“I won’t accept your intention to resign,” Klein, the newly appointed Head of the Council, made clear from the very beginning.
Gilead didn’t respond to these words immediately and just pursed his lips.
The two were currently sitting at the Round Table within the Black Lion Castle.
“I know what you must be thinking, and I also know that you’re feeling guilty. However, the Lionheart clan will be thrown into even greater chaos if you decide to take responsibility for this incident by resigning from your office.” Klein continued speaking without losing momentum, “If you abdicate from your seat as the Patriarch, just who in the world do you think we can turn to as our next Patriarch? Gion, who has joined the Black Lions? Or Gilford, who has already left to form his own collateral line? If that happens, then what should we do with your wife and children?”
Hesitantly, Gilead attempted to reply, “...That’s….”
“It would all be tough to deal with,” Klein pressed onwards. “Having abdicated from your position as the Patriarch, should we allow you to remain as part of the main family? Or else should we send you out to start a new collateral line? And what should we do with the next Patriarch? No matter how you think about it, it would all be far from easy to handle and lead to an utter mess. As such, I order you to put up with your shame and humiliation and just keep sitting in the seat as the Patriarch.”
Eugene had also been invited to sit at the Round Table with them. As he listened to Klein speak, Eugene nodded inwardly to himself.
‘If Gilead steps down from his position as the Patriarch at this point, Ancilla’s eyes are sure to roll up to the back of her head.’
Ancilla’s personality had become more amiable because her position in the main family had been strengthened, and Cyan had been confirmed as the next Patriarch. But what if they were forced to leave the main family at this point, or questions about who the next Patriarch should truly be arise? It was all but a certainty that Ancilla would run wild.
Gilead hesitantly tried to argue, “...However… this incident occurred due to my inadequacies as a father. Since I have harmed the clan due to my shortcomings, I should take responsibility for it….”
“The responsibility for this is not yours alone, but the Lionheart clan’s as a whole,” Klein growled out as he waved off Gilead’s confession. “This problem wasn’t caused by your son, Eward Lionheart, alone; instead, it was an eruption of a problem that has long-festered at the heart of the Lionheart clan.”
Gilead silently acknowledged this truth.
“The deceased former Council Head has left behind a will that lays out this matter clearly. As the new Council Head, and a long-time senior of the Lionheart clan, I will do everything I can to ensure that the family does not experience a problem like this in the future,” Klein sincerely vowed.
“He left behind a will…?” Gilead asked hesitantly.
Klein coughed in response and stood up to read out the will.
The following talk between the two men followed along the lines of the topics that Eugene had brought up with Doynes. There was to be a massive expansion in the recruitment and training for the Black Lions and an abolishment of the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony so that from this year onwards, all collateral branches would have the same freedom to train their mana and swordsmanship that the main family did.
“...The White Flame Formula will still remain in the main family’s possession, but the abolishment of the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony should convince all the collateral lines that change truly has come to the Lionheart clan,” Klein concluded.
“...That’s… was all that really in the former Council Head’s will?” Gilead asked doubtfully.
“Are you surprised by this? So was I. However, he truly did leave such a will before he finally rested his eyes,” Klein then let out a long sigh and sat down. “...Although it’s sudden… and honestly hard to accept, the elders, including myself, have decided to validate his will. This latest situation was triggered by the dissatisfaction of the collateral bloodlines, which accumulated due to the stale tradition of the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony, so it is time to admit that it has rotted us from within.”
Gilead hesitated, unable to figure out what to say. The fact that the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony wasn’t a well-thought-out tradition was something that Gilead had already felt for some time now. However, the tradition wasn’t something that could easily be corrected, even when everyone knew that there was something wrong with it.
“...The Lionheart clan… it really is changing,” Gilead realized with some shock.
“It has to change,” Klein agreed with a deep sigh. “We should have changed before now…. No, that wouldn’t have been possible. If we hadn’t experienced this kind of pain, then we would never have even thought of changing….”
“...I also believe that increasing the Black Lions’ strength is a necessity,” Gilead eventually said, having pushed down his turbulent emotions. “...It’s a bit late to inform you of this, but the Emperor of Kiehl has said that, in order to prepare for Helmuth’s schemes, he wants to promote unity between the knightly orders from each country.”
“Unity?” Klein repeated.
The other elders who had gathered here today also began showing interest in Gilead’s words.
Gilead coughed as he felt all of their gazes focus on him and then continued to speak, “Yes. All of Kiehl’s allies will be invited to a conference, including whichever of the smaller countries that wish to participate. …It hasn’t been fully confirmed yet, but it seems that any mercenary corp of similar size to a knightly order may also be allowed to participate.”
“I see,” Klein muttered as his brow furrowed. “For him to invite the knights and mercenaries from other countries… it seems that the emperor wants to hold a contest of strength in the name of unity.”
There were several famous knightly orders on this continent. The likes of Blood Cross Knights of the Holy Empire of Yuras, the Sea Kingdom Shimuin’s Storm Knights, the White Dragon Knights of the Kiehl Empire, the Ruhr Kingdom’s White Fangs, Nahama’s Sand Scorpions… and the Lionheart Clan’s Knights of the Black Lion and Knights of the White Lion.
But which one among all of them was the strongest knightly order? Such a question couldn’t be answered hastily. Of course, the Emperor of Kiehl had always believed that his White Dragon Knights were the best, but before now, he lacked the opportunity to prove so.
Gilead explained, “Through this Unity Conference, each of the knightly orders will have the opportunity to cross arms to promote camaraderie….”
“If all of the empires and kingdoms gather their forces to one location, then even the Demon Kings of Helmuth may begin to feel a little nervous,” Klein said optimistically.
Gilead just laughed, “Hahaha… even though the Demon King of Incarceration has shown no reaction to having the Anti-Demon Alliance and the Blood Cross Knights stationed at the borders of Helmuth?”
Changing the subject, Klein asked, “Did the Emperor tell you where he plans to hold the Unity Conference?”
“Of course, he’s planning on holding it within the borders of Kiehl,” Gilead answered, though his brows furrowed in skepticism.
“There’s no way that will happen,” Klein clicked his tongue as he shook his head in disappointment at the Emperor’s naivety. “After all, this incident is bigger than Kiehl, now isn’t it? So the only possibility is… it has to be Ruhr.”
“That’s what I’ve concluded as well,” Gilead agreed.
While listening to the conversation between the elders and the Patriarch, Eugene kept his mouth shut. However, he could no longer contain his curiosity at this news, so he looked over to Genos, standing behind Klein, and met his gaze.
Genos coughed, “...Ahem… the reason why Ruhr is highly likely to be the site of the Unity Conference… should be the strong aura of legitimacy that the Ruhr’s royal family holds.”
“Legitimacy?” Eugene repeated questioningly.
Genos replied, “The royal family of Ruhr are the direct descendants of the Brave Molon. Of course, we Lionhearts are also the descendants of the Great Vermouth, and Lady Sienna’s disciples can be found in Aroth, but….”
“The biggest reason should be that, only one hundred years ago, Sir Molon was spotted on the founding anniversary of the Ruhr Kingdom, right?” Gilead picked up where Genos had left off. “After that, he disappeared again, but Sir Molon’s death has yet to be revealed to the world. The royal family of Ruhr will only say that Sir Molon’s current whereabouts are ‘hidden.
“...Aha, so you’re saying everyone is hoping Sir Molon will make an appearance at the Unity Conference?” Eugene said as his eyes shone in excitement, and he nodded in understanding.
“That should be the biggest reason for it,” Gilead confirmed. “Considering that the Demon King of Incarceration has given us that warning, in this current era, you never know when Helmuth might reveal its despicable intentions. In such turbulent times, if a hero who personally faced the Demon Kings three hundred years ago were to add his support
“Ahehem…,” Genos coughed awkwardly.
Gilead turned to Genos in concern, “...Lord Genos? Is something the matter? Are you feeling uncomfortable…?”
“It’s… ahem… it’s nothing. I suddenly got something stuck in my throat… ahem…. Sometimes I just get these uncontrollable coughs…,” Genos weakly tried to excuse himself.
But the moment Eugene glared piercingly at Genos, he quickly regained control of his breath.
“...When will the Unity Conference be held?” Klein asked.
“Since His Majesty is showing great enthusiasm for the idea, we will probably receive the news within the year,” Gilead revealed.
Klein sighed, “How blatant… since this incident has also taken place, it seems that he plans to make public the fact that the situation of the Lionheart clan isn’t what it used to be?”
“Well, it’s not unusual behavior for them, is it? Throughout the years, the successive Emperors of Kiehl have always wanted to prove that their White Dragon Knights are superior to the Black Lions and the White Lions. They’ve always wanted to take possession of the strength of the Lionheart clan for themselves,” Gilead said with some resignation.
“It seems we’ll be forced to show them quite a pathetic and shameful appearance. With the Immortal White Lion dead and his successor, Dominic…,” unable to properly finish the sentence, the new Council Head let out a deep sigh. “...The destruction of the Demon Spear and the Annihilation Hammer will also greatly impact our prestige.”
“However, Lady Carmen is still here, isn’t she? There’s also Lord Genos, and as for the strength of the Knights of the Black Lion…,” Gilead hesitated, unsure how to finish.
Genos pessimistically assessed, “It would be fair to say that the strength of the Black Lions has fallen by half compared to our heyday.”
“That might not necessarily be the case,” Klein argued as he patted his knees and raised his head. “Don’t we have the person responsible for destroying the Demon Spear and the Annihilation Hammer here with us?”
All the elders’ eyes turned to Eugene. Eugene blinked calmly, then he scratched his cheek and nodded.
“I’ll do the best I can,” he promised them.
Perhaps because he had already refused them before, none of them asked him to join the Knights of the Black Lion once more.
‘If that Unity Conference is going to be held in Ruhr, that works out well for me,’ Eugene thought.
It was a place he still needed to visit at some point, but since it was so far away, it was a bit of a hassle for him to go there alone. But if Molon was still alive… then just like everyone was hoping for, he would definitely make an appearance at the Unity Conference.
‘Unless his personality has changed significantly in the past three hundred years, that is,’ Eugene considered cautiously.
Since the old days, Molon always enjoyed feasting and competing with others. If a large number of knights and other powerful warriors from foreign countries gathered together in the middle of his kingdom, Molon was sure to make an appearance, even if it was just to prove that he was still the strongest and most skilled warrior.
‘If he’s still alive,’ Eugene silently sighed.
Eugene recalled Molon and his poor grasp of the common language. Even after wandering together for over ten years, Molon’s rough way of speaking had never shown any improvement. He was simple and honest, and even though he had skillful techniques, rather than displaying them, he preferred to challenge his foes from the front, confronting them in terms of strength rather than skill.
No matter the situation or what manner of foe they had encountered, Molon had always been the first to charge forward. Whenever the battle ended, with him being the first to get injured, Molon would promise them each time that he would make sure to look ahead and think before he jumped into action next time.
They had all trusted him, and that faith had never once been shaken.
If it was Molon, he would be able to endure it. With Molon, they could break through this. If Molon was with them, they would be fine.
Though Molon wasn’t the only one to whom such trust was directed. Hamel, Sienna, Molon, Anise, and Vermouth — all five of them had trusted in each other.
Because of their unconditional trust in each other, they were able to advance through Helmuth’s terrible gloom.
They had never betrayed each other, never fled alone, and it was because they all believed that they shared the same determination to fight that they were able to confront the Demon Kings without doubting each other.
‘...Molon,’ Eugene thought wistfully as he pondered his complex mix of emotions.
Although it had been so long since they had last seen each other, Eugene could still clearly recall Molon’s appearance and voice as if they had just met.
It wasn’t just Molon, but Sienna, Anise, and Vermouth as well. Eugene could still vividly remember how they had all fought together, carrying the same goals and guarding each other’s backs.
‘I just can’t imagine the sight of you looking old or weak.’
While recalling the appearance of his old friend, Eugene clenched his fists tightly.
* * *
The day after their meeting had ended, Eugene came out to the warp gate in front of Black Lion Castle.
Since there was no reason to continue staying in Black Lion Castle any longer, he was here to make an early return to the main estate.
He had heard that the Inquisitors from the Holy Empire had returned earlier that morning. They hadn’t asked anyone to see them off and, unlike when they had arrived, they quietly left the castle.
‘I should have asked them to pass on my greetings to Kristina,’ Eugene thought regretfully for a few moments, but then he realized there was no need to say something so pointless.
Atarax was good at subtly getting on people’s nerves, and Hemoria had openly ground her sharp, bestial teeth at them. No matter how Eugene thought about it, neither of them seemed cordial enough to do Eugene such a favor.
“...It looks like I’ll have to stay here at the castle until the end of the month,” Gilead spoke up with a wry smile. “...We need to ensure that this incident is dealt with properly, and I also need to visit the grave of the deceased, former Council Head.”
It wasn’t just Doynes’ grave either. Eward had massacred all of Count Bossar’s household, including Tanis. Their funerals had already been arranged, and another lord had been appointed to inherit Count Bossar’s fief.
Klein and the other elders had already bowed their heads in apology to appease Bossar’s enraged relatives. But separate from them, Gilead also needed to offer his apologies. Or at least, that’s how Gilead felt. So he first needed to visit the Bossar clan’s graveyard, and once that was dealt with, he also needed to visit the family of the deceased Deacon who had been used as a sacrifice.
And after that? He needed to announce the abolishment of the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony while also dealing with the influential figures from the collateral bloodlines who would be sure to visit Black Lion Castle. Usually, any such meetings would be held at the main estate, but with the announcement of the abolition of the age-old tradition and the other changes occurring to the Lionheart clan’s long-standing traditions, it was only natural that these meetings would be held at Black Lion Castle, where the elders would make themselves available.
“I don’t think you’ll be able to return before the month is over,” Eugene opined.
“I also feel the same way,” Gilead agreed with a nod as he continued to smile bitterly. “I won’t be able to return until next month at the very latest. Since Cyan has said that he will remain in this castle with me and continue his training until it’s time… I’ll leave the main estate in your hands until my return.”
“Lady Ancilla and Lady Carmen will also be there,” Eugene assured him.
“You forgot to mention Gerhard,” Gilead said in a reminder.
Only for Eugene to scoff, “My father won’t be of much help even if he is there….”
Upon hearing Eugene make such a joke, Gilead forced his sunken cheeks into an awkward smile. Seeing this reaction, Eugene felt there hadn’t been any point in making such a joke. The forced smile of a sick man, who looked as though he might collapse at any time, just looked pitiful.
“...Ciel will also return to the main estate soon, won’t she?” Eugene said as he turned to look behind Gilead, only for Ciel Lionheart to poke her head out from behind a wall of the castle and roll her eyes at Eugene.
“I’m only going back so I can continue learning from Lady Carmen,” Ciel insisted.
“Who even questioned that?” Eugene simply responded.
“I’m free to return to my home whenever I like.”
“Like I said, who even questioned that.”
Ciel’s tone was a bit petulant. Part of her wanted to tell him to wait a few more days so they could return together, but Ciel couldn’t. She had decided to stay at Black Lion Castle for a little longer because she was worried about the suffering her father was going through. Since Gilead would also likely require an assistant, Ciel was thinking of accompanying Gilead on his visit to the Bossar family’s graveyard and then to Deacon’s family as well.
“...Make sure to tell mother that my brother and I are in good health and we don’t have any injuries,” Ciel reluctantly entreated.
“Mhm,” Eugene grunted in response before turning to look at Gilead. “If that’s all, I’ll see you when you return to the main estate, Uncle.”
As he saw Eugene approach him with his hand outstretched, Gilead gave a faint smile and said, “...Thank you.”
Gilead accepted the handshake of his foster child with whom he shared not a drop of blood. It seemed like only yesterday when he had first adopted Eugene as his foster child, but the hand he was holding didn’t have any traces of that former youth left on it. This made Gilead’s heart ache even further.
He could still clearly remember what his foster child's hand had felt like when they had first met, but… he found that he couldn’t clearly remember how his eldest son, Eward’s, hands had felt. Overcome by guilt and remorse, Gilead closed his eyes.
‘...Uncle?’ Ciel thought, her lips protruding in a pout.
It was obvious who Eugene was referring to by that title, but why was Gilead now ‘uncle’? The last time the two had met, she was sure that Eugene had paid attention to the line between them and had kept referring to her father as ‘Sir Gilead.’
‘Well… calling him Uncle… isn’t all that bad…,’ Ciel realized consideringly.
“Call me big sis,” Ciel demanded.
“Have you started drinking so early in the day?” Eugene asked.
Ciel argued, “Why won’t you call me big sis when you can call my father your ‘uncle’?”
“I don’t know what that has to do with anything,” Eugene muttered as he turned around.
The warp gate had been connected since earlier, and Dyad, the Captain of the Sixth Division in charge of maintaining it, was sending him a hurrying look.
“Try to stay out of trouble, and give Uncle a shoulder massage when you have the time,” Eugene advised her.
“...You’re talking like an old man again,” Ciel sulked.
Without saying anything further, Eugene headed into the warp gate.
Once he returned to the main estate, the first thing that he would need to do would be to fully explain the situation to Ancilla and Carmen. After that, he would have to test out the Demon Spear and the Annihilation Hammer in the forest where the elves now lived. And perhaps during that process, he might just sneak into the estate’s leyline for a bit.
‘They should forgive me for that much,’ Eugene mused.
After he had finished his maintenance of the Annihilation Hammer and the Demon Spear, Eugene would also need to start preparing.
‘...Iris,’ Eugene rolled the name around his head.
It was about time for the Rakshasa Princess to show up.
