Nurturing the Hero to Avoid Death

Ch 25.1 - Going to Grandfather's Birthday Party (Middle Part)

As I enter the room, an old man stands up slowly from behind the big and large desk in front of me, showcasing his full height. He is taller than me.

Lian’s grandfather’s cold ice-colored eyes soften as if the ice in them has melted. His eyes narrow, joy flashing in them.

“Oh… Oh, Lian… My cute little bird. You came.”

His long, wavy silver hair is loosely tied in a low side ponytail with purple string, the ponytail resting over his right shoulder.

He’s dressed in a long-sleeve long coat a shade of purple, its length reaching past the knees, with large silver epaulets sewn on the shoulders. The coat is paired with a white dress shirt and a light purple tie, the shade complementing that of his coat.

Even though it has been a long time since Lian’s grandfather retired from active duty, his intimidating, dignified aura, showing how accustomed he is to having his orders followed, hasn’t faded at all. I’m sure that if I were to let my body relax, I’ll subconsciously back away from him.

Lian’s grandfather approaches me, his steps unthinkably light for an eighty-year-old man, and wraps his arms around me in a tight embrace.

“G-grandfather. It has been a long time. I’m glad that you look healthy.”

“Hehe, I am very healthy. But look at you. My little bird has become even prettier in the time I haven’t seen you.”

“H-huh? N-no, that’s not true…”

In fact, I don’t think I’ve changed at all!

Feeling tired all of a sudden, I internally sigh.

“Has become even prettier” isn’t a compliment you should say to a man.

This has been on my mind for a long time, but… Lian’s grandfather takes extremely good care of Lian, just as much as he pampers his youngest daughter.

And that seems to be the reason why he gifts so many frilly clothes to me, me, a boy.

“Oh, you’re looking more and more like Lila… Just like Lila, light blue suits you well. Are you thirsty, my cute little blue bird? I’ve prepared candies for you, as well as many other things that you will definitely like. Come, follow me.”

Lila is the name of Lian’s mother.

Even though Lian’s mother has another son aside from me, only I am always called to Lian’s grandfather’s private room like this.

Apparently, Lian’s grandfather holds no interest in Lian’s brother. Just like how indifferently he treats Lian’s father. Ah, I’m jealous!! Exchange with me, damn it!! Please, I want a role change!

Lian’s grandfather pulls my hand and sits me down on the large sofa in the lounge. He then sits right next to me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders to pull me to him, stroking my head and cheeks.

I don’t know why, but I feel somewhat like a… pet.

And I feel like my intuition isn’t necessarily wrong this time.

On the low table in front of us sits a big bowl of sweets. So many sweets that I’m sure one person alone won’t be able to finish them all.

The maid, who has been waiting near the wall, approaches us, sets a cup down onto the table, and pours tea into the cup with perfectly practiced movements, her face in an equally perfect smile. She doesn’t look a bit bothered by how her master is sticking so close to his grandchild, looking to be just one step away from committing sexual harassment. She is surely a professional.