GameDev Reincarnated into His Own Creation

Vol 2 - Chapter 14.2: Binding

Celia's eyes widened slightly. "Are you sure? I don't want to leave you alone here."

"Better just one of us in her debt than both," Vel murmured, watching Lady Halen's back as she spoke with his parents. "Besides, I'm curious what game she's playing."

Celia hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her sleeve. "I don't like the idea of you facing this alone."

"Don't worry about me," Vel told her, sounding surer than he actually was. "If she's seeking information, I can handle it. You need adequate sleep before we travel tomorrow. Especially with the kids from the orphanage"

Von and Mari approached to say their goodbyes, unaware of the whispered exchange. Mari embraced Vel, her familiar scent momentarily grounding him.

"Be careful," she whispered, too softly for others to hear. Her maternal instinct had clearly sensed something amiss in the arrangement.

Lady Halen's expression remained perfectly composed as Celia politely declined her offer to stay.

"I should return with Von and Mari," Celia explained with a slight bow. "Thank you for your generosity, but I still need to prepare my things at the orphanage before our departure."

"Of course, dear," Lady Halen replied, her smile unwavering. If she felt any disappointment at Celia's refusal, she concealed it masterfully. "Another time, perhaps."

Von and Mari nodded their farewells, Celia casted Vel one last concerned glance before following them to the waiting carriage. Vel watched them leave, a strange hollowness forming in his chest as the carriage disappeared down the lantern-lit path.

That left just Vel, staying alone in the unfamiliar manor.

A flutter of nervousness settled in his stomach. This was the first time in this world that he wouldn't be sleeping at home. The realization felt oddly significant—a small step toward independence that simultaneously highlighted how attached he'd grown to his family's modest house and their presence.

Though he'd need to get used to this sooner or later. The Academy lodging would be his home for years to come.

"This way," Lady Halen gestured with an elegant sweep of her hand. "You must be tired after such an eventful evening."

A servant 'materialized' beside them, a young man with impeccable posture. He guided Vel through the manor's winding corridors, past artwork and tapestries that likely cost more than his family's entire house. Lady Halen accompanied them briefly before excusing herself with promises to speak more in the morning.

The servant led Vel to a luxurious bathroom that rivaled anything he'd seen in his previous life. Marble floors gleamed beneath ornate lanterns, and a sunken bath large enough for several people had already been filled with steaming water. The scent of unfamiliar herbs and oils perfumed the air.

Two additional servants stood waiting inside, towels draped over their arms.

"Your bath is prepared, sir," one announced with a slight bow. "We will assist you."

Vel's eyes widened slightly. It was one thing to read about such customs in books, but quite another to face the prospect of strangers watching him bathe.

"Thank you, but I prefer to bathe alone," he said, trying to sound confident rather than embarrassed. "I can manage without assistance."

The servants exchanged glances, clearly unused to such a request.

"As you wish, sir," the elder of the two replied after a moment's hesitation. "We'll be just outside should you require anything."