‘I have one assignment for all of you.’
This was what Stein told his three sons two days ago.
He had never gave his sons any assignments directly like this before, so this was practically their first assignment.
‘Most of the nobilities are away from their places due to the invasion by the Ansyrium. I’m sure you all know about this well. My assignment for you is to go to estates or villages that became unstable due to their absences.’
One of the rules of the Iphelleta was being impartial.
Although Ryan and Lloyd’s mother was kicked out of the mansion, Stein added that the competition for the successorship will be carried out fairly.
“This might be good for us. Riley had been acting suspicious lately.”
Ryan mumbled with a serious face. Recently, Riley received a medal of honor from the Solia Castle. Also, with Nainiae entering the scene, Ryan was concerned he might be behind in the competition.
“It would be best if that lass died, but that runt claiming to be a Doctor from Rainfield took her, so…”
Ryan clicked his tongue as he mentioned Nainiae, the Six Circles mage that Riley brought in.
“It would be good for us if she came back as a corpse.”
Although the competition was supposed to be fair, having or not having Nainiae in the scene could be a significant problem that may decide who would become the successor.
“Anyway, I have exploits of my own that I have accomplished so far… Father wouldn’t decide the successor based on just this assignment.”
Ryan, who had been fiddling with his chin, compared his own exploits to Riley’s. Ryan looked at Lloyd and asked,
“Lloyd, what are you thinking so hard about?”
“… Pardon?”
Having heard the voice, Lloyd woke up from his useless thoughts. With somehow vacant look on his face, Lloyd answered.
“Ah, it’s nothing. It’s just…”
“You don’t need to worry so much. Father’s assignment is the kind that I’m already well versed in.”
Based on the vacant look on Lloyd’s face, Ryan thought his younger brother must be concerned about the competition. Ryan smiled and told Lloyd that he didn’t need to worry.
“Ha, haha! That’s right, right?”
In fact, the assignment that Stein gave to the sons was the kind that Ryan had been actively working on a lot before Riley received the medal of honor.
“Still, I can’t let my guard down. There must be a reason why father said he will conduct the competition ‘fairly.’”
Ryan supported his head with his hand and thought about the old butler who was looking after Riley.
“Ian will be a big obstacle.”
Ian was the former Mercenary Hero.
Now, he was Riley’s butler.
Ian was certainly going to be a big advantage to Riley in this assignment.
That was because Ian was definitely more experienced in this kind of work than Ryan.
“I… see.”
Ryan was organizing his plan in his head. Having heard Lloyd’s downed voice, Ryan looked at Lloyd and asked,
“Lloyd, is there something else you are worried about?”
“…”
“Lloyd?”
“Ah, yes?”
“You are not acting like your usual self. You are slow in responses. Tell me. What are you worried about?”
Lloyd was avoiding eye contact and had been fiddling with his fingers. Having heard his brother’s concerned voice, Lloyd carefully said,
“That is… It’s about our mother.”
Lloyd looked vacant somehow. He said while looking like that. Lloyd continued.
“Big Brother. If you win the successorship, then really… will you be bringing our mother back?”
“…?”
Having heard the question, Ryan vacantly blinked.
“Why are you asking about something so obvious? Seasons may have changed, but I still remember her face clearly… Do you think I would abandon our mother?”
“…”
“Haha. You were worried about that. I have forgotten that you are a devoted son to our mother.”
Ryan smiled refreshingly, patted Lloyd on the head, and said he didn’t need to worry.
“Big Brother, really…”
“That’s right! Trust me.”
Ryan patted Lloyd’s head to say Lloyd can trust him. Feeling his patting, Lloyd slowly lowered his gaze and fell to thoughts with a blank look on his face.
* * *