CHAPTER 87………………………….
“I despise you all. Truly—this whole family is abhorrent.”
Then, as if the words themselves felt hypocritical to him, he clenched his teeth and spoke more fiercely.
“Do you know something? I see you both exactly as you’ve seen me since childhood.”
“…What?”
“In your eyes, I’m nothing but a useful part, aren’t I? A part that must prove its usefulness—and if it can’t, then it’s just a worthless piece of scrap.”
“You’re being far too harsh…”
Ernhart Egbert said, his voice sinking slightly.
“Too harsh? Until now, you—you both—have taught me exactly that.”
Kaelos Egbert let out a faint, bitter laugh as he continued.
“Look for yourselves. Of the children you’ve so dearly raised, which one truly sees you as parents?”
Words, depending on who wields them,
“Certainly not me.”
—can become a warm breeze or a blade honed to kill.
“I’d wager it’s not Kardem either, who was never treated like a son and was exploited by the temple all his life. Nor Hakan, who was pushed into sacrifice…”
At the mention of Hakan Egbert, Aaron, Dylan, and the others all flinched.
“Nor Nigel, who schemed after titles and finally left the house altogether.”
For the first time, Esther realized that Kaelos Egbert carried a curse-like fury within him.
He had sharpened and sharpened that blade—sharpened it again and again until it could cut the deepest and hurt the most.
Nigel and Kardem, hearing Kaelos’s long-suppressed words burst forth, said nothing. Only silence.
“So from now on, you have no right to force anything upon me or my child. Don’t even think about using us.”
And he swung that blade for the sake of his child—his own self.
“Of course, if you wish to brand me a degenerate son, then by all means, go ahead.”
Yes, this was a family more broken than anyone could have imagined.
Ernhart and Marie’s faces went stiff—so pale they seemed drained of all color.
For some reason, Esther’s chest felt faintly ticklish, almost amused by the absurdity.
For Esther, sacrifice was natural.
Many believe that those who stand atop others—those who sit at the summit of power—do not sacrifice.
That sacrifice is the burden of the lower, of the common, of the weak.
But a true king is the one who sacrifices the most.
They live their whole lives burdened by what they must carry. Their life is not their own.
They bear responsibility, endlessly, and must sacrifice themselves for it.
When war breaks out, they must be the first to don armor. Even when the sword touches their throat, they must kill their fear instead of trembling.
At times, they must gamble their lives themselves.
They sacrifice emotion, sacrifice time, and bear the discomfort of living their entire existence under the gaze of others.
Esther’s life had been no different.
Because she had power, she had to stand at the front.
Because she was capable, she had to help others.
She had to reach out to the children of demons begging to be spared.
To become Demon King, she had killed many, and in the end, she had cut down what was precious to her.
When war came, she was always the first to charge forward.
Thus, while she had protected others countless times, she herself had rarely been protected by anyone.
Knights exist to protect their king—but that’s because it’s a relationship of lord and vassal.
But Kaelos and Esther were not lord and vassal.
To Esther, parents were beings meant to be slain. That’s why demon kings’ offspring often grew up warped.
And yet, Kaelos, who cast aside everything to protect her, seemed strangely out of place to her.
“Who said anyone was against it?”
Marie Egbert spoke, almost sighing.
“Didn’t you hear what your father just said? Didn’t he agree you spoke well? We have no intention of using a child that young.”
At her words, Kaelos fell silent, as if struck speechless.
“……”
So in the end, Esther realized—there was no one on her side.
What the hell is this…
Had she just stirred up unnecessary trouble? Esther sighed and scratched her cheek.
“We can’t let this child grow up lonely again. I…”
Marie Egbert—looking a little older than the last time Esther saw her—finally spoke.
“I know my mistakes.”
At those words, all three of her sons’ shoulders trembled at once.
They stared at Marie Egbert in disbelief.
Well, this is a disaster.
No one was taking her side.
Esther, who had been so confident, suddenly felt a pang of gloom.
At that moment—
Over everyone’s heads, Kaelos’s included, a flurry of pitch-black exclamation marks appeared.
[Severe Discord]
Marie Egbert and Ernhart Egbert, in their pursuit of upholding their ideals, drove their children to their limits—valuing usefulness over affection.
As a result, House Egbert achieved unparalleled prestige and power, with influence deeply rooted in the Empire.
But where there is light, there is also shadow.
Since childhood, their children were forced to prove their worth. Thus, they hold no genuine familial affection.
They neither need nor seek love. They resent their parents, love them faintly, and hate them all the same.
Small cracks have already become sparks.
Even if there is a trace of regret, those sparks may one day consume the entire House of Egbert, leaving only ashes behind.
And if the Egbert family falls, you—yes, you—will be nothing but a squirrel thrown into the heart of the storm.
Dragged into the temple, you will be exploited, and exploited again, and again still—until you meet a horrific end at the hands of the Inquisitors.
Still, it seems everyone’s hearts have softened toward you, hasn’t it?
Perhaps now is the perfect time for a cheerful cookie break with your adorable granddaughter, niece, or daughter with cat ears!
Who the hell writes these messages on parchment?
“…Should I kill them?”
Esther frowned, crossing her arms.
What was she supposed to do with this hopelessly dysfunctional family? So much to do, and only one body—it was suffocating.
“And you—are you Esther’s mother?”
At that, Marie Egbert turned her gaze toward Freyja.
Freyja nodded slowly.
“Yes. Ah, for the record, this man and I are still not on good terms. We’re in a bit of a cold war, so I ask for your understanding.”
Marie Egbert narrowed her eyes, then gave a small nod.
“So, I finally meet the woman who bewitched my son—after more than ten years.”
At that, Freyja’s brow furrowed slightly.
“With all due respect, Mother, your statement is incorrect.”
“What?”
“It wasn’t I who bewitched this man. He was the one who fell for me and pursued me.”
Freyja smiled sweetly—but her tone was firm.
“That aside, I truly wished to meet you and Father. It’s an honor to finally do so.”
Wow, Mom’s amazing.
Not only was she holding her ground—she seemed to be winning.
How could she deliver such precise, cutting words with such grace? It was fascinating.
“You must have much to say to each other. What do you think? Shall we dismiss the spectators and have some tea?”
“…You’re no ordinary woman. Very well, let’s.”
Marie waved a hand, dismissing the onlookers.
As Ernhart Egbert and the others began to rise, Freyja stood and blocked Ernhart’s path.
“I think it would be best if Father stayed as well. It’s something both of you should hear.”
“Freyja.”
“Oh, and you—please leave. You’re not needed.”
“…Understood.”
At Freyja’s words, Kaelos fell silent, tail metaphorically tucked.
The duke and duchess widened their eyes in surprise—they’d never seen their son behave like this.
“Esther! You—come here! You know we have a lot to talk about, right?”
“That’s right. You’re ready for it, aren’t you?”
At Dylan and Aaron’s words, Esther swallowed hard.
“Well, uh…”
Just as they reached out to grab her arms, a hand came from somewhere and pulled Esther into a tight embrace.
