Youth, With his father.

Youve come back looking a lot better than the last time you came back huh

Puffing out a breath of smoke, Dales grandmother the one who no one calls by her full name, the greatly exaggerated name Wendelgart, and instead is usually called Granny Wen (Wen-baba) grins.

.Is there really such a difference?

Sorta. If you had the same face as you did before then, Randolf and the others would have had to go all out to beat you into shape. It was interesting so I let them be.

.Dad

Randolf is the name of Dales father.

Somehow, it seems like it wasnt just because of his grandmothers orders, but the others overreacted as well, and charged at them. Dale sighed deeply as if on purpose.

Well.pranks like that are what they always do though. Since I was bringing Latina along with me this time, I didnt want her to get hurt. I didnt want to take any chances.

Cant you even protect her properly?

I am

In between the two of them, Latina was listening as she ate her candy.

When you think that her right cheek would puff up, it would return back to normal and this time, the left cheek would puff up.

*Roll* *Roll* From the cracks within her lips the sound of a candy rolling around could be heard now and then.

Even though the person herself probably intended to behave quietly, her presence in the room is quite something.

Latina.

Nn?

The candy is it good?

Un. (Yes)

Thats good.

Getting distracted by the sound Dale asked about it, but seeing her extremely satisfied expression, he gave her a big smile.

If she was happy then, there was nothing more he could say.

Wen-baba inhales deeply in satisfaction, taking a deep breath of smoke as she looks at her grandson.

Walking down the corridor, Latina asked Dale.

Dale, you arent on bad terms with your family right?

Yea

Then why do you, fight?

HmmWe arent fighting though. My role is my role so.I guess its something like, theyre checking whether Im doing it properly.

Dale answers as so with a sly smile.

The last time I came back was, a little before I met you, Latina after all. It was around when I was at my worst. .I had probably made them worry.

Eh?

.It means that, Ive also become happier thanks to you, Latina

Koten. Latinas head tilts to the side as Dale gently pats her. He didnt really want this child to hear about the uncool side of him.

(Even my family thought of me likethat. To have met, and to have been saved, it wasnt just you.)

Latina oftens says to Dale that shes glad to have met him but, it may have been fortunate for him as well, to have met Latina.

The calm and gentle hours flowing by during the days he had lived together with her, were without a doubt given by her.

However, I do think that you guys went too far.

More than that, you. .Do you always walk ahead in front of the little girly like that?

Fueh?

.Looking as if she had been abandoned in the middle of nowhere by herself, dont do something so cruel.

.No but, you know.

Dales Father, Randolf, was in the living room skimming through some kind of letter, just as he was sipping on some tea. Not being in his own room means that it wasnt for work but, probably for something personal.

The head of the clan, as well as the mayor of the village was Grandma Wendelgard but shes already quite an elderly figure. Most of the clan heads work is shouldered by Randolf.

Diagonally in front of such a father, next to Dale who sat down with a plunk, Latina was nestling up close to Dale, looking nice and small. The living room was wide but, as if she couldnt calm down sitting right in the center, she half hid herself behind Dale.

She pokes out her head to take a peek, then once again hid behind Dale.

The person herself didnt plan on hiding but, from what could be seen from Randolfs perspective, she was interested about the interior of the living room or something, and this was the result after looking around left and right.

She was that sort of person. Once shes interested in something, she would end up chasing after it with her eyes against her better judgement.

And his son who he hasnt met for sometime is gently protecting that sort of girls charming expression, but he was making a face as if hes saying that her being by his side is natural, as if it was a matter of fact.

He wanted to ask What happened?

I was in the middle of work when I picked up Latina, who was separated by death with her parents and the outcome was that I was to look after her. Didnt I write about it in the letter sometimes?

Well.but you know

If Latina is in the way then Ill go back to my room? Is that better?

Latina who had heard Dale and Randolfs conversation, interrupted as so. Dale replies immediately.

Theres no way you would be in the way Latina.

You.

Dale, is always like this to Latina. So kind.

You dont ask for anything so, having me spoil you is just fine.

For now, I get that youre just way too lovey-dovey

Randolf nodded looking as if he got over something.

Um, excuse me (Anone). Dales dad?

Pausing once, Latina took a few steps forward. She tilts her head slightly in confusion, making sure to look up at Randolf.

.What is it?

Is it alrightif I called you dad? I dont know your name so, I dont know

..

Her platinum coloured hair shakes slightly, and looking at her once again, the young girl who was looking straight at him with her big, grey eyes had, surprisingly adorable features. He thought that she was a cute girl from the moment he saw her but taking another look now, despite being so young he couldnt help but feel that her looks had no equal. That calling her the owner of beauty would be no shame.

Randolf was speechless for a short while, but after a short delay he noticed another shock. He takes a deep breath.

Nn?

A daughter couldnt be born in our household

Dad.

Nn?

Could you repeat your question?

Eh? Dales dad.what should I call you?

Dad doesnt sound bad.

Dad.

I feel like I understand your feelings a little bit

As expected, it seems like even the father is like the son when it comes to their strange places.

Ahh. Thats right, the word daughter reminded me.

Randolf says, then looked at Dale again.

Weve decided that the daughter of the next villages mayor will be the bride.

Bride?

Yes. We want this to be done with while youre still here. Weve hastened the schedule. We will do the ceremony before long.

The daughter of the next village.Ah, Freeda? Is that alright?

Theres no problem. Youvecalmed downafter all. They are saying that this is what they want as well. Its probably normal as well, to have a mindset wanting to rely on us, Tisroh, rather than some far away Feudal Lord.

Well. Crop failures, magic beasts, and healing magic as well Even if they asked the Feudal Lord it would be postponed since we are so far out in the countryside but, you can see for yourself. If they rely on us then, we might be able to deal with it to some extent.

The troubles of the Feudal Lord, came to an agreement with yourjobas well. In the meantime there wont be any problems for a little while.

I see.

Dale tried to smile whilst holding some other feeling.

Then, that means I have to do my role as one of the clan properly.

.

Looking at his sons expression, Randolf tries to distract them from seeing his mouth curving up into a smile by moving around the tea utensils.

It seems like youre already fine.

Not responding to those words didnt mean that Dale was denying it, but the reason theyre hiding their embarrassment, was because between the parent/son duo there wasnt even any words needed.

A wife huh I got overtaken byYorkhuh. Then isnt he in big trouble right now? Hes still work-.

Fueh!?

In the middle of Dales sentence, Latina, who had been listening quietly, let out a frightened voice and when he looked at her in surprise, she looked like all the blood in her body had been drained.

Whats wrong Latina? Do you feel sick?

Uun (No). Im alright. Dale, who is York?

Nn? Ahh. Since he hasnt come back yet I didnt introduce him to you, but hes my little brother.

Dales little brother? .Hes getting married?

Yea. Youll be able to see a wedding ceremony while we are here. So letmeprepare your best clothes for you okay!

It seems that for him, that was already a decided matter.

I see

Muttering that, Latinas complexion returned back to normal in an instant, and she looked as she always did. The transformation was so quick that Dale almost thought he saw wrong.

A bride. I want to see~

You couldnt find a hint of gloom on the face of Latina who said that and smiled.