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I pulled my collar close against the cold wind blowing over Lake Venea. The thin mist that had drifted across the water was swept away by the gust, revealing the familiar view of Torch Town just ahead.

“So that’s Torch Town.”
“Yeah. It’s divided east and west around that tower at the central inlet. Our house is on the eastern side—by now, the Dragon Temple Square Market of the Black Dragon Religion should be in full swing.”

The Dragon Temple drew large crowds every New Year for worship. In the days leading up to it, the market in the square grew busier by the day, reaching its peak as the new year began. Countless stalls lined the streets, selling sweets offered to the Black Dragon God, who was said to love sugary treats.

“It sounds like such a lively festival.”
“It is. Alfe and I went to the temple a few times when we were younger—the children loved it.”

Even though I’d only been away a short while, looking at my hometown from the outside like this stirred up old memories of my childhood in Torch Town.

The bright wrappers of the stall sweets, the scent of sugar in the air, Alfe’s delighted smile… I even remembered that one time I ended up making that enormous “cotton candy” by accident—it had turned out surprisingly good.

“…Leafa, you didn’t enjoy it, then?”
“Huh?”

Lost in nostalgia, I blinked at Estea’s sudden question.

“Well, you said, ‘the children loved it,’ didn’t you?”
“O-Oh… right. I meant the little ones could eat all the sweets they wanted, so they were thrilled. And then—”

As soon as she repeated my words, I realized the slip. Trying to patch it up, I forced myself to keep a neutral expression. In hindsight, since I was a child back then, I should have just said we had fun. When I started explaining things, my oddly detached phrasing sometimes slipped out without thinking. I’d have to be more careful talking with Estea.

“Come to think of it, I was also told not to eat too many sweets, or I’d get cavities.”
“True. Though, if you think about it, the Black Dragon God doesn’t have to worry about cavities, being a god and all.”
“Hehe, that’s true.”

Estea stifled a laugh at my remark, shoulders shaking lightly.

Good grief. Even if my detached perspective came from having memories of a previous life, there’s no way anyone could imagine such an absurd thing. Still, better to stay cautious than risk saying something that might make her wonder.

***

By the time we reached Torch Town’s harbor district, the sun was already high in the sky, and even in winter, its warm rays welcomed us home.

“Welcome back, Leafa! Hom!”
“Father!”

To my surprise, it was my father’s voice that greeted us first as we stepped off the ship.

“Welcome home, Leafa, Hom. And you too, Alfe—good work on the trip,” my mother said kindly.
“And you must be Estea,” my father added with a gentle smile. “We’ve heard much about you from our daughter. Welcome.”
“I apologize for imposing on you so suddenly. My name is Estea Sidra—it’s a pleasure to be in your care.”

Having descended the gangway, Estea bowed politely and introduced herself.

“To have the honor of hosting Lady Estea Sidra, daughter of the Sidra Viscounty, in service to the Farion Ducal House—why, it’s our pleasure entirely. Please, make yourself at home here as though it were your own.”
“Thank you very much. But please, treat me casually—as a friend of your daughter.”
“Of course—that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

Then, as if to break the last trace of stiffness, Father flashed a broad grin, showing his white teeth. Seeing that, Estea seemed to relax, her shoulders easing at last.

“Now then, let’s head home first. Leave the luggage to me, everyone.”
“Oh, no, I couldn’t possibly—”
“Hom. you’re like another daughter to me, not a servant. Your parent may be Leafa, but it’s all right to lean on your elders once in a while.”

For an instant, Hom blinked in surprise, but then understanding dawned on her face, and her cheeks flushed with quiet happiness.

“Do as Father says, Hom,” I said softly.

Hom nodded and handed her bags over to him. Estea declined politely, saying she didn’t want to trouble him as a guest, and Father didn’t insist—but Alfe accepted his offer without hesitation.

“Thank you! Are you sure it’s not too heavy?”
“Hahaha! Don’t underestimate me—I’m a soldier, remember?”

With a hearty laugh, Father lifted all three sets of luggage at once, balancing them effortlessly above his head as if they weighed nothing at all.

“Woooow!”

At Alfe’s cheer, Father’s laughter grew even more cheerful.

“Indeed, you have a wonderful family.”

As we followed after my parents, I overheard Estea’s soft whisper to Hom.

“They are a family far too wonderful for someone like me.”

The word family leaving Hom’s lips lingered warmly in my mind, and I quietly savored it as I walked alongside my beloved ones once more.

Now then—what should I start our long-awaited conversation with? Mother’s health came to mind, but I didn’t want to make Estea feel awkward on her first day here. Safer to begin with something lighter—like Father coming to meet us himself.

“…Father, is it all right for you to take time off work?”

I looked up at him as I asked. Normally, around the end of the year, he was so busy guarding dignitaries that I could barely remember him ever being home.

“It’s a rare thing to have my daughter home. My subordinates took the hint and arranged for me to take leave.”
“Then we can all spend time together!”

Alfe’s cheerful voice made both my father and mother nod in unison. It seemed that spending the holiday at our house had already been agreed upon between both families.

As expected of Mrs. Clifford—she truly understood Alfe, being her mother. Then again, Alfe had been coming over to our place almost every day since we were little, so perhaps it was only natural.