The estate felt… different.
Busier.
Servants moved more quickly than usual, whispers passing between them like quiet ripples.
"They've returned."
"The young masters are back from the academy—"
Elowen stood near the entrance hall, fidgeting slightly with the edge of her sleeve.
"…They're here already?" she muttered.
Her gaze flickered toward the large doors.
Behind her, Noel stood as he always did—silent, steady.
"…Stay close," he said.
"I was already planning to," she mumbled.
The doors opened.
And just like that—
They arrived.
Two figures stepped inside.
One tall and composed, his movements precise, his presence calm yet sharp—eyes that seemed to observe everything at once.
The other—
Far less restrained.
He stretched lazily, hands behind his head, an easy grin already forming as he glanced around.
"…So this is home again," he said lightly.
Elowen didn't move.
Instinctively—
She stepped closer to Noel.
Then closer.
Until she was half-hidden behind him, gripping the back of his sleeve slightly.
Noel didn't react.
But he didn't move away either.
"…Welcome back," a soft voice greeted.
Livinia stepped forward gracefully, a gentle smile on her lips.
"Second Brother, Third Brother."
Her voice was warm.
Perfect.
Too perfect.
Kael grinned. "Lavinia~ you got prettier while we were gone."
She laughed lightly. "You're as playful as ever, Third Brother."
Elias gave a small nod. "Livinia."
Polite. Distant.
His gaze moved—
And stopped.
On Noel.
Then—
Lower.
There was a slight shift in his eyes.
"…So it's true."
Kael followed his gaze.
And that's when he saw her.
"…Oh?"
His grin widened.
"Well, well…"
Elowen froze.
"…Noel," she whispered.
"…Mm."
That was all he said.
Very helpful.
Kael stepped forward, his movements light, curious—like someone approaching something interesting rather than someone.
Elowen shrank further behind Noel.
"…Is that her?" Kael asked, tilting his head. "Our lost little sister?"
Noel didn't answer.
Which, apparently, meant yes.
Kael leaned slightly to the side, trying to peek around Noel.
"…Hey."
Elowen quickly ducked back.
"…She's hiding," he said, amused.
"Kael," Elias spoke calmly.
But Kael ignored him.
Instead, he stepped closer, bending slightly to catch a glimpse of her.
Mischief sparkled in his eyes.
"…You sure she's seven?"
Elowen blinked.
"…Huh?"
"She looks smaller," he continued thoughtfully. "More like a baby."
Silence.
Elowen's eyes widened.
"…I am not a baby!"
She immediately stepped out from behind Noel, glaring.
Kael's grin grew wider.
"Oh, she talks."
"…Of course I talk!"
He crouched slightly, bringing himself closer to her level.
"…You're tiny."
"I am not!"
"…You are."
"I'm just—" she paused, struggling, "—appropriately sized!"
Kael laughed.
Actually laughed.
"Appropriately sized?"
"…Yes!"
Elias stepped forward.
"Kael."
His tone wasn't loud.
But it was enough.
Kael clicked his tongue. "…You're no fun."
Elias's gaze shifted to Elowen.
And unlike Kael—
There was no teasing.
Only quiet observation.
Careful.
Measured.
He stepped closer, stopping at a respectful distance.
"…Elowen."
She stiffened slightly.
"…Yes?"
"I am Elias. Your second brother."
His voice was calm, even.
Not warm.
But not cold either.
Just… steady.
Elowen blinked.
"…Oh."
She hesitated.
Then gave a small, awkward nod.
"…Hello."
Elias inclined his head slightly in return.
A proper greeting.
Simple.
Clean.
No pressure.
Elowen relaxed just a little.
"…You are smaller than expected," he added.
Pause.
"…But within reasonable range."
Silence.
Elowen stared at him.
"…That doesn't make it better."
Kael snorted behind him.
Elias ignored him completely.
Behind them—
Lavinia stood still.
Watching.
Her smile remained.
Perfect.
Gentle.
But her fingers tightened slightly at her sides.
"…Of course," she said softly, stepping forward. "Third Brother, you should stop teasing her. Elowen is still just a child."
Her voice was kind.
Protective.
Flawless.
Kael glanced at her, then back at Elowen.
"…You're lucky," he said lightly.
Elowen frowned.
"…I didn't need saving."
Lavinia's smile didn't falter.
"…Of course not," she said gently. "But we should still be considerate."
Her eyes flickered—
Just for a second.
Sharp.
Then soft again.
Elias turned slightly.
"…Enough."
Simple.
Final.
Kael raised his hands. "Alright, alright."
But his eyes—
Still lingered on Elowen.
Curious.
Interested.
"…This is going to be fun," he murmured.
Elowen immediately stepped back again.
"…Noel."
"…Mm."
"…They're weird."
"…They are."
That didn't help.
At all.
And as laughter, politeness, and introductions filled the hall—
Something else lingered beneath it all.
Unspoken.
Unseen.
A quiet shift in balance.
Because for the first time—
Everyone was here.
And the story…
Had truly begun to move.