’...Why are you after my ass for the last few days? Let me act in peace.’
[ヽ(・∀・)ノ]
Inwardly shaking his head, he continued with a sincere tone, "Moreover, this business will also fund my future activities as well as help me to grow my influence in the noble circle. I don’t plan to limit it to this capital—this is just a start."
Edgar nodded thoughtfully, deep respect clear in his expression as he fully understood Orion’s deeper intentions. "I see, Young Master. In that case, rest assured—I and everyone else will fully support your decision. We eagerly anticipate witnessing your growth and success."
Orion smiled warmly, appreciating the fact that he had such a nice group of people gathered around him.
Slowly, they made their way back to the carriage as they found Lucan sunbathing beside it. Edgar shook his head looking at him, while Orion moved forward and kicked the chair away, making him fall to the ground.
"WHO DARE DISTURB THIS YOUNG MAS—" His words caught in his throat as he saw Orion standing beside him with a calm smile. "Ahaha, Young Master, you are back! How was the store? Did you like it?"
Orion heaved a sigh and got up on the carriage. "Yes, yes, you can ask the details from Uncle Edgar later. Let’s head back home now. I’m feeling tired."
Lucan jumped from the ground and quickly got into his seat, while Edgar boarded the carriage, slowly chuckling, and sat in front of Orion.
By the time the obsidian carriage finally entered through the gates of the Helstorm Estate, the warm glow of late afternoon bathed the entire place in a soft light.
Orion stepped down from the carriage, stretching briefly as he inhaled the fresh, soothing scent of blooming flowers drifting gently in the breeze.
Lucan quickly drove the carriage away toward the stables, clearly eager to escape any potential reprimand after his earlier laziness.
Edgar calmly stood beside Orion, a gentle, contented smile evident upon his face. Together, they walked into the mansion, Orion’s steps slightly slower now due to mild fatigue from the day’s activities.
Inside the spacious main hall, Eldric and Selene awaited their return, seated comfortably at a small tea table near the large windows.
Eldric wore his usual composed expression, quietly sipping his tea, while Selene’s warm eyes immediately brightened upon seeing Orion approach.
"My dear, welcome back," Selene greeted gently, smiling warmly as Orion moved forward and took a seat opposite them. "How was your outing? Did the store meet your expectations?"
Orion nodded contentedly, the satisfaction clear in his voice as he leaned back comfortably. "It exceeded them, actually. I met an interesting fellow named Magi Alzareth, and he agreed to manage the store for us. The location you chose is truly perfect."
Eldric raised an eyebrow slightly, interest flickering in his eyes at the mention of Magi’s name. "Alzareth, you say? That was a merchant family the last time I was here. Did one of their descendants catch your eye?"
"Grandma, Grandpa... speaking of Rina and Fiora, I realize I still don’t know much about their backgrounds. They’ve served me loyally since the beginning, yet I know nothing about where they come from or how they ended up here. Could you tell me more about them?"
At Orion’s question, Eldric and Selene exchanged a subtle, cautious glance, hesitation clearly visible in their expressions. Eldric sighed softly, his voice calm yet noticeably troubled. "Their story... isn’t exactly simple, Orion."
Selene nodded slowly, clearly conflicted as she gently continued, "Both girls carry difficult pasts, my dear. We chose to keep their backgrounds hidden to protect them from old wounds and painful memories."
Orion’s gaze softened noticeably, sincerity evident in his gentle response. "I understand your intentions, and I deeply respect them. But if I’m to care for them properly as their master, I should know what burdens they carry—if only to ensure their pasts don’t hinder their futures."
Eldric exhaled softly, deeply moved by Orion’s genuine concern for both the girls’ well-being. After exchanging another meaningful glance with Selene, he finally nodded slowly, deciding to reveal their past.
"Very well, lad," Eldric said with a serious expression. "We will tell you—but please promise to handle the information with sensitivity. Both Rina and Fiora endured hardships most cannot even imagine, and these wounds still trouble them deeply. Though I do think they would only have little memory of it."
Orion nodded slowly, his expression solemn and sincere as he carefully met Eldric’s and Selene’s gazes. "You have my word, Grandpa, Grandma. Whatever you tell me will stay with me. I promise to handle their pasts with care."
Eldric drew a deep breath, his eyes briefly distant as though gazing into memories that weighed heavily upon his heart. "Then let’s start with Rina first," he said quietly, voice softer than usual. "Her story is something that still hurts us deeply."
As Eldric began to speak, his voice gradually faded into a heavy, somber whisper. The scene slowly shifted, pulling Orion into a vivid recollection of a grim past, painted with hues of pain and suffering.
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