Chapter 22: Kurt

They followed the servants around the mansion.

The mansion was big; it looked just like any rich man's mansion. Paintings on the wall, a giant staircase which led to the top floor, expensive-looking vases.

If John was to describe it in two words, it'd be clean and luxurious.

Finally, they ended up in front of a door that probably belonged to Eleanor's dad's room.

"We've arrived," Said Pritalia.

"This is my dad's room?" Eleanor asked.

"That is correct, the master was very pleased to hear of your return," Said Pritalia.

"I-I see…" Replied Eleanor.

'Looks like she's still nervous.' John thought.

Pritalia opened the door, and they walked inside while the other servants stayed outside.

Inside was a spacious room, it was lighted up by lights in the ceiling which seemed to be fuelled by magic.

The room seemed to be a work office as inside was a desk full of sheets and a man who had his head rested on the table.

'He's asleep?' John questioned himself.

Pritalia who saw this, walked up to him and hit him in the head, which made him spring up.

"Mn… Wha- Eh? Ah, Pritalia, did I fall asleep again?" Asked the man.

"Please excuse the master, he tends to end up like this whenever he has too much work." Said Pritalia with a calm expression.

"Wh- Who are you talking to?" Asked the man as he faced them.

Once he got a good look at them, the confused expression on his face changed into a joyous expression.

"Eleanorrr!" Said the man as he ran from his seat to Eleanor and gave her a hug.

"Eh?" Said Eleanor with a surprised expression.

"I'm so glad that you're fine, I thought we'd never see each other again," Said the man as he started to cry and rubbed his cheeks on hers.

"Dad… stop crying… And this could have been avoided if you had sent guards over…" Said Eleanor as she looked over at the trio.

"Wait, you're saying you didn't meet up with the guards that I sent?" Asked her dad.

"No, you sent guards?" Asked Eleanor.

"That's strange… I thought your mother was simply ignoring my emails… I sent guards over and a message a mail, but I didn't receive a reply so I assumed your mother was ignoring me, like usual…" Said her dad.

John was surprised that he could openly admit that.

"Mum didn't receive any letters, she was starting to think it would be better if I had stayed there with her…" Said Eleanor.

When Eleanor said that, a serious expression was formed on her dad's face.

"Pritalia." He said.

"My lord." She replied.

"I take it you know what to do?" He asked.

"At once" Said Pritalia as she bowed and left the room.

John guessed that it was his way of telling her to go find the root of the problem.

'He seems a lot more intimidating like this.' John thought.

"Dad?" Said Eleanor with a confused tone.

"Eh? Ah… Sorry, *Clears throat* I take it you three are the ones who saved my daughter? You have my deepest gratitude," Said her dad as he bowed.

"Dad!" Said Eleanor.

"Please raise your head, there is no need to bow to us," John replied.

"No, she was put in grave danger thanks to a mistake on my part, I owe you a lot. If you hadn't been there…" Spoke Eleanor's dad.

He raised his head and the look on his eyes changed to a dark one as he said, "I don't know what I would have done…"

John felt a shiver go down his spine as he heard that. Serena and Ariel were also surprised.

"We were glad that we were able to help," John replied.

"How well-mannered, If only there were more people like you in the world…" Said her dad.

"I'm sure anyone would have helped her in that situation," John replied.

"I doubt it," Said Serena.

"Serena…" =John replied in a chiding manner.

"Nope, she's right, not many people would be willing to help. As thanks for your kind deed, I can give you anything you request." Said Eleanor's dad.

"Dad, you still haven't introduced yourself." She interrupted.

"Ah, where are my manners? My name is Kurt Van Mira, a noble merchant. Once again, I thank you for saving my daughter. Is there anything you'd like in particular?" He asked.

"We don't really have a reward in mind… Anything you can offer would be fine," John replied.

"Hm… I intended to offer you money, but…"

"But..?" Eleanor asked.

"John, how old are you?" Kurt asked.

"I'm turning 13, why?" John asked.

"Hm… and you say you were able to protect my daughter against a threat not even her trained butler could?" He asked.

"Not really, Alfred was very helpful when we were attacked in the city. And I couldn't have done it on my own, it was thanks to my party's efforts. They were the ones who mostly kept her safe." John replied honestly.

"I see… John... How about I offer you my daughter's hand in marriage?" Asked Kurt.

"Eh?!" Said Eleanor.

"What?!" Said Both Serena and Ariel.

'H-How did it come to this..?!' John thought feeling dumbfounded.