Hi everyone! Quick note: in the previous two chapters I mistranslated a name. I used "Big-Eyed Frog" instead of "Kerropi" (the frog from Japanese cartoon). Back then I couldn't find the correct name and went with a literal translation, but it finally clicked today. Sorry about that!
If you spot any mistakes in the text or the translation, please let me know and I'll fix them right away. Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this, and enjoy your reading!
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The reason Morrow sincerely thanked Maha was primarily because Maha had, in a way, granted Kalluto the freedom to break free from his restraints.
This way, Morrow could confidently take Kalluto away under the "pretext of a commission."
With Kalluto's ability as assistance, whether it was hunting targets to level up or the subsequent ambush on Feitan, his role would be irreplaceable.
As for the standard of commission fees...
Morrow had never concerned himself with such matters.
However, the money in his current account truly couldn't cover the cost of a long-term commission.
At present, the golden astrolabe and Selma's Golden Scepter hadn't gone up for auction yet.
If he wanted to secure the money in advance, he would have to accept the buyout price offered by the Southernpiece Auction House.
This price would undoubtedly be far lower than what the items could fetch at auction.
After all, the unique aspect of auctions was the competitive bidding that drove the prices of rare items higher.
Morrow considered the state of his wallet but didn't see it as a problem.
Meanwhile, Kalluto turned and walked toward Silva and the others standing before the massive stone gate, intending to inform them about the "long-term commission" and seek their approval.
Unbeknownst to him, Silva and the others had already heard every word of the earlier conversation.
Naturally, they knew that the youngest and most obedient child in the family had long since turned his allegiance outward.
"Kalluto, come with me."
Kikyo's impatience got the better of her. Without waiting for Kalluto to explain the long-term commission, she lifted her bell skirt and turned to walk through the Testing Gate.
Tsubone, who had remained silent all this while, perceptively pushed open the first stone gate, allowing Kikyo to pass through.
Kalluto froze for a moment, instinctively looking toward Silva.
"Go ahead."
Silva merely said this softly.
He knew that, given the circumstances, no matter how strongly Kikyo objected, she would have to accept the situation.
Calling Kalluto over now wasn't about re-asserting control.
Silva only said "go ahead," but the calm and steady tone instantly put Kalluto at ease.
Then Kalluto jogged through the Testing Gate to catch up with Kikyo.
—--
At the same time, outside the Testing Gate, only Silva, Tsubone, Morrow, and Zebro, who had retreated into the security booth like an ostrich, remained.
As for Illumi, he had already used Milluki, who had actively offered his face for a slap, to slip through the Testing Gate while Morrow and Kalluto were talking.
Silva looked at Morrow, and Morrow looked back at Silva.
The two silently locked eyes, seemingly with no intention of further conversation.
Silva recalled the words spoken by his great-grandfather earlier, which undoubtedly served as an acknowledgment of Morrow.
This alone was enough for Silva to entrust Kalluto to Morrow with complete peace of mind, even if Kalluto wasn't yet of age to venture out on his own.
Morrow, on the other hand, thought back to Silva's attack on the Phantom Troupe the previous year.
The sheer audacity of striking decisively in front of most of the Troupe was something Morrow still remembered vividly.
It was also thanks to Silva's intervention that he had gained equally crucial experience from Omokage.
—--
While Morrow and Silva silently faced each other, inside the Testing Gate, Kikyo stopped and turned to look at Kalluto.
Despite the confidence instilled by Maha and Silva, Kalluto still hung his head like a child who had done something wrong, not daring to meet Kikyo's gaze.
Though Kikyo was in a foul mood, she was, after all, the matriarch of the family. She wouldn't let her emotions interfere with important matters. From the moment Maha intervened and acknowledged Morrow, the matter was already set in stone.
"Kalluto, remember my next words clearly."
"Yes, Mother."
Kalluto suddenly felt an inexplicable pressure. She was actually quite accustomed to it, but this time it was especially intense, so she braced herself seriously.
Kikyo looked down at Kalluto's lowered head and said solemnly, "You must remember, you're a girl. When you're alone with that boy, you must maintain proper boundaries and keep your distance, understand!?"
"M-Mother..."
Kalluto felt her head spinning. She cherished this hard-won friendship and couldn't understand why Mother always insisted on making decisions for her. For the first time, she resisted this increasingly oppressive, distorted form of love.
Kikyo paid no attention to Kalluto's inner turmoil, continuing forcefully with her own agenda: "Also..."
The deep, gloomy forest echoed with a mother's incessant lecturing.
—--
Morrow, of course, had no idea what Kalluto was going through, only wondering why it was taking so long.
But he wasn't worried about Kikyo changing her mind at the last minute.
Based on his general understanding of the Zoldyck Family, Maha wouldn't interfere in family affairs, but once he stepped in, everyone had to defer to his opinion.
Such was the weight of the eldest.
Half an hour passed.
An hour passed.
Two hours passed...
Still no sign of Kalluto.
Morrow frowned slightly, beginning to doubt his earlier judgment.
Before the Testing Gate, Silva also frowned faintly.
Fortunately, none of them were normal people, possessing extraordinary patience. They wouldn't feel awkward during such a prolonged wait.
Had he known Kikyo would take this long, Silva might as well have invited Morrow in for tea from the start.
Tsubone, however, remained perfectly composed. Unlike Silva and Kikyo, she wasn't bound by the constraints of a "parent-child" relationship.
After nearly three hours, the Testing Gate finally opened.
It was Amane in her butler uniform who pushed the gate open, allowing Kikyo and Kalluto to step out.
Amane then withdrew her hand to close the gate, glancing discreetly at Morrow, who had been waiting outside.
Before coming here, she had seen Milluki's bruised face and Illumi's disheveled appearance, giving her a basic understanding of this "dispute."
"To think he could make Young Master Illumi suffer..."
Amane mused silently.
Silva, Tsubone, and Morrow immediately turned their attention to Kikyo and Kalluto as they finally emerged.
Then they noticed the numerous bags Kalluto was carrying.
No wonder it took so long.
Morrow and Silva sighed inwardly in unison, though neither showed any impatience on their faces.
"Hey."
Kikyo pointed her lace fan at Morrow, her tone cold and pointed. "Do you really need someone to teach you basic manners?"
...
Morrow understood immediately and stepped forward to help Kalluto with her bags.
Kalluto lowered her eyes sheepishly, wanting to refuse but not daring to defy Kikyo's will.
Morrow gave her a reassuring look.
Kikyo snorted openly at this exchange.
Pretending not to hear, Morrow nodded slightly at Silva and Tsubone before turning to leave with the bags.
"Father, Mother, I'm off."
Kalluto bid farewell to Silva and Kikyo.
This mission would take some time; she wouldn't be returning home for a while.
"Mm."
Silva responded steadily.
"Kalluto, don't forget what I told you earlier!"
Before parting, Kikyo reminded him sternly.
Kalluto nodded obediently. "Yes, Mother."
With that, Kalluto turned and ran toward Morrow.
Silva and Kikyo watched Kalluto's retreating figure, easily noticing the lightness and eagerness in his steps.
Rumble...
The Testing Gate opened again.
This time, it was Illumi who stepped out.
He had already tidied his appearance and changed into fresh clothes.
As for the Keroppi fleece hat and Keroppi children's watch, they had been tossed into a corner of his room.
After all, they were gifts from his great-grandfather. No matter how much he disliked them, he wouldn't throw them in the trash.
Illumi looked ahead at the two figures walking side by side. He had come out specifically to see Kalluto off.
At the same time, he cast a cold, sharp gaze at Morrow's back.
Morrow sensed it and immediately turned around, expressionlessly meeting Illumi's eyes.
The two locked in an intense stare.
Then Kalluto tugged at Morrow's sleeve.
Morrow instantly understood Kalluto's meaning and decisively averted his gaze, ignoring the attention-seeking Illumi.
"Is Killua not home?"
After looking away, Morrow asked casually.
Kalluto nodded. "Mm, Brother is on a mission."
"You should still let Killua know later."
Morrow reminded him.
The fact that Illumi, despite losing face, still came out specifically to see Kalluto off showed just how much the Zoldyck Family valued "family."
Since Killua didn't know about this yet, Kalluto should take the initiative to tell him.
"Mm."
Kalluto smiled.
Morrow walked down the slope and glanced back at the Testing Gate visible at the top. Silva and the others were no longer in sight.
It suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't used the Testing Gate to measure his training progress.
But given the circumstances, he couldn't very well push open the Testing Gate in front of the entire Zoldyck Family.
Though he didn't get his wish, his fight with Illumi had served as a decent test of his abilities.
"By the way, did you pay your great-grandfather to come out?"
Morrow asked about Maha's personal appearance.
He had heard from Kalluto that family members could "bid" to make deals, so he wondered if that was the case here.
"I didn't pay anything. Besides, Great-Grandfather has always stayed out of family affairs and hasn't left the house in a long time."
Kalluto shook his head.
Morrow grew curious. "Then why did he help you this time?"
"Because of Keroppi."
Kalluto gently grasped the fan tucked into his obi.
"Huh?"
Morrow was taken aback.
A faint smile played at the corners of Kalluto's lips. "During a family gathering once, Great-Grandfather saw the Keroppi fan you specially made for me. Ever since then, he often asks me to watch Keroppi cartoons with him."
...
Morrow was momentarily speechless.
Kalluto continued smiling. "I also told Great-Grandfather that you really like Keroppi."
"?
Morrow looked utterly confused. "So you're saying your great-grandfather helped because of that fan I gave you?"
"Mm-hmm."
Kalluto nodded lightly. What was originally an extremely tricky situation was easily resolved due to a shared love for Keroppi.
"Morrow, actually Keroppi is quite adorable."
"Who says it isn't?"
While sighing with emotion, Morrow glanced at the latest Keroppi hair hoop on Kalluto's head.
It was clear that during the process of accompanying Maha in catching up on Keroppi animations, Kalluto must have grown fond of Keroppi too.
Otherwise, in the past, Kalluto would have shown strong resistance to wearing such a conspicuous hair hoop.
In reality, although Kalluto no longer disliked Keroppi, he hadn't yet reached the point of accepting "wearing a Keroppi hair hoop outside."
It's just that Maha had personally put it on Kalluto earlier, so Kalluto wouldn't casually take it off.
What mattered wasn't whether he liked it or not, but rather to respect and accept the sentiments of those close to him.
Kalluto had always thought this way.
"But it's also my fault for not going to Great-Grandfather sooner, which led to Illumi doing such a thing."
Kalluto still hadn't gotten over the fact that Morrow got hurt because of him.
Seeing the self-reproach in Kalluto's eyes, Morrow thought to himself that even if you had gone to Maha for help earlier, my fight with Illumi was inevitable.
In fact, Maha had even tacitly acknowledged the possibility that I might be killed by Illumi.
In the end, many things still came down to fists, both to settle matters and to increase one's own weight.
Of course, Morrow couldn't tell Kalluto these things, nor did he comfort him. Instead, he smiled and said, "Then think about how you're going to make it up to me."
Using words to comfort Kalluto would be useless. He understood Kalluto. In situations like this, proposing compensation would actually help Kalluto move on faster.
"Tell me!"
Kalluto suddenly looked up at Morrow, very serious, with an air of being ready to fulfill any request Morrow might make, no matter what.
This showed just how guilty Kalluto felt.
Morrow seized the moment to make his request: "Let's hold off on the deposit for the commission. I'll pay you after I sell the prize from Battle Olympia."
"That's all?"
Kalluto was stunned.
"Of course."
Morrow laughed. "This would be a huge help."
"Alright."
A smile re-appeared on Kalluto's face, but then he thought of something else.
"Morrow, about the payment..."
"What is it?"
Morrow noticed the hesitation on Kalluto's face.
Kalluto whispered, "Mom said, she said..."
"Hmm?"
Morrow looked puzzled.
Kalluto didn't dare to look directly at Morrow, his voice as soft as a mosquito's hum. "Mom said the commission fee is 50 billion, and it must be transferred to her designated account..."
"What!?"
Even though Morrow didn't care much about money, hearing Kikyo's outrageous demand made his eyes widen.
"Your mom really..."
Morrow barely managed to swallow certain words.
Kalluto quickly added, "I didn't agree to that price, but I don't have the final say. But it's okay, I have over 30 billion..."
"Kalluto."
Morrow reached out and patted Kalluto's head, cutting him off.
"You're underestimating your mom too much."
"What?"
Kalluto's big eyes filled with confusion.
Morrow sighed. "Your money is definitely gone by now, or unusable."
"Huh?"
Kalluto let out a disbelieving sound of shock, immediately took out his phone to check, and soon stood frozen like a wooden chicken.
Morrow subtly shook his head, then changed the subject. "Didn't I ask you to inform Killua earlier? Here, I'll send you a photo."
...
—--
Inside a mansion.
Killua stepped over the scattered corpses and firearms, his expression revealing a trace of weariness. Unbothered by the blood staining his shoes, he silently walked away.
Once outside the mansion, Killua looked up at the gloomy, overcast sky. His eyes mirrored the same hue as the darkened heavens.
Buzz.
Killua lowered his gaze and pulled out his phone from his pocket. When he opened it, a photo immediately appeared.
Instantly, his pupils trembled violently.
"Ha... haha!"
Under the oppressive sky, a burst of carefree laughter suddenly rang out, but it lasted only a moment.
So envious...
Killua murmured to himself.