The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 27

Baron’s Family Second Son – Episode 27

< Baron's Family Second Son – Episode 27 – >

The woman waiting inside the room embodied the image of a noble lady. Despite my limited experience with high society, she struck me as exceptionally beautiful. The knight who escorted me addressed her as ‘Lady,’ confirming she was the Marquis’s daughter who had extended the invitation.

“Please, have a seat. What kind of tea would you prefer?”

“Anything is fine.”

I appreciated tea. After being stationed at the Terra Barrier, I rarely had the opportunity to indulge, and back in my hometown, my father discouraged such luxuries, making expensive tea an unattainable dream. However, I could still discern and appreciate quality.

In my estimation, the tea the maid served was of the highest caliber, or at least remarkably high. While the tea leaves themselves might have been inferior to what I once enjoyed with Marquis Ziek, the maid’s skillful brewing maximized its flavor, making it truly commendable.

“The tea is exceptionally delicious.”

Simultaneously, the maid who brewed the tea offered a slight bow, expressing her gratitude. She clearly took pride in her craft.

“First, please accept my apologies for declining your invitation a few days ago. I was preparing for yesterday’s demonstration under the Marquis’s orders, leaving me no time for personal engagements.”

“There’s no need to apologize. As you said, official duties must take precedence over personal matters.”

“Thank you for understanding. May I inquire as to the reason for your invitation?”

“Did my father happen to leave any messages or letters for me or anyone in the family?”

The situation unfolded as I had anticipated. A father absent for an extended period, and a family yearning for contact. Marquis Ziek’s circumstances, combined with the lady’s words and demeanor, pointed to this conclusion.

“I’m sorry to say, I only received orders to submit a report to His Majesty the Emperor and heard nothing further.”

“…I see.”

The lady couldn’t conceal her disappointment. Understandably so. I wasn’t sure of her exact age, but considering her status as the daughter of a prestigious noble family and her unmarried status, she couldn’t be that old. Or perhaps marriage prospects were limited. With Marquis Ziek, the key decision-maker, absent at the distant frontier, who would champion his daughter’s marriage?

In any case, it had been nearly ten years since Marquis Ziek’s appointment as commander of the Terra Barrier. During that time, she must have been waiting for news, only to be met with disappointment each time.

“Sir Renil will be returning to the Terra Barrier, I presume?”

“Yes. As soon as His Majesty the Emperor provides his response, I intend to return.”

“Then, please deliver this letter to my father.”

A neatly folded letter. After placing the letter safely inside my tunic, I looked back at her. She then added one last request.

“If my father doesn’t read that letter, or if he remains silent even after reading it, could you please convey a single message?”

“If it’s within my capabilities.”

“Tell him that Mother wishes to see Father’s face one last time…”

With that, our conversation concluded. I was curious about the specifics, but it wasn’t my place to pry, and even if I asked, she likely wouldn’t confide in an outsider like myself. As I prepared to leave the mansion, a thought occurred to me, and I paused.

“Lady, may I offer a word?”

“What is it?”

“It may be presumptuous of me, but regardless of the contents of this letter, the Marquis will not be swayed. Even if you deliver your message, the outcome will likely be the same.”

I couldn’t see the lady’s face, but I was certain her expression wasn’t pleasant. Judging by her demeanor, this wasn’t the first time she had faced this situation. Perhaps my words echoed a truth she didn’t want to acknowledge: that duty takes precedence over family.

“I’ve only served Marquis Ziek at the Terra Barrier for less than a year, but I believe it’s been enough time to understand his character.”

My single word turned into two, then three, but the lady listened without interruption.

“The Marquis will never abandon his post at the Terra Barrier for personal reasons. If you truly desire the Marquis’s return to the territory, even briefly, the intended recipient of this plea should not be the Marquis himself, but someone else.”

“…Who might that be?”

“Only His Majesty the Emperor’s command holds the power to move the Marquis.”

I had heard that the Emperor and Marquis Ziek were close friends, having shared many years together. If the Emperor possessed even a shred of compassion, he wouldn’t deny the request of a daughter seeking her father’s presence, even for a short time, so that her dying mother could see him.

However, despite my words, the lady hesitated to respond. Perhaps she already knew this to be true.

No matter how many letters she sent or what words she entrusted to messengers, Marquis Ziek would not return to the territory unless compelled by the Emperor’s command. The reason she hadn’t sought the Emperor’s intervention during those long years was, ultimately, because it was a family matter, wasn’t it?

“Please forgive my presumption. As someone who owes the Marquis my life several times over, I hope you will make a wise decision for the sake of the Marquis and your mother.”

#

Several days passed, but the lady didn’t contact me. I had overstepped my bounds with my unsolicited advice, so I refrained from further intervention, and time continued to pass. Once again, Count Winchester escorted me to meet with the Emperor.

“Be grateful. I can’t attribute everything to you, but had you faltered during the demonstration, the news I would be delivering now would be far less favorable.”

“I am thankful that you haven’t overlooked the challenges faced at the Terra Barrier.”

“I have an order for you. Deliver this to Marquis Ziek.”

“I accept the Imperial command.”

With this, my purpose in coming to the capital was 100%, no, 200% fulfilled. Now it was time to depart the capital and return to the Terra Barrier. Of course, the steps of those accompanying me would be considerably heavier than when we arrived, but I couldn’t simply abandon them.

“I would prefer to have you depart with the support troops in two months, but the situation at the Terra Barrier is urgent, making each individual invaluable.”

“Many are eagerly awaiting this news. Furthermore, my comrades are still fighting for their lives; how can I afford to delay?”

As I left the Imperial Palace after a brief audience with the Emperor, I encountered an unexpected figure: the lady who hadn’t exchanged a single word with me since our conversation days ago, now entering the Imperial Palace under guard. After a brief exchange of glances and bows, I returned to the mansion and hastened my preparations to return to the Terra Barrier with Wisp.

It was evident that a resolution was imminent. Having prepared in advance, the arrangements for the long journey were swiftly completed. After consulting with Wisp, we decided to postpone our departure by one day, as the sun was already setting, and instead depart early in the morning. However, shortly after returning to the mansion, I received a visitor.

“Magician Renil. Where is Renil?”

“I am Renil.”

“This is an Imperial order. By order of His Majesty the Emperor, you are to proceed to the Imperial Palace immediately.”

Huh? So sudden? I exchanged a puzzled look with Wisp, but I had no choice but to obey when an Imperial knight delivered the Imperial order.

#

“It seems I need to hear about the situation at the Terra Barrier and make a judgment. I apologize for summoning someone who has a long journey ahead for nothing.”

“What are you saying? I am honored to be of service to His Majesty the Emperor.”

Following the Imperial knight to the Imperial Palace, I unexpectedly found myself in a three-way meeting: the Emperor, myself, and the Marquis’s daughter. I hadn’t anticipated that she would act so quickly after my suggestion, after years of apparent inaction.

“Answer my question honestly. If Marquis Ziek were absent, how long could the remaining soldiers realistically hold out, given their current capabilities?”

The Terra Barrier without Marquis Ziek. If there was one irreplaceable figure at the Terra Barrier, it was him. Marquis Ziek was essential to the defense, not only due to his immense power but also as a mental anchor who wouldn’t break under pressure and as a hidden asset capable of turning the tide in dire situations.

Glance-

As I formulated my response to the Emperor’s question, I felt her gaze upon me. She likely hoped for an answer that suggested they could hold out for a significant period. After all, I was the one who told her that only the Emperor could move Marquis Ziek.

“With all due respect, the current Terra Barrier would struggle to hold out for even a month.”

How unfortunate. A father neglecting his family due to his dedication to his duty, and a mother facing a terminal illness. A daughter attempting to bridge the gap between them.

Wasn’t this the kind of family drama one might see on stage? I wanted to reassure her that they could withstand the siege even without Marquis Ziek, as she wished. But while my lie might grant one person a peaceful passing, it would condemn thousands, tens of thousands, to suffering. I’m sorry, but the stakes were too high.

“Is it that dire?”

“I believe that without substantial support, we must prepare for devastating losses.”

“Hmm…”

The Emperor sank into deep contemplation.

#

“Sir Renil.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help…”

“Thank you for your honesty.”

Thank you? In fact, as I left the room with her after the Emperor dismissed us, I braced myself for a slap. From her perspective, it must have felt like a betrayal. But honestly, her gratitude and bow felt more impactful than any physical blow.

“Aren’t you disappointed? If I had lied and said you could hold out…”

“If you had lied for me and my mother, my mother might have been able to see my father. But that meeting would not have been the meeting my mother truly desired. My father’s face would have been etched with worry and anger. Furthermore, leading countless people to their deaths for the sake of one mother is something that cannot be justified as a member of the Ziek family.”

“…Thank you for understanding.”

“No. You’ve made a pointless trip because of my actions. Please depart quickly. My father and your comrades are awaiting the news you will bring.”

She is a good person. I don’t know whether to attribute it to genetics, like father, like daughter, or to admire her resilience in growing up so admirably in the absence of a father. I could only hope that the Emperor’s decision would satisfy both the needs of the Terra Barrier and the Ziek family.

< Baron's Family Second Son – Episode 27 – > End