Garius gave a gentle smile, exhaling as he looked at Alf and Erinnette. "I'm sorry if I've ever been a burden to you both, all the way from childhood until now."
"My lord," Alf replied, bowing respectfully, "I've told you before: you've never been a burden. Serving you was my responsibility, my promise to the late Lord, and my promise to you. Even if one day you don't need me, I'll still be here."
Before Garius could respond, Erinnette's expression turned serious. "My lord. If it hadn't been for you, my little brother and I… we'd have ended up as someone's slaves."
Her voice softened, glancing briefly at Alf.
"You bought us, gave us freedom, and gave me a new life. Because of you, I even found my soulmate." Her cheeks flushed as she looked at Alf, her husband and the father of their sons and daughters.
"So don't ever say that again, young master!"
Garius chuckled, shaking his head. "Erinnette… that title belongs to the past."
Erinnette glared, arms crossed.
