Chapter 31: Return Home
Reinhild and Subaru naturally won the Pincotat Grand Festival. The prize for winning, in simpler terms, was a commemorative photo of the two during the festival and a specially designed wedding photo set. Of course, the actual photography equipment was a magical device.
After the festival, the two set out on the journey to the Astrea territory. However, both felt a tinge of hesitation in their hearts. Subaru thought of the war he had once caused, while Reinhild was unsure how to face her father and Lady Felt, who had been dragged into the royal selection by her.
Along the way, they walked and rested, stopping to enjoy various experiences. In the City of Arts, Reinhild patiently taught Subaru to draw and retrieved his first sketch. In the famous Sweets City, they challenged the largest cake. At a vineyard, they bought fine wine for Heinkel. Along the road, they defeated a bandit group.
"Long time no see, Beako. It's rare to see you this time. Are you well?"
Subaru asked, slightly concerned, as Beatrice came to greet him.
"Who do you think I am? Even now, I can use magic while by Reinhild's side," Beatrice said proudly, puffing out her chest.
They stayed in the royal capital for two days, as usual being teased by Ferris, watched by Rem, and fussed over by Beatrice. During this time, they learned that the reason Anastasia had prepared so many commemorative "recording orbs" for the Pincotat Festival was thanks to Beatrice—or rather, because Subaru, after finishing his date, inadvertently mentioned to Beatrice that Reinhild used drama instead of movies.
Indeed, Beatrice, having mastered barrier magic, convinced Roswaal to improve the recording orbs that could preserve images. Roswaal had even begun filming the first movie in another world.
"Be careful on the road. Contact me if anything happens. Now you can rely on me fully," Beatrice said.
Subaru felt relieved knowing that Beatrice had chosen to stay in the capital. Though there was a small sense of loss, seeing his friend independent made him happy.
By late November, the two finally set foot in Astrea territory again. Upon entering, both felt a sense of relief. Subaru briefly thought of visiting Setia to see Brian but ultimately accompanied Reinhild to the Astrea estate first.
At Subaru's insistence, Otto finally sighed and allowed Reinhild to enter the estate directly. As they walked into the familiar manor, the presence of strangers naturally drew attention.
Reinhild quietly followed Subaru. Even though she had learned from Ferris and Julius' previous examples and had prepared herself mentally, the gazes of the household, viewing her as a stranger, still made her feel a little uncomfortable.
Subaru immediately noticed Reinhild's unease, slowed his pace, and took her hand. Reinhild looked at him and gave a faint smile. In that instant, most of her discomfort melted away.
"Please wait here. Lord Heinkel and Lady Felt will be here shortly."
The door closed lightly. Subaru looked at Reinhild, who was sitting upright on the sofa in the reception room, fists clenched on her lap, eyes fixed on the door.
"Are you okay? Relax a bit. I'm here with you."
Subaru gently stroked the back of Reinhild's clenched hand.
"Mm… Subaru, you know I'm supporting Lady Felt for the royal selection, right? But now, even approaching Lady Felt is difficult. I don't know if I can manage the proper etiquette or coordinate with Father…"
Reinhild spoke rapidly for several minutes.
"Mm, leave it to me. I'll be your messenger. Whatever you want to know, just tell me using [Divine Protection of Telepathy], and I'll handle the rest," Subaru said, helping her tension gradually ease. Before she could voice her thanks, the reception room door opened, and a handsome man walked in.
—Father!
Unlike the confused Subaru, Reinhild immediately recognized the man before her as her father.
Heinkel wore pristine knight attire. His once-deep blue eyes, which had seemed decadent, now radiated determination.
His naturally grown beard was gone, messy hair neatly combed, making him look ten years younger. His handsome features shone through.
Reinhild stood up excitedly. She hadn't seen her father like this in over ten years—the father she once revered most.
—Why?
Questions flooded Reinhild's mind.
—This is Heinkel!
Thanks to Reinhild's reaction, Otto's earlier hint, and the Astrea family's inherited crimson hair, Subaru finally realized the man before them was Heinkel. Though his mind was still filled with question marks, he noticed Heinkel's puzzled gaze at Reinhild, noting her emotional turmoil.
"By the way, Heinkel, is this your usual style?" "Style?"
"Ah… I just thought you'd normally seem more…"
Subaru used humor to distract Heinkel while holding Reinhild's hand. Reinhild shivered and looked at Subaru.
(Inhale…) (Exhale…)
After a few deep breaths, Reinhild finally calmed down and began observing her father. Her nose twitched slightly, but she didn't detect the familiar smell of alcohol. Instead, she smelled sweat masked by shower gel.
!!!
Reinhild was surprised and instinctively glanced at Subaru.
—No, it's not Subaru's scent. It's definitely from Father.
Reinhild observed Heinkel carefully. His hair still had some moisture, suggesting he had recently exercised. He had also groomed himself for seeing Subaru. Every gesture conformed to noble etiquette, his body had become stronger, and the calluses on his hands showed wear.
Reinhild realized her father had probably undergone months of intense training.
Reinhild stared at the man before her, suddenly recalling Captain Marcos' warning.
—If I hadn't indulged Father! If I had trusted him more!
The thought that she might have caused her father's over-decade-long decline erased her joy completely, replacing it with self-blame.
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