Family meeting

{Part 1}

Several Months passed.

Ever since that 'duel' Sylphy had Rudeus teach her Magic. Most of her time are now spent with lessons with Rudeus.

Sylphy reports her progress to Reinhard daily, and Rudeus would be a little awkward.

Rudeus and Reinhard walked back home together as usual with their everyday routine.

"Rein, is it true that you made Sylphy your servant?" Rudeus timidly asked

"You got a problem bout it?" Reinhard glared at him. "Don't stick in your nose where it doesn't belong. That's only what you're useful so, just do what I tell you and don't ask questions you weak piece trash."

"That's quite harsh words you're saying." Rudeus was a little peeved with his words. Still he is afraid of him.

"I'm only speaking the truth. You're weak, and not just that a piece of trash." Reinhard says.

Rudeus don't have anything to rebuke his words. It is true that he was weak compared to Reinhard. And besides he did not have baseless arrogance. He had the ability to back up his words.

Compared to him, Rudeus felt he still had a long way to go...

'I have to work even more harder!' Instead of getting depressed, he took those words as a motivation instead.

He had grown stronger with Reinhard's influence.

That's only normal, and the same goes with Reinhard too. Getting stronger will give you confidence, and Reinhard was so strong that he can already back it up with arrogance.

Modesty is virtue, but being humble wasn't just his style. Reinhard's mindset is he's the best there is. If you are weak, then you ARE weak.

May it be the previous or the present life, that doesn't change.

He has outrageous talent and works hard. What a fearsome combination...

'Is there anyone strong out there...?' His mind wonder what kind of strong people this world has to offer.

He's going to crush them all and become the best.

His diligence, talent, discipline, and mindset is what makes him strong not only in combat, but as a character.

++++++++++

{Part 2}

For a few years now Zenith had been worrying about her inability to conceive another child. She and Paul always work hard every night for 5 years now ever since Rudeus and Reinhard got born.

But not until today where Zenith announced to the family that she was pregnant once again. The Greyrat household was abuzz at the announcement. What will we name the baby if it's a boy? What will we name it if it's a girl? We still have rooms, right? What about the hand-me-down clothes?

That night Reinhard asked Lilia for a sewing kit.

"Why is it Young Master Reinhard?"

"I'll mend my clothes. The baby's gonna use it right?"

Lilia was quite surprised.

True enough there are ripped and teared parts on his clothes, but that was supposed to be her job.

"Don't worry about it Young Master, it was my job after all. You can leave it all to me."

Reinhard looked a little upset, but nods his head.

"Knowing it's you Lilia, I guess it should be fine." He trusts Lilia deeply and thought of spending his free time doing some extra training and practice.

Lilia bowed respectfully with those praising words.

+++++++++++++++

{Part 2}

Another month had passed...

"I'm so sorry," Lilia announced matter-of-factly to the family. "I'm pregnant."

At the same time, Zenith, and the twins look at Paul conveniently out of shock.

"Uh, sorry," he blurted. "This child is, uh... probably mine."

And then a swift and powerful slap came down at his cheek, from Zenith.

+++++++++++++++

{Part 3}

"I guess I had no other choice." Reinhard is in his room packing his stuff in his rucksack.

His face didn't have any disappointment or hate. Just stoicism and accepting the possible outcome.

For the entire month, he didn't notice Paul night crawling to Lilia's room at night. He was super exhausted from everyday training so he slept like a log, not bothered by their activities.

He felt responsible for not stopping Paul, and it lasted for an entire month.

Right now hating on Lilia and Paul won't have a good outcome. And besides he's not exactly a SJW, he even beats kids up if they don't dare obey him.

And if he did start hating them, wouldn't that be denying the child on Lilia's belly? The baby is innocent and had done nothing wrong.

"The child should not pay the sins of their father, huh." Reinhard remembered his previous life.

It wasn't the first time it happened to him. His father on the previous life also had multiple women, so he is more tolerant. Especially after knowing that this world is fine with polygamy, except for the Millis Church that is...

"I'm sure Sylphy will be just fine without me." Reinhard recalled the energetic Sylphy. "She's my favorite servant, I have no servant that is weak."

He went down and just heard the topic they're talking. Zenith was also conflicted, and Lilia also had a regretful expression.

For now he just wait and see approach.

"So, what are we going to do?" Zenith asked Lilia.

"After I've assisted with the lady of the house's birth, I assume I would take my leave from your home." Lilia replied.

"What about the child?" Zenith asked.

"I was thinking I would give birth here in Fittoa, and then raise the baby back in my hometown." Lilia replied.

"You're originally from the south, yes?"

"That's right."

"You're going to be physically exhausted after the birth." Zenith said. "You'll be in no condition to make a long journey."

"Perhaps so, but I have nowhere else to turn."

The situation turned gloomy. And it became an awkward silence.

"Mom, I'm going with Lilia." The one who broke the silence was none other than Reinhard with a rucksack and dressed in travelling clothes.

"Ngh! Do you know are you saying Rein?" The one who voiced their objections is Paul. "Your still a kid don't you?"

"Hmph, arithmetic, history, language, reading, writing, chantless healing magic, and most importantly I'm strong. I'll be fine, I'll protect Lilia and the child." Reinhard said arrogantly.

"No, that can't happen."

Reinhard glared at Paul. "Don't get in my way Old Man. If you do, I'll crush you."

Paul backed away feeling the pressure. He sat back down and stayed silent like a quiet dog.

"Rein..." Zenith had a sad look in her face.

If Lilia will leave, she knows that Reinhard also will leave.

Leaving their parents house is in the blood. Paul and Zenith ran away from their parents house. They had a fight with their parents. Both of them couldn't stand it anymore, and go adventuring. And that's how they met and got married.

Looking at her son that will follow their footsteps, she wondered if she had done something wrong.

Zenith teared up a little.

"I'm sorry Mom. But I won't change my mind." He firmly said.

"I'll send out letters once in a while so don't be sad." He said a little soft voice.

Though Reinhard is cruel to Paul, he was a softie with Zenith. You could just say he was more of a Mama's boy in a sense.

"Young Master..." Lilia was very touched.

Who would dare leave their parents home just to take care of another woman that cheated with his father? Lilia felt that she doesn't deserve such kindness.

Even if he was just a little kid, Lilia knew him the best how capable he was. She also knew that Reinhard had a small fortune of money in his hidden coin stash. He got it all from his soldiers 'paying taxes'.

Rudeus was even more conflicted in this sequence of events. He already decided to give his best in this life, he couldn't possibly let the family fall apart.

And somehow... He admired Reinhard's resolve. Though he was a bit unlikeable personality-wise, he's not a bad guy.

"Mother?" Rudeus asked, keeping my tone as childlike as I could. "How come everyone's acting so glum about how I'm going to have two new siblings at once?"

"Because your father and Lilia did something they shouldn't have." Zenith said with a sigh, an unfathomable rage mixed in with those words and some deep sadness. But it wasn't directed at Lilia; Zenith knew full well who bore the brunt of the blame here.

"Oh, I see." he said. "But is Lilia allowed to go against Father's wishes? Well, I know that Father has some leverage over her."

"What? Is this true?" Zenith said, looking over at Lilia in surprise.

"A while ago, I got up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and as I was passing by Lilia's room, I heard Father say something like… 'If you don't want me to tell anyone, spread your legs!'"

"Huh?!" Paul blurted. "Dammit, Rudy, what the hell are—"

"You shut up!" Zenith snapped, putting him in check. "Lilia, is this true?"

Lilia's gaze wandered. "Um, so, well, actually..."

"Ah, I see. " Zenith replied, seeming to come to an understanding of things. No she definitely have a misunderstanding... "You can't bring yourself to say it out loud."

"Mother, I don't think Lilia is to blame."

"I suppose not."

"I think Father is to blame."

"I suppose so."

"It isn't right that Lilia is in such a hard position because of something that was Father's fault."

"Mmm. I suppose."

"I have fun playing with Sylphy every day, so I think it'll be really nice that my little brother or sister will have someone the same age to be friends with!... It would also be sad if Rein goes with Lilia."

"I... suppose, yes."

"And besides, Mother, they'd both be little brothers or sisters to me!"

"All right, Rudy. I get it. You win." Zenith let out a heavy sigh.

"Lilia, I insist you stay with us," Zenith pronounced. "You're family at this point! I am not letting you do something as foolish as leave! Also Rein, out your things back and don't you think of leaving. You're still very young!"

And that seemed to be the final word on the matter. Paul's eyes went wide: Lilia brought her hand to her mouth, holding back her tears.

What's more even surprised was Reinhard. Honestly he wasn't really the type to go roundabout way of thinking on solutions of a problem.

If there is a math exam... Reinhard was the type to study diligently memorizing formulas, and take the test... Rudeus was the type to think of ways how to cheat and copy the answers of an honor student that he made connections with...

The methods might be different, but the results would be similar.

But this time the problem needed Rudeus' methods to achieve the ideal solution.

'This guy...' Reinhard looked at Rudeus narrowing his eyes. He evaluated him a little higher after that.

Reinhard didn't think that such an idealistic solution would happen in reality. Ideals are called 'Ideals' for a reason.

But he was happy that the family will not be broken.

"Hey." Reinhard gripped Rudeus' shoulder strongly.

"...What is it?" Rudeus was startled.

"...Thanks." Reinhard's expression was stoic, but there is a hint of a smile.

"Ah, yes. Your welcome..."

++++++++++++++++

{Part 4}

In the front yard, there is Reinhard with his upper body bare without any clothes. His well defined muscles are shining for everyone to see.

It was the very definition of an 'Armor of Meat'. Despite his age, his body doesn't look one at all. Thick layer of Mana (Touki) is gathering his body like a dense invisible armor.

His sword strikes are beautifully refined and polished to the limits. Just swinging those wooden sword had a certain charm to it.

"Young Master Reinhard, I've brought your tea." Lilia witnessed the Swordsmanship that was more of work of art, but still had the logic of violence to kill.

Even Lilia a former Combat Maid working in the Imperial Palace did not see such beautiful art, even with the famous knights.

"Oh, it's Lilia..." He stopped his swings and get the teacup from the tray on top of the table. "You don't have to do it you know. What happened if you collapse, and the child?"

Lilia knew Reinhard the best. He might look like he looked down on people, but deep inside he's kind and caring. He just doesn't show it much in his face.

"You don't have to worry Young Master." Lilia said.

"If that's what you say, suit yourself. Take care of yourself." Reinhard says.

"Young master Reinhard... For the incident earlier I thank you very much for standing up for me... But why?" Lilia bowed, and was a little hesitant as she asked

"Hm? Why I wanted to go with you, you ask?"

"Yes..."

Reinhard pondered for a little looking up in the clear blue sky, the white clouds, and the delicious breeze of fresh air.

"Is there a reason for a 'King' not to care for his subjects?" Reinhard says as if it was a natural thought.

"A King...?" Lilia repeated his words. He had heard that Reinhard had been calling himself as a King. And the kids in the village had been very respectful to him too. She thought he was just an arrogant bossing around kids his age.

"I dream to create a Legend on my name... All Legendary figures, I'll surpass them all as my stepping stones... I will prove I am the Greatest of them all, and people will know my name."

Reinhard says clenching his fists.

"If I can't even protect the people I care about, how can I call myself a 'King'? That would be a disgrace. Even if I to dive the deepest oceans, climb a mountain of swords, walk into the sea of fire, I'll do it for the people I care and for my dreams."

"So Lilia, I have always liked you... As YOUR King, are you willing to serve me?" Reinhard offers his hand to her.

Lilia who is bowing looked at Reinhard's face, imposing a great aura.

Tears welled up from her eyes... She was forgiven and saved... She... who had betrayed the pregnant madam and seduced the master... No matter how happy she was... And how ashamed she was for herself, she...

'This person who is someone to be revered... I will serve him till the die I die... No, my death is not enough to repay his kindness and compassion... Should this child of mine be born safely... This child in regards to Young Master... I mean– His Highness Reinhard-sama will serve him as well...'

WOOSH

Lilia took a reverent kneel that would only be given to their Lord and master, an etiquette used in the Imperial Palace of the Asura Kingdom.

"I, Lilia, swore an oath of absolute loyalty to you, and I would willingly die at your command." Lilia says.

"Hmph, don't think about dying. I won't forgive you if you die. I never given you permission to die. Make sure to remember that." Reinhard says that clearly.

"Yes!"

"The Lilia, as you are the mother of my little sister. You will become a member of the Royal Family from now on. You can call yourself a Greyrat." Reinhard says.

"How could I...?" Lilia questioned.

"That is an order." He said that Lilia couldn't refute.

"As for now, you have to safely bring my little sister to the world. Both Mom and yours..." Reinhard says as he get his wooden sword to go back and practice.

Lilia looked Reinhard's aura. Truly he had a strong character that would make people follow him. Without a doubt he will be a great person one day.

"And right... Shouldn't you go thank Rudy too? He's the one who saved you, not me."

"Yes, I understand."