Forcefully Included in the Story

Revenge in song

"Duke!"

"Mister."

Rupert's eyes widens at the bright voices, completely out of place given the current atmosphere.

The knights and servants nearby thinks of the same thing.

Adlyn and Leonia, who have arrived in Meleis' arms, run over to Phileo as soon as their feet touch the ground.

In her hands is a small box decorated with sparkling jewels.

In his hands is a pillow sized bag covered in a brown cloth. He hands it to Rupert then jumps on Phileo who catches him.

"You're going to hurt yourself."

Phileo warns Adlyn as he picks Leonia up, but Adlyn only snorts.

"What do you mean? I was the best at running away in the orphanage, you know?"

"I've fought monsters and ran down the mountain you know!"

"I suppose you'll only learn a lesson after you fall and break your noses, or something."

"In your dreams, Duke."

"Why are your examples always so extreme, Mister?"

"But why would you need to run away in the orphanage?"

"Because those people tried to hit me."

Then she continues to tell him that  she was still caught and beaten up severely in the end.

"When Adlyn came, he took all my hits and helps me run away."

Upon hearing that, Phileo's expression, previously calm and relaxed, grows rigid.

Cold air suddenly fills the warm mansion.

It does not only affect the orphanage staff still on their knees, but also Rupert and all the other servants of the mansion, they all trembl in fear.

Even so, Rupert knows.

In truth, the Duke is doing his best holding his anger so he won't scare his daughter and son as well.

Despite his effort, his violent aura is palpable.

"Oh, it's the secretary man."

"Hi Mr. Secretary!"

Leonia and Adlyn, seemingly unaffected unlike everyone else, greet Rupert brightly and wave at him.

"Greetings once again, Your Excellency, Lady Leonia."

It takes Rupert a few seconds to answer them.

It is because the names, 'secretary man' and 'Mr. Secretary', were unfamiliar to his ears. However, and most importantly, the stifling tense atmosphere prevents him from acting comfortably.

"Please, call me Rupert. I'm relieved to see that you both look healthier."

"We sleep on warm beds and eat good food, Mister Rupert!"

Adlyn states, waving around with flowers behind him.

"That is truly a relief."

Rupert is genuinely surprised at seeing the children's healthy face.

Leonia has clear skin with no trace of dirt, a pretty red ribbon adorning her black hair, a dress made of fur from a beast in the Northern mountains, a thick pair of stockings, and a pair of fur boots with red bells attached to it.