[IHTTMBW] Chapter 34

“Your Majesty, I apologise for the intrusion, but I have a matter of great importance to discuss.” 

Though Gelbart’s words were impeccably polite, the act itself was nothing short of impudent. 

Naturally, the King’s expression grew even harsher. Regardless of the urgent matter, barging into a meeting like this was unacceptable unless it was a matter of war. 

Moreover, Gelbart was known for his reluctance to participate in state affairs, further fueling the surprise. 

To make matters worse, Gelbart held a silver-haired child with violet eyes in one arm and a slightly older, golden-haired boy in the other. The combined radiance of the three must have been quite dazzling. 

But that wasn’t the point. The issue was that he had stormed into the meeting room carrying two children. With both hands occupied, he had naturally kicked the door open. 

‘Such audacity! Well done, Grandpa!’ 

Inwardly, I cheered for our grandfather’s audacity. The more he acted out of line, the more the King’s face twisted, and that was as refreshing as drinking cold water on a sweltering day. 

With his indifferent green eyes, the King looked at the two of us being held by Gelbart in the same cold manner as usual. Then, our eyes met, and his gaze was so chilling that I shivered involuntarily. 

But just then, a reassuring hand patted my head. 

It was Gelbart’s hand, briefly holding both of us close with one arm to pat my head. Euphil, in his proximity, leaned forward slightly to shield me from the King’s gaze. 

What a commendable act. The King, visibly more displeased, spoke curtly. 

“This doesn’t seem like a matter of great importance.” 

“It is indeed a very important matter, Your Majesty. Very important.” 

Gelbart responded with a gentle smile. 

Then he looked around the room. Inside the meeting hall were other dukes, Gelbart, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of War. Several nobles with influence and power were also present. Gelbart then spoke with authority: 

“As the sword protecting the northwest, I, Duke of Albatro, shall take Prince Euphil Raize as my disciple!” 

It was the declaration of Duke Gelbart Raize. It was nothing short of a bolt from the blue. 

His announcement caused a stir among those present. More than anything, the King’s face turned icy cold. 

“What is the meaning of this?” 

Gelbart had a reputation for not taking on disciples. Countless young knights had begged to become his apprentice, but he had always refused. His only interests were his wife and the kingdom. 

For him to take someone as a disciple didn’t just mean teaching them swordsmanship. The statement was tantamount to declaring them his successor. In other words, Gelbart had effectively announced that he would raise Euphil as his heir. 

It was no wonder the King’s expression hardened. Gelbart’s barging into the meeting like this and declaring his intention to raise the child under his care as a powerful relative of the royal family no less was practically a direct challenge to the King. 

The King, visibly irritated, looked openly displeased. Seeing this, the Minister of Finance cautiously inquired about the situation’s specifics, though his tone and gestures bordered on objection. 

“There isn’t a single person taking care of this ten-year-old child.” 

It was a valid point that should not have been made before the King. As a result, the others in the room, unable to side with the Duke, simply watched for the King’s reaction. 

Finally, the King, Ekild, spoke. 

“So, you intend to raise this child?” 

“Yes. This one possesses the most extraordinary talent of all the children I have seen.” 

Gelbart emphasised the word “extraordinary.” 

The King had once attempted to entrust his first and second sons to Gelbart, but he had refused. 

There were brief mentions of the first and second princes in the books, and although I didn’t know much about them, it was clear that their talents were no match for Euphil’s. 

‘At least Myrthi had some presence because of the romance subplot.’ 

Most of the book focuses on the villainous Euphil and the male protagonist, Allenan. 

What’s more, the first and second princes and the eldest Princess were much older than me, making it difficult to even cross paths with them by chance. Our spheres of activity were entirely different. 

Besides, the King, the cause of all this, spoke in a mocking tone with a sneer on his face. 

“I never realised you were so fond of wasting your time, Duke.”