Reincarnated as a Genius Prodigy of a Prestigious Family - Chapter 14

A commotion immediately arose in his party.

“Duke…”

“It’s fine. Bring it.”

Soon, a servant brought forth a small package. Duke Thermion handed this package over to Dane.

“Open it.”

Dane nodded and carefully opened the package.

Inside he could see a type of crest.

Engraved below was a person holding a sword—House Thermion’s symbol.

“Do you know what House Thermion’s symbol is?”

“Revenge, the sword, and… blacksmiths.”

“Haha, that’s right. You actually know it. The meaning behind that crest is the last blacksmith.”

Duke Thermion took a look at his own sword and continued.

“Thermion’s history begins with our ancestor who was a blacksmith. Thanks to that, House Thermion became the home of the largest smithy in the empire—no, the whole continent. All of Thermion’s weapons along with the weapons of ‘those acknowledged’ by Thermion are made in our smithy.”

This was Duke Thermion’s actual gift.

House Thermion’s smithy.

All of the minerals and ores in the world can be found there. It is the continent’s greatest smithy that produces mysterious magic swords and artifacts.

“If you go to the smithy in the capital and show the crest, they will make one weapon of your choice.”

I have been bestowed the privilege of having a weapon made at the Thermion smithy, a place where not just anyone can go and have a weapon made.

“My goodness…”

“Such a treasured item!”

“Supposedly the royal family also desires it!”

All the people watching were unable to suppress their shock.

That crest was not simply a ‘redeemable ticket at the smithy.’

Well-known figures, foreign nobles, and, of course, the royal family, wished to have weapons made by that smithy.

However, House Thermion provides this crest only to those they have recognized.

To put it simply, it is an item that serves as a guaranteed check—a proof of the recipient’s honor and skill.

Because it is proof that the recipient has been recognized by the Thermion family.

“This is a very precious item. I will gladly accept it, Duke Thermion.”

“Since you already possess an excellent spear, if you go to get a weapon made, you may want to consider a sword. Armor is also a good choice. Whatever you choose, when you do decide to visit the smithy, make sure to think twice.”

“Yes, Duke Thermion.”

Everyone was surprised by this. Not only was it a gift Duke Thermion, himself, had given, but it was the crest of the Thermion smithy.

“What kind of talent must he possess…”

“This must be the first time in my life I’ve been jealous of a seven-year-old.”

“If you sold that crest, you could feed three, no five, generations of families with the money.”

Of course, the moment the crest is bestowed onto someone, it holds a symbolic meaning.

It holds great value purely from its symbolic meaning alone, but there would be no way someone other than the one who received it could have a weapon made at the smithy.

“Is it okay for you to be handing out such a precious item?” Count Sogres asked cautiously.

Duke Thermion smiled mischievously.

“Lately, I haven’t found anything nearly as interesting as this. Don’t tell me you’re hurt that I gave this to your son and not to you?”

“Do I look like that kind of person to you?”

“Haha, indeed. What other weapon could the master of Dragon Tail possibly want?”

Duke Thermion patted Dane’s head.

“Grow up well and help your father a lot.”

“Yes, Duke.”

It seems like the duke personally took an interest in Dane and not simply because Dane was the son of his close friend.

Otherwise, he would have no reason to be giving a child who had just turned seven something like this.

Since it’s an item everyone in the world yearns for.

“Haha. Looks like my youngest has found favor in your eyes.”

In response to Count Sogres’ words, Duke Thermion smiled brightly and put a hand on Dane’s shoulder.

“Certainly. That was an excellent answer. I look forward to the day when he meets my daughter when she is all grown up.”

Duke Thermion allowed Leila some time to say her farewells to Dane while the duke’s party prepared to depart.

Leila approached him hesitatingly and said, “When you come to the capital, be sure to contact me. Got it?”

“I promised the duke. I’ll be sure to reach out if I go to the capital.”

“No, that’s not what I mean! I mean contact me. I mean, come to the capital to see me! You better! You have a wish left. You have to tell me what it is.”

Dane smiled brightly in response and nodded.

“I will.”

At that moment, a breath of wind caught Dane’s silver hair and made it fly.

Leila could only stare at the sight of him reflexively sweeping his hair back.

“……”

“Huh? Is there something on my face?”

“No! You idiot!”

“What? What’s with you?”

Dane was bewildered but he had no way of knowing why Leila was suddenly angry.

“Anyhow. You’re coming. You promised. I dare you not to come.”

Dane resolved himself to be sure to go given how murderous her words felt.

“I’ll go.”

“And I’m going to carry on the Thermion name! As a family head-in-training, I also need to know what items the Thermion smithy produces.”

Dane had to laugh again at the earnest reason Leila added and her ambition.

“What? Why are you laughing?”

“Nah. You dream big. It’s good to see.”

“Don’t laugh. I’m serious. I’m going to beat my brothers and become the family head!”

Dane nodded at her proclamation.

“Sure. Make sure you do.”

“There’s another reason I haven’t said yet.”

“What is it?”

“…Come and watch my swordsmanship again. You taught me how to overcome my problem with my swordsmanship and let it flourish so you need to take responsibility.”

Despite the series of contrived and obstinate reasons given, Dane willingly nodded his head.

Dane Sogres.

That was the moment he had made a pact with the youngest daughter of House Thermion, the greatest house in the Altheon Empire, to look after her, without fail.

“I’m quite thankful to your son. Leila doesn’t play with kids her age well, but she seems to have made a good friend in him.”

Duke Thermion looked vacantly at the two of them.

It was true that other children her age had difficulty approaching her given her status as the youngest daughter of House Thermion.

Could it be considered innocence?

For the children who had grown up watching and being victims of power struggles, there was no such thing as innocence.

However, there was for Dane.

For Leila, it felt like she was experiencing the warmth of an outstretched hand she had been longing for from her brothers.

“Let me know if you come later. And consider the matter about my daughter.”

Count Sogres let out a hearty laugh.

“Was there another reason for giving him your crest?”

“Haha, just saying. Wouldn’t it be nice if they grew to be closer together? It looks like they became good friends, after all.”

“I agree. Please take care of Dane for me when he visits the capital.”

“Mm, I promise you I’ll treat him as my own son.”

With that, Duke Thermion’s party departed.

* * *

Reaper Scans

[Translator – Kyuri]

[Proofreader – Alissa]

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As their carriage passed through the castle gates, Leila peeked her head out the carriage window, stared at me blankly, and then waved.

I waved back.

It felt weird.

It did not seem like love.

Was it because I was saying farewell to the first friend I made in life?

If I think about it, I have not had a normal childhood.

Not in my previous life, or my current one.

Around this age in my previous life, I was carrying around food and cleaning the weapons, armor, and blankets of the soldiers.

It would be difficult to describe what a ‘normal’ childhood should be like, but at the very least, I could say I did not play with children my age.

Calling it farewell is a bit strange, but, indeed, we would not be able to see each other for some time.

“It’s a shame they had to leave, Dane.”

“Yes, very.”

I was able to say so honestly.

It was a shame. Very much so.

In my previous life, I did not have many people I could consider friends because I was always on the battlefield.

Even though I had comrades by my side on the battlefield.

Therefore, to me, Leila was basically the first friend I have made.

“You’ll see them soon. Whenever you head to the capital. I’m sure Leila would be very happy if you grow even more before you go.”

I nodded my head and Father asked, “Have you, perhaps, taken a liking to the duke’s daughter?”

“In what way do you mean that?”

Unexpectedly, in response to my question, Father was hesitating and stumbling with words.

“Mm… For the future… Well, like……”

“You’ll say just anything to children, won’t you, Count?”

At that moment, Mother intervened at the right time to put an end to Father’s babbling.

“Wh-why? Do you not find her to your liking?”

“If you tell that to a vulnerable child, like our Dane, ahead of time, what will you do if he feels hurt later?”

“H-hurrrt? Dane would feel hurt? Ha. Dane will take after me and make women cry, instead!”

“Ah ha. So that means you made several women cry, no?”

Father’s pupils began to waver.

I took that opportunity to step away.

This was a scene I had witnessed often and I already knew how it would end.

“Let’s have a talk, shall we? Arken Sogres.”

Whenever Mother calls Father by his full name like that, the situation is as good as over.

“D-dear. Darling? Lily! D-Dane! Where are you going?! Stay with your father and…!”

I left Father’s pitiful voice behind me as I quickly left the area.

Father, I am sorry.

But you know I cannot help you at all in such a situation.

“It seems like today will be another peaceful day at the castle.”

At some point, Herman had begun following me. I nodded in agreement with his general assessment.

“Mm. It does seem so. Very peaceful.”

After Duke Thermion departed, the other nobles began to also depart one by one.

One could not depart ahead of the highest-ranking noble, after all.

Who knows if they would be expelled, like Count Tyren was, if they did so.

In any case, the castle was quiet once again.

So I suppose I should go about with my daily routine.

“Would you like to head back in to rest? If so, I will prepare some snacks for you.”

“Mm. No. I’m going to go train.”

“I see. But please do not overexert yourself.”

“I know. Thanks for worrying about me.”

I flashed a smile at Herman and said, “Ah, but please prepare some snacks. I like eating something sweet when I’m sweating it out.”

“Understood. What type would you like?”

“Cinnamon-steeped apple tarts and cranberry butter cookies. Also, some tea made from moontree leaves.”

“Yes, I’ll let the kitchen know.”

“While you’re at it, have them prepare two of each. You like them, too.”

A hint of a smile crossed Herman’s lips.

I knew quite well that Herman really enjoyed those sweets.

I knew something else as well.

“Also, while you’re asking for the cookies, have them bake four extra.”

“Are you going to eat that many? It will be dinnertime in a few hours.”

“Just have them made”

Whenever Herman has the fortune to enjoy desserts, he tries to take some home for his younger siblings.

I could not tell whether Herman understood my intent or thought I would actually eat all of them, but he nodded his head for now.

“Thank you, young master. Then, I will drop by the kitchen and return to escort you.”

“Okay. See you in a bit.”

Herman left my side and I returned to my room.

After taking off the clothes I had been wearing to see people off and folding them, I wore my training uniform and took my short spear which I normally keep with me like my shadow.

Then suddenly, the events from the day before popped into my mind.

Summoning.

I was certain I possessed an incredible amount of talent in it.

Although it was a special case without a summon sign, I succeeded in producing the symbol that I had heard Clare talk about and had practiced a few times. And I was even successful in releasing the summon.

From that, I can derive…

“Shall I see how it responds?”

I wanted to take out the gift—that I was afraid of accidentally breaking—Clare had given me.