I walked toward my father, who had been speaking with Lyall and Asher.
As soon as they saw approaching, both Lyall and Asher straightened up and bowed in unison.
"My Lady," they greeted respectfully.
Father turned to with a warm smile. "Reina, did you co to see us off?"
"Yes," I replied with a gentle smile of my own, "and also to give you this."
From the folds of my sleeve, I pulled out a pastel pink handkerchief, its edges embroidered with delicate purple roses. In one corner, the initials S. A. had been stitched in silver thread.
"These are initials for Serene and Arthur." I spoke pointing at the initials.
Father stared at it for a long mont, his eyes softening as silence passed between us. Then, slowly, his gaze grew misty.
"I thought of how much you love roses," I said as I stepped closer, gently placing a hand on his arm. "So I embroidered them for you."
He blinked quickly, trying to dispel the emotion pooling in his eyes. "You... embroidered it yourself?" he asked, his voice thick.
"Yes," I nodded, smiling up at him. "And if you cry now, I’ll feel bad."
"I’m not crying," he sniffled, shaking his head, even as his voice betrayed him. "I’m just... so touched by your thoughtfulness, Reina. How did I get blessed with such a beautiful and clever daughter?"
He wrapped his arms around , pulling close into a warm embrace. I chuckled softly, sinking into the comforting hold.
"I guess I got that side from you," I whispered, and he laughed, still holding tightly as if he didn’t want to let go.
After a few seconds, he stepped back and looked at more seriously.
"Reina, you’re going to be ho alone," he said, voice low with concern, "so don’t do anything reckless. And if soone angers you,"—he leaned in, lowering his voice to a whisper—"just get rid of them in secret like always."
He made it sound like I went around disposing of people casually. Well... he wasn’t entirely wrong. It was almost becoming a normal thing to hear him encourage subtle eliminations of nuisances.
"All right," I replied with a composed smile, and he patted my head affectionately.
"And if you feel lonely here," he added, "invite Kai to live with you for a while."
I nodded. "Sure."
"And don’t stay out late at night. Don’t overwork yourself either." He was piling up instructions like a father seeing off his daughter for the first ti.
"I understand, Father," I said patiently.
"And don’t skip als. Take care of your health."
"I got it," I said with a soft sigh.
He looked at with those glistening, sentintal eyes. "Usually it’s you who’s always traveling away from ho... but now, I’m the one leaving. And Rune too. I feel like we’re leaving you behind."
I smiled gently. "Don’t worry. It won’t be for long anyway."
"Promise you’ll take care of yourself," he said, holding out his hand.
I took his hand in both of mine and nodded. "I will, Father. But you need to promise too—take care of yourself and Big Brother. If anything dangerous cos up, let Lyall and Sir Asher handle it. They’re more than capable."
He nodded, placing a warm hand against my cheek. "Don’t get into any trouble while we’re gone, all right?"
I resisted the urge to glance sideways—considering that familiar aura still lingered faintly nearby, I may have already broken that one.
"I’ll try," I said honestly.
He chuckled and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
"It’s impossible for Reina to stay out of trouble though," Rune said as he approached and casually wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"What exactly do you an, Brother?" I asked, pouting up at him.
He smiled, clearly enjoying himself. "Don’t be mad, Sister. What I an is... wherever you go, it’s either that you pick up strays or trouble finds you first."
I jabbed my fingers into his side—hard enough to make him grunt.
"Ow—! Okay, okay, that was fair!"
"Rune, don’t bully my little Reina," Father scolded gently from beside us.
Rune gave him a playful pout, rubbing his side in mock pain while I couldn’t help but smile. Just standing there between them—my brother being annoying as ever and Father defending like always—gave a strange sense of peace.
It felt good... this rare mont of lightheartedness before we all had to go our separate ways.
"Your Grace, Young Duke, all the preparations are complete. We are ready to depart," Lyall announced, his voice steady and respectful.
My father and brother turned to almost in unison, their expressions softening.
"Reina, are you sure you won’t co along?" Rune asked, his brows furrowed ever so slightly.
"It’ll be fun for all of us to travel together," Father added, his tone hopeful.
I sighed, heart tugged a little by their wistful faces.
"I would’ve gone if it were possible," I said gently, "but I have work to take care of—I truly can’t leave right now."
Their expressions dimd, a look of mild disappointnt settling in.
Before the guilt could sink deeper into , Eric and Grandfather approached from the side. Grandfather raised a brow as he looked at the two n beside .
"Are you planning on sulking here all day because she can’t co with you?" he asked dryly, glancing between my father and Rune with pointed amusent.
They both looked at again—this ti with exaggerated, pleading puppy eyes that almost made laugh.
"Don’t make it harder for her," Grandfather scolded, not unkindly.
The faint ripple of mana brushed past , subtle yet familiar. I turned just in ti to see Silas materialize beside us.
"Am I late?" he asked, his voice calm as his gaze swept across the group.
Grandfather’s sharp eyes narrowed, his tone dry and unimpressed. "Why bother coming at all if you can’t keep to the ti?"
"I didn’t co here for you," Silas replied evenly, not even sparing him a glance as he walked over to us.
Once in front of us, he opened the polished wooden box he carried. Inside lay four sleek bracelets, each made of dark, burnished tal laced with intricate engravings that shimred faintly with enchantnts.
"What’s this, Uncle?" Rune asked, leaning in to take a closer look.
"Reina asked to make them a while ago," Silas said, picking one up between his fingers.
"These bracelets are enchanted with high-tier defense spells. If soone attacks you, a barrier will deploy instantly." As he spoke, he tapped the bracelet and a translucent do ford around us, refracting light in a crystal-like hue.
"The do reflects incoming attacks," he added, casting a brief glance toward Father, "so even if you can’t fight back, you’ll still be safe."
"That’s a useful enhancent, Uncle," I chid in, raising a brow. "But I don’t recall telling you to add that line about not being able to fight. I specifically said it was ant to cover more ground and protect more people."
Silas nodded once, conceding without argunt, and continued, "Each bracelet also contains a teleportation enchantnt. If you’re ever cornered, you’ll be instantly transported to a secure location, and Reina will be notified of both your status and location."
He gently lowered the bracelet back into the box and held it out.
"Take one each."
Eric hesitated slightly. "Is this one for as well?"
I nodded. "Yes. For you, Big Brother Rune, Father, and Grandfather."
One by one, they reached for the bracelets. Each man turned it over in his hands, studying the design and weight of it with care.
Rune raised a brow, smiling. "Not that we’ll need this, but it’s a thoughtful gift, Reina. I was already touched by the handkerchief—you’re really going above and beyond today."
"It’s just a precaution," I said simply, shrugging off the sentint, though a warmth blood in my chest.
"All right then," Grandfather said, straightening his coat. "Ti for us to move."
Though his voice was firm, I could see the reluctance in both Father and Rune’s eyes.
Father was the first to step forward. He pulled into a tight, lingering hug, holding on as if morizing my warmth. Then ca Rune, who squeezed a bit too hard and muttered sothing about keeping my nose out of trouble while he was away.
Grandfather gave a quick, awkward hug—brief, but still aningful in his own stiff way. And finally, Eric approached with his usual gentle smile and placed a hand on my head.
"Take care of yourself, Reina," he said softly.
I nodded, watching them one by one as they turned and headed toward their respective carriages. The sound of hooves, the rustle of cloaks, and the low murmur of the entourage preparing to depart filled the air.
Lyall and Asher lingered behind as the entourage prepared to depart, and I made my way toward Lyall first.
"Your spar with Prince Davian will happen after you return," I said calmly. "So don’t worry—the punishnt will also be waiting for you when you co back."
He lowered his head, guilt etched in every line of his face. "I’m sorry, Master."
I placed a hand on his shoulder, steady and reassuring. "Just make sure to protect my father and brother. That’s the only thing I want right now."
He raised a hand to his heart, expression firm. "I shall lay down my life for them."
A smile touched my lips. "Return safely."
Then I turned to Asher, who stood nearby looking like he was barely holding himself together. I could see the sheen in his eyes, the way his jaw tensed with suppressed emotion. It had been years since he’d seen his family—the very people who once scorned him, now welcoming him back with open arms. I could imagine how tangled his thoughts must be.
"Have fun, Asher," I said gently. "And give my regards to your family from Lord Ace D’Arc."
He gave a small bow. "I understand, Master."
"And if they ask how my wife and son are," I continued with a light smile, "tell them they’re well."
He chuckled softly. "How can you lie so brazenly, Master?"
I lifted a shoulder. "It’s beco second nature now. If not for a lie then my empire wouldn’t exactly exist."
He smiled, though it held a touch of sadness. "But even that lie brought us all ho, Master. I hope soday you find the one to whom you’ll never have to lie."
I exhaled slowly, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I hope not."
He gave a soft laugh, and I patted his shoulder.
"Catch up and have a lot of fun with your niece and nephew, all right?"
He nodded. "You too, take care of yourself, Master. And please let Young Master Kai know—I’ll bring him back a good souvenir."
I arched a brow. "What about ? And Rose?"
He laughed, shyly rubbing the back of his neck. "You too, of course."
"Mm-hm. Thought so. Now go."
He nodded, mounting his horse in one smooth movent.
"Take care and have a safe journey," I called as the entourage began to roll out through the estate gates, the banners billowing proudly in the morning breeze.
Silas walked up beside , hands clasped behind his back.
As the wheels faded into the distance and the dust began to settle, he spoke casually—
"So... will you tell now why Prince Davian is keeping an eye on this estate, Reina?"
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