Chapter 66

After Shelia returned, it was just the right time, so Leord decided to head to the restaurant his mother had reserved.

Thinking about it, this was the first time he would meet his family since the memories of Mahito had taken over. He had met his father, but not his mother or his twin brother and sister.

Of course, Leord was looking forward to meeting his family, but he also felt anxious. His mother would be fine, but his twin brother and sister hated him.

If asked why, it was because of Leord's past actions. His twin brother and sister were embarrassed to be related to a brother like Leord.

It made sense. Imagine being the brother and sister of someone who was mocked as a golden pig and an idiot. Despite being in a prestigious position as a duke's family, he acted like a complete rogue.

Even when his parents scolded him, he pretended to repent in public but did as he pleased behind their backs.

Seeing their parents in pain because of such a brother, it was only natural for the twins to lose patience.

"Here we are..."

In front of Leord was a famous restaurant in the capital, which Olivia had reserved.

Ahead of him were his parents and his twin brother and sister, who disliked him.

He had just heard Shelia's love story and was feeling a bit depressed. Even before meeting his family, his stomach was already aching.

(Could they be here to kill me?

If so, it would be a huge success!

Shelia, whom I trusted, is in love with Sieg, and my reliable Gilbert is supporting his granddaughter!

I'll die emotionally!

My heart is destroyed, damn it!!!)

"Ha~"

"Is something the matter, young master?"

"No, it's nothing. We should hurry in since everyone might be waiting inside."

Leord arrived five minutes before the reserved time. He wasn't sure if his family had already gone in, but they might have. Thinking about it, he couldn't keep them waiting, so he entered the restaurant.

As he entered, a waiter approached him.

"Are you Mr. Leord Harvest?"

"Yes, that's me."

"Please follow me."

He was led to the farthest room. A door with lavish decorations was visible. Realizing his family was waiting behind this door, Leord took a deep breath.

The waiter stepped back after the introduction, and Gilbert opened the door.

Inside, there was a long rectangular table in the center, and paintings and flowers adorned the walls. Four people were already seated at the long table.

At the head of the table were his father, Beluga, and his mother, Olivia. Unlike Leord, his twin brother, Regulus, was a slender and handsome young man. And there was his beautiful twin sister, Leila.

Leord, who arrived last, honestly wanted to sit far away, but his father had deliberately left a seat near him.

Currently, Leord was just the eldest son, not the next head of the family. He grumbled to himself that he could have sat farther away but took his seat.

"It's been a while. Father, Mother."

"Hmm. It's been a while, Leord. It's been about half a year since you went to Zeato. However, this matter is something to be celebrated both as a duke and as a father."

"Thank you."

"However, Leord, there is one thing I must ask."

"Yes, what is it?"

"What happened to you?

I heard from Gilbert that you were acting strange even before you went to Zeato. And when you arrived, you said you wanted to diet and have been working hard at it.

That's why I'm curious. Why did you suddenly change your mind?"

"Ah, um..."

Caught off guard, Leord struggled to respond. He moved his gaze around and let out a dry laugh, trying to dodge the question, but Beluga's eyes were not easily fooled.

It was unlikely that his parents would believe that Mahito's memories had taken over and changed his personality. Even if they did believe it, he wasn't sure if they would accept it.

"Um, hahaha~..."

"Do you have something to hide?"

"N-no, nothing like that!"

Leord desperately denied it to avoid any misunderstandings.

"Of course, given how Brother is, he must be up to something."

"That's right. I think so too. Father and Mother, haven't you seen what Brother has done in the past?

It's hard to believe he's suddenly become serious."

Leord froze. He had expected some kind of comment, but he didn't think it would be so blatant.

From Mahito's memories, he knew the twins disliked him, but he didn't expect such a direct and harsh statement in this setting.

"Ah, hahaha..."

Leord felt tears welling up. Before coming here, he had been treated like a lapdog, and now his own siblings were looking at him with hatred.

No matter how bad Leord's past actions were, he didn't want his current efforts to be denied.

Although Mahito's memories had taken over and changed his personality, the core of Leord remained.

Being treated this way by his beloved family could easily warp someone's character.

Indeed, Leord had been arrogant and complacent because of his talents, but that was different now.

(I shouldn't have come...

If I knew I'd feel like this, I shouldn't have come!!!)

His vision blurred with tears. He couldn't cry here.

If he was going to cry, it should be in a place where no one could see him.

Leord was about to answer Beluga's question, holding back his tears, when Olivia, who had been silent, finally spoke.

"You've done well, Leord. I'm proud of you.

Regulus and Leila are not wrong, but the past is the past, and now is now.

We can't change the past, but you can change the future with your choices.

So, Leord, I'm proud of how you protected the knights of Zeato without regard for your own safety."

"Mother..."

Tears he had been holding back threatened to spill. While his father had doubted him and his siblings had denied him, only his mother, Olivia, had believed in him without saying a word.

This was unconditional love. Giving love without expecting anything in return. To Olivia, Leord was an irreplaceable son.

There was no need to doubt or deny him. She simply accepted him because she loved him.

"Beluga. It doesn't matter what happened.

We should be happy that he's here and looking well. After all, he's our child."

"Hmm... Yes, you're right. I'm sorry, Leord. That was an unpleasant question."

"Father..."

"I didn't say anything wrong. Considering what Brother has done in the past, it's entirely possible."

"Me too. I can't bring myself to believe it."

The long-awaited family dinner was over. For Leord, it was a bitter memory, but there was a greater solace. His parents had believed in him.

In the end, he couldn't reconcile with his twin brother and sister, but Leord vowed to regain their lost trust through his actions.