Charles' Pov

Mother and I left Entrum through a carriage, and we sought out the sights scattered throughout the city.

Though this was what father planned with my brothers and me, the arrival of the Germanian delegation certainly took his attention.

Fortunately, this day, mother found free time, a time which she chose to spend with me, the thought alone putting a smile on my face.

I feel a bump as I look out the carriage, seeing the same noble district filled with pedestrian going to and fro. Mother holds me in a hug as we watch the mansions pass by.

The warmth of her embrace making me sigh in content. I look up towards her, "Mama, where are we going?"

She smiles, softly caressing my head. "Wherever you want to go." I nervously play with my fingers. "Really? But I don't know where to go."

Mother smiles, "It's fine, sweetie, then I'll bring you to where mother grew up." I look at her curiously, "Really? Where?"

She smiles, her eyes looking blankly, her expression nostalgic. She spoke softly, "It was where I lived, during my childhood."

I looked at her sad expression and hugged her with all my might, hoping to alleviate the anguish her memories reminded her of.

She notices my intention and hugs me back, muttering softly into my ears. "Sweetie, mommy, really loves you, don't ever forget that."

I giggle in her hug, "But I love mommy more." I spoke with a larger smile. She giggles, her sombre mood gone, "Nuh-uh, I love you more."

We continued like this, giggling happily, childishly bickering over who loves who more. A few moments later, we stop in front of a mansion.

Mother's giggle stops, and she looks out in nostalgia and sadness. I hold her hand as a reminder of my princess, eliciting a soft smile.

A guard opens the door, mother holds her hand out to me. I grab tight, and we exit the carriage. I look around to see a mansion, a bit smaller than what we had at Caehal,

It was plainly decorated, painted in bright colours evoking a cheerful mood to those who see it. While the front yard, seemingly empty, only decorated with flowers.

It was by all mean lacklustre, but the welcoming feeling is felt from those who see it. Mother herself wiping bits of tears, she smiles reassuringly.

I pull at her, hoping that showing me around her home. Would move her mind elsewhere, she follows.

Once we stop in front of the door, Mother knocks. The door opens as a servant bows and spoke formally. "Milady, welcome back."

Mother nods as the servant stand aside. I look around the interior to see it well-maintained. Mother looks at the interior with me. "It looks like it never changed since I left."

The man bows as the other servants continue their work. Mother starts to walk, still holding unto my hands.

We came up in front of a grand staircase with simple decorations. Mother climbs up, and I follow. As I look around, I asked mother, "Where are we going?"

She replied softly, "We'll be going to your grandfather's office." She continued walking until we stopped in front of a simple door.

A door with a lock, mother turns her head, checking if there's anyone else in the corridor. I look at her curiously, and she looks back, putting her finger in her lips, locking me into silence.

She opens the door, and the first thing I saw was a portrait. A beautiful portrait, settled in the middle of the room, for all to see for those to enter.

I examine the portrait closely to see a man with vibrant purple hair and eyes, and he locks in with a soft smile.

With two children smiling in his lap, one I assume to be my mother and the other a kid with purple hair and green eyes, both of which showing a feeling of endless joy.

While at the man's side sat a woman with a deep smile, green hair and eyes. She rests her head on his shoulder, hugging the children in his lap.

I look towards mother, seeing the portrait with me. Her eyes brimming with tears as she shook it off. I reach for her hand as we go inside.

I look around the room as mother immediately went for the table. As she does, I examine the shelf settled at the room's side.

It was filled with books, each one talking about a facet of magic. I look at each of its titles as I notice a book seemingly out of place.

I take it to see its lack of title, but before I could open it, a clicking sound reverberates within the room.

Mother is taken aback and instantly went to my side as a bright light shines upon us. It stops, only to reveal a letter in the middle of the desk.

Mother hesitantly reached for it and sat at grandfather's chair. I look at her, worried, but I shake my head. Mother probably needs it for herself, and I'll just be a bother.

I return back to the book I held, and I open its content to see the title. "Magical computation and Its application." I look at the author to see the name "James Caedebrad."

As I recollect the familiar name, I pause only to look surprised at the realisation of this being the name of grandfather.

I wonder what kind of magic grandfather thought of, such curious thoughts filling me with excitement, only for it to be drowned out by anguished filled sobbing.

I immediately look towards the sound and see my mother crying her eyes out. I run to her in worry, to see her holding the letter, delicately held between her fingers.

I see the book can wait, and my mother needs me here. I sit in her lap, giving her my company since this is the only way I can help.

She squeezes me in a hug, and I close my eyes as I put my hands above hers. Her tears splash upon my hair, and loud sobbing echoes through my ears.

As she reminisces, times gone by.