Chapter 134 - Episode 131: Reunion of Father and Son
"Lord Kivileft? You seem to be somewhat absent-minded; is everything alright?"
"...Hm? Ah, my apologies. It seems the fatigue accumulated from the journey to the royal capital has not yet worn off. One really does not wish to grow old, does one?"
With a glass of liquor in one hand, Maximilian Kivileft exchanged such words with a fellow noble standing beside him.
Though he stood within the banquet, managing to hide his agitation, his inner state was far from calm. All of this was because of Noein Kivileft... the biological son who now went by the name Noein Arqvist.
Contrary to his own wishes, he knew that Noein had not died in a ditch. He had heard from the merchants under his employ that some of the lapis lazuli produced in the Arqvist territory flowed as far as the southeastern part of the kingdom and was even exported to the Republic of Betumia on the Southern Continent.
While it had been unexpected, he had thought that since it could not be helped, he could overlook it if Noein were living quietly, satisfied with a modest success in a frontier on the complete opposite side of the kingdom.
However, upon coming to the royal capital for the royal banquet and speaking with the court nobles he knew, he discovered that Noein's name was among those of the contributors to the previous great war. He had achieved military merit, received a reward directly from the King, attained a promotion in rank, and was even attending the banquet.
Noein must have known he would encounter Maximilian. Yet, Noein had actually come to the banquet. He had appeared before Maximilian.
Noein was an eyesore, but fortunately or unfortunately, he was not a fool. Considering he was Maximilian's illegitimate son, he likely would not recklessly broadcast it and easily make an enemy of the House of Earl Kivileft.
Even knowing this, anxiety was still anxiety. Maximilian was not thick-skinned enough to enjoy liquor and socializing while knowing that a living witness to his scandal was in the same room.
"Father!"
The one who approached him was Maximilian's son—not an illegitimate one, but Julian, the legitimate eldest son born to his legal wife.
He was sixteen years old. Since he had reached adulthood last year, Maximilian had brought him along to introduce him to the court and nobles of other regions.
"...Oh, Julian. Are you enjoying yourself?"
"Yes! I am deepening my friendships with the young court nobles."
Julian replied to Maximilian's question with a joyful expression. It seemed he had been speaking to lower-ranking court nobles at the edge of the venue until a moment ago, and by his own account, it had gone well.
Even from his perspective as a parent, Julian's intellect was not great, but increasing his acquaintances among the court nobles was not a bad thing. Perhaps, unexpectedly, this boy possessed some talent for socializing.
Just as his mood recovered slightly while thinking this—the source of his anxiety approached and smashed it to pieces.
"Excuse me, Earl Kivileft. It has been a long time."
The one who spoke was not Noein, but Viscount Koenitz, who had brought him along. Maximilian had at least exchanged greetings with this Viscount, who was known as a reasonably influential noble in the northwest.
Standing behind him, Noein wore a smile that seemed to say, "I am a harmless youth."
"...Well, well, if it isn't Viscount Koenitz. It has been a long time."
Maximilian also replied, masking his expression. Julian, standing beside him, remained unresponsive even upon seeing Noein. Since he had hardly been allowed to meet the illegitimate Noein since childhood, it seemed he could not recognize Noein's grown face.
"Actually, just last year, my youngest daughter married... and I thought I would introduce her husband, who has become a son-in-law to me. This is Baronet Noein Arqvist, who achieved military merit in the recent war and was granted a reward by His Majesty."
So that's how it is, Maximilian thought. If the pretext was introducing a son-in-law who was a spirited young noble to those around them, it would not be unnatural to have Noein make contact like this.
"What! You ba—"
"Thank you for the introduction. Nice to meet you, Baronet Arqvist."
Maximilian had told Julian that he had cut ties with Noein by forcing the Arqvist territory upon him. Julian, finally realizing who the person before him was, tried to raise his voice, but calling someone he was meeting for the first time (as a pretext) "you bastard" was out of the question.
Thinking is this boy an idiot? Maximilian grabbed Julian's shoulder, interrupted his words, and spoke to Noein.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Earl Kivileft. I am honored to meet Your Excellency, who governs such a traditional and vast territory."
Noein replied while maintaining a gentle smile. Maximilian felt a sense of relief inwardly, as it seemed Noein intended to speak as if they were meeting for the first time.
Watching the conversation between the two, Julian finally wore an expression of understanding and fell silent. Considering the current relationship between Maximilian and Noein, it should have been obvious immediately; Maximilian felt a wave of dizziness at his legitimate son's stupidity.
"...Thank you for the pleasant greeting. To think you are knowledgeable about my territory."
To Maximilian's sarcasm, Noein replied with sarcasm of his own.
"Of course. I am well aware of the Earl Kivileft territory, which is said to boast one of the greatest riches in the kingdom."
"However, I have also heard the name of Lord Arqvist. I hear you possess a territory rich in nature in the northwest of the kingdom, and that the lapis lazuli produced under your lordship boasts magnificent quality. It is wonderful that you showed valor in the recent war with the Kingdom of Lancel."
Maximilian poured as much malice as possible into the phrase "territory rich in nature." He was indirectly mocking it as a rural territory full of nothing but forests.
"My territory and achievements are so modest that it would be presumptuous to even compare them to Your Excellency's. I do take pride in having somehow put the development of a small territory on track from a situation with no backing or funds, but I am still lacking in power."
To an outsider who did not know the circumstances, it sounded like the usual exchange of flattery between nobles, but in reality, it was a volley of irony.
"By the way... might that be Your Excellency's legitimate son?"
At that point, Noein turned his eyes toward Julian. Julian, who had remained silent until then, looked at Maximilian as if seeking help, his eyes wandering the moment he became the topic of conversation. He likely lacked the confidence to speak skillfully against Noein.
"...Yes, this is my heir, Julian. Since he reached adulthood last year, I thought I would let him participate in socializing in the royal capital."
Sighing inwardly at the pathetic state of his legitimate son, Maximilian answered.
"J-Julian Kivileft. Pleased to... pleased to meet you."
Given a light nudge in the back by Maximilian, Julian spoke those words with a strained smile.
"Lord Julian, I am happy to meet you like this... I have heard rumors of Earl Kivileft's eldest son for some time."
"I-is that so?"
"Yes, of course. I hear that Your Excellency's eldest son is a very intelligent person, drawing attention as a spirited young noble who will shoulder the future of the kingdom. I have heard that he has already completed his first battle and demonstrated his bravery."
"N-no, well, that's..."
Hearing the unreserved praise, Julian's face became one of satisfaction. Seeing this, Maximilian desperately suppressed the urge to punch his foolish legitimate son.
Noein had first called Julian the "legitimate son," but now he was praising Maximilian's "eldest son."
Who was Maximilian's eldest son? It was not Julian. The first person born carrying Maximilian's blood in this world was Noein.
In other words, Noein was simply praising himself while pretending to praise Julian. And yet, Julian was blushing, thinking it was about him. He was nothing more than a clown.
"Truly, it is a topic of conversation even in the northwest that Your Excellency's eldest son possesses great talent. I hear that even His Majesty the King is interested in the eldest son's activities."
"To that extent? Well, ahahaha."
One would think he could at least notice that Noein's way of praising was strange.
Julian had appeared at faction socials a few times, and last year, to add prestige to his name, he had gone to the conflict with the Empire of Pallas as the general of the Earl Kivileft territory army in name only, but there was no way that alone would make him a favorite of the King or make his fame reach the edge of the northwest.
Unable to understand even that, Julian was blithely blushing. Just how stupid was he?
"...Ahem."
Arnold turned his head and cleared his throat somewhat unnaturally. He likely realized who the "eldest son" Noein was referring to and was holding back laughter.
Julian showed no sign of noticing even at this stage. As for Maximilian, he could only be appalled by the terrifying denseness of his legitimate son. Despite being the same sons, why was there such a difference between the illegitimate and the legitimate one?
"Well, it was good to get to know you today, Lord. If we meet again in the future, I look forward to your kindness."
"...Yes. It is a great joy to have been recognized by the renowned Lord Kivileft and his legitimate son. Let us certainly meet again."
When Maximilian tried to cut the greeting short somewhat forcibly, Noein complied obediently. Had he satisfied himself by making a complete fool of them?
"Well then, please excuse us."
Watching the back of Noein as he walked away with a joyful expression, bringing along that rabbit-person female slave, Maximilian clenched his fists tightly, enduring anger and humiliation.
"Wow, Father, that man carries the blood of lowly commoners, but he might not be such a bad guy after—"
"Shut up."
Maximilian uttered a single word in a low voice, silencing the legitimate son who understood nothing. If even one more unpleasant thing were to happen, he felt he might start shouting regardless of the location.