187 CHAPTER IX GROWTH (2/2)

He was such a great guy: .......

He was the opposite of that son.

He just has a personality that is looking for turmoil: ......

”Looking for trouble?

You don't seem like the kind of person who helped defeat the demon king.

”Yes, sir. Yes. He is a man who sees peace as ordinary, who delights in a world in turmoil and strife. The current disagreements between the Empire and the Kingdom have become so bitter, all because of you, Master Filth.

I see. ......

That's a terrible old man.

He's so intelligent, he's worse than the current king.

Hey, besides, do you two remember what your grandfather said last?

I'm not going to die until I see where this is going?

That old man's gonna live another ten or twenty years. He's gonna be over 100 years old.

Just the one before that. Didn't you say you were having the wedding on my birthday?

Oh, I heard you say that.

Sure about that: ....... I'm the one to do that, right?

I haven't proposed to him.

Who else could it be? Idiot.

Right? That's a relief.

I'm sorry.

Yes ...... this is a proposal that needs to be made ASAP.

But I don't know how in this world I'm supposed to do it.

You'll have to talk to Aaron in secret later.

I see. ...... The young lady is eighteen now. She should be old enough to get married and have an heir.

Oh, no, there's no such thing as an heir: ......

No!　Don't blush like that!

I'm blushing too. .......

No. That's one of the most important things you can do, Your Highness.

'Wow, I know, I know. ......

When it comes to the princess's birthday, it would be ...... about ten months later?

Yes.

Hmmm: ......

Mr. Aaron made a thoughtful gesture.

What's the catch, ten months from now?

What's going on?

'No, I'm just stuck on the fact that Mr. Fils said he went out of his way to decide: ......

Not ten months later, but the decision itself by Master Filth .

Indeed, you retired and you bothered to interfere: .......

'What?　Grandfather, are you up to something at my wedding?

...... Basically, Master Filth leaves things uninteresting.

You mean you're interested in my wedding?

So you want me and Elaine to be happy?

No, I thought you might be interested in some sort of disturbance involving the wedding: ......

Right?

What's that? Grandfather, you're just being selfish.

Well, yeah .

The man only does what he's interested in, and ...... his interests are often quite turbulent.

If that's the case, then ...... you must have some idea why you came to me. It's either a ploy or ...... you should study up on it. ......

Maybe the old man is trying to test me?

That's why I let my ignorance get the better of me.

'What are you talking about. Your job is to be strong. Don't let your grandfather's words fool you. The kingdom is depending on you for strength.　If you're weak, then the war is lost.

So that's what happened: ......

It's the other way around. The old man was trying to confuse me.

Come to think of it, a disturbance-seeking old man wouldn't have bothered to give you advice.

I just wanted to be strong.

Let me do the smart stuff. I'll see to it that your grandfather stays out of it.

...... Okay. If you ever need my help with anything, let me know right away.

Of course. Not the usual.

Yeah. We just have to keep helping each other out, you know?

We'll be okay, just the two of us.

SIDE: Aaron.

It's been a while.

I left Lord Kite and went back to my room to find Master Filth sitting in a chair.

”Long time no see, sir. What is it?　The one you just mentioned,

It's hard to be happy to see them again after two years.

Indeed. .......

”You're as hard as ever. It doesn't matter.

That's why I'm here at ......, okay. So, what brings you here today?

If we respond to every word Master Filth says, we won't get anywhere.

It would be wise to move on without anger.

My grandson stole you from me and I wanted to get even.

......

”Just kidding. Just kidding. Well, my grandson crushed half of it.

Perhaps the silent stare worked, but Master Filth finally answered seriously.

As I thought...was she planning something?

so the rest is the princess and Lord Kite's wedding.

What in the world is he up to? .......

Hélène, I thought he'd be as stupid as his idiot son. I didn't know that would be able to interfere with my ambitions.

You say the king is a foolish king but ...... is the result of your deliberate negligence in educating him and making him king early on.

It's really good that even the princess didn't follow this man's wishes.

I'm glad to see that the princess has changed.

I couldn't help but laugh.

What this man hates is peace, and that is peace.

That's good to hear.

Master Filth was miffed at my smile.

I was kind of surprised to see that.

This may be the first time in my life I've ever made Master Filth feel sorry for himself.

You can't win with your mouth.

Haha, three more years and there's nothing more I can do. The rest of the world is going to be ...... and watching my grandchildren do their best, well, it's just another fun thing to do.

Lord Filth is really unusual today.

I knew Master Filth would admit defeat, but it looks like not only Lord Kite but the princess has grown up a lot.

That's right. Let's join me in watching our grandson do his best.

Now that we're off the stage, there's nothing for us to do.

It's fun to watch the young ones do their best.

At least I've had a lot of fun these past two years.