Sir Hero, It’s Time to Train!

Riley was struggling to suppress the boiling anger within.

“Oh dear, I’m not sure what you intend by putting on such a fearsome expression after inviting someone over. Ah, but this is quite tasty,” he remarked.

“……”

Riley was desperate to reprimand that wretched brat, who shamelessly devoured the well-prepared snacks while making snide remarks.

However, he couldn’t, as he wasn’t alone in the parlor.

“Yes, I’m glad you like it. Here, try this too. It’s something that’s currently popular in the north,” remarked his father, Evan Miles, with a warm smile as he placed expensive cookies, chocolates, and drinks in front of Christian.

His father also attended to Aira, sitting beside Christian, making Riley wonder if this was indeed the father he had known.

“I was surprised to hear you declined Riley’s invitation, but it’s wonderful to have you here!”

Evan added, expressing his joy.

“For that, I must apologize once again!”

Christian said, bowing his head in apology. Aira, who had paused mid-bite, followed suit and bowed as well.

“It’s quite alright; you don’t need to go to such lengths!”

Evan said, waving his hand dismissively with a warm smile at the siblings’ polite demeanor.

“Even if there were derogatory remarks about our family, it was wrong of us to react so hastily… It shows our lack of maturity!”

Christian continued, throwing a sidelong glance at Riley and smirking knowingly.

Riley understood the meaning behind his words and gritted his teeth.

“You!”

“Riley. Be quiet!”

Evan interjected sternly.

“Ugh!”

Riley, still just a youngster, couldn’t defy his father’s words despite his anger towards Christian.

With a slight sigh, Evan said, “I too apologize on behalf of my son. I didn’t expect him to treat you that way.”

“Kids sometimes think the family’s achievements are their own and act like this. I understand!”

Christian replied smoothly.

“Ugh…”

“But there’s no need to scold him too harshly. He’s still young. He might regret it, crying after breaking a few bones, but what can you do at his age?”

“You damn brat…!!”

Unable to contain himself any longer, Riley leapt to his feet, his usual icy demeanor replaced by an excitedly flushed and distorted expression.

“I won’t say it twice. Be quiet!”

Evan stated firmly.

“……”

Despite being on the verge of attacking through Christian’s provocation, Riley was silenced by Evan’s calm, authoritative gaze.

Observing Evan’s presence, Christian was also quietly astonished.

‘I wondered if there was an issue since he hasn’t officially inherited the family yet… But no, not at all.’

Evan appeared kind and gentle while dealing with outsiders but became entirely different when it came to family matters.

The current Miles Viscounty was still led by the aging family head, Viscount Gael Miles, despite Evan being old enough to be the head.

He was still regarded as the heir. Rumors circulated that Evan’s son, rather than Evan, would become the next family head.

However, Christian realized there was no likelihood of that upon meeting Evan in person. Evan’s presence was suitable enough for a family head—beyond that, in fact.

‘What kind of monster is the Viscount Miles, leaving such a capable son behind to retain the position?’

His speculations made him regret coming, knowing it indicated someone extraordinary sat in that position instead of Evan.

Noticing Christian’s expression change slightly, Evan resumed his affable demeanor, smiling, “Oh, I’m sorry. My son acts like this sometimes. But he’s not a bad kid; think of him as a slightly odd cousin.”

“Yes, there are many odd people around me, so it’s fine.”

“Okay… Wait, does that mean I’m included among the odd people?”

“Halfway.”

“Halfway?!”

When the two siblings began bickering, Evan maintained a wry smile, attempting to control his expression. Despite his calm exterior, he was deeply surprised internally.

Even if one was visiting their maternal family, anyone stepping foot in the Viscount Miles’ estate tended to feel overwhelmed.

Titles meant nothing compared to the name of Miles, a place where financial power outweighed both authority and armed might.

The manor in this capital city embodied this principle.

‘They’re so nonchalant. Totally lacking any tension.’

Despite dealing with external pressures from the family name, these siblings showed no signs of nervousness since their arrival and throughout their meeting here.

Could kids manage such composure?

Even children, unaware of worldly matters, couldn’t muster the courage to lift their heads in Miles’ presence.

Rather, kids reacted more sensitively to the pressure, turning them obedient.

In shared surprise, Christian and Evan exchanged silent smiles while Aira cautiously found an opportunity to speak.

“I heard that Grandfather wanted to see us. Is there a reason for that?”

“Ah, yes. While Father did want to meet you…”

Evan sighed softly, hesitating before continuing, “it seems you may need to wait about an hour or two.”

“An hour or two?”

“See, we had prepared an open slot for the day according to your scheduled arrival date. Yet you arrived earlier than expected, so it’s been a bit tricky to arrange.”

“Ah…”

“We considered choosing another day, but with Marquis Ferdida’s appointment too…!”

Evan trailed off with a knowing look, leading Aira to nod understandingly.

“We arrived a bit early and disrupted plans it seems.”

“It’s not your fault, don’t worry about it.”

Aira glanced apologetically at Christian, who merely huffed in response.

“Instead of just sitting around, how about touring the house if you’re okay with it?!”

Evan suggested.

“The house?”

“Yes. Your mother’s room is preserved as it was, along with her favorite garden. Perhaps spending some time there would be worthwhile.”

“Ah…”

Truthfully, Aira still felt somewhat unfamiliar here. It was her first time meeting her uncle, having never visited her maternal home before.

Even with Christian’s rudeness, Evan’s warm welcome allowed some comfort, yet unresolved discomfort lingered.

Ideally, she longed to quickly meet their grandfather and leave afterward, yet Evan’s words intrigued her.

‘The house Mother resided in…’

To her, her mother’s home was Count Worden’s manor. However, she felt curious about her mother’s life before marriage, during her youth.

How had her mother spent her childhood?

“W-would it be alright to look around a bit?”

“Of course. It’s your mother’s house and your maternal home. Don’t feel burdened!”

Evan encouraged.

“Yes, okay… then, Viscount Miles.”

“Feel free to call me uncle!”

Evan chuckled warmly.

“Thank you, uncle!!”

Aira’s face brightened at his words.

Christian, on the other hand, looked particularly displeased watching her.

“What’s with the discontent?”

“Nothing… It’s charming to see family bonding, but I’m an outsider, perhaps you’ll feel the same visiting my mother’s family.”

“Oh hush.”

Aira was taken aback by Christian’s odd remark. Observing this entertaining sibling banter, Evan’s expression subtly shifted for a moment.

Yet he quickly masked it, retaining his pleasant smile as he stood. “Let’s go.”

“Is uncle personally guiding us?!”

Aira asked, surprised.

“Yes. Unlike your grandfather, I have plenty of free time!”

Evan replied jovially.

Riley, witnessing Evan’s amicable manner, seemed as if he couldn’t believe his eyes, staring at his father in disbelief.

Nonetheless, regardless of his son’s reaction, Evan kindly led Aira out of the parlor.

“What is father thinking…?!”

Riley muttered softly, watching Evan’s retreating form.

“Indeed, what could it be?”

“And that’s…?”

Riley turned at the unfamiliar voice, scowling the moment he realized the speaker.

“Don’t talk to me, country bumpkin.”

“Such a temper!”

Christian remarked, unimpressed with Riley’s harsh words and reaction akin to seeing a cockroach, disliking to even engage him.

Choosing to ignore Christian, Riley promptly followed Evan and Aira out of the parlor.

“Hmm, what is he thinking?!”

Christian wondered aloud, slightly pouting over the lack of an invitation from Evan and Aira as well. Despite his mild complaints, he soon left the room himself.
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