The Second Son of The Marquis Runs Away from Home ~ Lacking Talent, He Abandons Everything and Becomes an Adventurer ~ - 12

### Episode 12: Before Departure

Having decided to head towards Hizuchi, I was preparing in my room.

On my desk were a short sword and knife, various sizes of magic stones, different kinds of potions, tools for engraving magic formulas on the stones, and various magic devices. I was meticulously maintaining each item.

Ever since I acquired the Chaos Crusader, I haven’t used these spare short swords and knives, but I never neglected their upkeep.

After finishing the maintenance on the short sword and knife, I moved on to inspecting the magic devices, ensuring they operated correctly and that the magic flowed properly.

I replaced consumables like potions and bandages with new ones, packing them into my bag.

From the shelf, I took out the magic stones and gunpowder I had stored, engraving the magic stones with formulas to create disposable magic tools.

After a while, I filled custom-made metal tubes with gunpowder and packed them tightly with conical bullets using a rod.

When I had prepared a few, there was a knock at the door. Upon opening it, I found Victoria standing there.

“It seems you’re thorough with your preparations.”

“Yeah.”

“Still, your room remains as plain as ever. You could hang a painting or something.”

Victoria smiled as she glanced around the room. The only decoration was a ceremonial sword hanging on the wall. The rest of the room was filled with shelves holding books, tools, and materials, a work desk, and a bed.

“I understand the necessity of furnishings…”

“It’s a joke. We like you just the way you are.”

“Even so, keeping it this way… So, what brings you here?”

I knew Victoria hadn’t come just to make jokes. When I asked, she deepened her smile and replied.

“Well, since you’re leaving for Hizuchi tomorrow, I thought it was time for you to fulfill your duty as the Emperor’s consort.”

“…”

“I’ve already discussed it with Aria and the others. It’s been decided that I’ll be the first to bear a child.”

“Is that okay?”

“Yes, over the past year, we’ve finally gotten everything in order. Aria and the others have agreed that I should give birth first.”

“Then, let me take a shower first.”

“I wouldn’t mind as is.”

“I’m not going to embrace you covered in gunpowder and dirt. It would sully your clean body.”

“Hehe, I love that gentlemanly side of you too.”

After cleansing myself, I embraced Victoria with enough intensity to ensure she would conceive, and then I also spent time with Aria and the others.

—

The next day, as I was finishing my preparations to depart, the communication crystal activated. When I picked it up, my father’s face appeared.

“Father?”

“It’s been a while. I heard from Bardle that you’re heading to Hizuchi.”

“Yeah, it looks like there’s going to be quite a troublesome situation.”

“Hmm… In that case, I’ll leave some materials on Hizuchi and a small knife we’ve kept here with Bardle. You can pick them up on your way.”

“Materials and a small knife? I didn’t know we had those.”

“The materials were compiled by Kanna’s ancestors. The knife is something Kanna inherited from her mother, your grandmother.”

“Is it okay? Isn’t it a keepsake from Mom?”

“I’ve heard the knife has been passed down as a talisman from your ancestors. Bardle and I decided that you, Serk, going into battle, should carry it.”

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but smile a little. There was still a distance between us, but it felt like we were starting to face each other, little by little.

“…Thanks, Dad.”

“Take care and come back safe.”

With that, my father ended the communication.