Chapter 424: A Happy Reunion
"That belongs to this child. Besides, we already obtained plenty of magic stones as a family."
From large ones to small ones, they had gathered all kinds of magic stones.
The number of days spent inside the dungeon had been long, but in addition to Leander and the others who were already highly skilled in combat, Albe’s group had also been fighting enthusiastically one after another.
"They are still in a training stage, so they are not very large, but since it was the first time they obtained one themselves, they seem very happy and have been going around giving them to everyone."
"Giving them... around? ...That many?"
Sergei held his head, wondering just how far beyond common sense they were.
Qiong Xing simply laughed it off as if it were nothing.
However, perhaps understanding there was a large quantity, Sergei accepted the gift without much hesitation, likely not wanting to hurt the child’s feelings.
"Lian also caught fish. Uncle, let’s eat together!"
"That is a wonderful invitation. I would be happy to accept."
Sergei who truly looked like a kind distant uncle made Qiong Xing wonder what to make of him.
But since the man himself seemed fine with it, Qiong Xing simply accepted it with a relaxed attitude.
Of course, thinking it would not be appropriate to serve raw fish to Sergei, he prepared a hot pot instead.
However, hearing Lian happily talk about the meals they had eaten in the dungeon, Sergei nodded and said it sounded delicious and that he would like to try it someday.
So they made a promise that Qiong Xing would cook it next time.
It was surprising, considering he had once claimed to have no interest in food at all, but people truly did change.
"Your cooking has many unfamiliar dishes even I do not know, but all of them are delicious. I would not say the food at the castle is bad, but considering my age, some things are a bit heavy. And for safety reasons as well, it cannot be helped. There are times when I simply want to eat without thinking about anything."
Qiong Xing also remembered thinking the same when he had first arrived in this world.
Heavy and oily food could easily be harsh on the stomach.
It did not seem likely that anyone would want to eat a cold meal that had been cooled further by poison testing.
He was not sure whether this was the kind of food that should be served to nobles, but if they ate it happily and enjoyed it, then that was all that mattered.
"By the way, it seems Mr. Paulo will be coming later."
"Did you actually call him? We did not need him."
It seemed they still could not get along.
Though suddenly becoming friendly and smiling together would also be unsettling in its own way.
However, Qiong Xing had not been the one to call Mr. Paulo.
Instead, a one sided and rather self-centered message had arrived saying, "I’m coming right away! Wait for me! Don’t leave!"
He was probably still busy with work.
As Sergei muttered that it would have been fine if he never came at all, a knock sounded at the door.
"Excuse me. I heard that Mother is here. May I intrude for a moment?"
"Bratislav? Did you call him as well?"
Hearing a voice he had not heard in a long time, Qiong Xing felt a sense of nostalgia, and by the time he noticed, Sergei had already answered and let him in.
"Long time no see."
They had not been able to meet for a while, but his face looked more mature than before, which made Qiong Xing smile.
"I am glad you seem well. How is the princess? Has she been well?"
Just as Qiong Xing greeted the princess who had entered quietly behind Brat, apparently having time today, she responded with a beautiful nod.
"You have truly grown into someone splendid. I am really glad..."
"Mama, Mama! The prince! The prince is here!!"
Lian excitedly tugged at his arm and only then did Qiong Xing realize, "Wait, have we not met before?"
A bit too late.
In his excitement at the reunion, his steps naturally quickened.
"Brother, I understand your feelings, but please do not leave me behind."
"...Sorry. I got carried away."
His sister,who should have been right beside him was now somehow behind him, and she complained in a slightly sulky tone about being left out.
She, too, wanted to see him just as much.
Recently, as Brat had become busier with preparations to inherit the throne, there had been many days when they could not meet even after hearing he was at the castle.
They did sometimes exchange messages using magical tools, which helped ease the loneliness, but he still longed to see him in person and witness that gentle smile.
Because of that, knowing he could finally see him today after finishing his work, his steps had unconsciously quickened.
"Long time no see. I wonder if he has been well?"
"Yes. It seems he has been going to dungeons with his family lately. Even that Sergei was worried, wondering if they would be able to return without injuries."
"Goodness! Even him!?"
His sister’s surprise was only natural.
Sergei was the most capable person of all when it came to work, but he was also extremely strict with both himself and others.
Because of that, people tended to keep their distance from him, but after meeting Qiong Xing, he too had begun to change in a better direction.
Just like Qiong Xing himself.
Thinking about Qiong Xing’s words and supported by his warmth, Brat had learned many things over the past few years.
He had deeply reflected on his past actions and, wanting to become someone worthy of the person who had guided him, he had devoted himself to study even at the expense of sleep.
Because of that, he had once fallen ill, but when Qiong Xing came to visit him, he had felt an improper yet overwhelming happiness.