575: 13.73

13.73

Jean was already sitting alone in a pavilion, waiting for Wolf's carriage to arrive. He drank the tea served by the maid, and when he sipped it, he commented, "Oh, chamomile tea? This one is good!"2

The maid smiled and nodded, "This is chamomile tea that His Highness bought from a specialized farm. He said that he wants to keep it for you, Young Master."

"My big brother said that?" 

"Yes, he has been waiting for you to come home. He has also prepared many things for you, including gifts and your favourite snacks. Hold on, Young Master, the cook, is still making your favourite raising cookies."

[Pupa: Your favourite is raisin cookies?]

[Mhm, it's so good, Pupa!]

[Pupa:… what an atrocity is this.]

Yunyu ate the raising cookie that was served soon after his tea. He asked the maid where his Big brother was, and she pointed to the balcony of Archduke Office. 

Jean looked up and saw his Big brother looking at him from the balcony. When he got caught staring at Jean, he turned his back and rushed inside immediately.

Jean giggled and continued his teatime alone. 

…

"Ah, Young Master Jean is here," Jean turned his head. He saw a man with crimson hair, just like Wolf. He was tall and was adorned with a gold-coloured silk scarf and a loose tunic. 

King Alric smiled at Jean, "Long time no see, Young Master Jean."

"A—Ah, Your Majesty—" 

"No need to greet me. I don't think I have enough face to have your honour. I'm just waiting for my brother here," King Alric refused the bow. He walked to the chair facing Jean and sat. "I'm allowed, right?"

"Of course!" Jean giggled. "Your Majesty, I read from the letter that you've successfully reclaimed the throne. Congratulations!"

"Thank you, but it is possible because of your Big brother, Archduke Maximillien's help. Without his financial aid, there would be no way for me to reclaim the throne," King Alric explained. "His Highness also helped me to rebuild my ruined kingdom by giving monetary incentive. He will be honoured with a title in my Kingdom in the future."

"Ehe, I'm glad that everything works well for you, Your Majesty!" Jean chomped the raisin cookie and then pushed the plate to King Alric. "You should try some. This raisin cookie is the best!"

"Thank you, Young Master," King Alric nodded, but he didn't take the raising cookie at all.

[Pupa: Even he realized the idea of raisin cookie is so gross.]

[Shut up, Pupa. It's literally the best sweet ever!]

King Alric observed the sweet Jean and asked, "Young Master, how is Wolf in school? Is he doing okay?"

"Nnn… he is not doing well academically. He still can't read confusing textbooks. But he aced in all things physical, from sport to combat. So it evens out his qualification!"

"I see, the fact that he can actually read a word, that means you've been teaching him well, Young Master. He has difficulty in speaking and reading," King Alric said, remembering his little brother. Wolf had great physical strength and combat talent but was very lousy academically. 

No matter how many times Alric tried to teach his little brother to spell back then, he just couldn't do it. 

So letting Wolf stay with Young Master Jean as his knight was definitely the right choice. He was also too young to see the dark reality of war and atrocity. 

King Alric stared at Young Master Jean. The Young Master that he kidnapped back then had turned into a very gorgeous young man, but he still retained that innocent aura around him, making everyone wanted to protect him instead.

"I'm sorry for what I did to you back then, Young Master," King Alric bowed his head. 

"Ah, it's okay! If not because of that, I won't be able to meet Wolf!" 

…

King Alric was observing whether Jean still had a grievance in his heart after that kidnapping. He thought that Jean's cheerful expression would crack, but he didn't seem to find any trace of bitterness in Jean.

He smiled full of relief, "Young Master, how about going with me—"

"Young Master!" 

They were interrupted when Wolf suddenly appeared. It seemed that he had run from the main entrance to the garden in a hurry. 

"Wolf! You finally came!" Jean said happily. He patted the chair beside him, "Come and sit with me!"

Wolf was eyeing his Big brother with hostility while he walked towards Young Master Jean. He sat beside Jean and then held Jean's arms with his strong hands, "Wolf… will… not!"

"Eh?" Jean blinked few times. Wolf seemed so serious and glared hostilely at his Big brother, King Alric. But Jean couldn't find any reason for his sudden hostility.

"Wolf? What are you talking about? This is your Big brother coming far only to meet you!" Jean scolded Wolf, but Wolf didn't seem to listen. The usual meek and obedient Wolf became so stubborn as he kept glaring at his Big brother. 

Meanwhile, King Alric was crossing his arms. He closed his eyes for a while and then opened slowly, he glared at Wolf, and their eyes met. They were like two big tigers glaring at each other, preparing for their battle. 

"W—What is happening here? Can someone explain to me? I'm lost!" Jean said. He tried to get up because he thought he was disturbing the brothers' moment, But Wolf grabbed him and sat him down. 

"Young Master… with me…."

"Please sit with us, Young Master Jean. This is regarding Wolf, and you're his Master."

"Ehhh…" Jean sweated bullets as he felt that he had been pulled into a serious conversation. 

The silence between them was nerve-wracking for Jean, but nothing prepared him for the next words that King Alric said:

"Young Master, I planned to take Wolf back to my kingdom. The situation has stabilized and secured. Wolf should be able to live like a prince there, and I'd want your permission to take him back, Young Master. Since he has vowed his loyalty to you."

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