Chapter 2
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 2
Chapter Title: Merirose Mansion's Liberic (2)
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"Young Master, there you are!"
Before I could even respond to the return of this 'father' I had no memory of, a plump head maid suddenly popped out from the hallway and spotted me.
Madam Amara crossed the study in an instant and effortlessly scooped me up.
I grabbed the windowsill in surprise, but I couldn't resist her strong grip.
I was helplessly caught in Madam Amara's arms.
"My goodness, what a mess this is."
Madam Amara frowned at the books scattered across the study floor.
"I'll clean it up."
The black-haired boy, Shuren, clicked his tongue and began tidying the books.
He was only five years older than me, but he easily lifted the books I'd struggled to pull out and stacked them on the desk.
"How did you even get these down? You couldn't have reached them."
"With a chair..."
"And you're covered in dust, Young Master."
Madam Amara shook the dust from my hair. Her firm touch shook my head so much I couldn't focus.
"We need to get ready before it's too late. Shuren, come along."
"Yes, Madam."
I was cradled in Madam Amara's arms as we left the study. It felt like she was holding me tight to prevent any escape.
Behind her, Shuren followed with an excited expression.
His green eyes sparkled unusually bright. Even after sword practice, he brimmed with energy.
He was the second son of the Eldrian Family butler and lived in the house with us.
My mother had hoped he'd be my friend, but sadly, our temperaments were worlds apart.
He thought books were only for reading in front of the tutor and preferred swinging a sword under the blazing sun, covered in dirt and dust.
A hobby utterly incomprehensible to me.
Still, Shuren was the closest in age to me like an older brother, always looking after me.
Most of his daily routine revolved around taking care of me, but today's Shuren was... incredibly distracted.
As we walked down the hallway, he kept peeking out the windows, clenching and unclenching his fists, at a loss for what to do.
Was it really that exciting?
Noticing my gaze, Shuren grinned.
"Master, I've brought the Young Master."
Madam Amara opened the door at the end of the hallway.
"Lib!"
From the back of the bright, spacious room, my mother approached with a radiant smile, her abundant golden hair cascading down.
Only then did Madam Amara set me down.
"Where have you been?"
My mother was a young, beautiful Luar woman with pale golden hair.
Wearing a pristine white dress, she knelt on one knee to meet my eyes.
Her gently arched eyebrows and deep green eyes overflowed with joy and anticipation.
My mother's white, slender fingers gently combed through my hair.
Her touch was ticklish yet comforting.
"He was in the study. He'd opened books bigger than himself..."
Mother smiled at Madam Amara's words.
"That room only has difficult books. Father will be thrilled to know you like reading even at your young age."
She looked happier and more content than ever.
"We need to get ready quickly. Amara, please."
"Yes, Madam. Come here, Young Master. We need to change those dusty clothes. You too, Shuren."
Father...
As Madam Amara led me to the room, I thought about him.
I had only vague memories of hearing about my father.
He was off somewhere handling important work, too crucial to leave.
Mother would say that with such a lonely expression.
Even when reading to me or smiling kindly, her gaze always ended at an empty space.
I obediently sat in the chair as Madam Amara instructed.
She dressed me in soft white fabric and draped a luxurious embroidered coat over it. With skilled hands, she tied a black ribbon around my collar into a bow.
From my second-floor room in Merirose Mansion, I could see the garden and front gate at a glance.
The guards and maids bustled about cleaning, while the head butler gathered the servants and gardeners, issuing orders.
The entire mansion was abuzz with news of Father's return.
Everyone except me.
I stared at the reflection of the young boy in the clear glass window.
Liberic Eldrian, just seven years old, looked small and youthful even for a Luar.
His pale golden hair shimmering in the sunlight matched Mother's, and his blue eyes, like clear water, came from Father.
And within that body lurked the soul of a cunning mage clutching past memories...
I tilted my head slightly.
At the same time, the boy in the glass tilted his head the opposite way.
"Ah, he's here!"
Shuren, now changed into clean new clothes, pressed close to the window.
The front gate grew chaotic.
Madam Amara hurried over, peeked outside, and waved her hands with a flushed face.
"Hurry now, Shuren, go downstairs. I'll bring the Young Master."
"Y-Yes."
Shuren, excited and tense, left the room in a fluster.
I was carried by Madam Amara down to the first floor.
The entrance hall was filled with mansion staff waiting for Father, their master.
Mother, in an elegant deep green dress, couldn't hide her excitement, clutching her hands and fidgeting.
I'd never seen the usually calm Mother so thrilled.
"Lib, come here."
As soon as Madam Amara set me down, Mother pulled me forward and gripped my hand tightly.
Her trembling heart transmitted straight through her fingertips.
From the garden came the sound of hooves, the guards' hearty greetings, and a man's voice responding in kind.
The trembling in her fingertips intensified.
I squeezed Mother's hand back, and she stroked my hair with a happy smile.
The head butler opened the front door.
As the long-awaited person stepped one foot into the entrance hall, everyone bowed in unison.
"Welcome home, Master."
The man seemed a bit surprised but soon smiled warmly.
"Thank you. It's so sudden, yet you welcome me like this."
His soft baritone voice was surprisingly familiar.
I looked up quietly at the man's face.
A young Luar man with light brown hair.
His distinct features had thick eyebrows. His clear blue eyes looked kind, and a gentle smile played on his lips.
His sturdy build towered over Mother, clad in knight's armor with blue accents and a mantle fringed with blue tassels.
Two swords at his waist...
The moment I saw them, I sensed the blood stench clinging to them.
"Priscilla."
He called Mother's name laden with meaning, striding forward without taking his eyes off her.
"Jayden."
Mother embraced him with a smile of deep emotion.
The onlookers' faces lit up with happiness. Madam Amara covered her mouth, chuckling "Oh my."
I stepped aside and looked up at the unfamiliar scene.
This man is Father...
It still didn't feel real.
He lightly kissed the back of Mother's hand, then stepped toward me.
"Liberic, Lib. My son. You've grown so much."
With a joyful smile, he swept me into a hug despite my hesitation.
Blood stench. The ominous, eerie aura thickened.
I froze, unable to breathe, my stomach turning cold...
"I can't understand how you stayed away from such a family for years, Jayden."
Another voice came from the entrance.
A man about Father's age and three young men appeared.
Guests Father had brought. They all shared a similar air.
"I don't know either. Four years...? No, three years and six months."
Father sat up with me perched on his arm.
I was trapped there, rigid as stone.
"Priscilla, this is Luwen Klaus. This is Erner Belliuud, who helps with my work. And Railin and Joel are my students."
Throughout Father's introductions, I clung tightly to the edge of his blue mantle draped over his shoulder.
Mother welcomed the guests with a beaming smile.
"Please, make yourselves at home during your stay."
"Thank you, Lady Eldrian. You're far more beautiful than Jayden described."
Luwen spoke on their behalf.
He was a mage with brown hair tied back, wearing a long black robe.
Mother's cheeks flushed.
"You're too kind. It's the first time he's brought anyone home... Are you all from the Prius Knight Order?"
"Yes. We finished a mission nearby and are heading back. I can't fathom how Jayden left such a beautiful wife and young son behind."
Father frowned at Luwen's teasing, while Mother chuckled.
As Luwen stepped closer to see me, I shrank back further.
The same bloody stench emanated from him as from Father.
And as a mage, the air around him wavered uneasily.
These people came straight here after hunting demons and magical beasts...
The traces of battle vibrated everywhere, but I alone noticed.
"They say Luar children are like jewels. Indeed..."
Luwen reached out, then stopped in confusion. Father, peering at my face, was equally startled.
My body trembled uncontrollably, breath catching.
Tears streaming, I thrashed to escape these strangers toward Mother.
"M-Mother..."
Mother's eyes widened in shock.
She grabbed my hand and took me from the flustered Father.
"Lib, it's okay."
I buried my face in Mother's shoulder.
The piercing blood stench faded, replaced by warm, soft comfort.
Deep relief washed over me there.
Tears still fell, but as Mother whispered reassurances and gently stroked my back, my heart soon settled.
"...I guess I've been gone too long."
Hearing Father's bitter tone from behind, I slowly closed my eyes in Mother's embrace.