Black Wind 9
Austin Earldred was preparing for dinner at the Earldred Duke's residence in the capital.
In line with the knights’ holiday, his parents and siblings had come from their territory. His older brother, Ulysses, is fifteen years older than Austin and is the child of his father’s previous wife. Despite the age gap, their relationship was close, and Ulysses had always treated Austin kindly since he was young. Though he has acquired a fair amount of swordsmanship, Ulysses prefers to stay in the territory, focusing on managing the land and developing local specialties. This trait reminded Austin of their father, Bernard Chad.
Dressed in semi-formal attire, Austin was just waiting for the time to pass before dinner. As he considered heading to the parlor to catch up with his mother and sister after a long time, a knock came at the door. When he responded, the butler’s voice came from outside.
“Sir, your father wishes to see you.”
“Understood. I’m on my way.”
Nodding, Austin left the room. The butler led him to his father’s private study.
It had been since the magical beast stampede that Austin had seen Bernard. He had been surprised to see Bernard visit him while he was bedridden after the attack. Although the Earl of Earldred is known to be a busy man, he had always taken the time to engage with Austin from a young age. Despite his high rank and busy schedule, Bernard had shown a personal interest in Austin's life. When Austin joined the knights, Bernard had told him that injuries were a knight’s medal of honor. Austin had accepted this perspective wholeheartedly. Though it was unusual for an apprentice knight to participate in such a large-scale operation, it was still a mission. Hence, Bernard’s visit was unexpected.
“Excuse me, it’s Austin.”
Upon arriving at his father's study, Austin knocked and announced himself. A voice from inside responded, “Come in.” The butler bowed and left, indicating that this would be a private conversation between father and son. Austin slowly opened the door and entered.
“You’ve grown quite a bit.”
Seeing his son in semi-formal attire, Bernard’s eyes widened for a moment before his face softened. The stern demeanor often associated with the “strict Duke Earldred” seemed to vanish in that moment. Austin, hearing such rare praise from his father, felt his cheeks flush slightly.
“Yes, Father.”
“Well, sit down.”
Austin took a seat on the sofa as Bernard, already enjoying some pre-dinner drinks, gestured toward a low table where a bottle of aperitif and glasses were set. Bernard rested his elbows on the armrests, staring at his glass with an indescribable expression. The silence that followed was not uncomfortable for either of them.
“—When you were born,”
Eventually, Bernard began speaking slowly. Austin looked up silently, meeting his father’s gaze. Bernard appeared older than Austin remembered, with a few strands of gray in his hair.
“I thought the world hadn’t abandoned me. You were more spirited than Ulysses, and I was surprised, thinking this was how boys were.”
Bernard continued to look at his glass, and the stories he shared were new to Austin.
— Bernard’s wife had died because of him. After her death, Bernard had become a shadow of himself, and not only relatives but also servants and friends had worried about him. Even when he met his current wife, he had no intention of marrying. He felt that he should not take someone’s hand when he had caused misfortune to someone important.
Yet, Bernard had taken the hand extended to him. The girl, twelve years younger than Bernard, had admired his late wife like an older sister. She had told him that even the late wife did not wish for his unhappiness.
“I am grateful to my wife and to you all. I thought the world was not so bad after all. I was happy when you joined the knights. My father was a knight, too.”
Bernard’s face softened as if recalling something. Austin had seen this expression before—when he first expressed his desire to become a knight, his father had similarly smiled and told him to “do his best.”
“I have no talent for swordsmanship. My talent lies here,”
Bernard said, pointing to his head. Austin nodded quietly. He had heard stories of his father’s past prowess, such as defeating five opponents simultaneously in a game of multiple moves, winning without looking at the board. Though he had not witnessed it himself, Bernard’s advice had always been accurate and timely, often making it seem as if he had some form of foresight.
“From a young age, I could always picture you becoming a knight as I watched you move about.”
Bernard had no prophetic abilities, but his keen intellect had led him to believe that Austin was well-suited to being a knight. This recognition made Austin feel both shy and elated.
"When you expressed your desire to protect His Highness, I was proud. People who have something they want to protect are stronger than those who have nothing. It is the greatest happiness to see someone so young have such a purpose. You taught me the happiness of having something precious to protect."
Bernard treated all three of his children equally. His eldest brother, Ulysses, who was from Bernard’s previous marriage, and his younger sister, who was from his current wife, were both considered with the same affection. For Austin, this was deeply gratifying. The realization that they were the precious ones he wanted to protect filled him with a mix of embarrassment and joy.
Seeing Austin’s cheeks flush with shyness, Bernard gave a small smile.
"I had thought that becoming a knight would mark your independence. I didn’t expect you to become a knight so soon."
Age was not a factor. Bernard had decided that once Austin was recognized as a knight, he would be treated as an adult. Bernard spoke with a tinge of melancholy, acknowledging that it was not just the fact that Austin had become a knight but also his participation in the magical beast stampede suppression that likely influenced his decision.
Feeling the weight of both his father’s expectations and the pressure to stand on his own as an adult, Austin straightened his posture unconsciously. Bernard, however, continued speaking without concern.
"You have already achieved much and have been blessed with friends and mentors who support you."
With these words, Austin realized Bernard was aware of his social connections, despite Austin never having discussed them in depth. Although he occasionally mentioned acquaintances, he had not shared details about those who had helped him or those he had engaged with lightly. It was not surprising that Bernard knew about his associates. As one of the three great ducal families, they had their own network of informants. It would have been unusual not to report on Austin’s activities.
However, Bernard had never interfered with Austin’s social relationships. He had respected Austin’s decisions and allowed him to act freely, as long as his behavior was not detrimental to his position as the duke’s heir. There might have been conduct that was not praiseworthy, but as long as it was not critical, Bernard had allowed Austin the freedom to learn from his mistakes. Even when Austin faced significant setbacks, Bernard had quietly extended a helping hand, with details sometimes passed on by discreet servants or attendants. This was not all that Bernard had done for Austin, but it was clear that now, as he was recognized as independent, Austin would bear full responsibility for his actions.
Noting the tension in Austin’s face as the message of independence sank in, Bernard’s expression deepened with understanding and approval, though he did not comment further.
"Do not be stubborn. Seek help when necessary and rely on those around you. When they seek your help, give them everything you can."
The duke, who had witnessed much in his life, spoke with a voice weighted by experience. He stood up, retrieved an old box from his desk, and sat back down on the sofa. He then handed the box to his son. Austin received it with a tense expression.
"This is everything I wanted to convey to you as your father. Though you are becoming independent, our bond as parent and child will not be severed. Nevertheless, you will have more choices now. My wish is for you to see and learn many things on your own and to continue growing."
Once Austin became independent, there would be little need for Bernard’s direct assistance. Bernard conveyed this with the finality of a decision he had long made.
"—Yes."
Austin nodded. The box was heavy, and its weight felt like the embodiment of his father's expectations. Ulysses, when he came of age, had also received an old box similar to this one. Inside were family heirlooms passed down through generations, as well as new treasures created for each child. What exactly was inside remained known only to the recipient and the current head of the family. Austin, excited but controlling his emotions, resolved to open the box later.
The fact that his respected father recognized him as a full-grown adult was more significant to Austin than the unusual speed at which he became a knight. It filled him with pride.
Bernard, looking at his beloved son, stood up from the sofa and pointed to the door of the room.
"Let’s go. Everyone is waiting."
Austin also stood and took a step toward the dining room.
As the door opened, the light that poured in seemed to celebrate Austin’s future. Bernard, watching from the dimly lit room, gazed as if trying to commit the moment to memory, viewing it as a bright, cherished memory.
"I pray that you will grasp happiness with your own hands."
With a sentiment that cherished his son’s growth and hoped for his future happiness, Bernard whispered this with deep emotion.
—
Austin is doing his best.
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