Year 2 Chapter 1: Great-Grandma’s Joy

“Eri, please don’t be so sad,” Keith patted the fox girl’s head. Despite the softness in his words, her cheeks only puffed further, which made Keith bite his lip as his hands shook violently as he held himself back: he wanted so much to pinch his daughter’s cheeks; what stopped him was how inappropriate the situation was, and she would only get angrier! His hand had a mind of its own as it inched forward only to have it slapped by Carolyn. Glancing at her, her expression told him not to act like a fool.

Since the dad was out of commission, she had to take charge by stroking the child’s hair while comforting, “It is natural to feel down, Eri.” The trio was no longer in the manor—they were in a carriage. The next semester was coming, and the two had to return to the academy.

Eri’s ears drooped further as she looked up at Carolyn, her teary eyes displaying her reluctance to leave the manor. All the energy and excitement she had yesterday disappeared.

“Miss.” One word got the message across to the two: Leon and Laura. In the beginning, the trio was distant from one another, but once they got along, they were three peas in a pod. They did everything together and became inseparable.

What to do? Even Keith felt guilty as they left: the three little ones hugged one another tightly, almost refusing to let the others go. Even as Keith picked up Eri, Leon and Laura were raised up like two koalas. With plenty of coaxing and promises to play from Sophia, this allowed them to set off.

Eri held onto the items Leon and Laura gave before leaving; each child gave something to another as a sign of good faith.

“Bo.” The little chocolate ball in her hand nudged her face as he gave her licks. Not to be outdone, Ruby jumped out of Carolyn’s lap and snuggled her other cheek.

No one could resist—Eri let out a giggle as she held them, “Down.”

“Bo.” “Kyu.” Lei snuggled into her lap while Ruby rested on her shoulder.

“Eri, I can always send you over to meet with them.” It was a different story for the child. Keith and Carolyn were students at the academy; Eri, on the other hand, was not. She could come and go as she pleased. She only needed a guardian to be with her, which made things simple: Eric and the others would gladly accompany her back to the manor; Sophia might even steal her away!

“Stay.” Despite her sadness, Eri did not want to leave Keith’s side. Keith’s anxiety eased as he stroked her head.

“We’ll meet them again.” With the number of breaks they had, it wouldn’t take long for the children to meet once more. His gaze then turned to Carolyn, “Are you going to visit your parents?” The carriage arrived at Aurelion, the royal capital of the Solis Kingdom. Carolyn had not once returned home after traveling to the demon kingdom.

“I have no reason to. Plus, I do not want to return home to see my father crying and complaining.” Carolyn grumbled.

Ah. Keith understood; there was a feud between Julius and Thalia. Somehow, the king has caused another mess in a matter of days. Thalia was fuming; the fire in her gaze told the entire story. She had a good vacation staying at the Freed Manor.

“I will sleep with my Eri.” Eri’s ear wiggled while she snuggled into the hug.

So...as always? The entire time at the Manor, Carolyn held the tiny trio close. Sophia or Carolyn; the three had to snuggle with the two every night.  

Is it because of Scarlet? A thought occurred: the incident Keith had in the demon kingdom probably riled this princess up. She was trying her best to make up time with the child.

“When will we arrive at the grand duke’s home?”

“...” Changing the topic was something Carolyn loved to do when it was not favorable to her. Keith rolled his eyes, “We’ll be arriving in a few minutes.” The sights outside told him the time. There were a few days before they headed over to the academy. He planned to visit Lionel and Camelia before heading to Vastoria.

Upon reaching the Grand Duke’s home, the carriage stopped.

“We’re here, Eri.” Keith’s focus was on the child: this would be her first meeting with his grandparents.

With a flicker of unease, Eri offered a quiet “Mmhmm”. Keith exited the carriage first: Lionel and Camelia stood outside with the butler and the maids.

“Grandpa, Grandma.”

“Greetings, Grand Duke, Grand Duchess.” Carolyn exited next with the little ones in her arms.

“Mmhmm,” Lionel gave a slight nod.

“...” Camelia stayed silent; her gaze focused on a certain someone who was hiding between her grandson’s legs.

Keith prompted the child, “Eri.”

“H-hello,” Eri greeted, but her head hid behind Keith’s leg—her head bobbed out to glance at Camelia briefly. Her head tilted, “Grandma?”

“Close, but this is Grandma’s mom.” Keith picked the child up. Sophia and Camelia could be mistaken for sisters if they stood right next to each other.

“?” The confusion in Eri’s eyes made Camelia soften as she walked forward, “Eri, you can call me Great-Grandma.”

“Great-grandma?” Eri blinked.

“Mmhmm,” Camelia’s smile blossomed further as she opened her arms, “May I hold you?”

“...” Eri glanced at Keith, who gave a light nod and opened her arms.

Camelia took her and nestled the child. Eri’s stiffness gradually loosened as she nestled into her arms. The three could see the joy on Camelia’s face.

“How adorable! Let Great-Grandma show you her home.”

“Mmhmm.” The grand duchess didn’t hesitate to bring the girl into the mansion, smiling happily.

“Po!” Lei was on the ground, jumping up and down as if they had forgotten about him. Keith scooped him up with a laugh, “Don’t worry, I’m here.”

“Let us move inside,” Lionel suggested, and the two nodded. They entered the home where they witnessed Camelia spoiling and treating Eri. She gently fed the fox-girl pudding. Eri sat in her lap as she opened her mouth like a baby bird.

“Eri, do you like this?”

“Mmhmm.” Eri nodded as she gobbled it down. Keith sipped his tea while he watched.

Eri then picked up the spoon, “Eat.” She couldn’t be the only one eating.

“Such good manners, just like her father.” Camelia praised as she ate.

“She copies Keith a lot, Grand Duchess,” Carolyn added. Eri watched Keith all the time; it wouldn’t be unnatural for her to pick up on some of his actions.

“Daddy smart.” Eri chimed in with a cheerful smile.

“Indeed, he is.” Camelia nodded. Her grandson was the most talented.

“How long will you be staying?” Lionel questioned.

“We will be here for a few days, Grandpa.” They needed to grab their new uniforms, and he planned to spend some time with his grandparents before departing.

“Mmhmm.” Lionel was satisfied. His gaze turned to Carolyn, “Carolyn, will you return to the castle?”

“No.”

“...I see.”

“Did something happen, Grandpa?” Lionel had certain motions that described his emotions.

“Nothing, just nothing.” Lionel shook his head. But it was clear to the two that something had happened.

“Did my father cause trouble again?”

“Yes.” Lionel grumbled, “The castle is in an uproar.”

“I do not need to be involved.” Carolyn huffed, “I will only get mad at him.”

“I see.” Lionel nodded, “Then you can stay here.”

“That was the plan, Grand-duke.” Carolyn grinned.

“…”