The Unexpected Reunion

The breakfast stall offered a few stools for patrons to enjoy their meals.

Stella watched Mylian devour her breakfast right there, her ravenous appetite showing no hint of a lady’s grace.

Suddenly, as if guided by an innate bond between relatives, Stella’s gaze drifted in a particular direction.

She spotted a dark wooden carriage approaching, the Candace family banner fluttering proudly above it.

Indeed, most events were unfolding according to the predetermined plot. Her parents had returned earlier than expected.

Stella had been mentally prepared for this. She had invited Mylian out for breakfast precisely so she would meet her parents and be taken home. Now, the time was ripe.

“Miss Mylian, though our time together has been brief, we will have the opportunity to meet again.”

“Huh? What are you suddenly talking about?”

Mylian was too busy swallowing her maple syrup pancakes to notice the slowly approaching hoofbeats.

“I merely mean that until you go to the academy, we won’t see each other for a while. But don’t worry, I promised to help you repair that necklace.”

Stella rose to leave, but Mylian, not understanding, quickly grabbed her trench coat.

“So sudden? Why? The rent is paid for several more days.”

“The reason is quite simple, you see.”

Stella pointed towards the carriage. Mylian followed her gaze, seeing the prominent Candace banner drawing nearer.

“Why are they back early! This isn’t what we agreed upon!”

“Miss Mylian, surprises often occur. Please, do spend a few days getting along well with your family.”

“But I… I’m an outsider.”

“Miss Mylian, you are not. If you truly feel uneasy or troubled tonight, you can confide in this stone.”

Stella pulled a pale yellow, rune-carved stone from her sleeve and pressed it into Mylian’s hand.

“What if I… run away with you! Go far away where they can’t find us.”

Mylian frowned, clutching the stone. She did not want to return to Candace Manor, preferring to live alone outside, even if Della would intrude upon her.

“I told you it’s impossible, but please believe in the freedom that awaits you in a few days. Enduring this might not be as terrible as you imagine.”

Stella patiently coaxed Mylian, who gazed at the silver mask, feeling a pang of reluctance.

Being with Della, good.

Living under the same roof as Stella, not good.

Even without speaking, Mylian’s feelings were clearly etched on her face.

“…Is this stone useful?”

“Of course. You’ll understand tonight. Goodbye, Miss Mylian.”

Stella waved goodbye and walked away, her retreating figure quickly melting into the crowd.

Watching Della leave, Mylian felt a sense of déjà vu, as if a friend were departing. Since childhood, she had rarely spoken so much with anyone outside her adoptive parents. Her solitary nature had only deepened at the manor, and it was Della who had finally pried open a tiny crack in her shell.

The arrival of the carriage naturally dispersed the crowd. Mylian did not leave like the passersby; she knew the carriage owner was looking for her.

Two dignified figures descended from the carriage. The golden-haired lady, clad in an ice-crystal gown, held the arm of her silver-haired husband, who was in a white military uniform. They walked side-by-side towards Mylian, their shadows covering her like two towering mountains.

To be honest, Mylian could choose silent anger when dealing with Stella, but when facing Stella’s parents, she became somewhat flustered.

After all, their time together had been too brief. Mylian could count on one hand the number of times she had seen Stella’s parents in five years, including when she was first brought to the manor.

“…Hello.”

Mylian did not know what to say, so she settled for a conventional greeting. The pancake in her hand suddenly felt heavy, as if the awkwardness had frozen her in place.

“Mylian, do you not recognize us?”

The noblewoman bent down, her brilliant golden hair cascading to her chest. She smiled gracefully, her beautiful, delicate face resembling an older Stella. However, her elegant demeanor and inherent gentleness were beyond Stella’s comparison.

“Madam, Sir, hello.”

Mylian timidly greeted them again. She was very bad at dealing with this couple, especially Stella’s mother.

“Why are you still unwilling to call us by our first names, Mylian?”

The golden-haired noblewoman maintained her smile, her expression seemingly full of expectation.

“Um… Madam Delilah, Mr. Bertrand.”

Mylian had tried her utmost to say it. It wasn’t that she disliked the couple; rather, the thought of Stella brought an indescribable discomfort to her heart.

“Delilah, let’s take Mylian home. Stella hasn’t seen us yet; we should give her a surprise.”

Bertrand did not care about the formalities. He only cared about his biological daughter, Stella. He was a doting father through and through.

“You only ever think of Stella. You’ve spoiled her rotten! You don’t care much about Mylian, even though you were the one who brought her back!”

Delilah embraced Mylian protectively. Bertrand, however, gave an honest smile, scratching his neck, too embarrassed to retort. Nevertheless, he then looked at Mylian.

“Mylian, I promise I’ll talk to Stella. The fact that you are her older sister will not change.”

Despite Bertrand’s earnest assurances, Mylian was unimpressed. If Bertrand’s words were truly effective, why had she suffered so much in earlier years? It was all because he indulged Stella.

“Alright, let’s go home quickly. After being away for so long, we should check on the manor. I wonder if Stella has caused any mischief.”

“Don’t worry about your daughter; she’s clever.”

Bertrand and Delilah conversed, but Mylian’s mood was complex. She had to return to her younger sister’s side, to live with the person she least wanted to see.

A banner hung over the main gate of Candace Manor, and pennants fluttered at the top of the estate. Maids and butlers bustled orderly on the red carpet—all arranged under Stella’s direction.

In the hallway, Cynthia held a notepad. She opened a door and presented it to Stella.

“Miss, are you satisfied with the arrangement of the Master and Madam’s room?”

“The lighting can be subtly adjusted to pink. Excellent, it perfectly meets my requirements. The warm lighting is perfect.”

Stella switched off the test light. Just then, a beige-haired figure approached from afar.

“Stella, what are you doing? The manor has been bustling since early morning!”

“Oh, Eveming, I’m preparing a celebration banquet for my parents’ return.”

Stella winked, signaling Cynthia to attend to her duties, leaving her and the Saintess to talk privately.

“The banquet is so much earlier! And you’ve prepared everything already?” Eveming covered her mouth in surprise; Stella’s organizational skills were truly impressive.

“Almost. Next, it’s time to welcome my parents. Look, they’re here.” Stella, sensing their arrival, pointed out the hallway window. The carriage bearing the Candace family banner had arrived.

“Then I should hurry and get ready too. I need to meet your father and mother properly and greet them.” Eveming tidied her hair, then rushed back to her room to change her shoes.

“Yes, everything is under control.” Stella had not encountered anything unexpected. If there was one uncertainty, it was her older sister, Mylian.

I hope my sister will change her mind and not devour me.

Stella clasped her hands together, praying for herself.