‘Perhaps we shouldn’t just focus on Keter.’

The conversation ended, and it seemed time to disperse.

“Lord Hisop. Today, it seemed the doctors at the clinic were busy. If you don’t mind, I would like to send doctors and medical students from the Blood Ten to support House Sephira tomorrow. Since the Blood Ten is not affiliated with any specific country, there should be no issues.”

This was something Hisop had in mind, so he was grateful when the Blood Ten representative brought it up first.

“Since you’re offering support during wartime, I’ll double the payment for expenses and medical fees.”

“No. The Blood Ten doctors do not accept fees. Just provide us with lodging and necessary medical supplies, and we’ll be grateful.”

The Blood Ten created a warm atmosphere by stepping forward, and the alchemist from Castle Jarvela also stepped up.

“Lord Hisop. On the way here, I noticed there are many herbs in Sephira’s territory. We can combine them to make potions or elixirs, but may we have permission to harvest them? If you provide the space, we’ll sell everything to Sephira at cost.”

Potions and elixirs are in much higher demand than supply. Offering to sell them at cost was an incredibly generous proposal.

Sephira, already short on potions and elixirs, had no reason to refuse.

Those affiliated with countries couldn’t help even if they wanted to, but unaffiliated groups wanted to help Sephira in any way they could, and Hisop gratefully accepted their offers as long as they weren’t too burdensome.

Just when it seemed there was nothing left to discuss and it was time to leave,

“Lord Hisop, one last thing I’m curious about. Is our Keter doing well?”

Most people used honorifics with Hisop. But the owner of this voice treated Hisop as an equal. And indeed, he was a man of such standing.

He was the eldest son of Marquis Scala from the engineering nation of Vaen, ‘Gallua Scala.’

Hisop doubted his ears at Gallua’s words.

‘Our Keter?’

It was definitely the common language of the continent he knew, but he wondered if ‘our’ had a different meaning. Otherwise, why would he call Keter ‘our Keter’ while looking for him?

Others felt the same. No one could understand why Gallua called Keter ‘our Keter.’

Sensing the atmosphere, Gallua chuckled and said,

“Judging by your reactions, it seems you don’t understand. Well, that’s natural. Lord Hisop, this might take a while, but let me ask another question. Isn’t Keter’s ring finger longer than his index finger? On both hands.”

“……?”

He had never observed Keter that closely. Who would even look at the length of his fingers? It’s not like he’s a pervert.

Hisop shook his head.

“I don’t know.”

“Wasn’t Keter ambidextrous from birth?”

“…Since he’s my half-brother, I don’t know that either.”

“Then do you know this?”

Snap.

Gallua grabbed the collar of his shirt with both hands and pulled it open. His soft, flabby chest and stomach were exposed.

It wasn’t a pleasant sight, so everyone frowned, but Gallua, unfazed, pointed to his solar plexus with his finger and said,

“Doesn’t Keter have the same mark on his solar plexus as me?”

“I haven’t seen it. And what exactly are you trying to say?”

“Don’t you know? Lord Basil would know, but it’s a shame. I’ll tell you instead, Lord Hisop.”

Hisop already didn’t like Gallua. Everyone acknowledged and respected his position, but Gallua kept asserting his superiority.

Even his excessive interest in Keter. It poked at something unsettling.

“I formally request the return of our youngest, Keter, of House Scala, Lord Hisop.”

“……?!”

“Keter is the youngest of House Scala?”

“What on earth are you talking about?”

It wasn’t just Hisop who was shocked. The representatives, who had unexpectedly heard the secret of Keter’s birth, couldn’t hide their excitement.

“Listening to this, it’s unbelievable!”

Bang!

Someone stomped their foot in anger. Hisop checked who was getting angry on his behalf.

It was the noble from the Adeus Kingdom who had previously looked down on bows. He pointed at Gallua and shouted,

“Keter is the son of our Duke Kundelain! Stop talking nonsense!”

“……?”

With not one but two people claiming Keter’s parentage, Hisop’s eyes involuntarily closed.

‘Father, when are you coming? Can’t you come just for a moment now?’

Today, the absence of Basil felt particularly heavy to Hisop.

*

While killing time by sparring with the captured Grandmasters, Keter received his second visitor.

Like Nila, he secretly called for Keter, and Keter gladly responded.

“What, it’s you. Ultima.”

“Sorry to interrupt your fun.”

Ultima smiled casually. Keter’s eyes narrowed as he looked at Ultima.

“Something’s up.”

“Huh?”

“You’re giving off vibes. Like, ‘I came because something’s up.'”

“…It’s polite to pretend not to notice such things.”

“Then hide it better. So, what’s up? What do you need me to do?”

As usual, Keter got straight to the point, but Ultima was different this time.

“It’s not something I can get straight to the point about. So listen for a bit.”

“Permission granted. But keep it short.”

“I think my guild has become essential to Sephira’s revival plan. With Sephira’s financial and human resources, managing the absorbed Baydant and appeasing and managing the invited guests from various countries. Our Ultima Guild’s support will be essential from now on.”

“You repeated ‘essential’ twice. Want a compliment? Well done. But you haven’t forgotten, have you? The one who saved you and grew your guild was me.”

“I know. I know. But even considering that, I want you to know that I’m following through without complaint. And I will continue to do so.”

“I appreciate it, so I don’t interfere, do I? Want me to start controlling even your bathroom breaks?”

“Keter.”

Ultima’s voice lowered, creating a heavy atmosphere.

Normally, Keter would have flicked his forehead for lowering his voice, but this time, Keter’s expression also darkened.

‘This is serious.’

He could sense an insurmountable force in Ultima’s expression. Keter knew well what that meant.

‘Ultima is facing a situation he can’t handle with power or wealth. It seems I’m the only one who can solve it.’

If it were an easy matter, he wouldn’t be making such a big deal out of it. Even for Keter, it was clearly dangerous or impossible.

‘Well, it was bound to happen someday.’

You can’t have clear skies every day of the year. Rain must come eventually. But he had been prepared, and whatever happened, he would solve it.

With tension and anticipation, Keter asked,

“I get it. Now tell me the real reason you came to me.”

“Sigh…”

Ultima couldn’t speak immediately and took out a cigarette from his pocket with trembling hands, putting it in his mouth.

Click.

Keter lit his cigarette for him. Ultima took a deep drag and… licked his lips.

“Keter. Let me say this first, this is an insurmountable force.”

“I know.”

“It’s an insurmountable force for both me and you.”

“I got it.”

“I could have handled it on my own without coming to you. But I genuinely want to go all the way with you, so I came.”

“Warning. Stop beating around the bush.”

“Sigh—”

Ultima took a deep breath without the cigarette and twisted his body before barely opening his mouth.

“Let me kill Hisop.”

Thud!

As soon as the words ended, Keter’s fist slammed into Ultima’s face.

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