Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 735: Section 505: Wisdom is the Most Dangerous Weapon in Human Hands (Part Three)_2

Chapter 735: Section 505: Wisdom is the Most Dangerous Weapon in Human Hands (Part Three)_2

"I understand, and I understand even better the mission our family has borne. In the five millennia before destruction approaches, our family has striven tirelessly, hoping to change the world’s fate, tainted by Chaos and evil, but our family has failed, just as countless others have in this era... In the end, our family has become what it is today, devoid of honor, devoid of dignity. A family that once held the heart of a savior has totally failed."

Saying this, the old man looked at Lulu, his face breaking into a fervent smile, "But this child Malin, he has given me, an old dreamer, one last chance at redemption. Everything he’s done in the south is steering the world in the direction we always wished to push it. For this reason, I agreed to my foolish sons’ requests, to reach this moment where you, child, can change destiny. There used to be a line on our family crest, ’All for one, one for all’... When your child inherits this family, you can inscribe it there again."

"Why... Grandfather, haven’t you always wanted to continue the family legacy? Would my uncles agree to this?"

"There isn’t much time left for me or for them. I believe they will make choices that benefit our family, but if they fail to do so, then it is necessary that we have the resolve to change everything."

The conversation between grandfather and granddaughter ended there, and the old man looked at Lulu, "What do you think of Malin?"

"He’s outstanding, outstanding to the point of my utmost respect. You wouldn’t understand; he’s the kind of person who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He kills without compunction, he is cold and ruthless, yet he applies these most grievous of means on the most righteous of paths," Lulu replied.

Her answer made the old man laugh heartily, "That’s right, in this world of despair, love and peace alone cannot save everyone. He’s a good boy, perfect for you, my child. Go on, marry him, give birth to strong and healthy children, and then... turn this detested house of yours into what you envision it to be."

Lulu looked at the old man before her, feeling once again the love and despair the family had brought her.

"I can’t, my grandfather, I can’t change this family. This is what you’ve spent your life protecting, and I... I will marry Mr. Malin, but this family will never be mine." With these words, as if making a vow, Lulu picked up her large hat and put it on, then she stood up, "Grandfather, I must leave now, may you live a long life."

......

"Alright, go then, my child. The marriage alliance proposal for the family will be delivered to Princess Faye within a week, and your destiny, too, will reach a crossroads..." Watching Lulu slam the door and leave, the old man sat in his chair, his already stooped figure growing heavier. Eventually, he stood up; the old man who coughed and covered his mouth with a handkerchief, after the fit subsided, shook his head upon seeing the bloodstain on the handkerchief.

There wasn’t much time left for himself; when he was gone, this family would ultimately shatter under the misguided hands of his foolish children, just like a toy thrown to the ground.

My Lulu, my dear granddaughter, do you know that one day, you will remember everything that your grandfather said today, and at that moment, you will surely have your child with Malin rebuild this broken family.

Oh, my ancestors, we have failed. The Hagelberry family has strived for eight millennia and still has not revitalized civilization; instead, our family has degenerated, no longer the noble house founded by the vow-taking sages of yore.

We’ve lost all virtue, lost the last Armored Knight, and even lost our right to access the refuge.

But Lulu, there’s a glint of virtue in this child, and during her time with Malin, she has been growing. In the reports she has written, that boy called Malin has proven as steadfast as forged steel. If there’s to be a Savior from the Tide of the Dead, it would surely be him.

The Hagelberry family must save this world at all costs. If we cannot be heroes, then let us become the kindling at the hero’s side, supporting him, providing light to illuminate and wings to soar on his noblest of crusades.

May the Lord have mercy on the Hagelberry family, may our actions bear the weight of redemption.

May there be an eternal tribute to the unwavering dedication of the Hagelberry family on the monument of a reborn civilization.

May the Lord have mercy on the Hagelberry family.

......

Malin was informed by a guard from the Demon Hunter Guild that Lulu had come to see him, which was when he excused himself from the munitions trade meeting and headed to the hall, only to see a girl on the verge of tears.

For some reason, at that moment, Malin felt that what manifested in the girl was that of someone who had lost a part of herself.

"What’s wrong?" Malin asked.

"...My grandfather, my grandfather is about to..." The girl couldn’t finish her sentence, choking up as she recounted everything she had seen and heard.

When Malin learned that the old man from the Hagelberry family was willing to entrust the entire family to him, he was nevertheless moved by his decisiveness.

In Lulu’s eyes, the old man had appeared very robust, but for some reason, she always felt that he was at the end of his rope. As she walked out the door, she turned her head and saw through the clear glass that the old man was staring absentmindedly at the handkerchief in his hand, dark red blood still visible at the corner of his mouth.