"Edward~" Audrey had barely called his name when she felt herself swept tightly into a warm embrace. Edward's arms wrapped firmly around her back, their strength almost seeming to draw her into his body, leaving her scarcely able to breathe.
She was immediately a little surprised and shy. Although they had been apart for nearly two months, and she had worried about and missed Edward all that time... surely this was a bit much?
Ah, could the Spectator Pathway have made me too rational, or even left me emotionally deficient?
No, it seems Edward's emotions are... a little too intense. He's nothing like his old self, as though we haven't just been apart for two months, but for a very, very long time.
Still, this feels rather nice.
With that thought, she closed her eyes.
"Ahem!"
A moment later, someone coughed.
Audrey opened her eyes to find her father, Earl Hall, looking at her and coughing quietly. Her brother Hibbert stood smiling beside him, while her mother... was smiling behind her hand too.
Even more embarrassed, she hurriedly whispered, "Mom and Dad are here."
Edward released her and turned toward the three members of the Hall Family. "Good afternoon, Earl Hall, madam, Hibbert."
"Mm, you're back?" Earl Hall nodded slightly, a hint of weariness on his face. "Have you finished everything?"
"Yes," Edward answered simply.
"That's good. Come on, let's go home first."
With that, Earl Hall led the way toward the door.
Audrey playfully stuck her tongue out at Edward, then jogged forward and affectionately took her father's arm. "Dad, how are things?"
"It's been confirmed. His Majesty the King was assassinated." Earl Hall sighed softly, his expression growing even more troubled. "We just received another urgent report. Intis has declared war on Loen too."
Inside the Hall