Allegiance

Chapter 19

"We're here!" Eleanor chirped as she stepped into the mansion.

Lilia and Jarrod were next to walk in after Eleanor, with Arthur behind them. Tessia hesitated momentarily before she stepped into the mansion, feeling nervous about meeting Arthur's parents but also excited.

"Welcome back, sweetie!" A voice that was familiar and brought a sense of warmth to Arthur and Eleanor called out from deep inside the mansion. "Tabitha and I are in the kitchen!"

Arthur's lips curved, happy to hear his mother's voice. Though it hadn't been too long since he had last seen her, he always enjoyed being with his family, as he cherished them very much.

"Coming!" Eleanor announced loudly and began to walk farther into the mansion, with Lilia and Jarrod following her. Sylvie said happily on Lilia's shoulder, with her fluffy tail wagging back and forth.

Arthur began to follow Eleanor when he stopped and looked back at Tessia, who was still standing near the doorway.

Tessia's lips were partially agape in awe as she looked around the inside of the mansion.

The mansion's interior was beautiful and pristine from being well-kept by the mansion staff. The floor was made of large dark gray flooring that spread throughout the mansion and had an intricate design. The ceiling was a dark orange that was accented with a gold trim and a gold design. Several paintings lined the walls, which showed different areas of agriculture and nature, livening the decor and feel of the mansion.

Arthur chuckled humorously, seeing Tessia's expression, thinking a princess should be used to large and beautiful structures by now, "If you don't close your lips, you'll catch a bug and spoil your dinner." He gestured to her with a playful look, "Plus. I would've thought a princess would be used to such places by now."

Tessia's gaze flicked to Arthur, and she smiled, amused by Arthur's teasing remark. While he was right that she, being a princess, was used to seeing structures of such beauty, it didn't stop her from being amazed and admiring how well-kept the mansion was.

"Oh, yes, right you are, Mr. Leywin," Tessia said, speaking elegantly, playing the role of a princess. Arthur smiled and chuckled amusingly, knowing precisely what she was doing. Tessia pressed her palm to her chest and slowly began to walk toward Arthur, "While I, a princess, is used to, as you say, "such places," it doesn't stop me from admiring their beauty." Tessia came to a stop, standing in front of Arthur, and slightly tilted her head with a smile, "It's obvious the staff here put great work into this place, after all."

Seeing her playfulness, Arthur chuckled and smiled, deciding to play along. He placed his hand to a sternum, giving a slight bow, "Oh, but of course, forgive me for saying such things, princess."

Tessia bit her lips between her teeth, trying to keep herself from smiling as she was enjoying their role-playing. Though she didn't usually like people treating her so elegantly like a princess all the time, she was enjoying how she and Arthur were playing around with her title.

Tessia smiled, and a giggle escaped her soft lips as she was about to speak when her eyes flicked up. She went wide-eyed in surprise, seeing the figure running toward them at an alarming speed.

Noticing her look and hearing the footsteps quickly approaching him from behind, Arthur stood straight and turned around. Arthur didn't have time to process who it was as the figure slammed into Arthur and brought them into a tight and warm embrace.

"You're home!" The female figure yelled elatedly, holding Arthur closely with a wide and warm smile.

Arthur chuckled and smiled happily and lovingly, feeling his mother's warm embrace again. He returned her hug and said, "It's good to see you again, Mom."