"Roman, Meryl." Earl Merlin Monochoria gently embraced his son-in-law and daughter. "Sorry for the trouble on the road."
At this moment, he was no longer the imposing Chief Executive of the Elder Council, merely a kind old father.
"No, it wasn't hard at all." Madam Meryl's eyes brimmed with tears, but her smile was full of happiness. "Father, you're still as strong as ever. You haven't changed much since we met at Red Castle. That's wonderful, truly wonderful."
"How could I have changed?" Count Merlin said with a smile. "Mercedes's power boils within my body. Only on the day I return to the volcano and follow the late Grand Duke will old age descend upon me."
Count Merlin's son, Viscount Meijie, also stepped forward and embraced his brother-in-law and sister in turn.
He saw Baron Roman often enough, but he had not seen Madam Meryl for more than a year. "Welcome home, Meryl."
"I'm very happy, Brother." Madam Meryl smiled through her tears.
Viscount Meijie's wife, Kuna Shadowflame, also smiled as she embraced Madam Meryl. "The journey has worn you down. You must recover your strength quickly. Many noble ladies at Sancha River Mouth have been missing you."
"I've missed them too, especially the time when you had just married into the family and I had not yet married... Time passes so quickly. Both our children have grown up."
"Yes, Mel has mentioned Russell's name at home countless times." Kuna Shadowflame smiled at Russell, who was greeting Earl Merlin with an embrace, and said softly, "Standing beside Mel, he looks just like a real brother."
It had to be said.
His outstanding looks and exceptional bearing always drew more attention to Russell.
"Little Ghost Fire, you've grown up!" Earl Merlin had not met Russell many times, though he had often