Mason also seemed to feel troubled seeing his daughter. His face was full of anxiety, still doubting whether he had truly returned home.
[Roxy, I’m back.]
Even I would do similar thing. My parents were already dead when I was still very young. There were a lot of things I couldn’t say to them. I do have things I want to say to them, if only we could meet again.
[You’ve done your best, Roxy]
[Un.]
[Esteemed Father…]
[Don’t look at me like that. We’ve not met for a long time, and you’ve even become a Holy Knight, yet you still act childish.]
[No, that’s, that’s not it! I…I]
[I’ll be back soon, so just wait for me at home]
Before Mason-sama headed to the palace, he spoke to us.
[Aaron-sama, thank you for your guidance. Could it be…you’ve returned to become a Holy Knight? This sure brings back memories. And this one is?]
[Fate Barbatos. He is my adoptive son. Shall we save the stories for later?]
[Of course. Well, shall we?]
Meeting Roxy’s father, although I found myself tensed up, I still managed to bow my head. In response to that, Mason-sama simply smiled. Good one…hopefully he thought of me like that as he made his way to the palace.
Aaron told Roxy to follow and check, but she turned down the offer.
[It’s scary….so I won’t. Pardon me for backing off on such an important matter.]
[No, it is alright to feel apprehensive. We should be the one to apologize. Sorry, Roxy].
[Mother will definitely be surprised.]
[Yes. I could almost imagine Aisha jump in surprise]
Looking at Roxy and Aaron who were walking ahead, I asked Greed.
[What do you think is happening?]
『This is certainly not normal』
[I know it already. But that’s not what I’m asking for]
『I thought you already know about it. Luna should’ve told you. In the end, it won’t bring happiness to anyone.』
[You mean…at first they’ll be happy, but they won’t be in the end?]
『Yes, that is correct. Look at Roxy, for instance. She was puzzled by his father abrupt return at first, but by now she’s smiling happily.』
[Is it the Door to that Land?]
『If it is, what can you do about it?』
[Greed!]
『My bad. In any case, there is still time. So you need not to be angry. If you go now, you’ll miss out on Eris’ return. She should come back with some valuable information. All you can do right now is to wait』
[Waiting, huh…]
Aisha-sama rushed towards us upon noticing our arrival.
[Everyone is safe. Thank goodness…truly. Mimir-chan woke up just a while ago, and Shara-chan should be tending to her at the moment.]
[Thank you, Aisha-sama.]
[Un un! This one is better after all. It’s fun to have Roxy as a boy while it lasted. Too bad I won’t be able to see it again.]
[Mother! That is embarrassing!]
[Arara, I’m sorry then. Roxy, you shouldn’t be angry so easily like that. It’ll cause wrinkles on your face. Fate would surely hate you if your face had too many wrinkles.]
[Nha!?]
[Mother, please listen to me while keeping calm]
[Whatisit whatisit, is there something wrong? Ah, don’t tell me!?]
[We’re not there yet! Why does mother always tease me with something like that!?]
[Eh, so it’s not that… Too bad then. Then what else? Other than that, I cannot imagine anything else worth my excitement.]
[Mother, please listen carefully.]
[U-understood. Yes, what is it?]
[Esteemed Father has returned]
[Ha!?]
[I repeat, Esteemed Father has come back from Gallia. Alive and well.]
Unable to comprehend what her daughter meant by her long deceased husband somehow returned home alive, Aisha-sama blinked her eyes and reprimanded Roxy.
[Please don’t kid like that. There is no way that could happen. Mason died in Gallia. If this is a joke, then it’s a really bad joke.]
[But it’s true!]
[He!? Ara ara, there there…what is actually happening here… Aaron-sama, can you elaborate?]
She still thought that it was just a joke. Therefore she asked Aaron who is unlikely to tell a lie.
[O Aisha. Roxy is telling the truth. We met Mason earlier. He’s now reporting to the Palace.]
[Even…even Aaron-sama is lying. Lie. That’s a lie, right? That…that person was… Fate, please tell me the truth.]
[Everyone is trying to tell me a lie, Fate! Mason is already…..I’m not out of my mind yet to easily believe that he actually come back.]
[Aisha-sama….please calm down. Take a breath, and release.]
[Un un. Thank you, Fate. I’ve calmed down somewhat.]
[Good to hear that. But I’m gonna say the same thing here, Mason-sama is indeed coming back.]
[!?]
[Mother!?]
[It cannot be helped. We should take her inside. Aisha has always loved Mason after all…]
[Aaaa…sorry about that.]
[Fate doesn’t have to apologize. Give me my mother’s hand. I’ll help you.]
[Yes]
[What happened!? Aisha-sama!]
[Her emotion was in great turmoil, and she fainted.]
[That’s……bad. Let me fetch some water.]
[Mason should return to the mansion shortly. It will be better if you inform the servants in advance.]
[Yes. I will gather everyone and inform them about the news. Can I leave mother in your care?]
[Leave that to me. Fate should be alright with it as well.]
[Yes. We’ll take care of Aisha-sama.]
[Thank you! Well then.]
When we drank liquor together, I still remembered that the last topic was about Mason-sama.
Roxy was speaking to the servants. As he watched that, Aaron made a remark.
[She is doing well. Anyone can see that. Shall we take our leave here?]
[Yes. But, will it be alright to leave Aisha-sama alone here?]
[Now that Fate mentioned it, speak of a devil…]
Haru-san came back with a towel and water basin.
[Pardon me, but it would be nice if you can guide us to Aisha’s room]
[With pleasure. Fate-sama]
[He’ll be here soon.]
