Chapter 92

It had been a long time since Leord last returned home, ever since he was called to the capital to celebrate the end of the Monster Panic.

(Well, I came back earlier than expected. Last time it was six months, but this time it's only about two months.)

As he got off the carriage and was about to enter his long-absent home, Olivia came running out. She suddenly hugged Leord.

"Welcome back, Leord!"

"Mother, I have returned."

"Yes, yes. You look well... Leord! Haven't you lost a lot of weight!?"

"Huh? Is that so?"

"Yes! You were thin the last time I saw you, but you're even thinner now! And you've gained muscle, so your build has become more solid."

"I hadn't noticed..."

It was only after Olivia pointed it out that Leord realized he had lost weight. In fact, Gilbert, Barbarot, Isabelle, and even the missing Shelia knew that Leord had lost weight. After all, the first three were always around him, so it was natural for them to know.

However, why hadn't Leord noticed it himself? He had previously been aware that his waist had shrunk.

The reason was simple: he had been extremely busy as the acting lord. Therefore, he had completely forgotten about his own physique. He had been so busy that he hadn't even checked if he had lost weight. He hadn't even had the time to look in a mirror, so he had no opportunity to objectively see himself.

But now, with Olivia's words, Leord looked down at his body. Indeed, his once protruding belly had become concave, and the fat that had merged his jaw and neck had returned to normal. However, he was still heavier than the average person his age. But that weight wasn't due to fat; it was muscle, a testament to his efforts.

"We can't just stand here! Leord! Let's go buy some new clothes!"

(Ah, I get it now. This is what Father meant.)

Leord understood. The words Beluga had conveyed from the castle made sense now. He probably couldn't refuse. His mother was strong in these situations. She wouldn't say no. After all, it was shopping with her beloved son, whom she hadn't seen in two months. Olivia wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.

"Alright. But I'd like to unpack my luggage first."

"That can be done by the servants."

Following Olivia's instructions, the servants took away Leord's luggage. Leord wanted a bit of rest, but he couldn't ignore his mother's wishes. He designated Gilbert and Barbarot as his guards and headed to the city with Olivia. Isabelle, left behind, glared resentfully at Leord, wondering why she wasn't invited, but Leord ignored her.

In the carriage, Olivia chatted happily with Leord, whom she hadn't seen in two months.

"I heard, Leord. You revived the legendary transfer magic. That's amazing! You really are my pride and joy!"

"Thank you..."

Leord almost cried at his mother's praise, remembering the events in the ancient ruins.

"Oh, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. But when did you hear about that?"

"When you reported to His Majesty. Beluga told me."

"I see."

"Yes. But I'm curious, how far can the transfer magic be used?"

"Unfortunately, I can't use it. But it should be possible with a prepared magic circle."

"Oh, what a pity. I thought if you could use it, we could meet anytime..."

"Haha, I can't help that. But the transfer magic circle I used connects an ancient ruin near the capital to one near Zeato, so it's closer than before."

"Really? Is that true?"

"Yes, it's true."

"That's great. Now I can visit Leord whenever I want. That's wonderful."

Olivia clapped her hands in joy, and Leord's face lit up. He wished his mother, who had always shown him unconditional love despite his shortcomings, could always smile.

"Then next, it's time for a wife!"

"Huh!?"

"Why are you so surprised?"

"Well, I don't think a wife is a good idea for me...

After all, I broke off my engagement because I was accused of assaulting my ex-fiancée..."

"That's true. But it was an attempted assault, right? Besides, what you've accomplished is a great achievement, not just for the country but for the world. Many people won't leave you alone. Then, you'll receive many marriage proposals, and you won't be able to ignore them. So, you'll have to choose."

"That's... true, but..."

"Do you not want to?"

"Actually, Father and I discussed the same thing. He apparently declined on my behalf."

"I see. But there seems to be something else?"

"Apparently, there's a marriage proposal from the prince."

"Oh my!"

Leord felt only despair at his mother's reaction, which was the opposite of his father's. It seemed Olivia was enthusiastic. If this continued, it would play right into Sylvia's plans. Leord clenched his fist, determined to prevent that from happening.