Passing through the open doors of the courtyard, we stepped inside.
Waiting for us was a single maid. She gave us a quiet bow before saying, 「This way, please」 and began leading us forward.
「…It’s so quiet.」
「That’s how castles are at night. It’s not as if the noble officials working indoors stay up all night. The only one who might still be at it at this hour is Eidel.」
「I see…」
So Eidel-san was a hard worker… or so I thought, until—
「Well, a big part of it is that his workplace is also his home.」
「Ah… That makes sense.」
It seemed my assumptions were a little off. Mother’s words made me realize something.
「So this castle is both the seat of government and the home of the royal family.」
「That’s right. Regular nobles are only allowed up to this point. Beyond here is the Kinri.」
Kinri—the private chambers of the royal family.
Mother came to a stop before a set of large doors. At each side, knights clad in armor stood guard.
The maid said something to them, and one of the knights turned to us—no, to Mother—and gave a respectful bow.
「Heavenly Bell-sama and her son, along with their esteemed hound. Please, proceed.」
「Thank you. You have my appreciation for your hard work.」
Mother carried herself with effortless dignity, offering the knights a composed nod.
「Ano… Thank you.」
「Bark…」
Feeling overwhelmed by the atmosphere, I bowed deeply, while Chocola let out a confused whimper and looked up at me. Wait, even you’re being treated like an honored guest? They called you “esteemed hound” just now.
Once inside the Kinri, we were greeted by a long, spacious hallway. The carpet beneath my feet felt so soft, it was almost unnerving—definitely something expensive. The furnishings lining the corridor were undoubtedly worth a fortune as well. Nervous, I cautiously followed Mother’s lead.
At the end of the hall, there were several doors, each leading to a separate room. Stopping before one of them, Mother raised her hand and knocked.
「Shaps, Fauntia. We’re here.」
「Come in.」
Stepping inside, I found myself in a living room.
The layout was similar to the ones in Noah’s estate and the inn where we were staying—a central table, a sofa, a fireplace, and bookshelves.
But the size and luxury were on another level. The table was adorned with intricate carvings, the sofa was covered in an incredibly vivid and silky fabric, and the carpet had patterns like those on Persian rugs. The paintings on the walls were massive—one depicted an elderly woman in a witch’s robe guiding a princess through the forest. My vocabulary wasn’t enough to describe it any further. It was, in every sense, the pinnacle of a 『luxurious living room』.
But all of that only held my attention for a moment.
At the center of the room, a man and a woman seated in chairs rose to their feet and walked toward us.
A man and a woman.
Both appeared to be in their mid-twenties, but their demeanor and the aura of their magic suggested they were closer to Mother’s age—perhaps even older.
Both were strikingly beautiful.
The man had a somewhat absentminded air, like a male version of Yuni-san but far more easygoing. He had the look of an effortlessly kind and handsome person.
The woman, on the other hand, resembled Noah if she were a man and had a gentler disposition. Her features were soft and warm, but beneath that, I sensed the same unshakable strength that Noah carried.
And if these two looked like Yuni-san and Noah, then that meant—
「A-ano… My deepest apologies for disturbing you at such a late hour. I was… brought here by my mo—by Mother, and…」
I fumbled my words, unable to greet them properly.
Their regal features, the opulence of their nightwear—there was no doubt. They were the people before whom one ought to kneel and bow their head without question. The most powerful figures in this country—the King and Queen.
Yet Mother stood at ease beside me, and Chocola was busy sniffing the carpet. Meanwhile, I was frozen with nerves, completely lost on what to do.
Then—
「…Heavenly Bell-dono. This child… is he Sui?」
「Yes, he is. My son. Kazu-kun’s son.」
King Shaps spoke,
「A-ano. My name is Sui Hatano! I am deeply gra—」
「Your face.」
Before I could finish, he stepped forward and grasped both of my shoulders.
「Huh?」
「Let me… see your face.」
His hands moved from my shoulders to my cheeks.
The king gazed at me intently.
Beneath his mustache, his lips trembled, slowly curving into a soft smile.
His eyes narrowed with warmth.
「Ah… You look just like him. Just like Kazuteru-dono—your father.」
Tears began to well up in his eyes.
「You’re the spitting image of him. Just like he was in my memories. But… your features are softer than Kazuteru’s. Your nose… it resembles Viole-dono’s. And those jet-black eyes… even darker than your father’s. Ah, but still… You look just like him. It’s as if he’s come back to us…」
The king—no, Shaps-san—
He wept openly as he stroked my hair, held my shoulders, and smiled through his tears.
「You’ve been through so much. I’m so glad you’re safe. I grieve for Kazuteru-dono, but… his son has grown so strong. He raised you all on his own, in a foreign land… and he raised you so well…」
「It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sui-san. I am Fauntia, and this is my husband, Shaps.」
Beside the sobbing Shaps-san, the queen—Fauntia-san—glanced at him with a wry smile before turning back to me with a nod.
「Noah, Parker, Eidel, Yuni… My four children have been in your care. Especially Noah—thank you for looking after him. And… welcome home. As a friend of Viole and Kazuteru, allow me to say it properly. Welcome back.」
Ah—
Being embraced by the king, who wept like a child.
Having my head gently stroked by the queen, her touch filled with kindness.
And seeing Mother beside me, smiling so warmly—
It finally clicked.
The reason she had suddenly said, 『Let’s go to the royal capital.』
The reason she had brought me and Chocola here.
She wanted to introduce me.
She wanted to introduce her son to her dear friends.
So I—
I wrapped my arms around Shaps-san’s shoulders, grasped Fauntia-san’s hand in return, and gave my greeting.
「I am Sui Hatano, son of Kazuteru Hatano. It’s been a long journey, but I have returned to this world. …I have come home to my birthplace—Sorx Kingdom.」
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