Basil listened to Irene's story about his father all the way to his mansion. He had known who had been his mother in his past life. However, the name had been all he got. He didn't know about her distinct features or whatsoever.
This time however, he could know quite a lot about his father as he had a living witness to tell him about it. Still, it was the best he could get. Simply by hearing stories or people's description can never make anyone to really know someone.
For that to happen, one needs to meet the one being told about. Basil asked Irene about his father's photograph, however the answer was as what he had expected. His father had none.
To be exact, there was no photograph could be found after his father's death. They had mysteriously disappeared right after his father had been declared dead. Both of his parents were clouded in mystery.
"What makes Nicholas keep me as his adopted son? He even registered me as his son."
"That is.. I believe it is his guilt over his inability to protect his own master. Furthermore, your father had directly asked him to take care of you. Of course, he would take care of you. Everything changed only when that harlot came."
Irene became even more spiteful. She no longer referred Catherine as 'that woman' but settled with 'that harlot' instead. Basil didn't correct her. Not only did he not care, but it was also the truth.
"I like to believe there is something more to it. You have said earlier Nicholas became colder and distant after my father was pronounced dead. I believe his loyalty to my father was pretty much gone at that time."
"What you mean is, he has no reason to keep you anymore, Young Master?"
Basil nodded his head lightly. Irene began to ponder as what Basil had said was very logical. It didn't only apply at Nicholas. Even his father's former subordinate seemed to forget about him.
A suspicion she had long buried deep in her mind started to crawl to the surface. Her heart ached and anger started to bud. However, she calmed down her heart in the next moment. This wasn't about her. She raised her head to see Basil's reaction.
She found none. Basil was pretty nonchalant about it. Irene sighed forlornly. She could understand it. No one can lose something they don't have. Basil had never met his parents once. How could he feel the lost?
"I believe there was a greater scheme behind all of this, and the current me cannot uncover it yet. Therefore, it is better to not think about it now."
"I am sorry I couldn't help you more than that."
"Besides, I still have family. I have a father and a mother. I have no blood relation with them, however our bond is strong. Better to cherish what I have, rather than mourning what I lost."
"Young Master..."
Irene teared up at the wisdom Basil had shown. Her Young Master was strong. He had been tested ever since he had been born, however he had never bent once. He kept moving forward and held his head high.
The world was cruel on him, however he could still find something to cherish. Being one of the people he cherished moved her heart so much. She couldn't hold back the urge to hug Basil right there right then.
'This is the child I have raised since a baby. The child I have taken care of tenderly. The child whom I love more than myself. The priceless godsend gift that always warms my heart. My son.'
Thus, their new lives began.
...
{Raneil Barony}
Familia Hotel.
The place was as grandeur and rowdy as ever. Aside from the luxury one could enjoy, the affordable price which was lower than any other luxurious hotel also became the attractive point of the hotel.
It had been two months since Familia Inn had been renamed to Familia Hotel. No one had expected after the renovation the inn never stopped growing. As it was getting bigger each time, calling it an inn would be awkward. Thus, Familia Hotel was born.
The previously three storey inn, had become a seven storey hotel. The area of the hotel was also expanded as the surrounding land and building had been bought by the owner of the inn, or to be exact by the son of the owner.
Renovation and upgrade were always done splendidly thanks to the famous Seven Workers. Their handiness was already known by everyone now as they had built such a grandeur building like Familia Hotel.
Sadly, the Seven Workers didn't work for anyone except Familia Inn. Many people had tried to coerce them to no avail, even if they were paid higher than usual. When they were asked the reason, they would answer simply.
—When we had just become a mere Retired Knights looking for a job to keep the food on the table, no one had glanced at us.
—It was only one person who gave us not only the opportunity but also life and benevolence. It's not a matter of money. We have our loyalty set on that person and his family only.
A truly heartwarming reason. No one could even mock them saying they were stupid. They had enough money from the pay they got in every project Familia Inn asked them to work. Still, there were many idiots who liked to force their way.
One of the Seven Workers had ever been kidnapped, and it reached the ears of the owner's son. Let's just say, the outcome had not been pretty. An entire group of people had vanished and Cleaners had gotten a big job.
Everyone was aware of it, however no one dared to mess with the owner's son who turned out to be a Mage and had an even higher standing than Baron Raneil himself.
"So... Do you really think that 'Dragon Prince' will really come today?"
"Yes, I am sure."
"Why are you so sure?"
"Do you know why Familia Hotel has been looking for new employees for the past month?"
"No, why is it?"
"It is because the owner and his daughter are going to go on a trip. Therefore, they need people to take care of the inn in their stead."
"So?"
"Huuh... Why do you still not get it? It means the owner's son, the Dragon Prince will come to pick the owner and his daughter! Therefore, he will be here."
"Let me guess. These people are here, getting as close as possible to Mr. Danzel and Clarissa's seat over there, just to witness the Dragon Prince?"
The girl who had been talking enthusiastically earlier merely nodded her head with shining eyes. The girl who had just spoken sighed helplessly.
"Hey, how do you know the owner's daughter name?"
"Did you think I was joking when I told you I knew her personally?"
"Woah, really? That's awesome!"
Clarissa's friend sighed helplessly once again at her enthusiastic friend. She had known Clarissa coincidentally when she was shopping in the market. At that time, Clarissa had been confused about the type of flour she should use for her cake.
Being the good person she was, she had helped Clarissa to decide. Right after that, things had escalated quickly and they became friends. However, Clarissa had never once spoken about her wealthy family to her.
Therefore, when she had met Clarissa at the bakery store inside Familia Hotel, that was dubbed as the best bakery in the entire Raneil Barony, she had been shocked. Still, Clarissa didn't even brag, she treated her just like usual.
"Anyway, why are there so many people, I mean women, want to meet Clarissa's brother?"
"I thought you were friends with the owner's daughter?"
"Yes, I am. But, I am not friends with her brother!"
"Woah.. chill. I was just messing with you. If you want to know the reason.. just wait for it."
Clarissa's friend sighed. She was getting tired of her friend's stunt. Therefore, she opted to stay silent as she ate the cake Clarissa had made. It was as delicious as the rumour people had spread.
When she was about to spoon another cake to her mouth, she heard gasps from her surrounding. She was taken aback and quickly put down the spoon in her hands. Throwing her eyes at the entrance, she was met with a Prince.
She saw a young man who had an equally handsome and pretty face. He had a tall stature and visibly muscular but lean body. His brown hair was swept to the back, leaving a few strands falling on his forehead.
"It is good to see the business gets the customer it deserves."
Even the voice was very pleasant to the ears. He moved his feet and everyone followed his every movements. Everyone was captivated and stopped what they were doing only to look at him.
"Welcome home, Son. It has been a long time."
Danzel stood and hugged Basil tightly. In truth, it had been merely a month, however he and Clarissa had missed him so much. Danzel let go of his hug, and Clarissa's turn to be hugged came.
Danzel smiled bitterly at her daughter's fierce hug that screamed possessiveness. He looked at his surrounding and could somehow understand her reason.
'Darn, women are scary!'
All eyes were on his son, Basil. To say that his Hotel's attractiveness laid in the cheap price was an utter bullcrap! These women were trying their luck coming here to meet Basil. It was the reason the Hotel was popular with mostly women.
"Good to have you back, Brother! You don't know how much I miss you."
"We are going to spend a quite long time together from now on. I think it will be enough to ease it, right?"
"Yes!"
Pat. Pat. Pat.
Basil patted Clarissa's head tenderly. The women in their surrounding sighed in envy. They wished they could be the one being patted.
Basil faintly curved his mouth upward. He had been too focused on training he had momentarily forgot to spend his time with his family. Clarissa had called him a brother since three months ago, however he could only revel on it just then.
Eight months had passed since his return to the past, and many things happened. He had reached an acceptable power level and he didn't want to miss the time he could spend with his family.
Therefore, after a long time of waiting, he could finally bring Danzel and Clarissa to Woster County, where his mansion was located.
"Come, sit first. We'll have a talk before departing." Danzel gestured Basil to sit and he did just that. "I have made a new cake and I believe you will like it, Brother!" Clarissa exclaimed enthusiastically.
Basil merely nodded and spooned every cakes Clarissa had prepared on the table. They were just as delicious as he had expected. He savored the taste properly like a normal person eating — without his godly eating technique.
Along with that, they chatted among themselves. They shared a few laughters and everyone in the surrounding had their heart warmed at the heartwarming scene. No, to be exact, at Basil's pleasant laughter.
Not long after, the family of three stood from their seats. The surrounding people instinctively knew they wouldn't be able to see their Dragon Prince for a quite some time.
Basil looked at the dejected crowd and frowned inwardly. He thought the crowd was upset as his conversation with his family had disturbed them. As every eyes were on him, he smiled faintly and opened his mouth.
"Anything that I could do for you?"
Every women in the store had their eyes lit up dangerously. Basil's lips made a thin line as he started to regret his decision. In unison, the women exclaimed, "Head pat!" Basil sighed and nodded his head faintly, "Very well."
Thus, he patted the heads of thirty two women before departing to Woster County with the constantly laughing Danzel and Clarissa who was trying her best to hold her laughter.
"You.. you shouldn't have asked... Pfft!"
"You behaved unlike yourself, Brother."
Clarissa tried to chastise him calmly, however her lip desperately trying to raise itself upward. Finally, she failed to hold back her laughter. Soon, the carriage was filled with the laughter of the father and daughter duo.
Basil didn't bat an eyelash at the laughing duo. He merely closed his eyes to cultivate his Mana Heart that hadn't reached its peak yet. It was still in the Middle Stage of Crimson Heart. However, it was close to breaking through to the Peak Stage of Crimson Heart.
'That was kinda dumb of you, Darling. You act like an experienced person, but in truth you are just old and were nothing but a loner in your past life who had no experience in interacting with people.'
Tick!
Basil stopped cultivating his Mana Heart. He was afraid he might explode it somehow. Vagus' words had somehow hit home. No, he wasn't a loner! He just preferred to be alone. Therefore, he wasn't a loner!
He had had friends in the past.
'Oh, right. I have killed them all.'
Well, he was a loner after all.