Chapter 112: We’re Home, Time for Lunch
The carriage slowed as it approached the massive castle gates. The towers rose imposingly, silhouetted against the sky.
At last, they were home.
In front of the entrance, another carriage was already parked. It was Don’s—loaded with bags and boxes... clearly returning from his usual route through the city.
"...we’re here..." Varis murmured, gently pulling the reins.
Inside the carriage, Max was half-asleep, his head resting against the wood.
Until—
"—Dad!"
Moonlight grabbed his hair.
And pulled.
"We’re at the castle!"
Max’s eyes snapped open.
"...ow—"
He rubbed his head.
"...okay, I get it..."
Abby smiled, looking out the window.
"We’re home."
Her voice was soft.
Max slowly sat up.
And at that moment, a system window appeared before his eyes.
[Main Quest Completed][Abigail Morningstar has returned to her true home.][Claim Reward: ???]
Max blinked and smiled.
’I’ll check that later...’
He looked forward.
’first... I need to see Elanor.’
The carriage came to a stop. Outside, the faun was already approaching to help.
"...welcome back."
He opened the door and began unloading luggage. One by one, they stepped out.
Don also approached. He stopped when he saw Abby. His eyes widened slightly.
"...so you’re back."
His tone wasn’t cold.
But not particularly warm either.
Abby didn’t hesitate. She stepped forward and hugged him.
"...I’m back."
She smiled.
"...it’s good to see you, Don."
Don blinked for a moment. He returned the gesture, though briefly.
"...glad to hear it."
Sophie raised a hand.
"...Don, can you take care of my brother?"
She pointed at the carriage.
"...he went into coma mode again."
Don looked.
Neros was completely still.
Asleep like a rock.
"...sure."
He stepped closer. Took out a small bell.
And rang it softly.
ting.
Nothing.
Silence.
Then—Neros’ eyes snapped open. His entire body tensed. His hair stood on end. He slowly turned his head.
And looked at Don.
With pure hatred.
Don chuckled.
"...if you sleep all day, you won’t be able to fulfill your duties as a royal guard."
Neros growled.
"...mind your own business."
He stretched.
"...I completed the mission the king gave me."
Don smirked.
"...and I’m doing my duty."
He crossed his arms.
"...you’re already back at the castle."
He pointed inside.
"...go make sure your king is doing fine."
Neros clicked his tongue. Almost reflexively, he licked his arms. Then stepped down from the carriage, grabbed several things at once, and walked straight into the castle.
Dorian got down next. He stretched, then looked at Varis.
"...and you?"
Varis stayed where he was, thoughtful.
"...a lot happened on this trip..."
He sighed.
"...I lost a false friend."
Pause.
"...I fell in love..."
Another pause.
"...several times. I’m going back to Bloodleaf Village. I want to see them again."
Dorian let out a laugh.
"Not surprising."
He gave him a small punch on the shoulder.
"...give my regards to the succubi."
He smiled.
"...and take care."
They bumped fists.
Max stepped forward.
"...thanks for everything, Varis."
He looked at him sincerely.
"...you’re a great man."
Varis looked at him. Narrowed his eyes.
"...I’m not sure if that was a dwarf joke..."
Pause.
Then he smiled.
"...or a compliment."
He patted his shoulder.
"...but thanks, kid."
He climbed onto his carriage. Took the reins.
"...see you."
The horses moved, and the carriage drove away.
Back toward Bloodleaf Village.
Moon raised her hand.
"...bye!"
She watched him until he disappeared.
Don clapped once.
"...alright."
He turned toward the group.
"...now that we’re all here..."
He pointed inside the castle.
"...let’s go."
A slight smile.
"...it’s time for lunch."
He paused.
"...and Bertha is cooking."
Max lifted his head.
That mattered.
A lot.
"...let’s go."
***
The sunlight fell gently over the castle courtyard. The fountain murmured in the background, water flowing in a steady rhythm that contrasted with the calm atmosphere.
Max leaned back in his chair, letting out a satisfied sigh.
The plate in front of him was empty.
"...uff..."
He placed a hand on his stomach.
"...I missed this..."
Moon sat beside him, face messy, eating without a care in the world.
Sophie drank water, calmer now.
Abby leaned against the table, relaxed.
And Dorian...
Kept eating.
Like there was no tomorrow.
Max looked up.
"...hey..."
He glanced at Sophie.
"...where’s Elanor?"
Sophie tilted her head.
"...she should be in magic class around this time..."
She frowned.
"...but I haven’t seen her."
Abby raised a hand.
"...I think I did."
Everyone looked at her.
"...I passed by her room earlier."
She adjusted a strand of hair.
"...the door was open."
She smiled slightly.
"...she was trying on dresses... and hairstyles."
Pause.
"...she looked nervous."
Moon swallowed her food.
"...ah..."
She smiled.
"...my mom must be shy."
She nodded confidently.
"...she’s going to see dad again after so long."
Max instantly turned red.
"...Moon..."
Abby let out a small laugh.
"...it could also be something else."
She crossed her arms.
"...after all..."
She glanced at him.
"...she’s a woman engaged to be married... to you."
Max choked on his water.
"—COUGH—!"
He coughed hard.
Very hard.
’Married...?’
He froze for a moment.
He imagined it.
An altar.
Elanor.
Dressed in white.
Waiting for him.
And he turned even redder.
’...that doesn’t sound bad...’
"...what are you thinking about?" Sophie asked.
Max blinked.
"Nothing, nothing..."
He grabbed his plate.
"...nothing important."
And finished what little remained.
At that moment, heavy footsteps echoed.
Bertha appeared.
With her usual imposing presence.
"...well?"
She crossed her arms.
"...how was the food?"
Max gave a thumbs up.
"Incredible."
He smiled.
"...I missed it so much."
He sighed.
"I don’t ever want to leave the castle again."
Sophie shot him a look.
"...I cooked during the trip too."
Max froze.
"...uh..."
Bertha burst out laughing.
"...Sophie is good at almost everything..."
She gave her a pat on the shoulder.
"...but there’s a reason I don’t let her into the kitchen."
Sophie sighed.
But smiled.
"...I can’t get mad at you."
Moon raised her hand.
"...I liked Sophie’s cooking."
Sophie looked at her and smiled.
"...thanks, Moon."
Bertha turned to Abby.
"...and you, girl."
She pointed.
"Don’t disappear again."
Abby raised both hands.
"Not planning to."
And then—
"...excuse me."
Don appeared.
Everyone looked at him.
He walked straight to Max.
"Princess Elanor is waiting for you."
Pause.
"...in her room."
Max blinked.
"...in... her room?"
His face turned completely red.
Don nodded.
"...in the princess’s room."
Moon looked at him. Smiled.
"...don’t get nervous."
She gave him a small nudge.
"...go."
Max took a deep breath. Grabbed his glass. Drank it in one go.
"...okay..."
He stood up.
Still a bit stiff.
A bit nervous.
But determined.
"...I’m going."
And he walked into the castle.
Straight.
To Elanor’s room.