“Please, let’s not talk about that…”

While Charlotte gave a shrill cry of surprise, Allen winced with a look of deep displeasure.

To be honest, it was an event he didn't want to remember. Content originally comes from novᴇlfire.net

Charlotte, still flustered, gently tilted her head.

“A f-fight, you mean…? Was it because you were forced to quit being a teacher, or…?”

"Well, that's what started it all... Right."

"It's nothing that serious, so don't worry. Honestly, it's about 90% Dad's fault."

"Probably 100%. I'm not even 10% to blame."

“R-Really…?”

Charlotte blinked in surprise. Eruca chuckled softly and went on.

“See, our dad can use magic pretty well himself. So when he got into a fight with my pretty capable brother, well, it turned into a disaster. They clashed for about three whole days and nights, people at the academy still talk about it.”

"Three days and three nights... brutal..."

"Yeah. Want me to show you the other side of the island later? The cliff where our brothers fought is still there, gouged out."

“They never repaired it!?”

“Of course not. It’s basically a sightseeing spot now.”

"The more I hear about it, the more amazing it sounds..."

Charlotte sighed deeply.

Allen and his adoptive father fought tirelessly throughout the three-day, three-night battle, but in the end, Allen emerged victorious due to superior stamina. He then immediately boarded a ship and left the island.

As I explained this, Gosetsu narrowed his eyes and let out a squeal of amusement.

『So, to return to such a strained household, for the sake of the woman you love, to bow your head… my, how dramatic a tale』

"Don't make up your own drama. I still have a good relationship with my uncle. We continued to exchange letters."

"R-Really?"

"Yeah. And fights like that were commonplace anyway."

『So humans aren’t so different from Luu, huh. Luu fights with siblings all the time too!』

Luu rumbled with laughter.

To say he stormed out after a quarrel might sound bad, but the truth was there wasn’t much lasting resentment. And yet, there's only one reason he hasn't returned home until now.

(I just don’t want that old argument dredged up again…)

However, with Charlotte involved, he can't afford to keep saying that.

Allen had come to the island prepared to face his adoptive father once again. If it weren't for Charlotte, he hadn't intended to return for another ten years.

As he was thinking about this, Eruca looked at Gosetsu and Luu and stroked her chin thoughtfully.

“Anyway, I haven’t seen you in a while, and wow, your entourage’s really grown. A Fenrir and a Hell Capybara? Mom’s gonna be thrilled.”

『Oh? Your mother is well-versed in magical beasts?』

"Yes. She's a leading expert in monster research. This is my first time seeing a Fenrir baby up close, and I'm so excited. It's so fluffy!"

『Fufun, right? You can pet me more if you want.』

Luu didn't seem too opposed to being petted by Eruca.

Since Allen’s mother had been the one to drill monster language into him, Eruca also understood the beasts’ speech. She, Luu, and Gousetsu chattered cheerfully together.

Watching them closely, Charlotte murmured softly.

“But… I’m a little jealous.”

“Hm? Of what?”

“Um, well…”

She dropped her gaze to the ground, hesitating.

At last, with a faintly lonely smile, she said.

“I’ve never fought with my family before… so it seems nice, in a way.”