The procedure at the gate was fast.
We handed over some ID, and the butler said a few words.
Eventually, the gates opened with a low groan, revealing the vast estate inside.
The butler turned back to us.
"Your residence has been prepared at the edge of the west wing."
We followed him again, this time through paved paths and well-maintained gardens.
I kept looking around, trying to absorb everything.
The estate was massive.
Lamps lined the roads, glowing with soft golden light.
There were towers and halls in the distance, some lit from the inside, others completely dark.
Everything was neat, clean, and strangely quiet for such a large place.
Even though it was nighttime, I could see fountains, sculptures, and trimmed hedges shaped like beasts and birds.
There were training fields further out, and smaller buildings that looked like research centers or dorms.
It took us nearly thirty minutes of walking to finally reach the western edge of the estate.
The house we stopped at was modest.
A two-story building with a simple design.
It was not ugly, but definitely less luxurious than what we had been living in.
’Even after coming back, this is the best they were willing to give us?’
I couldn’t say I was shocked.
Dad had been exiled, after all.
It was already surprising they let us return at all.
We stepped inside.
And my opinion changed instantly.
The interior was nothing like the outside.
The floors were polished darkwood, the walls clean and lined with clearly hidden runes for temperature control and sound isolation.
The furniture was elegant, but not overdone.
Everything looked warm, lived-in, and expertly prepared.
The butler turned to us.
"I hope you like the house, young master, and madam."
"It is nice."
"Young master, if I may, most of the younger generation do not know much about you anymore.
"It’s because the records about you were erased and talking about you was forbidden.
"Only the elders and the high-ranking members are aware, who you really are."
He looked at Dad.
"For now, you’ll live here under the identity of a branch family member.
"The official story is that you performed a service for the House and lost your Energy Center during the mission.
"As a reward, the provisional house head has allowed you to live inside the estate."
Dad nodded.
Only direct family members and trainees were allowed to live on the estate.
The branch family members were supposed to live in their house, outside of the estate.
"The provisional head will meet you in the morning. Until then, please rest."
The butler gave one final bow and left, his lantern flickering as he disappeared down the path.
When it was just the three of us again, we slowly started exploring the house.
There were three bedrooms, a small study, a living room, and a modest kitchen. Everything was furnished.
We turned in for the night.
The next day, I approached dad after the breakfast.
"When can I start training?"
He looked down, confused. "Training?"
"You said I could learn sword here," I said.
He blinked once, then let out a small laugh and ruffled my hair.
"Right. I did say that. But not yet, little guy. You’re still too young. The real training starts at five. And even then, no one touches a real sword before seven."
I froze at his words.
"Children my age don’t train here?"
That wasn’t good. Not good at all.
’How am I going to collect stats then?’
I had planned everything out.
This week was supposed to be: go to the training grounds, train while secretly use Shadow Eater to get stats.
But now it looked like even setting foot in the training area might be off the table.
I was thinking of a solution when we heard a soft knock at the front door.
Mom opened it, and a woman stepped inside.
She was tall with sharp features and long black hair.
Her eyes, unmistakably Daelthorn grey, scanned the room quickly before settling on us.
There was a kind of coldness to her expression, the kind that told you she was used to commanding attention, not giving it.
’She must be the provisional House Head.’
Mom greeted her with a smile and led her into the living room.
Dad stood up and offered a small nod. He looked more serious than usual.
She took a seat without waiting to be offered one, crossing her legs and folding her hands on her lap.
"Was the trip smooth?" she asked.
"There were no problems," Mom said politely.
"How is the house?" she asked, glancing around.
"It’s good," Dad said. "Thank you."
"Mhm."
Her eyes moved to me.
I stared back.
"Come here," she said.
I didn’t move at first.
Mom patted me gently on the back and nodded at me.
Sighing inwardly, I walked over.
She reached into her coat pocket and pulled out a piece of chocolate, holding it out to me.
"I’m your aunt. You can call me Aunt Liora."
I took the chocolate and gave her a quick bow.
"Thank you."
"You have good manners," she said, sounding mildly surprised.
Then her eyes narrowed slightly. There was something unreadable in her expression.
"Can I pinch your cheeks?" she asked.
"Huh?"
Her voice was flat, but her eyes had a strange glint to them.
Looking carefully, I recognized that glint.
’Oh, no.’
Before I could say anything, she reached out and pinched both my cheeks.
’Ugh, great. The habit of ignoring personal space must run in this family.’
Dad was the same.
He still pinched my cheek every time without my permission. I shouldn’t have been surprised his sister was just as bad.
I rubbed my face when she finally let go, but I didn’t even have time to step away.
She grabbed me again, pulled me into her lap, and held me there while talking to my parents.
Alarms went off in my mind.
Sitting on Mom or Dad’s lap? Sure. That was normal. But this woman? A stranger? Absolutely not.
I tried to squirm free, but she was quite strong.
Helpless, I was at her mercy.
She was smiling now, comfortably pinching my cheek while chatting about house conditions and training schedules.
Her cold demeanor was nowhere to be seen.
Mom and Dad looked relaxed, and even a little amused.
Probably because they saw Liora doting on me.
From their perspective, it must have looked like a warm family moment.
But me?
I was not happy at all.
After their talk was done, I pulled her sleeve, trying to get her attention.
She had made embarrassed me so much today. There was no way I was going to let her go without making her pay for it.
"Aunt Liora." I glanced up at her with the most innocent expression I could manage. "Can you take me to the training grounds? I want to see it."
’And collect stats.’
I couldn’t beat her with strength yet.
But cuteness?
That was the one weapon a child like me could use to bring anyone to their knees!"
She stared at me, stunned.
I blinked up at her again, tilting my head just slightly. I even clutched the chocolate she gave me like it was a cherished gift.
’Dammit, I feel like throwing up due to my own actions.’
Dad raised an eyebrow.
"Please?" I added, gently tugging at her sleeve.
It was a low move. But so was cheek-pinching.