MCFATTKM

95

She forgot as she was busy only telling Oscar not to call her 'Leo'.

How will she go inside the castle and explain to her family?

Her mind went blank as she thought about how she would explain Oscar.

Meanwhile, she showed the seal her grandfather had given to her to the gatekeeper. He bowed and straight away opened the gate.

Lelia nervously drove her horse to the castle building.

As she approached the entrance, Oscar first dismounted from the horse and reached out his hand to her.

Lelia hesitated for a moment, and then she took his hand and came down from the horse. The servant took the horse to the stable, and soon the door of the castle opened wide.

"Baby!"

"Grandfather!"

It was her grandfather who first greeted Lelia.

Maybe he didn't hear the news when she passed the boundary line and

only heard the news when she reached the castle gate.

The Duke of Superion was in no hurry to show off his excitement and happiness.

Thinking of her grandfather, who must have gone crazy on hearing news of her return, Lelia ran straight up a few low stairs one at a time.

"Grandfather..."

"Yes, Lelia. My little child... you're here! You're here right in front of me...!"

The Duke of Superion grabbed Lelia's cheek and patted them.

Lelia was moved to tears at her grandfather's attitude, which was more welcoming than she had expected. Her grandfather's response was astonishing and welcoming, as if someone he never thought would ever return has come back.

Tears welled up in Lelia's eyes.

"Of course I returned. I took too long to come back, didn't I?"

"No, it's happened. I wished you would come soon..."

While speaking in a weeping voice, he forgot that he was a duke, and held his granddaughter and stroked her hair.

Hot tears ran down his wrinkled cheeks.

It was then, over the duke's shoulder, someone ran out with a strange sound.

"Lelia!"

Lelia, who had escaped from her grandfather's arms and turned her head, burst into tears.

"Uncle...!"

"......"

Uncle Carius, whom she met after six years, was still a wonderful person. His cheeks were slender as he lost some weight.

His expression looking at Lelia was a mess.

He distorted his expression to contain his crying, but tears crawled down his eyes.

Lelia ran to her uncle with her arms outstretched and sobbed in his arms. She sounded like a ten-year-old child.

She's been like that since she was little. Lelia always pretended to be more mature in front of her grandfather and grandmother.

But in front of her uncle, her childlike side appropriate for her age would often pop out.

Lelia did not know that Carius or the Duke of Superion, knowing that, was even more heartbroken.

"My niece, let's see your face. When did you grow up to be an adult! You were this tiny!"

"......"

Lelia forced a smile.