God of Knight

Chapter 10 - The Grandfather’s Rejection

“You’re awake, Young Master!” said Kenzou, who was standing by the bedroom window.

Morning light fell across the bed. Kazan had slept through Kenzou’s return and every sound afterward.

Once, the slightest movement near his sleeping place would have woken him. Now his body demanded sleep whether he wanted it or not.

“Eat this rice ball first; then we’ll leave right away!” said Kenzou.

Kazan quickly washed his face and rinsed his mouth, then ate the rice ball someone had placed on the table next to his bed.

Kazan asked nothing about what had happened the night before, but Kenzou told him the story himself.

“Last night turned out to be our lucky night. The village chief gave us money as a reward for capturing the members of the Blood Blade Circle! Unfortunately, one of them escaped,” said Kenzou.

Kazan listened while eating the rice ball, flavored with seasonings and meat.

“Young Master, once we reach the sect, I’ll introduce you to my granddaughter. I hope you’ll become friends, as close as siblings! Yes… she’s still young, but she’s cheerful and gets along easily with other children,” Kenzou said without prompting.

Kazan just smiled, then finished his meal.

“I’m done, Master. Let’s go!” said Kazan.

“It seems you still have quite an appetite! That’s good—the more you eat, the faster you’ll grow,” said Kenzou, and then he and Kazan left.

Outside the room, Kanezawa and Daigo were already waiting, sitting in chairs.

“Good morning, Young Master!” greeted Daigo.

“Kanezawa, have you paid the room rent to Grandma Chiyo yet?” asked Kenzou.

“I have, Master!” replied Kanezawa.

“In that case, let’s get going!”

The four of them immediately went out, mounted their horses, and continued their journey.

***

Haruki Enjou was sitting with his father, Haruki Jun, in a private room.

Jun lived in the same city, but quite far from Enjou’s home. Upon hearing that his son had taken in a child of unknown origin, he came to Enjou’s house two days after Kazan’s departure.

“Enjou! I really can’t believe it—how could you possibly give our family name to a child whose origins you don’t even know!” said Jun.

“What’s the problem, Dad? Is it wrong for me to take in that poor child and give him our family name?” asked Enjou.

“Wrong? You’re asking if it’s wrong? Of course it’s all wrong, Enjou!” Jun stood up, speaking harshly to Enjou.

“Do you think I’ll accept that mysterious adopted son of yours as my grandson? No way! I won’t acknowledge him—remember that well!” said Jun with a furious expression.

“It’s up to you, Father, whether you acknowledge Haruki Kazan as your grandson, but to us, he’ll always be our son!” Enjou said firmly.

“Haruki Kazan? Don’t attach my ancestral surname to that child. Remember, the Haruki family is a respectable family—not some street gang! Take that to heart, Enjou!” said Jun.

“I’m sorry, Father. People may have deferred to our family, but they despised how we treated them.”

People bowed to the Haruki family, but Jun had seldom noticed the resentment behind those lowered heads.

Enjou had spent years trying to give people another reason to approach a Haruki.

When the poor came to him, he gave alms instead of sending them away.

He listened to old and young alike and returned their greetings without asking their station.

The King had praised Enjou’s conduct, calling him the best of his officials.

The praise had brought enemies as well as honor.

Shortly after Enjou married Kazane, jealous officials had hired the Demon Mask to kill him. She was the daughter of a wealthy merchant of the Sayuri family.

Kenzou had stood between the assassin and the couple, buying them time to escape.

Jun pointed at him, his face darkening.

“How dare you speak so insolently, Enjou! How dare you speak ill of our family’s name? Have you forgotten that it is this very family that has made you the most respected person?” said Jun, glaring at him.

“What kind of ‘honor’ are you talking about, Father? Is being shunned by society considered honorable? That’s not honor—it’s a disgraced family!”

“Shut your mouth!”

SMACK!

Jun slapped Enjou, and the sound brought Kazane rushing over.

“Enough—stop this argument!” said Kazane.

“Don’t interfere, daughter-in-law. This is our family’s business, so you’d better go inside!” said Jun, who was still upset.

“Father-in-law, if you want to blame Enjou for adopting that child, you’re wrong! I’m the one who asked him to adopt the child and give him our family name, so just take it out on me!” said Kazane.

“You…!”

Jun’s hand rose again. Kazane closed her eyes and braced herself.

Enjou caught his father’s wrist before the palm could reach her face.

“If you so much as slap Kazane, I’ll never forgive you!” said Enjou.

“You still dare to defy me, Enjou? Just for the sake of that street-child wife and child, you dare to defy your father, who has cared for and raised you to become the person you are today?”

“I’m sorry, Dad. I don’t want to defy you. Slap me as much as you like, but never hit Kazane—she’s pregnant!” said Enjou.

Jun’s arm slackened in Enjou’s grip. He looked at Kazane, then back at his son.

“Pregnant? Your wife is pregnant?” asked Jun.

“That’s right, Dad. Kazane is in the early stages of her pregnancy! So please don’t hurt her or even make her sad, because if that happens, my child might never be born,” said Enjou.

His gaze lingered on Kazane as though he were seeing her for the first time that day.

Enjou let go of his wrist. Jun lowered his hand, and a smile slowly replaced his scowl.

“You should have told me! Now I’ll have a real grandchild! But… ah, never mind. Daughter-in-law, get plenty of rest. Don’t overwork yourself.”

“Dad—” Enjou wanted to bring up Kazan again, but Kazane stopped him to prevent another argument.

“Please forgive my behavior earlier! Enjou, take your wife to rest! Now I’m going home to share this joyful news with our branch family!” Jun hurried off, eager to tell them.

“Kazane! Why did you stop me from talking about Kazan?” asked Enjou.

“Come on, Enjou, don’t make things more complicated. Let it be if your father won’t acknowledge Kazan as his grandson! I’m sure he’ll come around eventually and even love Kazan more than his own grandchild!” said Kazane.

“Why are you so sure of that?” asked Enjou.

“I’m sure because I’m his mother!” said Kazane.