Chapter 41: Family
The Guardian of Dawn Castle requests an audience with the Lord.
Yuma, with her unique horn, slightly lifted the hem of her dress in a formal bow.
Strong, dignified, and beautiful.
Three words were enough to describe the woman named Yuma.
Youve been coming around quite often lately.
There were few to whom Yuma showed such respect.
The man, Glen Prient, looked down upon Yuma as if it was natural.
His demeanor clearly expressed who was superior and who was inferior.
But compared to Yuma, who was dressed in a beautiful dress, Glen looked rather raggedy.
His long hair was carelessly tied back, and his face sported an unkempt beard.
There was no need to mention his attire.
Laying on the ground without even a mat, his muddy coat and worn-out leather sandals would make anyone aware of his status scoff.
Youll need to visit the castle soon.
This was also true for Yuma. Even though she had been at the castle a few months ago and changed her attire then, she was now facing someone dressed almost like a beggar.
Yet, Glen frowned at Yumas concern, just like a teenage son who was embarrassed by his parents scolding.
Nagging
If caring words are nagging, then Ill do it all the more. Although Ill have to come here more often.
Suit yourself.
Glen scratched the back of his head and sighed softly.
From a young age, it was hard for him to shake off his sloppy attitude, and Yumas constant nagging followed him. Even as the head of a great family, it remained the same. Avoiding her gaze, he pointed towards a spot near the campfire.
Sit down first. Its awkward to keep standing.
The spot he pointed to was bare ground, hardly suitable for a well-dressed lady to sit on.
Though the head of a great family treated those below him rather crudely,
Thats very true.
Yuma just smiled.
For her, location or tools werent an issue.
It was simply created.
Clap-
With a clap as a signal, the ground rose and formed a table, chairs, and a tea set.
In the middle of the camping site, a neat pavilion was set up, and the smoky air was replaced by the scent of tea.
Let me know if you need anything else.
Yuma poured black tea from the teapot into a cup.
But instead of taking the tea, Glen stretched out his hand towards her.
The letter.
What he wanted in this situation was just one thing. He had a fragmented memory from a dream where Yuma handed him a letter. Glen disliked having knowledge of future events.
Here it is.
Yuma took out a letter from her pocket and placed it on the table.
The folded letter was sealed with a wax seal. Ignoring the paper knife prepared by Yuma, Glen broke the seal.
Soon, he started reading the letter with his deep-set eyes.
To my beloved father,
Having overcome the many trials of the succession ceremony, I finally have the chance to write to you.
Are you doing well, father?
Ive been getting along well with my little sister.
I always wanted a sister, and I wonder how you knew and granted my wish? Thanks to her, every day is joyful. But I cant help but wonder.
Dawn Castle is too stifling and dull to confine heroes, so I decided to follow my uncle. Lucia feels the same way.
If you come to see us, we probably wont be at Dawn Castle.
P.S.
I heard from uncle that you can see the future? If thats true, when will I die?
Thud-
Glen placed the letter back on the table.
Oh dear
Glen sighed heavily, groaning. Yet his reaction did not seem to come from pain or fatigue. As he moved his hand away, his eyes sparkled as if he had seen something amusing.
Yuma.
Yes, Master.
Do you know the content of the letter?
Do I look like a worm who would dare do things without permission?
Then read it.
With Glens permission, Yuma reached for the letter on the table.
As Yuma calmly read the letter, her eyes widened in surprise. Glen interrupted,
I expected some shocking content But even though I was prepared, this was unexpected
Reaching for his tea as if his throat was parched, Glen continued,
A child asking their father about the time of his death. Yuma, did you instruct this?
No.
How disturbing. My brother would never teach Shiron the power of prophecy first.
Glen, with an expression of having had a revelation, looked at Yuma with a sarcastic smile. His eyes seemed to be expecting some kind of explanation.
However, Yuma could not speak. Shiron disliked it when she talked too much.
It seems you have reasons you cant share with me.
Glen tapped the table with his fingers.
As far as Glen knew, Shiron never left Dawn Castle. The only one who had been watching Shirons every move was Yuma. There shouldnt be anything about Shiron that Yuma didnt know.
After a pause, Glen arrived at a conclusion.
Shiron has captured your heart. To think you prioritize him over me, the master.
Hes truly a charming young master.
Yuma directed a subtle smile at the man before her.
Like father, like son?
Their sly smiles strangely resembled each other. The listless look in his eyes was replaced with excitement.
Its clear Shiron will be the next master. Hes won your heart.
Stretching his limbs, Glen rose from his seat.
His eyes hinted at an impending intense battle.
Rumbling-
From afar, a dark thunder approached.
It seems we wont have time to write a reply.
The Apostle?
Just convey, I dont know.
Glen felt no need to lie.
For some reason, the power of prophecy, which slightly lifted the curtain of fate, did not show Shirons future.
Imperial Capital.
Thank you for your patience.
Berta bowed deeply to Hugo. She held a small briefcase in her hand. A strained sound came from her tightly gripped hand.
Shiron approached Berta and whispered,
Relax. Dont act differently and give yourself away.
Dont worry.
Looking at Shiron, Berta smirked. She recalled the mock interview she had with Shiron over the past two days. Shiron had considered all imaginable scenarios and trained her to respond to them.
Take care! Police Sister!
As if they had become close in the meantime, Siriel waved at the departing Berta.
Despite the fatigue from the long flight, Lucia still seemed full of energy, so childlike.
Everything had moved swiftly since disembarking at the platform.
After entrusting the follow-up tasks to Johan, Hugo called for a carriage, having lightened his luggage.
Dressed in a suit rather than armor, Hugo, having shaved his scruffy beard, looked all the more a clean-cut, muscular gentleman.
Hey there.
Hugo stopped the carriage and visited a flower shop.
A moment later.
A large bouquet was in Hugos hand.
My goodness
Good heavens
His appearance made Encia and Ophilia, who were in another carriage, widen their eyes in surprise.
For a good reason.
Hugo, who seemed more like a bandit than a knight, was showing his sweet side. Having known him for the first 18 years of his life, the ladies naturally doubted their own eyes.
Finally, at Hugos mansion.
The mansion, evidently situated in a pristine area fit for the wealthy, rivaled Dawn Castle in size and splendor. No, if Dawn Castle looked like a medieval castle, Hugos mansion seemed like one built about 500 years after the Middle Ages.
And then.
Noticing the return of its master, the mansions front gates swung open.
The carriage passed through a courtyard lined with maids and only stopped at the very end.
As the door opened, a woman who looked just like Siriel was visible.
Youre back.
With a smile as radiant as a full-blown lily, the woman was Eldrina, Siriels mother.
Hugo handed her the bouquet.
A blushing Eldrina bloomed into laughter.
Why did you prepare such a thing? You must be tired.
Its alright. I feel sorry for being away from home so often.
Mom! I missed you!
Siriel ran from the carriage straight into Eldrinas arms.
A picture-perfect, ideal family scene.
There was no space for Shiron and Lucia to fit in there.
Awkward.
Shiron awkwardly smiled, watching the cheerful family scene from a distance.
Shiron.
Apparently, Shiron wasnt the only one feeling this way.
Lucia held Shirons hand. Perhaps she didnt want to feel out of place in this harmonious relationship? A hint of discomfort appeared on Lucias face.
Shiron held back a bitter laugh.
Shes surprisingly sensitive
From what he saw when she showed the holy sword, and up to now, Lucia seemed more like just a slightly stronger girl of her age rather than the reincarnation of a hero. Shiron wondered how she managed to seal the demon. With this kind of mentality, it would have been hard for her even to kill a person, let alone a demon.
Shiron hugged the shrinking Lucia and patted her back. Such a handful.
Its okay. You have me.
What?
Lucias response was unexpected.
Shiron released the hug and looked at Lucia.
Huh?
What are you talking about?
Lucia looked up at Shiron with a puzzled expression.
Didnt you just hold my hand because you felt lonely?
I was worried about you
Why?
Well because you dont have a mother?
Dont you also not have a mother?
Well, yeah?
Whats with this?
Feeling like he misread the situation, Shiron felt his face heat up, and so did Lucia.
Well, lets go greet them. Just standing here looks odd.
Uh, yeah.
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