Meanwhile, Owen listened carefully to the cruel whispers and murmurs around the table. He shook his small, watery body in frustration and whispered loudly enough only for Hiroshi to hear, "Geez, this family is one big mess of jerks! Don't listen to their bad words, Hiroshi!"
Hiroshi, on the other hand, was too busy shoving mouthfuls of food into his mouth. His cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk, and between bites, he tried to say something. It came out like a messy jumble: "Waksh jskgqb mjgaadd…"
Owen blinked, confused by the strange sounds but somehow guessed what Hiroshi meant. "What are you trying to say? Speak clearly, idiot!" he hissed.
But Hiroshi just swallowed hard and tried again, muffled and frustrated, "Waksh jskgqb!"
Owen rolled his watery eyes and sighed, "Seriously? How do you even eat and talk at the same time? You're hopeless." Then, in a softer voice, he added, "I was worried about you, you know. Don't let them get to you."
The father cleared his throat, cutting through the tense atmosphere. "Axelius, finish your food before speaking," he said firmly.
Hiroshi took a large gulp, but it caught in his throat. He started coughing, then quickly reached for the milk and drank deeply.
The father's gaze swept across the gathered family, and he cleared his throat once more to emphasize his next words. "Your mother and I shall be absent for a week's duration. During our absence, I expect decorum and diligence from all of you. Know that our eyes will be watching closely, even from afar."
Hiroshi barely listened. His eyes were already scanning the food on his plate, quickly piling more onto it. He stuffed a bite into his mouth, chewing eagerly.
As the room rose in unison, offering their formal farewells,
"We wish you safe travels, Mother, Father,"
"May your journey be blessed,"
"We await your return," Hiroshi merely gave a brief nod, still engrossed in his meal.
*****
In the Garden of Dravenhart
The garden was vast and beautifully arranged, filled with blooming flowers of every shade and towering trees that cast cool shadows over the grass. Hiroshi was sprawled out comfortably on the lawn, hands behind his head as he squinted up at the clouds drifting lazily across the sky. Owen was bouncing noisily beside him, making tiny splashes in the dew-laden grass.
"You're so damn noisy, Owen," Hiroshi groaned, throwing an arm over his eyes.
Owen bounced even higher, clearly ignoring him. "You're just mad because I'm full of energy and you're lazy!"
"Lazy? I'm appreciating nature, you idiot," Hiroshi shot back, cracking one eye open.
Owen jiggled with a mocking bounce. "Appreciating? You mean napping, right? I didn't know lazy brats knew the word 'appreciate.'"
Hiroshi sat up with a scoff, brushing off bits of grass from his hair. "Keep talking, and you'll end up stuck in a jar, you water blob."
"Try it, and I'll drown you in your sleep!" Owen snapped back, bubbling furiously.
Their banter was interrupted when Hiroshi turned his attention to the edge of the garden, where a tall figure stood, hands folded neatly in front of him. He wore the typical attire of a high-ranking servant—black coat with silver embroidery, polished shoes that gleamed under the sunlight, and gloves so white they nearly glowed. His head was slightly bowed, but his posture was straight as a rod.
Hiroshi raised an eyebrow and finally sat up properly. "And who are you?"
The butler straightened a little more, his eyes still respectfully lowered. "I am Elias, young master. Your personal butler, assigned to you by the head of the household." His voice was deep and steady, carrying a tone of practiced elegance.
Hiroshi rolled his eyes. "Personal butler? And what? You just stand there and watch me nap?"
Elias didn't even flinch. "I am here to serve and to ensure the young master's well-being. I am also pleased to see that you arrived safely yesterday. There were... concerns."
"Concerns?" Hiroshi echoed, his eyebrow arched. "I'm here, aren't I?"
"Yes, indeed. And it is good to see you in good health," Elias replied, bowing his head slightly.
Before Hiroshi could roll his eyes again, a series of giggles and shouts caught his attention. He turned his head and saw a group of children running across the far side of the garden. His eyes narrowed when he recognized one of them—the kid from the dining hall with the flaming red hair, though its shade was slightly lighter than Andrius's.
Hiroshi jabbed a thumb in their direction. "Who are they?"
Elias followed his gaze and spoke with the same composed tone. "That would be Master Cyruz, The fifth of the Dravenhart family. He is eight years old and the son of the third wife."
Hiroshi watched as the boy sprinted across the lawn, laughing loudly with a group of children who followed him closely. Cyruz seemed full of energy, his face bright with enthusiasm as he led the small pack of noble kids around the garden paths.
"Looks like he's having the time of his life," Hiroshi muttered.
"Master Cyruz is quite... spirited," Elias replied diplomatically.
"Spirited, huh?" Hiroshi repeated, smirking. "Guess that's one way to say 'annoying.'"
Owen wobbled on Hiroshi's shoulder, whispering loudly, "He's already annoying, and I haven't even met him yet."
Hiroshi chuckled, "You and me both."
Hiroshi leaned back on the grass, eyes half-closed, soaking in the warm sunlight while Elias, ever dutiful, remained standing a respectful distance away. The garden was peaceful, with the faint sounds of birds singing and leaves rustling in the breeze. Owen, still in Hiroshi's hand, grumbled quietly.
Hiroshi finally broke the silence. "So, tell me about my family, you heard about me losing memories right?"
Elias cleared his throat softly. "Yes, Young Master...The Dravenhart family is a noble house of the highest prestige, residing in the northern province of the kingdom. Lord Duke Alaric Dravenhart, your father, is known as the Greatest Tamer of the North. His ability to command and tame beasts of unimaginable strength has solidified his reputation across the continent."
Hiroshi raised an eyebrow, interested despite himself. "Greatest Tamer of the North?"
"Indeed, young master," Elias continued, his voice respectful and steady. "Duke Alaric commands legions of beasts, from Fenrirs to Manticores. His influence stretches far beyond the Dravenhart estate, and many seek his counsel on beast-handling."
Hiroshi smirked. "Sounds like he's got some kind of beast army."
"In a way, yes," Elias confirmed. "Alongside him stands Lady Duchess Elowen Dravenhart. She is known as the 'Scarlet Enchantress'—a mage of exceptional ability and grace. Together, they have secured the Dravenhart family's influence within the kingdom for decades."
"Not your average parents," Hiroshi muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.