Lakely slowly came to his senses. He hummed in acknowledgment before looking up. “Where are we going next?”
Derek looked away. “That depends on where you want to go.”
Lakely glanced to his side. Through the window, he saw groups of children trickling out from the forest. Some were being carried by adults, while others moved with remarkable independence, as comfortable as beasts born in the wild.
The warship was in stealth mode, so the children shouldn’t have been able to see it. Yet a few sharp-eyed ones cast suspicious glances in this direction from time to time.
One child stopped, staring straight ahead until their gaze met Lakely’s. A few seconds later, they turned and ran towards their instructor.
[So sharp. Silently backing out of Lakely’s perspective.]
[Derek was a bit intimidating just now. Plus Lakely’s attempt at small talk felt so awkward. Was he scared too?]
[If Grantz has always had to survive like that, it’s actually kind of understandable why they’re like this.]
[No way. I won’t understand even in 100 years what kind of family hunts insects to use as teaching materials for literal toddlers. Even at the best military academies, practical training is save until the final year, and with targets weakened beforehand. Honestly, I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it.]
Lakely leaned forward, watching the child run to their instructor.
Then, with one last glance this way after making the report, they dashed off to join their peers. They blended right into the rowdy group, waiting in a nearby clearing for the instructors to take a head count.
Lakely turned to Derek. “I’d like to spend a few days with them and attend classes together. Is that okay?”
If you can’t understand, then blend in. Why not try seeing Grantz through the eyes of a Grantz child?
Lakely grew excited as he went on, “No need to make any special arrangements. I’ll stay at the back of the classroom and try not to be disrupted. If this works out, I think I’ll be able to observe many fascinating things.”
Derek regarded Lakely. “You really are a peculiar person.”
He then lowered his head, tapping the holomind on his wrist with practiced ease. “Then we’ll postpone all future arrangements for now. It’s getting late. Instead of returning to the military district tonight, we’ll dine and stay overnight at a hotel in the central district. The elementary school nearby starts classes at eight.”
Derek looked up, his expression serious. “See you tomorrow morning then, young Lakely. I’ll be taking you to school.”
“Thanks, Guardian Derek.”
“You’re welcome. I must say this is a novel experience even for me. If it weren’t for you, I likely wouldn’t be returning to elementary school at this point in my life.”
[Derek actually made a joke! Looks like their friendship just levelled up!]
[I’m so touched as well.]
……
Pangzhua hadn’t seen Ye Muo in ages. It kept pestering him to play. They lingered for a while longer to play, even after Adlet returned from putting away his tools, before finally entering the palace.
Adlet glanced at the time. “Prince Noah and the others should be returning soon. They did say they’d be back today.”
Ye Muo knew Ano and the others had been busy with the ship channel lately. Now that the route extended much further, they often stayed there overnight instead of coming home. Otherwise, the travel time alone would take an entire day.
Ye Muo visibly perked up as he hadn’t seen Ano and the others for a while. “Everyone’s coming back? Does that mean it’s almost dinner time? We can tidy up the rooms tomorrow then. Theodore can stay with me for now.”
As soon as those words fell.
Ano’s voice boomed from outside, “No way!”
He rushed in breathlessly and made a beeline for Ye Muo. “Xavier! It’s been so long.”
Aria followed closely behind. Then came Adrian, who seemed to be having a minor disagreement with Helene. Jacob brought up the rear, strolling leisurely past the quarreling duo to greet Ye Muo.
Ano and Aria had just finished embracing him. With the mood just right, Jacob inexplicably opened his arms too.
Ye Muo enthusiastically wrapped his arms around Jacob’s neck. Jacob drew his arms in, placing them gently but awkwardly on Ye Muo’s back.
He rarely hugged anyone.
Ye Muo nuzzled Jacob’s neck. “I missed you too, Jacob.”
Jacob hesitated but didn’t release his hold. Xavier was rarely this affectionate. “How was life outside? Did anyone pick on you?”
“No, and the food was great too. I’ve even gained a little weight lately.”
“That’s good. I was worried Big Brother might only give you nutrient solution.”
Helene interrupted them from the side, clamoring, “Alright, alright! That’s long enough!”
Adrian stood beside her. “Exactly! There are people waiting in line here!”
The moment Jacob let go, she scooped Ye Muo into her arms and started stroking his hair. “My little Xavier, you’ve been through so much.”
“I really haven’t.”
Ye Muo wordlessly got a bit on tiptoe. Hugging Helene or Dylan felt like being nuzzled by a lion with an excessively fluffy mane.
Norton’s mane was equally fluffy and beautiful, but his embrace felt different from Helene’s. Norton was always gentle, sometimes so gentle it seemed at odds with his huge frame.
A first-time father, the lion practiced several times before even picking up his cub. He feared dropping him, yet he equally dreaded hurting him with his jaws.
He ended up carrying the cub almost in his mouth. As a result, every time he set the cub down, the fur on the back of the cub’s neck, head, and part of its back would always be damp.
Helene nuzzled her cheek against Ye Muo’s. “Xavier~”
Adrian urged Helene from the side, “Hey, it’s my turn.”
After Adrian had his chance, Norton arrived, flanked by Dylan and Bert.
He stopped beside Ye Muo, his gaze settling on him first as always.
Adlet bowed low. “Your Majesty.”
Norton hummed in acknowledgment. “Let’s have dinner first.”
“I’ll make preparations immediately.”
With that, Adlet quickly left.
Norton then turned to the other Grantz. “This is Theodore.”
They were, of course, aware of Theodore’s existence.
The Grantz understood Norton’s intent. As their leader, he was taking the initiative to accept Theodore.
……
The next day.
As usual, Adlet brought a milk pitcher over during breakfast and filled Xavier’s glass.
“Thank you, Adlet!”
Adlet offered Ye Muo his customary gentle smile. “It is my pleasure to serve you.”
Then he turned to Theodore, who was sitting beside Ye Muo. “Would you like some as well?”
Theodore nodded. “Thank you, Adlet.”
Bert muttered as he glanced at the two glasses of milk. “Feels like I’m raising two kids some days.”
Adlet gestured to Bert with the pitcher. “Perhaps you’d like some too, Your Highness?”
Bert refused. “Nope. I’m not a kid.”
“Alright, would you like juice instead?”
Bert sputtered a bit. He conceded a few seconds later, “Half a glass then, thank you.”
It had become a habit to not serve alcohol when Xavier was in the dining room. That left only a handful of options like water. Aside from Norton, who preferred plain water, the rest of the Grantz family liked drinks with a bit more flavour.
Bert got straight to the point, “So, who’s staying back for work this time?”
The Grantz, who had been focused on their food, collectively paused. Helene immediately pointed to Dylan, while Adrian gestured toward Ano.
Ano, who had been hesitating between Dylan, Bert, or Adrian, promptly responded in kind.
Jacob casually followed Aria’s lead and pointed at Bert.
“My dear Aria and Jacob, I’ll give you one more chance to change your minds.”
Aria clicked her tongue. Hearing this, Helene rebelliously switched targets and pointed at Bert as well. “I think Bert should stay behind. He’s so strong that he can guard the whole operation anyway.”
Helene’s expression twisted momentarily as she uttered the last part. Although it was true, it pained her greatly to admit Bert’s strength.
She continued, “Bert can handle it. If he keeps watch over the construction efforts, he’ll be back in Grantz in no time.”
Dylan snorted. He smirked as he lied through his teeth, “He might even get there before us.”
The table erupted into chaos again. Adlet was used to it, and Norton ate as usual, seemingly unfazed. No one tried to draw Norton into the discussion. Once he spoke, his decision was final and rarely subject to change.
Ye Muo looked up after finishing his milk. “In that case…”
The noisy Grantz fell quiet the moment he spoke.
Ano picked up his napkin and dabbed at his mouth.
Ye Muo too picked up his napkin. His words were slightly muffled, “Why don’t we start construction from Grantz’s end?”
The Grantz looked up and exchanged glances.
Ye Muo continued, “That way everyone can go back. We can build from Grantz all the way here.”
