Chapter 43: Confessed
’Haah...I still have a long way to go....’ Kevin heaved a long sigh as he lay on the makeshift bed they had prepared and gazed at his system screen
For someone who was supposed to change the fate of this world, he had very awful stats at the moment.
He has received a third-tier blessing from the Goddess of Darkness, and with her assistance, he would be able to reach a stage where he would be quite useful to the main character of the world.
Not to mention, the system helps him track his physical status, allows him to focus on the aspects he lacks, and even rewards him once he finishes a quest.
However, despite that, he was still at the stage where he would be killed by a Havoc class, like the monster who attacked the town back then.
He could surely take down the hounds who wounded him fatally, but beings like ogres or orcs...would be too much for his current self. And believe it or not, he has the potential to reach the EX-rank.
’Soon...I would be meeting them. The main characters.’ He would meet at least three main characters in the capital. Two of them are the main couple, and one is...an important part of the plot, but a complex character for the story.
They are already at the next level for their age. They would be playing a significant role in the future, after all.
’I will try to keep myself out of the limelight.’ Kevin doesn’t want to bring himself anywhere close to the main cast since, in the future, they would be surrounded by dangers. Although he would support them, he would do that from the shadows.
"Everything is fine, Kevin?" Hearing his mother’s voice, Kevin was surprised, as he asked,
"You aren’t sleeping?"
"Felt you are restless. Is there anything worrying you?"
Felt huh...Kevin couldn’t tell how someone could feel how others were feeling.
Well, he didn’t ask her and told his mother, "Just sometimes I feel that I am not good enough. That I can do better...like Arthur."
Yes, Arthur...if he had been in his place, he would have been able to handle things better. For him to have the knowledge of the future might have changed everything.
He is calm, mature, and undeniably strong.
Suddenly, he felt her fingers running through his hair as Virelle whispered, "Don’t compare yourself with anyone. You are special as you are. While Arthur has his good points, you also have some." After a brief pause, in a much softer voice, she said,
"So, rather than thinking what you don’t have, rejoice in what you have and try to polish it. Once you focus on that, you will surpass whom you once envied."
Kevin’s eyes widened slightly, but then once he registered her words and understood what she meant, he felt his heart much calmer.
"Mm...thank you, mum."
*******
Outside the camp, Arthur and Aston were sitting before the campfire and cooking some potatoes...even though their stomachs were full.
Why? They don’t know. Just the campfire without potatoes felt incomplete.
The hooting of the howl, the occasional rustling of the bushes, and the crackling firewood created very serene surroundings as they enjoyed the peace-
"I killed the former Viscount."
...well, not for long.
Aston’s eyes widened as he turned towards his son, "A-Art?" He couldn’t believe his son was making such a...dangerous joke.
"It’s the truth, Father. I went to the personal Villa of the former Viscount and killed him. Just like that." Arthur confessed without an ounce of hesitation or amusement in his eyes.
It took him some time, but Aston swallowed the fact that his son had actually killed his father-in-law.
"...so, the one whom the reporter couldn’t find is you?" He asked. In the newspapers, it has been quite the highlight that a being arrived at the former Viscount’s villa, slaughtered all the soldiers, tortured the man, killed him, and left, leaving no traces behind.
Arthur slowly nodded, "Yes...The day after I brought you back, I went there...and it happened."
Aston looked down on the ground as he heard his son adding, "I think the King has invited us because he knows....that’s why I am telling you now so you don’t receive a shock."
Aston guessed so. However, rather than the satisfaction of discerning the sudden invitation from the king, he was stressed about something else.
"Son...did you kill him because you were angry?"
"He was an unnecessary evil, so I got rid of him." Looking at his father, he added, "But yes, majorly because I was angry at him for hurting you."
He was so straight-faced about it that it was slightly frightening.
You don’t come across a ten-year-old who talks about murdering hundreds just because their family member was hurt.
There was something Aston had long discerned about Arthur.
Judging him based on the standards of a kid would only make things complicated.
Treating him like an adult would be much better here, so he said,
"I am not sure what the King would say this time, but considering the former Viscount’s illegal activities, he would most probably reward you...but in the future, you need to be mindful of whom you target. A single mistake and you would be branded as a criminal in this society. I have seen it with my eyes, so I can tell you."
Arthur nodded, "I will be careful not to unnecessarily harm someone." After a bit of pause, he added, "...unless they don’t harm you three, I won’t care what others do."
Aston gave a soft laugh, "Look at you, talking like a man already. I bet many girls would be head over heels for you with those looks and that personality."
Arthur gave a dry laugh, "I really want to stay away from all that crap for now."
He was happy being focused on his training and hunting. He doesn’t want to bring the unnecessary Chapter of romance into his life.
Again.
He has only loved someone once...and he feels she would be the last.
’I wonder if I will see her there...’
There was no hope or expectation, just pure curiosity about how his past friends/enemies look now.
"You should sleep now, too, Art." Aston urged not so long after they finished eating the potatoes.
They were sweet and mushy. Just the perfect
Arthur stretched his arms and asked, "You really don’t want to sleep?"
Aston shook his head, "Thanks to your brother, I had a good sleep. You can go and rest now."
Arthur nodded and got up.
Just as he was about to turn, he called out, "Father...is there any way to hide my involvement with Viscount Turner’s murder from Mom?"
Aston was surprised...but then he realized why Arthur wanted such.
After a brief pause, he said, "I will try my best, son."
Arthur gave a nod before heading inside the tent.
The next day, they reached the Capital.
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A/N: Thank you for choosing my novel.