Tadashi stretched, yawning out his exhaustion.  “Finally, I was so tired.”

“I was surprised you went up to a group of girls and even started a conversation with them. It was a smart move older brother.”

Tadashi put me on his back. “I had to get food somehow.”

There were still a lot of people out but less from before. I could’ve walked on my own, but it was dark, and I didn’t want to make Tadashi worry about me running off while he’s tired. If he had been tired from merely walking then I would’ve taken advantage of the situation, but he did get out of his comfort zone to get me food.

The least I could do is ease his worries.

“True. Thanks for that, older brother. But really, I’m surprised.”

“Why? Did you think I would rob a place or something?”

“No, though that would’ve been pretty entertaining. To see you run away from a bunch of guards while I watch from afar. You’d definitely get away, but I’d lead them to you… aah, that’d be very entertaining indeed.”

“You sadist.” He mumbled.

“I thought you would join the adventurers guild to get some money.” I continued, ignoring Tadashi’s words. “Or even turn into a clown and do some funny stuff to get some money.” a little laugh escaped from my mouth. “It’d be funny to see you expressionlessly dancing with oversized boots and the signature red nose.”

“Please, I wouldn’t degrade myself to that extent for you. The adventurers guild part was a good idea, though. I bet you were hoping for that one the most, huh?”

I couldn’t see his face, but I could tell he was derisively smirking.

“It’s true that I would’ve preferred that option… but, you know, hanging out with you wasn’t so bad.” I smiled, resting my chin on Tadashi’s hair.

“Albus-”

“Besides, when we get home I’m expecting you to take me on adventures outside the village more often.”

Tadashi giggled. “So that was your goal all along, huh? Such a cunning brat.”

Our walking came to stop when we reached the tall black iron gates that were connected to the even thicker grey brick fence. The inside of the property was visible from the space between each iron bar of the wall; a wide stone road, leading down from the gate to the front of the… home?

It was huge. No, the word ‘huge’ is a crude way of saying it. It was both ginormous and beautiful. Too ginormous and beautiful to actually be called a home.

On both sides of the road were grass and large gardens of different colors. Directly in the middle of the road, forming a roundabout, was one giant, intricately detailed water fountain, with a magnificent little garden surrounding it.

The thing, otherwise known as a home, looked similar to what I had envisioned an actual castle to be. In fact, I would say it fit’s the word ‘castle’ better than the monstrosity that is the kings castle.

The exterior of the manor was built from marble; there were, judging by the rows of glass windows, three stories total. There were eight large, thick support beams – four were each placed between the large door in the middle – that reached all the way up to the extended, slightly slanted roof.

“I-I guess were here?”

“I guess so.” Tadashi answered.

I turned my head along with Tadashi to a sudden presence that walked closer to the gates.

It was our father walking towards us in a black linen robe. “Ahh, there you guys are. Geez, you two came so late I nearly started to worry!”

“I’m far too tired to tell you off right now” Tadashi said, while I got off his back. “I’ll just tell our mother what happened.”

“I agree. I’m sure mother would like to hear how you practically abandoned us with no money to spend, you deceitful trash- I mean father.”

“Tras- At least attempt to hide your mistake! Those words pierced my heart, my son! “My father said, grabbing his chest. “Anyways, it’s not like I did that for no reason. I had to make sure you got tired so you wouldn’t run off while we slept… and to see if you could handle it.”

I was reminded of how I held Tadashi’s sleeve. I turned my head to hide my embarrassment. “… I can handle it, for your information, but how you went about it was unexpected and wrong; not only morally but ethically as well.”

“I am a cautious guy, you of all people should know that.”

“Cautious?” I spit. “You say funny things sometimes.”

“Then laugh!” I could tell my father was already growing tired of my retorts. “Think of it as training for when I send you here to gather supplies for the village.”

“Mhh. I suppose mother doesn’t need to know after all. If it means I can come with Tadashi on his next trip to get stuff for the village, of course.”

“Yes, yes very well.” My father shifted his gaze to Tadashi. “So, how’d he do, Tadashi?”

“He was shaken up by how crowded it was at first, but he got used to it the more we walked.”

“I see… wouldn’t expect anything less from my quickly maturing son.” My father faintly smiled, though it looked more forced; like, if he hadn’t forced it, surely it would’ve been a frown. He looked at me then immediately continued. “You all must be tired. The Allen’s have fixed up your rooms. You boys can wash up and go to bed.”

“What about meeting the Allen’s?” I asked.

“You can meet your crush tomorrow, Albus… wait! Don’t tell me!” My father began to cuddle himself, as if holding in his excitement. “You want to meet your beloved now and profess your love for her! Oh, what a shocking twist of events! I feel as if I’m too young for grandchildren, but I don’t really mind. I was expecting this from Tadashi since he’s still 21 and doesn’t even have a wife yet! But some people grow much quicker than others, Albus is the prime example of that!”

“Oi.” Tadashi growled.

“Right.” My father clapped, regaining his common sense. “Everyone is asleep, so I was waiting to take you both to your rooms.”

“Wow, how generous of you.” I said, walking up to the gate, expecting my father to open it.

My father smirked before listlessly putting the back of his hand to his forehead. “I don’t really want to walk all the way back. Tadashi, can you take us to the front?”

“I was thinking the same thing.” Tadashi replied.

I stood there confused at their exchange of words.

Tadashi clapped his hands together when suddenly, a burst of something… something invisible surrounded the three of us, almost in a – though I couldn’t see it; I could feel it – bubble-like shape.

We instantly appeared in front of the manor. It was like we had always been there in the first place.

“W-What the hell was that!?” I confusedly exclaimed.

“Hmm? Oh, have I not shown you this?

I quickly shook my head.

“I teleported us to the front.” Tadashi vaguely insighted me.

“Don’t say that so casually, you freak.”

Doesn’t matter, I guess. We’re already here anyways.

I walked up the little marble steps and pushed open the slightly open door. It was like the gravity from seeing everything within the manor just crashed down on me.

‘I can’t believe I’m going to stay here for a week.’