Reset Life – Chapter 133

Chapter 133: Don’t You Think So? (1)

Imperial Year 375, December 16th.

“As expected, you’re a damn bastard.”

“I think so too.”

“A damn bastard……”

“I agree, you know.”

Literally, for the ‘first time in my life,’ I was able to have a genuine conversation with my Hyung-nim.

Father acknowledged me.

It wasn’t an official announcement, but the family became aware of everything. It was one of the most dramatic changes that happened to me after the Reset.

Mother, upon realizing that I wasn’t the child she birthed, was shocked into recalling the past.

The past where the child she gave birth to died after a few days, and when Father brought a new child, she mistook it as her own. Like a lightning bolt from the sky, Mother remembered it.

However, Mother quickly regained her composure. She said that even if she was mistaken, the love she gave me was real, and she still considered me her son.

So, yesterday, I saw my own tears after a long time.

“Ha, damn it. I don’t know how to treat you from now on.”

“Do as you please, Hyung-nim. I don’t expect your attitude that you’ve maintained so far to change all at once.”

“Hmph. If you were in your rightful place from the beginning, I wouldn’t have this worry.”

“I understand.”

“You damn bastard, pretending you didn’t know when you knew everything.”

In fact, the person in the most delicate position is Hyung-nim.

My position has been readjusted to that of an illegitimate child. So, he has to abandon the attitude of disliking the ‘younger brother who pretended to be a legitimate child when he wasn’t.’

Hyung-nim, who maintained that attitude with a strictness that resembled Father, is now at a loss as to how to treat the ‘younger brother who should be acknowledged because he has returned to his rightful place.’

What should I say, it seems like the men of the Herduke family have only mastered the skill of living complicated lives. Well, if Hyung-nim or Father’s attitude had changed like flipping a hand, I would have been the one who was flustered.

Anyway, with the settling of the old past in one way or another, I was able to feel refreshed after a long time.

After a long time of going around and around, I became a true member of the Herduke family.

That fact makes me so happy and joyful these days that I’m going crazy.

“Introduce me to your friends sometime. It’s not easy to meet people from such diverse backgrounds.”

“Hmm. Somehow, it feels like I’m the only one losing out? Even if I introduce people to you, Hyung-nim, there’s no benefit for me.”

“What did you say?”

Hyung-nim glared, but unlike before, there was no hatred or contempt in his eyes. It was as if ordinary brothers were having a casual conversation.

This alone is already amazing. Hahaha!

“By the way, how’s the vassal meeting going?”

“If you’re curious, why don’t you come and see for yourself? Neither I nor Father intend to stop you anymore. It would be good if you could help us.”

“No, thanks. I won’t be voicing my opinion in front of the vassals for the next few months. The initiative for all situations lies with Father.”

Once someone takes the initiative, it’s not easy to let go of it. Even if they voluntarily give it up, the people around them won’t leave them alone.

The turmoil that arises from the succession of power is a prime example of how difficult it is to transfer initiative.

More than half of the initiative among the men of the Herduke family currently lies with me, but I have no intention of wielding it. That’s why I’m spending my time without attending the vassal meetings.

The initiative I’ve let go of will naturally go to Father, but the problem is that it will take some time.

“If that’s what you think, I won’t force you. The vassal meeting has become an arena for finding effective ways to oppose the Emperor, just like you said in the previous family meeting. Various ideas are flying around, making me wonder if these people were planning to rebel from the start.”

“They probably thought about it when they heard the news that Father was arrested. Did any good ideas come up?”

“Not yet. Except for the opinion of firmly strengthening Orknesia’s borders to prevent the Emperor’s forces from entering.”

“Are most of the ideas…… military-related?”

“Because they’re soldiers.”

Hyung-nim looked like he wanted to sigh. I felt the same way.

Most of the vassals of Orknesia also hold positions as officers in the Empire’s Eastern Army. This tendency is more pronounced the closer they are to the Gray Forest. It’s inevitable that their ideas are fixated on military thinking.

“What about the New Year’s celebration?”

“No problem. We have enough food and weapons. Orknesia’s self-sufficiency system is solid.”

“Ah, was that 50,000 gold the supplementary fund?”

“Seems like it. Unlike Father. Embezzlement, huh.”

I nodded. I understood why Father didn’t protest when he was caught in an incident like embezzlement charges.

First of all, the overall story wasn’t much different from Aila’s analysis. I casually mentioned that thought.

“Nothing much will happen until spring anyway.”

“Probably. Oh, it’s time for the meeting to start again.”

“Ah, right. Let me know if anything happens.”

“I will. And go see Mother and Sera more often.”

“Okay. Good work.”

Hyung-nim showed me a genuine smile, albeit awkwardly.

I realize it at times like these.

That I also have a Hyung-nim and a Father.

“It went well. Risel’s face has brightened up a lot recently.”

“It sounds like you’re saying it was dark before.”

“It means the self-deprecation that always hung over you when you talked about your family has disappeared.”

“Ah, I see. But can you please get up now? My arms are starting to hurt.”

Levidian smiled brightly and loosened my joints. I, who had been lying under her with my joints bent, talking listlessly, regained the freedom of my limbs.

Ugh, when will I be able to escape this miserable situation?

“Ah, I might have to consider giving you the ring officially. I won’t be able to stand it if it’s going to be like this for the rest of my life.”

“What did you just say?”

“It was a monologue, put your sword away! And only threaten Lucy with cutting people up!”

“What did you just say?”

Lucy, who was doing push-ups next to us, raised her head with a disgruntled look, but I ignored her lightly.

While others were training leisurely, Levidian and I sparred after a long time, and once again, I was met with a crushing defeat.

Damn it, let’s win at least once.

Come to think of it, after our first meeting, the only times I had the upper hand over her were all in areas other than swordsmanship. It seems like the balance is being maintained, but it’s still frustrating. Woo-hoo.

“Hey, Kun, are you okay?”

“Ugh, are No-Kerman usually this strong?”

“Al is a bit special.”

Kun, who was proud as a warrior of the Guard Mopum clan, has been accumulating a record of consecutive defeats lately.

Kun and Al are almost equal in skill, but Al is slightly stronger. He’s someone who challenges even Levidian without hesitation, aiming only to become stronger, so it’s only natural that he’s getting stronger.

Joey is watching the scene from the side with an anxious look. Al, who occasionally spars with me, hasn’t challenged Joey yet, but occasionally sends him a heated gaze.

Al is a bit short, so there’s a nearly 70-centimeter difference between him and Joey. Although he has the skills to deliver a roundhouse kick to the back of Lucy’s head, he might be judging that it’s still ‘impossible’ to face Joey.

Indeed, Joey, you are already a big shot.

As we were in the midst of training, Aila arrived.

“Oh my, everyone’s gathered?”

“Hey, Aila, any good news?”

“Well, so-so. But Risel, when are you going to pay for the information? Is it okay to treat the heads of Mangya and Sky Ears so carelessly? I’m expensive, you know.”

“I’ll pay you back later. If not, I’ll pay you with my body.”

“Hmph. If you’re going to pay with your body, you’ll have to serve me for the rest of your life. Ah, that would be fine too. Once Ibi-unni is out of the way, there will be no obstacles.”

“Do you want to trip over an obstacle?”

Levidian responded with a very refreshing smile and half-drew the sword she had sheathed. It’s been a while since I realized that this level of exchange was just a joke between them, so I reacted indifferently.

“If you’re going to cause a commotion by kicking or tripping over obstacles, do it outside. Aila, if you’re going to do that, at least give me the information first.”

“What, no fun. I want to see the old flustered Risel.”

“Yeah. Are you tired of it because you’ve been through it too much?”

“You’re both villains.”

The two villains responded with bright smiles. I felt nauseous and pressed my temples. Oh my, my head……

“So, the information?”

“I brought it. But what are you thinking? Are you suddenly planning to go into seclusion?”

“Maybe.”

“Really? It’s winter now, so why don’t you just stay home?”

“We’ll see.”

I unfolded the file Aila gave me and read it. The document, about five or six pages long, listed two or three place names. Overall, they were places that met the conditions I had mentioned.

“Excellent. Thank you.”

“Hehehe. Oh, but where are you going?”

“To meet Father for a moment.”

Leaving behind their puzzled gazes, I leisurely walked towards Father’s office.

After hearing my words, Father frowned and said,

“Can’t you go after the New Year?”

“I think it will be too late then. Once it starts getting really cold, it will be difficult to leave.”

“That’s true, but…… are you trying to avoid the situation?”

Father accurately grasped my intentions.

If I were present, it would be a bit difficult for Father and Hyung-nim to take the initiative.

Now, as my evaluation is undergoing a dramatic reversal, similar offers will come, just like what my uncle told me. In any case, it’s clear that it will hinder the gathering of people’s power.

My goal is not to become a leader, but a controller. The difference between the two is clear.

Instead of voicing these thoughts, I simply shrugged and said,

“It’s something that will also help with the upcoming war.”

“An irresistible temptation. Are you really sure about this? I can offer you an important position if you want.”

“Thank you for your kind words. But I don’t want it.”

“It will help with the upcoming war.”

“Ah, right. That’s true.”

At Father’s witty remark, I briefly crossed my arms and fell into thought.

To lead the war, I need a position that can exert that much influence. However, I want to decline a central position. I have to go on a trip soon anyway.

“Then…… please prepare a suitable title for me.”

“I knew you’d say that.”

Father nodded and took something out of his drawer and handed it to me. A heavy object wrapped in paper on the desk was asking to be picked up.

I tilted my head and picked it up. Unfolding the paper, there was a thick metal plate the size of my palm. It felt similar to the Imperial Irregular Secret Inspector’s badge.

“What is this?”

“It’s the mark of a Cheonbyeongjang (Thousand Soldiers Commander) of the Eastern Army. The rank is Sudo (Leader). Directly under the Duke of Orknesia, there’s also a certificate stating that you only take orders from the Duke.”

“Wait a minute. Sudo? A four-rank promotion?”

I was incorporated into the Imperial Army when I received the title of Viscount.

I was a Seonwi (First Lieutenant), one rank higher than the rank given to ordinary knights in the Eastern Army, but to be four ranks higher than that…… Moreover, Cheonbyeongjang is treated as a general, right?

Father nodded.

“You’re the Duke of Orknesia’s son, and considering what you’ve done so far, that rank is sufficient. It’s the conclusion of the vassal meeting. You can have a thousand men under your command, excluding yourself. Choose your subordinates as you wish.”

“Father, even so, isn’t this too much of a preferential treatment? And a four-rank promotion, it’s almost an illegal promotion.”

“Give it back if you’re not going to take it.”

“No, I’ll take it, but……”

“Then shut up and take it.”

Father spoke sternly. I knew this was his way of showing he cared.

I looked at the Cheonbyeongjang’s mark again.

It was a silver plate with the Herduke family crest and the Eastern Army crest engraved on it. The date of issue was the day before yesterday. Perhaps Father intended to give me this when I needed it.

“Alright. I’ll take it.”

I put it in my pocket. With this, I became a Cheonbyeongjang of the Eastern Army, with the rank of Sudo.

Father nodded.

“I’ll give you your first order. Come back as soon as you’re done. And see your family before you leave.”

“Yes, sir.”

I jokingly saluted.

Everyone has a different way of caring for others. And Father is a particularly special person in that regard.

That’s why it’s enjoyable.

To receive something from Father, it’s something I couldn’t have imagined before I died.

Ah, right. Now I have a place to return to.

A place where my family is.

I, who had been wandering without a place to return to, now have a place to come back to even if I leave.

With that joyful fact in my heart, I left Father’s office.

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