The Heir Of The Grand Duke (Official)

Episode 40 - A Moment in Hielo

“Mister! Can you help with loading these boxes!” Called a young voice as they ran towards a familiar man. A man of whom only carried with him a single arm.

“Which ones, Tony?” He smirked as the young kid pointed at the heavy looking wooden crates carrying an array of vegetables. “Oh those ones! Is Mr. Royce already setting out for his delivery?”

“Yep!”

He used his remaining arm, his left hand, to pat the kid's head and ruffle his hair. “Alright, I’ll be there in a bit.”

Hughie Monroe, had adapted into the village of the people that had rescued him that night. He was given free lodging at one of the inns and ever since then he’s been helping around the town.

Due to his Adjudicator abilities, he possessed a far superior strength than an average person which allowed him to display more powerful feats for the average person. He used this strength to help with labor around town and also for defending the village from wild animals.

“Rightee-o!” He dug down beneath the crate and lifted it up until it balanced on his hand and shoulder. “Where's the cart, Tony?”

“Over here!” The kid ran around and led the old soldier down a path towards the cart.

Hughie smiled as he watched the young boy. Reminiscing of his own past, of his own village, of a time where he lived in blissful peace with his family and friends.

He missed this life. Heeding no worry about war or death, and only worrying about dinner tomorrow. There's no anxiety regarding whether or not the next moment's your last, and only be troubled regarding the fact that moles have come out of season.

It was a second chance for the life he had always wished and had always wanted.

A town of simple quiet on the wayside to Nieve. Where he and the people can rest easy here with only a few minor problems.

He had changed as well. His body toned down in bulk but he was a lot more fit. He had a clean shaven face and his silver hair was slightly longer than it was. The scar on his lip was still prominent but it held no such issue whatsoever.

“Uncle Royce, I have one of the crates right here!” He called as he and the youngster approached a large cart stacked with a couple layers of boxes filled with this year's harvest.

“Oh, Hughie, I didn't expect you to come at such a time.” The aged man squinted his eyes trying to see better. “Did this kid bother you again?” He glanced toward Tony who pouted as retaliation. “

“Wha–”

“Boy, you know our Hughie here has only one arm, since he lost his left one from a Demonic Beast attack.” Royce flicked the kid’s forehead. “You can't have him doing all this menial work, we don't wanna push him too hard.”

Hughie chuckled and placed down the crates he carried on his shoulder onto the cart. “It's fine uncle Royce, young Tony here has been keeping me company by telling me about his adventures.” He ruffled the boy’s hair.

“More like his daydreams.” Royce scoffed and arranged the boxes in the back. “He still wants to join the Azarollan Knights. Even though he can't even properly hold a stick.”

“Hey! I can!” The young kid complained.

“All you do is swing it around willy-nilly. Hardly counts as wielding it.” Royce shrugged. “Hugh, can you hand me that box over there if you can.”

“Right there with you.” He picked it up with his hand and slid it over neatly behind the cart. “You’re going to sell this week’s harvest, Uncle Royce?”