The distance to Redwall from Florence wasn’t far and they arrived late in the evening the following day. On the way, they met with a patrol from Redwall and news of his returned was sent on ahead, so he should at least expect a welcome of some kind back at home. The thought of seeing his mother after such a long time brought a sad smile to his face.

“Even though I’m no longer your son, I can still feel how much you loved him.” Vincent silently said to himself.

Meanwhile, deep in the Evergreen territory, a letter had been delivered to the Duke. It was sent by Aster Evergreen and addressed to his brother, Zenobia Evergreen. After reading the letter that was personally addressed to him, Zenobia was left with a satisfied smile and called out, “Send in my daughter, Vernon.”

The town of Redwall was a scenic town with a moderate population. It wasn’t the largest population, being just a bit fewer than Florence. Even though Redwall was the town where the lord resided it wasn’t as populated due to its location. The Redwall territory was located at the northeastern corner of the Eidolon Kingdom, surrounded by mountains on its east and the Emerald Forest on its north. However, because of these natural barriers, the Redwall territory had very few conflicts even though it wasn’t as prosperous.

Vincent looked out the window at the playful children who were playing around the streets. He heard the shouts of hawkers as they tried to draw in customers. The streets were bustling, but at the same time, it was sparse. Everyone in the town were locals and rarely do travelers come this far out from the center of the kingdom.

Very soon, they’ve arrived in a small grove where the Redwall’s built their estate. He wasn’t expecting much for his return, maybe a cheerful hug from his mother, but when he laid eyes on the main house, he was left speechless. Lined up on both sides of the entrance were servants and maids of the household. In the center was his family and at the front was his sobbing mother.

“She looks thinner than I remembered.” Vincent mumbled to himself and stepped out.

“Boohoo~!” A light weight immediately plastered onto Vincent, nearly causing him to lose his balance. “Vince… You’re home!” His mother managed to say through her sobbing.

“Yea… Mom, I’m home.” Vincent tightly hugged him mother. In the one year that he had gone, he had grown a lot, he was already nearly a full head taller than his mother. In front of him, his mother looked so weak and lonely.

Behind Catherine were the rest of the Redwall family. They were stunned when they saw how much Vincent had changed. The once scrawny and pale looking trash had now become well-built and imposing. What stood out the most were his piercingly cold blue eyes that seemed to study everything that it saw

“Kuhum. Welcome back, Vince.” Zeke was the first to interrupt as he walked forward and clapped Vincent’s shoulder intimately.

“I’ve returned, Father.” Vincent released his mother as he gave his father a light hug.

“Erm…” Zeke squirmed uncomfortably before patting his son’s back and stepped away. He wasn’t used to his troublemaking son’s intimacy.

“M-me too!” Vincent heard a cute voice as he felt a tug on his blazer.

“Hm?” Vincent looked down and saw a doll-like girl with red hair pleadingly looking upwards at him.

“Isabel?” He felt his heart melt a little as he bent down and picked her up in a warm hug. “You’ve grown so much!”

“Hehehe~!” Isabel giggled as she rubbed her face on his shoulder. In the short time he had before leaving for the training camp, Isabel had been slowly opening up to him. He wondered if she cried when she woke up one day and found out that he had left without saying goodbye to her.

“Alright, get down. You’re getting too big to be carried.” Vincent teased.

“Hmmph! Big brother is a meanie!” Isabel crossed her arms as she began pouting.

“Haha…” Vincent smiled as he gently rubbed her head, appeasing the small child.

He turned over to a pair of mother and son as he studied their stiff expressions. “Mother, I’ve returned.” Vincent said as he bowed towards his step-mother, Juno.

“You’ve grown.” Juno said after revealing a satisfied expression.

“Little brother.” Vincent said as he looked at a youth who was two heads shorter than him. The youth always had a gentle smile on his face and had remained at a distance the whole time, making it hard for Vincent to judge him.

“Welcome home, Brother.” Gerald replied formally as he remained distant. After the greetings were done, everyone returned to do their own thing. Vincent’s mother was pestering him.

“Vince~! You have to tell Mommy everything that happened, okay~?” She felt his shoulder and arms for any wounds.

“Alright, Mom. But first, I need to talk with Father about some things.” He moved her aside as he approached Zeke.

“Father…” He began to say, but was interrupted.

“There are some things I would like to discuss with you too, Vince. We’ll talk in my study.”

“Alright.” Vincent answered and they soon moved into the study. “You start first.”

“Mhm. First off, it’s good to see you return home safely.” Zeke hinted at something as he welcomed Vincent once more. “I’ve already received the letter from General Aster. You’ve done an amazing job. I hope that you won’t forget what you’ve learned so quickly and make another mistake.”

Although his words seemed harsh, Vincent could feel that his father was worried. “I’ve gained a lot at the training camp, Father. Don’t worry, I was too immature back then; it won’t happen again.”

“I feel reassured then. On to important business.” Zeke took out another letter. “I have only received this letter earlier this evening. It was sent by storm falcon. Do you know what it says?”

Vincent was curious why his father would bring it up, but remained silent.

“It was sent by Duke Evergreen. It was a request for your presence.” Zeke quietly examined Vincent’s expression before continuing, “I assume the Duke is giving you a chance at apologizing. You know what you should do.”

“Understood, Father.” Vincent nodded. He also wanted to visit Duke Evergreen and discuss some things with the Duke. In the future, when the Evergreen Rangers were nearly devastated, the Duke had sacrificed himself. After that event, a civil war broke out, because Duke Evergreen was the leader of the neutral faction and with the leader no longer there, the other two factions were free to act.

“You also said there were some things you need to discuss with me?” Zeke asked as he patiently waited.

“Yes, I wouldn’t know how to say this without questioning your authority…” Vincent hesitantly asked.

“Hah~…” Zeke had a feeling what was about to come next, but quietly consented.

“Father… No, Viscount Redwall. During my return, I have come across a case of embezzlement of the state. Funds meant for the common-folk are being misappropriated by corrupt individuals. I will not name the individuals involved in case I might slander the honest and leave it to the Lord to enact justice.”

“Embezzlement?!” Zeke’s brows furrowed. “Please continue.” Redwall was a small territory, it was peaceful, but it was anything but weak. As a territory that bordered the Emerald Forest, Redwall has its fair share of battles. Viscount Redwall was a patient man, but he was a righteous lord and would return kindness ten times over but will also repay enmity ten times over.

Vincent quickly explained the details of embezzlement of public welfare funds for orphanages. He also addressed the problem of under-equipped public security in the town of Florence.

“Good… Very good…” Zeke was trying hard not to show his anger. He had delegated responsibility of the town of Florence to a lower ranked-noble, a baron. However, he was technically still the lord of the region and could take away the town if he so wished. However, he had to gather evidence and bring up the topic with the King before doing so, since it was essentially destroying the reputation of a noble family appointed by the throne.

“I would also add, that more frequent monster attacks have been happening along the Emerald Forest border. I assume this has already been brought to your attention.”

“Mhm. I’ve already read the reports. But, I wonder how Vince would respond to this information?” Zeke asked curiously.

“Hm…” Vincent rubbed his chin. He knew that the increasing monster attacks was due to something bound to happen in the future, but he couldn’t just reveal this information since he didn’t have an basis for it. “My reaction would be to strengthen the troops around the northern border by recruitment. At the same time, increase the patrols around the northern border.”

Zeke smiled lightly after hearing the response, but shook his head. “That wouldn’t be appropriate. First of all, recruiting additional men and bolstering the troops wouldn’t look too good in the eyes of others.” His father hinted. “Second, I can’t send more patrols to the north, because it’ll leave the rest of the territory exposed.”

Vincent felt a headache coming along and said, “Why is politics so complicated.” He rubbed his temple.

“Hahaha. Why do you think I left your grandfather to attend the court sessions in the capital while I stay in the territory?” Zeke chuckled. “However, there’s a short term solution to the problem.”

“There’s a solution?”

“Yes, it comes in the form of war dogs.” Zeke raised a finger.

“Mercenaries? Wouldn’t public order become a problem with them around?” Vincent remembered that mercenaries weren’t the most civilized people. They were a rowdy bunch that caused problems wherever they go.

“It would be a problem, but humans can be reasoned with, monsters cannot.”

“You have a point, Father.”

*Grumble~!*

“…”

“…”

Zeke chuckled lightly. “Why don’t we stop for today and have dinner. You must be tired from your travel.”

Vincent blushed and nodded.