The Protagonists of Romance Fantasy Novels Have Escaped

37 – The Decree of Viscount Hoenberg (2)

There was no prestigious family as resilient to misfortune as the Hoenberg lineage.

Despite facing numerous adversities, such as failed investments and betrayals by close allies, the Hoenberg family survived to the end.

This time, they would likely collapse.

No matter how much effort they put in, it seemed impossible.

It was a series of misfortunes that didn’t even allow a shred of hope.

Nevertheless, the Hoenberg family, like pulling luck out of thin air, succeeded in resurrecting their knighthood in precarious situations. This was because outstanding talents emerged every time they faced a catastrophic downfall, as if heroes were born in times of crisis.

Indeed, one could say it was the aura befitting a prestigious family that produced national heroes.

Despite desperate misfortunes, the leading family of the East survived solely through their “family farming.”

“I hope Edan remains safe….”

The head of the Hoenberg family,

Otto von Hoenberg.

He always sighed heavily as he began his work.

What could he be doing right now?

Could he be facing difficulties?

Following the sudden disappearance of his eldest son, the middle-aged man anxiously awaited news of Edanant, expressing a poignant paternal concern.

“Master, the weather has become quite chilly.”

“I should find solace in sleep somewhere….”

Despite the rapidly chilling weather, Otto walked around the garden to shake off his worries. His footsteps, laden with complex emotions, continued until dawn.

The elderly butler approached, expressing concern.

Upon hearing this, Otto forced a bitter smile and raised his head.

“How can I sleep comfortably with such a conscience? Thinking of Edan suffering because of his wretched father only makes my heart heavier.”

Since the departure of his wife, who was a pillar of strength, he had lived solely thinking about his children. He had vowed to protect his family at all costs, even if it meant facing any trouble.

But what was the result?

His eldest son was missing without a trace.

The second son was diligently representing the family in Hwangdo.

Every time he looked at the empty table, he cursed his own incompetence. It was the guilt of scattering the family due to his own incompetence and vulnerability.

“Sigh… It reminds me of what happened three years ago. Back then, I could only wait helplessly. It seems that progress is an elusive concept for us humans.”

“….”

The head of the Hohenberg family looked up, bearing the burden of regret and remorse.

Sighs and regrets,

complex emotions surged like a storm.

Perhaps it was the sorrow of an ordinary talent, having raised geniuses who were beyond ordinary. Watching his always-advancing children, he felt both joy and shame. Being nothing more than an obstacle to his children in the end.

“Could it be that even Ethan was chosen by the Sacred Sword like Max…? This is truly astonishing.”

“I also can’t imagine how surprised I was when I heard the news.”

The tale of Edan’s prowess had quickly spread through Edanant, reaching the Hohenberg Marquisate.

They were well aware that their eldest son was a wielder of the Sacred Sword, chosen as the prophesied warrior to guard the Saint of the Prosperous Kingdom.

But now, even the second son had been chosen by the Sacred Sword…

Wasn’t the reason for leaving the Sacred Sword Aldebaran behind to ensure the continuation of the lineage? Otto cautiously speculated on the intentions of his missing eldest son.

“It’s remarkable, isn’t it? Two geniuses born to a man who is nothing more than an ordinary father. I really don’t understand the reason. There were no Sacred Sword wielders among our ancestors…”

The Hohenberg family had produced numerous talents, but none of them were Sacred Sword wielders. There seemed to be no connection with the Sacred Sword of Destruction, the treasure of the Prosperous Kingdom.

How could such a miracle happen?

Otto swallowed a heavy sigh, pondering the mystery of the miracle.

“Many families are sending marriage proposals. With Edan’s tale spreading, the Hohenberg family is attracting attention.”

“If it were Edan’s tale, I would have welcomed it gladly… but this is truly a tragic turn of events.”

The influx of marriage proposals, like a hailstorm, was delicate suggestions to the head of the Hohenberg family about remarriage.

Not only the divorced wife but also the daughters of the neighboring noble families were fervently seeking engagements. Otto displayed a frustrated reaction, suppressing his laughter.

“Other families must envy the reputation of Max and Edan. So, they are not trying to inherit the natural talents passed down to your sons?”

“This joke is going too far. Is there any ordinary father like me in the world?”

All his children had grown up, so what nonsense was this about a new marriage?

Otto diplomatically rejected the transparent proposals, knowing that they would only cause unnecessary trouble.

It would only stir up unnecessary disturbances.

Turning his head, he remembered his departed wife.

“Master!”

As I pondered whether to make my way to the bedroom,

Elliot, a former guardian knight of the family, came running with a letter in hand.

“What’s going on?”

“Master Edan… he’s coming back!”

Intense anticipation seemed to finally reach the mansion’s head.

Otto recoiled at Elliot’s exclamation, his eyes widening.

“Is that true! Edan is coming back!”

Where in the world would a father not rejoice at the return of his son? Even the sparse, weed-like strands of hair on his head stood on end. It was a celebration even for the meager hair, rejoicing in the fervor of happiness.

“It would be nice if he brought a virtuous daughter-in-law from the Hwangdo. Now, I’m starting to want cute grandchildren as I’m getting older.”

“How did you know? Lady Javelin, Lady Rudmila, and Lady Elizabeth are coming with him!”

“What?”

“The First Saint of the Prosperous Kingdom and the Second and Third Princesses of the Valtaria Imperial Family!”

The son who had left the family was returning with saintly and princess-like women. How should this be judged?

The master, who was initially overwhelmed, eventually gave up on trying to think.

Happiness that transcended all bounds often turned into a calamity. The news of the beautiful saints and princesses representing the Prosperous Kingdom and the Imperial Family was like a thunderbolt to the master who had been leading a peaceful rural life.

“Oh!”

“Master!”

A sigh of admiration escaped.

At the same time, the head of the Hohenberg family staggered.

The butler and the guardian knight rushed to support the master, who was about to collapse to the floor.

***

It wasn’t the first time they had visited the Hohenberg Marquisate.

There was no need to be nervous.

It was just a trip to change the mood.

The sudden choice of ‘Hohenberg Marquisate’ as the destination was merely a coincidence.

Rudmila, who had been contemplating all night, muttered to herself as if brainwashing herself. However, the effect was almost nonexistent, as she displayed signs of anxiety throughout her body.

“Sis, what on earth is this! Did a war break out or something?!”

Elisabeth let out a scream.

More than fifty knights were mobilized, moving an enormous quantity of goods. Elisabeth couldn’t help but be appalled by the sight of the knights sweating profusely as they carried the heavy load.

There were dazzling treasures and garments on display, even including rare herbs handled by the royal family.

Already planning to exchange gifts? No, even if so, it’s too much!

Unable to find words to address her oddly excited sister, Elisabeth gave up. Over half of the goods had already been transferred to the freight cars. She released a heavy sigh.

“Your Grace?”

“Ludmila, my lady.”

When the hastily assembled royal knights finished transporting the goods,

Now, heavily laden with supplies, the holy knights of the Holy Empire arrived at the platform.

Simultaneously, Ludmila and Jeblinne found themselves face to face as if meeting on a wooden bridge.

“Where are you going, Your Grace?”

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“I intend to visit the regions marginalized by faith to spread the teachings of the Earth Mother.”

“Then you’ve misunderstood the platform. It’s the train heading to the Marquisate of Hohenberg.”

“No, that’s correct. An empire’s crimson dragon using travel as a pretext and a holy empire’s white dragon using missionary work as a pretext. It’s truly a majestic confrontation. If the Emperor and the Pope witnessed the current scene, they would surely heave a heavy sigh.”

The imperial knights and the holy knights, both mobilized for logistics, looked at each other and nodded, sensing a camaraderie that transcended nationality.

“Edan!”

“Your Excellency! Please explain quickly!”

Following them, Edan arrived with Rue.

Then, sharp exclamations came flying from Jeblinne and Ludmila.

Why is that woman here?

The saint and the princess glared simultaneously, expressing their displeasure at the playboy.

“Since everyone is heading to Viscount Hohenberg’s territory… It was only natural for us to accompany them. Didn’t you say you were going to Viscount Hohenberg’s for travel and missionary work?”

Jéblinne and Ludmila couldn’t refuse the proposal to accompany them to Viscount Hohenberg’s.

It wasn’t without justification.

With the saint and princess going.

A harsh situation, like an explosive powder keg about to detonate, would unfold in succession. However, even knowing that, it couldn’t be avoided. As if it were a fate bestowed upon the Hohenberg family.

“Lue.”

“Yeah!”

Edanant, with a feeling close to resignation, called Lue, who was carrying the travel bag.

At the same time, Edanant slung a shoulder bag containing 500 barley sugar candies over his shoulder.