92. Brother’s Growth Is So Moving It Makes You Cry, Isn’t It?

Zaid has taken his troops to the marshlands, so he’s not in the village.

Thus, we headed to Dr. Jabir’s mansion to gather information and leave Myrna there, but there we met a burly man arguing with the doctor.

They seemed to be in the middle of a conversation, but our matter was urgent, so I reluctantly called out to him.

“Jabil-sensei? It’s Craft… Are you busy?”

Before the doctor could turn around, the burly man spoke up.

“What is it? Depending on what you need, I could be busy or free.”

“Uh, I wasn’t asking you.”

I called out to the doctor, but the one who answered was a burly man with red hair dressed like a ship captain.

Who the heck are you?

The doctor turned around, noticed me and Kyle, and his face lit up.

“Oh, Craft… and Kyle-sama! Welcome!”

Jabil-sensei hurried over to us as if escaping. Don’t rush too much or you’ll trip.

Ah, she tripped.

I rushed over to help, but the red-haired man was faster and lifted the sensei up easily.

“Ha ha! You’re still as clumsy as ever!”

“Ugh! Shut up!”

The burly man laughed, clutching his stomach, while the doctor blushed furiously in anger.

Ugh. I don’t like this guy.

Jabil-sensei dusted himself off and stood gracefully before Kyle.

“It’s been a while, Kyle-sama.”

“Yes, it has. I’ve heard many things from Craft. I’m glad to see you’re well.”

“Likewise, I’m still sorry for my lack of skill in not curing your illness sooner. I offer my congratulations on your recovery.”

“Not at all. Without your efforts, I would have been long gone. Thank you once again.”

“Such kind words…”

Oh!

What a beautiful scene!

If Persia were here, she might be crying!

“Hmm, so you’re Kyle… You’ve grown.”

That touching moment was interrupted!

You, old man!

And you’re being overly familiar with Kyle!

“Um… excuse me. Do I know you?”

The moment the old man reached for Kyle’s head, a naked blade stopped him.

“Who are you… what!?”

Of course, it was Alphard who drew his sword at lightning speed. I didn’t even see it happen!

He stepped between Kyle and the old man, pointing his sword at him.

At least he was supposed to.

“Huh?”

“What?”

The old man who should have been there had disappeared.

It wasn’t just quick movement. He literally vanished.

No, it seemed that way.

“Oh.”

“Ha ha ha! You’ve grown!”

“Impossible!?”

The old man had somehow slipped behind Kyle and was ruffling his hair roughly.

Not just me, but Alphard, Jitaro, and Rifan were all trembling with fear.

Leaving Radok with the main force was a mistake!

This old man is definitely on Raidoc’s level!

If not stronger!

Everyone related to Kyle drew their weapons simultaneously.

“Step away from Kyle-sama!”

“Hey! Let go of my Kyle or I’ll melt you down!”

“No… they’re too close…”

While tension surged like a storm, the old man alone remained relaxed.

“Ah, I’m not gonna do anything. It’s just been a while, so I’m feeling nostalgic.”

“Um… do you know me?”

An acquaintance…?

“Yeah. You were so small, you probably don’t remember. Jabil! Do something!”

The red-haired old man scratched his head awkwardly, asking Jabil for help.

“Ah! Really! Really now! Kyle-sama! Craft! And the guards! This man is safe! Put away your weapons!”

Even though it’s the respected doctor’s word, that’s a bit…

“Doctor, who is this guy?”

“Ah, this person is…”

The doctor hesitated, but the old man interrupted.

“My name is Van! Van Vain, the adventurer!”

An adventurer?

Given his strength and appearance, it made sense.

But…

“An adventurer…?”

“Yeah! That’s right!”

But he seems suspicious!

Kyle looked confused too.

“Um, how does an adventurer know me?”

The red-haired old man smirked.

“Well, I’ve guarded the Viscount of Orthros too! …Yeah, now I’m guarding Jabil. Right, Jabil!?”

“Ugh… y-yes. That’s right.”

Sensei’s expression twisted painfully!

That’s definitely an excuse!

“Sensei, if you’re in trouble, we’ll get rid of this guy with all our might.”

I couldn’t do it alone, but with Alphard, Leafan, and Jitaro, we could manage somehow.

“Get rid of!? No! You mustn’t, Craft!”

“Huh? If you’re sure, Sensei…”

“Yes! Listen! Kyle-sama mustn’t give the order to attack either!”

“Y-yes.”

I don’t sense any hostility, but is this really okay?

Sensei seems desperate.

Alphard’s expression was grim.

“Jabil-sensei. Is this person truly safe?”

“Yes. I guarantee it.”

There seems to be some background here. So I won’t press further.

“Kyle, is that okay?”

“Y-yes. It seems fine…”

This old man has been ruffling Kyle’s hair all this time.

If he had any hostility, he would’ve killed him by now.

“So, you’re leading troops. Are you here to finally defeat Zaid?”

“No, we’re not!”

Unusually, Kyle seemed flustered.

The old man had been in control the whole time.

“We’re here to exterminate the monsters in the marshlands. We came to check with Zaid-niisan, but we heard he went to the marshlands.”

Finally, back to the main topic!

Jabil-sensei frowned, and the red-haired man grinned.

“Yes. I’ve been worried since he hasn’t returned.”

“Um, is Zaid-niisan’s force okay?”

Sensei crossed his arms over his flat chest.

“Honestly… it’s tough.”

“As I thought… Craft-niisama! Let’s rescue him with all our forces!”

I was about to nod, but Van spoke up first, looking amused.

“Rescue? Just leave him. Zaid’s just in your way, Kyle. Your rank as the Viscount’s successor would go up too.”

This guy…

He seems like an adventurer based on his strength and appearance, but he wouldn’t be out of place as a former noble. He knows too much.

“Van-san, there’s a misunderstanding. Let me be clear. I have no intention of succeeding my father as the Marquess. My father has clearly stated that my brothers, Flatten or Zaid, will be his successor. I would never abandon my family for a title.”

Kyle declared with resolute dignity.

That’s so like you, Kyle. If Persia were here, she’d be crying at how admirable you are!

Then, Van burst into laughter.

You jerk. I’ll punch you.