As I continued on my journey, my mind frequently wandered to thoughts of my beloved mother and brothers. A deep longing stirred within me, compelling me to seek them out and ensure their safety and well-being. It seemed that fate had aligned my path towards the village where my family resided, making it a convenient opportunity to visit them. I also need to deliver the goods requested by the Lord's family, a task that would not only serve my duty but also improve our financial situation. As I traveled, I fervently prayed to the gods, entrusting the care of my mother and brothers into their hands. I yearned to share the joy of a festival with them, now that our circumstances had improved.

The journey from the city of Goldkorb to my village took around 3 days by carriage. I still vividly remembered the first time I foolishly walked to the city in order to sell my medicinal herbs. It took me approximately 8 days on foot, with little to eat as I was penniless. However, I am grateful to the gods for allowing me to endure that predicament, as it ultimately led to the opportunity I seized when Master found me.

When night came as I parked my carriage and horse on the side of the road, I reminisced about the festival I've joined with Sophia and her friends. Those memories gave me strength and hope for me to do my utmost the next day. I don't forget to give my gratitude to the gods and wish that the people I encounter are always in good health.

After three days of travel, I finally arrived at Eldenwald, the village where my mother and two brothers resided. As I passed through the village gate, I gazed upon the lush, green fields that stretched before me. It was early morning, and the stillness of slumber lingered in the air. I continued my carriage journey toward our humble abode. There, I spotted my first young brother, Wakahiko, who harbored dreams of becoming a knight. He was engrossed in his physical training and honing his sword skills, preparing for the upcoming assessment test next year. Upon noticing my arrival, Wakahiko's face lit up with joy, and he hurriedly approached me.

"Welcome home, Brother!" he exclaimed with excitement.

"I'm home, Wakahiko," I replied warmly, stepping out of the carriage and embracing him in a brotherly hug, mirroring his gesture of affection.

"I can see that your physique has grown taller and more muscular. Perhaps you're ready to journey to the capital," I praised his dedication.

"It's still too early for that. Besides, we haven't decided what to do about Mother, have we?" Wakahiko raised a valid point.

"You're right. Let's gather later, just the three of us, and discuss this matter. How is everyone faring?" I inquired with concern.

"Mother seems a bit bored, as she has little to occupy herself besides tending to the fields and doing the laundry. Kunihiko is still struggling with the exercises you've assigned to him. Thankfully, he hasn't lost his determination," Wakahiko reported.

"He must persevere in his calculations if he wishes to pursue the art of trading," I advised, and we shared a laugh together.

"Have you eaten yet? I brought some food supplies from Goldkorb," I informed him.

"Not yet, Brother. Let me bring them inside. You should rest and I'll prepare the meal," Wakahiko offered.

"I appreciate it, Wakahiko," I expressed my gratitude.

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I stepped inside our humble abode. The transformation was remarkable. Once a small hut, our home had now grown into a decent building with four rooms. Though still modest compared to the grand dwellings in the city, it provided us with comfort and shelter. It shielded us from the cold night winds, the scorching heat of the sun, and the relentless downpours. The thought of our cozy sanctuary warmed my heart, knowing it would keep us safe and secure.

While most of the expenses for our home were covered by my limited wealth, I always emphasized to my brothers that it was our shared home, not mine alone. This mindset seemed to spark an interest in trading within my second younger brother, Kunihiko. It appeared that he wanted to carve his own path and make his fortune. Despite my limited time in my own home, I made it a priority to ensure that Wakahiko and Kunihiko could at least count and read. "The ability to read and write will undoubtedly aid you in achieving your aspirations," I encouraged them. Both of my brothers had become fluent in the kingdom's script, as I had been teaching them for the past three years. I had heard tales from travelers in the tavern about distant lands with different languages and scripts from what we used in our kingdom. While I wasn't sure if I would ever have the opportunity to encounter such lands in my lifetime, it wasn't something I dwelled upon at the moment.

My mother emerged from her room, her face lighting up with joy at the sight of me.

"Welcome home, Takahiko. Thank the heavens you're safe!"

"I have returned, Mother. I am grateful to see that you are in good health."

She gently placed her frail hand on my head, and I couldn't help but notice the wrinkles adorning her eyes and cheeks, evidence of the hardships she had endured. It reminded me of Madam. Come to think of it, my mother's age was closer to Master.

"Take your time, my son. Once Kunihiko wakes up, we shall have breakfast together, and you can regale us with tales of your journey. I am particularly interested in hearing about the young girl you encountered in the city. Has she been faring well?"

"She is, but she has recently experienced a tragedy. I will share the details later."

"The breakfast is ready. I will go and wake up Kunihiko," Wakahiko took the initiative to bring our youngest brother to the table.

Kunihiko was yanked by Wakahiko, but he quickly composed himself upon seeing my face. "Welcome home, Brother Takahiko," he greeted.

"I have returned, Kunihiko. I have heard of your struggles with the exercises I assigned you. Division and the calculations of percentages for profit or loss, correct? I shall lend you my aid when the time comes," I reassured him

"Thank you. I appreciate your help," Kunihiko expressed his gratitude.

We all sat down to enjoy the breakfast prepared by Wakahiko. It was a simple meal, but we had all learned to cook basic dishes to ensure we could sustain ourselves when venturing out on our own journeys. While relishing the meal, I took on a more solemn tone and began sharing my latest tales with Master, Madam, and Sofia. Their attentive eyes followed my every word as I recounted the magical night of the festival, evoking a sense of longing in my brother for having missed such a joyful occasion. I then delved into the bittersweet tale of Master's departure, the man who had become a father figure to me, and shared stories of his beloved tavern, his family, and above all, my cherished moments with Sofia, whom I held dear as a little sister.

"How sad to have missed the chance to express my gratitude to the Master you speak so highly of. May his spirit find eternal peace, knowing he was cherished by his family and friends," Mother remarked with a touch of sadness.

Wakahiko, ever the thoughtful one, pondered my words and responded, "If you consider this girl, Sofia, as your sister, then she is also our younger sister, isn't she? I hope we can meet her someday and welcome her into our family."

Kunihiko, unable to hide his envy, burst out, "I can't help but feel a pang of jealousy knowing that you had the pleasure of spending the night with three young girls! I must make my own fortune soon!"

Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, our breakfast time remained a source of solace and joy. It served as a poignant reminder of the significance of my family, both blood-related and the extended family I had found in the Master's household. In that moment, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the blessings bestowed upon me. Truly, I was fortunate beyond measure.