Chapter 160 Saying Goodbye 1 (1/2)

Regaleon swiftly rested his blade on Gladiolus' shoulder near his neck. Gladiolus was holding his injured hand.

”To this, the winner is evident.” Prince Regaleon hooked up one side of his mouth into a smile.

”I concede.” Gladiolus said with a bitter smile.

”With this, the winner is no other than prince Regaleon.” Grandpa Robert said.

Regaleon extended his hand to Gladiolus for a hand shake. ”Nice dueling with you.”

Gladiolus accepted Regaleon's hand shake. ”I feel the same. I can say your skills with the sword are outstanding.”

”I can also say the same to you prince Gladiolus.” Regaleon replied courtly.

”Well then I shall take my leave.” Gladiolus bowed his head and left with his assistant.

”Well sister we will be heading back ourselves.” Richard said. ”Your duel was magnificent brother in law. As expected, you are the best.” Admiration was drawn on Richard's face.

”Thank you for the compliment.” Regaleon replied with a smile.

”We will not take your time. I know you will be busy for the grand parade this afternoon.” Grandpa Robert said.

I felt a slight tightening within my chest. This would be the last time I will see grandpa and Richard. I won't be back in Alvannia for quite a while.

”Richard, be sure to study hard. I will always be writing to you.” I said to Richard. ”Grandpa please always watch your health.”

I can't stop my tears from coming out.

”Ahh, sister you're gonna make me cry.” Richard said. He opened his arms and hugged me.

As of now Richard was the same height as me. After a few more years I am sure he would tower over me.

'My little brother isn't little anymore.' I thought to myself and sighed.

I was sobbing lightly in Richard's embrace. Not long I also feel strong arms embrace both Richard and I. When I look up I see grandpa Robert with a sad smile.

”Be well there in Grandcrest. We will also write letters to you frequently.” Grandpa Robert said.

”We are going to miss you sister.” Richard said with some tears in the rim of his eyes. ”I will surely wait for your letters to come and reply to them diligently.”

”Hmm.” I nodded while wiping my tears away and smiled at the both of them.

In this huge and cold palace, grandpa Robert and Richard are the only family members that gave me warmth. I will always be grateful to grandpa that loved me like a real granddaughter.

Grandpa released us from his huge hug after a while. He looked at Regaleon with a serious face.

”Take care of my granddaughter your highness.” Grandpa Robert said to Regaleon. ”If ever I heard news that she is being ill-treated in Grandcrest, I will personally pick her up and take her back here in Alvannia.”

'That sounded like a threat grandpa.' I thought.

”Do not worry general. I will not let Alicia feel any mistreatment. Anyone who tries will personally answer to me.” Regaleon's words were firm and resolute.

Grandpa Robert nodded and looked satisfied with Regaleon's promise.

After some words to each other, grandpa and Richard left.

”They are the only ones I consider as family inside this palace.” I said while looking at their retreating backs. ”I am going to miss them.”

Regaleon pulled me into his arms to comfort me. ”Don't worry. We will surely visit them from time to time.” He planted a kiss on top of my hair.