Clack Clack Clack

A single figure entered, eyes filled with irritation and a mouth arching into a snarl. The once merry atmosphere was now filled with tension, the only sound to be heard was the young man's resounding footsteps echoing through the spacious entrance hall.

His eyes swam left and right, looking at the unfamiliar figures before him as if he was sizing them up. There was no change in his expressions, not even a hint of curiosity. He simply continued his steps, not saying a single word and clearly in a bad mood.

"Garret, where do you think you're going?" ［Gerald］

The Mayor opened his mouth and the man's steps finally halted. The sharp-eyed young man then shifted his attention towards the former, unwillingness and distrust brewing in his eyes like some sort of wild beast.

"Where else? I'm going to my room. Now then, if you don't have anything else to say, I'll be taking my leave." ［Garret］

"Garret! We're not done talking yet! And what's with that attitude?!" ［Gerald］

"What my attitude is is none of your business." ［Garret］

The tension rose in the air even higher as the Mayor and the Young Master of the house exchanged words. The young man answered pretty calmly, but one could easily notice the sparks from their stares, rage contained within.

"Garret, we are just worried about you. Where have you been?" ［Cynthia］

"Worry,...? Stop spouting such obvious lies. I know full well what all of you are like. You can stop with this useless farce now." ［Garret］

"This brat...! When have you learned to talk back to your mother?!" ［Gerald］

"Gerald, calm down. There's no need to resort to violence!" ［Cynthia］

Now that Cynthia has joined the fray, things have gotten more out of hand. Strong words were thrown here and there, the Mayor barely being held back by his wife. He wanted to give his son a good smacking to make him return to his senses.

It was such a sudden situation that neither Grey, Yuna, nor Iris knew what to do. They simply kept quiet and assimilated with the air, becoming nothing. They have encountered a lot of quarrels, but not one as serious as heavy as the current one. It was quite suffocating.

Though, if there was one thing they noticed, it was that Garret's expression as he talked back to his parents was quiet off. It was stiff and his eyes were shifty, barely able to maintain a straight face. Rather, he was even sweating.

"Enough! I will not listen to your words any longer! I will make sure to expose all your corruption to the world! Mark my words!" ［Garret］

"Corruption this! Corruption that! There's no such things!" ［Gerald］

"Hah! I won't listen to your lies anymore! My eyes are already open!" ［Garret］

"Stop talking and listen for a second?!" ［Gerald］

The exchange got louder and fiercer, the father and the son both had irked veins popping on their heads. If Cynthia wasn't there, one could only imagine what could have happened already. A clash of fists is not a far-fetched thought.

"If you're so fixated that we are corrupt, why are you staying here then?!" ［Gerald］

The Mayor finally delivered the decisive blow, and the moment it rang inside Garret's ears, he suddenly stopped, unable to argue back. He stopped and thought of an answer, a face full of uncertainty showing clearly.

"Umm... To gather evidence...?" ［Garret］

"Gather evidence, my ass! You were the one who was recently meddling with the documents, weren't you?!" ［Gerald］

"H-How did you know?!" ［Garret］

"You damned brat! So it really was you! Get your ass over here so I can give you a quick beating! Come here!" ［Gerald］

The exchange continued, and the Mayor's words had become more crass. The more they listened, the more they understood, soon coming to a general conclusion. It's not that Garret was being rebellious, he was just an idiot. A big and dramatic one at that.

Grey even had to check with his eyes, and surely enough, he saw no malice in the young man. Rather, he was amongst the purest of the ones he had seen. So pure that it made his wonder even more how things escalated to where they are.

"Lady Violet, this might come off as rude, but... Can I say it?" ［Grey］

"Yes. I am all ears." ［Violet］

"Umm... By any chance... Is your brother an idiot?" ［Grey］

Straight and simple, Grey asked Violet as direct as he could. To which, the young lady's face quickly got frozen. She then started pondering about how to respond, but never did she deny Grey's words. He was right on the mark.

"Well... Umm... It's a long story..." ［Violet］

Slowly but surely, Violet then explained what really was happening before them, and it came to them with quite the hefty shock. Garret wasn't just any idiot, he was the biggest idiot there, even more than Julius who was already a severe case.

Apparently, though Garret was a good-natured man, he is easily influenced by things he sees or hears about. One time, he read a books about pirates and started doing things pirates would, even create a "crew"

Thankfully, because of his good nature, he only "stole" petty things like broken hair pins or empty sheets of paper. Things which he soon returned to their owners with extravagant compensation one couldn't even imagine.

As for what he is influenced by currently, they were all about heroes and things of the same nature. He especially likes acting like a hero in the shadows, exposing the dark secrets of the government, to which he started suspecting his family for no reason.

It has been going on for a couple months now, and each and every single time he gets home, he always looks roughed up from his "adventures of carrying out justice", just like now. Everyone is really worried about him.

"I see... So that's the case, huh..." ［Grey］

"This is the first time I'm encountering these things..." ［Yuna］

"The same goes for me as well. How do I put this... It's interesting...?" ［Iris］

Everyone was dumbfounded. After all, even children who role play don't get as engaged as Garret did. And even if they did, it would only last a couple days or so. The current one is a unique case.

So unique, in fact, that Iris, who usually enjoys novel experiences, couldn't even get her thoughts straight. She was quite perplexed and lost about what to feel. If there is something, she feels empathy for others. She has similar experiences, after all.

"Must be quite exhausting..." ［Grey］

"I couldn't agree more, Your Highness. He even changed his way of speaking just to fit the role. I don't know what to do anymore..." ［Violet］

They had just met a couple moments ago, but everyone could feel Violet's worries. Especially Iris. It seems that having such a troublemaker in the family makes them grow more mature than people their age. It was a sad reality.

"Lady Violet, I'm just curious... What books has Lord Garret been reading?" ［Iris］

"Well, there's many, but if I have to say... I think the recent one titled 'The Brave Six' influenced him the most." ［Violet］

"The Brave Six... It sounds familiar..." ［Yuna］

"Of course. It's a book about Your Highnesses and the other Heroes of Alfrione, after all! It's very famous!" ［Violet］

Violet announced with excitement and eagerness, but the same couldn't be said for Grey and Yuna. They were frozen, eyes wide in shock as they tried to analyze what they just heard. As soon as they did, only a single syllable came out of their mouths.

""Eh?""

Such a short response and yet, it contained the brew of emotions Grey and Yuna felt at that moment. They couldn't even fathom what was happening anymore. Though they heard the possibility of such things, they never knew they already existed. They were baffled to say the least.

And so, Violet went on to explain the contents of the book, and as one would expect, it was one sprinkled with a lot of artistic liberties. Just like the play they've seen before, it was full of exaggeration and wild imagination.

Especially the characters. They don't even know who they are anymore. The ones who were representing Grey and Yuna were totally different from who they were. It was no wonder Garret ended up in such a situation. It was the source of all evil.

"That's enough! Garret, you better shut that mouth of yours this instant!" ［Gerald］

"Tsk!" ［Garret］

Finally, just as they were done talking, the argument was finally settled. No matter how hard Garret argued, his arguments were flawed, and so, though it took some time, the Mayor was able to secure victory.

"I apologize that you have to witness such a disgraceful scene, Your Highnesses. I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive us." ［Gerald］

"No, it's alright... Everyone has their own circumstances." ［Grey］

"Un. There's no need to mind us." ［Yuna］

"Thank you for understanding. You really are as generous as I've heard." ［Gerald］

Grey, Yuna, and Iris really don't know how to feel about it, but they don't want to dwell on the matter any longer. They unanimously decided to let the matter be and move along things. There was no need to waste any more time...

"Garret, come here, and apologize to Their Highnesses." ［Gerald］

"Tsk. Why should I apologize? I did nothing wrong." ［Garret］

"Why you...! You really want to get your ass beaten, don't you?!" ［Gerald］

... Though it seems that the other two have different ideas. It hasn't even been a minute since they stopped their previous argument yet they are already starting a new one. The mayor's cheerful personality is now nowhere to be seen.

At such a rate, they won't ever progress with what they were previously doing. And if they were going to live in the manor for a month, it would surely be troublesome to find themselves in such situations everyday. They need to solve it as quickly as possible.

"Stop talking about this nonsense! This is madness!" ［Gerald］

"I don't care if you call me mad! Only I can be a judge of myself! That's what I learned from Lord Grey's words! I shall never falter!" ［Garret］

Yep, they really need to stop him. Grey especially wanted to shut his mouth at that moment. He doesn't even remember saying such a line in his whole life. It sounded cool but it just makes him want to die from embarrassment.

"You...! Stop this disrespect! You're being impudent to Their Highnesses!" ［Gerald］

"Hah! I only show respect to those who are worthy of it!" ［Garret］

"Stop spouting nonsense! Just apologize already!" ［Gerald］

"Sure! If they can beat me in a duel that is! Only the strong deserve my respect! I will not lower my head otherwise!" ［Garret］

Thankfully, the very source of the problem himself offered the solution already. They were all sure it was a quote from a book he just read, but no one wants to know what book it was. Grey and Yuna especially don't want to know whether it was "them" who said such nonsense.

All that was needed to be done was to beat him into submission. Since he's easily influenced, a single beating would be enough. Grey was especially tempted to end the nonsense. He doesn't want to cringe anymore.

"Then, shall we head to the training grounds and settle this, then?" ［Grey］

"Hah? The training grounds? Are you challenging me?" ［Garret］

"Well, yeah, but you can back out if you want. I'm not forcing you or anything like that. It's totally fine byー ［Grey］

"I accept your challenge! I wouldn't be a man if I didn't." ［Garret］

Grey hadn't even finished his words but Garret had already taken the bait. With a personality like his, provoking him was as easy as taking candy from a baby. Just a little provocation and he was quickly accepted. It was too easy.

"And remember this! I will not be going easy on you... That's a word from Lord Grey. Remember it well." ［Garret］

Grey's eyes burned with an even more intense passion with Garret's words, fully fixed on crushing him as swiftly as he could. And he also made a promise to himself. If he ever met the author of the book, he'll surely have a nice long chat with them.

Determination in their hearts, everyone then headed to the training grounds. They had just seen it long ago, yet never in his wildest imagination did Grey think he would be using it so soon. It was a wild turn of events.

And strangely enough, though they knew just how powerful Grey was, neither of the parents stopped the duel. Though they love their son dearly, it was time to put a stop to his antics. It was a relief Grey was there.

Of course, as it was just an unofficial duel, they would only be using wooden swords. Grey would love to go barehanded, but with Garret's personality as it is, it would only be troublesome if he did. It was better to just go with the flow.

"You can back down now if you want. I don't want to hurt you," ［Garret］

"Thanks for your concern, but there's no need. This will end quickly." ［Grey］

"Hah. You sure have quite the mouth, don't you?" ［Garret］

"Haha. I could say the same to you." ［Grey］

They both looked like they were engaging in small talk, but in reality, they were actually sizing up their opponent. Garret's eye keenly measured Grey in terms of physical build and estimating what he should expect.

As for Grey, there was no need. A quick glance and he knew that Garret was at F-rank. Though he's nothing compared to Eliza or Julius, it was a far cut above the rest. He could easily go toe to toe against a knight if given the chance.

"Both sides ready?" ［Gerald］

For their match, Gerald served as the referee. And in responses to his question, both Grey and Garret nodded in unison. They both distanced themselves a few steps, then taking their stance soon after.

"Then... Begin!" ［Gerald］

There was no need to dilly-dally. As soon as Gerald gave the signal, Garrwt quickly kicked up a cloud of dust and lunged straight towards where Grey was. Swiftly as he could, he then lunged his sword towards his chest.

Unfortunately for Garret, such simple techniques won't work on Grey. He doesn't even need to use his abilities, he simply reads the path of the sword and dodges it with as little movements as possible.

Garret missed, but his attacks didn't die down. As soon as he missed, he quickly made a pillar of earth spring up from the direction Grey was evading, soon getting back to his foot to lunge yet another strike. It was a pincer attack.

But there was no need to panic. Grey simply crushed the pillar with a kick and parried Garret's sword. Garret also tried to knee Grey's chest, but it was quickly stopped by the latter's other hand. It was a good combo.

"Tsk!" ［Garret］

Failing his chain attack, Garret quickly distanced himself from Grey, not that Grey would let him do just what he wanted. Grey swiftly gave chaseー or rather, he tried to, but suddenly, a small pitfall appeared in front of him.

It was small, yes, but it was enough to make anyone go off balance. And just right in front of him, Garret quickly lunged back, readying his sword for a slash. Unfortunately for Garret, Grey wasn't just anyone.

Garret tried to perform a horizontal slash, but before he could even strike, Grey then planted his sword to the ground and used it to spring himself upward with a front flip. When the slash was executed, Grey was no longer there.

Before Garret could even recover, Grey then grabbed his wrist while he was still midair, and the very moment he landed back on the ground, he then proceeded to throw Garret towards the ground.

"Kugh!" ［Garret］

A pained grunt echoed in the air, making Garret close his eyes. The moment he opened his eyes, his own sword was already pointed towards him, just an inch away from his chin. The outcome has been decided.

"The match has ended! The winner is His Highness!" ［Gerald］

There was no time to waste. As soon as he saw his son was down for the count, the Mayor then quickly announced the results of the match. It was Garret's loss through and through. A match which didn't even last a single minute.

"Kugh... I can still continue..." ［Garret］

"Garret, stop being so stubborn. You should know His Highness was going easy on you. If he were serious, the match would have been over in an instant." ［Gerald］

"Agh..." ［Garret］

Garret wanted to refuse his father's words, but deep down, he knew he was wrong. He easily accepted his mistakes and defeat, soon standing up without a hint of anger in his eyes. He was calm as he bowed down his head.

"I apologize for acting impudently in front of Your Highnesses. I will accept gladly any punishments you bestow upon me," ［Garret］

He was a man of his words. Having accepted his defeat, he then gave a proper and formal apology in front of everyone without holding any grudges. He may be an idiot, but he was an honest man who respects and accepts the truth.

"Then... If that's the case, please stop doing these things that worry your family. That's the only apology I'll accept." ［Grey］

"... Yes, I understand..." ［Garret］

There was hesitation in his voice, but Garret still decided to accept Grey's conditions without any complaints. After which, he then bowed down to their parents and quickly apologized for all the troubles he had caused.

With that, all things have finally been resolved. Though they never expected to encounter such a situation, it was still an interesting experience at the very least. Though they don't want any more troubles anytime soon.

"Then, Lord Gerald, should we continue with our tour?" ［Grey］

"Ah! Yes! As you wish, Your Highness." ［Gerald］

Of course, with all things finally settled, it was time for them to proceed with what they were previously doing. As if nothing happened, they continued with the tour, heading back to the mansion, leaving the others behind on their own.

"Big Bro, you were really lucky back there, if it was any other people, you could have gotten severe punishments. You could have been executed." ［Violet］

"Violet's right. Don't do anything like that ever again, you hear me?" ［Cynthia］

"Yes, I'm really sorry." ［Garret］

Now that things have returned back to normal, the atmosphere between them is much lighter than ever. Though one couldn't really say how long such peace would last. They could only hope Garret would be influenced by something good next time,

"Still... His Highness was really strong. He didn't even break a sweat throughout all that. He's really amazing." ［Garret］

"Of course, he is! He's Lord Grey, after all." ［Violet］

"I see... Lord Grey, huh... Huh...?" ［Garret］

Garret's mind immediately ran into an error at that exact moment. He looked at his younger sister with eyes of disbelief, asking with his facial expressions whether she was talking about who he was thinking about. To which, Violet nodded.

"Ehh?! Lord Grey?! You mean one of the Heroes of Alfrione?!" ［Garret］

"Of course. Who else would it be?" ［Violet］

"Yes. His Highness just arrived this afternoon along with Their Highnesses, Princess Iris and Lady Yuna. Did you not know?" ［Cynthia］

"O-Of course, I didn't!" ［Garret］

Answered Garret in the loudest and most shocked voice he could make. He then started running towards the mansion as fast as he could, not stopping for a break with a hurried and panicked expression plastered on his face as he brought his wooden sword with him.

Where might he be going, one might ask? Well, to everyone else of course. He was running so fast, the halls received the loudest footsteps it ever did, every servant painted with shock as they saw him.

"And this room isー" ［Gerald］

"Your Highnesses!" ［Garret］

It hasn't even been a couple minutes since they separated yet they had reunited once again. Faces full of bewilderment greeted Garret as he met them. Bewilderment that only got deeper as they saw the wooden sword on his person.

"Is somethingー" ［Grey］

"I have committed a grave sin towards Your Highnesses! Please take my life as penance for my impudence! Let my blood wash away my shame!" ［Garret］

"E-Eh? What's happー" ［Yuna］

"Though it was true that I did not know of your identities before, it does not excuse the fact that I insisted on you! Worthless as it may be, I want to offer my life to the both of you and ask forgiveness!" ［Garret］

Everyone couldn't catch up with his train of thought. Before they even noticed, Garret was already kneeling on the ground and pointing the wooden sword towards his throat, ready to lunge it at any moment.

Panicking, everyone quickly stopped Garret from doing such a thing. They already knew he was an idiot, but his idiocy exceeded their expectations. He was even using a wooden sword for God's sake, one blunt and unable to handle mana well.

"Garret! What are you doing?!" ［Gerald］

"Father, don't stop me! This is for the glory of the family!" ［Garret］

"Glory, my ass! Stop this nonsense, you damned brat!" ［Gerald］

His idiocy knew no bounds, and he still tried to commit whatever stupidity he was thinking of doing. It took everyone a lot of effort to convince him to stop and even more effort to correct his mindset, receiving a lengthy scolding soon after.

Nevertheless, it was an interesting experience for everyone, one they would never forget even if they tried. Even then, they don't want to experience such a thing again. It was just too troublesome to deal with.

Haah... What a hectic day...

CHAPTER 264 END