Even if you succeed in jobless reincarnation and time magic, you must live life to the fullest.

I turned around and looked.

This guy has white hair and a pale face; he seems to have kidney deficiency...

He's a complete stranger...

"Uncle Rex, he's my brother, Rudeus!"

Norren took my hand and introduced me.

"Rudeus... Ah, could it be... the captain's son, the one with the [Lightning] Rudeus?"

The guy named Rex yelled.

"Hey, hey, hey, is this true?"

"It's genuine!"

"First time seeing him, he's quite handsome..."

I heard this guy's voice.

The entire hall immediately erupted in noise.

A large group of burly men and women surrounded them.

They were all mercenaries under Paul's command.

Some people even had bloodstains on their armor that couldn't be washed off.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Looks like I have quite a reputation.

Think so.

I introduced myself to everyone.

“Nice to meet you all. I am Rudius Grerat, Paul’s son. Please take care of me.”

"Oh...this guy is much more gentlemanly than Commander Paul..."

"He's just like an aristocrat."

The mercenaries around him laughed heartily.

at this time.

A familiar, cheerful voice came from outside.

"What's going on? What are you all doing gathered there?"

"what……"

I looked in the direction of the sound.

A man with brown hair and deep facial features walked in from outside.

He was dressed in a smart and lightweight suit of armor, and entered through the gate surrounded by people.

Their eyes met instantly.

"Ah...isn't that Rudy!?"

Paul shouted.

"Long time no see, father."

"You've grown taller in just a few months, hahaha..."

Paul walked over laughing and put his arm around my shoulder.

This guy is as generous as ever.

But he probably didn't take a shower.

I smell...

Or is it just my imagination?

"Noren, Daddy, give me a hug too!"

"No—Daddy smells terrible, go take a shower right now!"

Noren ran away with a look of disgust on his face.

Did you actually say it out loud?

"what……"

Paul looked embarrassed, which drew laughter from those around him.

"Wow, you've really grown up."

Paul shrugged, then turned to look behind me, and when he found no one else there, he looked puzzled.

"What, didn't Aisha come with you?"

"Well... about Aisha, actually that's why I came here."

"...What happened?"

Paul frowned slightly.

I glanced at Norren and lowered my voice:

"It's a bit complicated, let's find a place where no one is around to talk about it."

"……All right."

Paul's expression turned somewhat grim.

……

……

Paul told me to wait in the room inside the mercenary group's quarters.

It seems there's still work to be done.

This guy has been working really hard...

This is a period of rapid growth for the mercenary group, so Paul is very busy.

It's really a bit unfair to come and add to the stress during such a busy time.

But no matter what, Aisha is Paul's daughter.

I still have to say it...

But how exactly should it be said?

Isn't it a bit too shocking to just say "Your daughter ran away"?

And we also need to consider Lilia's feelings...

White lies and the like.

what……

Talk about it.

It was my fault as the older brother for not taking good care of Aisha. Should I kneel down and apologize first...?

I sat on the sofa, my mind wandering.

……

at this time.

"crunch-"

Paul pushed open the door and came in.

He was dressed in simple, clean casual clothes, and there was no longer any smell on him.

My hair was still a little damp.

It felt like I went to take a shower.

"Hey, Rudy."

Paul greeted them with a smile, then walked to the sofa across the table, sat down, and placed the things he was carrying on the table.

There was a bottle of wine and two glasses.

"Ah... Father..."

"I haven't had a drink in a long time, how about I have one with Dad?"

"It's possible... but it's daytime now, won't Mother scold me if she finds out?"

"It's okay, as long as you say you forced me to drink it, it's fine."

"...Is it really okay to use your son as a shield?"

"Please help Dad with this little thing."

"Ok."

makes sense.

Next, it should be that...

Father and son whispering to each other.

Let's have a drink to ease the tension.

Think so.

Paul and I each poured ourselves a glass of wine.

After they each took a few sips, Paul suddenly spoke up.

"Speaking of which... I rarely told you about my running away from home before."

"Cough, cough, cough!"

They immediately start talking about heavyweight topics.