Chapter 33 Epilogue Part 2: Count Cranbell's Family

Epilogue Part 2: Count Cranbell’s Family

The land ruled by Count Cranbell is a frontier.

The name of the land comes from a forest where cranberries grow abundantly.

Since the family name derives from the place itself, it lacks any particular historical significance.

In fact, this family is quite young as far as noble families go.

After all, its history spans only about 120 years.

Compared to families with legacies of 500 or 600 years near the royal capital, the Cranbell family is a newcomer.

The first lord was an adventurer.

He rose from commoner status—a true self-made man.

Since the land they ruled is a frontier bordering a region rife with demons, a warlike spirit still remains strong.

That is precisely why, despite his fame as the Demon-Slaying Hero, they boldly accepted Sieg, an ordinary adventurer, as a son-in-law….

“Hmm… So Sieg is no longer useful?”

That was all the Count said after hearing the full story from Gideon.

After dismissing everyone from the audience chamber, Gideon shared everything he could within the bounds of discretion, and this was the cold reply he received from his father, Count Cranbell.

Gideon felt his blood boiling but suppressed it as he replied.

“…That’s right. He’s alive, but he can’t swing a sword.”

Hearing this, the Lord replied mockingly.

“That’s no different from being dead.”

“…! You—!”

Gideon involuntarily took a step forward. Restraining the urge to shout, he replied.

(After using him so conveniently, is that all you can say?! It’s because of us that he ended up like this!)

Even though he was his father, he was still the Count.

The lord snorted and scolded him sharply.

“You’re still too green, Gideon. I can see right through your thoughts. Are you displeased with what I said? It’s written all over your face! A noble should never show their feelings so plainly, you fool!”

Gideon touched his face and flinched.

Seeing this, the Lord sighed—not as Count Cranbell, but as a father.

“I know you cared for Sieg. I also know you were the happiest when he got engaged to your sister… Mariabelle. I don’t dislike him either.”

“T-then…!”

The Count gave Gideon a sharp look.

“Do you think a man on the brink of old age can still be a suitable husband for Mariabelle? If you truly believe that, I must reconsider whether you are fit to be my heir.”

Gideon couldn’t reply and looked down.

He understood that forcing Sieg into marriage wouldn’t bring happiness to anyone.

Sieg could no longer fight.

His fighting spirit was broken.

He had lost his hero skills, and his body was aging.

His life had been saved.

But only his life.

He bit his lower lip until it bled.

(After protecting him as my little brother, is this how it ends?! What kind of older brother am I?!)

Knock knock

Just as he was about to say more, a knock came at the chamber door.

“Enter.”

The Count replied curtly.

“Father, did you call for me?”

Mariabelle, Sieg’s former fiancée and Gideon’s sister, entered quietly.

Mariabelle was strikingly beautiful but a bit tall for a woman, with a sturdy physique.

Because of this, coupled with the family’s reputation as upstarts from the frontier, she was somewhat avoided by the nobility, delaying her marriage prospects.

Mariabelle herself was strong-willed and tomboyish, and she had believed marrying Sieg would be a good match.

Seeing the serious expressions on Gideon and the Count, Mariabelle spoke as if it were nothing.

“Ah, so the engagement with Sieg is off, huh?”

“You…!”

Gideon was about to confront her.

“Stop, Gideon!”

But the Count interrupted sharply.

Mariabelle sighed and spoke in a disappointed tone.

“Brother, you’re so kind! That’s a virtue in a person, but as a noble, it’s a serious flaw. Noble marriages are usually like this, aren’t they?”

“Ugh…”

Gideon had no reply.

“Didn’t Sieg die bravely fighting the Demon Lord? Isn’t that good enough? I have mixed feelings, but… Do I seem so cold-hearted?”

“…I’m sorry.”

Startled, Gideon apologized.

Seeing his expression, both the Count and Mariabelle sighed.

As a person, Gideon was straightforward and admirable, and his family loved him for it.

But as a noble, he was hopelessly naïve.

Mariabelle clapped her hands and changed the mood.

“Father, about the land you planned to grant—could you leave it to me? Hmm, let’s say it’s in memory of my former fiancé, Sieg.”

“Hmm? What are you planning to do with it?”

The Count asked, intrigued.

“I’ll use Sieg’s name as the Demon-Slaying Hero. It’s perfect for attracting people. He was well-loved. If we offer the land to immigrants, it’ll draw a crowd. Heroes are only truly celebrated after they’ve fallen. Let’s name the town Siegfriden.”

Gideon stood agape, utterly shocked.

It was clear he was unfit for the intricacies of nobility.

“Hmm… What about marriage? And the heir?”

The Count asked curiously.

Mariabelle laughed softly and replied.

“I don’t particularly want to get married. I only thought Sieg was okay. As for the heir, we can bring in one of Gideon’s children or adopt a promising child. It might even be better for the territory to have a foster heir.”

The Count let out a hearty laugh.

“If you’ve made up your mind so firmly, I won’t say another word! Fine, do as you like!”

“I will, thank you! Oh, and I’ll use the wedding funds for development costs instead.”

Mariabelle smiled confidently.

Meanwhile, Gideon stood frozen, seemingly lost in thought.

The outcome had clearly already been decided.

It was painfully evident that Gideon was hopelessly out of his depth in matters of nobility.

Watching Gideon’s bewildered expression, Mariabelle decided to make another request to their father.

The Count replied with a wry smile.

“Sieg, I’m coming in.”

Sieg was recovering in a detached house on the Count’s estate.

His body, once strong and vibrant, was now frail and weak.

No one would believe he had once been a brave hero.

“Gideon, huh…?”

Sieg’s voice was hollow, his spirit seemingly broken.

He couldn’t accept that he had lost his reputation, his youth, and his future.

(I thought keeping him alive was the better choice… But was I too cruel?)

Gideon couldn’t help but doubt his decision.

“Oh dear, Sieg, you’ve become quite the old man!”

“…Mariabelle-sama!?”

Sieg’s eyes widened in shock at Mariabelle’s sudden appearance.

“Um… I’m sorry.”

Sieg bowed deeply, his voice trembling with shame.

“What are you apologizing for?”

Mariabelle replied with a hint of exasperation.

“W-wait! Mariabelle!”

Gideon, ever the awkward older brother, tried to intervene.

“…That… about not being able to marry… I’m truly sorry…”

Sieg bowed again, even deeper this time.

“It’s fine; it’s just fate. These things happen.”

Mariabelle shrugged nonchalantly.

“But Sieg!”

She pointed a stern finger at him.

“Come with me to my new land!”

“Huh!?”

Sieg raised his head, confusion written all over his face.

“The land you pacified—she’s going to govern it.”

Gideon added, his voice steady but hesitant.

“Wh-why…? I… I can’t fight anymore… I’ve lost my hero skills…”

“I’m not asking you to fight! I need your knowledge and experience!”

Mariabelle said confidently, crossing her arms.

“You led a large clan, didn’t you? At the very least, you’ve learned how to manage people. And your experience fighting the Demon Lords is something no one else can replicate. I want you to teach everything you know—your successes and your failures—on my land.”

After a brief pause, she continued.

“Sieg, I want you to be a teacher!”

Sieg froze, stunned into silence.

But as the meaning of her words sank in, tears welled up in his eyes.

His voice cracked as he spoke.

“C-can I really… Am I capable… Am I worthy…?”

“Of course you are! You learned from someone, didn’t you? Just pass on what you’ve learned!”

Mariabelle said firmly, her eyes unwavering.

“I… I tried to kill my comrades…”

“So what? You didn’t actually do it, did you? Trying and doing are completely different! Are you going to do it again? If you do, I’ll kill you myself!”

Mariabelle tapped the hilt of her sword lightly.

“Live, Sieg. It takes far more courage to live and suffer than to die!”

“Waaaahhhhh! I… I’ll do it… I’ll gladly accept!”

Sieg grabbed Mariabelle’s arm, tears streaming freely down his face.

He was happy.

Happy to know he still had something to offer.

(This is my atonement… Jean… Gisself… Please wait for me…)

“Alright, alright, you’re so dramatic…”

Mariabelle smiled warmly and hugged Sieg gently.

She had never disliked Sieg—not as a person.

(I’ll pass on everything I learned from you, Sensei… I won’t let anyone else become a fool like me…)

Sieg clung to her like a child and cried openly.

“Sniff! Sniff! Sob! Sob!”

Seeing this, Gideon, too, couldn’t hold back his tears.

It was truly a scene of siblings—though not bound by blood—who resembled each other so much that they felt like true family.