A Brighter Future (Kuroinu)

As they traveled in a carriage, Rhodes observed the scenery and the bustling crowds on the streets with curiosity.

However, he couldn’t help but feel disappointed when he saw some beast-headed anthropomorphic creatures.

They were different from the type of beastfolk he had expected, who typically had human-like features with some animal characteristics.

“What’s wrong? You look disappointed,” Claudia noticed.

Rhodes’s reaction didn’t go unnoticed, and Claudia wondered why he seemed disappointed by the sight of the beastfolk.

“It’s nothing, just a bit disappointed because it’s different from what I expected. I thought beastfolk were creatures with mostly human features and some animal traits. That’s the kind I’m more familiar with.”

“Ah, I see. Well, it’s just a matter of personal preference.”

Rhodes chuckled and decided not to dwell on it. The situation wasn’t too important.

After a while, the carriage finally stopped in front of an aristocratic mansion. When Rhodes, accompanied by Grave and Claudia, entered the grand hall of the mansion, he noticed that the walls were adorned with various weapons. It seemed to be a fitting decoration for someone like Grave, who was a warrior.

“Do you have an interest in those weapons? They were once used by outstanding members of the Levantine family, and some of them are their spoils of war,” Grave explained, clearly enthusiastic about the topic.

He also took the opportunity to share some insights into the Levantine family’s history and development.

As they discussed weapons and history, a new arrival caused Grave’s expression to change dramatically.

He seemed as if he had just eaten something distasteful. Rhodes couldn’t help but be curious about the man wearing glasses who had appeared.

“What are you doing here?” Grave’s tone turned hostile as he addressed the newcomer.

“Just collecting some documents I had prepared earlier.”

Claudia had anticipated Klaus’s arrival, but his presence still seemed to irritate Grave.

Rhodes observed Klaus and noticed that he appeared unfazed by Grave’s hostility.

“If there’s nothing else, please leave. Your presence is disrupting us,” Grave ordered, making his displeasure clear.

Once Klaus departed, the atmosphere in the room improved slightly. Rhodes couldn’t help but ask about Klaus’s relationship with Grave.

“General Grave, is he your family member?”

“Him? Hmph! I have no relation to such an unworthy individual!”

Grave’s response was filled with disdain, leaving Rhodes with questions. Klaus’s resemblance to Grave suggested they were related in some way, possibly as father and son or some other close familial connection.

Rhodes wondered what had caused such a strong reaction from Grave.

“So, is there a specific reason you wanted me to become your adopted son or marry Claudia?”

“Yes, with your talents and the bloodline related to the goddess Leliantia, you could greatly benefit the Levantine family. Your presence is a lifeline for our family!”

Grave explained his motivations, and Rhodes couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if Grave discovered that Rhodes’s so-called “talents” were actually abilities granted by the goddess Leliantia and had no direct connection to his bloodline. Would Grave turn hostile and try to harm him?