"He always assesses my orders first," Garius continued. "If it's acceptable, and not too much of a pain in the ass, he'll get it done, as long as his girls are around. After what happened to Liana and Gloria, he refuses to let them go out alone. That's why I never order them to handle outside jobs; they stay by his side, always."
Alf and Erinnette both chuckled. Erinnette leaned in with a teasing glint in her eye. "Isn't that just like someone else's husband?"
She glanced at Alf, who raised his fist to his mouth, feigning a cough. "Indeed~ The very same trait as a certain young brat who eventually became a count."
Erinnette grinned, looking straight at Garius. "Right, young master? Just look at your wives and sons… You never wanted anyone living outside the estate, either."
Garius just shook his head, a fond smile settling on his lips.
"Maybe so," he admitted, warmth in his eyes. "But I suppose some habits and stubbornness run in the family."
Garius leaned back in his chair.
