A Brighter Future (Kuroinu)

“Father, is there something you wanted to discuss?”

In Grave’s study within the Levantine family, Claudia had already changed out of her armor and into a white gown that gracefully covered her curvaceous figure. However, this attire did not diminish her charm in the slightest.

“It’s about Lord Rhodes.”

As Grave gazed out of the window and reflected on today’s events with Rhodes, his inner fire burned once again, and his desire to have Rhodes only grew stronger.

“It seems you’re particularly concerned about him, aren’t you?”

“Yes, Father.”

Claudia didn’t hide anything about this matter, as she couldn’t see any reason to lie to her father, especially since her concern was quite apparent.

“Then, in the future, all you need to do is deepen your relationship with him. The best outcome would be to marry him or have him join the Levantine family.”

“Marry Lord Rhodes? Father, isn’t this a bit sudden? Not only am I unprepared, but we also don’t know what Lord Rhodes thinks about this. Besides, you should be aware of my situation. I’m not sure if I can make Lord Rhodes accept me.”

Claudia looked troubled and conflicted. While she usually appeared very composed and serious, with an adult’s level-headedness and tolerance in other aspects, on the battlefield, she displayed a fearsome side that made many people fear and respect her.

She felt that if Rhodes saw that side of her, he might distance himself.

“I know, Father, that you’ve always attached great importance to the family, but it hasn’t come to that point yet, has it? Besides, Klaus…”

“Don’t mention that worthless name to me!”

Despite his initial calmness, Grave suddenly roared with anger, making Claudia fall silent.

“That damn wretch is the shame of my life! He said he’d give up being a warrior and chose to become a bureaucrat instead. He’s my only child, and he’s bringing shame to the family by not following the path of a warrior. Especially today, seeing Rhodes’s talent and performance, I feel even more disgusted that such a talented individual isn’t my child, but that Klaus, who has none of these qualities, is. I have no faith that Klaus can secure the family’s future. I’m even hesitant to let him use the family’s surname anymore. He has embarrassed me.”

Grave’s expression was filled with anger, and as a well-known noble family famous for its exceptional warriors, especially as the family head, he had been a renowned general in the past. His only child’s decision to avoid becoming a warrior and instead become a bureaucrat had caused him to feel like the family’s honor was tarnished.

Even more so after witnessing Rhodes’s talent and performance today, he felt increasingly resentful that Klaus, who lacked such talents, was his son. He had no confidence that Klaus could lead the family into a bright future. He even hesitated to let him use the family’s name anymore.

“The future of the family can’t be jeopardized by my hand. You’ve seen Lord Rhodes’s talent, and in terms of lineage, as the envoy of the Goddess Leliantia, there should be no issues. Especially as an envoy, most people believe he is the offspring of the goddess.”

After all, even though he was an envoy, the appearance of such a figure was rare. He had descended from the heavens into the hands of the goddess’s statue. At that time, some even claimed to have seen the otherwise expressionless statue of the goddess smiling kindly at Rhodes.

While the exact details were still unknown, Grave was sure that Rhodes’s identity was far from ordinary. Regardless of whether it was about talent or lineage, as long as Rhodes could become part of the Levantine family, the family’s future would undoubtedly shine.

“As for the issue you’re worried about, it’s not something worth concerning yourself over. I believe that even if you show that side of yourself, it won’t bother him. After all, only the weak would be frightened.”

“You want me to… No, I can’t! I can’t do that in front of him!”

For Claudia, showing that particular side to Rhodes was something she found hard to accept. After all, most people tend to display their best qualities in front of those they care about, rather than their less appealing side, which could make people dislike or distance themselves from them. Despite Grave’s assurance that it wouldn’t be a problem, Claudia couldn’t accept it.

“I can’t accept that! I can’t let him see that side of me!”

Faced with Claudia’s opposition, Grave wasn’t too angry. Her emotional response was due to her desire not to let Rhodes see her less appealing side, which, in fact, indicated her concern for Rhodes and her concern about how he perceived her.

“This is something you can’t avoid, Claudia. Unless you never want to appear on the battlefield again. Do you think you can hide this forever? After all, you have responsibilities guarding the Sixth and Seventh Fortresses, and you are also Lady Celestine’s protector. If you don’t want to be discovered, then you can keep avoiding meeting Lord Rhodes. Can you accept that?”

“…I can’t.”

Claudia thought for a moment and realized that she couldn’t avoid meeting Rhodes. She would have to be around him and care for him, and even accompany him when needed. The thought of not being able to do these things made her feel very uncomfortable.

“So, if you can’t accept it, then you need to overcome it. If you can’t do it, I’ll arrange for someone else to do it. I’ve given you an opportunity; it’s up to you how you choose.”

With that, Grave waved her off from his study. He wasn’t concerned about the outcome because he believed that Claudia would eventually agree. After all, her recent display of emotions had already indicated her acceptance.