About two months after the events in the gorge where Sir Jenkins was injured, Didier, sent by Count Philip, arrived at Gliwias with soldiers. Sensing the tense atmosphere of the city, Didier wisely chose to remain silent.
As soon as Didier arrived, the people of the House of Phillips prepared to leave the city. Despite requests to stay and assist in investigating the attack, they ignored all such appeals. Many criticized the Phillips family for fleeing after an attack, calling them cowardly and weak. Though these comments were offensive, it wasn’t the time to dwell on them.
Two days after Didier’s arrival, the Phillips family left Gliwias. Before departing, Ray bid farewell to his aunt Saria.
“Auntie, take care of yourself.”
“Sure thing. You too, Ray. Take care.”
“If anything feels off, just say you’re coming to see me and come over to Phillip’s County. You can wait there until things settle down and then go back.”
“I understand. Ray, don’t forget to eat your Lafuma.”
“Hehe. I definitely will.”
With the formation of a magic circle, mana-infused herbs like Lafuma could now be consumed. Although Ray didn’t concern himself with lifespan in this second life, he wanted to experience its scent at least once.
After kissing Ray’s cheek repeatedly, Saria let him go. Having briefly said goodbye to the Osiris family, Ray boarded the carriage. Thanks to the Alstein family lending a quality carriage, the journey became much more comfortable. Fortunately, no further issues arose during their return to Phillips County.
When familiar landscapes began to appear after a few days of travel, everyone sighed in relief. As they neared the county, Alesya dismounted from the carriage and climbed onto Fenrir, smiling brightly. Eager to show off her spirits, she was already thrilled.
Ray also grinned while looking at Fenrir. Alesya, a monocle-wearing user of intermediate-level spirits, had filled her Selomia capacity. While there was no immediate need to summon more spirits, Luna awaited within the county.
Given Luna’s magical talent, her Selomia capacity was undoubtedly vast. ‘Let’s try to summon a high-class spirit.’ If one summoned a friend through a spirit contract and that friend summoned another, eventually a high-class spirit might be caught.
If Luna could successfully contract with a high-class spirit, it would mean less worry about her getting hurt anywhere. Excited by the prospect of trying his luck with spirit-summoning, Ray’s grin widened, causing Fenrir to tremble uneasily.
The manor came into view at last. Everyone’s faces lit up as a girl with long red hair ran towards them.
Without hesitation, Ray leaped out of the carriage. Karen, her usually crimson eyes even redder, rushed forward and embraced Ray tightly.
“Wahhh… I thought you weren’t coming…”
Karen clung to Ray with her arms and legs, bursting into tears.
“Can’t see a thing,” Ray muttered as he carefully shifted Karen to his back, finally regaining some vision. He felt her tears falling onto his shoulder.
“Why wouldn’t I come? This is my home. Of course, I have to return.”
“Huuuuh…!”
Karen, sniffling, began nibbling on Ray’s ear.
Recalling old memories, Ray chuckled as he comforted Karen but suddenly frowned. For some reason, Karen seemed lighter than before he left for the Magic Tower. Even though she wasn’t as plump as Alesya, she should have gained weight during her growth phase.
Just then, Jimy appeared in Ray’s line of sight. Ray was about to scold him for not taking care of the children properly, but seeing Jimy’s emaciated figure, he closed his mouth. Jimy, who looked far thinner than before Ray left, exhaled a weary sigh of relief.
“You bastard, you’re finally back.”
“Not really… Why do you look so bad? Didn’t you enjoy my absence?”
“Listen carefully, Ray.”
Jimy gripped Ray’s shoulder and warned him in a voice heavy with fatigue.
“If you ever leave for more than a few months again, you must bring Karen with you. There’s no way I can take care of her.”
“Uh, hmm… I’ll consider it.”
While pretending to nod despite his ear being nibbled on, Ray helped Karen and Jimy board the carriage and continued moving. Approaching the manor, they noticed many people gathered to greet them. The crowd waved at the carriage, gasping in surprise upon seeing Alesya riding Fenrir.
Though Ray wanted to wave back, he knew there were matters to attend to first. He needed to pay respects to Count Philip first.
Handing over Karen, who was clinging to his back, to Jimy,
Clunk!
The carriage stopped inside the manor compound. Alesya dashed towards Count Philip standing in the courtyard.
“Dad! I’m back!”
Though her behavior was impulsive, the count, delighted to see his daughter after a long time, smiled warmly and lifted her up before his expression stiffened.
She was heavier than expected.
Feeling Alesya’s bloated belly when he tightened his grip, the count realized he needed to address her eating habits. Setting her down, he greeted the others.
Following the knights, Ropheiren introduced himself respectfully to the count.
The count welcomed Ropheiren and then turned to Ray.
“You’ve endured quite a lot.”
“Not at all.”
“There are many people waiting to see you. Go ahead and greet them first.”
“Count, how could I…”
“Just go.”
“…I appreciate your consideration.”
There was a mountain of reports awaiting submission to the count. Discussing each one would likely take hours.
Understanding this, the count allowed Ray to greet those who had come to welcome him first.
Bow deeply, Ray stepped back.
Watching Ray leave, the count smiled contentedly.
Alesya obtaining a spirit, hiring a professor from the royal magic tower, and successfully repelling the attack—all these accomplishments were mostly due to one person, regardless of what the letters said.
“Hmm… It’s fortunate that everyone returned safely.”
After Ray disappeared, the count lightly patted Sir Jenkins on the shoulder.
None of those returning to the territory had suffered serious injuries. Though the count hadn’t yet obtained information about the attackers, seeing everyone safe made him believe the incident wasn’t as grave as initially feared.
“Sir Jenkins, do you have any suspicions about the identity of the attackers?”
“…”
Uncharacteristically, Jenkins hesitated to speak.
Worried that the attack might have been orchestrated by socialites, dark wizards, or even another country, the count urged Jenkins.
“Sir Jenkins, please respond. Even if the information isn’t accurate, it’s fine.”
Didier also looked at Jenkins curiously.
After scanning his surroundings, Jenkins reluctantly spoke.
“It was the Royal Guard.”
“…”
The count blinked repeatedly, startled, and regained his composure to ask again.
“Wait, Sir Jenkins. What did you just say…?”
“The royal court led this attack. Some of the attackers were members of the Royal Guard.”
The count momentarily felt dizzy.
*
As Ray exited the manor, Karen immediately clung to him. With his ear being nibbled on, Ray hugged Bella.
Bella warmly embraced Ray and, with makeup-streaked eyes, scanned his body.
“Are you hurt anywhere?”
“I’m fine, Mom. There was a bit of trouble along the way, but nothing serious.”
“Thank goodness. I’ll head inside first. See you later at home.”
It was midday, and Bella looked quite sleepy.
Ray thought of the medicinal herbs he bought for Bella but decided it would be better to give them to her at home.
Besides Bella, villagers, orphanage staff, and several children had also come to greet him. After greeting each one, Ray turned his attention to Johanna.
Johanna stood far away, seemingly dragged out by friends, avoiding eye contact.
Quietly observing Johanna, Ray cleared his throat.
“I’m sorry~ Huuuuuuuh~”
Imitating someone’s voice poorly, Ray drew Johanna’s head turning slowly toward him.
Continuing his antics,
“Don’t leave me~ Hooouuuuuh~”
As someone who understood the situation burst out laughing, Johanna’s kick flew toward Ray.
At the last moment, Ray, having set Karen down, caught Johanna mid-air and dragged her toward the manor fence.
Near the fence, Ray’s luggage was already unloaded from the carriage.
Releasing Johanna, Ray fended off her punches while retrieving the box containing the sword.
Upon opening the box, the crossed swords emblem was visible.
Grinning, Ray pulled Johanna closer after removing the sword.
Startled by Ray suddenly grabbing her waist, Johanna violently struggled.
As Ray secured the belt meant to hold the sword in place around Johanna’s waist, he murmured,
“Stay still for a moment.”
By now, Johanna had figured out Ray’s intentions and gradually ceased her struggles.
After firmly tying the belt and attaching the sword crafted by Zeppelin to it, Ray adjusted the sword’s position carefully before stepping back.
“Go ahead and draw it once.”
Hesitant at first, Johanna reluctantly reached for the hilt.
Slick-
A silvery blade, radiating a sharp aura, slowly emerged under the sunlight.
Gasps of admiration erupted from the onlookers.
“Wow…”
While none present could accurately assess the value of the sword crafted by Zeppelin,
Everyone instinctively recognized it as a high-quality piece rarely seen in this rural area from the emitted aura.
Struggling to suppress her widening mouth, Johanna tensed her face.
Seeing her bizarre expression, Ray smirked.
‘This sword is too expensive, so I should probably replace the sheath to avoid unnecessary problems…’
He wanted to hand it over in perfect condition for the first time.
“Gulp… Hmm…”
Johanna fought to maintain a composed expression, but her lips kept twitching.
Glancing nervously at Ray while fidgeting in place, she clearly wanted to express gratitude but couldn’t find the words.
Ray gently patted Johanna’s head.
“Suits you well.”
“…”
Johanna’s cheeks flushed red.
Noticing this, Ray gestured for Karen to come closer.
“Karen, come here too.”
Approaching Ray, Karen mentally prepared herself for disappointment.
Knowing Ray’s character well, Karen understood that while he was warm to all the children, he differentiated rewards based on their achievements.
Karen fell short in comparison to Johanna.
She wouldn’t receive a sword like Johanna’s.
However, receiving any gift from Ray was a joyous occasion, so Karen reminded herself of this as she stood before him.
Searching through his luggage, Ray retrieved a new box.
Its size was merely palm-sized.
“…”
It was hard to imagine any bladed weapon inside such a small box.
Confused, Karen watched as Ray opened the box.
A golden necklace adorned with sparkling gemstones gleamed alone in the black box.
