It’s been a while since Vincent returned home, so the following day he left Lancelot. When he returned home, he saw his all too familiar frail mother tending to a small flower garden while wearing the gloves he gave her. She was working up a sweat pruning the remaining flowers, prepping for winter. By now the air had already become chilly, so she wore thicker clothes. Her attention was focused solely on her garden that she didn't see him until he was up right next to her.

  “Mom,” called out Vincent. He watched as his mom’s figure froze before she robotically turned around and revealed a bright smile.

  “Vince.” She stood up and embraced her son. If anyone else were to look upon this scene, they looked more like sister and brother than mother and son. “How are you doing? Have you been eating well? Are your classes too hard? You have to come home more often!” She affectionately began to nag him.

  “I’m doing well, Mom.” He felt himself relax for the first time in a long time. He wasn’t sure when it started, but he had already started opening himself up to this new family that he was reborn into and it was heartwarming.

  “Well, Mommy hasn’t!” Catherine began complaining about adjusting to life in the busy city. “Do you know how much noise the city has? Mommy found it hard to even think sometimes! Also! Also! There are too many people, and they stare when Mommy goes out! Mommy doesn’t feel safe when she goes outside the estate! Muuu~ Mommy just wanna go back to Redwall.”

  Vincent patiently sat beside his mother and listened to her complaints. Right now he felt more like an older brother than her son, but he didn’t pay it much mind. It’s good to be youthful sometimes, and he rarely got to see this side of his mother.

  “By the way, Mom. Where’s Bell?” By now the little red bundle of energy would already be climbing all over him, but she was nowhere in sight.

  “Bell? She left just before you came. She was invited to a tea party by Count Wernicke’s daughter. Oh!” Catherine clapped her hands in delight, “Mommy just remembered something. Does Vince remember the princess of the Evergreen family?”

  “Are you talking about Lady Sophia?”

  “Yes! Yes! She’s hosting a birthday ball. There was an invitation for you. Your grandfather was just about to send it to you, but you can go see him instead.”

  “Alright, I’ll go see Grandfather.”

  “Oh! Stop by and see Gerald too, your little brother misses you. Even though he doesn’t say it, Mommy can tell!” She confidently thumped her chest with a triumphant look on her face.

  “Okay, Okay. I’ll go see him. You take care too. Don’t overwork yourself, Mom.” He hugged her and told the servants to make her rest earlier since it has been getting colder the past few days.

  Vincent wandered around the house and saw Gerald within the study, busy concentrating on a few documents. Gerald was so busy that he didn’t even notice when Vincent knocked and came inside.

  “Gerald.”

  “!!!” Gerald reacted like he just got scalded by a hot cup of tea and sat up straight. “Brother. You have returned.” Gerald spoke in an even tone.

  “Is that all?” Vincent raised an eyebrow, it seemed Gerald had grown up in the short time he had been away. Vincent could still remember how the kid was so excited to learn swordsmanship from him, but now he was calmly brooding over paperwork behind the desk.

  Gerald heard Vincent’s words and a familiar smile crept over his face, “Things haven’t been calm lately. Father has also been up to his neck in work, so I volunteered myself to handle some of Father’s workload.” He showed the contents of his work without much regard for secrecy.

  “Impressive.” Vincent ruffled his younger brother’s hair in a practiced motion. “I can see you’re putting a lot of effort into your work, Gerald.”

  “Ah~ stop!” Gerald looked annoyed as he struggled away from Vincent’s vigorous display of affection. He looked embarrassed and smoothed over his hair. “I’m not a kid anymore, Brother. Please refrain from treating me like so.” He put up a tough front but his smile betrayed his thoughts.

  “Alright. Alright.” Vincent shrugged and backed off. “Has Father discussed with you about the movements in the kingdom?”

  Gerald’s frowned when Vincent brought up the topic.

  “He did.” Gerald got up and closed the door before continuing, “Brother, you have to stay away from both sides. Father has decided to remain neutral, so watch out and do not be tricked.”

  “Even if you say that, I’ve already renounced the Redwall name. What can they use me for if I have no relations to our family?” reasoned Vincent.

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  “You’re too naïve, Brother.” Gerald smiled, “Even if you’ve renounced your rightful name, how can anybody not tell that you still have feelings for us?”

  “I don’t understand what you mean.” Vincent looked away embarrassed.

  “Brother.” Gerald got up and walked over, “Both factions have already approached us after finding out that Mother has started stockpiling strategic assets. Many other merchants have also started doing so, but Mother was the first and managed to stockpile a large percentage of resources. Mother’s actions have drawn the attention of both sides, and they’ve approached her. I’m not sure if they’ve approached you—“

  “Don’t worry. I won’t make any deals. How can they use me if I’m officially not part of the Redwall’s?”

  “That’s not what I’m worried about. You know our parent’s temperament, if you were to fall into any troubles, they would do anything to get you out.” Gerald’s warm words melted Vincent’s firm heart.

  “I understand.” Vincent only spoke up after a while.

  “Since Mother and Father care so much about you. Why don’t you come back? Become a Redwall once more?” Gerald had a pitiful look on his face just like a puppy.

  Vincent smiled picturing the overlap between Gerald and a puppy. “You know I can’t do that. That would be slinging mud over the Redwall name. Can I simply abandon and retake the Redwall name like it’s a stick by the roadside?” Most of all though, Vincent didn’t want to usurp the authority that Gerald had worked so hard to achieve. If he rejoined the Redwall, the question of the next lord of Redwall would be pulled forward. Gerald has to become the next Lord Redwall, it'll leave him free to pursue his dream.

  “B-but…”

  “No more. Let’s not mention this topic anymore, because I’ll maintain my stance on this subject.”

  “As you wish… Brother.” Gerald was still too young and couldn’t hide his disappointment on his face.

  “I’ll let you return to your work. Work hard. Until another time.” Vincent casually tussled his brother’s hair once more and left.

  “Take care, Brother.” This time Gerald didn’t look discontent with Vincent’s gesture.

  Once Vincent left Gerald’s workroom, he went to his grandfather’s lounge. The musical sound of percussed strings echoed out from his grandfather’s room as he approached. Ever since his father returned to the capital, his grandfather had taken it easy.

  “Vincent. Have a seat.” Tidus put down his mandola. “I’ve already been informed that you know about the invitation sent by Duke Evergreen.”

  “Yes, Grandfather.”

  “Ever since your mistake at the Evergreen estate a year ago, I never expected for another invitation to arrive. In hindsight, that mistake has become a boon for our family.” Tidus looked wistful as if reminiscing about the past. “How is your study coming along?”

  “I’ve been a bit busy lately, but I’m keeping pace with my studies,” Vincent answered vaguely. He had only attended one day in class, but he had already studied most of the materials for his courses, so it wasn’t a lie.

  “That’s good to hear.” Tidus’ tone contained a trace of hidden meaning as he took out a letter of invitation. “Here. I was about to have it sent to you in Lancelot, but since you’re here, take it.”

  “Thank you, Grandfather.” Vincent hastily took the letter and got up to leave after not finding any other topics to talk about with his Grandfather.

  Just before he left, Tidus spoke up, “Focus on your studies more and stop going out too much.” Vincent froze up and still continued walking. Tidus already knew about the events that transpired in Rohan with the criminal network.

  Vincent bid farewell to his mom before leaving. The ball was arranged for the weekend, so he still had time to prepare a gift for Sophia. The only problem was he was clueless when it came to what women like. He had thought about clothes, but Sophia was the young lady of a Dukedom; there was nothing she couldn’t get if she wanted. Since he was stuck, he approached his only girl friend, Aya.

  “So? You asked me out just to ask about another girl?” She looked peeved as she impatiently crossed her arms.

  “Yes, more specifically, Lady Sophia.”

  “You!” Aya puffed up her chest. She was irritated at his low EQ but decided to calm down. “So what is it?”

  “Help me pick out a gift.”

  “No.” Aya refused without hesitation.

  Vincent frowned, “Why? With your information network, there’s nothing you don’t know about.”

  “What information network?” Aya shifted her posture, “I only happen to know a few more people than most. I wouldn’t say I have an information network.”

  ‘Oh please! If you didn’t have an information network, then the whole intelligence department of the kingdom knew nobody.’ Vincent tiredly complained in his mind.

  “What does she like?” Vincent asked,

  “You!” Aya shook angrily. She was just about to decline to help him but then thought of something, and a smile appeared on her face. “Fine, I’ll tell you.

  “Really?” He thought he would have to coax her further.

  “Lady Sophia loves archery. It’s natural since she comes from a family famed for their marksmanship.”

  “Is that so?” Vincent scratched his chin. He didn’t remember when Sophia started liking archery. If he remembered correctly, in the novel, she had a dislike for archery in the early chapters of the book. Things might’ve changed since he began interfering with the plot.

  “Yes, so find her a gift relating to archery and you will get on her good side.” She snickered as she got up and left. She couldn’t help but steal a final glance at the contemplating youth before she left.

  The bows in the capital can never be on par with those made in the Evergreen territory, so bows were automatically shut down as a gift idea. The next thing he thought about was arrows. Arrows of all kinds were sold in stores in the capital, but he felt that they weren’t sincere if he just bought them. Therefore, Vincent decided to make a set of arrows himself and quickly went to buy the materials.

  His first choice was obviously his mother’s guild in the capital. While there, he bought bundles of cut emerald logs, a bundle of storm falcon feathers, and spiral-tipped arrowheads. Spiral-tipped arrowheads were designed for their penetration ability. After gathering the materials, he retreated to his residence in Lancelot and worked on the arrows over the coming days.

  He worked on the arrows and also continued to practice in the magic tower, honing his magical abilities. Finally, on the day before the weekend, he looked over the set of 20 spiral-tipped arrows. Each arrow gleamed with a polish of resin as they were neatly packaged in a simple wooden case. They were packed with leftover wood shavings from working the shape of the arrows. A small red ribbon secured the lid of the wooden case. The package looked simple and yet refined like a work of minimalism.