Volume 4 Chapter 31 Returning Home To The Margrave Shield
The sunlight grew stronger as summer drew near. It shone down on the road that passed through the town. Barvish sat at the front, driving the covered wagon forward. Today, Cain's work on the bridge was finally done, so it was time to return to Margrave Shield's land. A gentle wind moved through the wagon's inside, making the ride calm and nice.
"Sir Cain," said Lala with a bright face, "the white trout teriyaki from last night was perfect. It made me so happy. I want to eat it again."
"Yes," Cain said with a nod. "It would be nice if people in Sanroze town could enjoy it too."
They were talking about the dish they had eaten for dinner the night before.
"Oh, by the way," Lala asked, her head tilting with curiosity, "what was it that the innkeeper gave you before we left?"
She was talking about the gift Cain had received just before they left the inn.
"Oh, this," Cain replied, pulling out a small wooden box from the bracelet he wore. "It's a kind of spice."
"A strange smell is coming from it," Lala said, sniffing the air with her beastfolk nose. "It's sweet, but also has a little bit of a sharp scent."
"You noticed right away," Cain said. "It's cinnamon. I think it's made from dried tree bark. If you put it in tea or sweets, it adds a very special smell."
Cain opened the box just a little and smelled it with a quiet smile.
"I'm looking forward to trying it," Lala said, tilting her head again and looking up at him. "May I have some too?"
"O-Of course," Cain answered. He turned his eyes away, his face going red from her strong smile. Lala thanked him with an even bigger smile.
Their journey back to Margrave Shield's land went the same as before. There was no trouble, and as the sun turned the sky red, they reached their goal right on time. Since Will was with them, they passed the gate without any trouble. The group of wagons moved into the city and went straight to the mansion of Margrave Shield.
Waiting at the entrance were Aisha, Diana, and Beverly. All three smiled with joy when they saw Will and Cain return safely.
"Will, Cain," Aisha said kindly, "thank you for your hard work on the bridge. I'm very happy you are both home safe."
"Mother, thank you for coming to greet us. We've returned," Will said with a small bow.
"Grandmother, I've come back," Cain added.
Diana and Beverly also said "Welcome home" with warm smiles.
"Will, Cain," Aisha said, looking at the two with care, "your father (grandfather) is waiting in the office. Please go and report your return."
Will and Cain both nodded and said "Yes," then walked toward the office of Margrave Shield.
They knocked and waited for permission. When they heard the voice say "Come in," they entered. Margrave Shield was surrounded by more papers than usual.
"Oh, welcome back," he said, smiling just like Aisha had. "I'm glad you are safe. Has the bridge work gone well?"
"Yes," Will answered. "Thanks to Cain, the bridge is almost done. The Mason guild is doing the last part now. We think the opening ceremony can happen next week."
"That's good," the Margrave said. Then he paused and looked at Cain. "But... if the ceremony is next week, Cain won't be able to join, right?"
"Yes, Grandfather," Cain answered with a small sigh. "We're already two weeks behind. I plan to leave the day after tomorrow. I wish I could be there, but I'll return soon after."
"It will feel lonely," Margrave Shield said in a low voice. "Every day with you here has been fun. Maybe next time we will go to Sanroze."
"Father," Will said, a bit tired as he looked at the huge pile of work, "it's not that easy. I was gone for just a few days, and now this mess is waiting."
"It's fine," Margrave Shield said calmly. "I'll hand over the job of family head to you soon. From now on, I want to take things slow and spend time with Aisha."
That news was sudden. Will stood frozen. It seemed even he didn't know about it.
"That sounds nice," Cain said with a light smile. "Father and Mother will be happy. Until you and the others visit, I'll make Sanroze town a better place."
He said something surprising without meaning to. Margrave Shield and Will both opened their eyes wide in shock.
"Cain," Will said with a gentle voice, "that's a good idea... but try not to go too far."
"Yes," Margrave Shield added. "Before doing something new, make sure to listen to people around you."
Cain nodded with a short "Yes," as he remembered all kinds of things.
After that, Will gave a short report on city work, and then they left. Cain went back to his room and got ready for a bath before dinner. Barvish and the others said they were going too, so they all decided to go together.
The bathhouse's boiler, which Zain and Cain had built, was working well. The large bath was full of warm water. After they cleaned their bodies, Cain, Barvish, and Gardy all stepped into the bath at the same time.
"Ahhh..."
The same sound came from all three of them. Cain stretched his arms and legs, feeling the warmth take away his tiredness.
The servants of Margrave Shield saw Cain in the bath or dressing room and said, "Sir Cain, thank you," in kind voices. Cain didn't understand why until Gardy explained.
Because Cain and the others had fixed the bathhouse, everyone could now take a bath every day. It helped the servants feel less tired. The women were also happy because now they could wash their hair every day.
Cain smiled from the heart when he heard that. He thought once again that his grandmother was really amazing.
Notes:
• Margrave Shield - Cain's grandfather. An elderly man, robust, with white hair.
• Barvish - A slave dwarf with a muscular, compact physique, intended as Cain's retainer/bodyguard, brought via magical contract.
• Lala - Cain's companion, likely a servant or minder, cautious and protective.
• Will - Margrave Shield's son, Aisha's brother, and Cain's uncle. He is playful and enjoys teasing his father. He is a fan of Cain's 'hamburg' recipe.
• Beverly - Jody's wife and Cain's cousin-in-law. She joins Jody in asking Cain for the recipe and supports a more informal way of speaking.
• Aisha - Lydia's mother. Cain's step-grandmother.
• Diana - Will's wife and Cain's aunt. She is polite and cautions Jody about asking for recipes too casually.
• Zain - A man in his 30s with long ears, possibly an elf or a similar race. He works in the basement of Ms. Merida's shop and is highly perceptive, noticing Cain's incredible mana from a distance.
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