The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 81

Chapter 81: Apology

“…Serk-sama.”

Latina, still trembling from fear, calls out to me. I gesture with my chin, silently urging her to continue.

“It is true that I came to ask for your assistance… but before that, there is something I must confess.”

With that, she prostrated herself on the floor, as if rubbing her head against it, expressing remorse for her own sins.

“I’m sorry…”

In a trembling voice, but with a clear tone, she uttered an apology.

“I apologize for comparing you to Bardle-sama, for hurting you despite being in a servant’s position, for not trying to see Serk-sama while entrusted with the role of a caretaker… I don’t expect my thoughtless actions to be forgiven. If it’s desired, I will offer my life. I will make any amends necessary.”

A stain spreads on the floor as tears overflow from Latina’s eyes and soak into the floor.

“So please… I won’t ask you to save us or the kingdom… But please, help Bardle-sama! Even though we, who caused a rift between the two of you, have no right to ask for anything… we can’t find any other way to save Bardle-sama except to rely on Serk-sama!”

“I am already a titled knight of the Empire. Without an imperial decree from His Majesty, I have no authority to act, and there is no compensation or reward.”

“…Is that unacceptable here?”

Harris says this and takes out a letter. After checking the contents, it turns out to be a request for assistance to the Empire and a list of rewards for the aid.

“I apologize; this should have been shown to you first.”

“…How can I be sure that this will be delivered?”

“Bardle-sama wrote the same content in a magical message to decide with the kings. It will undoubtedly be honored.”

“…My brother is truly loved.”

Silence fills the room, and I lift the scythe in my hand, bringing it down.

The scythe’s blade grazes Latina’s side, and with a piercing sound, it thrusts into the floor, disappearing like smoke.

“…I wanted to share even a little of the feelings of longing for my brother.”

Whispering the feelings I once held, I leave the room, and Aria follows, leaving Latina collapsed on the spot, letting out sobs—whether they were regrets for her past actions or self-blame, it’s unknown…

—

“Kind, isn’t he, Berg?”

As we walk down the corridor, Aria speaks to me.

“He was planning to go help from the beginning, but he pretended to be angry for their sake, right?”

“…If they came saying, ‘Save us and the kingdom,’ and I just stood there, it wouldn’t sit well with me.”

In response to my answer, Aria smiles as if to say, ‘Oh well.’

“If we accepted their offer, it could have affected the Empire’s reputation. Plus, given the circumstances, those knights could be considered deserters and punished… But if we treat them as messengers for requesting aid, the story changes, right?”

“…It just made sense to follow proper procedures. Besides, we should both be clear about where we stand.”

A moment of silence fills the room, and then I raise the scythe, swinging it down.

The scythe’s blade grazes beside Latina, and with a resonating sound, it thrusts into the floor before vanishing like smoke.

“…I just wished for a bit of the longing he has for his brother.”

Leaving behind only a whisper of the feelings I once held, I head towards Luminus’s room, letter in hand. The walking pace increases naturally.

“Don’t die before I get back, brother…”