Return to family - 19

It was morning and I was lying in my bed. I rubbed my eyes and slowly got up. The only thing running through my mind at that moment was that we were finally coming back today. I couldn't stand it any longer. I slowly headed to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. I rinsed my face with cold water, which pleasantly refreshed my mind and relieved me of my morning drowsiness. It was something I had always liked - that simple hygiene that helped me start the day right.

After that, I returned to my room where I quickly changed and went to check on Rudy. But he was still fast asleep. I couldn't stand it and pulled him out of bed. I expected it, but it still made me laugh. After he woke up a bit and got ready, we headed out. On the way, Rudy peppered me with questions, like where my stuff was. I didn't want to make it easy for him, so I answered him with a riddle to confuse him even more.

Outside, everyone was waiting for us - the servants, Eris, Philliph, Souros, Hilda and the others. It was a strange moment, because all this time here on the estate they had become part of our lives. Ghislaine was waiting by the carriage. She'll see us back, but she'll have to return soon.

I have to say that the time spent here was really valuable for me. I learned a lot of new things and skills that I would have had a hard time practicing at home. I also enjoyed my time in the city, which had a completely different atmosphere than at home.

But now, as it happens, it was time to say goodbye.

After Rudy had said goodbye to everyone, I approached Eris. "It's been hard with you, Eris," I began with a smile. "But you've grown up. Your talent for fencing is amazing, and I'm glad I got to know you." It was a word that sounded like a goodbye forever, though I didn't know when we'd see each other again. Eris looked into my eyes and a tear ran down her cheek before she hugged me tightly. She had respect for me, even though our relationship wasn't as personal as Rudy's, she still considered me a mentor and role model.

Then Souros came in with Philliph and Hilda. "I would like to thank you all for the way you have cared for us and for the opportunity to work for you. I hope to meet you again sometime," I said. As I finished speaking, Hilda suddenly ran up and hugged me. "That goes without saying, my child," she said. "You're family, you and Rudy will always be welcome here." It was surprising how our relationship with Hilda had changed. In the beginning she was cold to us, but time has changed that.

The rest of the farewell was quiet before we got into the carriage. Although I was tired and wanted to get some rest - I had trouble falling asleep at night - Rudy immediately asked me, "Why did you say goodbye so strangely? It's like we're never going to see them again." I replied calmly, "You know, you never know what might happen. So I decided to say goodbye properly." I didn't quite believe it, but I didn't want to elaborate further.

During the trip, I instructed Kaisar to hide in Eris's shadow and protect her. It was a precaution in case of an emergency. While there probably aren't enemies as dangerous as Laplac or Hitogami around here anymore, it was better just in case.

It was a long journey, but eventually we arrived home safely. I expected Ghislaine to at least go say hello to her parents, but she left right away. It was already dark, but the house was still lit. It was summer, so the sun was slowly setting.

When we got out, I took my suitcase out of my shadow and went to get ready to return. Rudy suddenly snapped at me, "You had all your stuff in the shade all this time, why didn't you do the same with mine? I had to drag it around like an idiot." I just laughed and slowly walked to the door. I knocked and waited.

The door opened and there stood a little blonde girl, about five years old. Another child's voice came from behind her. "Norm, who knocked?" And directly behind her was another little girl with red hair, dressed like a maid. She and Rudy were both studying us, a look of surprise on their faces.

"Hey, are either of your parents home?" I asked. They probably didn't remember us, so it was better to start talking like we were complete strangers. Norm replied, "Mom and Dad are taking a bath right now, but Lillia is cooking dinner." After a while she came back with Lillia, who immediately gave us a hug. "Welcome back, it's been a long time..." When we got out of the hug, we smiled and said, "We're home!"

Norm and Aisha looked at us with surprised expressions. Together they asked, "Who are the boys, Lillie/mom?" Lillia smiled and explained who we were. As soon as they realized, they immediately greeted us with a hug.

We sat down at the table where Kuzuha was already waiting for us. She bowed her head and said, "Welcome home, sir." I walked up to her and stroked her head. "Thank you, I really thank you for protecting everyone here." I couldn't help smiling. I was glad to be home.

Mom and Dad came into the kitchen a moment later. Mom immediately hugged me and I felt that beautiful motherly love filling me up again. It was amazing, the moment I had missed for so long. After twelve years of being here, I still missed the feeling of having my own family.

When I looked into their eyes, I remembered the real mother I had lost. Even though I can't remember exactly who I was, I still feel I should check on her. I know I have no memories of my previous life, but the more I think about it, the more I miss it. I hope that fate has something beautiful in store for her, something that was meant for her.

But now that I'm here, I have to focus on my new family and all that this new life has brought me. I may be missing part of my past, but here I have everything I could want - family, friends, strength and power.

Over time, I promised myself that I would find a way to stop time and go back to my previous world for a while to check on my mom. Although it won't be easy, it's something I have to do. I'm ready to confront my past, even if I don't have all the answers yet.

But I'll have plenty of time to figure out what's next. Now is the time to enjoy the present, to enjoy this moment when I'm finally back home. Then Rudy and I began to talk.

Once we had finished telling everyone what we were sharing, there was an unpleasantness. Paul started to say "Rudy, we got your room for Aisha and Norm, so you'll be at Mephisto's until you go to school" and I immediately replied "Dad, we decided to spend some time with you guys, so we'll start school when we're fifteen..." Paul just smiled awkwardly and said "that's your problem."

With that, Rudy and I went up to our room and unpacked. Unfortunately I have to share his bed, which is the worst part. Under my beard I whispered, "I wish it was Roxy..." to which Rudy reacted and started teasing me, as soon as I pulled a Sylph on him he calmed down and we went to sleep...