"Heave … HO!"

The burly armed sailors lift the heavy looking crate through a joint effort. I watch as they unload onto the piers and fill my lungs with the salty air of Marlon's pier city. Jamet! Home! I'm almost home!

"Ready to get back to Bariti?" Shaw looks to me with a small smile, "You're in for a scolding, sis."

"Here I thought you wanted me to go home," I point my nose in the air, "That doesn't help."

"Hey," His grin doesn't go away, "You know dad'll be happy to see you."

"Hm," I don't say anything in response. If I did, I don't know if Shaw would think me a loon.

I had plenty of time to think alone on the boat. Shaw helped around a lot, so he wasn't always there. Gumilia was largely silent company, which left me, my notes, and my thoughts.

There's no doubt anymore on the presence of demons and Sins in the web of plot that we're deeply entangled in. So far, Gumilia has disclosed that a sin was involved during the Reign of Evil, and that someone planted the sin in Kyle on purpose. It can be assumed for now, that perhaps the planter of the seeds is one and the same. Could it be Kyle's mother, truly? After all, she gave Kyle the mirror which got him possessed. And Ney, back at the grave, she was a Marlon scout who'd used the power of a magic glass. I believe in Jacques notes he'd mentioned the power of gluttony being one tied to necromancy. Ney having achieved such a feat due to her proximity with Prim Marlon isn't too far a stone's toss then …

"Yukina."

I turn to face Kyle, who gestures at three carriages.

"This is where we part ways."

I blink, looking at the two carriages. Both are parked by the pier area, were others are also waiting to pick up passengers along paddy wagons and such. There are two people dressed like servants by one of the carriages. I recognize the insignia of the Freesis Foundation on one of their lapels. Gumilia seems to be in conversation with one of them.

Kyle shrugs a little, "Your father has been expecting us, it seems."

"Ah, right, I sent a letter by a clipper just before we left, telling them we're coming!" Shaw pipes up.

"You didn't tell me you alerted father!" I huff slightly in indignation.

"Well I came to get you with his behest! Did you think he had nothing to do with this?!" Shaw almost laughs at my look of disbelief. Oh, I could just smack him!

"But …" I turn to Kyle, "Where will you be going to then?"

Kyle pats my head like I'm a frightened child in need of comforting, "I will go to Marlon Castle, and face my mother."

I successfully resist the urge to immediately slap off his hand and strike at that gallant attitude of his. Instead, I slightly pout and politely remove his hand from my head. With the look of annoyed child, I stare into his eyes from below.

"Kyle, are you sure that's so wise? No doubt she'll expect you're already coming. Especially if my parents were already informed of the arrival …"

"That is all the better and none the worse."

Gumilia walks over to join our little conversation. She affixes her glasses and looks to me and Shaw sternly.

"I just spoke to the attendants sent by your father. He is expecting us for a party at your manor tonight," She glances at Germaine, who is bantering with some sailors before they ready to depart, "It would be rude if we didn't attend."

"Wait, so Kyle is returning … alone?" I can scarcely believe it. Such poor planning! From Gumilia no less! I still managed to bring down my volume when I elaborated further, "Gumilia … suppose Kyle gets possessed again? It's simply too risky!"

Kyle smiles at my worry, which was only irritating. Gumilia sighs and looks at him sideways. She then refocuses her gaze on me.

"It will be fine. I'm sure he won't succumb so easily again. Besides … He's still not so sure for himself what the truth is. Thus, he must learn it himself. That is all…" She looks again to Kyle, with almost a distrustful gaze, "I cannot convince you to turn so easily on your own mother without you seeing with your own eyes after all."

Kyle nods and smiles almost confidently, "I'm sure there's an explanation for all this. Though there may be some taint in my family, I don't think it fully the fault of my mother. Perhaps we are all being manipulated, her included."

Gumilia affixes her glasses, "You will see it's not always such a pleasant truth soon. Come, Yukina, Shaw. Your home awaits."

Home … I can't help but feel almost like a stranger going back. I know the manor well, all its nooks and crannies. I'd explored it well on my first days. Then it became a cage to me. There was secrecy under the roof galore. My mother and father, I still wonder what they may be keeping from me, and how much of it I have learned this time since I'd run away. How much of the big picture am I still missing? How badly are they mired in this narrative? All this possibly being tied to the Marlon royal head … and many times I've heard mother mention our families inextricable ties to them … so perhaps we're not innocent in all this at all. It makes me shudder thinking how many lives have been lost already amid all this tragedy, and how the one holding the strings might be so close to me…

Shaw brings me out of my moody thoughts, placing a hand on my shoulder, "Ready to go, sis?"

"Huh?" I turn to him and recover from my fluster, "Oh, yes. Of course …"

"Y'know, Aile will be really happy to see you again."

"Oh? How is she by the way? Her health, I mean …"

Gumilia claps her hands and scolds us curtly, "Go on you two, and save it for the ride. Me and Germaine will hail the carriage following yours. And Kyle can be on his way alone."

Shaw runs over to the carriage with the two attendants, "C'mon sis. Bariti awaits!"

I walk over with less vigor. Our belongings have all been loaded already and the coachman sits patiently with his whip in hand. The horses paw impatiently, on the other hand.

I admit, I'm feeling a bit skittish going home not only because I no longer feel I belong there, but also because I don't know what may have changed. I should inquire further on this with Shaw. Perhaps I've just gotten so engrossed with Germaine and Gumilia and the others that I'd forgotten about those closer at home. I board the carriage with Shaw.

One attendant steps in and sits across from us, shutting the door. I glimpse the other attendant enter the second carriage with Germaine and Gumilia. Kyle boards his carriage and is already off in a completely different direction. The attendant knocks on the wall behind him, signaling the coachman. There's the crack of a whip, and neighing before we start moving, thudding along the somewhat bumpier roads than I remember.

"S-So, Shaw," I stutter a bit from the ride's bumpiness, "How is Aile…"

I can't help but get nervous asking. It's the same feeling when Shaw first told me how father wanted to see me. Aile was born with fragile health, and so mother would often give her more attention. Despite that, she is a warm character and I do often think to her smiling and offering me refreshment when I need some break from my writing. It has been awfully selfish of me to think my departure wouldn't have affected her at all…

Shaw doesn't answer immediately.

I look outside a bit to distract myself, "Shaw, what about Aile…"

Shaw sighs, "She's fine. But she's worried. We all were." His tone is slightly resentful. So he'd been hiding it until we were alone homeward bound.

"…" I don't turn back to him, instead saying, "Was mother really…"

"… How can you even say that sis? You're in the wrong here!" He has a bit of indignance in his voice, like he was the one hurt.

I sigh and leave it there in that silence. I'm not quite sure but I do believe my relationship with family Is getting more… difficult.

My mind wandered a bit until I glimpsed a Levin church, seemingly handing out packages to rather destitute-looking people.

"What's going on there, Shaw?"

He looks out, a bit bored and indifferent honestly, like it is a commonplace scene, "Gula. It's spread from the mainland. Supposedly through some stowaway on a ship. It started with the slums, but the kingdom is having some trouble containing it. So, the church is stepping in as of late."

Gula here as well? I can't help but be reminded of that man Chartette fought off… or that graveyard where all the victims were buried, and Ney poured her glass… The mere memories bring a shudder to my spine. Gumilia had mentioned how this disease was bought on by the sins as well.

The carriage ride is luckily otherwise uneventful. I see the manor coming into view and there is the slightest twinge of nostalgia and relief that it is still standing. I half expected, with all the presence of magic and maliciousness in the world, to come back to a home in shambles. There is unease as well, as I will have to own up to what I have done, with seemingly only tall tales to show.

The carriage slowly comes to a stop before the doors after passing the gates. It looks the same as ever. Outside, my father and Bruno stand, watching our approach. Their faces are inscrutable. I feel my stomach flop slightly. When the wheels stop and the horses whinny, the footman taps the carriage wall to indicate dismount. I stand and step out with my head hanging slightly.

The two look to me and Shaw expectantly. I slowly look up, just a little, to my father. He has a stern face, but it melts almost instantly as he swoops me up in his arms in an embrace as though I'm still four years old.

"Yukina…"

"F-father…" I am a bit startled, but I return the fervent gesture with little apprehension.

He nuzzles his face in my hair, saying no more. Shaw and Bruno look on at our reunion. The butler eventually speaks.

"It is good to see you back, Miss Yukina."

"… It's good to be back, Bruno."

"You are in for quite an earful, young lady," My father's tone flips on the dime and he pulls out of the hug, looking at me sternly, but with a playful twinkle still in his eye, "Maybe around dinner."

I chuckle. He and I ride the same wavelength. There is little reason to be anxious about him. I giggle slightly at the implied threat. Behind, Germaine and Gumilia dismount from their carriage. Father straightens from the hug wholly and faces them with a somber nudge of his spectacles. He smiles warmly.

"Welcome back."

"Gods, Keel. You look like you slept well despite your daughter being overseas!" Germaine scoffs, folding her arms.

"Well, she is a very capable young woman," He rubs my head and chuckles, "And I had a feeling she might run into you."

"Whoop-dee-doo..." Germaine sighs, "Well at least the witch hunt will be called off. Otherwise, it might have been years before we came here."

"Quite," Gumilia affixes her glasses on her nose bridge, "Yukina, why don't you go get reacquainted with your home, and maybe make your peace."

I see. The "adults" want to talk. So much for being a young woman. I pout and stand my ground.

"I don't see why I must be omitted from the conversation!"

"Miss Yukina," Bruno places a gentle hand on my shoulder, "You really must go see your mother. Everyone was terribly worried."

"Yeah!" Shaw quips indignantly.

I sigh a bit and point a playful finger at my father, "I'll be interrogating you about this later!"

He laughs and I crack a small smile before heading inside the manor. Gerda is there at the door, expecting. She throws her thick and warm arms around me before I even have a chance to move my tongue.

"Little miss Yukina!" Her tone is scolding, yet warm, "You have returned. But was there any doubt?"

"Ehe, oh, Gerda..." I take a whiff from her apron as she's pressed against me. As always, she has the most comforting scents: pastry, cookie dough, warm bread, roast pheasant... My mouth waters a bit and my tummy gurgles. It feels like it has been forever since I had eaten.

"Ahaha, I'll bet you've missed my cooking quite a bit. Come now," She lets me go and points down the corridor to the kitchen, "I have some nice soup and meat pie. If you want, I can make it even a pot pie."

I put off the need to go see mother just for a bit and walk with Gerda. It's quite nice to be back home. Yet I cannot shake the feeling that I have become an alien somewhat in this surrounding. It's like I have become someone else in my travels, and I may be reentering what was once my home, but is now a different land.

Gerda's kitchen is at least relatively familiar, with the same delicious scents that linger on her. She pulls the meat pie off the sill where it had been cooling. I lick my lips with anticipation as I pull up a stool to the kitchen island. She got this recipe from Clarith, I believe, which makes it extra special.

"Do you want soup in the pie or on the side?"

"Hmm... Put it on the side this time, Gerda." Sometimes I order differently, as the heavenly stock mixing with the flavored meat in the shell can be a great treat as well, but for another day maybe. For now I'll have the pastry crispy.

Gerda pushes a bowlful of her soup towards me, along with a slice of the pie on a plate with fork, knife and spoon. I greedily dig in, only to nearly scald myself with soup.

"Ahh...!" I yelp slightly.

"Do be careful, miss!" Gerda sighs as she looks over from the stove.

"Oh, but it's so good!" I savor the hot juices in my mouth before swallowing. It's so very delicious and warm as it goes down. Hot food when one is on empty truly does wonders as I feel a comfortable feeling spreading from my stomach.

Gerda chuckles, "Tis gladdening to see you've lost none of your appetite overseas."

"Well, certainly not for your cooking!"

"...Yuki?"

I turn at the sound of that timid voice and see Aile poking her head in shyly. Her eyes widen as ours meet. I hop off my stool.

"... Hi, Aile! I'm home!" I smile.

She nearly bowls me over with a surprising burst of speed I would not have thought her capable of. Her arms wrap around me in a warm embrace.

"Yuki! You're back...!"

"Yeah," I gently return the gesture and pat the back of her head, feeling her soft hair, "I missed you lots, Aile."

"I... missed you too!" Her voice hitches a bit, "We were … so worried!"

The hitches grow into sputtering coughs. She's overexerted herself. I sit her down while Gerda brings a small cup of warm water for her to catch her breath. Eventually, her breathing returns to normal.

"Mm... mother... will be glad to see you safe..." She looks to me after having calmed down.

"... I'm glad you're doing well," I pat her head, "I'll go see mother after I've had my snack."

"Okay... I'm glad you're back, sis..." Aile giggles shyly.

"Good to be home."

I take care to eat my food slowly. I'm not sure if it was because I was actually worried about burning my mouth … or I just didn't want to see mother. I don't exactly resent her for having always put Shaw first above us. I can understand that, with him being the male heir and all... Though I do think that is a bit dated.

I just get unease. While I was recuperating on the ship, I kept seeing those blue flames in my dreams. I am not sure what they are or what they mean, but I glimpse her face above their flare. And there is always that scream from a man in agony. But I wake up before I can glean much more. The whole thing just leaves me with a nagging suspicion that I have groundless anxiety for. Was it a buried memory? And if so, how would I unearth it?

Eventually, I come to the regretful end of the meal. The lingering taste of that heavenly pastry dipped in the sauce fades from my tongue and I take the dishes to the sink. I am about to wash them when Gerda stops me.

"Miss, go off and see your mother now. I'll be taking care of this."

I sigh and nod in assent. Aile eagerly hops off her seat to accompany me. We walk through the halls to the drawing room where mother is. Along the way, she barrages me with queries about my travels. Being of ill health, she is rarely allowed outside for long spells, and so she always has unsatiated curiosity for the world beyond the walls.

"How was the mainland?"

"Very … erm, well, there's a lot of stuff going on right now," I scratch my cheek a bit sheepishly, "Very messy."

Mother once told me and Shaw to try and not get Aile's hopes up about the outside. She sulked often when hearing regaling tales of adventure and fun that kids enjoyed in the sun and green fields. So, I must choose my framing carefully, for I do not want to lie.

"Like, the whole thing in Beelzania and Lucifenia is just a big muddle of people. They're sick and homeless and can't get to where they need. Elphegort is still also in pretty bad shape last I heard..."

"Oh..." Aile looks down. " Did you go visit Clarith?"

"Ah, no..." Truth be told, I should have. I do miss her. The adventure had simply gotten away from me, with all the supernatural danger, "We should all go see her one day together, okay?"

"Mm!" She smiles and nods happily.

We come to the wooden doors of the drawing room. It is ajar. Through the opening, I can see my mother sitting by the window looking into her little golden hand mirror. He has had that for as long as I can recall. It is odd. She usually prefers to change furniture and such when it seems even a bit outdated. But that mirror is something else.

I notice her lips are moving as she looks. I am unsure, is she talking to her reflection?

Before I can bide more time to observe, Aile calls out, "Mum!"

Immediately mother stows away her accessory and looks to us at the door. She puts up an instant smile and gestures for us to enter. Aile pushes the door open and goes. I follow, without matching mother's gaze. She first pulls Aile onto her lap and pats her head, eyes still on me.

"Look, mum!" Aile points at me, "Sis is back!"

"Yes, so she is," Mother smiles, "Welcome home, Yukina. How was your trip?"

"It was … alright," I say, looking just short of her chin, attempting a smile.

"You caused your father and I quite some grief, young lady," Despite her words, she does not sound stern, "Oh, whatever will we do with you. Going off on some godforsaken trip for what, even? We are perfectly safe here."

"I... I know. I'm sorry," I sigh, "I just can't understand everything that is happening right now. I'm too young, I suppose."

"Yukina, you are very bright girl. It is only because Shaw is a boy that he will inherit the company fortune. If it were otherwise, you would be the heiress."

I am not entirely convinced of her words, "Oh, alright..."

"Now, have you eaten? You seem to have lost weight."

"Erm, just a bit. It's good to be home."

"I am sure. We've kept your room made and tidy. Why don't you go get reacquainted, hm?"

I nod, being let off the hook. There was never an overt or immediate animosity between us. But something about my mother just unnerves me sometimes. She can be very nice, and then completely cruel in another instance. I don't know if my dreams hold some subconscious truth. I shiver thinking back to her face behind those blue flames.

Whatever have I witnessed and forgotten? Will I be content knowing? Or will it be a more horrible can of worms than anything else?

I shake those thoughts out of my head briskly. This is not how a return home is supposed to be!

In the recesses of my room, I find my sanctuary as I had left it. Aile is a good roommate, and nothing has been moved much that is mine. All my drafts and manuscripts remain in the order as I had left them. The bed is clean and made. I suspect Aile has been sleeping in the master bedroom with mother and father during my absence.

I must admit there is not really a lot to see back here. My most important journals are being unloaded from my trunk. I brush the lolam feather quills on my desk with minimal familiarity. Is this how the adventurers feel after their first voyage? Restless and without solid ground which to call home anymore?

I sigh and walk back outside to where the luggage has been bought in. Bruno hefts mine personally up to my room. I might as well tell them to leave it in the parlor, but I doubt they'd be entertained with the notion of me departing yet again so soon. Yet that remains a possibility.

In the parlor, Gumilia seems to be looking around rather observantly whilst Germaine is led to get some food. I approach her as she adjusts her spectacles at an old painting.

"Is something wrong? You seem wary."

"…Nothing is wrong," She says, eyes still wandering, "I am just seeing if anything has changed."

"Really?" I peer at her from the side, "Well, what did you 'adults' talk about in my absence?"

"Matters. Formalities really," Gumilia sighs, "It had nothing to do with you."

I pout at the put-down. She responds by chuckling and poking me between my eyes. "That expression does not suit you well, child."

"Well, you wouldn't know how it feels to always be neglected as a 'child'!" I fume at the belittling gesture, "I've seen the demons same as you!"

"Yes. But that is not what we desire for you," She chortles, "Do you think we want you to court danger? For the sake of what, even? Your writing? There is much more to life than that."

"You're not taking me seriously! I believe the truth is worth fighting for!"

She gives me a bit of a forlorn smile and says nothing more. Father comes back into the room then.

"Ah, Yukina, you spoke to your mother?"

I nod, "And I already spoke to Greta and Aile."

"Good, good…" He chuckles and sits down, "Dinner should be soon. I'm sure you have many stories to share at the table?"

"Your father knows of the demons," Gumilia says in a low voice to me. I balk a bit at him. He just gives a weak laugh, like that of a person caught in the act.

"Well, yes. Hard not to, with all my ears to the ground as it is."

"You would be better off putting those ears to a more noble cause, Keel," Gumilia sighs with mild irritance.

Father chuckles apologetically, "Well, forgive my desire for self-preservation, as well as that of my family, Gumilia."

She scoffs a bit to the side and mutters somewhat crossly. I don't catch her words.

We sit in a bit of an ensuing stewing silence. I make small banter with my father as Gumilia makes herself scarce. Luckily, it is not that early anymore after our long ride. Dinner is quickly called by Shaw. We all usher into the dining room. Germaine has already gotten acquainted with the liquor supply and Bruno as the bartender.

"Ahaha, my, you can drink, lady Germaine," Bruno laughs.

"Compared to Keel, anyone can," She guffaws and downs another, demanding yet more.

"I see you've already made yourself quite at home," Father sighs with a small smile, "Greta! What is on the menu tonight?"

"The little miss' favorite. Bannocks to start, with the butters and jams. Then, a whole roasted lolam bird. Two, in fact. One prepared au jus, and the other was by rotisserie. I hope you all have bought your appetites," Greta gives a rather triumphant smile.

I regret having eaten those snacks earlier now.

"Bring it all on!" Germaine grins, "If you thought I could only just drink, you've got another thing coming!"

Gumilia smiles a bit exasperatedly as she takes her seat, "Oh, is there meat pie for dessert?"

"Why of course. A smorgasbord of pies, even," Greta says proudly.

Mother and Aile come to join us. Greta and Bruno bring out the large feast prepared. With the table set, we begin to eat. There is the obvious fawning over the food, which sets Greta aglow. Germaine sets off the banter in her drunken stupor, ranting about how we had almost died from the first step going to visit Kyle. Aile and Shaw are held in the grip of her story-telling. She makes a cuss at turns, which prompts mother to politely interject, and father to remind her there are women and children present.

"Oh, stuff it Keel, I haven't even gotten to the weird parts yet… hic."

"Germaine, you've drank as much as you've eaten!"

She had indeed polished off a good portion of the food. Despite Greta having made my favorite plates, I have eaten a paltry sliver in comparison. She shrugs off the comment and takes another swig.

"We were there in the forest, and then outta nowhere, that barmy Kyle swoops in… on wings! I mean, for cryin' out loud! My gods, he had freakin' wings!"

It was a very entertaining evening, to say the least. And a nice dinner to come back home to.

After the carcasses of the birds are all that remain, alongside empty glasses, platters and bottles, Germaine has thoroughly passed out in a drunken and food coma on the table. Keel chuckles and has Bruno heft her to her room. He is careful so she does not vomit.

The rest of us linger as the digestives are bought out. A small fruit and cheese plate is placed at the table. The adults get wine, and us children have a small digestive drink with slight alcohol. I help myself to a grape and lean back in contentment.

"Glad you're back, sis," Shaw grins cheekily at me.

"Ehe, likewise, I suppose," I giggle.

"For once, you can all sleep back in Yukina's room, eh?" Father chuckles and swirls his wine in his glass leisurely, "After long last."

"Yes!" Aile smiles happily.

Gumilia sips the coffee she requested instead of wine. I notice mother gives her a slight glance. It does not seem anyone else saw that.

Eventually, we all retire to bathe and bed. Me and my siblings indulge in bouncing around a bit on the mattress, chittering like silly children… my goodness, I make myself sound so old!

Before we go to sleep, I glimpse Gumilia outside, below the view of my window. She walks out towards the nearby Column Forest. I cannot tear myself away from my siblings, so I will have to be content with questioning her whereabouts tomorrow. The thought stays with me and keeps me awake much longer, even as Shaw and Aile sleep, snuggled against me.

When I do close my eyes, I hear a voice in increments above the blue flames, though I see no one.

"Your wife belongs to us now, Keel Freesis…"

"…The contract is complete. If you don't comply with our wishes, your family will suffer the consequences."

I want to cry out and ask who that is, and what my parents have done. But I cannot. I wake up to the darkness of the room in a sweat, hearing my own breathing above that of my siblings.