When each of them stepped into the transfer circle, in the next instant they were in the square in front of the maze. It was already night outside, and within the light of the camps, the waiting people were illuminated with a bright smile.
“Welcome back! It’s great to see you’re safe!”
The servants gathered around Lano, and Nox, with a gardener leaning on him, showed a slight hesitation in the presence of the support team.
“Can you walk now?”
“Yes, thank you.”
As the gardener tried to quickly move away without much courtesy, Nox called out to him.
“I won’t forget about the traps.”
With a mischievous smile as natural as possible, the gardener turned pale. Trembling visibly sicker, he staggered away.
“Poor guy. If only he hadn’t unnecessarily worried, he would have gotten a raise, right?”
Nana, returning after escorting the maid, came back with tea for Nox as usual.
***
The next morning.
Lano and Nox were once again summoned to Edwin’s office.
Before their father, they rested solemnly on a pedestal, adorned with red and blue jewels.
“Although we were the first to reach the lowest level, we could not defeat the two-headed serpent without Nox’s help.”
As expected, Lano desperately defended Nox.
“Lano and I each crushed one of the serpent’s heads, and from both heads came cores, which means these cores are what Lano and I individually obtained.”
However, Nox also had his version of the events.
“I arrived late at the lowest level and tried to take credit for Lano’s actions. Lano was the one who delivered the final blow to the serpent, so the cores belong to both of us, to Lano and me.”
“Nox, you always do the same thing!”
Lano, who was about to raise his voice, momentarily backed down as his father’s calm gesture stopped him.
“Regardless of how it happened, you both brought back the cores. Although the mystery of why two cores emerged remains, we must evaluate them according to the rules.”
The father exhaled softly.
“Both of you are recognized as adult males of the Galaxia family, and you will be granted the title of Viscount by the King.”
Lano brightened up upon hearing this, while Nox could not hide his visibly displeased expression.
“So, is Nox also going to Eastwold?”
“No.”
Edwin cut Lano off with a single word, who seemed ready to embrace Nox at that moment.
“It’s not necessary for both to go. Nox will stay at the residence.”
“What?! Why, if we both defeated the serpent and brought back the cores in the same way?”
“Did you forget the conditions, obviously? ‘Whoever reaches the deepest level first’ receives Eastwold.”
“What?! Nox, did you know and do this on purpose…?”
Edwin interrupted Lano, who was starting to speak nervously in his usual tone, with a clear clearing of his throat.
“Reports from the servants have been received. Those who caused Lano’s injury and those who set traps to hinder Nox will be demoted for six months. Additionally, the one who failed to cover up will also be demoted for three months. And Lano, who protected the servants, you are still too lenient. Learn the mindset of those you will lead in these lands.”
“Yes…”
Despite being considered an adult, Lano shrugged sadly upon receiving such an assessment of his immaturity.
“Well, what about Nox now?”
“Regarding that…”
Nox interrupted Edwin’s voice, which was about to say something, and raised his hand.
“I will leave this house.”
“Nox?!”
Upon the sudden declaration, Lano couldn’t help but raise his voice.
“Go on…”
Edwin stared at Nox with his blue eyes as he spoke.
“In short, I no longer have a reason to stay in this mansion. That’s all.”
Without using any more formalities, Nox spoke in a low voice.
“Nox…”
“I’m sorry, Lano. Even if I receive the title of Viscount, the servants’ attitude towards me will not change, and it may even worsen if you are not there to protect me. I cannot call a place home where I need to be protected. Isn’t that so?”
Upon this, Lano remained silent, unable to articulate any further words.
Facing Edwin, whom not even half-nobles can look in the eyes due to his imposing presence, Nox stood tall and continued unperturbed.
“You should not be oblivious to what the servants have done to me. If you don’t know, it’s even worse. If you thought I would stay here and ignore everything they did to me, then maybe you have a pancake instead of a brain.”
Assuming they would not meet again, Nox released the words he had held back until now without a filter.
“I have lost any affection for the Galaxia family and for you. Although I have called you ‘father’ for convenience until now, I have never considered you as such, and I have no obligation to continue playing that role now that I am an adult.”
He only appears as a father when it is convenient for him, ignoring how much I am belittled in daily life. If you consider me part of the family only because of blood, I don’t care at all.
“Thank you, Lano. Take care of yourself. Perhaps we will meet again in another place in the future.”
Nox lightly touched Lano’s shoulder, who seemed on the verge of tears, and then turned around.
After saying goodbye to Pascal and Nana, he planned to leave the mansion before the day ended. Pointing at the back of Nox, who had lost interest in the office, Edwin asked:
“If you are leaving, what do you plan to do?”
Nox scoffed at the innocent question.
“Don’t you have any idea what I have been doing so far? Ask your beloved only son what I have been up to. Then swiftly pass on the succession and die soon, you cursed old man.”
Nox finally left the office this time.Chapter 9: The prince decided to part ways with the old bastard
