Merry had been waving her handkerchief, but she stopped and gasped quietly.

Standing on her tiptoes, Yelena grabbed Kaywhins collar and kissed his left cheek. Then she stepped back.

See you soon.

Perhaps Kaywhin was surprised; he stood stiffly in place as Yelena ran over to the magic seal and stepped inside of it.

Yelena exchanged glances with Sidrion. She could feel an intense gaze on the back of her head, presumably from Edward, but she ignored it.

Well be leaving then.

Soon after, Sidrion activated the teleportation magic.

A blinding light shone from the magic seal and concealed Yelenas flushed face.

***

Yelena!

Older Sister.

As soon as Yelena arrived at the countdom in the capital, she embraced her older sister Liliana.

How have you been? Youre in good health, yes?

Ive been well. Yes, Im healthy.

Young Miss, long time no see.

Welcome, Young Miss.

While Yelena was receiving plenty of welcomes, the counts butler guided Sidrion and the knights to their individual rooms.

And Yelena witnessed quite an unexpected sight

Did you see?

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Who is that?

Based on what I overheard, I think hes a sorcerer.

Hes handsome He looks like a prince.

I think that knight is pretty decent too.

Who? The redhead?

Kya, I like him too!

Honestly, arent the other knights quite handsome as well? Theyre tall and they seem like they have nice bodies

They do, they do.

Sidrion and the three knights were quite popular with the maids.

?

Sidrions popularity was understandable, but Yelena couldnt have possibly imagined that the three knights would be popular as well.

While Yelena was surprised by the unexpected situation, Liliana said, Yelena, lets go meet with Father.

Yelena nodded. Okay.

***

Yelenas father, Count Sorte, was in the common room, where a fire was burning in the fireplace.

Why did you light the fireplace?

The days were growing hotter. It was not the time to be lighting fires in the fireplace.

From his seat on the long sofa, the count looked at Yelena and gestured for her to sit beside him.

Youve arrived, Yelena.

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The fireplace Well, I was thinking of you. The count smiled as he gazed at the fireplace.

Youve liked the fireplace ever since you were young.

I just liked the warmth. I get cold easily.

Is that so?

The count shifted his gaze towards Yelena.

His wrinkles have grown a little deeper.

You get cold easily just like your mother.

You know that too, dont you?

I know. And Im the only one who gets cold between me, Older Sister, and Older Brother.

Ever since they were young, Liliana and Edward could never understand how Yelena was weak to the cold but strong against heat, since they werent.

Even though they couldnt understand their younger sister, they worked hard to be considerate of her. To the extent that every winter, Yelena was always hot from the fireplace. She had received so many thick fur coats and blankets as gifts that they formed a mountain in one corner of her room.

Indeed

Yelena, you resemble your mother the most out of my three children. Thats why Im often reminded of your mother when I look at you.

Perhaps thats why Im so overprotective of you.

Father, I

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Was he going to tell her to return home? If he was, Yelena would have to refuse and convince him, like she did to Edward.

However, the count said something else outside of Yelenas expectations as he firmly grasped her hands.

I didnt send Edward to pressure you into returning home.

Huh?

Its okay if you dont return. If thats what you want, I dont mind.

But I just wanted to tell you this.

The count gazed at Yelena warmly with the fireplace behind him. Then he said, Do you remember what Liliana said on the day of your wedding? That you could come back home whenever you wanted.

Yes, I remember.

I wanted to tell you that that wasnt a lie.

Dont think about the conditions. Dont think about your circumstances or the surrounding environment either.

Just think about what you want. So if you ever want to come back home you can do that at any time. Well welcome you back as if we were always waiting.

Keep that in mind.

Crack, crackle. The sound of the flickering embers in the fireplace was faint, like background music. Perhaps it was because of the fireplace that the hands holding Yelenas felt warm.

With a lump in her throat, Yelena replied in a small voice, Yes, Father.

***

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