Ray stood in the doorway, arms crossed, as he took in the chaotic scene before him.
Davin was perched on Eric's back, the poor boy struggling under the weight of his "rider" while wearing the leather horse mask.
Eric's muffled pleas for help were barely audible, and Ray couldn't help but shake his head.
"Davin, get off the poor boy's back," Ray said, his voice firm but tinged with amusement.
"But he's my loyal horsey!" Davin protested, his tone defiant as he clung tighter to Eric. Clearly the seven year old still wanted to make Eric suffer more.
"Please… save… me…" Eric managed to mumble in a weak and exhausted tone.
Ray sighed silently, pinching the bridge of his nose before stepping forward.
He had the intention of prying his mischievous son off the poor, unsuspecting Eric.
But before he could reach them, Davin suddenly shouted at the top of his lungs, "Mother!"
Ray froze for a moment, then an evil grin spread across his face—a grin that sent a shiver down Davin's spine.
[Unfortunately, your mother isn't available at the moment. She left with Jenny a few minutes ago,]
The system chimed in a mocking tone.
'Huh? I've been too engrossed in bullying this kid that I didn't notice how much time passed?' Davin thought, his confidence wavering.
[Indeed,]
Davin's cocky expression immediately fell, his defiance melting into a sheepish smile.
"On second thought, I think it's better for me and Eric to take a little break," he said before slidding off Eric's back.
He even helped the boy stand up and carefully removed the mask with exaggerated care.
Ray chuckled, thoroughly entertained by his son's sudden change of heart.
'I don't know how you can use mana, but one thing's for sure—you're a truly talented actor,' he thought, his smirk widening as he watched Davin dust off Eric's shoulders.
"I'm starving…" Eric said pitifully, clutching his stomach.
"Me too," Davin added quickly, as if trying to distract Ray from his earlier antics.
"No worries," Ray said, his tone light.
"Your mothers have already prepared a good meal for both of you."
"Awesome!" Davin exclaimed, already turning toward the door. But before he could take two steps, Ray's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Where do you think you're going?" Ray asked, his tone deceptively calm.
"To have lunch," Davin replied, flashing his most innocent smile.
"Not like that, you're not," Ray said, his grin turning sinister. He picked up the horse mask and placed it firmly on Davin's head.
"Now, be a good horsey and carry Eric to the living room."
Davin's jaw dropped, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"What?!"
Ray turned to Eric, his expression softening into a warm smile. "Your ride awaits, your excellency."
"Huh?!" Eric blinked, clearly confused but also a little intrigued.
[How unfortunate—]
The system began, but Davin cut it off.
'Shut up,' he retorted internally, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he reluctantly dropped to his hands and knees.
Eric hesitated for a moment, then climbed onto Davin's back, his earlier exhaustion replaced by a faint smile.
Ray watched the scene unfold, his smirk never fading.
"That's more like it. Let's go, horsey. Lunch isn't going to eat itself."
~~
The town center was alive with energy, a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that marked the long-awaited inauguration celebration.
Strings of lanterns hung between buildings, casting a warm glow over the bustling crowd.
Merchants called out from their stalls, offering everything from sweet pastries to handcrafted trinkets, while musicians played lively tunes that had children dancing in the streets.
Gaela and Jenny walked side by side, their laughter blending with the festive noise. Gaela's golden eyes sparkled as she took in the scene, a soft smile on her lips.
"It's hard to believe this was once just a small village eight years ago," she said, her voice tinged with pride.
Jenny nodded, her expression equally bright. "It's amazing how much we've grown."
As they wandered through the crowd, Gaela couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. For a moment, the worries about the Mystic Forest and the rising beast raids faded into the background…
The town square was alive with the sounds of laughter and music, the air filled with the scent of roasted nuts and sweet pastries. Children darted through the crowd, their giggles echoing as they played games of tag and hide-and-seek.
Gaela and Jenny stood near a stall selling honeyed treats, their conversation flowing easily despite the lively chaos around them.
"I don't understand something, though," Jenny said suddenly, her brow furrowing as she glanced at Gaela.
"What?" Gaela replied, her golden eyes glinting with curiosity behind the delicate veil that covered her face.
"With such a gorgeous face, why hide it?" Jenny asked, gesturing to the veil.
"You're practically a walking masterpiece. It's a crime to keep it covered."
Gaela chuckled softly, the sound warm and melodic.
"Because of that very reason," she said, her tone tinged with wry amusement.
"My looks have often brought me trouble. It's easier this way."
Jenny raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile playing on her lips.
"Well, that's interesting. No wonder you ended up with Ray. You must've hidden your face from all those handsome nobles vying for your attention."
Gaela sighed, shaking her head.
"You know, Ray is a noble. I thought he'd told you how we met?"
"Seriously?... yes he did, but not the part he was a noble!" Jenny exclaimed, her eyes widening in amazement. She nudged Gaela playfully, her curiosity piqued.
"Come on, you have to tell me more!"
Gaela hesitated, her expression softening as memories surfaced.
"Actually, he… he had abandoned his title before we met," she said, her voice carrying a hint of sadness, as if recalling a past pain.
"Oh," Jenny said, her tone more subdued now. "Do you know what happened?"
"He never talked about it," Gaela admitted.
"And I never pressed him. All I know is that he surprised me one day by revealing he was from a high-class noble family."
Jenny nodded thoughtfully.
"You did well not to pester him. Loving him for who he was—that's what mattered. And on his behalf… thank you for changing his life."
Gaela remained silent for a moment, her gaze distant as she thought of the man she had fallen in love with—a stranger who turned out to be Ray Bluemoon, and a noble who had abandoned his past.
Their conversation was briefly interrupted by a group of children running past, their laughter ringing out as they chased a wooden hoop.
One of them stumbled, and Gaela instinctively reached out to steady the child, her veil fluttering slightly in the breeze. The child grinned up at her before darting off to rejoin the game.
"Speaking of Ray," Jenny said, her tone shifting to something more serious, "have you heard the rumors going around?"
"Rumors?" Gaela asked, her attention snapping back to Jenny.
"Yes. Ray's been a little… careless lately. A lot of people here think of him as a great knight. In fact, I heard that Lady Eleanor wants to make him the town's head knight."
Gaela's eyes narrowed slightly. "He's truly been reckless…"
"I know, right?" Jenny said, her voice dropping to a whisper.
"Especially since he's caught that woman's attention." She discreetly gestured toward Lady Eleanor, who sat on a raised podium not far from where they stood.
Eleanor was dressed in an elegant gown, her posture regal as she waved to the crowd with a proud smile.
At her right stood her steward, a stern-looking man with a ledger in hand, and around the podium stood a group of armored guards, their presence imposing.
"What's wrong with Ray working with her?" Gaela asked, though her tone suggested she already suspected the answer.
Jenny leaned in closer, her voice barely above a whisper.
"She's known for her… indescribable habits. They say she uses strange potions to make young men her playthings."
Gaela's expression darkened, her gaze flickering toward Eleanor once more.
"I see," she said, her voice calm.
"I'll make sure to warn him about her."
Jenny nodded, her relief evident.
"Good. The last thing we need is Ray getting tangled up in her schemes."
As the two women continued their conversation, another group of children ran by, this time playing a game of pretend.
One of them, a little girl with braided hair, stopped to curtsy dramatically at Gaela before giggling and running off.
Gaela couldn't help but smile at them.
"Well," Jenny said, clapping her hands together, "enough about nobles. Let's enjoy the celebration while we can. I heard they're about to light the bonfire!"