The distance between Fontaine and Bai Song Town... it's not too far, but not too close either.
After a roughly half-hour journey with Miles, the two arrived at the island where Bai Song Town is located.
"Mr. Yuto, Miss Navia has chosen the cemetery on the outskirts of Bai Song Town for this memorial service. Please follow me."
Miles bowed as he spoke, guiding Yuto like a proper Fontaine gentleman.
Looking at the old butler who treated him with immense respect, Yuto nodded slightly and then said:
"Miles, these past years... you've worked hard."
"Ah, this was a task entrusted to me by Cares, and it's what I, as a butler of the Spina di Rosula, should do. It's my duty, no hardship at all."
Miles replied softly.
Hearing this, Yuto chuckled and shook his head, saying nothing more.
As the Assistant Administrator who personally pushed for the establishment of the Abandonment Crime and related laws, Yuto had naturally seen many responsible parents, and many irresponsible ones.
Among them, Navia's parents, Miles and Cares, were among the best of the former, while Clorinde's master was the complete opposite—she was the 'best' among the latter.
Thinking of this, Yuto gently shook his head, no longer pursuing that topic with Miles.
...
Led by Miles, Yuto quickly arrived at the location Navia had reserved, and not far from the venue was Cares's grave.
Perhaps because Yuto left early, at this moment, there were only a few Spina di Rosula members sporadically helping to arrange tables and chairs in the venue; there were no other guests.
Miles sighed slightly at the sight, then turned to Yuto and said:
"I apologize for letting you see this; the tables and chairs aren't even ready at this hour. I'm truly sorry."
Yuto, however, gently shook his head, then softly said:
"These minor details... as long as they're done before the memorial service begins, there's no need to be so harsh."
"There's still some time before the memorial service starts. I'd like to... go see Navia first. Do you know where she is?"
"Ah, Miss Navia should be at her father's... tombstone. Would you like me to lead the way?"
Miles asked.
"No need. I haven't forgotten where Cares's grave is. As his old friend... I should go and see him properly."
With that, Yuto walked off towards the grave site on his own, as if he had already prepared for this.
Miles watched Yuto's receding back with a somewhat dazed expression, feeling quite emotional.
"This is the friend my master recognized..."
With that, Miles slightly raised his head to look at the gradually brightening sky and softly said:
"Master, you must be watching, right? Miss Navia has grown, and the connections you left her... are still protecting her at this very moment."
"I hope... I haven't disappointed you."
...
After Yuto walked three or five steps out of the venue area, he saw the tombstones on the small hill by the riverbank.
And next to one of those tombstones stood a golden figure.
It was Navia.
"As expected..."
Yuto nodded gently, then quickly walked over to Navia's side.
Looking at the photo affixed to the tombstone, Yuto's emotions immediately became somewhat... complex.
In his view, Cares was an excellent leader and a President whom people would follow wholeheartedly.
Even when Yuto was a 'player,' Cares's deeds had left an indelible mark on his heart.
To be honest, Cares was like a dazzling sun, leading the people of Bai Song Town to rebuild their homes after a series of disasters.
Thanks to his efforts, Bai Song Town overcame its former poverty in less than eight years, and this... was the best help.
Thinking of this, Yuto sighed slightly, as if in mourning for the Count.
"Mr. Yuto...?"
Navia's slightly hoarse voice reached Yuto's ears, interrupting his thoughts.
Yuto turned his head slightly to look at Navia beside him; her red-rimmed eyes contrasted sharply with her beautiful azure star-like eyes.
"Do you feel better... after crying, Navia?"
Yuto asked softly.
Navia nodded upon hearing this, and after wiping the corner of her eye, she feigned cheerfulness and said:
"Yes, I feel better. I'm not like my old man, who always keeps many things buried in his heart and doesn't let others know..."
"I've always felt that saying some things out loud... is much better than keeping them bottled up inside."
Hearing this, a relieved smile appeared on Yuto's face, and he turned to the tombstone in front of him, engraved with the name 'Cares,' and softly said:
"Yes, Cares... he must be very pleased with your growth now, right?"
"No... the Spina di Rosula I lead is still far from what my old man led. I still have a lot to learn, and many things I need to do."
At this point, Navia wiped the corner of her eye again and then softly asked:
"Mr. Yuto, I have an impolite request..."
"Speak freely."
"After today's memorial service, could you take me to see Lord Neuvillette? I want to... apologize to him properly."
"Earlier at Palais Mermonia... I said some very unpleasant things to him, and I still owe him a formal apology."
Hearing this, Yuto was first stunned, then nodded with a smile.
"Of course, Miss Navia, that's not a particularly difficult thing for me. I'm quite curious to see what kind of sparks will fly once the Spina di Rosula and the Judge cooperate."
"But..."
Yuto said, his gaze falling on the venue behind them, which was gradually filling with guests, and chuckled softly:
"See, Navia, this is the influence Cares should have, and this is everything Cares... deserves."
"Before I take you to see Neuvillette, let's first make sure today's memorial service is done well."
"Yes! Alright!"
Navia said, hastily wiping the corner of her eye, then followed Yuto's footsteps, the two walking one after another towards the memorial service venue.
------------------------
I've already uploaded over 40 chapters of this story on Patreon.
If you're enjoying it, you can check out the latest chapters early over there.
patreon.com/Greyhounds
Thank you so much for your support.
And if you're enjoying the story, don't forget to leave a Power Stone for me.