Outside the territory of Count Vinlig, a clear sky stretched overhead, unmarred by clouds.
Though patches of stubborn snow still clung to the ground, they dusted the edges of the cobbled path leading to the imposing gates.
Townsfolk halted in their tracks, craning their necks in curiosity as they caught sight of the count and his soldiers riding in.
The soldiers, clad in armor displaying the Vinlig insignia, made a formidable sight, especially with their carts in tow—each one piled high with the hulking bodies of slain beasts.
Count Vinlig himself led the procession, his expression a blend of sternness and calm, as he rode at the forefront.
"Lord, did he slay all of those monsters?" one villager asked in awe.
"Of course, the Lord is incredibly strong," another responded, their eyes wide with admiration.
As the count approached, people emerged from their homes and shops, their expressions filled with a mix of wonder and curiosity, whispering among themselves at the sight of the massive trophies he'd brought back.
Having been away for a week on the hunt, the count's return felt almost mythical, his victory evident in the monstrous haul he had collected.
One of the soldiers rode up beside him, clearing his throat to speak.
"Count, should we take these... beasts somewhere specific?" he inquired.
Count Vinlig nodded briskly, his gaze shifting back to the carts.
"Bring them all to one location, just outside the mansion. The people from the Alchemy Guild have likely already arrived," he instructed. "Let us show them the quality of monsters we have brought."
A grin broke out on the soldier's face, pride flickering in his eyes at the count's wise words.
"Understood, sir," he said, saluting before relaying the count's orders down the line. The men began guiding the carts in the direction of the mansion.
Neigh!
As the count turned back to the road, he pressed his heels into his horse's flanks, spurring it to move faster.
Thoughts of his child, waiting at the mansion, filled his mind, intensifying his urgency.
'Hold on, my child. I'm on my way back to you,' he quietly reassured himself, determination shining through his resolve.
---
Inside the mansion, Count Vinlig—still stained with the dark blood of the beasts he had slain—strode purposefully down the main corridor.
He removed his helmet, revealing a face etched with the exhaustion of the hunt, but his eyes sparkled with warmth as he approached his child's room.
Elira, the head maid, intercepted him with a worried expression, her hands clasped tightly in front of her.
"My lord, wouldn't it be wise to clean yourself up before the young master sees you? You might frighten him."
Count Vinlig chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"Head maid, I'm not planning to go in—just a quick look. That's all."
He flashed her a boyish grin, a rare sight on his otherwise stern face.
With her head still bowed, the head maid replied in a blank tone, "With all due respect, my lord, I've heard that before."
Vinlig let out a small sigh, clearly conceding her point, but it was evident he wasn't about to change his mind.
Before she could protest further, he shifted the subject. "By the way, has someone from the Alchemy Guild arrived?"
"Yes, my lord, but… it seems they've sent a merchant rather than a master alchemist," she replied, her tone tinged with irritation as she understood the underlying intentions behind sending a merchant. "Negotiating with him might be a bit… challenging."
"Typical," Vinlig murmured, almost to himself, running a hand over his face. "Very well, I'll deal with him shortly."
'But...' The head maid recalled how difficult it had been to handle these merchants, often leaving the burden to Lady Kassidy.
The count, except for matters regarding battle, had a certain naïveté that made him easily misled.
And given that she was merely a servant, it was not her place to engage with the merchant herself, as he would likely look down on her.
It seemed she would need to prepare herself for bearing potential losses today. 'Sigh, should I reduce the maids' salaries?'
Count Vinlig paused, noticing several unfamiliar faces among the staff. "Head maid, have you hired more maids?"
"Yes, my lord," she answered cautiously. "But… I'm not sure we need quite so many. The household is already fully staffed."
Vinlig tilted his head thoughtfully. "The more we employ, the more families in town have food on their tables. If we can do that, why shouldn't we?"
The head maid's eyes widened as she raised her head to look at the Count, whose face appeared unusual—marked by weariness.
He kept his gaze fixed ahead, moving toward the door just a few meters away from them.
At the sight of him, she recalled how different he was from most people, compelling her to bow.
"I suppose… you're right, my lord," she replied, her voice softening.
She bowed slightly, concealing a small smile. **Thank you for caring for all of us.**
The two of them approached an open door, and Elira stood back, fully expecting him to keep his word and remain outside.
But before she could utter a word, Vinlig slipped through the doorway, his steps quiet as he entered.
"Lo—Lord!?" Suddenly, hearing the footsteps fall silent, she lifted her gaze, only to find the Count missing from the corridor.
'No, young master will be terrified!' Taken aback, she was compelled to dash inside the room, realizing just how terrifying the sight of his present appearance would be for anyone else.
---
'No...can't sleep,' Lucian, barely a newborn, was already having a rough moment surrounded by heavenly softness. Sleep was taking hold of him under the attack of heavenly fluffy cloud attack or... well, he couldn't quite recall the complete name in his present condition.
But yeah, he was definitely getting defeated by the barrage of softness around him.
Just as he was drifting off, a familiar voice jolted him awake.
* Huh? Where is my son? * Suddenly a hoarse and firm voice of a man reverberated through the room.
* Oh! C-Count!? * maids exclaimed as they recognized the voice before turning towards the direction of the door.
'Finally...' The 'heavenly' pressure began to ease, leaving his poor infant senses a little dazed.
Through the haze, he glimpsed a sight through the gaps of mountain peaks, all too familiar.
It was like that day—the same day he nearly died, only to be saved by this figure in the same armor with worry on his face.
Today, it seemed, that figure was back to 'save' him again.
'No, no, no,' Lucian's little mind screamed.
Trembling, he reached out with his tiny hand...
However, not towards that figure.
But,
'Fuck! Not again!' He instantly clenched onto one of the maid's dresses like it was his lifeline.
'Please, save me from that man! He'll kiss me again, damn it!'
And with all the power his baby lungs could muster, he let out a garbled, defiant cry.
"Boo... aasss... ttt… rrr....ddd"