◇◆◇
"It’s noisy."
A low, clear voice filled the room.
With a click, the door swung open. Standing there was Luka’s father, Falt.
His presence was imposing. Just by being there, he made the air feel several degrees tighter.
His face looks even scarier than usual.
"Father?" I asked, the word escaping me before I could stop it.
From behind him, a soft, gentle voice rang out.
"Luka! Are you okay!?"
It was my mother. She rushed toward me—actually, she practically tackled me. Her expression was that of a mother entirely consumed by worry.
"I heard you were incredibly reckless!"
"Well, you see..."
I looked away. There was no escape.
"I’ve heard the general story," my father said. "I’ll expect a more detailed version from your own mouth later."
I didn’t do anything wrong. Nope. Never heard of a clock tower.
"More importantly."
His gaze drifted around the bed. Yuka. Elysia. Fia, who was still clinging to me. Allen.
"...It’s certainly lively in here."
It was a calm observation, but I noticed his eyes had softened just a fraction.
Then, another lighthearted voice followed.
"Are you awake, Luka?"
It was Big Brother Noin Noctear. He had his usual casual air, though I noticed faint circles under his eyes.
"Brother, was that you just now?"
"It’s been days. Are you feeling alright?" He laughed, but his gaze was fixed on me with genuine concern. "You aren't even a knight, yet you went way too far."
He said it lightly, but his voice was a bit lower than usual. Then another person joined the group.
"Indeed."
That was Big Brother Fazil. He entered the room quietly, his gaze steady and direct.
"...I am glad you’re alive."
The words were short, but they were enough.
"It feels like it’s been a while since everyone was together like this," I admitted with a wry smile. The whole family being in one place was a rare sight indeed.
"That’s right," Mother replied instantly. "When we heard you’d collapsed, everyone dropped everything to come."
Wait, that actually makes me pretty happy.
"But it wasn't really that big of a—"
"Yes, it was," Father interrupted. "You don't understand your own position."
Yeah, someone said that to me earlier.
"Besides..." His voice dropped a fraction more. "...as a family member, as well."
"..."
Well, yeah. That was fair.
"Sorry," I said. The apology came out naturally.
The air in the room relaxed instantly.
"As long as you understand. You performed a great deed."
Father didn't say anything else. Instead, Noin Noctear shrugged.
"Exactly, Luka. You ended up saving the city." He grinned. "Nice work, little brother."
I’ll deal with you later.
"..."
Honestly, I was blushing.
"However," Fazil added, "rely on me and the people around you more next time. You’re weak—weaker than an average child."
Harsh! But I couldn't exactly argue.
"...Yes."
I had no choice but to nod. Mother laughed softly.
"But I’m just so glad you’re okay." She gently stroked my head. "Glad you came back to us, and that you woke up."
"..."
That actually hit me a little hard.
Suddenly, a hesitant voice spoke up. It was Allen.
"Um, for today... well..."
"Ah, my apologies," Father nodded. "We’ve overstayed our welcome."
He looked at the group. "Luka still needs peace and quiet. Let's leave it at this for today."
He withdrew surprisingly easily. Allen probably didn't mean to kick them out, but my father seemed to take it as a "let the young people handle things" kind of gesture.
"I'll come back later," Mother smiled. "Rest up, okay? And let me give you a proper hug later."
"Sure, sure... wait, what?"
I didn't quite catch that last bit, but I waved them off. Noin Noctear waved as he strolled out, and Fazil gave a final nod. Father was the last to leave.
"...Luka." His voice was low and quiet.
"Yes?"
"Well done."
That was all he said before stepping out.
Silence returned for a moment.
"That was nice," Elysia whispered.
"Yeah..."
I might have been a little bit happy about it.
...But.
◇◆◇
Leonis walked quietly down the mansion's hallway. Light footsteps followed behind him.
"Wow, they seemed like a more normal family than I expected," Leo commented. "I thought there’d be more sparks flying."
"That’s just how it is. They are certainly kind for high-ranking nobility," Leonis chuckled. "That’s exactly why someone like Luka is born."
The atmosphere shifted.
"...And?" Leo lowered his voice. "What are we doing about that matter?"
Leonis stopped and looked out the window toward the ruins of the Clock Tower.
"...The Original Tome Replica," he murmured. "It’s highly likely those kids have it."
"Luka, you mean?"
"Yes, probability-wise. Besides, he’s... more interesting than you’d think." Leonis wore a somewhat dangerous smile. "I wouldn't want to make an enemy of him. But—"
He narrowed his eyes.
"I'd like to stay on good terms."
Leo gave a wry grin. "Well, if we’d just recovered the replica, we wouldn't have to worry about all this suspicion."
"True," Leonis admitted easily. "But we have something else to prioritize first."
Leo shrugged as he watched him walk away. "Man, you really do love troublesome things."
"It’s my job," Leonis replied lightly. Then he whispered to himself, "Now then... how should we move next?"
◇◆◇
Back in the room, Luka stared blankly at the ceiling. The lively noise had vanished, leaving only silence.
But my hands were still being held.
My palms are getting sweaty, so I wish they’d let go, but I can’t say that.
Yuka was on the right. Elysia was on the left. Fia was still glued to me.
"...Heavy," I whispered. (Physically, mostly.)
"...?"
But... whatever.
I felt so light and floaty I was practically high—completely legally, of course.
I didn't actually mind all this "weight." In fact, it was comforting. It felt a bit strange, but I was alive, and everyone was safe. That was enough. I wasn't cut out to be a hero anyway.
...Isekai reincarnation really is the best.