Chapter 62
Tellus is the most important family I need to bring under my influence.
No, perhaps it’s more accurate to say it’s a family I need to save.
Tellus, which once formed the backbone of the Republic alongside us, collapsed just like we did after King Servius ascended the throne.
However, in their case, internal issues were far more significant than external enemies.
At the time, Tellus was plagued by a succession dispute.
The long-warring Tellus family had a strict rule: only one legitimate heir could inherit. But the birth of twins created a problem.
The twins, Titus Tellus and Tertia Telia.
Titus ultimately claimed victory, but his careless and reckless decisions hastened the family’s downfall.
Details of any deal between him and the king remain unclear, but Titus divided the Earth Legion into three parts, following the king’s instructions.
In a situation where a commander’s control was paramount, this proved to be a fatal misjudgment for Tellus.
Of course, the Tellus family also had someone with sound judgment.
Tertia Telia.
Though she could not become the head of the family due to Titus monopolizing support, her strategic mind was second to none.
“Stop the negotiations! Do not divide the troops!”
It was Titus’s sister, Tertia, storming into the meeting hall.
“No matter what happens, all three hundred must remain under Tellus’s command!”
She was described as having seen through King Servius’s schemes to some extent.
“This is a trap! King Tinitrius’s goal is not the victory of the Aeterna army, but to prevent the Earth Legion from becoming mercenaries!”
However, Tertia’s earnest plea fell on deaf ears with Titus.
“I am sorry, Your Majesty. My sister has long grown up wicked and immoral for unknown reasons, abandoned even by our benevolent parents. Her intentions are never those of Tellus. Allow me to personally apprehend her and restore the family’s honor.”
Titus even drew his sword on his sister. Tertia fled to the temple and barely survived.
This incident was recorded even in the records of our neighboring family, showing just how significant it was.
And in the end, Tertia was completely right.
The three divided legions struggled to unify their decisions.
The two commanders, excluding Titus, were manipulated by external schemes, worsening the situation.
Soon after, Titus died in battle, and the Earth Legion lost all control.
The consequences fell directly on our Fire Legion, leaving them to bear all the battles alone.
‘So the division of Tellus can be seen as one of the many causes that took Lord Abelus’s life.’
Because of this, I wanted Tertia, not Titus, to become the head of the Tellus family.
I had hoped to meet Tellus by chance at the Forum, maybe even become friends, but the problem was…
‘Of all people, I had to run into Titus Tellus first.’
The one dressed in a male tunic was undoubtedly Titus.
Perhaps because he was a famously foolish person, his behavior was extraordinary.
Instead of focusing on his studies and training, he mingled with commoners and played the role of a street leader.
I knew he was indecisive and short-sighted, but I hadn’t expected him to be this much of a mess already.
Titus, who had no idea what I was thinking, was cheerfully inspecting my gold coins one by one.
“Let’s see… this is what our family gave to Ignitus six years ago. How did it end up in the hands of lowly people like you?”
The boy’s eyes sparkled with excitement.
“Of course, it must’ve been stolen!”
The boy answered himself excitedly, and I stared at him in disbelief.
‘What on earth is he doing?’
“You might as well have stolen gold bars. I can’t even use these coins freely. And on top of stealing, you made me angry—terrible crime indeed.”
The boy chuckled, a mischievous laugh entirely at odds with his angelic face.
Then he stepped closer to us.
“…”
He tried to look down at us, but Io was taller, making the stance awkward. He seemed unsure what to do.
Soon, he snapped his fingers as if he had found a solution, using his power to raise the ground beneath him.
‘What is he doing?’
I frowned, but the boy ignored me and continued speaking.
“Choose wisely. If I report to the high-ups, you’ll be crucified as is.”
‘No way.’
That was an extreme punishment for a criminal. Even if we were real thieves, we wouldn’t face crucifixion.
When we stared blankly, not responding as expected, the boy scowled.
“You don’t seem to know how terrifying Ignitus is. If they catch you, they’d roast you alive!”
He seemed satisfied with his words and giggled for a while, then suddenly tried to coax us.
“Swear loyalty to me for life, and I’ll help you avoid capture.”
I flinched.
We were about to quietly leave after the theft of the storybook, but this was intolerable.
Daring to speak lightly of our family and then threatening loyalty!
“Miss…”
I quietly pushed the anxious Io behind me and stared directly at Titus.
“Return my coins. And this is my assistant, not a thief.”
“What?”
“And apologize for insulting Ignitus.”
“What are you talking about? Looks like she’s a sibling… but a short Ignitus like you, where in the world…”
He hit a sore spot.
A flare of anger erupted.
The grass under Titus caught fire.
“Ah!”
He screamed briefly, scattering the soil around him.
The raised ground sank back, and Titus fell hard on his back.
“You…!”
Even though it looked like he hurt his backside, he didn’t seem to care about the pain.
“Are you… really Ignitus?”
I silently gathered the embers in the air and blew them away.
“Wow… really. I can’t believe I’m meeting an Ignitus brat here.”
“Apologize. Ignitus doesn’t hurt people with powers. If you slander us again, I’ll report it to the family and hold you accountable.”
The boy seemed to gauge the truth of my words, then raised his hands in surrender.
“Sorry, sorry! Your family looks so scary, I thought it might be true. Calm down! I won’t do it again!”
Titus’s attitude flipped instantly. He seemed to understand that speaking carelessly about a neighboring family was wrong.
“But I have my grievances too! I thought you were thieves! People who don’t fear nobles won’t get it unless I talk like that!”
“….”
I glanced at Titus lying on the ground, his brown eyes flashing green like a missing recording.
‘Wish he weren’t so cute.’
I clicked my tongue softly.
How should I deal with this brat?
‘Should I scold him more? …No. He won’t reflect anyway. It’ll just drag on.’
Also, I need to learn about the Tellus situation, so it’s best not to act hastily. I don’t want to leave a bad impression on our first meeting.
I decided to wait for the right moment.
“Give me the coins.”
“Hmmm.”
But Titus held the coins up, twirled them, and smiled as if intrigued.
“No.”
“….”
Perhaps my threat wasn’t strong enough.
“Going out with only one maid, carrying a purse, and wearing a veil like a little brat.”
Muttering, Titus suddenly jumped up and thrust his face close to mine.
“…!”
I took a step back, startled.
“You snuck out, didn’t you? And you took this money without the adults’ permission too.”
