“The later generation always lived by the feats of their predecessors, in some way. They would either build upon the foundation that the previous generations had prepared, rebuild what their predecessors had destroyed, or even right the wrongs of their ancestors. Change is the one eternal constant to progress.” - Saying attributed to Nec Aarin, the Bone Lord of the Lichdom of Ptolodecca.

“Grampa! Play with me!” yelled a tiny voice as Reinhardt walked along with the retired former Duke of Dvergarder through the mansion on their way out. They had just finalized the negotiations and signed the contract and were in a good mood at the time, so they chatted while they walked. Probably why neither of them noticed the child until she made her voice heard.

Reinhardt looked over and saw a human toddler that was probably three or so years old at most running towards them enthusiastically. The child had the typical dark skin tone of people from southern Posuin, which combined with the high-quality dress she wore made it rather obvious whose child she would likely be, even if she had not called the former Duke as “Grampa”.

“Oh, little Kiya, my sweetheart,” said the former Duke dotingly as he dropped to one knee and caught the little girl as she leapt to his embrace. The way the man looked at the child with love and affection showed just how much he must have cared for her. “What brought you here today? I thought you were with your mother since she’s back?”

“Mama’s boring, just keeps meeting up with the shiny people all the time,” pouted the little girl as she complained. “I wanted to visit Grampa but she said you were busy, so I was with Gramma earlier,” she added with a mischievous smile. “Is this Grampa’s friend? He’s big! And fluffy!” the girl added as she looked at Reinhardt with wide, inquisitive eyes.

“Now, girl, be polite, this is Grampa’s acquaintance from work,” chastised the former Duke with a defeated sigh. He gave Reinhardt an apologetic look but Reinhardt just returned a shake of his head to signify that he didn’t mind. After all, little children were bound to be blunt and honest with their words, unlike adults. Instead, he used a trick that he knew from experience would pacify just about any child.

He extended the tip of his tail towards the wide-eyed little girl who almost immediately pounced upon it and hugged it, immersed in the comfort of the soft, thick fur of his tail.

“Always works with kids,” said Reinhardt with a smirk to the surprised former Duke. “I didn’t know you had a grandchild already. She Andrea’s or Reth’s?” he asked, naming the former Duke’s son who was nearly ten years younger than his sister.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“She’s Andrea’s first child. Girl got married four years ago, her second child’s still a babe so we don’t show him around too much,” said the former Duke with obvious parental affection and pride to his grandchildren. “I always kept watch on my knights worrying that one of them would snatch my little girl away from me, but I never thought that she’d marry a baker from town instead. Could you believe that!?”

“Well, you know what they say. The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach,” replied Reinhardt with an amused guffaw. “Did your son-in-law bake well, at least? I doubt he won someone like your daughter over with just his good looks or charming personality or something like that. That stuff’s for the fairy tales.”

“Oh yeah, Chaka’s not even all that good-looking, to be honest. Homely lad, the honest, open sort. Hard to not like him once you know him, all considered,” admitted the former Duke with some exasperation. “He doesn’t even change his lifestyle even after marrying my girl, the Duchess! Still keeps his bakery open like usual!”

“I mean, having an honest, hardworking sort for a son-in-law isn’t bad, especially if Andrea also likes him. Far better than getting one of the scheming snakes that just wants her riches and power, you know?” said Reinhardt with the smirk remaining on his face.

“I know, I know, and I guess we do benefit from having him as a son-in-law. He does make some really good Malva and Ghoraye, so that’s something we get to enjoy a lot,” said the former Duke with a heartfelt sigh. “I must have gained a few kilos in the past few years from eating too many of those.

Reinhardt was familiar with sweets mentioned by the former Duke. Malva was a sort of soft, bready pudding that was mostly flavored with brown sugar and fruit vinegar. It had a pleasant sweet-sour flavor and was a favorite of Elfriede’s when they were still working in Posuin. Reinhardt himself found it pleasant, as his breed couldn’t really taste sweetness, so the sour flavor was what came to the fore instead.

The other sweet was more like a sort of cookie, except it was very tender, to the point of literally melting in the mouth without even needing to be bitten. They were made with copious amounts of butter and typically sweetened with fruit juices, and was a favorite amongst the younger children at that time. He remembered Erycea and Alycea often devouring whole plates of the snacks.

“You know, maybe I should take my family over for dinner at your place before we leave town,” said Reinhardt half in jest as he reminisced over the old days. The former Duke still lived in the mansion complex even though his daughter already took over the position, just that he and his wife moved to one of the side wings instead of staying in the main bedroom.

“You’d be welcome to,” replied the former Duke with a nod. “My lady wife was quite fond of your younger daughter, if you recall. I believe she would be delighted to meet her again after so long,” he continued while gently cradling his granddaughter in his arms. The girl had fallen asleep while hugging Reinhardt’s tail tightly, so the two had to walk together one way or another for the time being.

“It’s a deal, then. We’ll be judging how good your son-in-law’s sweets are in that case,” stated Reinhardt as he laughed.