Chapter 20: The Brothers On Bad Terms
Hugo Prient, the commander of the Empires most powerful military group, the Sky Knights, had a strained relationship with his younger brother.
There was probably no need to elaborate on just how bad their relationship was. The fact that he unreservedly spat out a derogatory insult, calling him a son of a bitch instead of using his title, in a public place no different from the sacred ground of Prient, the Dawn Castle courtyard, said it all.
That son of a bitch, Glen.
The foul word that came out of Hugos mouth made everyone present freeze in place.
Why is he acting like this all of a sudden?
Shiron, wrapped in Hugos steel-like, thick arms, felt the same way. In the game, Hugo disliked Glen, Shirons father. However, it was never overtly portrayed, only briefly mentioned in a few lines of text.
Thus, no one expected Hugo to detest him this much.
At such a close distance, his bulging eyes, the twitching wrinkles on his face, and his increasingly reddening complexion made him appear like a ticking time bomb ready to explode.
Shiron swallowed hard, rolling his eyes to scan the surroundings.
The expressions of the knights who followed Hugo were hard to discern because they were wearing helmets, but they made no sound despite their armor.
On the other hand, the expressions of the servants, including Yuma, were clear to see.
Ever since Hugo spewed that unexpected insult, the maids who had been quietly closing their eyes and bowing their heads looked shocked.
But that wasnt the worst of it. Their faces showed clear hostility, almost sparking as if flames were about to ignite.
Yuma, the overall person in charge of Dawn Castle, just slightly furrowed her brows. But the other maids glared at Hugo with fiery eyes.
Feeling the tense atmosphere, Shiron felt a cold sweat trickle down his neck.
This isnt good.
Maybe he should try acting like a child, perhaps shed some tears to appease Hugo? Maybe even shout, Why are you badmouthing my dad?
Just as Shiron was contemplating how to defuse the situation, someone spoke.
Lord Hugo. You are in front of Lord Glens children. Moreover, Miss Siriel is behind us. Please calm down a bit.
Standing beside Hugo, a knight stepped forward. Unlike the others, this knight was not wearing a helmet.
His black hair had streaks of white, and his face was filled with wrinkles and scars, suggesting the passage of time.
He looked like a knight straight out of a fairy tale.
Right, I forgot.
Exhaling deeply, Hugo collected himself and gently put down Shiron and Lucia.
Im sorry, Shiron. You mustve been surprised when your uncle insulted your father.
Its okay, Uncle. I understand why you feel that way.
Shiron replied with a bright smile. After all, even he felt that Glen deserved the criticism.
Hahaha! I thought you only grew taller since we last met, but it seems youve become quite articulate.
Hugo gently patted Shirons head with his massive hand.
Im a little scared.
The sheer weight made Shiron instinctively lower his head, fearing his skull might break.
Although Hugos exterior appeared fierce yet kind, like an uncle, that moment made him seem uncontrollable, like a beast.
If anyone mentions Glens name now, my head might burst like a smashed watermelon.
Feeling terror for the second time since he was sent to this world, Shiron just silently accepted the patting.
When his complexion finally returned to normal, Hugo looked around and spotted someone unfamiliar.
Whos that person over there?
Hugo was pointing at Berta, who was wearing a suit covered with a coat.
Hello. Im Berta, an inspector from the Department of Special Assignments. Its an honor to meet the renowned Lord Hugo.
Ah, so youre from the Department of Special Assignments. I apologize for my behavior earlier. Its a bit embarrassing.
Clearing his throat, Hugo extended his hand, which looked powerful enough to shatter rocks.
You probably already know, but Im Hugo Prient.
Berta reached out with both hands, shaking hands with Hugo. The sight was amusing to Shiron, as it resembled a hostage being dragged by a monster.
Hugo then looked down at Shiron and Lucia, giving them a warm smile.
Kids, it seems there are matters the adults need to discuss. We can continue our conversation later.
Understood.
Shiron replied with a smile to Hugo.
Johan. Please take charge of my daughter and the Sky Knights. And Yuma.
Yes, Lord Hugo.
Lets head inside and continue our discussion.
Understood.
Yuma escorted Hugo and Berta inside the mansion.
Truly impressive
Lucia admired Hugos retreating figure as he walked away. Even 500 years ago, there werent many who could match his stature. If just one person like him had been on the expedition, they would have had a much easier time defeating the demons. She felt a pang of regret.
Its not like the Chief to act this way. Haha. I apologize.
Perhaps replying to Lucias admiration, an older knight approached Shiron and Lucia with a wry smile.
My name is Johan. Ive served as Hugos aide for 20 years. Lord Shiron, its been five years since we last met. I wonder if you remember my face?
Of course. How could I forget you? This is my younger sister, Lucia.
Hello, Im Lucia.
As Shiron introduced her, Lucia bowed her head in greeting.
Lord Hugo also has a child around Lady Lucias age. Shes currently coming from behind us in a carriage. She might be delighted to have a friend of her age.
Do you mean theres another child apart from Shiron and me?
Lucia looked up at Johan, questioning.
Will that young lady also participate in the Succession Ritual?
Yes, she probably will. But Ive only read about the Prients succession ritual in texts, so I cant give a definitive answer. What I do know is that Lord Hugo wasnt in the best of moods while heading to Dawn Castle.
How much does he dislike it
Haha. He generally avoids coming here unless its absolutely necessary, like now.
The elder knight chuckled, turning to motion with his hand. At his signal, the armored individuals began entering the castle in an orderly manner.
Would you like to meet our Lady Siriel? It might take about thirty minutes since the rear forces are on their way and taking care of their horses.
Johan tried to arrange a meeting for Shiron and Lucia. However, Shiron politely declined his offer.
There will be other opportunities. Besides, meeting in this state might be a bit off.
After breaking a sweat during training, his hair was messy like a birds nest, and dried sweat stuck to his skin, making him feel a bit sticky.
I wanted to meet her
Lucia, suppressing her disappointment, followed Shiron into the mansion.
Then.
Inside the reception room of Dawn Castle.
With his large stature, Hugo sat deeply buried in the sofa, looking intently at Yuma across from him. Having spent his entire life on battlefields, Hugo might come off as arrogant, but he certainly showed no vulnerability.
Glen, find out where that guy is right now.
Only Hugo and Yuma were present in the reception room. After a brief exchange with the guest, Berta, the royal inspector, there wasnt much else to discuss. Hugo, who always prioritized the world over the royal court, didnt have any particular topics to cover with her.
He wasnt notably interested in it.
At that moment, his mind was filled with thoughts about his younger brother, who seemed to be wasting his life on incomprehensible activities.
Yuma closed her eyes for a while before opening them and speaking.
The master is currently beyond the Makal mountain range, in the Demon Realm.
What is he doing there?
At Hugos question, Yuma closed her eyes again. As if she was trying to see something beyond her eyelids, there was a brief pause.
Hes looking at the sky right now.
Is he
Hugo slightly closed his eyes, rubbing his fingers to create a spark.
Flick. Flicker.
Flames burst from his hand. No flow of mana was involved in this process. It was pure energy created by his own power.
However, his actions were meaningless. No matter how many times he tried, it was futile. Thats because he did not have the same abilities as his younger brother, the master of Prient.
Hugo sighed deeply and looked at the demon in front of him.
Yuma of the Single Horn.
A being he had known since he was a little child. Even Hugos grandfather, and the grandfather of that grandfather, had been taken care of by Yuma.
Therefore, Yuma couldnt help but look at Hugo with eyes filled with compassion. She knew well about his life, always struggling to gain recognition and being overshadowed by the abilities of his younger brother.
Yuma.
Yes, Lord Hugo.
I might be different from Glen, unable to receive any divine revelation, but dont you think this is a bit too much?
My father also possessed the power of prophecy. Yet, he attended both the succession and the wedding ceremonies.
I mean
Hugo slowly closed his eyes and said,
After the succession ceremony, I plan to take the children to the mansion.