Toma: Reincarnated as the Knight's Adopted Son

Chapter 41

Chapter 41: To the Axel Territory

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“Hermina, even if you have no memories, we still have those cherished memories of happier times. I don’t expect it immediately, but take your time. And, one day, please call me ‘Father’ again.”

“...Yes.”

The person most shaken by this shocking revelation is Mother. Since yesterday, she’s been unusually quiet. Maybe she’s trying to recall the past she forgot, or maybe she has a lot on her mind, or perhaps it’s both. There must be a struggle within her that I can’t even begin to understand.

It seems the kidnapper who put Mother through such suffering is already dead. But where do I direct my anger?

“There’s... also something I need to ask...”

The Duke hesitated, and Lord Alexander took over.

“Mother doesn’t have much time left.”

“What?!”

Mother and I both cried out in shock. Lord Alexander’s mother, meaning Mother’s mother, and my grandmother.

“From the day Hermina was taken, Mother lost the will to live... For about a year now, she has been bedridden.”

“The physician says she has about six months left. Before the end, I want her to see Hermina, Toma, and Siegvalt. The three of you—or rather, the four of you, including Lord Roxfall—could you come to Axel Territory?”

The Duke’s voice grew heavy with sorrow as he continued. There was no way to refuse. But if I go to Axel Territory, I wonder what the temple will say. No matter what they say, there’s no option but to go. Time is running out, and we must go, regardless of any complaints from the temple.

“Mother, let’s go! Please, go and let her see your face.”

“Yes... Husband, may we go to Axel Territory?”

“Of course, even if you had refused, I was prepared to bring you there by force if necessary.”

When we informed the temple that the four of us would be heading to Axel Territory, Lord Dardell arrived again. This elderly lady certainly moves quickly.

“Hmph. Don’t start fussing, old woman.”

“When I saw Lady Alyusha’s face, I felt a sense of déjà vu. Then, meeting Duke Bayerlein reminded me of Lady Brunhilde’s face. Even someone as out of touch as I am can deduce as much.”

“What harbor is that?”

“That’s Urm Port in the Jadose Territory, governed by Baron Rittenheim.”

Baron Rittenheim’s family took in Talia. I wonder how she’s doing. She’s probably grown even prettier and lovelier. I’ll pray to Lord Deuro for her happiness.

▽▽▽ Side Story: Duke Karl Axel Bayerlein ▽▽▽

In a room on the flagship, I sat across from the head of the dark department.

“Do whatever it takes to expose Lightstar.”

“We will avenge our past humiliation.”

When Hermina was taken, the entire dark department mobilized to search for her. But Hermina was never found.

As the department overseeing this kingdom’s information, it must have been a disgrace for them. At the time, I had harsh words for them as well.

“Very well. Do not fail this time.”

“Yes, sir!”

Overthrowing Lightstar is not a difficult task. The difference in both the quantity and quality of soldiers between Lightstar and our house is worlds apart. But if we were to do that, the people would suffer. That is not what I desire, nor would Hermina wish for it.

However, those scum will pay. There’s no need to even use soldiers to deal with them. That household has countless skeletons in its closet. Simply exposing them will suffice.

“By the time Toma comes of age, I will have brought down that house. Just wait, Lightstar!”

The silver goblet I held was crushed in my grip, spilling wine. Sebas deftly removed the goblet from my hand and wiped away the spilled wine.

“There’s a slight stain on your sleeve. I’ll prepare a change of clothes immediately.”

“It’s fine. But, what is Toma up to?”

“He’s out on the deck, admiring the river.”

“I see... In the future, Toma will... no, never mind.”

Without a word, Sebas quietly withdrew.