Reborn as the Princess' Knight (GL)

Chapter 76: Till we come back home (III).

Kein's POV

The man that was standing in front of me was the person who tried stealing Vivienne's wallet. An unexpected turn of event.

I was guessing he had a change of heart. I was secretly happy, because now at least- I can tell Rose that she wasn't wrong for giving this man a second chance.

"You actually came, I'm glad." Behind him was a little boy hiding behind his back, he was not lying when he said he needed a child to have in school.

Wait…

One… two… three… four-

"Pardon me but- how many children are hiding behind your back?" I tried counting them but I was afraid that I would miss any. He laughs moving aside to let me see all of the children he has. "I have five in total, Milady."

They all tried their best standing straight, but all failed hiding behind one another when they faced me.

"No wonder…" I muttered to myself.

It was no wonder why he would want to so desperately steal from a child! Seeing that Vivienne would be a child from nobility- I mean- I'm still in shock.

"Are you here alone? Do you perhaps have a wife?" I asked him, looking a bit in shock and he shook his head carefully, tending to his kids.

"A single father, I am Milady. I had to do what was needed back then… I was desperate, my actions were shameful, apologies again for what I did… " He holds his hands to two of his kids.

The older ones looked at me, staring in curiosity. I gave them a warm smile leaning over to them.

"So I'm guessing these kids at the back will be the ones you'll be enrolling here." I held my chin and observed them. "What are your names?"

The two boys turned to stare at one another and answered bravely.

"My name is Jonathan!"

"And I'm Erwin!"

I nod at both of their answers. "So do you like the school so far?"

"Yes, miss. We like it! The classrooms are nice and I can't wait to read some books!" (Jonathan) seemed to be pretty enthusiastic about learning meanwhile his brother was into a more different thing that I completely understand.

"Especially the free food." (Erwin) follows his answers and that made me laugh.

"Pffft! Hahaha!"

Truly there will always be two types of students. Those who came to learn, and those who needed an allowance or food to attend. Sometimes even both.

Their father bows his head at me looking flustered for his second son's answer. He reaches out to pull Erwin, "Boy-!"

"But dad I'm sick of eating only fruits at home!" He complains, soon the father gets even more flustered.

My eyes widened in surprise at his words, it seemed that all they had at home to eat was fruit… That made me feel some of my memories resurfacing from living at Aunt Haren's home.

"Apologies for my son's behavior, milady!"

I step forward before their father could turn even more flustered from here on out.

"No, no. I loved his answer. Both of their answers." I turn to the kids smiling. "Welcome to Dovenrose Academy, I hope you like it here."

"I never got your name actually." I tell him and he sighs, keeping his kids in check.

"My name… Milady, I am honored for you to ask… It is Elijah Berry." He told me his name. I take interest in his last name. It really fit his job description of being a fruit vendor.

"Well then Elijah, your children are eligible for scholarship. It will help you get through with the many school expenses like allowance and materials. You can talk to the school office once it's time for the final enrollment." I tell him and Elijah cries, but he quickly wipes the tears off his face taking note of my words. Being a single parent is not easy, and our school sees that.

"We hope that the program will help." I patted his back before he left, carrying all of his little ones and I decided to see if there were any more people to greet.

I saw that the same maid from my estate was here too. The one who thanked me for getting his little brother into the academy. It seems that she's having fun at least.

"I suppose that will be all." The school has ended and everyone went back home, by next week they will come back to completely enroll their children with all the documents that they'll be needing. "The other parents would give their final decision today."

"If they would like to enroll their children or not, it's up to them and we would respect their decision upon the matter."

I muttered to myself before having Ellis lead me inside into the staff room where they will be having a party to themselves for such a successful day. So much food was displayed on a table in the side, alcohol punch and wine.

The subject teachers that came from different backgrounds decided to have a little drinking game, knowing I had Vivienne with me- I decided not to join but I wanted to bond with them in other ways instead.

I recognized one of the teachers that was eating in the corner. I walked up with her while Vivienne was nibbling on another cookie- that I presume Ellis gave her behind my back.

"You're the art subject teacher that we'll be having, correct?"

She almost choked on her food but courageously faced me when she realized it was me she was talking to. "M-Milady! Yes! I will be the new teacher that they'll be having in arts! I-I took up sculpting, painting, sketching-!"

Each of her words stuttered and it was honestly a little adorable to see, being all nervous and all.

"Pfft! Hahaha! Please be at ease, I don't bite." I tell her chuckling. Vivienne gigged with me and the teacher covered her face with her hands. "Hehehe!"

"Ha-Ha-Ha! Y-You don't bite?" The teacher tells me stiffly and I nod. Well, the rumor would only be half right, I do bite but it would be meant for only one person.

I miss that stubborn girl.

"If you have heard any particular rumors about it, please don't believe them. It would utterly be preposterous and hilarious really."

"Actually I haven't heard a rumor like that yet." She tells me and I went on for a full half hour talking to this teacher that Vivienne got bored and decided to play with her Uncle Ellis instead.

"Horsie! Up! Up!" (Vivienne) orders Ellis who was carrying the little girl by his shoulder acting like a horse.

I also bonded with the Adventurer subjects teacher exchanging stories and missions. "Despite having one arm! I tell you I can still beat someone who has two! You could say they needed another set of hands instead of me! Hahaha!"

Quite the jokester he was and I immediately liked him for having that kind of personality children would definitely love and enjoy being around him. "I get the joke, nice one." I compliment him and he scratches the back of his head looking embarrassed.

"Thank you, Milady. If you want I have many more adventures I could tell you."

I had to cut the party short because of the things I needed to do in a  few days. Lenard who was in the center of the party, celebrating for him being the official headmaster or principal left him having a permanent smile imprinted on his face for the whole night.

"Kein! Kein! Drink with us!" (Lenard) wobbled around the office looking flushed out drunk. He even forgot to use my title on my name, glad on hearing it again though.

Lenard will remember everything tomorrow anyways.

"I have to reject your lovely offer to drink- I can't let Vivienne see me drinking or else she'll do the same." I refused the cup of alcohol they offered me, the foam foaming on top of the drink was rather tempting but I managed to control myself.

Besides…  Rose wouldn't like me drinking nearing the night.

"Ah right! She's with you!"

Ellis eyed Lenard like a hawk, he told me that he doesn't mind his fiance celebrating with alcohol because he was there to watch my big cry baby cousin. I trusted Ellis in taking care of Lenard and thus, I picked up Vivienne and decided to leave, waving goodbye to all the staff that was present inside the staff room.

Father was done talking to possible investors for any of our businesses.

I called for our carriage, Alfred was already on it being the responsible coachman and butler that he was. We were already on our way back to the mansion. Vivienne was tired, using my thighs as pillows for the whole ride.

When the carriage entered our home, stopping in front. I carried Vivienne having her little body hanging in front. I was being gentle on carrying her and went up to my room.

Today was indeed a successful night.

I can just have the little one change her clothes tomorrow. I placed her into my bed and tucked Vivienne in with a blanket, I immediately thought of Rose wanting to be with her side too.

I went up to my table, taking out an empty sheet of paper from the drawers and holding up a quill, continuing to write the following letter of what happened today.

"Dear Rose, you won't believe who showed up today in the academy opening." I started writing the letter putting in the details of the fruit vendor he gave a chance to, has repented for his wrongdoings and is willing to change for the better good of his five children.

I place in the letter on how much fun I had today, what food we ate and the new people I bonded with and how much I wanted her to be there with me.

"Till we come back home, please continue to wait for me. Sincerely, Kein Hills." I muttered writing the same words inside the letter before ordering one of my trusted servants to deliver it safely to the second princess.

Because the three days came faster than expected.

I wore the finest adventurer clothing and light but indestructible armor I have.

And now I'm here having everything packed inside my [Storage Ring] having the hero wait for me outside in my estate.

Avery Williams had her back by the wall and her huge lion familiar was waiting for me. When she notices me come outside of my own estate, she admires the ensemble that I was wearing.

"Wow! You clean up well!" (Avery) commented looking up and down before raising her hands upward looking so excited. "Are you ready to have an adventure of a lifetime, pal?!"

She asks and I nod seriously.

"Let's go slay the demon lord."