Order of Saint George

"Nina!"

Giuliano could hardly believe it. He pushed through the crowd blocking his way and strode forward, gazing excitedly at the familiar yet unfamiliar Wolf Girl standing behind Leon, her blue-gray hair cut short.

His lips trembled. He opened his mouth several times, but a thousand words ultimately condensed into one sentence. "You're back."

"Yes, I'm back."

Cherinina's voice was calm, but those who knew her well could still hear the turmoil beneath it.

"That's good. That's very good."

Giuliano seemed at a loss. He had never imagined that, in his lifetime, he would have another chance to see his daughter. Whenever he missed her too badly, he could not even send her a telegram or a letter.

At times, he regretted it. If he had chosen to be a good father instead of liberating the wolf clan and rebuilding a foundation in the New World, perhaps he would not have ended up all alone.

"Other than your hair, you've barely changed at all."

Cherinina touched her cropped hair and said gloomily, "It was burned in battle, so I simply cut most of it off. Father, twenty years have passed for you since we last met, but only half a year has passed for us."

Several centurions in the crowd squeezed forward, greeting them with great excitement. "It's been so long, Madam Jeanne. I even went to France a few years ago and asked around about you. Where have you been all these years?"

"Madam Banya, I never thought we would have a chance to meet again."

Only after being reminded by his clansmen did Giuliano quickly restrain his emotions and offer a solemn welcome. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is an honor to meet you all again. But for all of you to come here together, the situation must be