A Brighter Future (Kuroinu)

“Have you finished talking? So, are you planning to take Claudia back with you now, Lord Rhodes?”

Grave eagerly inquired about the outcome upon seeing the two reappear.

“Father, things have changed a bit. We’re planning to get engaged.”

“Engaged? Why? There’s no need for something like that.”

Grave was anxious to have Rhodes join the family. He didn’t care much about ceremonies like engagements, and this behavior puzzled him.

“It’s like this. Lord Rhodes thinks that for matters like this, some preparation is needed. He believes that the Leontius family, as a prestigious and renowned family known for producing many outstanding warriors, should strive to achieve merits. By doing so, he can marry me with a more suitable identity, which will not only maintain but also elevate the reputation of the Leontius family.”

“A very good goal, Lord Rhodes!”

Grave was satisfied with this reason. He excitedly patted Rhodes on the shoulder, seeing this effort for the family’s honor as something truly gratifying. Especially when Rhodes assured him of his capabilities.

“It’s nothing. After all, it’s not just for the family but also for Claudia. Although I have a somewhat special identity, I still think I should do things more in line with the Leontius family’s expectations. Besides, I have the ability to do so, so I’ve set this goal.”

Rhodes modestly replied, but the more Grave heard, the more content he became. He found this dedication to the family’s glory and Rhodes’s proven abilities highly satisfying, especially when it was confirmed that Rhodes could indeed achieve this goal.

“Well done, Lord Rhodes! Keep up the good work!”

Rhodes’s response only made Grave happier, but Rhodes himself was already feeling a headache, thinking about how to handle things going forward.

“No need to be modest! Actions like this are something to be proud of! I’ll take care of arranging relevant matters for you. I’ll find an opportunity for you to achieve merit.”

For General Grave, handling matters like these was too easy. However, he didn’t rush to arrange things immediately. First, he needed to ensure that Rhodes’s physical training reached the standard. Additionally, while there were conflicts on the border, the small skirmishes didn’t provide much opportunity to establish merit. Dealing with these wouldn’t be useful.

“Now, it’s not too late to continue the training we haven’t finished. Only by completing your physical training as soon as possible can you easily establish merit on the battlefield!”

Fired up with enthusiasm, Grave, dragging Rhodes along, headed to the training ground to start the day’s training. Throughout the process, Grave was in an excited state, and the consequence was that Rhodes found today’s training incredibly exhausting. He was so tired that he didn’t want to move a single finger.

While Rhodes was exhausted, Grave was still in an exuberant state. On their way back, Claudia shared another piece of information with Grave.

“Father, during my conversation with Lord Rhodes earlier, I found out something. It seems he has a strong liking for elves.”

“Likes elves? But the only elf he has seen so far is Lady Celestine, right? Are you saying he has such feelings for Lady Celestine?”

“Probably. Actually, regarding the matters between Lord Rhodes and me, even though he agreed, I’m somewhat concerned. Spending too much time with Lady Celestine may deepen his feelings. She’s indeed a charming woman, especially living together. So, I’m not sure how to handle this situation.”

Grave listened and fell into contemplation. This situation didn’t seem like a big problem at first glance, but on closer inspection, Claudia’s worry would likely materialize, given Rhodes’s daily interactions with Celestine.

“… I will figure out a solution. But Claudia, when the time comes, I hope you won’t be angry or dissatisfied. Can you handle it?”

“I can. I understand your intentions, Father. So, as long as there’s a way for Lord Rhodes to be with me, I’ll accept it.”

Seeing Claudia’s earnest gaze, Grave nodded in satisfaction. This was the attitude a woman from the House of Levantine should have.

“If Lord Rhodes is interested in elves, then find one for him. Once he has a way to channel those feelings, his attention will shift away from Lady Celestine.”

This was Grave’s proposed solution. In his opinion, an object that could only be looked at but not touched was less appealing than an elf who could be freely interacted with. He thought the latter was more attractive.

“But it’s not easy to approach elves. How about choosing a dark elf? Although there’s some difference, the impact shouldn’t be significant. If he doesn’t like it later, we can think of another solution.”

“Isn’t this a bit inappropriate, Father? What if Lord Rhodes is not happy with it? How should we explain it to him?”

Although Grave’s suggestion seemed to involve capturing a dark elf, Claudia found it a bit improper and worried it might upset Rhodes.

“While we don’t understand Lord Rhodes’s situation, slavery is normal in our world. Moreover, he doesn’t comprehend certain aspects of our world. When explaining, we can be vague or state that we have a hostile relationship with dark elves. So, capturing a dark elf as a slave would be perfectly normal.”

Grave’s proposed plan seemed feasible to Claudia, even though it felt somewhat disgraceful. But in a certain sense, maintaining a hostile relationship seemed unnecessary. She silently agreed with her father’s plan.

The next step was to wait for the subsequent developments. How to shift Rhodes’s focus from Celestine to her, to make him understand that she was more suitable and capable of taking care of him than Celestine, was a headache for Claudia.

Perhaps moving Rhodes into the Levantine family would be a good first step. Keeping a distance from Celestine would enable them to proceed more smoothly.

However, the realization hit her that dealing with matters of the heart was far more challenging than cutting down enemies on the battlefield. Claudia pondered on potential solutions, but it seemed that time was slipping away.