Chapter 95

"Duke Eric, why are you here?"

At Garm's question, Eric tilted his head.

"I was on my way back from my territory. I’m on my way back to the capital, but on the way, I always receive Sir Santos’s hospitality. Hmm? Didn’t Cain tell you? I stayed at his place last week."

Upon hearing Eric’s words, Garm sent a cold gaze at Cain. Indeed, when he stayed at the Santos residence, Cain had mentioned that Eric and Silk were always treated to mountain vegetables.

"About that matter..."

Cain wiped his cold sweat and averted his gaze.

"Why are you here, Sir Garm? It takes several days to get here from the capital, right?"

Garm said nothing, just sending a look at Cain. From that look, Eric understood.

"Ah, so it’s Cain, huh. There’s probably a lot to talk about, so I’ll head back to the guest room."

Eric then went up the stairs to the guest room.

"Cain... were you staying in the Marbeek territory as well...?"

"Yes..."

Garm’s words made Cain bow his head.

"Well, that’s fine for now. Let’s talk properly. Reine, you should join us too."

"Understood."

In the guest room, the Geretta family—Santos, Lala, and Leila—sat in a row, while Garm, Sara, Reine, and Cain sat opposite them. Lala’s husband was in the capital and not present.

The air was tense, and Santos was the first to speak.

"Sara, fifteen years, huh... Time flies. I was surprised when Duke Cain told me you had married Sir Garm. Duke Cain and I were attacked by bandits on the road, and he helped us. When I invited him to stay at the manor, Lala said, 'Mother?' I was quite surprised."

Santos spoke as if recalling a long time ago.

"Father, I’m sorry for being away for so long. And Lala, I’m sorry for imposing the duties of a noble on you..."

Sara bowed deeply to both of them.

"Sir Santos, I also apologize. I didn’t know she was your daughter. I fell in love with Sara, a female adventurer, and married her. Perhaps I should have confirmed it at the time. I’m sorry."

Garm also bowed, placing his hands on the table.

"Both of you, please raise your heads. We’ve been able to reunite safely, and I’ve been able to meet my grandson. Reine, right? Sara’s father is Santos."

He smiled warmly at Reine and Cain.

"Nice to meet you, Grandfather. I’m Reine, Garm’s eldest daughter. I’m fourteen now and currently attending a school in the capital."

Reine stood up, pinched the hem of her skirt, and gave a proper greeting as a noble lady.

Hearing "Grandfather" from the teenage Reine, Santos blushed a little. He had only thought of Leila, who was not yet ten, as his granddaughter. He had never forgotten about Sara, but after fifteen years, he had given up and tried to forget.

"Also, Duke Cain, thank you very much. Thanks to you, I was able to reunite with my daughter and gain two new granddaughters. I didn’t expect you to come so quickly."

It was the speed of Cain’s flight and teleportation that made this possible, something that would have been impossible with a regular carriage. Santos didn’t mention this, choosing to focus on the joy of the reunion.

Next, Lala and Leila greeted them, and the conversation proceeded in a warm atmosphere.

"Sir Santos, we are now relatives. Let’s work together even more closely."

"Sir Garm, those are welcome words. I’ll count on you."

The two shook hands firmly, and the family reunion ended.

Garm and Santos talked separately, Sara and Lala talked separately, and Reine, Cain, and Leila moved to another room.

Reine was overjoyed to have a new sister and was looking at Leila with sparkling eyes.

"What’s wrong, Reine?"

Leila tilted her head at Reine’s strange behavior, which seemed to amuse Reine.

"Ah! Leila! You’re so cute!"

Reine suddenly hugged Leila, who was startled by her sudden action.

"Wh-What? Reine?"

Next to the surprised Leila, Cain facepalmed.

"Hey, Cain. I have a cousin now, right? Until now, I was the only girl in the Silford family. Can I take her to the capital now?"

"Reine, that’s not a good idea... In two years, Leila will be old enough to attend the school in the capital. Then you can be together."

Cain answered, exasperated. Taking her now would be kidnapping. They could meet again when Leila attended the school in the capital.

"Right! I’ll wait for you at the school!"

By the time Leila enrolled, Reine would already be graduated, but Cain didn’t want to dampen her spirits.

During the conversation, Cain brought out a game of Reversi, and they took turns playing. Leila was a quick learner and soon started winning against Reine. Cain was still the strongest, though.

As they enjoyed themselves, it was time for dinner.

At the dinner table, the Silford family and the Geretta family were all present.

"Today is a joyous occasion, so I’ve arranged for a lavish meal."

The table was laden with a variety of dishes, from roasted pig to stir-fried mountain vegetables, far more than the number of people could consume.

Garm and Santos had talked with Eric present, and he understood the situation.

"Then, let’s toast to the Silford and Geretta families becoming relatives, and to the Kingdom of Esfort."

"Cheers!"

They raised their glasses at Eric’s toast.

The waiting maids brought the sliced dishes to each person.

As the adults drank, their speech became clearer. The conversation continued warmly, and they planned to continue drinking in another room after the meal.

Cain and Reine were given separate rooms, but Reine started throwing a tantrum, wanting to sleep with Leila.

"Since we’re here, I want to sleep with Leila! Goodnight, Cain! Come on, Leila!"

"Uh... Yes... Goodnight, Cain."

"Sure, take care of Reine for me."

Before Cain could finish, Leila was already being led away by Reine.

The room had a bed, a table, and two chairs, but it was spacious, about ten tatami mats.

Cain sat on the floor, crossed his legs, and began meditating. This was a daily routine he never skipped.

His status was already beyond human, almost divine, and there was no need to improve it further, but he still couldn’t match Yuuya.

Compared to Yuuya, Cain thought it wasn’t a problem.

After finishing his routine, he got into the comfortable bed and went to sleep.

The next morning, breakfast started after everyone gathered in the dining room.

Eric, Garm, and Santos looked unwell, having drunk too much the previous night.

While others ate, the three only drank water.

"Ugh... I feel terrible... Sir Santos is too strong..."

Eric frowned and drank only water.

"I was so happy that the more we drank, the better... Ugh..."

Santos was also in a daze from drinking too much.

Sara and Lala looked at them with exasperation.

"Cain... Can’t you use a hangover cure spell...? This is a bit much..."

Garm, who usually avoided using magic in front of others, was willing to try anything today.

"Probably, I can. Father, shall I try?"

"Please..."

Cain cast a status recovery spell on Garm, Eric, and Santos one by one.

After Cain’s spell, their expressions changed to clear and refreshed faces.

"Cain, thank you."

"Cain, thanks."

"Duke Cain, I’m sorry."

Cain scratched his cheek and returned to his seat after the three bowed to him.

"Still, to be able to use such a recovery spell... One Cain in every family, right?"

Everyone laughed at Eric’s joke, and the meal resumed.

The meal proceeded warmly, and after eating, they all went to see Eric off as he headed back to the capital.

"Of course, I wish I could go with Cain... But it’s a noble’s duty, so it can’t be helped."

Eric, who knew about the teleportation spell, looked enviously at the Silford family.

Garm, who understood, answered with a guilty expression.

"Sir Eric, see you in the capital. Take care."

"Eric Duke, take care."

In front of the manor, the Silford and Geretta families lined up to see Eric off.

The carriage, led by twenty knights, began to move. The number of guards had increased after Telesia and Silk were attacked by a group of orcs.

They watched the carriage until it was out of sight, then returned to the manor.

"Then, let’s head back."

At Garm’s words, Santos asked a question.

"Sir Garm, the carriage...? I heard you walked from the gate..."

"...There’s a reason for that. It would help if you could keep what you’re about to see a secret."

"Of course, I promise. Take care of Sara. Duke Cain, come visit anytime."

"Father, I’ll come back. Lala and Leila, see you again."

Sara bowed to the Geretta family.

"Sir Santos, I’ll visit again."

Cain also bowed.

They gathered in the reception room inside the manor. Only the Silford and Geretta families were present.

Cain was about to use a teleportation spell, and he wanted to show it to as few people as possible.

"Why this room...? You’re leaving now?"

To the still confused Santos, Garm nodded at Cain.

"Sir Santos, actually... I can use a teleportation spell. I used it to get here from the capital. That’s why I walked."

Upon hearing about the teleportation spell, Santos and Lala’s eyes widened. Leila, not understanding, tilted her head.

"Amazing! I knew Duke Cain was exceptional, but to be able to use the legendary teleportation spell... To think a legendary mage would come from the Geretta bloodline."

"There are also matters of secrecy from the king. Sir Santos, I count on you."

Garm emphasized, and Santos nodded.

The Silford family placed their hands on Cain’s shoulders.

"Thank you for your hospitality."

Cain bowed and said his thanks.

*Teleport*

In an instant, the four people in the room disappeared.

The three left in the room just stared at the spot where the four had vanished, speechless.

"Father, such things are possible..."

"Yes, to think Sara’s child would become this..."

"I want to see Reine again."

Thus, Sara’s reunion with her family came to an end.

---

I apologize for the delay in posting.

Not only am I working on the book publication, but I am also preparing to move to a new home, which has made it difficult to find time for writing. I have two moves planned for April and June, so things are quite busy.

I plan to post the next update in two weeks.

I apologize for the long intervals, but I appreciate your understanding and support.