Chapter 14

"Please allow me to apologize for my subordinate's rudeness."

Coming into the other room, Rias immediately bowed his head.

—This scene feels so familiar.

"I didn't realize things would come to this, and I brought such an impolite person. I have no words to apologize now."

"Rias"

"…Please don't hate me."

There?

Since he didn't raise his head even when called, I peeked from below.

Since I'm tall, I don't have to bend down when I get close.

Rias had a face as if the world had ended.

He didn't need to make such a face, as I wasn't angry with him.

I did wonder if it was okay, though.

"I won't hate you for something like that."

"Shincia..."

"We may have had a late start, but... we have built something, haven't we?"

I know Rias has made extraordinary efforts over the past year.

He has fully engaged with the unfamiliar time with the child. And even though Eidan still rejects him, he continues to treat him properly without giving up.

"Do you understand that I love Eidan very much?"

"Of course."

"Because you believed in the real me, despite what you heard, you got angry on my behalf, right?"

"That's only natural."

Rias's head still hasn't risen.

"I think I was carried away. I was too indifferent to my subordinate's remarks."

"Carried away...?"

"Knowing that you didn't hate me and being able to express my love every day—my heart was dancing. Moreover, you always react so adorably, it was just—"

"That's enough."

Rias's head finally rose due to his passionate speech.

Realizing the conversation had gone off track, Rias became gloomy again.

"If I had listened properly, I should have noticed his malice."

"It's fine now."

I smiled.

"I don't mind if Ruben doesn't enter this house and continues to be your adjutant. Your loyalty to me seems unwavering."

Being a stranger interfering in family matters is something I find very resistant, based on my previous life's feelings.

"If I make him swear to be loyal only to his duties—"

Since Eidan hasn't done anything directly, I think this outcome is fine.

Rias shook his head.

"I can't have someone who was rude to you as my adjutant."

He said it firmly.

I'll leave that to you.

On a different note.

"By the way, did I do something three years ago?"

I have no memory of it.

Rias was clearly flustered.

"Ruben's hostility seemed to be because of that..."

"You did nothing!"

A loud voice.

"You did nothing wrong. You are not at fault."

"Is that so...?"

Being so strongly denied makes me curious, but Rias doesn't seem to want to say more.

I did feel hostility from Ruben, but I haven't talked to him directly, so maybe it's resentment.

Rias took a step back.

He placed his hand on his chest and naturally knelt.

"Shincia. —I am a dull husband."

What's this sudden confession?

"Please, from now on, don't tolerate such rudeness. I want you to tell me everything."

"I understand, so please stand up."

"I can't face you. —Even though you have forgiven me."

It's not like I'm forgiving you...

Because my brother died in the war and Rias survived?

That's just how war is.

I squatted in front of Rias.

"—What are you doing!"

Oh, this isn't something we should do. But it's mutual. Rias is kneeling too.

To maintain balance in my dress, I put my elbow down. It might not be proper.

"Hey, Rias. Can you trust me a little more?"

I smiled at the surprised Rias.

"Even if there are some misunderstandings, can't you think that what we have built won't disappear?"

"Shincia, please, stand up."

"Then you stand up too."

Rias stood up and extended his hand.

I placed my hand on his. It was a large, firm hand.

There were marks from gripping a sword. I gripped it tightly.

"Something like this won't shake us, right?"

For the common goal of Eidan's growth.

Rias didn't respond, so I looked up.

"Rias?"

"Ah... t-the... hand..."

His voice barely came out, and his face turned red quickly.

I silently let go of his hand.

What, are you kidding? I just held your hand?

Indeed, touching skin is something I haven't done much since my previous life.

Still, we have a child together.

Are you a maiden?

—But the bigger issue is that I found him cute when I saw his face.

From that day on, Rias took a few days off to spend time with his family.

We were able to celebrate Eidan's birthday party, which was apparently too simple for a duke's family, but we had a leisurely celebration as a family of three.

Seeing Eidan's happy face made me very satisfied.

Eidan received a mountain of presents.

I had them arranged in order of the strength of our family connections. Whether to give them to Eidan or not depends on what's inside.

Among the mountain of presents, there was one placed a bit apart.

"—Why is that one separate?"

It clearly felt special.

I wondered where it was from and asked Rias.

"It's from the royal family."

I see, it makes sense that a present from the royal family wouldn't be mixed with the others.

"What's inside...?"

"A wooden horse."

Oh. The eyes are...

"When you're done using it, the diamonds in the eyes can be used as buttons or other things."

"Well... a wooden horse might make Eidan happy. Let's move it to his room."

I'll leave the rest of the presents to Rias.

I should do it myself, but I haven't returned to society yet, and I don't fully understand the social connections.

Most importantly, since Rias offered to do it, I decided to leave it to him.

"I need to send a thank-you note. To my father—maybe a letter is fine?"

Rias looked a bit surprised.

"I can't keep being disrespectful forever."

"Then... if it's not too much trouble, perhaps—"

He stopped speaking.

He meant to suggest meeting in person, right?

"I'm sorry, I overstepped."

"Why?"

Maybe he was caught between me and my father, and Rias meets the king daily.

"I can go and thank him in person. Can I take Eidan...?"

"Of course."

Rias took a step forward.

"His Majesty always cares about Shincia. —Every time I talk about you, he leans forward... no, in any case, he will be very pleased."

"Then, can you arrange a meeting? I'll take Eidan to the castle at a good time."

"Yes."

Thus, our long-awaited return to the hometown was decided.