"Welcome, young master," the butler waiting along with the maids and servants of the Pendragons, exclaimed with a warm smile as Eren, accompanied by Sears and Hubert, alighted from the carriage.
The grand castle of the Pendragon Family loomed before them, not as opulent as the royal palace but still an impressive structure, bustling with numerous butlers and maids diligently attending to their duties.
"Was everything well in our absence, Hans?"
Eren's father inquired about the well-being of the household and the region during their absence, showing the immense trust they had in their loyal butler, Hans, to manage everything in their stead.
"Everything is well, Master."
Hans had been an integral part of the Pendragon family for years, akin to a beloved grandfather to Eren, and his presence brought fond memories flooding back to Eren.
'He is still the same.'
Eren thought seeing the kind smile on Hans' face.
It has been more than a week since the Pendragon family of Hubert, Sears and Huges departed to the capital suddenly. They left the estate in the care of Hans and had quickly made their way to the royal palace after receiving a letter from the Tower of Justice.
They had done so because they had that much trust in Hans and were sure that he would be able to manage the estate in their absence.
"How have you been, Hans?" Eren inquired with genuine affection, a bright smile adorning his face at the sight of the familiar butler.
"I have been well, young master. Seeing you smile, I hope you are well too," Hans replied in his characteristic profound voice, unaware of Eren's hidden struggles.
Eren's past three months were nothing but peaceful, first the incident at the exile, then the ranking battles and after that was his encounter with the rebel's in the royal museum. Words were not enough to describe how chaotic it's been.
Nevertheless, Hans was unaware of the trials and chaos that had filled Eren's life since his return, but the older man's concern and caring nature warmed Eren's heart.
"Yes, I am fine," Eren replied, concealing his true emotions behind a facade of composure.
It had taken them three days to reach the Pendragon Barony in a carriage from the royal palace while going through two different portals and throughout the journey, Eren had been spending time with family.
It was like he went on a vacation. Though they were accompanied by royal escorts,Eren enjoyed the journey thoroughly.
Now that they are back in Pendragon region, it was already noon and the sun was setting in the horizon painting the sky with an orange hue.
Except for the relief of finally reaching the destination, everyone was feeling tired because of the long journey. Even Eren was tired of it as although he enjoyed his time with the family, sitting inside the carriage all day had made his butt go numb.
Noticing his son's fatigue, Hubert placed a comforting hand on Eren's head.
"Go rest for today, we will discuss the matters tomorrow."
He obviously meant the matters regarding taking an oath and meeting the fire dragon Ugram. Although Eren couldn't wait to meet the dragon he complied with his father since he was tired too.
***
Eren could feel someone gently tapping his body. The rough hand made him think if it was a warrior. It was that warm.
"Young master, it is morning."
But the voice was very profound. Eren slowly opened his eyes. Rather than the bright sunlight coming through the window to warm his eyes, what he saw was an old man standing there with a satisfied expression.
"Young master, it's already morning. Please get up," Hans said in his characteristic profound voice.
"Huh?" Eren mumbled, trying to collect his thoughts.
"The master and Sir Huges wish to dine with the young master since it has been a while," Hans continued, reminding Eren of his return to the castle and his reunion with family.
Maybe due to the exhaustion from their journey or due to the feeling of finally being at home, Eren slept like a log last night and only woke up after Hans came to wake him at 9:00 Am.
"Good morning, Hans," he greeted warmly, stretching his limbs after a restful slumber.
"The bath is ready; will you wash up right away?" Hans asked attentively, offering Eren a glass of water.
"Yes, please tell father I will join them shortly," Eren replied, taking the water and downing it in one gulp.
"As you wish, young master."
As he made his way to the bath, Eren couldn't help but marvel at the comfort of the castle and the feeling of being surrounded by the love and care of his family and loyal retainers.
Eren entered the bathroom and walked into the tub that was full of warm water. He leaned against the tub and looked up at the ceiling.
The sealing of the bathroom was plain, in line with the Pendragons' preference for simplicity and peacefulness in their way of living. Eren gazed up at the empty ceiling and began to mumble to himself, "I will probably be meeting the fire dragon today."
He had been eagerly anticipating this moment for the last three months since he transmigrated into his younger self's body. Yet, now that the time had arrived, he felt a twinge of hesitation.
Various questions swirled in Eren's mind. How would he react when faced with the dragon responsible for turning his past life into one of misery? Could he control his emotions? To quell these doubts, Eren reminded himself that passing judgment without firsthand experience was unwise.
Eren crossed his legs inside the tub while washing himself as his thoughts continued.
As he continued washing in the tub, a thought occurred to him. "Come to think of it, I don't remember much about our barony. Let's explore the barony after I meet Ugram." Although seemingly unrelated to his plans, sometimes doing something outside of one's agenda could be a refreshing change.
"Young master, are you inside the bathroom?"
Eren could hear Hans' voice coming from outside. From the outward appearance, Hans may not seem like anything special, but he was also a 6-star knight. Furthermore he had sworn his loyalty to the pendragons and had been serving the Pendragons for more than 30 years, which was from the time when Eren's grandfather was the lord of PEndragons/
"Yes, I will be right out."
Eren casually talked with Hans, for him he was more like a parent figure.
Eren put the bathrobe on as he quickly exited the bathroom. Hans was standing there with a smile on his face and a tray with a cup in his hand.
"Here you go, young master," Hans said, offering a cup of cold water.
"Great, thanks."
Eren quickly gulped it down and thanked him. He felt at ease around Hans, as the old man had a calming presence.
"Young master, we will start to dress you now."
"Hmm"
The door opened, and a couple of servants entered to assist with dressing him. This was the first time in his new life that he felt a tad embarrassed, realizing the luxuries that came with being a noble.
"Something simple today please."
Eren hated really complicated attire. Simple clothes that let you relax comfortably were the best.
"Yes, Young master."
The servants in charge of the attire quickly pulled out some clothes and Eren changed into the simplest of them all.
Eren slightly frowned after finishing getting dressed. Although considered "simple" for nobles, he found the attire to be quite extravagant compared to the academic uniform he was used to wearing.
Dressed in a white shirt with a black long coat adorned with red linings and black pants, And there was also a golden lined belt around his waist.
'These clothes were probably picked by mother.'
Eren thought as he remembered some of his childhood memories where his mother used to dress him with different clothes and enjoy. There was also times when she would dress Eren as a girl and take him on a stroll through their barony which was very embarrassing for Eren.
Reminiscing the old memories, Eren turned to Hans, who was once again smiling like a gentle old man.
"Hans, let's go," Eren said, ready to face the day's adventures.
"Yes, young master," Hans replied warmly, accompanying Eren to the dining hall.
—***---
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