The Story Of The Second Son Of The Baron Family [EN]: Chapter 54

Baron’s Family Second Son – Episode 54

The thought of being asked to look after a child, something I also *have* to do, sent a fleeting bad feeling through my mind. But after seeing my brother’s expression, I realized I was overthinking it. Surely, if something were wrong with the child, my father or brother wouldn’t greet me so casually.

“Look after a child? What are you talking about? I have zero experience with kids. What about Maria, or a nanny?”

It’s true our family is relatively frugal compared to other nobles. We don’t receive fewer taxes, but we use them for the people, not personal luxuries.

However, that’s *relatively* frugal. Compared to commoners, we’re incredibly wealthy. There’s no way they can’t afford a nanny and would ask *me* to care for my nephew.

“How long has it been since Maria gave birth? Besides, when I say ‘take care of,’ I don’t mean babysitting.”

Ah. I realized what my brother meant. Everyone has a place where they shine. Childcare is definitely not mine.

“What about other wizards? There are some in the territory.”

“Even so, would they be as good as you? Let’s take advantage of having a talented younger brother.”

It’s not a difficult request. It’s a gift I can give my nephew as an uncle. I may lack experience, but I know the methods, so there shouldn’t be major problems. Still, I came home to rest, and now I have to work.

“If it’s like that, let me prepare. I haven’t been home an hour.”

After greeting the rest of the family and recovering from the journey, I went to my nephew to fulfill my brother’s request. Everyone was already gathered in the room, including my father, mother, brother, sister-in-law, younger sibling, and the nanny, waiting for me.

“What’s so important that everyone’s here?”

“It’s about the eldest grandson, isn’t it?”

My brother is the eldest son and heir. This child, inheriting that bloodline, is the eldest grandson who will succeed my brother. Unless my brother has another son and the second son becomes ambitious, the chances are high, so it’s no surprise the family’s focused on him.

“Please make room. The child will be startled if you stare so intently.”

Like students listening to a teacher, they stepped back, creating space for me.

“He’s going to break hearts when he grows up.”

Neither my brother nor I are ugly, but we’re not strikingly handsome. We have faces that make a good impression. But even at a few days old, my nephew was handsome. Of course, I don’t know what kind of awkward phase he’ll go through.

Smile-

Could he know I’m his uncle? He didn’t cry and was smiling brightly.

“I don’t even know my nephew’s name. What is it?”

“Lucius. My father spent days thinking about it.”

Lucius.

Since it means ‘light,’ I understood my father’s intention. The family is growing, so he should illuminate it. This moment would be the first test to see if he could live up to his name.

“Trust me and stay still, no matter what happens. Otherwise, it could be worse.”

After a firm warning, I placed my hand on the child’s chest. Feeling his small heart beating, I carefully sent magical power.

‘A baby is a baby.’

It was as delicate as touching a sandcastle about to collapse. The speed was slow, but how big could the child’s body be? I sighed in relief after circulating it quickly.

‘Thank goodness.’

The circuits were wide and clean, but so weak they could tear with little force, which was natural. I don’t know how much he’ll grow, but he has enough talent for magic. I circulated magical power through the child’s circuits for thirty minutes, removing impurities before removing my hand.

“Is it… over?”

The family was restless since I sighed, but because I told them not to interrupt, they watched anxiously. After calming them down, I had a proper conversation.

“Don’t worry. He’s healthy and talented. It depends on his effort, but he has enough.”

Healthy and talented. Whether he uses it is up to him. Only after confirming that did the family sigh in relief like me.

#

“So, how long are you staying?”

“I’m not sure, but at least a month.”

“Is that so? Good. I need your help with a few things.”

I came home to rest from magic, but to work? While I hesitated, my father’s words made me accept.

“Resting requires planning. Aimless rest is a waste of time. I’m not telling you to start tomorrow, so think about it.”

For a week, I literally rested. I slept in and lay around after waking up. I avoided thinking about magic and moved related books out of sight.

For a week, I experienced the meaning of ‘Resting requires planning.’

“What do you need my help with?”

“A week already? You came quickly. I thought you’d last two weeks.”

“Resting isn’t easy.”

It’s amazing how habits are. Even closing my eyes, research came to mind. Looking at the ceiling, magical formulas appeared. I tried to stop thinking by overworking, but it was temporary.

“It’s not a big deal. If it required brainpower, I wouldn’t have called you. It’s something you can do without pressure.”

Like his words, I solved various tasks that didn’t stress me. They could be done without me, but were better with me. Building reservoirs, exterminating monsters or bandits, etc.

It was better than sitting around. While doing chores, I didn’t think about anything else. But the change I wanted didn’t happen, and I had to decide.

Whirr, whirr-

A sphere of light shone above the baby’s head, captivating him. He reached out, trying to grab it, but couldn’t. Still, he smiled happily.

“Are you leaving?”

“I have to go. I can’t stay forever.”

My brother approached as I played with my nephew.

“It’s okay to stay forever.”

“Is it? The longer I stay, the more trouble I’ll cause.”

The heir is my brother. When he inherits the territory, I’ll be a collateral relative. This mansion, where I grew up, won’t be my home.

Many people approached me this past month, from merchants to nobles, urging me to become the heir. They offered help, asking me not to forget them. I told them not to talk nonsense and kicked them out.

If I didn’t have my past life’s memories, if I hadn’t accepted them as family, or if I was greedier, I wouldn’t have given up so easily. It was a matter with potential.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Suddenly? It was decided long ago, why are you like this?”

“I don’t know if you would have just played around, but you’ve done a lot for the family. You were dragged to the Tera Barrier [presumably a dangerous magical location] instead of me, my father became a Baron, and the magic stone incident… Besides, you became a disciple of the Magic Tower Lord, and we benefited in many ways. But I inherited everything because I was born earlier. If you have any complaints…”

“What are you talking about?”

I didn’t seem to think about such things, but my brother must have kept it in his heart. Even I wasn’t paying much attention.

“My brother has been helping my father and taking care of the territory for a long time. He should inherit it.”

“But if you only consider ability, you…”

“Does being good at magic mean you’re good at managing a territory? Everyone has their own expertise. Stop talking nonsense. I’ve never thought about it, and even if I did, my father wouldn’t allow it.”

I have no greed or regrets. I knew from the beginning it wasn’t my place. My life has been a better fit. It’s already heavy enough to be responsible for the revenge of ten people, let alone tens of thousands.

“So, when you have children, pray they’ll be like me. If you don’t want to see your sons fighting.”

“…I haven’t even made any plans yet.”

“Aren’t you going to have any? If the family wants to prosper, you have to work hard.”

“Haha. Yeah. I guess I should pray they’ll be like you.”

“And if you’re really sorry, send your nephews to me later when they want to learn magic. I’ll make them work hard.”

“That’s something I’d rather ask you to do.”

Thus, the brothers’ night deepened.

#

“Please stay healthy until we meet again.”

“Yeah. While you’re traveling, find a daughter-in-law, and it doesn’t matter what her status is. You’re twenty-five now. You’re not old enough for any more leeway.”

“…I’ll try.”

“Don’t just try! You always say results are important. Bring results!”

With my mother’s familiar nagging as the last thing I heard, I left the Dragnil territory and headed southwest. I don’t know if I’ll have time, but I was thinking of going to the entire empire, and if I had the chance, even to other countries.

“I hope I have some good luck.”

Baron’s Family Second Son – Episode 54 – End