The Count’s Youngest Son is a Player

Chapter 26

Baron Zender, who appeared with a pleasant smile, certainly seemed to carry the blood of the Count of Ashton. He was tall, over 190 cm, with platinum blonde hair mixed with white. Despite a significant belly, his body looked well-proportioned, thanks to his good skeleton. Unlike his father and brothers, who reminded one more of bears or beasts, he was quite handsome for someone of the Count’s lineage. He looked impossibly youthful for someone in his fifties.

‘Which is why he was made the steward, or should I say, the face of the place….’

However, despite his glossy appearance, his level was around the 50s. It wasn’t clear if his skills had regressed, or if he had never reached the realm of an expert in the first place. It was surprising, to say the least, that the steward of the family mansion, considered the face of the Count’s house, wasn’t even an expert.

This was likely one of the reasons other martial families looked down on the Count Ashton’s house. ‘But my father and older brother wouldn’t be so naive not to notice such a detail.’

I could guess the reasons but wasn’t entirely convinced. And I did not appreciate how this Baron, almost a stranger, looked down on me.

“Who are you? Do you know me?” Raul asked with apparent annoyance.

The Baron, without losing his smile, replied, “Hahaha, it’s been a long time, so that’s understandable. I’m Baron Zender, akin to your great uncle. Your father and I grew up like brothers.”

Raul, confused, retorted, “Great uncle? That’s odd. I don’t recall any uncle or anyone by that name among my father’s brothers or relatives.”

Baron Zender’s face stiffened momentarily, but he quickly resumed his smile and laughed heartily, “Hahaha, our nephew is very sharp. But our Count Ashton’s family tree is too complicated for a young one like you to understand. Don’t think about it too hard and just comfortably call me uncle.”

It was clear that Baron Zender was belittling Raul. After all, Raul was only fifteen, tall but slender, and hadn’t lost his youthful appearance. It seemed the Baron wanted to assert his dominance by making Raul consider him a superior.

However, Raul was not one to be easily manipulated by such trite tactics. Without shifting his gaze from Baron Zender, Raul asked Bernard, “Bernard, so what exactly is this man to me?”

“Yes, young master. Baron Zender is a distant cousin of your father’s….” Bernard repeated what he had said before, this time adding more detailed information.

Baron Zender’s face grew redder as he listened. “What is this disrespect in front of an elder?! Your father has raised you with no manners at all!!”

Raul raised his hand slightly to cut off Bernard and said, “Look here, Baron Zender. You seem quite comfortable with my father, huh? Or do you think the Count Ashton’s house is a joke?”

Raul’s sudden use of informal language made Baron Zender’s face turn even grimmer. In front of the visibly upset Baron, Raul turned to Philip and asked, “Philip, excluding family members, how many people in the main house use informal language with me?”

“Excluding your father’s younger brother, Sir Austin, not a single person does, young master.”

“What’s the reason?”

“I heard it’s a rule established out of respect for the family head and to solidify the hierarchy.”

Just as Philip said, the children of the family head receive treatment equivalent to that of barons upon reaching adulthood.

Moreover, in larger families of count level or above, it is customary to grant a domain in their name to the children once they become adults, regardless of whether they are the successor or not, to ensure they are not looked down upon, with at least the title of ‘baron’ being conferred.

Raul too had inherited a domain home to ten thousand people, located in a secluded part of the county, on his coming-of-age day.

Though he neither managed it directly nor had he visited, Raul was already considered a rightful baron with his own domain.

‘This is the benefit of being born with a silver spoon. Of course, it would mean nothing if the family were to fall into ruin.’

For such reasons, the only person who officially treated Raul with less respect after his coming of age was his uncle, Viscount Austin.

But why would there be any reason to accept informal speech from a distant relative, who felt less like family and more like a stranger?

As Raul stared at him, Baron Zender, who had managed to compose his expression, forced a smile and said,

“Oh dear. It seems I momentarily forgot that Young master Raul has come of age. Of course, you deserve to be spoken to with respect. Are you satisfied now, Young master Raul?”

“Well, for now. But it looks like there are many things you need to explain to me. Don’t you think so, steward?”

Seeming to have finished with the hierarchy, Raul questioned about something else.

However, Baron Zender appeared confused, as if unsure what the problem was.

“I’m not sure what you are referring to.”

At that moment, Philip stepped in on Raul’s behalf.

“Why wasn’t someone sent to guide the young master? I sent several messages informing of his arrival today!”

Only then did Baron Zender, after murmuring something to an aide, apologize with a less-than-sorry expression.

“Oh dear, I had ordered a carriage to be sent, but it seems there was a misunderstanding in the communication. With many guests expected today, it appears my subordinates made an error. My apologies, Young master Raul.”

It clearly felt deliberate, but Raul refrained from commenting further, prompting Philip to ask,

“Since it’s been mentioned, what is this chaos all about? I heard it’s the Baron’s child’s birthday party, but why is it being held in the main house of the count’s estate?”

Baron Zender clicked his tongue and replied,

“Was it Sir Philip? It seems you’ve been in the countryside and don’t recognize the customs of the capital. To host a party here, it must be done on a grand and splendid scale. Otherwise, you’d be overlooked. The count’s household has a reputation to maintain; this much is only natural, isn’t it?”

“That’s not the point. What does the birthday party of a baron’s child have to do with the reputation of the count’s household…”

“See here, Sir Philip. This is all part of public affairs included in the steward’s duties. You’d do well to stop meddling in matters that don’t concern you and focus on guarding the young master. What would a commoner know about the power struggles and reputation battles of nobility… tsk.”

Philip’s eyebrows twitched.

Indeed, he was currently just a member of the knight order, but his prowess meant he could be treated at least as a baron wherever he went.

However, he chose to let it pass. Honestly, he had little interest or knowledge in the power struggles among nobility.

And Raul was there.

Perhaps in the past, but the Raul he knew now would not let such nonsense slide.

Sure enough, Pierce had moved at some point to hand Raul a few documents.

Raul briefly skimmed through the documents and then called out to Baron Zender in a cold voice,

“Baron Zender. How does this party have anything to do with the Ashton county? Not even the name, let alone the crest of the county, is mentioned on the invitation. It’s filled entirely with the name and crest of the Zender family.”

But before he could finish his words, Raul pushed forward an invitation and asked, “But it’s written here that the location is Baron Zender’s mansion. Why then is the party being held here at the Count Ashton’s estate, and in the main building at that? Isn’t that odd?”

The baron appeared flustered for a moment, unable to continue. But soon, he firmed his expression and said, “As I’ve said, the invitation was merely a formality and holds no significant meaning. Furthermore, I find it difficult to accept any criticism regarding the party. Even if you are the son of the count, interfering in the steward’s duties is overstepping your bounds. If you wish to argue, do so after returning to the main family estate.”

“Is that so? So, the baron claims there is no issue with this party,” Raul remarked, to which Baron Zender nodded confidently.

“Of course. Moreover, it has been a tradition for decades for our kind to use the hall of an empty mansion for parties. It’s not for a young master to meddle in.”

Baron Zender wasn’t wrong. There had been occasions when an empty mansion was lent out for parties to maintain the dignity of the families involved, instead of being left unused.

‘However, that was when the head of the family gave permission and it was hosted under the name of the Count Ashton Family.’ Baron Zender had acted as though he owned the place.

There seemed no further reason to entertain the baron’s excuses.

Raul pulled out a small seal and a piece of parchment from his inside pocket, saying, “By the authority of the acting representative of the Count, I command Baron Zender to conclude the party within one hour. And report all related expenses and the source of funds by morning.”

What Raul had taken out was a handwritten letter from the count, transferring authority over the capital residence to Raul during his stay, along with a temporary seal.

It seemed the count had anticipated such an incident might occur.

‘Maybe he’s using me as bait for something.’

Indeed, trouble had struck as soon as he arrived, and even Raul couldn’t predict how this precursor would develop.

“Such an excessive measure! How do you plan to face the disgrace of sending the guests home now? Even the count would be speechless. To entrust decision-making to such a young child!”

“Are you saying you won’t comply with the order?”

Sshrng.

As the knights, including Philip, drew their swords halfway, the baron bit his lip and glared at Raul.

It seemed he had already received reports that Raul’s knights were not to be taken lightly.

“I don’t think the guests would hold any grievances against the Ashton family. Maybe towards Baron Zender’s, but not ours. Besides, it doesn’t seem like there’s anyone among the guests who we need to concern ourselves with.”

Raul had glanced over the guest list, and surprisingly, there was not a single noble of baronet rank or higher.

Indeed. It was odd to expect nobles of significant rank at the birthday party of a mere baron’s son when the Ashton family name was not even involved.

Raul continued in a cold voice, “I’ve given you an hour out of consideration for your dignity. Handle it as you see fit. Or perhaps you’d prefer to continue the party at the real ‘Baron Zender’s mansion’? Or maybe I should go into the party hall and announce it myself?”

Baron Zender glared at Raul for a moment, then sighed, conceding, “Fine. I’ll see to the party’s conclusion myself. But mark my words, young master, you will regret this day!”

Raul was not intimidated in the slightest.

After all, what was the worst that could happen? A scolding from his father, the count?

And secretly, he was curious. What made Baron Zender so bold to act out here?

‘Who knows? Might catch a big fish?’

Raul had only superficial information about the cause behind the downfall of the Count Ashton Family in his past life.

Perhaps this incident could be a lead to uncovering the dark secrets behind it.

(To be continued)