Chapter 27

For a while, it's an adult scene.

Shiro finally returned home after finishing all his duties, when the sun had long set.

The number of people arrested in this case was nearly a hundred, and the interrogations alone would take a considerable amount of time.

When he reported to Prime Minister Felix, the latter was greatly pleased, saying, "As expected of Lord Shiro. You work quickly."

It wasn't that he had particularly high motivation.

In any case, if he left it to the Prime Minister, he would handle it well.

The Third Knight Regiment might also assist the Prime Minister for a while.

"I'm home."

Shiro, who had slipped through the entrance, called out softly.

Since it was late at night, he wasn't calling anyone in particular, but Ren appeared as if she had been waiting.

"Welcome back, Lord Shiro."

"Ren, how is Will doing?"

Shiro, who had been worried about his child who had been left alone, looked at Ren, who directed her gaze upstairs to the children's room.

"Ellis is with him now. It seems to be just a case of magic exhaustion, so he should be fine by tomorrow."

Shiro sighed in relief at Ren's report.

If it was a typical case of magic exhaustion, it would usually recover within a day.

However, if it exceeded the limit and was overused, it could be fatal.

Especially for Will, who was still a young child.

"Mr. Morgan and the others are staying in the guest rooms. I also had some questions for them."

Ren turned her gaze back to Shiro.

"For the sake of Master Will, I must ask about the golem creation..."

Shiro smiled wryly at Ren's determined whisper.

There was no one among the family or servants who knew the magic of golem creation.

He wanted information to teach Will.

"Ren, don't overthink it."

Shiro, who understood the importance, couldn't help but worry when he saw Ren's determined look.

It seemed that whenever it involved the children, she became inflexible.

It was a sign of how much she cared for the children.

"There's also the report to write. I'll ask them tomorrow too. If they don't tell us, then we'll deal with it then."

High-rarity magic is often kept secret by its users.

Golem creation magic is known, but there are few users.

"I understand..."

Ren bowed and said, "I'll go check on the children," before turning and leaving.

Shiro watched her go and sighed.

As Ren's figure disappeared, the wind fragment gemstone on Shiro's waist began to glow, and the wind wolf appeared.

It was about the size of an adult dog, perhaps conserving its strength.

"That little girl is worrying so much for others..."

"Maybe it's thanks to the children..."

Shiro smiled at the wind fragment's honest comment.

For the one person and one creature who knew Ren's past, it was a touching moment.

It showed how much Ren had grown.

"Shiro... There's a lot to talk about, but let's do it another day. I have some thoughts too. I'll be excusing myself."

"Sure... But don't leave the mansion?"

"Fool... How can I leave when the magic sword is in the mansion?"

The wind fragment snorted at Shiro's light-hearted remark and transformed into wind, flying off somewhere.

"Ah well..."

Shiro, now alone again, scratched his head and started walking towards the living room to rest his tired body.

"Lord Shiro..."

Cecilia, who had been sitting on the sofa, stood up as Shiro entered the living room.

Tomason, standing to the side, bowed to greet Shiro.

"Welcome back, Lord Shiro."

"I'm home, Cecilia, Tomason."

"Welcome back."

Shiro gently stroked Cecilia's head as she leaned in.

"Are the children already asleep?"

"Yes... Serena and Nina were worried about Will and stayed by his side, but they must have been tired from the tension of the evacuation."

"I see..."

Shiro nodded with a smile, noticing that Cecilia was trying to reassure him.

Cecilia also smiled, realizing this.

"Tomason, you should rest for today."

Cecilia turned, and Tomason smiled, bowing again.

"Understood. I'll take my leave. Good night, Lord Shiro, Lady Cecilia."

Tomason left the living room, leaving Shiro and Cecilia alone.

"Ellis and Ren are with the children, but..."

"Yes. I've dismissed the other children."

The two sat down on the sofa together.

Cecilia leaned her head on Shiro's shoulder.

"Really, Will always surprises us..."

Cecilia murmured in a dazed tone.

She must have been tense and a bit tired.

Supporting her, Shiro turned to face her.

"Are you worried about Will?"

When Shiro asked, she smiled softly.

"I am... But..."

She paused, then looked up at Shiro with a smile, naturally closing the distance between them.

"Being able to think and worry about the children with you, Lord Shiro, makes me happy."

"Me too... I feel the same way."

Cecilia's eyes were slightly moist as they gazed at each other.

Without a word, they leaned closer.

"Lord Shiro... Lady Cecilia..."

Just as their silhouettes were about to merge, Ren and Ellis entered the living room.

"Lord Shiro, Lady Cecilia... The children are sound asleep, so—"

Ren and Ellis froze, seeing Shiro and Cecilia in a lip-locked position.

A strange silence fell over the living room.

After a moment, Cecilia slowly stood up.

"W-well, Lord Shiro. You haven't had dinner yet, have you? I-I'll go prepare it..."

Cecilia, trying to maintain a natural smile, blushed and left the living room.

"Lord Shiro. Even if you were alone, doing such things in the living room..."

Ren, with a wandering gaze, voiced her complaint.

Ellis, standing beside her, also blushed and looked down.

"Is there anything else you want to say?"

"“...I'm sorry.”"

Ren and Ellis, feeling left out and with tearful eyes, sincerely apologized to Shiro.