"Once more, welcome to the Lionheart family. Thank you for coming," Gilead commenced the dialogue as he sat before Eugene, Sienna, and Kristina in the family's reception room. The conversation proceeded naturally and casually.
Oh, thank you for acknowledging Eugene as your successor.
Ah, how could I not take such an exceptional child as my successor?
"Please feel free to speak casually,” Gilead said after a while.
Sienna would not typically refuse such an invitation. Rather, she might have eased into speaking casually even before Gilead suggested it, and Sienna herself thought this was the norm.
Why wouldn't it be? After all, it was a fact that Sienna had been alive for more than three hundred years.
Gilead looked to be middle-aged, while Sienna was a youthful, pure young lady in appearance. But regardless of their exterior, Gilead was a distant descendant of Vermouth to Sienna.
'Right? You guys would prefer that, too, right? You know your grandfather’s grandfather, your ancestor Vermouth… I used to casually banter with him. Ah, you know, I thought I was going to die having to speak all spiffy.’
She desired to say such words, but she held herself back. She couldn’t speak such words here, not in the Lionheart mansion — the reason being solely Eugene, who was sitting next to her.
"Hmm… no, it's okay. I respect my friend Vermouth, and in the same manner, I respect his descendants, the Lionheart clan, you all, in short." Sienna played coy. She didn’t think it would give off a good impression acting so casually in front of Eugene’s foster father, foster mother, and his birth father.
Simply put, Sienna held a somewhat romanticized view of calling them by their formal titles such as mother-in-law, father-in-law, father, mother, etcetera.…
[She’s playing coy, I see,] commented Anise.
'I find that side of her slightly adorable.' Kristina chimed in.
[You find her lack of assertiveness endearing?] Anise questioned, to which Kristina simply smiled without responding.
Yet, Anise was mentally connected with Kristina and understood what she was thinking.
‘A scary child…,’ Anise couldn’t help but think as she peered into Kristina's enigmatic mind.
Gilead admired Sienna's response.
The conversation resumed shortly as Gilead praised Sienna's accomplishments and honor while Ancilla lauded Sienna's dignity and beauty. Gerhard expressed his gratitude for treating his son, Eugene, with kindness and care.
"Should you find anything uncomfortable during your stay at the Lionheart estate, please do not hesitate to bring it up."
"Yes, please do so. Even if it is something minor,” Gilead and Ancilla said with a smile.
"I’ll continue staying here,” Sienna, too, responded with a smile.
"Pardon?"
"For a while?"
"Hmm? Haha, for a while…. Really?"
Gilead, Ancilla, and Gerhard's gaze collectively shifted toward Sienna. Sienna still managed to respond with a smile.
"Yes, I’ll continue staying here. You know, I thought this when I came here while Vermouth was still alive, but this mansion is truly wonderful. It’s built on good land."
She wasn't lying. This mansion closely resembled the ideal image of a mansion that Sienna always had in her mind. The mansion she had built in Aroth had turned into a tourist attraction after several centuries of development, but this mansion remained exactly as it had been three hundred years ago.
Adjacent to the mansion was a spacious forest. There was no flowing river, but there was a lake instead.
"I heard from my successor. There aren’t that many people who live here despite how big it is, right? Only the head of the family, his wife, Sir Gerhard, as well as the twins and the servants,” said Sienna.
The knights had their own quarters, so it was indeed a fact that not many people lived in this mansion. Sienna quickly took the lead before anyone could respond to the shocking declaration.
"I don't mind any room. Oh, come to think of it, I don't necessarily have to live in the mansion. My family and the elves are living in the forest, so I might consider building a cabin in the woods and living there. After all, when you think of a witch, you imagine them living in a cabin in the forest, right?" said Sienna with a laugh.
Ancilla was the first to regain her composure, albeit belatedly. She desperately maintained her smile as she spoke, "But Lady Sienna...? Aroth has been waiting for your return for two hundred years. Are you really okay with not going back to Aroth...?"
"Of course, I'm fine. That matter was already resolved before I left Aroth. I mean, who would dare say anything to me about staying here?" Sienna made sure to emphasize her last words. She had decided to use power rather than logical persuasion.
Even Ancilla, as headstrong as she was, couldn't refute Sienna's blatant display of power.
"Oh, of course, I don't mean to imply that I’ll invite myself to stay here as I want. Naturally, I will take my leave if any of you are against it,” Sienna said.
"Haha…. How could you say that? Please stay in the mansion as long as you desire."
"Oh my…. Thank you for your consideration, Sir Gilead. Of course, I have no intention of occupying a room without compensation. I will pay sufficient rent every month, and if anyone in the Lionheart clan wishes to learn magic, I can personally teach them. Or perhaps I can create artifacts for the Lionheart clan or… provide magical assistance in other ways,” said Sienna.
Gilead and Ancilla couldn't conceal the change in their expression after hearing Sienna’s words. Their only reason against Sienna staying with them stemmed from the fact that Sienna’s very presence was burdensome. She was the Wise Sienna, who had lived in an era of their ancestors.
Her presence would undoubtedly draw everyone’s attention towards her, and the authority of the family’s head would be diminished as long as Sienna was present.
However, without having to worry about such an issue, it was incredibly appealing to have the Wise Sienna stay with them.
Gilead had no intention of accepting the rental fees that Sienna proposed, but the magical help that she could offer was a lavish gift that even the emperor would respectfully request.
An artifact for the Lionheart family? It was hard to even imagine what it could be. And what of the other magical assistance?
Would she install various spells in their territory? Would the Wise Sienna go to the lengths of personally doing such a thing?It was nearly impossible for seasoned knights to start learning magic now. But there were a few collateral families that specialized in magic. Even among the families who did not, there would be children dreaming of wielding magic and staffs rather than weapons….
Thinking so far, Gilead recalled his eldest son, who had died a few years ago.
He would forever remain the blemish in the history of the Lionheart family. Only curses and contempt would follow the name of Eward Lionheart.
However, Gilead couldn't only despise and curse his eldest son.
He could still clearly remember the image of his fifteen-year-old son. His eyes had sparkled after seeing magic during the Bloodline Continuation Ceremony.
“Thank you,” Gilead said sincerely.
There was no point in imagining what would have happened if Eward had not fallen into corruption. If — Eward had matured into the wizard he dreamed of becoming and met Lady Sienna….
It was pointless pondering.
Gilead erased the image of Eward from his mind and gave a deep bow to Sienna.
***
"See, it worked out well," Sienna nudged Eugene's side with a smirk.
"Of course, it would. Who would say no to what you're offering?" responded Eugene.
"Wouldn't you have said no if you really disliked it?" countered Sienna.
"There's nothing to dislike. We have all of this land. It won’t cause a problem just because you’re living here,” grumbled Eugene before looking back.
The sun had set, but the mansion was still brightly lit. The guests from various parts of the continent were enjoying the party in the garden, but Eugene, Sienna, and Kristina, the protagonists of the party, were walking together on a secluded path in the woods.
"So, where are you planning to live? Are you really going to build a cabin in the woods and live there?" asked Eugene.
"The idea is quite appealing. But it's not like I have to choose one or the other. Can't I live in the mansion and also in the cabin?” said Sienna.
She hesitated because of Kristina and Anise. What if those hungry wolves pounced on Eugene in the mansion while Sienna was staying in the cabin?
Gulp….
She allowed her imagination to take over just for a moment. She didn’t tremble with anger, as she had expected, but that didn’t mean she wanted to leave Eugene in the grasp of the hungry wolves.
"Do you ever realize… that you sometimes look at me with strange... um... eyes?" Eugene said, shrinking back. He felt an instinctive feeling of danger.
Sienna would occasionally make such a face. Her eyes would swirl as if painting whirlpools, her body quivering as she swallowed…. Whenever Eugene faced such a gaze, he felt like a frog in front of a snake.
"What's wrong with my eyes?" asked Sienna.
"Should I say... it makes me uncomfortable...?"
Sienna kicked Eugene’s shin with a grimace.
"Stop talking nonsense. You're free tomorrow, right? Let's go to the city together,” said Sienna.
"Why the city?" asked Eugene.
She had worked up the courage to suggest it. Why did he always have to ask for a reason? Why couldn’t he simply agree to it? If they were going, they should just go.
Sienna glanced at Eugene's face, and with a firm voice, she explained, "We need to purchase materials for Frost's enhancement. Plus, I want to explore the capital of the Kiehl Empire. Mer said she'd love to tour the capital with you and me."
Afterward, Sienna cast a sneaky glance at Kristina. Kristina’s expression barely betrayed her feelings.
After a moment's hesitation, Sienna cleared her throat before continuing, "Just the three of us."
"You don't need to be afraid,” said Kristina, slightly turning her head towards Sienna.
Afraid? Me? Sienna felt as though she'd been struck on the head with a hammer. She immediately widened her eyes and glared at Kristina.
"What do you mean I'm afraid?!" she shouted.
"Ah…. I'm sorry. I misspoke. I meant to say that you don't need to worry,” Kristina corrected herself.
"I'm not even worried!" blared Sienna.
"Yes, rest assured, Lady Sienna. I won't disturb your peaceful and private time with Sir Eugene." Kristina clasped her hands in front of her chest and looked at Eugene, saying, "Since I have to take care of the favor Sir Eugene asked me. Please enjoy your city visit on my behalf as well."
Purifying the massive body of Raizakia would likely require a month of prayers. It was a daunting task, but Kristina had gladly pledged to do so for Eugene.
Sienna knew what the favor was about. She had considered teasing Kristina and Anise about it.
But... she felt guilty at Kristina's submissive and considerate response.
However….
Despite her guilt, Sienna had no intention of missing this chance.
'They must have had their share of fun while I was sealed away, right?'
To be honest, it wasn't like they were doing anything spectacular. They would tour the city for a day and spend their free time strolling through the woods on the mansion grounds. Yet, as mundane as it was, this was the everyday life Sienna had always longed for.
Of course, Sienna could not fully indulge in this peaceful life. There was a need to fuse the dragon heart she received from Ariartel with Frost, and as someone now residing in the mansion, she was obliged to at least establish a defensive magical boundary on the land.
Was that all?
She was also needed in the distant northern region, in the Kingdom of Ruhr, to meet Molon. He was said to be at its very edge.
And there was Iris, said to be pirating in the southern seas, as well as the black wizard known as Amelia, the one who had toyed with Hamel’s corpse. Moreover, there were the demons and the Demon Kings. Finally, Vermouth as well.
'There is plenty of time, yet I can’t afford to play around. There is too much to be done.'
She needed a bold gamble.
Sienna surreptitiously turned her head to look at Mer. Mer’s hand was clasped in her own. Mer, too, raised her head to look back at her.
Two gazes of green hues met. Though no words passed between them, they both nodded, each thinking the same thoughts.
Tomorrow’s theme was family.
***
As usual, Ancilla woke up and prepared herself just before dawn, making sure that her appearance was kempt and proper for the matriarch of the prestigious Lionheart family.
The feast from the night prior had wrapped up, and all the guests had been sent off to their respective territories. From today onwards, the Lionheart estate would be returning to its usual state.
'Even though Lady Sienna is staying as a guest.'
She could not allow herself to be overly conscious. The head of the Lionheart family was still her husband, and only Ancilla was to support this great family from behind the scenes.
As such, Ancilla steeled her resolve anew the moment she stepped out of her room. Even if the Wise Sienna was staying as a guest, Ancilla was determined to be steadfast. Right, she would ensure she would not bend even in front of the Wise Sienna. Rather, she would make sure that Lady Sienna would respect her wishes when in this mansion.
Ancilla did not seek assistance for the first grooming of the morning. She was unwilling to show her disheveled appearance to anyone except her husband.
This morning was no different. She did her makeup and changed her clothes. It was winter, and the wind was cold. Thinking that the clothes she had in her room were not warm enough, she walked into the dressing room to find light outerwear to cover herself with.
Given the size of the mansion, there were several dressing rooms bigger than the size of an ordinary warehouse. This dressing room didn’t just house Ancilla’s clothes but also the ones she had bought for Ciel to wear someday, as well as the clothes she had gifted to Mer.
Ancilla froze as soon as she walked into the dressing room, even forgetting to close the door behind her. The room was in chaos as if a storm had passed through, and clothes that had been neatly arranged were all spread out on the floor.
"I... was trying to tidy it up,” said Sienna with a sheepish smile. She was dressed in an extravagant, lavish dress. Next to her stood Mer, wearing an equally extravagant dress. The familiar mirrored the same awkward smile.
"What... what on earth are you two doing here?" Ancilla asked, both shocked and flustered.
Why were Sienna and Mer in this room? Never mind the terrible mess, Ancilla failed to comprehend the situation at hand.
"Um... well, you see…," Sienna stuttered, struggling to articulate herself.
In a bind, she cast an imploring glance at Mer, who, with a light-hearted chuckle, stepped forward towards Ancilla.
"Actually, Lady Ancilla," Mer began, "Lady Sienna, Sir Eugene, and I have planned an outing in the city today. I wanted to wear this lovely dress you've gifted me for the occasion."
As for Sienna, she blushed slightly, clearing her throat before she spoke. "I, um, Lady Ancilla... have been so long removed from worldly matters that I'm not quite used to the modern trends in... in clothing. I thought, perhaps, your stylish wardrobe could inspire me, but... it seems I had become overly enthralled."
Indeed, it was the truth. She had only intended to help Mer choose her attire at the beginning, but the array of garments stored here had caught her attention far too well.
"Ah... I see." Ancilla replied.
How could anyone be upset when the Wise Sienna was giving such a confession? Ancilla wasn’t even upset. Instead, Sienna's compliment on her sense of style had, in fact, pleased her.
"I shall leave you to it then; please feel free to explore," said Ancilla.
"W-wait! Now that you're here, could you perhaps assist us?" Sienna implored.
"Pardon?" Ancilla quirked an eyebrow.
The room was filled to the brim with clothing. So many choices appealed to Sienna and Mer, but they couldn't decide what to wear.
Upon hearing their predicament, Ancilla nodded, "If that's the case... I understand. You need help choosing outfits that would suit you and Mer best, correct?"
"This is of utmost importance," Sienna lowered her voice dramatically to a whisper. "Mother and daughter."
"Pardon?" Ancilla queried, now thoroughly confused.
"Mother and daughter," Sienna repeated. "I am the mother. Mer is the daughter. I want us to be seen as such by others."
"But... you already appear so to others…."
"Not just our faces. I would like our clothing to complement this perception," Sienna interjected.
What on earth was this request about?
Ancilla felt slightly dizzy, but she gave a nod of agreement.
She couldn't say that she was completely lost on the reason. The bond between Sienna and Mer was apparent. Mer was cute. Moreover, they had only reunited after hundreds of years, and since Mer was a familiar said to be created reflecting Sienna’s childhood, Sienna would definitely harbor a certain maternal fondness for the familiar.
"Shouldn't we also choose clothes for Sir Eugene?" Mer asked.
"Hush," Sienna interrupted.
"If Lady Sienna is the mother, I am the daughter, and Sir Eugene is the father, it would be perfect, right? To choose clothes that match—"
"Hush!" Sienna exclaimed louder this time, looking startled as she covered Mer's mouth.
Ancilla froze in the middle of selecting clothes. She was afraid to analyze the meaning behind what she had just heard.
'Mother? Daughter? Father? Eugene? Why?'
Did she hear wrong? She turned her eyes toward Sienna and Mer with a baffled expression. Sienna offered an awkward smile as she continued covering Mer’s mouth.
[Lady Sienna lacks courage. It's better to admit it beforehand since it will eventually come out anyway. That way, you can get help.]
Mer's grumbling voice echoed in Sienna's mind as she blushed.