“Even though it’s an assignment, it would be rude to receive your service for my territory and offer nothing in return. You’d probably say a daughter is enough, but this is my way of showing my gratitude. I wish to have you accept it.”
With that, he handed me a heavy leather bag. Kent was surprised by what was inside the bag he received. It contained 80 large gold coins (equivalent to 80 million G).
“I can’t accept such a large sum of money.”
“What are you saying? This is coming from the money you earned from this assignment. You have the right to accept it. You can buy whatever you desire to your heart’s content, or use this as a basis to start a new business. Spend it as you wish.”
Baron Frederick forced the bag filled with a large sum of money onto him, and Kent, unable to refuse, decided to accept it.
“Well then, you’ve both worked hard. The new semester begins tomorrow, so make sure you have everything you need. Also, Caroline.”
“Yes, what is it, Father?”
“You will live in this house until you graduate from the academy.”
“Noooo…”
Caroline appeared disappointed at the Baron’s words.
“However, I won’t stop you from staying over at Lord Kent’s house, but don’t make it your permanent place. Keep it in moderation.”
“I understand, Father.”
Knowing that she wasn’t prohibited from staying at Kent’s house seemed to cheer her up.
“Well then, tonight I’ll sleep at Kent-san’s house…”
“No, I can’t allow that today. It would be difficult for Lord Kent so early in the new semester.”
“…That’s true. (I’ve monopolized Kent-san for a long time. Today, I’ll let Marie have the spotlight.)”
Caroline said the latter part in a small voice, sounding a little disappointed.
“Then, Lord Kent, you should use our carriage today. Please rest well and prepare for the new semester that begins tomorrow.”
“Yes, thank you for everything.”
“See you tomorrow, Caro-san.”
“Yes, please be careful not to overdo it with Marie-san and affect tomorrow, okay?”
Kent said goodbye to Caro, got into the prepared carriage, and headed home.
Realizing his luggage was still at the shop, Kent decided to stop by there once. The shop’s business hours had ended, and Marie’s group seemed to have already returned to Kent’s house.
“Ah, older brother, welcome back.”
“I’m home.”
He met Rachel just as he entered the shop. She had been working hard as the store manager of the second branch even during the summer break.
“How are things with the shop?”
“Well, the new semester starts tomorrow, so I’ve made preparations to ensure the shop can run smoothly even without me. The shop is generating a good profit. Maybe I can return the money to Caro soon.”
Rachel seemed to have gained some composure as the shop was also getting on track.
“By the way, older brother.”
“What is it?”
“When you have some free time, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you in private. Could you listen to me?”
“Sure, if it’s just listening.”
“Thank you, I’ll be counting on you. Marie-san is waiting, right? You should hurry home.”
It seemed her business was concluded, and Rachel ushered him out of the shop. Having no other choice, Kent decided to head home.
“I’m home.”
“Welcome home, Kent-san.”
“Welcome home~”
“Welcome home, Master.”
It had been about a month since he last returned to his home. Marie, Catherine, and Al greeted him. It was truly comforting to have people to welcome you back.
“Would you like to take a bath? Or have a meal? Or perhaps… me?”
Marie delivered the customary line for a newlywed household.
“Then, me.”
“Whaaat?”
The three, who had expected Kent to be shy and flustered by his direct answer, were surprised.
“I can’t help it then. You wanted me that much, didn’t you?”
“It’s a joke. For now, I’d like a meal, please.”
“R-right. The meal first, right? Catherine, please get things ready.”
“Yes, Mother. Let’s go, Al-chan.”
With that, Catherine took Al to the kitchen. Kent and Marie were left to gaze at each other.
“Let me say it again. Welcome home.”
“I’m home.”
Marie embraced Kent. Kent leaned into her, allowing her to do as she pleased.
“Oh, Mother.”
“It’s been a while since he returned, so it’s fine, isn’t it?”
Catherine and Al, peeking out from behind the wall, said this while watching the two.
“It was fun making dinner with Al-chan for the first time in a while. Here’s today’s meal. Recently, we’ve been able to buy delicious vegetables at the market, so I’m confident in the taste.”
Catherine said it with a confident air. The dishes laid out seemed to be vegetable-focused. However, Kent recognized those vegetables.
“Catherine, how much were these vegetables sold for?”
“Hmm… they were a little more expensive than what’s usually available at the market. But they were fresher, and there were even out-of-season items that are usually hard to find. Most importantly, they were delicious. They were selling like hotcakes, and people in town seemed to love them. Since we have a refrigerator and they can be preserved, I bought a lot before they sold out.”
Catherine said this and opened the refrigerator door. It was packed with vegetables.
“I see. They were popular with the townspeople too.”
Hearing this, Kent felt a sense of satisfaction knowing that his hard work was being appreciated by the townspeople.
“Master worked hard.”
“Al did most of the hard work, though.”
And so, Kent and the others enjoyed their dinner.
“By the way, Kent-san, what is this bag?”
After dinner, as the family was enjoying their time together, Marie noticed the leather bag.
“This? It’s a reward from Caro-san’s father for the assignment this time.”
“Is that so… It looks like about 80 large silver coins (800,000 G).”
The coins inside were different, but the number was exactly right. Kent was impressed, thinking she was indeed a merchant.
“The number is exactly right.”
“Impressive, isn’t it?”
Marie puffed out her ample chest with pride. At that moment, it seemed to heave up and down significantly.
“But it’s full of large gold coins.”
“Huh?”
Marie and Catherine froze. Al, not interested in money, remained unfazed.
“Mother, they’re large gold coins. I’ve never seen them before.”
“I’ve seen a few myself, but never this many.”
They gazed at the large gold coins with a dreamy look.
“Since it’s a considerable amount of money, I’ll put it in the vault.”
Kent purchased a highly secure vault from the terminal and placed it in his room. He put the money inside and locked it. Marie and Catherine watched this with disappointment. Afterwards, he bathed and prepared to sleep.
“Well then, Kent-san, please take good care of me tonight.”
Marie said this and entered Kent’s room, then began to undress. Tonight, Catherine and Al would share a room, and Kent would sleep with Marie.
“It’s been a while, so I’ll do my best tonight!”
Marie said this, pushed Kent down, and gave him a passionate kiss. Thus, Kent and Marie’s long night began.
