Chapter 13 — At Last, Into the Town

 

Still waiting… still waiting… My heart was pounding with excitement and impatience. The vice-captain chuckled at my restlessness, telling me to wait just a little longer. I was about to ask who we were waiting for when—

“Hey!”

A voice called out. I turned to see a horse galloping toward us—Matthew was riding it.

“Matthew-san!”

“Yes, that’s who we were waiting for,” the vice-captain explained.

So it was Matthew. He had gone ahead to town earlier, but now he was back. I hadn’t been able to see him off, so I was glad to meet him again so soon.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. Yuuki, you made it here too.”

“Yes!” I answered cheerfully, raising my hand.

Father asked if he had made it in time.

“Of course. As soon as I arrived, that person started working furiously—giving orders, drafting documents at lightning speed. And a message for you: ‘I’ve prepared plenty of work. Don’t expect to leave your office anytime soon.’”

“…Ah.”

Matthew laughed. “Looks like trouble for you, Captain.”

The vice-captain added dryly, “Do your work properly. If you don’t slack, it’ll be finished quickly. Matthew, the papers?”

“Here.”

Matthew handed Father a thick sheet. Father examined it with a serious, sharp expression—so different from his usual smile. I thought he looked very cool like that.

“Perfect. Now we can relax.”

His face softened back into its usual warmth. I wished I could have seen that serious look a little longer. Curious, I asked:

“Toushan-sama, what’s that paper?”

Father’s eyes lit up. “What a cute way to call me! Yuuki, you’re adorable.”

He puffed out his chest proudly. “This paper proves we’re family. With it, no one can deny it. We’ll stay together.”

“Wow! Show me!”

He handed me the paper, but… I couldn’t read it. I could understand spoken words, but not the writing. Father explained: it said I was his child, and we would live together as family. Such an important paper!

I beamed. “Hehe, I’m so happy!”

Father ruffled my hair roughly, making me laugh even more.

“Alright! Let’s enter the town!”

Finally, we approached the gate. My excitement was at its peak—I wanted to run ahead, though I’d probably trip and end up being carried.

At the gate, knights saluted us. Oliver explained it was called a “salute.” I copied them—“Piiit!”—and the knight laughed, saluting me back.

Then one knight asked Father, “Captain William, who is this child?”

My heart skipped. Would they really accept me as family?

Father showed the paper. “He is my new family. From today, we live together.”

The knight checked the document carefully. It felt like forever. Finally, he returned it with a smile.

“And your name?”

“Yuuki! Nice to meet you! I’m family with Toushan-sama!”

The knight froze. Why did people sometimes do that when I spoke?

Father prompted, “Well? May we enter?”

The knight snapped out of it. “Yes, of course. Welcome to Cardinal, Yuuki.”

I saluted again—“Piiit!”—and we passed through the gate.

Inside was a whole new world. Shops lined the streets—food stalls, fruit vendors, butchers, weapon sellers—all calling out to customers. Behind them rose wooden apartment buildings, with laundry hanging, neighbors chatting from windows, and people gazing outside.

Father explained, “This is the busiest street in town. You can buy almost anything here. Behind are shared buildings where families live. Further in, there are single houses—homes for one family each.”

The town was full of people—and beasts too. I was amazed to see people with rabbit ears, cat ears… animal ears! I was so surprised and delighted I leaned forward too far—

“Ugh… Master, you’re crushing me…”

Oops! Mashiro was still small, cuddled in my arms. I quickly loosened my grip. “Sorry, Mashiro!”

Father chuckled. “Yuuki, I know you’re excited, but calm down.”

“…Yes. Sorry.”

Liam muttered, “Kids will be kids.” Father laughed, patting my head.

“From now on, you’ll live here. With me and my family, you can play in the town anytime.”

Play in the town! I was thrilled. But then I remembered… Father’s family.

“Toushan-sama… your family… will they accept me?”

He smiled. “Don’t worry. I already sent them a letter. They’re waiting to meet you.”

“Really? Yay!”

Bathed in the glow of the setting sun, we headed deeper into Cardinal—toward Father’s home, where his family awaited. My new family. Mashiro by my side. My heart overflowed with joy.