Chapter 64

The carriage sent by Lorcha McCallin to fetch me was surprisingly luxurious. I thought they’d just put a knife to my neck and throw me on a cart. It seems they showed some consideration because we’re childhood friends. Truly, nothing is more precious than a friend, no matter how much time passes. Lorcha, my friend, I will never forget you.

Before boarding the carriage, Glacia hugged her parents and bid them a tearful farewell. That must be what family affection feels like, something I’ve never experienced in my life. That’s why I don’t suffer from the homesickness that plagues other reincarnated individuals. I have no family or hometown to miss.

Melissa and Melchior finished saying goodbye to Glacia and approached me. I expected them to say something like, “Take care of our daughter,” like parents sending their kids off to camp. But to my surprise, they hugged me. Whether it was because of the cold weather or my frozen heart, their embrace felt incredibly warm. It was different from the lustful heat I felt when hugging Glacia—it was an indescribable warmth.

“Take care of yourself, Werner. If you run into trouble, send me a letter. If anyone messes with you, let me know, and I’ll take care of them.”

“Our youngest, who couldn’t even handle a knife properly just the other day, has grown so much. I can’t even wrap my arms around you anymore. And don’t worry, we’ll handle the Black Round Table or whatever nonsense it is.”

“Brother… Sister…”

Those words slipped out unintentionally, but they came from the heart.

“If things get tough, tell us. If you feel wronged, tell us. If anyone disrespects you, tell us. Your sister and her husband will come and take care of everything.”

“Sister, I…”

“So don’t shoulder everything alone like you used to, Werner. Don’t make your brother and sister sad.”

If this is what family feels like… it’s not so bad. If I had a family like this and was reincarnated here, I might have gone crazy wanting to go back home by now. Reincarnation isn’t something you can just brush off with a “Wow, I got reincarnated! This is awesome!” Whoever reincarnated me, I’m a little grateful for letting me feel this warmth.

“Sister…”

“What is it, youngest?”

“Sister, you’re really short…”

She was as tall as an elementary school kid. Being this close made her small stature even more apparent.

“Youngest, you really know how to push my buttons.”

Her fist, hardened with dried blood, was quite sharp. It felt like I got hit in the gut… Getting punched by a blood-hardened fist, is this what real blood sausage feels like?

“Your punches are still sharp, sister.”

“That’s right, your sister is still strong, so don’t worry too much and take care of yourself.”

I responded with a laugh and waved as I walked toward the carriage. Airi, Camelian Peony, and Glacia were all ready to leave.

The coachman approached me, bowed politely, and said, “Sent by Lorcha McCallin. We thought it would only be Lord Werner, so we brought a slightly smaller carriage. Is that alright?”

“Ah, it’s fine, no need to worry.”

The interior of the carriage was as luxurious as its exterior, reminiscent of the first-class train cabins I saw in Japan. If only they had station bento boxes, it would be just like that Ekiben manga protagonist. And with beauties accompanying me…

“Wow, the inside is unexpectedly luxurious, Master.”

I wanted to say that it’s only unexpected if the exterior is flashy but the interior is shabby, but I held back. Kids at that age tend to talk nonsense. Isn’t that why minors who kill people often claim it was a mistake or a prank? Normally, I get paid for my work, but when dealing with those brats, I do it for free, channeling Mother Teresa’s compassion.

“…So, you thought the exterior was luxurious but the interior would be shabby? You should think a little before speaking.”

I could clearly see the wrinkles forming on Airi’s forehead.

I didn’t think it was necessary to nitpick like that. It felt like watching politicians debate, where one wrong word gets you torn apart.

“Well, there are cases where the exterior is beautiful but the interior is hideous. I saw one recently.”

“You seem eager to die.”

“Ah, I was talking about a building I saw recently that was flashy on the outside but shabby inside. Did that hit a nerve? Are you someone who prides themselves on their beautiful exterior?”

“At least I pride myself on being more beautiful than a beast who doesn’t even realize their own vulgarity, both inside and out.”

“Well… when they’re young, even monsters can be cute… but can a beast abandoned even in its youth truly be called beautiful?”

That engagement story hurt me more than Glacia… My chest felt heavy because of the sins committed by that bastard Werner in my past life.

“Just sit down. We’ll be leaving soon.”

Camelian Peony, acting like the elder, stepped in to calm the situation. Though it was a bit concerning that she had her hand on her sword hilt, she didn’t resort to violence, so even Gandhi would approve.

Airi snorted and turned her gaze away from Glacia, who ignored her and sat in the inner seat. Despite the luxurious interior, the seats were only prepared for four people.

“The inner seat is a bit wider, so sit here.”

Glacia was clearly inviting me to sit next to her.

But Airi, as if to interfere, went over to Glacia’s side and said, “Why are you deciding the seating arrangement on your own? You go over there, and I’ll sit with Master in the inner seat.”

“You seem to be mistaken. Lord Werner and I are engaged. It’s common sense for engaged couples to sit together. It seems Lord Werner hasn’t taught you such common sense?”

Why is she suddenly dismissing the teachings of the great teacher Werner? I clearly taught her everything, including common sense. She just didn’t absorb it properly.

“Master and I have a master-disciple relationship. It’s only right for a master and disciple to sit together peacefully. Oh, I guess you didn’t learn such manners because you’re a monster?”

“That’s ridiculous. Aren’t you embarrassed to spout such nonsense? I’ve known Lord Werner for over 15 years.”

“Oh, and how much of that time did you spend face-to-face? I’ve spent over 12 years living face-to-face with Master.”

Camelian Peony, annoyed by the noise, shook her head and sat down on the opposite side.

“Kids’ fights are always exhausting.”

I completely agree. Kids’ fights are indeed exhausting. Besides, those two were already at each other’s throats, even if they weren’t throwing punches.

“What matters is the meaning of the relationship. So, as an engaged couple, it’s only right for Lord Werner and me to sit together in the inner seat. So, you go sit over there.”

“No, what matters is the depth of the relationship. It’s a bit disgusting for someone who hasn’t seen his face in 12 years to suddenly want to sit next to him. So, you move.”

“The carriage needs to depart, and you’re delaying it. Move aside.”

“Now who’s talking? You move.”

If they’re both so insistent on sitting in the inner seat, there’s no other way. I sat down next to Camelian Peony. The seat was a bit narrower than the inner one, so our arms touched.

“Sister, sorry. It’s luxurious, but the seats are a bit cramped.”

“It’s fine. It’s not your fault, and I’m not the type to care about such things.”

Then I turned my gaze to Airi and Glacia.

“If you both want the wider inner seat so much, I’ll accommodate you. Airi, you can sit next to Lady Glacia.”

Even King Solomon would applaud this judgment. If they’re both so insistent on sitting in the inner seat, then they can sit together. It’s a stroke of genius, like the Gordian Knot solution.

Airi looked incredulous, and Glacia sighed, shooting a glare full of irritation at Airi. It seems they’re not too pleased with my judgment. But that’s okay, history will judge. Even if the parties involved aren’t happy, history will prove that this judgment was fair and just.

“Now that the seating is settled, sit down already. It’s too noisy to bear.”

Camelian Peony, despite her complaints, seemed to be smiling slightly, but it must have been my imagination.