After some time—
the motor carriage left the city's bustling streets behind.
The sounds of merchants, crowds, and passing travelers gradually faded into the distance.
Before long—
towering stone walls came into view.
An enormous wrought-iron gate stood proudly before the estate, its intricate patterns gleaming beneath the afternoon sun.
The moment the guards recognized the approaching carriage—
they immediately straightened.
Without hesitation, the massive gates slowly swung inward.
The carriage rolled through the entrance.
A sprawling manor stretched across the vast estate.
Meticulously maintained gardens bordered the stone roadway, vibrant flowers blooming in carefully arranged beds.
Crystal-clear fountains shimmered beneath the warm sunlight, their gentle streams adding a tranquil melody to the peaceful surroundings.
Servants moved quietly about their duties with practiced efficiency, while armored knights patrolled the grounds in disciplined silence.
The carriage continued deeper into the estate.
Several minutes later—
it came to a smooth stop before the grand entrance of the manor.
The carriage door opened.
Xiomara stepped out.
Without sparing the magnificent surroundings so much as a second glance—
she calmly ascended the wide marble staircase.
Before she reached the top—
the towering front doors opened from within.
She entered.
The familiar halls welcomed her in quiet elegance.
Portraits of past generations adorned the polished walls.
Soft crimson carpets muffled every footstep.
Elegant chandeliers cast a warm golden glow across the corridors.
Servants immediately bowed respectfully as she passed.
She acknowledged none of them.
Her pace never slowed.
Eventually—
she stopped before a pair of imposing wooden doors.
Standing patiently beside them—
an elderly man awaited her arrival.
His silver hair was neatly combed back.
An immaculate black tailcoat fit him flawlessly.
Despite his advanced age—
his posture remained perfectly straight, carrying the dignity of decades spent in loyal service.
The moment he saw her—
he bowed gracefully.
"Welcome home, Lady Xiomara."
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
"Orrick."
Her gaze shifted toward the doors behind him.
"If you're standing guard out here..."
"I take it he's inside."
The old butler inclined his head.
"Indeed, my lady."
"He has been expecting your return."
Without another word—
Xiomara walked past him.
She pushed the heavy doors open.
Creak.
A spacious office came into view.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined the walls, filled with neatly arranged volumes.
Tall windows overlooked the expansive estate grounds beyond.
Behind a large oak desk—
a black-haired man sat reviewing several neatly organized documents.
The scratching of his pen came to a stop.
Sharp gray eyes lifted from the paperwork the instant she entered.
He leaned back slightly in his chair.
"I see you've returned."
Xiomara walked straight toward the desk without the slightest hesitation.
Then—
instead of taking the chair opposite him—
she casually perched herself on the edge of the desk.
Several carefully arranged documents shifted beneath her weight.
She leaned forward until only a few inches separated their faces.
A mischievous grin slowly spread across her lips.
"Brat."
She reached forward—
and flicked his forehead.
*Flick.*
"Is that really how you greet your older sister?"
The man closed his eyes for a brief moment before letting out a quiet sigh.
He slowly set his pen aside.
"You sat on official documents."
Xiomara glanced down.
"...I did."
Then she looked back at him with complete indifference.
"So?"
Another sigh escaped him.
"...Welcome home, Sister."
Her grin widened triumphantly.
"See?"
"That wasn't so difficult."
She withdrew her hand.
"There."
"You should've said that from the beginning."
She folded her arms across her chest.
"Every single time, I'm the one who has to remind you."
Her eyes narrowed playfully.
"Next time..."
"I'll knock some sense into that thick head of yours."
The man smiled helplessly.
"My apologies."
He rose slightly from his chair before gesturing toward the seat across from him.
"Please."
"Have a seat."
"You must be exhausted after such a long journey."
His polite smile remained unchanged.
"Perhaps some tea?"
"If I remember correctly..."
"You've always preferred the jasmine blend."
Xiomara snorted.
"Don't bother."
She waved a dismissive hand.
"That kind of flattery stopped working years ago."
She hopped down from the desk with effortless grace.
"I figure you've already heard the news."
"So I'll be leaving."
She had barely taken two steps—
when his voice quietly stopped her.
"...Mara."
She paused.
Glancing back over one shoulder.
"What?"
His expression gradually lost its gentle warmth.
A trace of seriousness settled across his face.
"I want the details."
Silence lingered between them.
After a moment—
she gave a small shrug.
"I arrived after the battle had already ended."
"So I didn't actually witness most of what happened."
A brief pause followed.
"But..."
The playful smile that usually rested on her face slowly disappeared.
Her golden eyes grew unusually calm.
"...I saw him."
The man's eyes narrowed ever so slightly.
"...Who?"
"The Dark One."
She tilted her head.
"Hm."
A faint chuckle escaped her lips.
"I suppose that title has spread farther than I expected."
He remained silent.
Waiting.
Listening.
Xiomara continued.
"I can't tell you much about the battle itself."
"But after seeing that kid..."
She looked directly into his eyes.
"...I know enough."
There wasn't a trace of her usual carefree attitude left in her voice.
Every word carried quiet certainty.
"If you value your life..."
"...don't involve yourself in anything concerning that child."
Silence filled the office.
The man stared at her for several long seconds.
"...Child?"
She simply shrugged.
"That's all I'm willing to say."
She turned around once more.
Already making her way toward the door.
"Alright."
"That's that."
"I'll be going."
Without looking back—
she casually raised one hand in farewell.
"Take care of yourself."
The man watched her until she reached the doorway.
Only then did a faint smile cross his face.
"...You too."
Xiomara didn't respond.
She merely gave one last lazy wave—
before disappearing beyond the office doors.
Click.
The doors slowly closed behind her.
The spacious office fell silent once again.
Only the quiet rustling of papers and the distant sound of the estate's fountains remained.