The Final Route

06 | grandfather's delight

Cold, blue eyes as icy as glaciers. Slick, combed midnight hair swept back over his head, streaked with greying strands. Despite his elderly age, his towering height and broad frame made it clear this was no frail old man. He exuded an aura of unwavering strength and regality. An unsmiling, intimidating bastion of honour and dignity.

I couldn't help but notice his beard, perfectly framing his face without a single hair out of place, groomed to absolute perfection. His pale skin bore wrinkles around his eyes and cheekbones, the only real evidence that time had touched him. In his gloved left hand, he held a walking stick, topped with a sculpted Blue Morpho butterfly — the Kopas family symbol.

Standing before us was none other than Duke Alfred Kopas, Klein and Seira's formidable grandfather. He had come out of retirement to raise them after their parents' untimely deaths. Seira's childhood memories were filled with this man, so oddly enough, he didn't feel like much of a stranger. If I hadn't seen all those flashbacks overnight, I'd honestly be quaking in my boots right now.

Despite his intimidating presence, I managed to greet him with a smile. After all, I had glimpsed enough of Seira's past to know what kind of man he really was.

As if reading my thoughts, Alfred's cold, imposing gaze softened. A smile spread across his face like warm butter melting on toast, and suddenly, he seemed to light up from within.

"Welcome home, dearest children!" His voice was low as he bellowed like a lion, and before we could react — Alfred threw his burly arms around us in a bear hug.

Whoa—!!

I stiffened, feeling Klein do the same, as we were both suddenly enveloped in the duke's chest. The soft, subtle scent of lilies and soap wafted from his expensive clothes, a surprisingly gentle contrast to the man himself.

"G-Grandfather—" Klein stammered, squirming uncomfortably beside me. Honestly, it would have been hilarious if I weren't caught in the hug as well. I could practically feel Klein's manly pride disintegrating while I remained stiff as a board. "We aren't children anymore—p-please let go—!"

Alfred laughed heartily at our discomfort. "Buahaha! No need to be so shy, Kleiny. Don't be a stranger; it's been ages! Grandpa missed you!"

Kleiny? That's such a cute nickname.

"Hehe—" I snickered a little at Klein's flushed face, and he shot me a scowl, his cheeks burning with embarrassment.

"Now, let's head inside! Your grandfather was so lonely without you!" Alfred's booming voice filled the air as he finally released us. Klein harrumphed as he took a step back, adjusting his glasses while his cheeks burned red. He was so cute, trying to compose himself like that despite blushing like a tomato.

Alfred's genial smile grew wider. "I even dressed up to look good for your return! Am I not the most handsome man you've ever seen?"

He winked at me, and I laughed, already charmed by his playful and exuberant personality. "Yes, Grandfather. You're still the most handsome man in the world." I played along with his jest, though my words seemed to shock him.

Alfred stared at me in bemusement. "...My goodness! Such high praise from the beautiful Seira Kopas, who only loves Chancis Ledestria...? Is God finally smiling down on me?!"

Urk—

Although it was a joke, his reaction made it clear that Seira had been so infatuated with the crown prince that Chancis was likely the subject of all her compliments.

Instead of correcting him, I simply smiled. "Well, how can I not compliment my wonderful grandfather? If grandmother saw you now, I'm sure she wouldn't be able to take her eyes off you!"