Damn Reincarnation

ng his blessing.

It wasn’t like he didn't have any concerns for his son, but Gerhard also didn’t want to suppress his son’s freedom after Eugene had already grown so splendidly.

Gerhard lectured his son, “While you’re there, don’t hang around with naughty kids, and make sure not to neglect your lessons.”

Eugene returned the favor, “Even when I’m not here, don't do anything you shouldn’t do, father, and don’t neglect your exercise either.”

Gerhard burst into laughter at this rejoinder.
Gerhard had greatly improved himself during his past four years at the main estate.
He had lost a lot of weight and even gained quite a bit of muscle.
It was all thanks to his regular hunting trips with the collateral patriarchs and frequent walks he enjoyed in the main family’s extensive forest.

“Also, if anyone tries to cause you trouble because I’m not here, write to me right away.
Don’t pointlessly suffer in silence on your own,” Eugene insisted.

Gerhard tried to reassure his son, “I’m sure that the Patriarch will be able to spare the attention if I bring the matter to him.”

“Still, wouldn’t you feel better if it was your one and only son who was looking out for you instead of the busy Patriarch?”

Gerhard smiled silently and patted Eugene on the shoulder.
This gifted son of his was Gerhard’s pride and treasure.
If it wasn’t for his son….
Gerhard nodded his head as he recalled his memories of Gidol, where they had been living just a few years ago.

Gerhard tried to soothe Eugene’s protectiveness, “I just don’t want to be a hindrance to you.” 

“What hindrance? Don’t say things like that anymore.
I have never once thought of you as a hindrance,” Eugene responded bluntly while poking Gerhard in the side.
“In any case, I’ll be leaving tomorrow.
I’ll make sure to stay healthy while I’m gone, so you should also make sure to stay safe, Father.
Got that?”

“Fine, fine.
I’ve got it.”

Eugene was now taller than Gerhard.
Gerhard smiled happily while looking up at his son, who had grown so mature.

That night, Eugene and Gerhard, as well as all the members of the main family, gathered together and sat around a large table.
Even Ciel, who hadn’t shown her face at dinner in quite some time, was now sitting at the table wearing a nice dress.

Although it wasn’t a lavish farewell party, they had at least managed to wrangle something into place so that the whole family could offer Eugene blessings for the future as he prepared to leave them for a few years.

Various well-wishes were exchanged over a table laden with an array of luxurious dishes.

“So you intend to learn magic in Aroth, really….
Since you have such an amazing talent in martial arts, I’m sure you will be good at learning magic as well,” Ancilla praised Eugene.

The news of Eugene rising to the Third Star of the White Flame Formula had made Ancilla chew on her lip in frustration, but the fact that that monstrous child was leaving the main estate for the time being was a joyous consolation.

“I really envy Sir Gerhard for having such a wonderful son,” flattered Ancilla.

“Haha, you’re too kind,” Gerhard accepted the compliment with a laugh.

During these four years, Ancilla’s attitude hadn’t seen much change from when they had first met.
She had no intention of forging a hostile relationship with Gerhard, let alone Eugene.
Instead, she held out a hand with a smile, thus creating a friendly relationship with Gerhard and Eugene.

But Tanis, the first wife, showed the two a completely different attitude.

The dark circles under Tanis’s eyes and her sallow cheeks left a rather desolate impression.
For the past few years, Tanis had rarely left the main family’s mansion, and she spent her days reacting with great agitation to even the slightest mistakes from the servants.

Tanis felt that she had no choice but to do so.
And she felt like she was being driven further into a corner with each passing day.
Eward had not been able to become Lovellian’s disciple as she had hoped, nor did he manage to forge any connections with Aroth’s high-ranking wizards.
Since even Gilford and his wife, who had been friendly with Tanis, had left the main estate a few years ago, Tanis had no allies in the current main estate. 

‘Although it’s her fault for being so prickly,’ avoiding Tanis’s intense gaze, Eugene focussed on cutting his meat. 

Gilead had never discriminated against Tanis.
He didn't even force Eward to return despite all the negative rumors.
Instead, Gilead kept providing support to shore up Eward’s insufficiencies.

It was Tanis’s own decision to spend her days shunning any contact and clawing at her surroundings.

Just as the meal was ending, Tanis suddenly called out, “Eugene.”

Although Ancilla treated Eugene warmly whenever they met, this was the first time the temperamental first wife had called Eugene by his name all year.
Though it wasn’t like they had even held frequent conversations in the previous years.

Tanis requested, “Once you get to Aroth, please take care of your older brother, Eward.”

“…,” Eugene was unable to respond to these words that had suddenly been thrown at him and could only blink in surprise.

Tanis continued, “He must have been lonely, staying in Aroth all by himself for the past few years.
…I know that he didn’t get to spend much time with you as siblings, but Eward is still your brother.”

“…Yes, ma’am,” Eugene eventually replied.

“You might be adopted, but Eward is your brother.
So, please treat him like a younger brother should,” even as she said this, Tanis’s eyes slid to the side.
She continued speaking while glaring at Cyan and Ciel, who were sitting close to Eugene, “…Take care of your older brother.
You can at least do that, right?”

“…I’ll do my best,” Eugene avoided promising.

“Oh my, you’re being too insistent, big sister.
I’m sure that Eugene will do what he can,” Ancilla gave a polite laugh as she drew Tanis’s gaze away from Cyan and Ciel with these words.

Tanis glared at Ancilla with her narrowed eyes, then pushed her chair back and stood up.

“Please excuse me.
I’m feeling exhausted.
I’ll be leaving now to go and get some rest.” 

“…You may be excused,” Gilead nodded in permission with a perplexed look on his face.

Over the past few years, Eugene had gotten quite close to Gilead.
Thanks to this, he was able to make a fully informed decision about Gilead’s position.

‘Sure enough, the Patriarch’s seat is a shit place to be stuck on.’

Eugene never wanted to become the Patriarch.