Julius Frey

The Main Workspace of the Duke Frey Mansion

"So, do you have any significant news to share?" inquired a man of around thirty-five, possessing a handsome and youthful countenance with short brownish-blonde hair.

He addressed another man dressed in servant's clothing.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The servant gracefully bowed, demonstrating deep respect for the blond man who sat leisurely in his working chair.

"Well then, what is it?" The man questioned the servant with a nonchalant tone, seemingly unenthusiastic about the news that was about to be conveyed.

Upon hearing this, the servant promptly conveyed his report, "I am pleased to inform you that Young Master Allen has awakened from his coma and is currently under the care of Lady Greta in his bedroom." His explanation was delivered with the utmost respect.

The blond man's eyebrows raised slightly, and he emitted a soft "Oh" sound as a sign of acknowledgement.

He then offered a small nod in response.

"In that case, relay my message to him and instruct him to come to my workspace immediately," the man added in an indifferent tone.

The servant nodded, bowing his head deeply with utmost respect.

"As you command, Your Majesty," he responded respectfully.

"In that case, I shall take my leave." The servant requested permission, and the man in the chair nodded in acknowledgement.

With deliberate steps, the servant opened the exit door, closing it gently behind him.

Now, the room was left with only a man with brownish-blonde hair.

His gaze shifted from the closed door to the document before him, and he muttered to himself, "How did he manage to wake up?"

...

"How does it taste, my dear?" Greta asked Allen with hope, observing him eat with evident delight, as if afraid the food might be taken away from him.

Upon hearing her question, Allen nodded eagerly and replied, "It's delicious!"

"I can't remember the last time I had a taste of your cooking, Mom!" Allen smiled softly, a trace of food lingering on the corner of his lips.

Greta chuckled, covering her mouth with her hand, and gently wiped away the remaining food from Allen's lips. Playfully, she remarked, "You shouldn't go overboard, my dear~"

"Wasn't it just a few months ago that you last had my cooking?" She shook her head, laughter bubbling from her lips.

In her heart, she felt a warm sense of joy that her son appeared to genuinely enjoy her food.

While he had previously enjoyed her cooking as well, Greta noticed that her son now seemed particularly enthusiastic, displaying a newfound excitement that was different from before.

Upon hearing his mother's lighthearted words, Allen paused his eating momentarily and shifted his gaze to her joyful countenance.

With a feeble smile, he nodded in agreement.

"You're right, it has only been a few months..." he whispered softly, his eyes casting downward.

"However, for me, it has been years since I last tasted your cooking, Mom," he muttered to himself, his expression tinged with sadness and melancholy as memories of his previous life resurfaced.

It had been so long that even Allen couldn't recall the exact time it had occurred.

The last memory he held was of relishing his mother's cooking moments before the hero tragically took her life.

Filled with a longing to savor his mother's cooking once more, Allen yearned to indulge in it wholeheartedly, cherishing every bite.

Observing Allen pause his eating and lower his head, Greta couldn't help but express her concern.

"My dear, is your body feeling unwell again? Or is there something amiss with the food?" She regarded Allen, awaiting his response, her eyes filled with worry.

Upon hearing his mother's worried inquiry, Allen snapped out of his reverie, lifting his gaze to meet her concerned expression.

"It's alright, Mom!" Allen reassured her.

"Don't worry about it, hahaha!" he chuckled, the sound carrying a gentle and carefree tone.

Observing her son's lighthearted response, Greta couldn't help but feel a wave of relief wash over her.

She had been concerned about Allen experiencing another bout of pain.

However, it seemed her worries were unfounded, as Allen appeared to be perfectly fine.

Soon, the two resumed their meal, engrossed in conversation and sharing laughter together.

"Knock!"

Suddenly, there was an unexpected knock on Allen's bedroom door, abruptly interrupting their conversation.

Greta, who heard the sound, instantly felt her anger welling up within her.

First, there was that girl, and now there seemed to be yet another disturbance that she found unbearable!

"Who?!" Greta exclaimed, rising from her chair in a fit of anger.

Her expression turned icy cold, clearly displaying her displeasure.

"Excuse me, Lady Greta, I have a message to deliver." A man's voice came from behind the door of Allen's room.

Hearing this, Greta took a deep breath, reluctantly swallowing her anger this time, as it seemed to be at the man's behest.

"Come in," she responded curtly, her annoyance evident, before resuming her seat beside Allen.

Shortly after, the door swung open, revealing a servant with an impassive expression.

"Sorry to interrupt your time with Young Master Allen, Lady Greta." The servant bowed his head, offering a respectful apology.

Observing this, Greta averted her gaze, seemingly indifferent to his presence.

However, Allen, who had remained silent, cast a slightly surprised glance at the servant.

Soon, a cold smile formed on his lips, hinting at a hidden meaning.

The servant approached slowly, bowing his head once more, and delivered his message with a monotone expression.

"I am here to inform you, Young Master Allen, that the Duke requests your presence."

His demeanor remained devoid of any emotion, resembling that of a puppet.

Before Allen could respond, Greta, standing by his side, interjected, fixing the servant with an angry glare.

"Can you convey to him that I still wish to spend time with my son?" Her massive bosom heaved with each breath, displaying her inability to contain her rage.

Hearing her plea, the servant shook his head and responded, "I apologize, Lady, but that is not possible."

"This is an order from the Duke, and it cannot be contested, even by you, Lady Greta," the servant uttered with an impassive tone bordering on disrespect.

Greta's anger surged within her, ready to retort, but Allen interjected by gently clasping her hand, providing a soothing presence.

"Don't worry, Mom," Allen reassured her, his smile gentle and comforting.

"Won't we have another opportunity to be together later?"

Greta shifted her gaze and met Allen's calm and soothing eyes, feeling her anger gradually dissipate.

"Well, my son..." She sighed, finally relenting from further confrontation.

Allen smiled at his now-composed mother and redirected his attention towards the servant.

"Alright, you may leave, and I will proceed to the Duke's workspace," Allen stated with a meaningful smile directed at the servant, as if conveying a hidden message.

The servant's brows furrowed slightly upon witnessing Allen's expression, but eventually he nodded in acknowledgment.

"Very well, I shall take my leave then," the servant replied, bowing his head respectfully before turning to depart.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, Allen's voice stopped the servant in his tracks.

Startled, the servant turned back around to face Allen, awaiting further instruction.

"Is there anything I can assist you with, Young Master?" the servant inquired.

Allen smiled and responded in a casual manner, "No, it's alright. I just wanted to remind you to be cautious."

His words held a deeper meaning, but he chose not to elaborate further.

Hearing this, the servant gasped in surprise, examining Allen intently to discern any abnormalities in his expression.

However, to their disappointment, Allen's smile remained serene, devoid of any peculiarities.

The servant took a deep breath, bowing respectfully as he expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you, Young Master, for your warning," he conveyed before departing from Allen's room.

Greta, feeling a sense of curiosity, inquired, "What did you mean by that, my dear?"

Allen maintained his smile, gently shaking his head.

"It's alright, Mom," he reassured her.

"It doesn't matter," he added softly, implying that it held no significant meaning.

Upon hearing this, Greta pursed her lips, refraining from further inquiries.

Following the conclusion of their meal, Allen proceeded to Duke Frey's workspace as intended.

...

"Knock!"

"May I enter?" Allen rapped gently on the door, awaiting permission.

Shortly after, a man voice responded from within.

"Come in," the indifferent voice resonated in Allen's ears.

He opened the door slowly, revealing a man with brownish blonde hair seated and fixated on him.

Allen offered a faint smile and murmured, "We meet again, Father, or rather, Julius Frey!"