Chapter 33

Chapter 033: New Business

“You mean the fact that you are the First Son of the Kellion family?”

“Wait, Father, you knew too?”

“So Dad already knew...”

At Grant and Silvia’s words, Kayden looked at them with an expression that asked how they knew.

Mitchell let out a long sigh as he watched the three of them exchange glances.

As expected, Grant and Silvia already suspected he was a Kellion.

He still didn't know why they had remained silent when the topic of adoption first came up, though.

“I’m sure it was quite a shock. I apologize for not telling you sooner.”

“Indeed, it was very shocking. I was even angry, wondering how little you must trust me and the House of Lunei to keep such an important matter a secret.”

“....”

Kayden stared at Mitchell with a furrowed brow.

Mitchell understood his feelings.

He had lied about something that could cause serious trouble later on.

However, Mitchell’s eyes widened at Kayden’s next words.

“But do you really think I’d sell out my benefactor? It’s a shame, really. If you had told me the truth from the start, erasing your tracks would have been much easier.”

“Erasing tracks...?”

“The family’s operatives are retracing the path you took and erasing your trail. All so it will be difficult for Kellion to find you.”

“What?”

“Did we not agree on the adoption? From this moment on, you are my son. And since you have become a member of House of Lunei, I must ensure that no problems arise.”

At Kayden’s words, Grant gave a thumbs up.

Silvia, on the other hand, remained composed. Mitchell looked toward her.

“Lady Silvia, do you not oppose me becoming an adopted son?”

“Why would I? Is it because of my initial reaction?”

When Mitchell nodded, Silvia shrugged.

“I heard everything that happened from my brother once we went upstairs.”

“But even after that, you wouldn't look me in the eye.”

“That was just... it was awkward suddenly being told I have a new brother... Since I was young, my father and my late mother taught me that debts of grace and grudges must always be repaid. And you...”

Grant gave her a sharp look.

Silvia cleared her throat a few times before continuing.

“Master Mitchell is... ah, stop glaring! I’m not used to it yet! Anyway, Master Mitchell is undeniably the benefactor of our Lunei. Besides, if Father held a family meeting and decided to take you in, I have no reason to object.”

“Exactly, Mitchell. As Silvia said, it is my decision. You have nothing to worry about.”

“....”

Mitchell couldn't understand it.

How could they be so different from the Kellion family?

While Mitchell stood there in a daze from the shock, Kayden continued speaking.

“However, I must hear your story. What happened that made you flee from the Kellion family? They aren't searching openly, but I’ve confirmed that Kellion’s intelligence network is on the move. Seeing as they’re still looking for you months later, they won't give up easily. I need to know why you are here so I can help you properly.”

Mitchell wasn't sure if he should speak.

Kayden and Grant didn't seem like the type to betray him, but he didn't know if he could trust them now that the House of Kellion was involved.

Moreover, it wasn't just those two; Silvia was here as well.

‘But if I don't speak now, I never will.’

It wasn't right to enter the family under a lie.

No, if a problem arose while he was hiding the truth, it would only give them a reason to hand him over.

And if they intended to hand him over to Kellion, they wouldn't be having this conversation with him.

‘Above all...’

In the eyes of Kayden and Grant, there was nothing but pure, harmless goodwill.

Mitchell took a deep breath to speak.

However, having never told anyone his story before, the words felt stuck in his throat.

His mind was a mess of where to begin.

But that only lasted a moment.

Under the quiet, patient gazes of the three, Mitchell began to calmly unravel the life he had lived.

His late mother.

The loss of his talent due to a mana rampage.

Being abandoned by the family.

The library and the training grounds.

The deal with the Family Head.

And finally, escaping and joining up with Grant.

It was the first time he had ever told anyone, and just saying the words felt like a weight being lifted from his chest.

“Hmph... so that’s what happened. Saving Grant in the midst of all that must have been fate. I already gave my permission for the adoption, but hearing this makes me feel even more that I made the right choice.”

“Mitchell, you’re truly amazing. I could never have done that if I were in your shoes.”

Kayden and Grant spoke from Mitchell's perspective.

However, Silvia’s expression remained grim.

Mitchell watched her silently.

Then, something completely unexpected came out of her mouth.

“Um... I don't know if I should say this right now... but my master is a high-ranking mage with deep ties to Kellion. Because of that, I occasionally had the chance to see experimental reports from the Kellion family.”

As Silvia began to speak, Mitchell’s expression shifted by the second.

“Exactly twenty years ago, there was an experiment in the Kellion family to transfer the mother’s life force and potential to the fetus. The exact method was classified and hidden by magic, but I remember the results.”

Silvia recalled the experimental report she had seen in the past.

[Experimental Report]

Experiment Name: Mana Circuit and Mana Hole Strengthening Experiment using Maternal Life Force.

Objective: Succession of maternal and paternal potential and mana strengthening.

Subject Number: [57]

Supervisor: [Classified]

Institution: [Classified]

[Overview]

• Conducted experiment to strengthen the subject’s mana circuits and mana hole using maternal life force.

• Confirmed successful transfer of potential from the maternal line.

• However, due to instability during the strengthening process, the risk of mana rampage before reaching adulthood has increased.

[Observation Records]

Year 1:

• Confirmed possession of dark aura immediately after birth.

Maternal ability awakening proceeding successfully.

Year 10:

• Confirmed subject’s physical and mana rampage.

• Subject’s talent cannot be preserved.

• Final result confirmed as experimental failure.

“At the time, I naturally thought they were experimenting on magical beasts or monsters, but hearing Master Mitchell’s story...”

Silvia trailed off as she looked at Mitchell.

Mitchell clenched his fists tight, his jaw set.

“Is that experimental report at the Black Magic Tower?”

“I did see it there, but that was a long time ago! I only saw it by chance while looking for another report in my master’s library! You can’t just walk in and see it!”

Silvia added quickly, fearing he might try to storm the place.

Looking at Mitchell now, it seemed like something he would actually do.

Sensing Silvia’s worry, Mitchell relaxed his body and offered a thin smile.

“I can’t go around causing trouble while you’re busy erasing my tracks.”

“Right. There are more important things to focus on now. We are erasing the trail, but rumors will leak out eventually. We must prepare for that first.”

Mitchell nodded at Kayden’s words.

At first, he had come here only wanting to learn more martial arts, but after meeting so many good people and going through so much, he had grown attached.

‘Even if I don't become an adopted son, I will eventually become a target for Kellion.’

He didn't know for sure if the report Silvia saw was really about him.

But if it was, Kellion would surely come here looking for him.

And from what he knew of Kellion, they were the type of place that would quietly massacre a whole family to achieve their goals.

Lunei wasn't such a weak family that it would fall easily, but it was obvious they would be attacked economically and politically.

His thoughts reaching that point, Mitchell looked up.

“Lord Family Head—no, Father. Please include me in the Mana Tea business.”

“Include you in the Mana Tea business?”

“Yes. As you heard earlier, I’ve delved deep into magic for a long time, so I’ll be of help somehow. And analyzing the mana tea I brought will be helpful as well.”

“Alright, let’s do that. If you participate in family affairs, people will accept you as a member of the family much faster. More importantly... you didn't say much about your mother earlier. Is there anything else you know?”

Why the sudden question about his mother?

Since he had to answer, Mitchell simply stated the facts he knew.

“I only know that she was from a fallen noble family in the West.”

“Hmm... as I thought. In that case, take this. I don't think this is something to discuss here.”

Mitchell stared at the paper.

A paper handed to him right after talking about his mother. It was obvious what kind of information was inside.

His curiosity was burning, and he wanted to check it right away, but for now, he bowed his head.

“Thank you, Father.”

“Go to your room and rest. You must be tired from the long journey.”

Mitchell headed to his room, and as soon as the door closed, he unfolded the paper.

As expected, it was about Mitchell’s mother.

In other words, it was the story of Leah Wilson.

Information gathered while digging into his background to take him in as an adopted son.

Because it was written chronologically, he was able to grasp the contents in an instant.

After quickly scanning everything, Mitchell’s eyes landed on the question written at the very end.

[It is unknown how a member of the Wilson family ended up in the House of Kellion. Furthermore, the fact of the marriage is not well-known outside. Even if they had fallen, the name 'The Eleven Chapters of Arbelon' was a good match for the relatively new House of Kellion, so it is incomprehensible why the marriage was kept secret. For these reasons, more information is needed, but we have requested a withdrawal to avoid being noticed by the House of Kellion.]

Mitchell bit his lip.

Combined with Silvia’s words, the reason was clear.

Taking a deep breath, Mitchell suppressed his boiling emotions.

‘I see why there was so much money in the account of my mother, who was supposedly a fallen noble.’

And the reason why the Kellion Family Head tried to take his money.

He probably intended to recover the money since Mitchell was an experimental subject to be discarded anyway.

‘I need to grow Lunei enough to stand against the House of Kellion.’

As a repayment to the House of Lunei for taking him in despite the risks, and so it could become a sturdy shield for him.

So that the demonic hands of Kellion, which ruined his and his mother’s lives, would never reach this place.

Carceonne, the capital of the Carceon Empire.

In the basement of a grand mansion near the Imperial Palace, Count Raphael Montregon sat cross-legged with his eyes closed.

His son, Damian, approached him and spoke.

“We have found traces of Barque. It is said there was a battle at an inn on the way to the Demonic Realm.”

“The result?”

“Barque is dead, and the remnants of Rafel have scattered.”

Raphael clicked his tongue at those words.

“We’ve supported Rafel for over a decade, and this is the result? Disappointing.”

“But there is good news. It seems the newcomer at House of Lunei is indeed the Star of Heavenly Slaughter (天殺星). I am told he killed Barque alone.”

At those words, Raphael’s eyes snapped open.

“Heh heh heh, I knew it from the moment I first heard of him. What did the High Priest say?”

“The High Priest said the fruit is not yet ripe, so it is best to leave it alone and not pick it.”

“Tsk tsk, how are we supposed to grow it like that? Anyway, he’s saying not to bring him in yet. Tell the High Priest I understand.”

“Yes, Father.”

As Damian left, Raphael was left alone.

He closed his eyes again and whispered softly.

“The Star of Heavenly Slaughter... a wild wind will blow soon. I should prepare as well.”