GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Chapter 7.1: Conflict ID-eals

The morning sun spilled across the refugee camp, its warmth failing to chase away the lingering chill. Vel sat cross-legged outside their tent, absently stirring his porridge, the quiet tension in their circle more suffocating than the shared space they lived in.

Von sat across from them, his tea cooling in his hands. His muscular arms made the cup seem small, almost delicate. He stared into it, brow furrowed, mouth set. The silence stretched longer than usual—Von rarely lingered over breakfast like this.

Mari glanced at him, concern flickering across her face. "Is something wrong?"

Von looked up, as if pulled from distant thoughts. "No, just... thinking."

He took a slow sip of tea, then set the cup down carefully. His gaze moved to Landre first.

"How has the church work been, Lan?" he asked, his tone casual but deliberate. "Everything alright? Any trouble?"

Landre blinked, surprised by the question. "I... yes," she said hesitantly. "The church has been welcoming. Father Oswin is kind, and the acolytes were helpful introducing the work." She paused, fingers tightening around her spoon. "It's been good."

Von nodded slowly, absorbing her words without comment.

His attention shifted to Mari next. "And you?" he asked, voice softening slightly. "How has Elnor been treating you?"

Mari tilted her head, studying him. "Well enough," she answered carefully. "The people here are busy with their own lives, but they're not unkind." She paused. "There's been some dissidence in the fields, but it's just small things. Happens every day. Nothing to worry about."

Von didn't answer immediately. Instead, he turned to Vel.

"What about you, Vel?" There was weight behind the question, though his tone remained even. "Made any friends? Learn anything new?"

Vel swallowed, sensing something unspoken in his father's gaze. Why is he asking this now?

"The kids here are pretty playful," Vel said. "I've made a few friends. There are a lot of things to learn here."

Von's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. He looked away, staring out toward the edge of the camp where other refugees were beginning to stir.

The silence returned, heavier now.

Finally, Von exhaled and stood, brushing off his tunic. "I have a meeting with Lady Halen today," he said, his voice flat. "Graham will be there too."

Mari frowned slightly. "What's it about?"

Von picked up his sword belt from where it hung nearby. "Not sure yet." He buckled it, the leather sliding through the brass with familiar efficiency, then glanced back at them. "I'll let you know when I return."

As he walked away, Vel watched his father's retreating form disappear between the tents.

The three of them sat in silence for a moment, the half-eaten breakfast forgotten.

Vel turned to his mother. "Father seemed tense. Has something happened while he's been working here?"

Mari's gaze lingered where Von had disappeared. "Maybe he just didn't get enough rest," she said quietly. "There's been a lot of problems with the refugees lately. More than usual. It probably gave him more trouble than he's letting on."