Chapter 68 – If Birth Is Everything
“You came, son.”
Claus was wearing the mask of a strict father now, as he stood in front of the gate.
“I wanted to speak with you, father.”
Ralph said as he took a step forward.
Currently, he was wearing the copper armor that Menew wore, over his shirt and trousers. He was unarmed.
“…Speak, then.”
“I will become a new type of Hero. I will not swear allegiance to the king alone, and I will not abandon the world.”
Ralph had been thinking.
Claus was right. He was. However, there was something else.
Ralph had wanted to be a Hero.
But does someone who merely goes along a decided path…is such a person really a Hero?
Great feats. Saving others. That is a Hero. Surely there was no set path to accomplish that?
“Fool. You will be cast out of society. Who would call such a person a Hero?”
Claus looked angry.
But Ralph did not back down. The two glared at each other.
Menew scratched his head and stepped forward.
“Um… May I?”
It was reckless to interfere with the affairs of other families. But it was also troublesome to let this continue.
“I was thinking… You want Ralph to take on your position one day, yes?”
“That is right.”
“Ralph. Do you want that?”
“Of course.”
He would not abandon the people.
“So, he intends to return to this place. After he has become a Hero that is different from any other. Uh…what is the problem?”
When put like that, it did not sound like a big deal.
Claus’s expression changed. There was some compassion in it now.
“What father would not stop a son who is chasing a hopeless dream?”
“Why don’t you believe in him?”
Menew asked.
“…My son has a gift for leading people. But when it comes to his skill with the sword, he is not at the level of a Hero.”
“Why do you think that? Because he wasn’t born with that talent?”
“…”
Claus himself realized that this was not a good excuse.
However, he was not in a position to just support his son no matter what. There was a path that was clearly best for him. He wanted to lead him there. And could not understand why you would choose unnecessary hardships.
“It’s ridiculous.”
Menew said. He looked at Claus with cold eyes.
“Gift? Ralph is growing the most important gift of all. Something everyone has, but not everyone can use.”
“What…is that?”
“To be able to dream. Can’t you see it? Status, skills… It’s not something you choose yourself. You can’t choose your family. But Ralph worked hard. Since he was young, he obsessively pursued his dream.”
If birth was everything.
Then only kings and sages would be Heroes. Only those who are blessed.
No. But that was not true.
“And so Ralph worked on his strengths. He put effort into acquiring skills. He studied a lot. Trained a lot. Desperately. Your son is more skilled than you, isn’t he?”
Claus grimaced.
Ralph had surpassed him some time ago.
“Menew…”
Ralph stopped him there.
“Ralph is amazing! I guarantee it. And so… Please allow him to continue to travel.”
Menew said with a bow of his head.
Totto rushed forward and bowed as well.
Ralph was startled. He looked at them and then to his father.
And then he bowed his head as well.
“I promise to become a good person. Someone who can be called a Hero. A son you can be proud of.”
“…”
Claus lowered his eyes and seemed to be deep in thought. Then he turned around at the checkpoint and told them to open the gate.
“Ralph. And you two. The next time you step foot in this city of Yark, I expect you will do so with the appropriate resolve.”
Claus had given his permission.
While they had not prepared, they could not let the opportunity pass.
Ralph’s equipment was then brought out. He quickly put it on. And just as he was passing by Claus…
“You made some good friends, Ralphie.”
Claus muttered.
Ralph smiled and stopped. Then he raised one hand.
“Aye.”
He replied.
They left the city and camped in a spot that was not too far away.
As they were pitching the tents, Menew laughed.
“Ahhh… Your father really left an impression!”
“…”
Ralph worked quietly while the other two talked.
The way he talked, the way he was both intimidating and kind. While they were probably complimenting him, Ralph felt a little awkward.
“…Watch your mouths. He’s still my father, after all.”
When they were finished, a piece of paper slipped out of the sleeve of Menew’s robe.
He was puzzled as he unfolded the paper. It read:
‘Please take care of my son.’
When had that gone in there? It was probably when they passed him by.
Menew had not noticed it at all. His eyes widened with surprise, but then he looked at Ralph with a mischievous grin.
“It’s like you’re a bride who is being sent off.”
He laughed. Ralph’s angry fist came down over his head, and he was silent after that.
And though it hurt, things were starting to go back to normal.
While Totto would not be able to visit his mother’s grave for some time, there was a guardian who protected it.
And though there was no farewell feast, Ralph’s father had seen them off.
“Now, let’s have dinner. What kind of meat should we eat today?”
Menew asked with a laugh.
Thanks for all of your hard work!