Chapter 153 – Gain's Family Home

“Are you ready?”

We’d waited for the snow to melt before heading to Gain’s family home.

Even though the snow had thawed, it was still awfully cold outside. Mornings were chilly enough that our breath came out in white puffs.

Dressing in thick layers and coats in hand, Grandfather and I stepped out of the house together.

Gain’s family home was apparently just a half-day carriage ride from the capital.

“Got the gifts?”

“Yes, Grandfather.”

My first trip with Grandfather. Hehe.

Ted gripped the reins, with Gain sitting beside him to show the way.

I boarded the carriage all excited.

“Graaandfaaaather. Aren’t you colllld?”

“Psh, this is nothing. Hey, I brought some sweets—let’s snack on them later.”

Grandfather took my hand and smiled, crinkling the corners of his eyes.

But no matter how sturdy he was, a bumpy carriage ride sapped your strength. Was he really okay?

Even Master was bundled up in a coat.

I handed out the blankets and cushions I’d prepared to Grandfather and Master.

“You’re always so thoughtful, young lady.”

Master narrowed his eyes warmly, and Grandfather hugged his cushion delightedly right beside me.

“Marie, come here.”

Suddenly Heart grabbed my waist and plopped me onto his lap.

“Ah, Graaandfather…”

Master, who’d been sitting next to Heart, moved expressionlessly to Grandfather’s side.

Grandfather looked miffed and blank-faced too. I wanted someone to call that out.

No helping it—I slid off Heart’s lap and took Master’s old seat.

Ever since then, Heart had turned into a completely different person, doting on me like sweet dessert.

I kinda missed those days when just locking eyes made my heart pound.

I’d grown enough not to get rattled by this much anymore.

Not sure if you could call it “growth,” though.

“By the way, Master and Fernet have been to Gain’s family home before, right?”

“Yeah. Aunt’s stew is insanely good. It’s winter, so I’m betting she’ll whip some up for us.”

What?!

We weren’t going there just to eat, but still—that got me hyped.

“The capital shops don’t serve stew, do they?”

“It’s a family recipe handed down through generations. Every house has its own twist.”

Grandfather nodded along, and Master lit up with a cozy smile. “Gain’s family’s is delicious.”

I wonder if it’s different from the cream stews or beef stews I’m used to.

“Heart likes citrus teas and fruits, but is that your taste in cooking too?”

Heart, arm looped around my waist, pulled me in tight.

Haha. Did I step on a landmine?

“So Marie knew I like citrus teas and fruits?”

“Uh? Well, yeah…”

Heart beamed happily.

No way—I thought I’d kept that under wraps.

Everyone here knew, though, so they all turned away, holding back laughs.

His unexpected airheaded side was kinda cute.

“Haha, Marie likes sweetly stewed meat, huh!”

“Yes, Grandfather! That’s so good!”

As expected of Grandfather.

He scattered that itchy, awkward vibe in a flash.

In the midst of such idle chit-chat, the carriage rolled to a gentle stop. Gain turned back and rapped on the front window.

“Hey, town’s here. IDs out.”

Already? It really was close.

Made sense they’d pop back and forth so often.

We’d left that morning and arrived before noon.

The gate guard checked our IDs and waved us through. It was a stunning townscape brimming with greenery.

Nothing like the capital’s stone buildings or the villages’ mud walls—all wooden houses here.

“Gonna say hi quick—unload the bags.”

Gain’s house, right past the gate, was built from dark logs like a proper log cabin.

A big covered porch fronted the entrance, with a stone path stretching out from it.

We clambered down noisily as usual, and Gain stuck his head out the front door, gesturing. Leave the luggage there and come in.

We hustled to line up our hefty bags on that covered porch.

Ted finished tethering the horses and rejoined us, and we all filed inside.

“Pardon the intrusion…”

Warmth!

The fireplace crackled away, filling the room with cozy heat.

A stone mantel over the hearth proudly displayed a massive magic beast skull and horns.

A sofa piled with garish red and yellow cushions dominated the center, while beast bones, pelts, and odd trinkets crammed every shelf.

Ah, that’s the one from Gain’s room too.

So it wasn’t just a hobby—some kinda protective charm…

“Some of ya know ’em, but listen up. These are my folks. That’s my sister Laura. Lil’ guy’s my nephew Berg. Next to her’s her hubby Beeger.”

Laura—who took after Gain—held a darling little boy.

Her husband, slim and gentle-looking Beeger, smiled softly beside her.

“Welcome. You must be Marie.”

Gain’s mother—big and brimming with cheer—clamped my hand in her massive paw.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Marie. Gain’s raised me since I was small.”

I bobbed a polite bow, and his father—built just as solidly—claimed my other hand.

“Heard stories about ya forever. Finally meetin’ my first grandkid.”

He melted into a dopey grin.

Right—I’m his granddaughter now. Grandfather-in-law?

Our Grandfather greeted them too, and soon everyone was exchanging hellos all around.

“Enough with the greetings already—sit down?”

Laura gave a wry smile and sank onto the sofa, kid still in her arms.

At her cue, we shuffled over to the sofa amid the chatter.

“…So yeah, I’ve decided to become Marie’s parent. But her twin Lily’s a serious criminal. Affects Berg too—not to mention Beeger’s kin.”

After a light lunch, Gain laid out the full story.

His family listened in silence.

“Gotcha. But some paper ain’t changin’ a damn thing ’bout us. Family for life. Gahaha!”

Gain’s father shattered the quiet first, roaring with laughter.

“Damn right! Wahaha!”

“Exactly! You weren’t seriously worried, were ya? Honestly. Ahaha!”

“For real, big bro. Haha!”

Gain’s whole family erupted in bright, booming laughs.

Just like Gain said—but really, spot on.

“Told ya, huh? No need for the extra fuss.”

Gain scooted to my side and ruffled my hair roughly, grinning ear to ear.

Hehe. Kinda ticklish.

These folks were my family from here on out.

The thought warmed my heart right up.