After the warm welcome from Gonzo's family, Yuto was invited inside and was now sitting at the dining table with the others.
Golden light filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow that filled the room with comfort.
Gonzo was standing in the kitchen, helping his wife cook. They both had beaming smiles on their faces.
Yuto, on the other hand, sat alone, facing the princess and Shery, who were sitting side by side, drawing something.
Once again, he felt that the warm atmosphere in this house was slowly filling the void in his heart.
Yuto leaned back, and his lips sealed shut.
Even after how he acted towards them, this family still welcomed him kindly, rekindling memories of what it felt like to have a family.
He didn't hate the feeling, but he started to wonder if the person he was now deserved it.
Then, dark memories came rushing in: his exile, the metallic smell of blood that smeared his hands, the image of people's heads flying from his sword's slash.
The horrifying images began to play, as if taunting him and whispering: {You don't deserve to be by their side!}
His hand reached for his left chest, feeling his heart pounding hard, as if helping him break free from the black chains that almost wrapped around his consciousness.
"Big brother?"
Yuto's mind snapped out of its reverie, and he glanced to the side. Shery's bright blue eyes reflected the illusion of Yuto's red eyes, showing his menacing grin.
"..."
"What's the matter, Big Brother?"
Shery tilted her head adorably, confused by the boy's silence.
"No, it's nothing. Oh, that's a nice drawing."
"Hehe, Big sis taught me how to draw."
Yuto looked up and saw the princess raise her chin, with her arms crossed over her chest.
'Well, she is a royal, I can understand that.'
Maybe she learned it back in the castle or something. Still, the picture in Shery's hand was quite impressive for a child her age.
"Lunch is ready."
A melodious voice came from the kitchen, drawing everyone's eyes.
"Shery, return to your seat."
"Okay~"
Marni walked in, carrying a steaming clay pot.
Beside her, Gonzo carried several wooden plates topped with extra golden brown meat and bread.
Yuto's nose twitched after smelling the spices in the air. He swallowed and rubbed his stomach as it let out a small growl.
Gonzo scooped some of the creamy stew into a wooden bowl, then handed it to the others.
"Here you go, Celes."
"Thank you, Uncle. Just from the smell, I can tell it'll be delicious. Auntie, your cooking is superb as always."
The princess commented, causing Marni's expression to melt with a blush on her cheeks.
"Thank you, dear."
"Here, Yuto. Do you want extra meat?"
Yuto took the bowl he was given, then nodded slowly after some consideration.
"Thank you, can I have some more?"
"Sure, here you go, I'll give you plenty."
Gonzo added two slices of meat and some bread onto a new plate before giving it to Yuto.
Instead of being angry, the man's face was full of smiles. Just like Marni, her brown eyes shimmered slightly, seeing the figure of the boy who attended the dining table, completing the family.
Looking at the table in front of him, Yuto licked his dry lips and immediately grabbed the spoon next to him.
However, just as he was about to slurp the creamy broth he had scooped into the spoon, Marni's voice rang out.
"Celes, do you also want some extra meat, too?"
Yuto lifted his face and accidentally made eye contact with the haughty princess. He saw the girl's brows furrow, like a predator staring at its prey.
"Fufu, I've noticed you eyeing Yuto's plate since earlier."
At her aunt's teasing giggle, blood rushed to her face, changing the princess's usually sharp expression into a meek one.
"Here, for my dear niece who came all the way from the Capital."
Gonzo served her a few slices of meat. The princess nodded as she received the plate, barely holding the grin creeping up on her lips.
"Thank you, Auntie, Uncle."
Before she focused on the food, her blue eyes glared at Yuto, as if trying to pierce the boy's consciousness, before she averted her gaze downwards.
'What's wrong with that girl?'
"Me too, daddy! I want meat."
Shery shouted happily, raising her hands high. Her blue eyes sparkled like the bright sky.
Gonzo, Marni, Yuto, and Celestina all looked at the scene with bright expressions. Their hearts were cleansed by the joy in the little girl's cheerful smile.
The family enjoyed their lunch in a lively atmosphere.
As they ate, Gonzo began sharing his stories. Marni lovingly wiped away the leftover food from Shery's cheeks.
Celestina's usually sharp expression, now she smiled broadly and giggled, listening to Gonzo's silly tales.
Yuto sat upright, watching all of this with a blank face, but his lips and heart couldn't hide the emotions overflowing within him.
'...This is nice.'
The plates and pots on the dining table were empty. Yuto stood up, trying to contribute to something.
"It's okay, Yuto. Leave everything to me."
"Huh? But..."
Marni replied with a thin smile, while her hands gathered the utensils skilfully.
"You must be tired from your journey. Just relax."
"..."
Without waiting for his reply, Marni carried all the dishes at once, showing off how strong and dependable she was.
That left Gonzo, who sat to his right, and the princess busy tending to a yawning Shery, who nodded off.
"Uncle, Auntie, Shery looks sleepy. I'll take her to her room."
"Thank you, Celes."
"Thanks, Celes. I'll join you later after I finish this."
The princess nodded, then lifted Shery into her arms and walked slowly.
Yuto's eyes followed the princess back. She disappeared onto the second floor, then let out a long sigh.
Left alone, the boy turned his gaze towards Gonzo.
'...Is this the right time?'
His thoughts returned to his cultivation problem, which required monster blood essence.
'But, would he even know about it?'
He originally planned to visit the library, but the grumpy old man decided to close the place due to the commotion.
Yuto tapped his finger on the table, catching the attention of Gonzo, who was sipping his favorite tea.
"You seem troubled?"
The man's deep voice made Yuto's body flinch. He turned to the side.
After thinking for a moment, he answered honestly.
'Now, I can only try with Gonzo.'
"...Yeah, kind of."
Gonzo stopped what he was doing, then placed the cup back onto the table.
"I don't know what you're dealing with. But know this, my family and I will be here to listen, whenever you're ready."
"...Gonzo?"
Yuto choked; those words struck him like a thunderbolt to his heart.
Memories of being treated unfairly, and the kind family in front of him who might suffer the same fate, without Gonzo's hidden identity.
This world was filled with the unknown, especially for Yuto, an outsider.
The knowledge from Elias? The books he read? Common sense?
None of that would be enough for him to live in a world where life was very cheap.
For that, what he needed was absolute power to protect himself and the people close to him, like the family before him.
Yuto nodded and opened his stiff mouth.
"Gonzo, have you ever heard of something called monster blood essence?"
As soon as the question came out of his mouth, the atmosphere froze. A shadow started to envelope the man's expression beside him.