Chapter 385 - 384. I Have Homes (2)
The next morning, I woke up later than usual—a rare indulgence, but one I sorely needed. The weight I’d been carrying had lessened, thanks to last night’s conversation with Dad. His words still lingered in my mind like a balm, soothing the ache I hadn’t even realized had settled so deeply in me.
As I made my way into the dining hall, the warm scent of freshly baked bread and brewed tea greeted me. Dad was already there, sipping from his cup and reading through a few documents. He looked up the moment I entered and smiled.
"So, will you return for dinner?" he asked, his tone hopeful but casual.
"Um... probably not," I replied as I took a seat. "There’s bound to be a mountain of paperwork waiting for me. I might stay back home and come again in two or three days."
"Reina," he said with a small sigh, "this is your home."
I smiled gently, warmed by his sentiment, but I shook my head. "At this point, Father, I don’t have just one home. I have homes."
He didn’t argue. He just watched me for a moment, and in his eyes, I saw understanding—the kind that only fathers could offer. A silent agreement passed between us, and with that, I finished my breakfast and set off.
By the time I reached Ryujin, the sun was peeking through the mid-morning haze. I didn’t even have to announce my arrival. The message I sent ahead had done its job well; the entire household was already assembled outside, lined up in orderly fashion. As I descended in a smooth flight, the breeze caught the hem of my long coat, causing it to flutter dramatically behind me. My blue hair swayed with the wind, and as I touched the ground, the air stilled—as if the mansion itself was holding its breath.
In perfect synchrony, the maids and servants bowed. Their voices rose as one in crisp unison.
"Welcome home, Master!"
I smiled at the sight. "Good to be back."