The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 47

“The 47th Chapter: The Expected Conclusion (Bardle Side)”

“It’s obviously the last one..”

“That’s the answer from earlier.”

When one of the nobles responded, the knight captain replied, and some of the nobles showed surprised expressions.

“I have investigated him since he left the country… His academic performance seems to be excellent. Although there’s nothing outstanding, he maintains better grades than the average student. Besides, it seems he had far more extracurricular activities than other students.”

Yes, Serk received the same education as I did. Not only arithmetic and etiquette are learned at the academy but also a wide range of studies, including laws and disciplines known to the priests of the Lunaus religion, mainly the history of the empire’s culture.

Normally, I was studying the necessary knowledge for each family in stages, several years ahead of schedule, but that was just my way of doing things.

Rather, Serk, who excelled while devoting time to studies beyond the scope of the academy’s teachings, could be considered a highly talented individual.

“Even so, his evaluation is terrible… not only students but even teachers around him underrated him. I wouldn’t strive for such people.”

“But if you’re a noble…”

“Can you do it?”

“Well…”

“Always demanded perfection in every field, poked holes that others couldn’t find, looked down on even those with lesser abilities, no matter how much effort and results you put in, it’s never rewarded… Can you fulfill your duty in such an environment?”

…”

The noble who raised his voice in response to the captain’s question fell silent. The nobles around him also averted their eyes or remained silent.

“I love this country and am prepared to risk my life for those who live in this country… but that’s only because I received the appropriate recognition and compensation from the people, those around me, and above all, His Majesty. Can you say the same in the environment he was in?”

It’s impossible. The words hung in the air as the nobles, their expressions revealing those words, fell silent at the knight captain’s continued assault.

“In the first place, even if we say we’ll bring him back, how do we do that?”

“W-well, by persuading him…”

“After never bothering to get involved until now, suddenly asking him to come back just because he got a rare drop? I don’t want to think there’s someone shameless enough to do such a thing.”

“Grr…”

“Considering the circumstances he faced when he left the country, it would be a bad move within bad moves. If we fail, we’ll incur his anger… Are you saying this while assuming that he, who gained power comparable to that Lion Emperor Victoria, could become an enemy?”

Most of those present grimaced at the words of the knight captain. It was unavoidable.

Victoria Leish Mildrea, the lioness who succeeded the late emperor who died of illness five years ago, and single-handedly suppressed the stampede, a monster disaster that the knight order should have dealt with, is the foremost heroine of the Hume continent…

For Serk, recognized for his abilities and achievements, and bestowed with titles and the status of an imperial princess, to become an enemy and fight against that heroine… The nobles finally understood how significant this was.

“…I also consider it impossible to bring him back.”

“Duke Brayja!?”

“Having survived for two years on the Gursio continent, arriving in the empire, and being appointed as a titled knight with the authority to move the army in just four days… Moving against him is too risky for us. It could lead to a war with the empire.”

In response to Duke Brayja, the leader of the noble faction, the nobles fell silent, and some directed their gaze towards us.

“…If it’s you, as his brother, can’t you persuade him?”

That’s probably where the conversation was headed, but my answer is already determined.

“I’m also against persuading Serk to bring him back.”

“Hmm, and the reasons?”

“The main reasons are twofold. One is that currently, Serk is away from the empire, serving as the escort for Princess Alseria. We still don’t know where he is, and when he’ll return is also uncertain.”

“So, negotiations with him are impossible at the moment.”

“And the other reason is that the group that attacked the emperor may have infiltrated our country.”

Various reactions were shown by those present at my words. To discuss this without revealing my keen observation, I continued with more details.

“The attackers on the emperor used unknown magical tools in addition to rare drops. The assailants had been colluding with the people in the castle, posing as merchants.”

“…Do we have collaborators among us?”

“At least everyone gathered here today has been judged as innocent. However, the problem is that individuals with the power to attack the empress are hiding in our country. I want to emphasize that we shouldn’t ignore this and take action.”

“But, it’s difficult to say, but there’s also the possibility that your younger brother might come for revenge…”

“If he intended to seek revenge, he wouldn’t head to the empire. He would come straight here. With Serk’s current abilities, he can handle a whole country by himself. There’s no reason for him to instigate a war with the empire and involve many people.”

“It seems the conclusion has been reached.”

The king said, calming the atmosphere, and then delivered the verdict.

“Until the details are clarified and the internal concerns of our country are resolved, contacting Serk Grantos is prohibited. Refrain from any rash actions until after the dialogue with the empire is concluded. Is that clear?”

Everyone bowed their heads in response to the king’s words…