"Lord Eugene! Have you seen the news!?"
"Quiet down. If you're referring to that article, I've already read it."
It was a typical morning at the Clay Estate. In a study as grand as one would expect from a prestigious noble house, Eugene Clay, Yugo’s father, sat reading the newspaper. He replied without looking up, casting only a dismissive glance at the servant who had come rushing into the room clutching a copy of the same daily.
The front page carried a bold headline: "Massive Terrorist Incident on Wind Island! Resolved by Luminous Academy Students!!" The article went into great detail about how the students had devoted themselves to ending the crisis.
"To think such a nightmare occurred where Master Yugo and Master Fee were taking their school trip...! Are they safe, my lord?"
"The report says there were no fatalities, so they should be fine. Besides, we've received no official notice of injury."
"But, just in case..."
"Hmph... your fretfulness is as tiresome as ever. I have already dispatched men to gather more information. They should return shortly; you can hear the details from them then."
Eugene let out a tired sigh as he spoke to the elderly servant. Despite the fact that the boys had been disowned, the old man had looked after Yugo and Fee since they were children and remained deeply worried for them.
Just as the servant felt a dual sense of relief—noting that Eugene still seemed to care for his sons in his own way—the study door swung open forcefully once again, and another servant burst inside.
"Lord Eugene, it's incredible news!"
"Must everyone be so frantic today? Is it too much to ask for someone to open a door quietly?"
"What do you mean 'incredible'!? Did something happen to Master Yugo or Master Fee!?"
As Eugene held his head in his hands at the disruption, the elderly servant, sensing something ominous, turned pale and pressed the newcomer for answers.
In response, the young servant shook his head vigorously and gave his report.
"No, they are both unharmed! What’s incredible is Master Yugo's performance... his exploits were beyond belief!"
"Exploits? What are you talking about?"
"Actually... reports have come in from Wind Island stating that it was Master Yugo himself who defeated the mastermind behind the incident. Not only that, but he was personally responsible for suppressing nearly all of the frequent crimes and capturing the perpetrators."
At this, not even Eugene could hide his shock, let alone the elderly servant.
As the two of them stood speechless at the idea of the profligate son performing such heroic deeds, the reporting servant continued.
"The island residents, the Security Force, and even the local politicians are overflowing with gratitude toward Master Yugo; he’s being hailed as a hero across the entire island. It's only a matter of time before word of this spreads here as well."
"I find that hard to believe. That Yugo resolved the incident? If so, why hasn't his name appeared in any of the official press releases?"
"Master Yugo flatly refused any commendations from the island authorities. He even insisted that his name be kept out of the reports as the primary contributor. According to our sources, he claimed that defeating the mastermind was only possible because everyone on the island worked together, and that it wasn't a victory he achieved alone."
"Hmph...! For a glory-seeking fool, he’s certainly learned how to sound admirable..."
Eugene’s expression shifted, a faint trace of satisfaction crossing his face.
Seeing his master’s narrow-eyed smile, the young servant swallowed hard and, knowing it was an impertinent suggestion, made a bold proposal.
"Forgive my audacity, Lord Eugene... but I have a suggestion."
"Speak. What is it?"
"Might you consider reinstating Master Yugo as the Next Head of the House of Clay?"
The elderly servant's eyes widened in shock at the young man's daring.
As Eugene stared intently at him, the young servant continued with growing passion in his voice.
"As you well know, Lord Eugene, a struggle is currently unfolding within the House of Clay among those seeking the seat of the next head of the house in Master Yugo’s absence. The conflict is spreading quietly but steadily, and there is no sign of it subsiding!"
"………"
"If you recall Master Yugo and designate him as your successor once more, it would put an end to this chaos! He may have been disowned once, but his recent achievements are more than enough to justify revoking that decision!"
While some details regarding Wind Island remained unconfirmed, there was no doubt that Master Yugo had played the decisive role.
If one included his previous feats—protecting Yamato's Warrior Shrine Maidens, defeating the wanted criminal Zaraki, and thwarting Koumaru's plot to steal the Dragon Power—his record was already beyond reproach.
"Master Yugo is not the person he once was! He has grown into a man truly worthy of carrying the House of Clay on his shoulders. From here, my lord, it all depends on your heart!"
"………"
"Please... for the sake of the future of the House of Clay, make your decision!!"
The servant bowed deeply, imploring Eugene to return Yugo to his birthright.
Eugene, who had listened in silence, remained still for a long moment with his eyes closed. Finally, he let out a heavy sigh and turned a sharp, piercing gaze toward the young servant.