|| Chapter 12 || Welcome Home

Warm and gentle rays of sunlight caressed the pale flawless skin of the youth in deep slumber. The tempting sight of long wavy strands of snowy-white hair spread outwards on the enormous tassel pillows as Moulin slept comfortably. His expression looked very serene while his chest rises and lowers, breathing peacefully. The moment the child-like voice had stopped speaking to him in his sleep, Moulin's light eyelashes trembled awake. The glaring light of the morning almost blinded him as he opened his eyes bit by bit. Why was it so bright? Wasn't the mountains always grey and dim in the day?

...

"...!" Moulin abruptly sat up from the bed startling the sleeping fox by his side, alarmed and awake. Snow frowned and settled back into the fluffy blankets and resumed his sleep.

Slowly recalling the events from yesterday, he started to relax only to stiffen again when he felt a pair of eyes intently staring at him. Rubbing his eyes to adjust his sight, his gaze landed on a familiar stern man, seated at his desk and looking back at him. Maxille noticed his already awake younger brother and greeted him with a smile. "Good morning"

"G-good morning, elder brother" He replied, wondering how long Maxille had been here while he was still asleep. He felt a little creeped out. The mature Lord in front of him had already washed up and wore a noble sleeved shirt underneath a navy double-breasted vest with sapphire buttons and a kind of bola tie with golden lion clasp and gold tips. How regal...but isn't he too dressed for the woods?

Turning away, Moulin's attention was snatched by the vibrant red walls marked with glistening golden patterns of the room. His head slanted in confusion and his hair draped down his shoulders. Did they transfer him to another tent? While he was asleep? If that was the truth, he honestly finds it both clever and odd at the same time. However, the place he was currently in doesn't look to be a tent it was more like a room. It was also too luxurious for his taste.

The floor was carpeted with soft greyish high-quality fur that looked like it was made for the most delicate feet in the world. There was also a long bookshelf that covered half of the wall by his right filled with thick books varying in different colors. The bed he was sleeping in was shorter than the previous bed last night yet it was softer and comfortable. Everything screamed of 'wealth', even the ruby drawer knobs of the bedside table looked like it would amount to a lifetime of Moulin's part-time jobs back on earth. Swallowing the need to go right back to sleep, his eyes examined the red-golden framed windows covered with thick velvet curtains. The rays of bright sunlight visibly beamed through the open gaps of the curtains.

Strange... the day wasn't this bright in the wintry woods.

Planting his feet on the carpeted floor, he stood up from the bed and made his way towards the windows. With a strong tug, he yanked the curtains open and the blinding light he wasn't used to, covered his sight.

As the strong light faded and his view adjusted, his breath was caught in his throat as he watched outside the windows. Even a little bit of snow was completely gone and what replaced the cold winter woods was the blossoming seas of white beautiful flowers, not one tree on sight.

Hills of flowery fields looked like waves of white stretching as far as the eye can see. But what shocked the soul out of Moulin was the fact that the room was actually moving!

From a bird's eye view, A wide pathway cut straight through between the hills of blooming white flowers. Traveling south, three carriages each with a pair of strong horses, one being a red 'Vinch carriage' carrying the Fraunces Family Crest, was surrounded by a number of guards on horseback. A Vinch carriage is like any normal carriage, however, it is built-in with space mana-powered crystals giving the inside of the carriage a bigger space, enough to make a suite out of the large area. Any Maeruthan and human would know that the hills of white flowers, known as "The Snow Flower Seas" signify the entrance to the City of Zenin, known as one of the cold cities of the Kingdom of Aurona. And where the prominent Fraunces Household reside.

The sound of the quick closing of curtains sounded loudly inside the room, catching Maxille's attention. Taking a deep breath Moulin calmed his thoughts as he organized his thoughts.

"Moulin, are you alright?"

"Yes " Moulin instantly replied to Maxille, earning the confusion of the young heir.

Of course, I'm not alright! Did you think that sneaking me off in the midde of the night is a normal thing to do?! I haven't even had a look at the cave for the last time before we traveled. If you were really another person I would've charged you for kidnapping!

Realizing that his last thought was a bit too much, Moulin just shrugged it off his shoulders.

"I believe you need to wash up. There is a door beside the closet next to your bed. You can freshen up there while I send someone to send in your meal" Maxille gestured towards the redwood door and told him to take his time with a caring tone.

Maxille said a small "okay" and entered the redwood door as quick as a fox. Closing the door gently, he sighed leaning on his back, mentally tired. His heart was beating wildly from the unbelievable surprises this world kept giving him. For an average boring person like him, it was all too much to take in.

"Third young master"

"Ah!" Moulin once again jumped in surprise. His gaze landed on the maids who bathe him last night, standing with their bowing heads and carrying towels, clothes, and other necessities.

They dragged him into a tub and washed him clean. Of course, the flattering voices never ceased as they worked their magic on him. This time, refused to leave and dressed him carefully from wearing shoes to arranging his silky hair with silver ornaments. He strongly objected to putting any makeup on his face and the maids agreed with him, saying that he still looked stunning even without makeup.

Moulin:...

Noon came like a passing wind and Moulin leisurely spent his time looking out of the window, gawking at the wonderful scenery as they traveled. Maxille watched him throughout all the amazed expressions Moulin makes whenever he'd find something fascinating. The eldest brother was saddened, a cloud of gloom wrapped around him. His innocent little brother was as pure as the snow, he is even amazed by the little things he finds. How hard it must be for him to endure the freezing cold inside that cave. He ate so much this morning, he must've been starving so much. Once again, he regretted not finding him sooner. If he had, Moulin could've been saved by the torment.

"The City gates!" Moulin gasped in amazement, unaware of the depressing aura of his sibling. The tall gates were made of silver. Bars as thick as the arms of a grown man with complicated swirls of glistening silver. It was both intimidating and glorious.

Moulin eagerly watched outside the windows, excited as they entered the city. Zenin City is prosperous, thriving in terms of glamour and the utilization of mana technology. The city was warm and flourishing and Moulin could feel it. Making their way towards the Fraunces manor, Moulin could not help but notice the second glances of the people towards their carriage as they passed by. Some had the looks of respect, some hurrying to make way for them, some whispering to another person's ear quietly snickering and so much more than Moulin could point out. With a smirk on his face, Moulin could tell that the rumors about him haven't died out even after almost two months had passed by. All thanks to a particular scum of a man. Moulin was itching to freeze Quade's balls, cut off his member and make the scum it eat clean.

"Close the curtains, Moulin. Those people aren't worth looking at" Grey eyes glared scornly at the windows. These people don't even know about the true situation and yet they chose to believe in those lies. His brother had almost lost his life all because of this foolish mockery.

"A-alright..." Moulin swallowed. He knew now why people often cower in fear when in front of Maxille. This man's eyes, even when expressionless, could cut down soul-deep inside a person. Closing the red curtains, he plopped back on the bed and tucked Snow in his arms. He thought about what expression should he give his parents when they reunite. Of course, he would refuse to cry out of joy like the previous Moulin would most likely do in this situation. Maybe he should just stop thinking about it and just see what happens. It would be better just to be himself other than planning it. He nodded to himself while stroking Snow's fur.

"Mother and father were very worried about you..."

Pausing his movement, Moulin met Maxille's eyes and caught sight of the expressive emotions the man had tucked deep inside him.

"..."

"... But now that you're back, don't be surprised by their intense reactions when you meet them. Especially, mother. I'm afraid she might squeeze the life out if you once she sees a you". Maxille chuckled, thinking of the great possibility of the scene. Mother might be preparing something big to welcome Moulin back.

Smiling merrily, Moulin continued to caress Snow's fur through his dainty fingers. Thinking how wonderful if what Maxille said would be true.

After a couple of hours, The gates of the Fraunces estate opened for the approaching carriages. The clicking of numerous hooves sounded as the exhausted search team and the three carriages entered the stoned courtyard. Servants rushed back and forth, wearing elegantly styled uniforms while busying themselves under orders. The two carriages and a few knights were led to a different pathway towards the coach houses past the knight's quarters located far back at the west side of the mansion. The Vinch carriage made its way through an arch entrance, arriving in a wide circular entrance courtyard with a beautiful stoned fountain.

A few people waited at the door entrance; guards, a few servants, and of course, the rest of the Fraunces family. A gorgeous woman bearing an angelic round face, marvelous ash brown hair, and dark brown eyes, nervously grasped her husband's arm as she inquired about Moulin every two minutes. Maxiel Demoran Fraunces, The Lady of the Fraunces Household, impatiently watched the approaching vinch carriage, cursing internally at the unhurried coach driver. Both Emlen and Lord Fraunces watched the carriage with anticipation, wondering about the countless terrible possibilities of Moulin's life in the woods.

After what felt like a millennium had passed by, The carriage finally halted with the door facing the awaiting people. Silence...

...

The door opened with a creak and Maxille's elegant leather shoes landed on the carriage step. Stepping down off the carriage and glancing at the small crowd of people, he turned back to offer a hand.

Pale slender fingers held Maxille's hand while a small foot clad in comfortable slippers carefully stepped on the carriage step. Long wavy white hair came into view earning a couple of gasps from the people expecting. Moulin held Snow carefully in his other arm as he flashed a shy smile at the observers in front of him. He was a bit shy with his appearance, it was after all really unusual.

"My baby..." Lady Fraunces could not keep herself from blinking out a few tears as she reached out to hug her lost child. Wrapping her hands around Moulin, she continued to speak "I thought I lost you forever. I shouldn't have let you go. Mom regrets each passing day the moment you disappeared, thank the heavens for giving us this miracle". Lady Maxiel refused to let Moulin go until the Lord relieved her back.

Grey eyes dipped in sorrow and regrets, Lord Fraunces caressed his son's hair dotingly. He pulled him into a hug, reassured by the living breath of Moulin. "Welcome home, son". Letting go, he made a secret promise deep in his heart.

Moulin only had a second to calm himself down when he was once again pulled into a hug.

The introverted Moulin: ...

The crushed Snow: huhu...

Emlen had a big smile stretched on his face, his joy and relief almost bubbling. His little brother was back and the Gods have given him a second chance for his brother. The dark circles under his eyes were very visible. He was the one who hadn't slept a wink last night. Tightening his arms, he didn't care if his brother looked different, Moulin's healthy breath of life was more important.

"That's enough, You'll choke him" Maxille pulled him off Moulin, wearing his usual unreadable face.

Emlen gnashed his teeth in bitterness "I did not, You mope"

Onlookers watched from far away as they witnessed the cheerful family of five but Moulin didn't care one bit. He felt touched and happy as if the Gods had pitifully heard his wish. Back then, he dreamed of this for twenty years and gave up hopelessly. But now, he felt that he truly belonged to a real family. If this was a trap or a brief moment of happiness set up for him then even though it was, he will appreciate it for as long as he can. This wish of his might sound like something trivial but it came from the deepest part if his heart, protected and cushioned by his wishful soul.

Others may dream of fame and wealth, amusement and pleasures, or the most valuable thing on the planet but the little boy in his heart only prayed for a kind and caring family. It didn't matter if they were poor or sickly. It was enough for him.

"Moulin..."

The youth snapped back from his thoughts as he gazed at his father. "Yes?..."

"let's go inside" His father smiled, warmly. Trying his best to make his son comfortable.

"Okay"