A Former Police Officer Who Died And Get A Second Life!

Chapter 318: Return Home

"If you would like, please give some to your parents as well. If they do not like it, you may throw it away."

Based on how they had acted the last time they met, he did not think they would do something like that, but they were still nobles.

He assumed they might hesitate to simply eat something given to them.

"Oh no! I am sure my parents will be delighted. Thank you very much."

He had thought candy was only a small souvenir, but since she accepted it so happily, that was enough.

"...So? How long do you plan on making your guests wait while you continue a father and son quarrel?"

"You shut up! I am trying to knock some sense into this brat—"

"Now would be a good time to correct your words."

"Eek!? S-sorry."

Under Qiong Xing’s narrowed gaze, the earlier energy vanished instantly, and Wayland quickly bowed his head in apology.

Qiong Xing sighed, accepting it as inevitable.

"If you are willing to accept the request, then let us continue. However, your son is nothing but an obstruction, so please remove him from the room."

"R-right, got it."

Wayland obediently followed the instruction and dragged his son out of the room. Then he bowed again, apologizing.

"I am really sorry about that idiot! I do not even know how this happened, but as his father I will take responsibility and knock some sense into him."

"Please do. If something like this happens again, next time words alone will not be enough."

"That is scary..."

I can hear you, Albe.

Qiong Xing smiled softly and glanced to the side, where the others shook their heads as if insisting they had not said anything at all.

Wayland seemed to have completely switched back into work mode once the topic turned to his trade.

"If it is for meat, the current level is fine. But I would like a blade sharp enough to slice fish flesh as thin as flower petals."

"Petals? What would you even do cutting it that thin?"

It was food, so the answer was obvious.

"I would eat it. There are ways of eating it other than grilling or boiling, and I need it for that."

Thinking about it made him hungry.

While Wayland still did not fully understand, Qiong Xing let his imagination wander and quietly worked up an appetite.

"So, can you do it? If not, it is fine to just stick with the pots and pans."

"Do not underestimate me. I will do it."

With such a reliable answer, Qiong Xing decided to leave it in his hands.

Since everything had taken some time, he made only that request before leaving the blacksmith shop.

"Thank you for today. Thanks to you, it looks like I will be able to get what I wanted."

"I am glad. I was worried I might have introduced someone troublesome to you, Qiong Xing..."

If she meant the son, then she would be right, but that fool was not someone she had introduced, so there was no need for concern.

"That is not the case. I am already very much looking forward to seeing the finished product. Thank you very much."

He was certain Wayland would not cut corners and would make something truly satisfying.

"Thank you again for your time today. If we ever meet again—"

"Um! Excuse me... if it is not too much trouble, could you... tell me your name? Just for now, could you please call me Aria?"

Her hands were clenched tightly from nerves as she made the request.

However, someone of her status was not someone Qiong Xing should address so familiarly.

He tried to refuse, but with her face red and eyes teary as she begged, it became impossible to turn her down.

"Just for now, then. Thank you very much for today, Aria."

"...Thank you very much."

Seeing her somewhat sad expression made Qiong Xing wonder if it had really been the right thing to do, but once thanks were exchanged, there was nothing more he could add.

"If we have another chance, I would like to thank your daughter. Thanks to her, I was not injured and was truly saved."

Qiong Xing said it was not necessary, but the girl insisted, and he could not refuse her, so he eventually nodded.

...

When Qiong Xing returned from town, Leander greeted him with "Welcome back," and Qiong Xing replied "I am home," but his hand was taken.

"Qiong Xing?"

Qiong Xing said nothing and simply pulled him along.

Worried, Leander followed without resistance, wondering if something had happened.

It was rare for Qiong Xing to go down the stairs to the underground area, and the moment they entered the room, he was pulled into an embrace.

"...Qiong Xing?"

Leander was confused by this unusual behavior.

He wondered if Qiong Xing was feeling unwell, but even when asked, Qiong Xing only shook his head.

So it did not seem to be that.

Then maybe he was sleepy, but if that were the case, he would not have come to this underground room with Leander.

"Qiong Xing? What is wrong?"

He could not see Qiong Xing’s face while being held like this.

Each time Leander called his name, the strength in Qiong Xing’s arms increased as if he was becoming more anxious.

Thinking something might be wrong, Leander hugged him back and Qiong Xing seemed to relax slightly as his shoulders loosening.

"What is going on? You went into town today..."

"Touch me. Please touch me, Leander."

Qiong Xing’s unexpected request made Leander extremely happy, but because it was so unusual, he could not help worrying about why he was asking such a thing.

"I want you Leander. I do not want anyone except you."

From that wording, Leander could roughly guess what had happened.

Ever since he returned, Leander had noticed an unfamiliar scent mixed into Qiong Xing’s own.

He had known Qiong Xing went into town, so he had assumed it was just that...