Published: January 12, 2026
The youngest brother had slain a dragon.
Upon hearing the news, I found myself strangely able to accept it without question.
Normally, it would be dismissed as nonsense. But when it concerned Van, I somehow found it believable.
An elite group it was, but only three knights, an old butler, a maid, and a child slave accompanied the eight-year-old boy. Their destination was a poor frontier village that could disappear at any moment.
Anyone would have imagined they would return in tears within a year.
After all, he was just an eight-year-old boy.
Yet, that Van governed the poor frontier village and defeated a dragon. His accomplishment was even recognized by His Majesty the King.
Could there be anything more joyful?
Tears welled up in my eyes before I knew it.
“...You’re crying, young one. Are you frustrated that your brother claimed the glory first?”
His Majesty asked with a smile, and I shook my head from side to side.
“Your Majesty, if I may speak honestly, it’s quite the opposite. Knowing that my brother has grown by overcoming adversity fills me with pride and admiration. He was never an ordinary child from a young age, but it never showed through in tangible results... until now. No one would consider Van an ordinary child anymore. He is...”
I hesitated for a moment then lifted my face to look straight into His Majesty's eyes.
“He is the hero who slew the dragon.”
Those words came straight from my heart.
My father furrowed his brow at this, but His Majesty blinked with interest.
“Is that your true feeling? In a way, you resemble Baron Van — a man without greed. I’d heard that the second and third sons inherited the marquis blood more strongly, but it seems they did not inherit much of your father’s ambition.”
With that, His Majesty returned his gaze to my father.
“Marquis. Having three contenders for the head of the family must be a source of much worry.”
“W-well, yes...”
My father responded vaguely, unsure of the true intent behind His Majesty’s words. His Majesty nodded deeply and chuckled.
“So how about this, Marquis Fertio: why not strengthen the marquis family with you still active, and the more gifted second and third sons?”
“...What do you mean by that? Surely, you don’t mean to make Murcia independent?”
My father’s words caught me off guard, causing me to involuntarily utter “Eh?”
There had been times before when my father lashed out in anger and called me incompetent.
But to be told by His Majesty himself to leave the family?
Overwhelmed by anxiety, I lowered my head and stared at the ground.
Cold sweat dripped down my forehead, forming wet spots on the floor.
Independence? Impossible. I lack the knowledge and experience. No, Van overcame such adversity himself. Perhaps it’s wrong of me to complain.
But I had no confidence. Just imagining it made my heart pound painfully.
Crushed by uncertainty, I stole a glance at my father’s face.
Though it was the king’s words, this concerned the succession of the marquis family. There must be a very good reason for this suggestion; surely, it could be refused.
But when I saw my father’s face, I was speechless.
Before me was my father, deep in thought and not meeting His Majesty’s gaze.
Why does he hesitate?
The answer was clear.
It was to avoid a bloody feud among the three brothers over the heirship. Tales of brothers killing brothers were common, and my father had lived through it.
He had killed his elder brother to claim the position of head and was mocked as the “Bloodstained Lord” because of it.
Having risen to the rank of marquis, my father sought to avoid such scandals. This was also why he banished Van, deeming him useless.
Then, what answer would he choose...?
“I understand. I cannot judge if independence is possible, but let us appoint you as the lord of a single town and observe. Since this is Your Majesty’s suggestion, I ask that you grant the town of Kyubel, located within Count Ferdinand’s Domain, to Murcia...”
My father said with a sinister smile.