Chapter 50

――I want you to return as the heir to this house.

Father said that.

I knew I would be told this.

That’s why I had been thinking about it for a long time. How should I respond? Where is the place that my heart can truly settle—where can I find a place that I can be convinced is right for me?

I didn’t answer immediately.

Father, reading into my silence, spoke up.

"Albert, I know you’ve never been comfortable here. Part of the reason is my fault... I will try to make your stay more comfortable. I know I’ve spoken ill of you—"

I raised my right hand.

"...Father. There’s no need to persuade me. My mind is made up."

I didn’t answer immediately because I was confirming my own feelings for the last time.

Father fell silent, as if caught off guard. His face was stern. It wasn’t a show of authority—rather, he sensed the situation was not in his favor.

I am the son he expelled from the house.

It’s natural that he wouldn’t expect me to return when asked to come back—

I slowly pushed open the door of silence.

"...I accept."

"!"

Father’s eyes widened in surprise.

His face was one of disbelief.

"As a noble born, I cannot refuse the responsibility of inheriting the family."

The reason is the same as why I accepted Carlisle’s military orders.

I have been instilled with the mindset of a ‘noble’ since childhood. In other words, my father’s teachings. If my father considers the family first, then I can understand that.

The fact is, I am the only direct heir.

There’s no other way around it.

"Really! ...Oh, I thank you! Albert!"

"―That’s a bit premature."

"...?"

"There are conditions."

Father’s body flinched.

I continued without hesitation.

"I understand your situation. Then I want you to understand mine. I have lived the past ten years simply as Albert. This is an inseparable part of me—and I cannot choose to live only as Albert Luminas."

"...That’s true..."

"I will fulfill my duties as the representative of the Luminas family. Therefore, I also want you to allow me to live as Albert."

"Live as Albert?"

"I will continue to attend the academy as usual. Also, I will not be involved in the practical aspects of managing the territory."

Father’s face darkened.

It’s understandable.

But if I were to accept everything, I wouldn’t be able to live as Albert.

"...Albert, that—"

"Father, there’s one important thing you’re missing."

"What is it?"

"I am originally ‘dull’—and in fact, I don’t think I’m particularly good at anything except Magic Arrow. Moreover, I have a ten-year gap as a noble. I haven’t learned anything. I am not the right person to be entrusted with important matters."

"No, but—"

Father tried to argue but was at a loss for words.

Even the excellent noble that he is must have inwardly agreed with my words.

"...Indeed, that’s a sore point..."

Father slumped his shoulders and let out a heavy sigh.

"...But I’m not retiring immediately. You can learn gradually. Then, eventually, you can take over, can’t you?"

"...I don’t think so."

I shook my head.

I’m not angry with Father for expelling me from the house because I accept the fact that I am dull.

Indeed, I am not a particularly excellent person.

It doesn’t seem like a good idea for someone like me to manage the territory.

So, I proposed an alternative solution to Father.

"Why not entrust it to someone else?"

"Someone else...?"

"A relative of the Luminas family. If we hire them to handle the duties of the marquisate, I can appear as the representative of the Luminas family when necessary. What do you think?"

It was also a form of insurance.

In case something happens to me.

Lately, I have a feeling that I am ‘getting involved in something.’ There’s a possibility that I might die.

If I die, there will be no direct heir left.

In that case, the next best option would be to rely on a relative. We can choose from the people already handling the marquisate’s duties.

Father seemed to be thinking deeply.

Eventually, he looked at me and said,

"Do you have no interest in the work of a noble? No lingering attachment? ...Supporting the country and guiding the people is a fulfilling job, you know?"

That was probably a father’s words.

He wants his son to take over the job he is proud of. He wants to teach him the joy of it.

That’s why I said firmly,

"No."

I don’t think I can fully return to being a ‘noble.’

I have come to know my own potential. I have realized the world where I belong.

I wanted to master it.

My magic.

My Magic Arrow.

The path I should take.

"...I see."

Father, seeing the firmness in my eyes, let out a heavy sigh.

"...I was the one who cast you aside. You have your ten years, and what you have discovered during that time. I won’t push you. It’s enough that you will become the head of the family as a direct heir. I will arrange things as you wish."

"Thank you."

I bowed my head.

"Albert, you may leave. You will be staying for a while, right? We can talk again."

I shook my head.

"No, I will go on a journey."

"...!? Journey!? Where to?"

"Here."

"Here?"

"The Luminas Marquisate—my territory that I will eventually inherit."

Father seemed taken aback and was speechless.

I will inherit the Luminas family as its representative. I won’t be involved in the practical aspects, but I am not without a sense of responsibility.

"I think I need to know more about this land of Luminas. About the people who live here."

"..."

Father pursed his lips and clenched his hand quietly.

"...You’ve grown, Albert."

"Is that so?"

"You used to be timid... I was surprised that you could clearly state your will to me. And your words just now. Even though you speak as if you’re no longer a noble— you are a fine noble."

"That must be due to Father’s teachings. Know the territory, know the people—words I was instilled with as a child."

At those words, Father’s body trembled—then he laughed, embarrassed.

"...That’s right... That’s how it was..."

"Then I will take my leave."

As I was about to leave the room, Father called me back.

"Albert."

"What is it?"

"It’s good to meet the Albert of ten years later. The expulsion ten years ago was my mistake. I should have grabbed the hand you extended in despair. I shouldn’t have pushed it away. I am deeply sorry for hurting your heart. I apologize from the bottom of my heart. Please forgive me."

Father stood up, bent his waist, and bowed his head.

It was an apology from Father.

A heartfelt apology.

From the proud Father, who would never—

At that moment, a warm feeling surged in my chest. The heavy burden I had carried in my heart for ten years seemed to vanish.

"Father, what you did was right."

I bowed deeply to Father.

"I am sorry for my actions that disgraced the family name. And thank you. For never abandoning someone like me and treating me with such kindness."

I raised my head and looked at Father.

Father was also looking at me.

"There’s no need to regret the past ten years. It is because of those ten years that I am who I am today."

Lola said it. Fulin said it.

And more than anyone, I myself believe it.

"Those ten years were not wasted."

This is the conclusion Albert has reached. I hope this resolution does not disappoint everyone.

The book version of Magic Arrow includes up to 'this episode.' Please scroll down the cover of the book to check it out. Lola is super cute!

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