He already knew about me and Claire
“I thought you and Claire would do that. Still, we would need an inn, just in case. Besides, it’s already proved to be useful. Besides, while I and His Excellency do not mind, some may not want to stay in someone else’s house. Besides, when I want to play… Um, *cough* no! When I come to visit, I do not want my daughter and son-in-law to treat me like a nuisance.”
“Son-in-law!? Father! What are you saying!”
While Claire was surprised by the last part, I was more curious about the fact that it seemed like other people were already staying at the inn.
“Hmm? Am I wrong? But I received the report. About how intimate you two have become.”
“Father! Intimate…!”
Sebastian must have sent word about it.
I remember him saying something about being able to send some good news to Mr. Ekenhart.
And he was the kind of person to add details and make it sound more interesting. Of course, I did not know if he actually invented anything. And the ‘intimate’ part wasn’t really wrong. The servants of the house could attest to that.
“Hmm. That was in the reports, and since I had seen things before that, it seemed likely… Tilura, have Claire and Mr. Takumi been getting along?”
“Yes! Mr. Takumi is going to be my brother-in-law!”
“Hmm. Indeed. Tilura is fond of Mr. Takumi, and not just Leo. How wonderful!”
“Brother-in-law… I guess we did have a talk like that…”
“That was very cowardly of you father. Asking Tilura!”
“Hmmm. Hmmm. Well, I am satisfied, seeing the expressions on your faces. It was worth coming out here…”
“Father, did you run to us from the village just to make fun of us?”
“Perhaps. Once I saw Leo in the distance, I could hardly stay still.”
“Just for that… Hmph!”
When it came to doing something amusing, Mr. Ekenhart went all out.
I understood why Claire was puffing out her cheeks.
“That being said, I did not expect to be hit by Rahle carrying Tilura like that…”
“I’m sorry, father. I’ll be more careful…”
“Bah. While it was a surprise, I will be fine, thanks to Mr. Takumi. It is true you should be careful, but do not worry so much about it.”
Mr. Ekenhart said with a laugh. He patted her gently on the head and comforted her. He really did feel like a father during such moments.
“Besides. I have discovered how soft Feri’s fur is.”
“So that’s why you were stuck to him for so long…”
“Well, that’s how it is. Also, Claire isn’t as scary now as she was when she was younger.”
“Fa-father!”
“Haha! I will stop before she starts scolding me!”
Mr. Ekenhart said with a boisterous laugh.
“Oh, there’s something I should say before we enter the village. Mr. Takumi.”
“Uh, yes…”
Just as we were close enough that I could clear see Mr. Haines’s expression, Mr. Ekenhart suddenly stopped and looked at me seriously.
What could be the matter?
“Mr. Takumi. And Leo. You have been very kind to my daughters. And I hope that this will continue.”
“No, not at all… It’s me who is being taken care of here…”
“Father, this is no place to…”
Mr. Ekenhart bowed his head to me and Leo.
A duke was bowing to an ordinary person. The people of Range Village must be wondering what was happening. Even the servants.
Liza and Tilura also looked puzzled.
Still, Claire was right. Why did he have to do it here…
At least wait until we were settled inside of the house.
Besides, if anyone should be bowing, it was me…