The warmth of dinner clung to the air—clinking plates, faint laughter, and Lily’s stubborn glare softening little by little. For a fleeting mont, Nathan let himself believe this was enough.
But his eyes fell to the end of the table. The empty chair.
Dad should’ve been here too.
The ache twisted in his chest, yet before the silence could settle, a voice cut in—smooth, almost too composed.
"...It’s a strong family you have, Nathan."
Validia.She sat with perfect posture, her fork untouched, crimson gaze observing everything like an outsider at a play. The role of "Lilia" fit her well, but the weight in her tone wasn’t sothing a sister would say.
Nathan t her eyes, lips twitching into a faint, tired smile. He couldn’t tell if it was comfort or reminder.
And then—three knocks echoed at the door.
Emily rose quickly, wiping her hands on her apron.When she opened it, a familiar figure stood frad by the doorway light.
Sophia.Not in casual wear, but dressed with an elegance that felt deliberate. Her eyes flicked past Emily, locking straight onto Nathan.
For a mont, the room’s warmth shifted—family, disguise, and old ties colliding in the sa space.
The clinking of cutlery returned as everyone tried to ease back into the warmth of dinner. Emily’s gaze, however, kept flicking toward Validia—no, Lilia—with quiet curiosity.
Finally, she spoke."So... Lilia, dear. Where exactly are you from? We never really asked."
Validia froze for a second. Her fork paused halfway, crimson eyes flickering ever so slightly. She wasn’t used to this—small talk, family warmth. For the briefest mont, her mask slipped.
"...I—"
Before she could fumble further, Nathan leaned forward with an easy grin."She’s from the country next door, Mom. Independent type, lives on her own. Pretty much raised herself."
Emily’s face softened instantly. "Oh, really? That must’ve been hard... You must be a very strong girl."
Validia blinked, then lowered her gaze politely. "...Sothing like that."
But across the table, Sophia’s spoon tapped a little too sharply against her bowl. Her smile was polite, but her eyes cut like glass toward Nathan, then to Validia.
"So," Sophia began casually, "you two t... where, again?"
Nathan smirked faintly, scratching his cheek as if it wasn’t a big deal. "Complicated story. Let’s just say... fate got involved."
Sophia’s lips curved, though the faint bite in her tone didn’t go unnoticed. "Huh. Fate, is it."
anwhile, Lily shoveled rice into her mouth, watching the entire exchange with narrowed eyes. Her thoughts were a ss, but one thing rang loud in her head:
Unbelievable. He disappears for a year, cos back stronger, and now he’s got girls throwing themselves at him?
She puffed her cheeks, stabbing her fork into her food. Tch. Idiot brother. At least he’s not a loser anymore... but seriously—why does he look like he’s being fought over?
Her lips twitched before she could stop them. ...Well, maybe this isn’t so bad to watch.
Validia lowered her fork again, then cautiously took another bite of the steaming dish in front of her.One taste—and her eyes widened for just a fraction of a second.
"...Hhh—" She almost gasped. The flavor burst across her tongue, richer than anything she had consud before. Not raw mana, not bitter rations from the Tower—this was alive.
For a dangerous mont, words slipped past her lips."Human food is so delici—"
Nathan’s foot shot out under the table, nudging her sharply. Validia coughed, covering her mouth quickly, her calm expression snapping back into place."—Delicious. Truly. Thank you."
Sophia’s spoon paused mid-air. Her sharp eyes flicked to Validia, suspicion glimring for just an instant. Human food? What kind of phrasing is that...?
But before the silence could thicken, Emily leaned forward, her expression lting into gentle pity."Oh, sweetheart... so that’s it. You don’t get homade als often, do you? No wonder you look so happy eating this. Please, take more. Don’t be shy."
Validia hesitated, then bowed her head slightly, her voice softer than usual."...Thank you, Madam."
Sophia set her spoon down with a faint clink, her smile polite but edged."Mm, that’s true. Aunt Emily’s cooking is always good. Warm, comforting... almost like it carries a piece of family in it."
Emily blinked, a little surprised by the sincerity in Sophia’s tone. For a brief mont, she wondered quietly to herself. ...Maybe this girl also longs for her hotown... or her mother.
The thought lingered, unspoken, while the clatter of utensils slowly filled the room again.
The al wound down, plates pushed aside as the warmth of the table lingered.Validia sat a little straighter, but her eyes kept drifting toward the empty dishes. For soone usually composed and unreadable, there was now a faint... glimr.
She glanced at Nathan—her gaze soft, almost pleading.
Nathan caught it instantly and nearly groaned aloud. ...Seriously? This woman... she’s still hungry?His lips twitched. No, not hungry—just greedy for human food.
To break the silence, he leaned toward his mother."Mom, did you make dessert too?"
Emily blinked, then chuckled sheepishly."Oh dear, I completely forgot... but I did buy so yogurt earlier."
The mont the word left her lips, Validia spoke quickly—far quicker than she intended."I want that."
Sophia’s eyebrows shot up. Her smile was cool, almost mocking."My, how straightforward. Ever heard of waiting for your host to offer first?"
Validia blinked, unbothered, but Nathan pinched the bridge of his nose.
Emily laughed, waving it off."Oh, don’t be so harsh, Sophia. It’s only natural. Poor Lilia... she spent so long trapped in that Tower. No wonder she clings to simple pleasures like this."
Validia lowered her gaze, pretending to be shy, but her hand was already ready to claim the yogurt the mont it appeared.
Emily returned from the kitchen with a tray of small cups, setting them neatly on the table."Here we are. Yogurt. Nothing fancy, but refreshing after dinner."
Before she could even finish, Validia had already taken one cup, peeling the lid back with eager precision. She scooped a spoonful and tasted it—her eyes lit up, shoulders relaxing as if she’d just bitten into bliss itself.
"Mmm..." she let out a small sound, almost too honest, her usual cold mask slipping away.
Nathan sighed, rubbing his temple. This woman... she’s acting like yogurt is a divine treasure.
Across the table, Lily stared. Her spoon paused halfway, watching Validia savor every bite with almost suspicious delight.She’s acting weird... really weird.
But then, as her gaze flicked between her brother and this mysterious "Lilia," a thought slid uninvited into her mind.
They were gone together for a whole year... inside that Tower. Just the two of them... what exactly were they doing all that ti?
Her cheeks burned before she could stop herself. She dropped her gaze to her yogurt, stirring it furiously to hide the sudden redness on her face.
"Tch..." she muttered under her breath, trying to sound annoyed. "Idiots."
But no one missed the faint flush creeping up her ears.
Sophia’s spoon dipped slowly into her yogurt, but her thoughts churned louder than the quiet clink of silverware.
This is bad... If I stay silent, Aunt Emily might start favoring that girl. She looks fragile, pitiful—exactly the kind of type mothers want to protect. I can’t let myself fall behind.
She forced a bright smile, turning toward Emily."Aunt Emily, your cooking earlier... and now even this yogurt, it feels different when you prepare it. Sohow it tastes warr."
Her tone was sweet, carefully asured, every word chosen to shine.
Emily blinked, then chuckled softly, shaking her head."Oh, Sophia... you’re flattering too much. It’s just yogurt from the store, nothing special."
Still, as she glanced between Sophia’s earnest smile and Validia’s quiet enjoynt of every bite, a thought stirred in her chest.
These two girls... They just children longing for sothing they’ve missed. A ho-cooked al, a warm table, maybe even... a mother’s presence.
Her heart softened, and she exhaled gently."...Really, you girls. You make feel like I should’ve prepared twice as much food tonight."
Validia looked up, startled, her spoon frozen midair. Sophia’s smile faltered for a second, then steadied again.
Across the table, Nathan could only pinch the bridge of his nose.Great. Now Mom’s adopting strays. What’s next?
The tension at the table hung quietly, until Nathan finally cleared his throat, breaking the silence."So... Lilia. How’s school?"
Validia blinked, spoon still hovering. For a mont, she looked genuinely confused—then her lips curved faintly."...Good."
She leaned back slightly, her tone calm, almost teasing."But since when do you care about my school?"
Nathan froze, caught off guard by the jab. He clicked his tongue and looked away, scratching his cheek."...I was just curious. Nothing more."
The air grew still again—until Lily suddenly set her spoon down with a sharp clack. Her eyes narrowed, but there was a faint, proud edge in her voice."If you’re curious, then fine. I’ll answer. I’m ranked second in class."
Nathan turned to her, lips tugging into a small smile."Rank two, huh? That’s impressive."
Lily’s cheeks tinted the faintest pink, and she quickly busied herself with her yogurt again.
Nathan watched her quietly, warmth flickering in his chest.So she did want to ask... Even with all that attitude, she wanted to notice.
As the light chatter began to settle, Emily suddenly smiled faintly, lost in thought."You know, Nathan... so of your old school friends dropped by once. Can you believe it? A few of them are already married... so even have children now."
The words lingered in the air like a stone dropped into still water.The table fell quiet, the warmth of monts before slipping into a heavy silence.
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