The carriage ride back was even quieter than the journey out.
Fia had fallen asleep against my shoulder, likely exhausted from the day's excitement. With every sway of the carriage, the silver flower pinned in her hair gave a delicate flutter. She had looked so genuinely happy today. For me, that was enough.
Yuka sat across from me, her expression as unreadable as ever. Yet, her eyes drifted toward the window just a fraction too often. Tarinuka was the same. Outside the window, across the street, a shadow wove through the crowd, keeping a measured distance.
I had spotted him too—the man in the black robe. I’d initially dismissed the first sighting as a coincidence, but seeing him repeatedly was beyond suspicious.
When the carriage turned a corner, the shadow turned as well. As we neared the residential district where our mansion stood, the crowds thinned. I could hear Fia’s soft, rhythmic breathing beside me.
I spoke up, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. "...Hey, do you think we’re being followed?"
Yuka’s gaze slowly shifted toward me. "Yes."
She didn't hesitate. It seemed both she and Tarinuka had been aware for some time.
"Since when?" I asked.
"Since before we entered the tailor shop," Tarinuka added in a low, gravelly voice. "Their technique for masking their presence isn't amateur. They know what they're doing."
That’s impressive, I thought rather simplistically. If I’d noticed him, there was no way these two wouldn't have.
The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the mansion. The gates were already open. The moment I stepped out, the atmosphere felt heavy. It was far too quiet. I lifted Fia into my arms, careful not to wake her. She was so light, so small.
If there was a reason for us to be targeted, was it me? I was a member of a Ducal house, after all.
Once we were safely inside the mansion, I finally felt a wave of relief. It was only then that Yuka leaned in, her voice a whisper meant only for my ears.
"Luka-sama."
"Yeah?"
"Shall I kill him?"
Her voice was utterly devoid of emotion, as casual as if she were confirming the dinner menu. Tarinuka didn't object; if anything, he seemed to be waiting for my command. It was honestly terrifying. I didn't want Tarinuka—or Yuka—to resort to such extremes over what might still be a misunderstanding on my part.
"..."
But both of them had already categorized the stranger as a target. A threat to be eliminated.
I stood there holding Fia and thought for a moment. I remembered the smile she’d shown me today. I remembered her voice, asking if the silver flower looked pretty as it sparkled in the light. I didn't want that happiness to be destroyed.
But still...
"Let's not. Or rather, let's think about this a bit more."
Yuka’s eyes narrowed slightly.
"We don't know for sure," I continued. "Maybe he just happened to be heading in the same direction."
"If abduction was the goal, today provided the perfect opportunity," Yuka countered.
"Don't say such scary things!" I hissed.
She was right, though. The crowds were massive today, and there were countless escape routes. If we’d gotten separated, I would’ve been finished in a heartbeat. Still, the behavior was strange. He’d just been watching.
"...Maybe he was scouting?" I wondered aloud.
Yuka nodded slowly. "I felt his gaze constantly. It is possible he was probing for something."
A chill settled in my chest. I really didn't sign up for a suspense thriller.
"I tried to lose him once, but it was futile," Yuka added. "It seems he is tracking us via magical power."
Ah, so that’s why she’d suddenly sprinted earlier. When she’d turned to me with a smile and said, "It's exercise!" I’d honestly thought she was trying to ditch me.
Yesterday’s lesson flashed through my mind. Anyone could sense magical power. The reason he’d been able to track us through those crowds was... well, maybe it was just because Tarinuka was a giant in conspicuous armor. Or maybe he was measuring something about Fia.
"I will strengthen the barriers around the mansion and report this to the Mistress," Yuka informed me tonelessly. "We will move to double patrols tonight. Any intruder will be eliminated immediately."
I carried Fia to her room and tucked her into bed. The silver flower swayed on her pillow. Looking at her defenseless, sleeping face—I liked everything about this scene.
I couldn't protect a child like this on my own strength yet. But I could make the decisions.
"...Yuka."
"Yes."
"Tonight, the three of us... no, until things settle down, let's all sleep together in my room."
My voice was deeper than I expected. Yuka bowed her head quietly.
"Understood."
The people I wanted to protect were Fia and Yuka. I wouldn't let anyone take them from me.
"Tarinuka, can I leave the security to you?"
"Yes, Young Master. Please, leave everything to me."
He was incredibly reliable. Despite the tension, his steady demeanor provided a much-needed sense of security. I wondered if I should even try to sleep tonight.
The night felt as if it were sinking into an abyss. Outside the mansion, a black shadow stood perched atop a neighboring roof. He traced a lingering trail of pale pink magical power with his fingertip.
"...As I thought," he murmured into the wind. "I'm taking it back, you humans."
The low whisper vanished into the night air.
"Nn..."
I woke to the morning sun peeking through the curtains. The last time the three of us had shared a bed, I hadn't slept a wink, but I’d been out like a light last night. My mind felt surprisingly sharp—or maybe that was just wishful thinking.
The mansion was unusually quiet. Normally, I’d hear the soft footsteps of maids in the hallway.
Beside me, Fia was still fast asleep. Yuka, who was usually up at the crack of dawn, was also still resting quietly next to us. I gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Fia’s cheek. Her steady, rhythmic breathing was adorable.
As for Yuka, seeing her sleeping slightly curled up with her hair let down was... well, also adorable. A faux-romantic morning wake-up with two beautiful girls? My wicked thoughts were starting to surface.
"I'm really glad I came to this world," I whispered.
"Did you say something?"
Her eyes were open. Not just open—she was wide awake and staring at me from inches away.
"N-nothing! Also, aren't you a bit close?"
Fia remained asleep. Her small hand was unconsciously clutching my shirt, and she seemed to have no intention of letting go. Fine by me; I planned to be by her side from the cradle to the grave anyway.
Just then, there was a reserved knock at the door.
"Young Master, may I enter?"
It was Tarinuka. It was the first time he’d ever come to my room so early in the morning.
"Yeah, come in."
The door opened, and Tarinuka stepped in, bowing while still clad in his full suit of armor.
"We have confirmed traces of an attempted break-in on the northeast wall of the perimeter."
The atmosphere in the room instantly chilled. Give me a break.
"There are signs of interference with the barrier and physical footprints. Most likely the same individual."
Yuka sat up, all traces of sleepiness gone. "When?"
"Past midnight. Likely after the Young Master had retired for the evening."
So I had fallen asleep. I felt a pang of guilt. Fia stirred slightly in her sleep, so I lowered my voice.
"Did he get inside?"
"No. It appeared to be a probe intended to test the barrier's strength."
Just like yesterday. He was gradually closing the distance. It was a calculated, unsettling approach.
"...Thank you. What about Mother and the others?"
"They are already aware. They are currently in the drawing room with Master Fazil."
I felt terrible for dragging them into this. Yuka stood up.
"I will stay with Fia."
"Thanks. I’ll go see them."
Tarinuka nodded. "I shall serve as your escort."
A few minutes later, I arrived at the drawing room. Mother was elegantly sipping tea, while Brother Fazil had several documents spread out before him. Mother looked as graceful as ever, but her eyes weren't smiling.
"Good morning, Luka."
"Morning, Mother."
Fazil looked up from his papers. "An attempted intrusion, huh? Earlier than I expected."
"Is it likely the person I saw yesterday?" I asked.
"Almost certainly."
Mother set her teacup down with a soft click. "Interference that traces the very structure of the barrier... that is no coincidence."
Fazil continued in a matter-of-fact tone. "The target isn't the mansion itself. There would be no point in such a move otherwise; it only serves to put us on high alert."
He looked directly at me. "He’s likely targeting an individual. Either one of you three, or perhaps all of you."
I’d suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed made my heart feel heavy.
"They were following Luka-chan, weren't they?" Mother’s voice was calm, yet bone-chillingly cold.
"Y-yeah, I think so."
"Let's capture them and torture them."
Terrifying.
Fazil laced his fingers together. "Approaching this boldly makes them nothing but a fool. Assassinations between noble houses are usually handled by untraceable professionals. Our location is already public knowledge, so this entire approach is irregular."
I let out a slow breath. "Mother."
"Yes?"
"What happens if the opponent is more than we can handle?"
There was a brief silence. Then, Mother smiled—a beautiful, terrifying expression.
"In that case... we will crush them with total war."
I see! We’ll be fine then! I guess my simple-mindedness is hereditary.
Fazil nodded in agreement. "Taking something under the protection of the Noctille family is a declaration of war."
This wasn't just a problem for me or Yuka anymore. I thought about Fia’s smile from yesterday. I didn't want anyone to steal that away.
"I don't want to let them take my family," I said firmly.
Mother’s eyes softened. "Yes. I thought you would say that."
Fazil chuckled. "You really are too kind, Luka."
"...Maybe. I can't really do anything on my own, though."
"That’s fine. You should be glad you're blessed with such an excellent older brother." He laughed, intentionally keeping the mood light. Even now, he was trying to maintain a sense of normalcy for me, refusing to let me succumb to anxiety.
Outside the window, the morning sun climbed higher. Peace remained for now, but it was being chipped away. Mother’s tone turned serious one last time.
"Luka, if you have decided to protect what is yours, then be prepared."
"For what?"
"The resolve to be the one who takes from others."
Those words settled deep in my chest. As long as I was a noble, and as long as I vowed to protect those I loved, it was a truth I could never afford to forget.
"...Yeah. I understand."