Chapter 100

My temples throbbed.

When I woke up, I was lying on the sofa, with Manon cradling my head on her lap.

It seemed that, just like when I was a child, I had cried myself to sleep.

The warmth of Manon's hand, which gently stroked my hair as if combing it, made me feel like tears were about to overflow again.

"Thank you... Manon"

"Are you okay...?"

"Yeah, my head hurts a bit, but... I'll get up."

As I lifted my head from Manon's lap, I felt a little dizzy.

I felt as if all my energy had been drained from my body.

To be honest, I didn't have the motivation to do anything, not even to cast a healing spell on myself.

"My mom... while I was gone... she ended her life."

"Uh-huh..."

I told Manon, bit by bit, about how when I returned to Japan, the house was empty, the situation with my family, my mother's suicide, and that I had no place to return to.

My memory was hazy, but I probably told her the same story before I cried myself to sleep.

Manon listened to my story quietly, without showing any surprise.

"If I had talked more with my mom... "

"It's not just your fault, Kent. I've never met your mom or dad, but I think everyone made mistakes. That's why, no matter how hard you tried, things didn't work out, right...?"

"Maybe... but I feel like I could have done better..."

"If so, let's build a good relationship with my family, Yuka, Beatrice, and everyone else."

"Manon... yeah, my mom and I failed, but we can still build a future with everyone."

"Yeah, and maybe you can still make things right with your dad."

"Huh... with my dad?"

Manon's suggestion was an option I had discarded.

I thought I couldn't go back to the way things were with my dad, so I decided to become independent and cut ties.

"But my dad has a new family with people I don't know, and there's no room for me..."

"Is there really no room? You're not asking your dad to raise you again, right? You're going to live independently, right?"

"Yeah, so... with my dad..."

"Maybe you can build a new relationship?"

"Huh... a new relationship?"

"A relationship between an independent child and a father... I couldn't do it, but you still have a chance..."

I forced my sluggish brain to think, and finally understood what Manon was trying to say.

I can't go back and fix things with my mom, who has passed away, but I still have a chance to make things right with my dad.

I don't have to go back to the way things were before.

I can build a new relationship with him as independent adults.

"My dad... he kept apologizing... 'I'm sorry, I couldn't be there for you, I couldn't choose the right partner, I couldn't hold your children...'"

Manon told me about the last moments with her dad.

Her dad, who died from the corruption disease, kept apologizing and worrying about the family's future until the end.

Just listening to the story made me feel the strong bond of the family and made me envious.

"My dad kept apologizing, but I only felt gratitude towards him. I felt like I should be the one apologizing for not being able to repay him. When my dad came back from the dungeon, we talked a lot, but I still wondered if we could have done more, if there was a different way."

"Yeah..."

"Yeah, because I never thought my dad would get sick. I always thought he would be there for me."

My mom, too, although we didn't see each other often, I never thought she would suddenly be gone.

"So, after my dad died, I decided to face the people I met and became friends with, to avoid regret. But I still keep failing."

"Really? You seem to be doing well, Manon."

"No, I'm not. I even got jealous and left in anger, and even slapped you."

"Oh... yeah, I remember that."

"But when I think I've failed, I try to apologize properly."

Indeed, the next time we met, Manon would apologize to me.

I think the reason we've been able to maintain a good relationship with Manon is because of her consideration.

"Thank you, I'm glad I met you, Manon."

"I'm really glad I met you, Kent."

"Are you sure you're okay with me?"

"I always try my best for everyone, and I love you, Kent..."

"Manon..."

"Kent..."

"Ughhh..."

Just as I was about to hug and kiss Manon, a muffled protest came from the gap in the door.

Looking over, I saw Hamil struggling with his mouth covered by Noela.

Then, Manon turned my face back towards her with both hands and kissed me.

I tightened my arms around Manon and hugged her.

"Hamil, I've decided to be happy with Kent."

"Mmm... No way. I won't accept someone like that!"

"Sorry, Hamil, I've decided to be happy with Manon. I'll try to make you accept it someday."

"No way, I'll never, never, never accept it!"

Hamil broke free from Noela's arms and ran up the stairs.

"Sorry, Noela. Although things didn't go well today, I'll try to become friends with Hamil."

"Yes, ideally, it would be nice to become friends, but even if you just acknowledge each other, that's okay."

"Even if we don't get along?"

"Of course, it would be better if you did, but you just met Hamil today. There's also Beatrice, so it might be difficult to become friends right away. But families fight too, so let's take it slow and become a family."

"Building a family... Okay, I understand."

"Right, call me 'stepmom' instead of 'Noela.'"

"Okay... stepmom."

Reflecting on it, maybe my mom, dad, and I, although we were related by blood and were married, didn't really form a proper family.

From now on, I'll try to build a proper family with Manon, the chairman, and Beatrice.

We were supposed to have lunch together, but Noela and Hamil had already eaten, so Manon and I ate the cold food.

When I put the tamagoyaki in my mouth, tears welled up again, but I didn't lose control like before.

When I mentioned the school trip, Manon started to cry.

"Sorry, I didn't know..."

"No, thanks to you, I feel like I finally faced my mom's death. Thank you."

After the meal, we enjoyed tea with Noela.

As we listened to stories about Manon's dad, Noela and Manon's relationship, and Manon's birth, Hamil peeked from behind the door.

"Hamil, come here and sit down, or you won't get any cookies from the Hen House."

"Ugh... I'll eat, but I won't talk to him."

Thanks to Noela and the cookies from the Hen House, Hamil sat at the same table with us, even though he had a sour face.

Yeah, thanks to the Hen House.

"Mr. Kent, please introduce your family too."

"Huh, my family is in the original world..."

"Are there people who protected Volzard?"

"Yes, they are all my family."

I can't believe I forgot to introduce my familiars. I'm really not doing well today.

"Master, can we come out?"

"Yeah, everyone, come out."

Malt, Mirt, and Murt were the first to rush out.

"Master, are you okay?"

"Sorry for worrying you, I'm fine now."

"Pet me, pet my tummy, Master."

"Okay, okay, one by one."

Starting with Malt, I introduced Reinhardt, Basten, Fred, Zae, and Alt in order.

When the strong skeletons and lizardmen gathered, Hamil stopped eating his cookie and stared in amazement.

"Wow, everyone, thank you for protecting Volzard. Oh, wow, such hard scales, Manon, you should touch them too."

On the other hand, Noela approached my familiars without any fear, even making Zae feel uncomfortable.

"Wow, maybe it feels better than with Master..."

Alt and the others were so charmed by Noela's petting technique that they were almost swayed.

Yeah, I'll take note of her technique.

"Hey... Noela, can I treat you to dinner tonight?"

"No, Mr. Kent."

"Huh... Do you have plans?"

"No, call me 'stepmom.'"

I was corrected by Noela, who smiled mischievously.

"Right, stepmom, can I treat you to dinner?"

"Sure, I'd be happy to."

"Can Hamil come too?"

"Why should I eat with you..."

"Oh, Manon and I will be out, so we won't prepare dinner."

"Ugh... Fine, I'll go."

Hamil was dragged out, albeit reluctantly.

"Thanks. Manon, can you take them to Amanda's shop? I'll go tell Yuka and Beatrice."

"Sure, I got it."

"See you later..."

I slipped into the shadows from Manon's living room and returned to my boarding house.

It was a sudden idea, but I wanted to gather the people who would become my family and have a meal together.

It's a sudden request, but Amanda will probably manage.

"Amanda, I have a favor to ask!"

"Whoa! You scared me, don't just pop out like that!"

When I called out to Amanda, who was preparing the food, she almost spilled the pot.

"Sorry, I want to have dinner tonight... with, um, eight people, no, with Amanda, Maisa, and Merine, eleven people... Is it possible?"

"What do you mean, 'with us'?"

I explained the purpose of the dinner to Amanda, who looked puzzled.

"Yes, I had lunch with Manon's family, and I want to gather the people who will become my family for dinner tonight at my house in Volzard."

"Really, you should tell me in advance."

"Sorry, I know it's sudden, but..."

"What are you saying? Who do you think I am? I'll prepare a meal that will make your tongue melt. Just come with confidence!"

Amanda pounded her chest and accepted the request.

"Thanks. I'll go tell Beatrice."

"Wait, Kent, you're not planning to invite Lord Claus too, are you? Kent!"

Amanda said something, but I shadow-traveled to Lord Claus's mansion.

Beatrice was learning knitting from Marianne in the living room.

Lord Claus was playing a board game like chess, and it seemed he was losing to Marianne, who was teaching knitting on the side.

"Sorry for the sudden visit. It's Kent. May I come in?"

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Lord Claus's relaxed expression tightened instantly.

"No, it's not an emergency, but may I come in?"

"Hmm, it's fine."

As I emerged from the shadows into the living room, Beatrice ran over and linked her arm with mine as usual.

"Welcome, Master Kent."

"Hello, Reiche."

"So! What do you want, Kent!"

Lord Claus's voice had a sharp edge, probably because Beatrice greeted me so naturally.

"Yes, I'm sorry for the sudden request, but I want to invite everyone to dinner tonight."

"Wow, not just Reiche, but you're inviting us too?"

"What are you up to?"

"You...""Father..."

Lord Claus, who was being questioned by Marianne and Reiche at the same time, looked a bit pitiful.

"Actually, I've also invited Manon's family, and I want to gather the people who will become my family."

"Master Kent..."

Reiche leaned her head on my shoulder, and Lord Claus's expression turned sour again.

"In Japan, I couldn't form a strong family bond, but in Volzard, I want to build a strong bond with my family."

"Understood. Is it at Amanda's shop?"

"Yes, I'm sorry for the sudden request."

Lord Claus didn't say it out loud, but he seemed to understand that this was related to my mother's death.

"It's not a formal gathering, so please come in comfortable clothes. Reiche, too."

"Sure, Master Kent..."

"Hey... Kent!"

I kissed Beatrice's cheek and slipped back into the shadows.

Thinking about it, this might be the first time I kissed Beatrice in front of Lord Claus, but I won't hold back anymore.

After all, we're going to be a family.

I shadow-traveled to the temporary barracks of the guard.

Where is the chairman?

By the way, I haven't given her the diary I recovered from Lastock.

I wonder what's written in it.

I'm curious, but I shouldn't read someone else's diary, right?

Sorry, I did peek at the bath.

I found the chairman at the guard's horse field.

It seems the bumpy sisters are leading a horse riding lesson, and most of the participants are girls.

Raymond, the stable hand, seems to be pressed into service as an instructor.

He looks like his mustache is growing, but since he's being dragged out even on his day off, let's be lenient.

I emerged from the shadows near a tree and called out to the chairman.

"Yuka..."

"Ah, Kent!"

The chairman, spotting me, ran over with a big smile.

With Manon, Beatrice, and the chairman, yeah, I'm definitely in a popular phase.

I'm living a fulfilling life!

"What's up? Weren't you going to Manon's house today?"

"Yeah, I greeted Manon's family. And I want to have dinner with everyone tonight. Can you come?"

"Of course! But what about Beatrice?"

"Yeah, I've already invited Beatrice, and Lord Claus and Marianne are coming too."

"That's nice... I wish my dad and mom could join too..."

"Oh, sorry, right, your parents are in Japan..."

"No, it's okay, it's okay. Even if it's not now, you'll properly greet them, right?"

"Of course, because we're going to be a family."

"Kent... Yeah, in that sense, I will also be a family with Manon's family and Beatrice's family."

"Yeah, by the way, I brought your diary from Lastock's room. Here, this is it..."

"Whaaat..."

I took the diary out of my shadow storage, and the chairman snatched it and hugged it.

"Did you read it? Did you read the diary?"

"No, I didn't, I promise."

"Phew... I'm glad."

Well, if the content was something she didn't want me to see, I would be worried, right?

"Anyway, I'll come to pick you up later, so get ready and wait for me."

"Sure, I'll be ready..."

I was about to kiss the chairman, but I noticed everyone in the horse field was looking at us.

Some were giving me warm, smiling looks, while others were giving me cold, disapproving looks.

But I won't hesitate anymore; I've decided to be a family with the chairman.

I hugged the chairman and kissed her cheek.

"See you later..."

"Sure, I'll be waiting..."

Oh no! The chairman gripping my shirt is so cute.

I won't give Manon, Beatrice, or the chairman to anyone.

I'm going to make them all my wives.

I'll send my classmates back to Japan quickly, settle the compensation, and then go on an expedition deep into the demon forest to defeat monsters and make money to buy a house.

Then, we'll build our love nest.