Preparations

The gates of the Forest Monsters opened and the return of Count Alexanders' family and their knights were welcomed by a huge crowd. This didn't happen for a long time. Some cheered for their return, some just wanted to know what was special with this venture.

Everyone from the venture returned unharmed and dignified. Before the Count and the young masters exit the forest hundreds of knights march toward the gate which makes the civilians panic for a moment until they realize they are all part of the Alexanders' Knights.

The knights give salutes and welcome them. It wasn't a grand welcome but it was clean and proper. Trumpets were blown and routine salute was given.

Konrad exits the forest with a young lady sitting inside his arms riding black horse. The girl looked aloof with her long black hair and her shining blue eyes which are identical to the Count.

The crowds murmured about who she is. She was not there when they entered the forest. It was hard to miss someone with black hair. The group of knights were led by Yurik. He knelt down in front of the count.

"Welcome back, My Lord and Young Masters." Yurik said out loud in a respectful manner.

"We are pleased and over joyed in return of the Youngest Daughter of the Family. Welcome back Young Master Kaleena Alexanders." He said it so loud that a lot of people in the crowd heard it loud and clear.

"Welcome back, Young Master Kaleena!!!" The knights repeat in unison manner as they all knelt down.

"When did you prepare all of these. . . . . . . Father?"

Even from afar one can tell he is a noble. His posture, aura and even the cheating beautiful young face. Who would have thought he has 3 full grown children.

"I didn't. I just sent a message to welcome my daughter's arrival."

". . . ah"

Kali rendered speechless at the blunt way of Konrad's speaking; it reminds him of Gio. Will he age slowly like the count she wonders.

She looked again at Konrad's face. There are minimal lines in his face if you look closer but it still looks good on him. She frowned and returned her eyes to the road. There were people staring at them but she didn't pay attention to them.

She then saw the carriage she will be riding. She remembers the hell of experience riding a carriage.

"Ughh. Can't I just ride the horse ?"

"No. They were exposed to poison and they will be treated here in town before going back."

She showed displeasure.

Konrad gracefully went down on his horse and Kali, who was about to jump, saw his face. His face said "DO-NOT-JUMP!'. He then offered hand and she took it and she was slightly pulled down with force.

'Eh?' She lost her balance and fell right in Konrad's strong arms. He effortlessly carried her to the carriage and the bystanders who saw it skipped a heartbeat.

"Was that all necessary?" she openly grit her teeth trying to control her frowning face.

". . ."

****

On the busy street of the Millano Capital. Noble's hot topic is the Alexanders Family. The news of Kaleena's return spread like wildfire.

"Is that the truth?"

"Didn't you hear? The long lost daughter of Count Alexanders has returned?

"You mean the black hair young lady?"

"Where did you hear it?"

"I heard it someone from . . ."

Inside the Imperial Palace, The gray old king lazily put his arms on the throne and rested his chin as he looked down at the kneeling man below him.

"Report."

"Yes your majesty, The Alexanders publicly announced the return of their youngest, Lady Kaleena Alexanders. The person I sent confirmed that a young lady with black hair and blue eyes was seen riding out from the monster forest with Count Alexanders."

"Didn't you say, she was not with them when they entered?"

"Yes your majesty, There were some rumors that . . . during the prior venture, Lady Kaleena was killed and that's why the latest venture was to retrieve her body. . . "

"But she is alive when she exits?"

". . . yes your majesty."

"Are you saying your report last time was based on rumors?" The king asked in a mocking tone which made the kneeling vassal flinch.

"Your majesty, I made a mistake. . . please forgive me." The vassal lowered his body, almost kissing the red carpet.

"haaaa. It doesn't matter. What a headache. How should I deal with this?" The king massaged his head.

"Your majesty, If I may."

"If what your words are no good? I will have your head for lying to the King."

"heuk--- Ye-yes your majesty. I doubt Lady Kaleena's true identity."

"What do you mean?"

"Nobody questioned the Lady's identity since Lord Alexanders acknowledged her. "

"Hmm. It is widely known how loved his youngest is. Do you mean to say that Konrad let someone else impersonate his dead daughter, his beloved daughter? HAHAHAHAHAHA. . . he might have lost his mind at last if that is the case."

The man clenched his fist and bit his lips as he let the old king laugh at him.

"If that is not the case then, we could be in trouble, your majesty."

". . ." The king stopped laughing and glared.

"Your majesty, there is a sure way to confirm if she is Lady Kaleena or not."

"Tell me, Lord Delacorte, how do you propose to read that child's code?"

Even Though there is a hierarchy among nobles, one cannot simply read others' code. It was to establish trust and respect. Only the Head of the family has the authority to access the code information window of a noble family ranking below them.

Example : The head of 'Baron' Family can only read commoners code while The Head of 'Viscount' Family can read codes of both 'Baron' Family Members and Commoners. The higher the status in nobility the more 'authority' they have against commoners and fellow nobles but this power is only limited to the Head of the Family, all their family members can only read commoners code until they become the 'head'.

"It is close to impossible to check her code if she continues to stay in Alexander's Territory. . . That's why she must go here in the capital where, your majesty's authority can reach her."

A perfect set of white teeth appeared when the King smiled at his vassal's suggestion.

****

"How old am I?" The Alexanders family is having dinner together for the first time. They sent all the servants away after serving their meal.

"Kaleena turned 18 this year."

"How old are you?" She looks at them with slight curiosity.

"I am 25." Theo answered smilingly.

"23." Gio said plainly

". . ." Konrad remained silent as he put a piece of meat in his mouth gracefully. Kali stares at Konrad to urge him to answer.

"Soon, you will be invited to the capital." Konrad changed the topic.

"Why?"

"Your return has been spread out in the capital. The nobles and the Imperial Family will want to see you."

"Are you that famous? or Kaleena?"

". . ."

"Ahem. . . Not to brag about it but our family is quite famous -" Gio cleared his throat with a hint of colored cheeks.

'Ah. yeah" Kali said as she returned to cutting her meat. Gio's way of speaking is totally bragging.

'Are they really famous?'

"Child, Finish your classes and training before you go to the capital."

'I totally forgot about it' She thought

"Yes . . . speaking of classes. where should I put my payment?"

"What payment?"

Gio froze and he slightly cleared his throat. He remembers telling Kali to pay for her classes.

"For classes."

". . ." Konrad and Theo had no idea what Kali was talking about. Theo who saw Gio awkward gestures said. "Do you want to say something?"

". . . I think what Kali meant to say is. . . her living expenses, remember the contract?"

Kali's brows are knitted but if she thinks about living the life of a noble , these classes are necessary and she needs to pay for it to learn. Gio is not basically wrong. Kali was convinced but not Konrad and Theo.

"I received earlier the selling amounts of the resources. I subtracted the living expenses for the last months. I have plenty left so if you can just send me the classes price---blah blah blah. . . "

Konrad and his sons listened to Kali as she talked about her computation and living expenses. They listened like they couldn't understand what she was saying. Konrad never thought of seriously letting her pay. The deal last time was just amusing word play to him but Kali took it seriously.

"Where did you get your living expenses details and the selling price of resources?" Konrad asked.

"I asked the butler to get the ledger for me, of course I said I got your permission."

They were stunned and speechless.

"Wait!" Gio was the first one to break to speak.

"If . . . if you already have the amounts, Just how many resources do you have."

The servants dropped their mouths at the amounts of the resources being transferred from the main house to the storage; there are more than 50 crates being carried out.

"How would we explain the sudden increase of supplies? and its quality turns out to be better than usual. It doubles the usual amount. " Theo said as he looked at the crates filling the warehouse.

". . ." Gio stands beside Theo watching the supplies.

"Gio, go to the capital and deliver these supplies. " Konrad who is standing at the door said.

"Father, how would I explain this? The quality and quantity suddenly increased overnight?"

"Use your head." Konrad knew Gio said something unnecessary.

"Father! Do you think that's a bit unfair? . . . If we are being honest Father did the con----" Gio swallowed his words and sweats formed in his forehead. Konrad just gave him deathly cold glare.

"Fix it." Konrad in a low voice walks away.

Theo placed his hands on his brother's shoulders, clicked his tongue and said "Goodluck brother." then left.

'Wow! this is so unfair! " he tousled his long silver hair.