Got Home

  After all the ruckus, Senya finally made it home.

  The gates of the Reigi estate opened slowly, and for a brief moment, everything felt unreal—like he was standing in front of a memory rather than a place.

  Then—

  “Senya?”

  He barely had time to turn before his mother rushed forward and pulled him into an embrace.

  “You’re really back,” she said, her voice trembling. “You’ve grown so much.”

  Senya stiffened for a second… then relaxed.

  “I’m home,” he replied quietly.

  His father approached next, standing tall as ever. Their eyes met—no words at first, just understanding. Then his father nodded once.

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  “You kept your promise.”

  Before Senya could respond, something small collided with his leg.

  “Huh?”

  He looked down.

  A little girl clung to him, staring up with wide, curious eyes.

  “Who’s this?” Senya asked, confused.

  His mother smiled.

  “Your sister.”

  “Sister…?”

  “She’s four,” his father said. “You left before she was born.”

  The girl tilted her head.

  “Are you my big brother?”

  Senya knelt slowly, meeting her gaze.

  “…Yeah,” he said after a moment. “I am.”

  She grinned instantly and wrapped her arms around his neck.

  “Then don’t go away again!”

  His chest tightened.

  “I won’t,” he promised, softer than he meant to.

  Later, after the warmth of reunion had settled and the estate returned to its calm, his father placed a hand on Senya’s shoulder.

  “There’s something you need to attend,” he said. “The royal delegation has arrived.”

  Senya straightened.

  “Royal?”

  “The princesses,” his father continued. “They’re visiting the Northern lands. As the Reigi heir, you will accompany me.”

  Senya nodded once.

  As they walked toward the main hall, banners fluttered in the wind, bearing the Empire’s crest. The air felt heavier—formal, watchful.

  “So,” his father said quietly, “try not to cause trouble.”

  Senya allowed himself a faint smile.

  “No promises.”

  Ahead, the doors opened.

  And beyond them waited the royal family—along with the next turn his fate was about to take.