Return Of The Strongest Player

The mansion was massive, and spanned thousands of square feet. It was a classic, medieval residence forged using oak wood and bricks. It had a small courtyard and several servants working at all times.

It was too luxurious for three people.

It only displayed how important Arthur was to the Ainsworths, and how big his feat was during the banquet. The crimson-eyed man had spent the entire year planning his assault, and it had worked in the end.

Jake, Greg, and Arthur exited the carriage before heading towards the entrance. A guard bowed before opening the gate for the three to enter.

As they neared the courtyard, the three spotted a little girl playing in the garden a few meters away from them. A servant was supervising her activities, but her complexion seemed pale, as if she was exhausted.

The girl, on the other hand, was as enthusiastic as one could be.

Her black hair and crimson eyes were distinguishable. Unlike when Arthur had previously seen her, Lily now seemed a bit more mature. She had grown an inch or so. As her eyes fell upon the approaching trio, her eyes widened.

There was a short silence.

Then, as tears rapidly streamed down her face, she ran as fast as possible towards the crimson-eyed man, who kneeled before spreading his arms. Lily leapt into his embrace, burying her head in his chest.

As she sobbed, Arthur patted her tiny head gently.

"Is this your sister?" Jake asked, gazing at Lily, who was buried in Arthur's arms. "She's cute."

Suddenly, Arthur directed a death stare towards Jake, who coughed a little before backing off hesitantly. "I didn't mean it like that, and you know it," Jake complained, rolling his eyes. "Dumbass."

"Don't use such words around Lily," said Arthur, narrowing his eyes.

"Look at you, being an overprotective older brother," Jake commented, letting out a chuckle as he stood beside Gregorio. The latter revealed a smile before leaving the area, allowing Arthur and Lily to bond.

He motioned for Jake to follow him, which he eventually did.

"Did you miss me?" Arthur asked as Lily pulled away from him. A gentle smile hung on his lips, contradicting the negative emotions that swirled around him during the night of the banquet. His demeanor had done a complete 180.

Lily nodded fervently, like a little puppy. "I missed you this much," she said, spreading her arms and stretching them as far apart as she could.

Arthur let out a chuckle before patting her head gently. "Where's mother and father?"

"They're inside," Lily replied. "Dad is probably training, while mom usually comes out during noon to tend to the garden."

At that moment, a voice entered Arthur's ears.

"Arthur?" Anna inquired, her eyes wide and tearful. Arthur slowly turned to face the woman, who held a flower pot in her hands while staring at the crimson-eyed man with utter shock. The flower pot slipped from her hands.

Arthur shot towards the pot, grabbing ahold of it before it collided with the ground. He placed it gently on the ground.

At that moment, two arms wrapped around him, burying him in their embrace. Anna's sobs were quite loud. Arthur smiled, patting his mother's head. "It's okay, mother. I'm back. You don't have to worry anymore."

Arthur was worried they didn't forgive him for his acts. But it seemed he was mistaken. They simply missed their son, whom they hadn't met in an entire year.

Suddenly, guilt arose in his chest. In his previous life, when he ran away… what exactly had happened to his family? Had they been able to move on? Judging by the fact that they held such emotions after parting for a mere year… What about the twenty-four years he was away in his former life?

Arthur couldn't help but assume the worst.

Thankfully, he would prevent such a situation from occurring again. "Mother, I'm entering Heaven's Spire tonight."

"What?" Anna asked, pulling away. Fear was vivid in her eyes. The fear of parting with her son… the fear of watching her family be split apart again. Arthur had only just returned, and was already leaving?

"I have an affiliation with the Ainsworths," replied Arthur. "Tonight, I will be escorted to the entrance of the tower."

Arthur felt his heart being ripped apart. However, he promised himself it wasn't like his former life. If he could–after he gained authority–he would bring his family to Heaven's Spire. That was, if they wished for it.

If he could, he would communicate through those about to retire and newbies.

It wouldn't be like last time…

Anna's expression visibly paled, but she recovered quickly. It seemed she had expected something of the sort. Still, she couldn't help herself and quickly hugged Arthur once again, trapping him in her embrace.

It was only after a few minutes that Arthur was able to escape.

The three headed towards Magnus, who was in the backyard. In his hand was a longsword, and mana coated his entire body. His power couldn't be underestimated by any means, and was equivalent to Arthur during the entrance exam.

'It seems he has been giving it his all,' thought Arthur, revealing a smile.

As Magnus's gaze fell upon Arthur, he dropped his longsword. Sprinting towards the crimson-eyed man, he almost knocked him out. "Thank god, you're back."

"He won't be back for long, though," Anna complained, snorting from the sidelines. Magnus's expression crumpled at those words, and Arthur stared at his mother, wondering what had incited such a reaction.

He thought she was okay with it.

"What is she talking about?" Magnus asked, gripping Arthur's shoulders tightly. "Where are you going?"

"Remember when I said I'll be heading off to the tower?" Arthur asked rhetorically, scratching the back of his head in embarrassment. Magnus's expression underwent several changes before settling on anger.

Suddenly, Lily intervened. She stood between Arthur and Magnus, spreading her arms to defend the crimson-eyed man.

"Don't be angry at big brother!"

Arthur smiled, kneeling and patting Lily's head. "She's grown."

"Indeed," said Anna, letting out a sigh. "Well, since you've made your mind, shall we enjoy a dinner before you leave? Or is that too much to ask?"

"I'll be glad to."