- I want you to come back as a trail to this house.

That's what my father said.

I knew they would say that.

So I've been thinking. I was wondering how to reply. Where my mind calms down - I wonder where I can convince myself that this is the place.

Me not responding immediately.

My father opens his mouth after reading the silence deeply.

"Alberto, I know you don't like this place, too. One of the reasons for this is for me... I'm going to try to make you feel a little better. I was saying bad things about you..."

I raised my right hand.

"... Father. You don't need to persuade me. Because my feelings are solidifying."

I didn't answer instantly because I was checking my feelings at the end.

My father holds his mouth like he was poked in the void. The face was harsh. Intimidation of me - I'm guessing you're not just feeling bad about the flag color.

My son who threw himself out of the house.

He told me to come back. He couldn't have come back.

I slowly pushed open the door of silence.

"... I'll take it"

My father's eyes open with surprise.

It was a face that was no way.

"I can't disobey you if you tell me to inherit the house more than I was born a nobleman's son."

The reason is the same as taking Carlisle's service instructions.

I've been slapped into thinking of myself as a 'nobleman' since I was a kid. I mean, my father's teachings. If my father thinks of home first, that's something I can understand.

It's true that I'm the only one with a direct line in the first place.

There's nothing we can do about it. This.

"Is that true!... Oh, thank you! Alberto!"

"- That word is a little early."

……

"Conditions are available"

My father's body wandered.

I kept going.

"I understand your father's circumstances. Then I want you to understand my situation. I have lived the last ten years as just an alberto. It's inseparable to me - I can't choose my life as Alberto Luminous anymore."

"... That's right..."

"As Alberto Luminous - my duty as representative of the Marquis family will be fulfilled. So I want you to forgive me for the way I live as Alberto."

"How to live as Alberto?

"I will go to the college as always. And I'm not involved in territorial management or anything else."

My father looked sinister.

I can't help it.

But if you accept that much, you won't be able to live my way as Alberto.

"... Alberto, it 's-"

"Father, one important thing is missing."

"What?

"I was originally 'dumb' - in fact, I still don't think I'm particularly good at anything but magic arrows. And as a nobleman, I have a ten-year blank. I haven't learned anything. I'm not the one who should be entrusted with important matters."

"No, but-"

My father tried to argue with me, but I got stuck in words.

I guess my father, a good nobleman, has also convinced me in his heart. To the correctness of my words.

"... that sure hurts..."

My father dropped his shoulder and exhaled loudly.

"... but I'm not retiring immediately either. You just have to learn slowly. Wouldn't that make me take over sooner or later?

"... I don't think so"

I shook my head.

I'm not angry with my father about the exile from the house because I myself accept the fact that I'm stupid.

I'm certainly not quite as good a person as I am.

Such a person runs a territory - I don't even think it's a very good hand.

So I told my father what I had in mind.

"Shouldn't we leave it to the other humans?

"Other humans......?

"I'm a relative of the Luminous family. You can hire them to do the Marquis' job. I only show my face when I need to represent the Marquis. What do you think?

It was also insurance.

Just in case something happens to me.

Thanks a lot lately. I don't feel like I'm getting caught up in something. There will be no chance that I will die.

If I die, there will be no more direct traces.

In that case you will rely on relatives as a next best measure, so you can choose from the people who are entrusting you with the work of the Marquis.

My father seemed to think about it.

Eventually he looked me in the eye and said:

"Are you interested in your noble work? Any untrained? … support the country and guide the people. It's a rewarding job, isn't it?

I'm sure that's the word you said as a father.

I want my son to inherit the job I am proud of. I want to teach you that flavor. I guess that feeling made me say it.

That's why I said it clearly.

"None."

You won't be able to get me back to being a 'nobleman' altogether.

Because I know my potential. Because I realized the world I should be in.

I wanted to be extreme.

My magic.

Give me my magic arrow.

My way.

"... ok"

My father looked me in the eye - I guess he saw the solidity of my will, hu exhaled louder.

"... I'm the one who cut you off. You have your ten years, and I guess you have what you find there. I don't know what I can do. It is enough for me to take the lead as a direct line. I'll arrange what you want."

"Thank you"

I bowed my head.

"Alberto, you may step back. I guess we'll be staying for a while, huh? Let's talk again."

I shook my head.

"No, I'm going on a journey"

…… Journey!? To where?

"Right here."

"Here?"

"The Marquis of Lluminous - the territory I will soon take over."

Apparently he made a point and my father was stunned.

I will inherit the house as the representative of the Luminous family. It doesn't involve practice, but it doesn't mean it doesn't feel responsible.

"I think I should know more. This land of Luminous. The people who live in Luminous."

――

My father tied his lips together and held his hand quietly.

"... you've grown, Alberto"

"Really?

"You used to hang around... I'm surprised you just told me exactly what you wanted. And that's the word now. You're not a nobleman anymore, but a fine nobleman."

"I guess Father's teaching was good. Know your territory, know your inhabitants - that's what they used to say when they were kids."

My father shook his body with horror at the words - and laughed as if they were illuminated.

"... right... right..."

"Now if you'll excuse me."

My father stopped me from leaving the room.

"Alberto"

"What is it?

"It's good to see you again in ten years. The deportation ten years ago was unknown to me. I should have grabbed the hand you desperately extended in the abyss of despair. I shouldn't have shaken it off. I'm sorry I broke your heart. Let's apologize from the bottom of our hearts. Forgive me."

My father stood up, broke his hip and bowed his head.

It was an apology from my father.

It was an apology from the bottom of my heart.

My prized father...

At that moment, a hot emotion ran into my chest. It felt like the burden of my heart that I had been carrying for ten years was fading away.

"Of course what your father did."

I bowed my head deeply to my father.

"I apologize for any act of defilement of my family name. And thank you. Never abandon someone like me, give me all that generosity."

I look up at my father.

My father was staring at me again.

"You don't have to regret this decade. It's because of that decade that I have who I am now."

Laura also told me. Hurin also told me.

And more than anyone else, I think so myself right now.

"It wasn't a waste of ten years."

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