40 Im going back to my parents house. (1/2)

The night before the first day of school, a month ago.

I've got a visit to the Devil's Forest in three days, and my dad wants to know if Leo and Lena can join me.

Shelly invited me to visit the Devil's Forest.

(Come to think of it, this was the same time three years ago.)

Is this Leo's parents' house? I want to go!

Okay. I'll tell your father.

Yes, please. I haven't had a bath in a while.

(I've only been in it once, but I can't get over how good it feels.)

(Are hot springs really that pleasant?)

(That's a nice surprise when you get there.)

(If you say so much, I'll look forward to it.)

And three days later.

I left Imperial City in the Emperor's carriage.

There are two carriages and I'm riding in one with Sherry and Lina.

Shelly and Leena haven't been able to leave their home (castle) lately, so they are enjoying the view from the carriage.

Maybe it's because it's a royal carriage, or maybe it's just because it's going so fast, but the carriage barely shakes at all.

If we keep going at this speed, we'll be there in less than a week.

By the way, since the last party was attacked, there are not a lot of knights but special forces guarding this inspection.

There was a suspicion that a knight was late on purpose at the last party, so they didn't give him escort this time.

And eight days later.

We're finally in the City of the Brave.

Then Sherry looks out the window at the shopping district.

It's a busy town.

Yeah. There's a lot of good stuff for sale.

I'd like to see what they have for sale later.

Then Shelley asked me to do it.

'I'll have to ask the Emperor about that: ....'

I gave him a troubled look.

I'll ask him later.

Don't expect too much.

I don't think he'd allow it, considering what happened before.

And so on.

Oh, here we are. You have a big house, Leo.

It's a duke's house.

I say, and I open the door.

And I saw my mom and dad standing there.

Welcome back. Leo.

I'm home.

And with that, we got out of the carriage.

And out comes the Emperor and the Princess in the next carriage.

Long time no see, Diork.

It's only been a month or so.

Grandpa's funeral was about a month ago.

Well, don't get hung up on the details.

I'm surprised you even thought of taking a vacation this time.

'Is this about the last attack? We're here because of the attack this time, remember?

On vacation?

There's no way!

The Emperor was loud and angry .

''The inspection of the Demon Forest is an event that shows the Empire is safe both at home and abroad, so in a time like this, we have to do it even more: .....

I see. The emperor's got a lot of work to do. Well then, let's have lunch.

Then, over lunch.

What do you want to do now? I'll go to the hot springs for now, though.

'Oh, I want to go shopping in that mall over there!

Then you and Damien can hang out after the spa.

The emperor gave his permission without any pretense of considering it.

Yay!

'It's easy to get permission to...'

Oh, come on, it's okay: ....

And the emperor.

Well, I'm sure you'll be fine, Leo.

'Really? I'm just a kid.

I'm only eight years old.

After what you did last time, you're kind of an adult now, Leo.

Oh, did I hear that Leo was active?

My father will ask the Emperor.

Yeah. You're a huge help.

'That would have been nice to see: ....'

Mom gave me a disappointed look.

Yeah, and Leo's a nobleman now.

It's only temporary until I give you the land.

But now you don't have to worry about your future.

I don't think you need to worry about Leo's future.

Dad said, and everyone nodded in agreement.

”Well, let's go to the spa.

Then we took a carriage ride to the hot springs.

It's been a long time since I've been to a hot spring, soothing to the body and soul.

The hot springs were the best after all.

And now I'm going to go shopping.

So stay close to me, then.

Pops has to be careful with us.

””Yes.”

The three of us replied.

I'll be off then.

I walked down the shopping street.

What's that round brown thing?

Quickly, Leena pointed to the stall and said.

'That's .... It's called takoyaki, and it's the food that the brave man (dad) taught the previous owner of this store.

It looks good.

I'll get it.