The sun rose over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Ryota and Haruto discussed the investigation.
"Hey, Haruto," Ryota said. "So, that girl, Mika, did she find something about the Tanaka family?"
Haruto shook his head. "Embarrassingly, not."
Shinji joined the conversation. "I see. So, what now?"
Haruto's expression turned determined. "The investigation is still ongoing..."
In a cozy home, Eriolth sat with Akirion, who was struggling to stay awake. "Hey Akie, don't you want to hear a scary story tonight before you sleep?" Eriolth asked.
Akirion's eyes drooped. "Huh, I'm feeling sleepy."
Eriolth's eyes sparkled. "It's okay if you don't want to listen to it, but I thought you'd like it because it's about a knight."
Akirion's eyes widened, and his sleepiness vanished. "Oh, oh, tell me, Dad, tell me."
Eriolth smiled. "Wait, didn't you say you are sleepy?"
Akirion's determination was clear. "Not anymore."
Eriolth began the story, his voice weaving a spell of excitement and adventure. "A long time ago, there was this kind of man, who wanted to be a knight. He loved to be one and wanted to be recruited by the army of the capital of Elysia."
As Eriolth spoke, Akirion's eyes grew wider, his imagination running wild. The story unfolded, filled with battles, triumphs, and heroism. Akirion listened intently, his heart pounding with excitement.
Finally, Eriolth concluded the story. "And that knight became well-known by the city as the savior because he managed to survive and defeat the Empire's army. He became the Elysian army commander. After some time, he retired and made a family. And now, he got a son, and he's telling him stories."
Akirion's eyes shone with admiration. "Wow, he was a great knight. I can't wait to become just like him... wait a second, did you just say 'now' in the story, Dad?"
Eriolth's expression turned sheepish. "Feels like I did."
Akirion's mind raced. " 'He's telling his son stories.' That doesn't add up, but wait, that sword—it can't be for decoration because it's big, and that was my first time seeing it, so Dad!"
Eriolth's attempt to maintain secrecy faltered. "As expected from my investigator, Akirion."
Akirion's excitement grew. "You are that knight, aren't you?"
Eriolth nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "Yes."
Akirion's request was immediate. "May you train me too?"
Eriolth hesitated, but Akirion's enthusiasm was contagious. "Very well."
The next morning, Akirion woke up early, eager to begin his training. He knocked on his parents' bedroom door.
Mirabel groaned, "Ohh dear, you are doomed."
Eriolth's voice was laced with resignation. "Haaa, totally."
Akirion's voice was filled with excitement. "Hurry up, Dad, before the sun rises."
As they went outside, Eriolth instructed Akirion to warm up with runs around the yard. Akirion happily obliged, his energy and enthusiasm infectious.
As they prepared to start training, Mirabel watched from the window, a knowing smile on her face. "What do you expect from the son of the best Elysian knight?"
Eriolth's expression turned serious. "Ahg, really? Is he supposed to be that energetic? I don't think I was that energetic, and by the way, I didn't want him to train in swordsmanship because I don't want him to be in danger like I was."
Mirabel's voice was gentle. "Same here, but it looks like he got the same interests, just like you hun''.