How To Live As A Third Son Of A Failure [EN]: Chapter 30

Living as the Third Son of a Failed Novel – Chapter 30

* * *

‘This old man, he’s really set his mind to it.’

That was my first impression upon attending the banquet.

Count Lindaier, who was he? A man who shunned formalities and pursued efficiency to the extreme. Unless there was something special, he would even eat in his office.

I didn’t expect much from a banquet hosted by such a Count.

The hall of the castle was bustling. The followers of the Lindaier family, having heard the news, rushed in.

It was more like a ball than a banquet.

Clack!

The guard standing by the door to the hall saw me and snapped to attention.

“The Third Son of Lindaier, Cain Lindaier, has arrived!”

Then, turning, he shouted towards the hall.

A silence hung over the wide hall.

At the same time, attention focused on me.

It was a gaze filled with many intentions: envy, jealousy, suspicion, hatred. Ah, the last one was from Dane and Seine.

Amidst that vortex of emotions, I calmly adjusted my attire.

I have no allies here.

It feels like being abandoned alone in the heart of enemy territory. But I can’t show weakness. I confidently moved my steps towards the center of the hall.

The people gathered here are one of three types.

Either on Seine’s side, on Dane’s side, or neutral.

Again, I have no allies here.

“You’ve arrived.”

My only ally… or can I even call him that? Anyway, there was one person who liked me.

Gillein Esteban, the Commander of the Wind Knights.

I didn’t recognize him for a moment because he was wearing the Knights’ uniform instead of his usual armor.

“Sir Esteban, did you have a good rest?”

“I am fine. Are you alright, Young Master?”

“I’m a little tired, but I’m doing well.”

“That’s understandable. It was quite a difficult journey. Especially after you personally defeated the Blade Tribe, no one could say they are alright.”

*This* old man, I thought he was a soft tofu-like person because he always smiles.

He dispelled the rumors circulating in the world at once and confirmed my achievement. Moreover, it was the words of the Knight Commander, not just some flattering praise from gossiping nobles, which held many times more credibility.

“You flatter me. It was possible because the Commander helped me. I couldn’t have done it alone.”

“Haha, that’s also an overstatement. Then, I hope you enjoy yourself.”

Only a few words were exchanged.

The atmosphere softened at once. As Gillein bowed lightly and stepped back, a noble who had been watching cautiously approached.

“I am Gelrod Rohelln, the Lord of Rohelln in the Northwest.”

Baron Rohelln.

A nobleman with little influence, befitting the owner of a small territory near the edge of the provinces, almost a barren land.

Just by looking at his simple and unadorned attire, unlike other nobles, I could roughly guess his position.

“Nice to meet you, Baron Rohelln.”

“We were anxious every day before summer came, because of those Blade Tribe bastards. But thanks to you, Young Master, we have relieved a great worry.”

“I simply did what I had to do.”

“On behalf of our territory and family, I thank you. This is insignificant, but…”

Baron Gelrod held out something small.

It was a platinum brooch with a swallow, the symbol of the Rohelln family, engraved on it. Although it may be less valuable than gold, I smiled at the sincerity contained within.

“I am honored.”

I immediately pinned the brooch on my chest. Gelrod, smiling brightly at that, called a girl who appeared to be his daughter from afar.

“Serian, this is the Young Master who subjugated the Blade Tribe. Say hello.”

“Thank you. You are a hero to us, Young Master.”

Perhaps because she was still young, she stumbled but steadily lifted her dress and bent her legs in a curtsy. I stroked her head, feeling pleased with her appearance.

“I just did what I had to do.”

Everyone around was watching the girl’s appearance with affection. Confirming that the atmosphere had softened, I took a seat at an empty round table.

Then, knights approached one after another.

“Young Master.”

“What kind of tactics did you use?”

“We have many stories to hear.”

Most of them were knights who claimed neutrality.

Others were curious but couldn’t come because of their positions, so they were just watching from afar.

“It would hurt my throat to explain, so first…”

As I picked up the wine placed on the table, the knights hurriedly grabbed a glass each.

Not bad.

How long has it been since I came to the Midlands [a region or territory within the story’s world]?

It seems like it hasn’t been quite half a year, but I felt like it was the first time in a long time that I was enjoying such leisure.

Certainly, I had been running non-stop.

How long had we been chatting like that?

“The Lord is entering!”

As the chief butler, who appeared first, shouted, the hall was filled with silence. Everyone’s eyes turned to the entrance. The musicians stopped playing, and the servants carrying food disappeared into the corners.

Then, the Count appeared.

He wore a sword crafted into his formal attire at his waist. The figure of a white lion could be seen in him, with his gray hair slicked back with oil.

As the Count entered and gestured, the guards who had been standing guard rushed out.

It was as if he was the only one who could carry weapons in this hall.

Thud, thud.

The Count headed to the highest and most splendid seat along the path created in the middle of the hall.

The people who welcomed such a Count bowed their heads. It was truly a sight befitting the reputation of the lord of the North.

“Play the music.”

The musicians began to play again.

“There is not enough food. Is this how we treat guests?”

As if struck by lightning, the servants moved quickly to carry the food.

“The Third Son, come forward.”

Even though I expected it, I was very nervous when my name was called in this atmosphere.

But I didn’t show it.

I put down my glass and straightened my clothes. Then, slowly, but not too slowly, I approached the Count and knelt down.

“To accomplish what the North has not been able to do for over ten years, and that too by the Third Son who has been bothering me all along.”

“……”

“So, is it still a gray falcon? Indeed, a bird of prey is a bird of prey.”

The Count smiled faintly.

“Raise your head, Third Son.”

“Yes, Lord.”

“The bounty on the head of the treacherous Drosh is entirely yours. It is your right, not mine, to decide how to distribute the rewards, as you were the one who toiled on the front lines. So, speak.”

*Why* are you telling me to say it here?

Are you telling me to promise in front of people whether I will pocket it or distribute it fairly?

Sir, I’m sorry, but I’ve already hinted at that to Leah.

“Sir Esteban has already said that he is satisfied with the glory of defeating the nightmare.”

“Is that true?”

“Yes, Lord.”

As Gillein confirmed, the Count nodded.

“Then?”

“Sir Maier and I also have nothing more to ask for than that glory. But the Rangers are different. They were wounded and bled. Gold coins can never replace that, but I believe it will be a consolation.”

“So.”

“I will award all the bounty to the Rangers who participated in the battle.”

The surroundings are buzzing, which is conveyed to me even on my knees. Well, five hundred gold coins is a huge sum that no noble would easily give up.

Of course, three hundred of them will come back into my pocket.

“Is that your true intention?”

“Yes.”

The Count laughs heartily. The audience, who had been silent for a moment at the unexpected behavior, soon clapped to match the atmosphere.

“Good. It will be as you wish.”

“Thank you.”

“But if that happens, you will have nothing left. Is that alright with you?”

I hesitated for a moment at the Count’s question, but the thought was not long. I wanted to say it when we were alone, but the situation had already happened.

“There is something I would like to request.”

“You mean it’s not enough. Tell me.”

The stage is set.

From here on out, it depends on how I package it.

“In the distribution of rewards for this subjugation, there is one thing I desperately want, but it is beyond my authority.”

“Beyond your authority? What is it?”

“As you heard in the detailed post-war report, the help of a Ranger named Leah Crowe was significant in this subjugation.”

“I know.”

“I would like to elevate her status to Raven and demote the current Raven, Gerid Crowe.”

Silence fell upon my unexpected words.

They must have thought I would ask for some material reward. The Count tilted his head, seemingly thinking the same.

“Reason?”

“It’s not just about the merits of the subjugation. It’s for the safety of the North, and furthermore, for the safety of the kingdom.”

“Explain.”

“The Rangers are a unit with a heavy responsibility, facing the ferocious monsters of the North. Therefore, personal connections should not interfere, and they should be composed of talents who prioritize the safety of the kingdom above all else.”

A beat.

“However, Gerid Crowe neglected the subjugation of the Blade Tribe, which is deeply related to the stability of the North, out of concern for his own safety. This is an act that shakes the very foundation of the Rangers who contribute to the defense of the kingdom.”

“And?”

“On the other hand, Leah Crowe was a Ranger who was willing to shed blood for the kingdom, no matter how slim the chances. And the result is exactly as you know, without a single lie.”

Even if it’s a direct royal unit, the command lies with the Count. That goes for personnel orders to promote or demote.

“Gerid Crowe and Leah Crowe. I think it’s obvious what the Rangers under them will learn from each of them. For the sake of the North, and furthermore, for the sake of the kingdom, I hope for a change of commanders.”

The Count didn’t take long to ponder.

The justification is clear. The Count knows that too. Even if he guessed my intentions, that’s a secondary issue.

“Anything else?”

“I have nothing more to ask for.”

A clean request followed by a clean retreat.

The Count nodded.

“Your will is truly commendable. The grounds are more than valid. I will definitely do as you wish.”

The people gathered in the hall applauded at the Count’s permission.

“However.”

However?

“Even so, we can’t let a hero return empty-handed.”

“……”

“Chief Steward, listen. I, as the head and lord of the Lindayer family, say this. I will additionally award a reward of 500 gold coins for the merit of subjugating the Blade Tribe. Furthermore, I grant the Third Young Master the title of Banneret [a knight who can lead a company of soldiers under his own banner].”

Silence flowed through the hall where the applause had stopped.

Knight Banneret.

A position that allows one to raise, command, and lead a territorial army, including cavalry, at any time.

It was closer to a commander than a knight, but it was clearly a position with that name, so one could receive treatment commensurate with it.

“Lord! The Third Young Master is not qualified as a knight! A knight who can’t even handle mana!”

The backlash erupted immediately.

Dane burst out with an excited face, spewing out his words.

But his face was one of belated regret.

‘How foolish. If you’re going to argue, do it in private.’

This was a public setting.

If the Count makes a decision here, his prestige ensures it will never be reversed. Dane had dug his own grave.

As expected, the Count looked at Dane with a sneer.

“If it were the Gale Knights, you would be right. But a Banneret is a separate position that commands and leads troops in times of emergency. Do you think the Third Young Master is insufficient for that?”

“……The Third Young Master doesn’t have much practical experience yet.”

“Then why have you, with your abundant practical experience, neglected and abandoned the Blade Tribe until now?”

The Count, who had been sparing his words for a moment, looked around the hall.

“Is there anyone here who can subjugate the Blade Tribe even if given fifty Rangers? And without a single casualty?”

No one answered.

“Ridiculous. To disregard a talented strategist because of such superficialities?”

The Count scoffed and looked at me.

“Cain Lindayer. The things I said earlier will be kept. Today is a day for you, so enjoy yourself and relieve your fatigue.”

“Thank you.”

I bowed my head and stepped back with precision.

Only after turning around could I sigh softly and catch my breath.

Anyway, the result is good, so it’s fine.

Leah’s promotion for my background was a success, and even if they knew my intentions, the packaging was so clean that they couldn’t find fault.

In addition, an image of justice, the position of Banneret, and the extra income of 500 gold coins.

My pockets felt so full they were about to burst.

* * *

Late at night after the banquet.

Knock, knock!

A soft knock echoed in my private study.

“Come in.”

The person who came was Ruth.

“Young Master, or should I call you Sir Knight now?”

“Damn it. Call me what you used to. It’s embarrassing.”

After exchanging light jokes, Ruth stood before me.

“I’m sorry to bother you so late when you must be tired.”

“It’s alright. More importantly, I heard you have something to order me to do.”

“Yes. There’s something I need you to do.”

“Something you need me to do, you say.”

“It has to be done secretly. Especially, it would be troublesome if it got into the ears of my brothers.”

Ruth’s eyes became quite serious.

“I will risk my life to carry it out perfectly.”

“Pray Port. I need you to go there.”

“Pray Port, you say……?”

I unfolded a map on the desk.

“Pray Port is located on the eastern coast of the continent, in the territory of Baron Telon. Go there and find someone.”

“Someone, you say.”

“His name is Jess Orlean. He probably runs a small merchant guild. The name of the guild is Bluewind. It should be easy to find, right?”

“Jess Orlean. Bluewind Merchant Guild.”

Ruth nodded, repeating it a few times.

“I understand. Should I leave tomorrow right away?”

He doesn’t ask why I’m looking for him or who he is. It’s a story that would be interesting enough to ask about.

He really is a perfect example of what a loyal subordinate should be.

“You know that the kingdom’s founding anniversary is soon in the capital, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll be leaving the territory soon as well. The capital is in the central region, so I want you to take that person ahead of me and come to the midpoint. Let’s meet there.”

“I understand. What should I tell him?”

“Give him this.”

I sealed a letter I had written in advance, pouring wax on it to seal it.

Then, when I handed it over, Ruth carefully received it and nodded.

“I will risk my life to deliver it secretly.”

“Come on time. We should have a drink together in the capital.”

“Of course. Then I’ll see you later.”

Ruth smiled and bowed his head before heading out.

“Hoo.”

Alone in the study, I relaxed and sighed.

Tap, tap.

I tapped the desk and pondered.

Constructing a financial network.

Originally, it was a plan I would have thought about slowly. But after seeing Sehin’s attitude, I felt the need to move it up a bit.

Pray Port.

At this point in time, it’s nothing more than an unremarkable fishing village.

But after the war breaks out and the continent is divided, things change.

The lord who owns it has no particular ambition and advocates strict neutrality, and then Pray Port becomes a hub for entrepôt trade [a port where goods are imported and re-exported]. due to its geographical advantage in the central part of the continent.

And Jess Orlean.

He is the master of the marine merchant guild called Bluewind, and after the outbreak of the war, he rises to the ranks of a wealthy merchant with his outstanding sense and skills.

Of course, right now he’s just a small-time trader with a few small boats.

‘It’s a simple deal.’

I provide him with capital.

He earns gold coins for me.

It would be difficult to bring him in after he’s grown. But what if I offer a hand during these difficult times?

He won’t be able to resist taking it.