They entered the entrance of the estate. Kaito stretched and sighed, feeling the familiar feeling of being home. "Here we are," he said, looking around at the high ceilings and fancy decorations, his voice a mix of fondness and reluctance.
Mia, . "Welcome to our home! I can't wait to show you everything!" she exclaimed, almost skipping down the hall.
Kaito followed more slowly. "Just so you know, it might be a bit messy since I've been gone," he said, yawning and rubbing his eyes.
Mia waved it off. "That doesn't matter! This place has so many stories!" she said, leading them to the living room.
Liora looked at the beautiful artwork and the big windows letting in sunlight. "It looks amazing," she said with a smile, trying to see everything.
Kaito leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. "Yeah, but it would be nice to just relax here and do nothing," he said with a lazy grin. "Someone else could take care of the place."
Mia stopped, her excitement lessened for a moment. "But Kaito, it used to be so lively! We can't just leave it like this!"
"True," Kaito replied slowly. "But planning events and fixing things sounds like a lot of work… doesn't it? I just want to relax and enjoy life."
Liora laughed and said, "Well, you can't avoid responsibilities forever, you know .
--
Suddenly, Kaito's parents appeared in the doorway, looking surprised and worried. It had been a long time since they last saw him, especially after he ran away from home.
"Kaito!" his mother shouted, rushing over to him with wide eyes. She poked him gently in the stomach. "How's our baby doing? Why did you run away? Were you just too lazy to become a lord?" Her pretend serious face made Kaito smile a little.
He glanced at his father, hoping for help But his father stayed silent, fr
Kaito said in a relaxed voice, "I was just… Being a lord isn't as great as it sounds." He tried to act like it didn't bother him, but his mother wasn't letting it go.
"You could have at least sent a message! We worried about you!"
Kaito leaning against the wal. "I know, I know. I just needed some time alone. Life out there has been different."
The father ( akira ) , standing quietly behind them, finally spoke. "You had us worried, son. It's good to see you back, but we want to understand why you left."
Kaito looked his father in the eyes, feeling anxious and a bit defiant. "It's complicated, Dad.
His mother's expression softened as she touched his arm gently. "Kaito, we just want what's best for you. You have a home here, and we'll always listen."
He sighed, leaning back a little and taking in their warmth. "I know, Mom. I just wanted to figure things out on my own for a bit."
Akira stepped closer and said firmly, "No matter what, we're here for you. You don't have to face everything .
" Thanks dads "
"Hi, Mom! Hi, Dad!" Liora said with a big smile as she walked towards Kaito's parents.
His mother's eyes opened wide in surprise. "Oh! Who is this lovely young woman?"
Kaito smiled proudly. "This is Liora. She's my companion. Actually, she's a dragon, but she can turn into a human."
"Really?" his mother said, her eyes sparkling with joy. "That's amazing! You must have great stories!"
Liora laughed softly, her eyes shining. "Oh, I have lots of stories! But I promise not to scare you with tales of fire-breathing or flying too high!" She smiled playfully, making everyone relax.
Kaito's father, still looking thoughtful, raised an eyebrow. "A dragon, you say? That's interesting. What brings you to our home?"
Liora looked at Kaito, checking to see how he felt. "I've been traveling with Kaito to help him find his way and to keep him safe. We've had many adventures together."
Kaito felt thankful and a bit nervous as he looked back at Liora. "Yeah, she's been a great friend. I wouldn't have made it through the tough times without her."
His mother's face became softer. "Well, you're both welcome here! This home is for friends and family. Please, feel at home, Liora."
Liora smiled brightly and said warmly, "Thank you! I can't wait to get to know all of you."
---
Akira and Kaito walked quietly to a nearby room, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken words. As they settled into comfortable chairs, Akira turned his gaze to Kaito.
"How are you doing, son? Everything okay?" he asked gently.
Kaito sighed, a lazy grin creeping onto his face. "Yeah, as usual. Just lazy to do anything, honestly."
Akira nodded, his expression turning serious.
"Our estate isn't doing well. Monsters keep blocking the paths for merchants, and I need to raise the tax to manage food supplies."
"I'm sorry for the sudden call, son. I know you don't want to be a lord, but can you help us? As the son of a lord?"
Kaito looked down for a moment, the reality of his father's words sinking in. "I really didn't want to come back to this… the responsibilities and all. I just wanted some time for myself."
"I understand," Akira replied, his tone softening. "But we need your help now more than ever. The estate relies on us, and if you don't step in, things could get worse."
"So you want me to take charge, to solve everyone's problems?" Kaito replied
"Not take charge, son," Akira corrected gently. "Just lend a hand. You have valuable ideas and experiences. You can make a difference, even if you don't want to wear the title of a lord."
Kaito exhaled slowly, wrestling with his reluctance. "Okay, I'll think about it. But I can't promise anything."
His father smiled slightly, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "That's all I ask, Kaito. Just consider it. You won't be alone in this; we'll face it together."
Kaito left the room, a heavy weight on his shoulders, and walked down the hall to his bedroom. He opened the door to find Liora sitting on the edge of his bed, her expression a mix of concern and understanding.
"I just hope the gods didn't give me this gift as a burden," he said, sinking onto the bed beside her.
"Don't say that," Liora replied softly. "I know you can handle things—often in a lazy way, just like you do with me!" She flashed him a teasing smile, trying to lighten the mood.
Kaito sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Well, I need to rebuild this estate and earn the people's trust again. It feels like a huge mountain to climb."
"You're not alone in this," Liora said, her voice reassuring. "You have your family and friends to help you. We can work together and make things right."
Kaito glanced out the window, watching the trees sway gently in the wind. "I just hope that after this, my family can finally have an easier life. They deserve it after all the struggles we've faced."
Liora nodded. "You have a good heart, Kaito. You care about them, and that's important. Just take one step at a time. You'll find your way."
He looked at her, feeling grateful for her support. "Thanks, Liora. I guess I just need to take a deep breath and remember that I don't have to do everything alone."
"Exactly," she replied, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "You have me, and together, we can face whatever comes. It's okay to lean on those who care about you."
That night they sleep together .