Chapter 21 - Damn Reincarnation

The Proposal

Gilead took no offense at the bold, childlike question. On the contrary, he found it endearing and amusing. Any child of a martial family ought to have that kind of ambition.

"... Of course I can teach you."

Gilead regarded Eugene with a pleased smile.

"But if you want to learn from the best, there is someone better suited to the task than I am."

"Who?"

"Gion."

Eugene recalled Gion's unusually white teeth when he smiled. As he opened the door for Eugene, Gion had said he hoped they would see each other often.

"I may have been more skilled in the past, but that is no longer the case."

"Really?"

"What reason would I have to lie and belittle my own abilities?"

Eugene's eyes sparkled with curiosity and interest. Gilead chuckled softly and continued.

"Has your father passed down your family's mana-training method to you?"

"He hasn't told me about it yet."

"That is rather unusual."

Children of the collateral branches usually learned their mana-training methods just before the Bloodline Succession Ceremony and began practicing mana the very day it ended. Since they were already several years behind the main family's children, they wanted to start even a few days sooner.

"I told him I didn't want to learn it yet. If I heard about it beforehand, I thought I might start training my mana without realizing it."

"I suppose so. You haven't neglected your training even once since coming here..."

Gilead nodded in understanding. At the same time, he could not help feeling sorry for Eugene. Gerhard's family in Gidol was particularly weak even among the collateral branches.

The Lionheart name would allow them to live comfortably as local notables, but they could aspire to nothing beyond that. And what of Dezra's and Gargis's families? They were among the most prestigious collateral branches. Both families would already have finished preparing to help their children flourish.

'They must have started buying mana stones years ago.'

Mana crystals found inside powerful monsters, or ores that contained mana, such as mithril—these masses of mana were called mana stones. Their assistance was invaluable to anyone just beginning to practice mana.

'Gerhard's family cannot afford to buy mana stones...'

Mana stones were as hard to obtain and expensive as they were useful. Moreover, a beginner needed guidance from a highly skilled practitioner to benefit from them. Gilead had personally guided Eward, Cyan, and Ciel when they first began practicing mana.

That was why he could not help feeling regret. This child was already so extraordinary, yet Gerhard's rural household was woefully inadequate to bring Eugene's talent into full bloom.

Gilead could not bring himself to say any of that aloud. Even if his feelings were born of genuine concern and regret, he did not want a careless remark to make a son resent his father and the family into which he had been born.

This was a matter to discuss with Gerhard, not Eugene.

And yet.

Even without hearing it directly, Eugene could guess what Gilead was thinking. With his eyes so full of pity, it was hardly difficult.

'Can't be helped. Our family really is pretty pathetic.'

They continued talking about this and that. Was there anything Eugene needed? Since he would be the guest of honor at the banquet, were there any dishes he wanted?

A fair amount of time passed as they talked. Gilead glanced out the window at the complete darkness and rose.

"I've kept you here far too long."

"I enjoyed it."

"I'll call someone shortly. Wait here a moment."

"That's all right. The annex isn't far from here. I'll walk back alone and enjoy a nighttime stroll."

Declining Gilead's thoughtful offer, Eugene left the room. As he walked down the corridor, someone quietly stepped into view farther ahead.

It was Anisilla. She pretended it was a chance encounter, but Eugene was not surprised. Her perfume had already alerted him that she was hiding up ahead.

"... Oh my."

Anisilla did not know that. She lifted her long lashes and put on a surprised expression.

"Eugene?"

"Hello."

Eugene deliberately looked surprised and bowed his head.

"I'm Eugene Lionheart, from Gidol."

"Of course I know your name."

Anisilla disliked Eugene. Not only had the impudent brat inflicted a humiliating defeat on her beloved son, he had also beaten the main family's children to win this Bloodline Succession Ceremony. She had no reason whatsoever to like him.

That did not mean she could show her hostility. Whatever else he was, the boy's ability was undeniable. Already distinguishing himself at this age, he would grow strong enough to raise his humble family to prominence within the next ten years—unless he died suddenly along the way.

'There's no need to make an enemy of him already.'

That was why she had made Ciel hover around Eugene. Unlike her husband, Anisilla thought a future in which Eugene was bound to Ciel through a political marriage was quite an appealing prospect.

"I heard you were speaking privately with the family head, but you were there quite a long time. I didn't know you were still here."

Anisilla forced a smile as she spoke. Her kindly smile and gentle tone made Eugene uncomfortable.

"Is there something you wanted to say to me?"

He tried putting the question to her directly. Gilead had found that boldness endearing, but Anisilla did not.

'His arrogance is already sky-high.'

It was understandable. Merely coming to the main household would have been exciting enough for a country bumpkin, yet he had defeated a child of the main family in a duel on his first day and then won the Bloodline Succession Ceremony as well. She would have liked nothing better than to crush that insolent pride. Anisilla firmly suppressed the impulse.

'... He might become my son-in-law someday.'

She soothed herself with that thought.

"I was curious what you discussed with the family head."

"Since it was a private conversation with him, I don't think I can presume to tell you."

"Yes, yes. Of course. I'm not trying to interrogate you, so please don't feel pressured. There are a few other things I'd like to say, too..."

Rather than ask another question, Eugene tilted his head. Still maintaining her amiable smile, Anisilla continued.

"You remember how terribly rude Cyan was to you a few days ago? As his mother, I should have apologized to you personally. But with the Bloodline Succession Ceremony so close and everything so hectic, my apology has come late."

Sure it had. If she had really wanted to apologize, she would have come to see him that very day.

"There's no need. Cyan and I have already settled that matter."

"... My. You're so mature and generous for your age."

Anisilla smiled, her cheek twitching.

"I'm glad you feel that way. I've given Cyan a stern warning about his rudeness to you, so please do continue to get along with him."

"Of course. We share the same surname. We're family, after all."

Eugene answered with a bright smile. Anisilla's expression, by contrast, twisted with conflicting feelings. Family? It was not wrong, but hearing the word 'family' from this uncomfortable child's mouth gave her an inexplicable sense of unease.

"May I go now?"

"... Yes."

Anisilla no longer wanted to keep Eugene there. She was mindful of her husband's reaction, and of Theonis, the principal wife. Holding him up in the corridor like this did not look good either.

"Get back safely."

Anisilla patted Eugene's shoulder and smiled broadly. What an irritating child. Even their first encounter had started off on the wrong foot. But she could smooth such things over in the future.

"Yes. Good night."

Eugene bowed his head as well. He did not know exactly what Anisilla was like. But judging by the blatant mistreatment he had received from his first day simply for belonging to a collateral branch, she certainly seemed spiteful. He had no desire to get tangled up with her unnecessarily.

* * *

Two days later, Gerhard Lionheart arrived from distant Gidol. An ordinary knight, Gordon, had come to escort Eugene, but this time the family head's brother, Gion, had brought Gerhard himself.

Gerhard found that immensely intimidating. His only visits to the main household had been for his Bloodline Succession Ceremony decades ago and the ceremony marking the succession of the family head. Since then, he had seldom even visited the capital, let alone the main household.

'... Eugene won this Bloodline Succession Ceremony?'

His son? Really? Gerhard wondered whether he was dreaming. Or perhaps it was all a lie meant to toy with him.

But what reason could they have? Why would the main Lionheart family, the legitimate descendants of Vermouth the Great, summon the head of a collateral branch tucked away in the countryside just to play such a prank?

Still, he simply could not take it in. He had nearly fainted with surprise when Gion first arrived, and the luxurious carriage flying a flag emblazoned with a magnificent, valiant lion had astonished him too. Even as Gion told him about Eugene throughout the journey, his amazement did not fade.

They passed through several warp gates to reach the capital. Only when they entered the warp gate leading directly to the main household—a gate rarely used without exceptional cause—did Gerhard accept reality.

'My son... beat the main family's children.'

The realization brought tears to his eyes. It was not as though he had held no hopes at all. His son had been extraordinary from an early age. So gifted... that it was hard to believe the boy was his own flesh and blood. That was why he had always felt guilty. Gerhard knew full well that his own abilities could never give his son wings.

He had thought the Bloodline Succession Ceremony would make Eugene face reality. However talented a child might be, belonging to a collateral branch imposed inescapable limits. The gulf between the main family and its collateral branches could not be overcome through natural gifts and effort alone...

"Father!"

When he saw his son, Gerhard forgot all decorum and let his tears fall freely. Pride in his son mingled with guilt.

The grand, splendid buildings of the main household, the Lionheart flags fluttering before them—his son stood at their center, smiling brightly and waving. Gerhard had never given him any remarkable support. He had never appointed an accomplished knight as his teacher, nor had he taken on that role himself. Wooden swords, training dummies—those were all he had been able to give him.

Despite that, his son had claimed victory in the Bloodline Succession Ceremony.

"Eugene, my son...!"

With tears streaming down his face, Gerhard pulled his son into his arms. Eugene flinched in surprise at his reaction, but soon put on a childlike expression and nestled into Gerhard's embrace.

"You... I'm proud of you. I'm so proud that you're my son."

"I told you I'd bring you good news. Surely you didn't doubt me?"

He had indeed said that when leaving Gidol for the Bloodline Succession Ceremony. Naturally, Gerhard had not believed him unconditionally. He felt guilty about that too.

"Yes... you did say that. Ah, my son. I... failed to believe in you."

"Oh, there you go again. If I'd been in your shoes, I wouldn't have believed me either."

As he answered, Eugene pinched Gerhard's belly fat. Gerhard started and stepped back. The sharp pain shooting through his fleshy side brought reality home to him once again.

His son was not alone at the main entrance. Just behind Gerhard stood Gion, the family head's brother. And ahead of him... Gerhard swallowed and pulled a handkerchief from inside his clothes.

Gilead Lionheart. The head of the Lionheart family whom he had seen at the succession ceremony long ago. Gerhard remembered that face clearly. He vigorously wiped the tears and snot from his face, then bowed his head to Gilead.

"F-forgive my late greeting. I am Gerhard Lionheart, from Gidol."

"I am Gilead Lionheart. Please forgive the discourtesy of inviting you on such short notice."

Gilead walked over himself and offered his hand. Startled, Gerhard scrubbed his hand against his trouser leg before accepting the handshake.

"Discourtesy...! I think nothing of the sort. On the contrary, I'm deeply grateful for your invitation."

"I do not wish to take much of your time with your son, but if you do not mind, could we go inside and speak briefly?"

Gilead did not want to exchange lengthy greetings with Gerhard here. As a member of a collateral branch, Gerhard could only bow and scrape before the head of the main family, and Gilead did not want his son Eugene to see him like that.

"Of course."

Eugene stepped back of his own accord. Gerhard kept glancing at him as he followed Gilead toward the main family's mansion.

There was a mountain of things he wanted to talk about and many questions he wanted to ask. But Gerhard held his tongue. He could not guess what this invitation meant.

Ordinarily, his son's victory over the main family's children in the Bloodline Succession Ceremony... would be a tremendous humiliation for the main family. Were they intending to pressure him over it? Yet Gion, who had come as their messenger, was cheerful, Eugene was his usual self, and Gilead was so courteous that Gerhard felt embarrassed.

Refreshments had already been prepared in the family head's room. After watching Gerhard moisten his throat, dry from nervousness, Gilead went straight to the point.

"... Adoption... is that what you're proposing?"

"It is."

He had not simply announced what he wanted without explanation. Gilead explained in detail why he was making this proposal.

Eugene's talent was too brilliant to leave untended. The main family's support was absolutely essential to bring it into glorious bloom.

A collateral child defeating the main family's children to win the Bloodline Succession Ceremony was a blessing for the Lionheart family. But it could also stir those with seditious intentions among the many collateral branches into action.

Perhaps people plotting rebellion would approach him. If he refused them, they might pressure him in one way or another.

"Of course, as the head representing the entire family, the main family will do everything in its power to protect your household from harm, Master Gerhard."

In reality, however, there were limits to the protection the main family could offer.

"Even if you refuse, the main family will bear you no ill will. I also promise that we will spare no effort to offer Eugene whatever support we can."

"... Heh..."

Gerhard laughed despite himself. Was this... a dream after all? No, it was real. Gerhard held his dizzy head.

'Eugene... adopted into the main family...'

"If Eugene becomes my adopted son... we will welcome you into the main household as well. I know this is a sudden proposal, but..."

"Please forgive me for speaking so boldly."

Gerhard steadied his breathing and spoke.

"I am immensely grateful that you think so highly of my son, and that you show him such extraordinary kindness. But I... cannot help thinking of his future."

"In what way?"

"Even if your intentions are good and honest, I worry that others in the main household may mistreat Eugene."

Gilead took no offense. On the contrary, Gerhard's firm expression of his opinion made Gilead think more favorably of him.

"I was born a Lionheart, but I am a humble man unworthy of the name. I... support my son's future, but... I've always felt guilty that my own inadequacy might keep me from making it brighter."

Though hesitant, Gerhard continued. He clasped his trembling hand to suppress his nerves.

"You already have three children. If my son enters the family as an adopted child... whatever the reasons, he will be an outsider intruding on their place."

"I understand what you mean."

Gilead nodded.

"The main family places great importance on its direct line of descent. Even if Eugene is adopted, for him to become family head through the succession ceremony... would be difficult."

"..."

"My wives and children know that too. This is... a tradition I cannot change in my generation. But I can promise you one thing clearly. I have no desire to limit Eugene's future. Yet my wishes cannot speak for those of the senior elders in the main family and the Council of Elders."

"... Yes."

"Eugene. If that child does not overreach in his ambitions... he will be able to bring his talent to fruition within the main family's embrace. Becoming family head... would be difficult. But... Master Gerhard. Please do not take offense at what I am about to say."

Before continuing, Gilead bowed his head.

"Becoming a member of the main household will be better for nurturing Eugene's future than remaining in Gidol. If he does not aspire to become family head, he will become a brother to my children as my adopted son and forge close bonds with them. Those ties will offer him more opportunities and possibilities in the future he pursues."

Gilead felt considerable guilt saying these things. Eugene's talent was far superior. Neither Eward nor even Cyan and Ciel could compare to him. If the difference was already this great, it would only widen over the next several years.

But Eugene could not become family head. Deep down, Gilead wanted Eugene to take that position and bring glory to the main family, but that wish contradicted itself. The very act of making an adopted collateral child the family head would tarnish the main family's legitimacy and honor.

Even if Gilead himself did not care, the world would ridicule the Lionhearts. The Council of Elders would never approve of it either. The main family had to be superior to its collateral branches. The Bloodline Succession Ceremony was a tradition intended to uphold that.

"... I suppose it would."

Gerhard let out a long sigh and nodded. His son's future. More opportunities and possibilities. He understood those words so well that his heart ached. Gerhard keenly felt his own powerlessness and inadequacy. As an adopted son of the main family, Eugene could enjoy glory incomparable to anything available to him as Gerhard's son in Gidol.

"... I don't believe this is mine to decide."

Gerhard smiled bitterly and bowed his head.

"I'll speak with my son."