The Return of the Prodigal Son (2)

As the castle drew closer, the bright white walls and sharply pointed blue towers seemed to stretch taller and larger. 

Approaching the knights, to whom I had once diligently built rapport with cabbage casserole, I innocently sparkled my eyes and asked them various questions, and they opened up easily.

"The tallest tower in the centre is the Rondine Tower, where members of the Ertinez family resides. The tower next to it, the Nidum Tower, is where the count's vassals and guests are received… and there's also the oldest Lilium Fortress. It's no longer in use, though."

"Why isn't it used?"

"Simply because it's too old. It's a place that existed even before the fortress was built, and its location isn't convenient for access."

Vittorio, who was listening to the explanation beside me, glanced at Leonardo and then at the castle, wearing an expression of utter confusion. The child turned to Leonardo and asked in a small voice.

"Is that… home?"

"Hmm…"

Leonardo couldn't quite answer Vittorio's question and, after rolling his eyes, looked at me, as if pleading for help, just like he had done before.

'Honestly.'

He can be so clueless sometimes. But I could fully understand Vittorio's confusion.

He had only heard about the noble family and the young lord from others; Leonardo had never acted like the son of a lord in front of us or behaved like someone raised in a castle. In reality, Leovald wasn't someone with that kind of background. Not having a home implies that meaning.

For someone who lacks a place to envision in their heart, there's no dream to conjure in hardship, and the overwhelming feeling of having nowhere to go makes the urgency of tomorrow more significant than a distant future. At the same time, the strange tranquility from the absence of a purpose to return creates a languidness within them. A life adrift, surrendering to the currents. I know it, and so does Leovald.

Vittorio, whether consciously or not, must be vaguely sensing this as well. That's why he feels the dissonance between this situation and the Leonardo he has seen until now.

"That is indeed the castle of the Ertinez family. But for the time being, let's differentiate between the Leo we know and the Leonardo that people talk about. The Leo before he met us and the one after are very different."

As I whispered the secret softly, Vittorio nodded seriously.

Soon, the group arrived at the castle gate, and Ferdinand dismounted from his horse. The atmosphere within the castle welcomed Ferdinand's return, and upon spotting Baron Roald, people appeared to greet him. But as soon as Leonardo stepped inside, the situation changed dramatically.

People widened their eyes in shock, rushing off to somewhere or bowing respectfully, their lips moving as they whispered to one another. Words like runaway and survivor floated through the air. It could be seen as the magnificent return of the prodigal second son, who had been missing for over a month.

In the next moment, a significant crowd parted like the Red Sea as someone approached. Dressed in elegant attire and exuding an air of authority, it was clear who this person was based on the demeanour of those around him. He was the master of this El Dante and the entire Earl's domain.

Count Ertinez.

"Father."

The Count silently nodded in response to Ferdinand's greeting, his icy blue eyes shifting towards Leonardo.

Leonardo stood rigidly in place, awkwardly playing the role of a living screen. It was typical of him to be uncomfortable in situations like this, as he had no talent for acting. This might not be so bad, though. He looked like a wayward son, caught after a long absence, bracing himself for the inevitable wrath that would soon come crashing down.

Count Ertinez spoke heavily.

"Leonardo."

"…Yes?"

Just that one word made the atmosphere stir again. What could be controversial about a simple "yes"?

At that moment, someone murmured in shock.

"Leonardo is addressing the Count so respectfully, and he isn't even stepping aside. He's not drunk or in a stupor… Am I dreaming?"

What kind of behaviour did the original Leonardo display in front of his father to provoke such reactions? Did he act like a flame-throwing, scandalous prodigal son, perpetually drunk and misbehaving?

Even the Count seemed taken aback by Leonardo's unexpectedly gentle demeanour, falling silent after calling his name once. On the surface, the scene of father and son standing side by side in the courtyard was stifling and awkward. 

Leonardo cast another pleading glance, the second one of the day, seeking help.

Yes, yes, it must be tough for him, being overwhelmed by monsters and then jostled by people in the courtyard. Shall we look for a clue to resolve the situation?

[Viewing information for the specified entity.][Viewing information.]

Rank – Minor Character (Scenario Weight 19.05%)

Role – Count Ertinez

Script – [The head of the Ertinez family.]

[He has three children: the eldest son Ferdinand, the second son Leonardo, and a daughter Celestina. Due to being a lord of a territory bordering the country, he frequently goes on expeditions and has not been able to take care of his children's childhood well.]

[He had a close relationship with the Countess, and he stated that he would not remarry after her passing.]

[From the day of the Countess' funeral, his relationship with 'Leonardo' has been mired in the mud.]

Dialogue – "Didn't I tell you not to cause trouble even outside of El Dante?"

However, before I could intervene, the silence resolved itself.

"…..Are these your companions?"

Leonardo's gaze fell upon Count Ertinez, who was now directing his attention towards me and Vittorio. As Vittorio hesitated and clung to my sleeve, I held onto the child's hand for reassurance.

With a topic at hand that was not rooted in the private family matters of the Count, Leonardo's expression became significantly more relaxed. He repeated his explanation, albeit in a manner similar to what he had previously conveyed.

"Yes. They are the ones I have agreed to take responsibility for."

Having repeated this process so many times, he had skipped over quite a bit of detail in the middle. Hmm. Is this really okay? The nuance seems a bit off.

I began to lower my gaze, stealing glances at Count Ertinez' reaction. Though he bore a resemblance to Leonardo, the frivolousness and recklessness that characterized my companion were nowhere to be found in the grave expression of the middle-aged man before me.

The Count stood frozen for a moment, seemingly at a loss for words, before rubbing his forehead. A deep sigh escaped him, as if it had come from the depths of his being. Just as the atmosphere grew increasingly suffocating, Baron Roald discreetly cleared his throat and interjected.

"Ahem, Count. Perhaps you might give the young master and his companions a moment to catch their breath?"

Though I was concerned about his throat, Baron Roald was indeed a remarkably considerate person.

"Look, the young master is quite injured, so we should allow time for treatment and for him to wash up and change clothes. Plus, there are many eyes on us."

"…It would be better that way. This courtyard isn't an appropriate place to discuss what has transpired."

The Count called over a servant to give instructions.

"Go tell the cook to prepare dinner for six. Take Leonardo to the chapel for treatment. Show these guests to their rooms and bring them clean clothes."

Six servings. Including the four from the Ertinez family, myself, and Vittorio, that number adds up.

'Six servings will hardly be enough though.'

As the Count finished speaking and swiftly turned to leave, that thought amusingly occupied my mind. Once Count Ertinez departed, the tense atmosphere began to ease. The servant, who appeared as if he feared he might get hit, approached hesitantly, full of anxiety.

"Lord Leonardo… let's head to the chapel. And as for your companions, um… where should I take them?"

"The Count—no, the head of the family didn't specify a location, so just guide them to my room." 

"Y-your room? But…"

Ferdinand spoke up in place of the frightened and hesitating servant.

"Leonardo, it's quite surprising and nice to see how much you value your friends, but the Rondine Tower is meant for members of the Ertinez family, so it would be appropriate to give rooms in the Nidum Tower to Isaac and his son."

And then, almost reflexively, a response filled with discomfort escaped Leonardo's lips. 

"We can't sleep separately."

"Ah… I'm sorry."

The servant quickly covered his mouth and took a few steps back. However, he leaned forward slightly with his ears perked up, like an office worker who had just stumbled upon some exciting gossip and instantly regained his vitality. Ferdinand asked again, as if he couldn't understand. 

"Is there a reason that sleeping separately would be difficult?"

'Indeed.'

Of course, from my perspective, being close to Leonardo is beneficial and convenient for gaining influence. But in Sinistra, we had no problem sleeping in separate rooms at the inn, so why is it a problem now?

"….."

Leonardo's gaze briefly met mine before drifting away. 

"We've just gotten used to sleeping together for a while…"

He added quietly, "If I don't have it, I can't sleep."

"…..?"

You can't sleep. Are you saying it's you? … Or could it be me?