Chapter 55. < 25. You've Changed a Lot (2) >
"Phew, I think I'll live."
Lumian, seated on the sofa in his own room, muttered to himself.
Even though it was a rural territory, it was incomparably more comfortable than an inn. Having finished unpacking and bathing, he felt the travel fatigue melting away as a faint smile formed on his lips. Perhaps because it was the place he had lived his entire life.
The memories felt much more vivid than at the Academy. To the extent that it gave him the illusion that he had originally been Lumian Callad all along.
'Of course, that's not the case......'
He laughed bitterly.
In truth, he still didn't know. Whether he was Lumian Callad or Ryan Promhart.
The conclusion he had reached was that he was both Ryan and Lumian. In other words, both personalities coexisted, but honestly, this was not a conclusion derived from deep contemplation.
It was simply that he needed a justification to enjoy his youth at the Academy.
Or perhaps he had just vaguely pushed aside matters that were difficult to decide.
'But from now on, that's not the case.'
Lumian nodded.
His thinking hadn't changed. He still thought of himself as both Ryan Promhart and Lumian Callad.
When he said "from now on it's not," he meant that he would no longer waver over this issue.
In other words, he meant he would fulfill his duties as the young lord more properly.
'The first step is...... showing my parents my changed self.'
Taking a deep breath, Lumian pulled a few items from his bag.
His father, Luno Callad, was a benevolent lord respected by the territory's people. His mother, Emilia Callad, was also renowned for looking after those beneath her with love.
However, they were extremely strict with him. They were people who believed such education would raise their son upright and strong.
'Even so, at this level, I shouldn't disappoint them.'
Grinning, Lumian called a servant to check his attire.
Soon would be his first dinner with his parents.
He had to conduct himself properly.
***
"Let's eat."
"Yes, Father."
At his father Luno Callad's words, Lumian answered in a low voice.
It was a voice with strength in it. Having smiled at his parents, he began his meal without breaching etiquette.
His parents gazed at his appearance for a long while.
A rigid attitude with not a single change in expression.
But their inner thoughts were completely different.
The lord and his wife glanced at each other and conversed with their lip movements.
'Why is he like that?'
'I don't know either!'
An appearance vastly different from half a year ago.
They couldn't hide their bewilderment.
They had felt something strange when he first arrived home and greeted them.
The usually weak appearance was nowhere to be found, and the sight of their son approaching with his chest puffed out proudly was extremely unfamiliar.
But now it was even more so.
When he removed his outer garment, his revealed body looked robust enough to rival any soldier, and his every action carried weight.
It was as if a butterfly had emerged from a cocoon.
Of course, such a change was extremely welcome.
'The guy...... he's grown from a child to a man without me knowing!'
Baron Callad's eyes grew slightly hot.
Suddenly, he remembered last year.
The image of his son, unable to adapt to the Academy, returning after constantly wearing a dark expression, was still vivid before his eyes.
To see that same fellow now showing such dignified behavior as if he had become a proper knight—as a father, he couldn't help but be pleased.
If it were up to his heart, he wanted to secretly slip into his study and dance.
'How did he become so dependable!'
The Baroness felt the same way.
She wanted to summon a social gathering right this instant and boast about her son for three hours. Especially to Olivia, that woman who bragged about her eldest son every time they met—she absolutely wanted to tell her.
That her son had grown this wonderfully!
"Ahem."
"Hehem."
Of course, neither of them showed this.
They simply continued their meal quietly with expressionless faces as usual.
A short while later, Baron Callad, having calmed his overwhelming emotions, asked Lumian a question.
"Lumian. Is Academy life bearable?"
"Yes, Lumian. How was this semester? Tell us."
The Baroness also looked at Lumian with a curious expression.
In truth, this was the same question they had asked last year.
And at that time, Lumian...... had answered by silently shedding tears like chicken droppings. The shock from that time still remained in their minds.
'But now, won't there be a different answer from back then?'
'He must have adapted by now. What kind of son is our son? One year is enough!'
Their expressions remained unchanged.
But the expectation contained in their eyes was burning fiercely like fire.
Please, let him answer that he's doing well this time!
Their beloved son, not struggling in a strange and distant place but living an enjoyable and happy life!
Their only wish was this.
Having experienced giving wounds when they hoped for something much larger last year, they had no intention of applying unreasonable pressure anymore.
But then.
"Um...... Father, Mother."
"Hm?"
"What is it?"
"Actually, there's something I need to show you."
Lumian, who had spoken quietly, pulled something from his pocket. And placed it on the table.
Both their eyes naturally moved in that direction.
Something that appeared to be made of glass or crystal, and two pieces of paper.
Baron Callad had a servant bring them over.
"Gasp!"
He made a loud sound without realizing it.
"What on earth is it?"
The Baroness looked toward the Baron with an expression that tried not to show it but was nevertheless unable to contain her curiosity.
Unfortunately, her eyesight was poor, so despite the close distance, she couldn't identify what the items were.
Therefore, when the Baron's mouth opened, the reaction could only be even more dramatic.
"Lumian...... you took first place consecutively, twice, in the Academy's swordsmanship division?"
"What?"
"And also...... you won joint first place in the swordsmanship tournament for Academy first and second years?"
"What did you say? Is that true, Lumian?"
The two could no longer maintain their expressionless faces.
Though they were two who believed strict education was necessary for their son and were particularly stingy with praise and expression, this was an exception.
To take first place consecutively at the Royal Knight Academy where prodigies from across the kingdom gathered!
On top of that, to win the swordsmanship tournament!
Was this really true?
'Could this swordsmanship tournament plaque and report card be forged?'
Baron Callad looked at his son with suspicious eyes.
Honestly, he couldn't believe it. No matter how much one's own child looks the most beautiful in one's own eyes, he was not a person lacking in sense of reality. But the moment he met Lumian's eyes, he cleanly put aside his suspicions.
Anyone would do the same.
The face his son was showing right now, and his attitude, were definitely not those of someone telling a lie.
"It's true, Mother."
"......Really?"
"Yes. You can send someone to the Academy to verify. It's true. Truly...... I took first place at the Academy."
"......."
Silence flowed for a moment.
It was definitely not the unpleasant quiet like at a funeral hall.
Rather, it was similar to when one's grown son gets married and one's chest swells so much that words cannot come out. The two looked at Lumian Callad with reddened eyes, tears welling up.
"At this level...... can I say I've fulfilled my role as the eldest son?"
Lumian said with an awkward smile.
Tear drops finally fell from both their eyes.
***
"Come to think of it, I haven't told you the reason I called you yet."
"That's right."
Baron Callad and the Baroness quickly regained their composure.
Unlike the original Lumian, both of them possessed strong mental fortitude.
Joy was joy, and what needed to be said had to be said.
Lumian also knew this well, so he nodded with an unconcerned expression.
"What kind of matter is it? If it's something bad......"
"No. If it were that, I would have written it in the letter."
"It's something good. I just wanted to surprise you a bit......"
Hearing that made him even more curious. Lumian tilted his head.
Something good. What could there be in this rural territory that would make him happy?
'Did they discover a gold mine in the back mountain or something? No, it doesn't feel like that.'
No matter how much he thought, nothing came to mind.
Seeing him like that, the two smiled at each other.
"Haha, just a moment ago I thought you were all grown up. But you're still young after all."
"That's right. I thought you'd understand right away with this much said......"
"Can't you tell me now? I'm really curious......"
"Hmm, alright. I don't know if you truly haven't noticed or are pretending not to notice...... but I'll tell you now."
Baron Callad, having said this much, assumed a weighty demeanor.
Lumian unconsciously straightened his upper body.
He had a premonition that something completely different from before, a major event in his life, was approaching.
And this was true.
From Baron Callad's mouth, talk of a 'marriage proposal' began to flow.
"A marriage proposal has come from Baron Karayan's family. Nak Karayan—that gentleman says he wants to marry his daughter to you."
"......."
"Haha, you rascal. You're finally making a dumbfounded expression. I thought you had become a different person in one semester."
"Hohoho. That's right."
The Baroness laughed while covering her mouth with her hand.
But that sound didn't reach Lumian's ears at all.
Because he had received quite a large shock.
'Marriage? Me?'
It didn't feel real.
No, it went beyond not feeling real—he had never thought about this at all.
Of course, a few days ago Morgan had mentioned it in passing, but......
'I haven't even kissed anyone yet, what marriage!'
He had just had this thought briefly and let it pass.
Therefore, he couldn't respond at all to his father's bombshell declaration.
He just stood there with a blank expression, mouth agape.
"Ahem. Well, I haven't given a definitive answer yet...... but I'm thinking positively. The Karayan family has been a traditional house governing a wide territory for generations, and Baron Nak Karayan's character is known to be excellent......"
"Is that all? The eldest daughter is also rumored to be beautiful and wise."
"That's right. I think she's a match with nothing lacking for you."
The explanation about the marriage prospect continued.
But Lumian was letting it go in one ear and out the other.
While information about the marriage partner was also important, how he thought about marriage was more important first.
In his dizzy state, barely holding onto his senses, he began to seriously contemplate something he had never done before.
'First...... I'm not negative about marriage. No, rather I definitely want to do it!'
It was sincere. He wanted to get married.
What would be the greatest wish of a eunuch who couldn't have his own seed?
Sex. And descendants.
Things he could absolutely never do or have.
The institution that allowed him to grasp both of these simultaneously was 'marriage,' so why would Lumian refuse?
'But...... I didn't think I'd do it this early......'
Agony appeared on Lumian's face.
He didn't have thoughts like his lustful younger brother Morgan, wanting to mess around with this woman and that woman.
But without even properly debuting in society, without any excitement, any tingling, any sweetness.
Blindly getting married according to his parents' wishes wasn't exactly a pleasant thing either.
'Of course, if she's pretty, that's a different story......'
That was it. Actually, that was the most important thing.
If his spouse was his type.
If she was a woman whose face, body, and personality were all close to his ideal, he would willingly give up the Academy's youth romance. He could immediately return to the territory and begin married life.
Lumian was that kind of man.
'But when the discussion is between families, there's no way I can see my spouse beforehand......'
Halt.
Lumian's body suddenly stiffened as he continued his thoughts.
His father's words that he hadn't properly heard because he was lost in thought.
They came back vaguely.
Lumian asked with an urgent expression.
"Um, um, Father!"
"Yes."
"Um, I'm sorry but...... where did you say the marriage prospect was from?"
"Haha. You must not have heard properly because your spirit left you. Baron Karayan's eldest daughter, Lily Karayan. As I said earlier, she's very wise and......"
"I'm sorry, Father."
Lumian cut off his father's words abruptly.
Since Lumian had been both dignified and polite throughout, Baron Callad wore a surprised expression.
However, Lumian didn't pay attention. To say he had no room to spare was more accurate.
He emphasized once more with an urgent, determined face.
"I cannot get married."
***
'Absolutely not.'
Lumian, who had returned to his room, shook his head as he slumped onto the sofa.
This marriage was out of the question. Even engagement was absolutely impossible.
Though he had resolved to become a wonderful child not shameful before others less than a day ago, it couldn't be helped. He closed his eyes tightly and thought. 'Against a woman rumored to be ugly enough to be known in the neighboring territory......'
Judging people by appearance alone, you superficial person! He would have nothing to say if he heard those words, but it couldn't be helped. Lumian was indeed superficial.
Moreover, he had not only heard rumors but had actually seen her, Lily Karayan's childhood appearance.
Six years ago—the shock he felt at that time still remained, so there was no need to say more.
'No wonder. Why would someone with more power than us bring up marriage first......'
It seemed all the surrounding territories knew about her appearance.
Lumian sighed.
"Phew."
It was a regrettable thing.
He couldn't even begin to guess how great Baron Karayan's worry must be, or how difficult his eldest daughter's heart must be.
But it was also something he could absolutely not compromise on.
If his will lay elsewhere, that would be one thing, if he was someone who had enjoyed everything and attained enlightenment, that would be another matter.
"No. Absolutely not."
Lumian murmured quietly and clenched his fist tightly.
Intense fighting spirit emanated from his body.
An attitude to carry out his will even if it meant clashing with his parents. It was an appearance that couldn't be called a filial son—rather, he would have nothing to say if called an unfilial son.
But then, someone knocked on his room door.
Knock knock knock
"Young Lord, the Lord has sent something."
"......What is it."
"He says Baron Karayan will come next week with his daughter, so, um, that is, don't make any mistakes...... basic matters regarding the Baron's daughter....... to convey......"
The servant couldn't finish the words he was about to say.
Because Lumian's eyes were so terrifying. So much so that he wondered if this was really the Young Lord he knew.
He barely delivered the envelope, then quickly disappeared from the Young Lord's sight.
Lumian sighed again.
"Phew, coming directly? This is driving me crazy."
Seated, Lumian tore open the envelope while grumbling.
No matter how much he disliked the current situation, he couldn't throw away something his father had given him.
He read the text on the front page with a deeply furrowed brow.
Surprisingly, the first page's text was not information about the Baron's daughter.
It was a letter handwritten by his father.
[My beloved son.
Seeing you rebel against me for the first time, seeing you raise your voice roughly, seeing you glare...... I pondered for a long time where exactly things went wrong.
Of course, marriage—no, engagement—is a burdensome matter.
However, considering it's a process that the Young Lord who will inherit the territory must necessarily go through, the intense reaction you showed just now...... omitted ...... Thus, while thinking over today's events alone, I realized I had made a truly great mistake. I intend to correct this now.]
'What is this? Father made a mistake?'
He didn't understand what was being said.
Fortunately, the letter hadn't ended yet. Lumian continued reading.
[Baron Karayan's eldest daughter has changed beyond recognition over the past six years. It's true. She has changed literally beyond recognition.]
"......?"
[Setting aside all calculated things like family power and wealth, I'll tell you. The current Lily Karayan is an incredible beauty. Unlike before.]
"......!"
[So rest assured. Your future spouse is by no means ugly. Rather, she's a beauty dazzling enough to make many men envious......
Due to a brief misunderstanding, I felt slightly displeased, but on the other hand, I also thought it was admirable. Today's incident is proof that you have grown from a child into a proper man.
As a fellow man, I fully understand.
Then I'll end here, and I hope to see you smiling again tomorrow.
P.S. - I'm enclosing the Baron's daughter's portrait, so I hope the misunderstanding is resolved.]
Having read the entire letter, Lumian hurriedly examined the back. He couldn't contain his pounding heart.
And the moment he finally saw the Baron's daughter's portrait.
"You've...... changed a lot."
He couldn't help but mutter to himself unconsciously.
Like that, for a long while, Lumian sat holding the portrait as if nailed in place, then slowly rose from his seat.
Opening the window, feeling the night wind, he thought calmly.
'First, let's meet her.'