CHAPTER 88: CHAPTER 88: HE’S BACK

Sebastian’s eyes swept the group again, cold and unyielding. "Record their names, their ranks, and their involvement. Every instigator, every accomplice, every guard who did not intervene will be noted. You will answer for this in full. Let this serve as precedent: no one will ever act on hearsay, on assumptions, or on personal grudges while under my master’s authority. You are to remember this lesson well."

Several of the guards hung their heads, pale and silent. Others fidgeted nervously, realizing that their careers and potentially their livelihoods had just ended.

Sebastian finally straightened, expression still unreadable. "The fines and dismissals will be executed immediately. All information will be recorded. I suggest you disperse now before the situation worsens further. Any attempt to return to the square or disrupt order will result in further penalties."

The remaining guards murmured compliance and slowly began to leave, some glancing nervously at each other, clearly shaken. Sebastian watched until the last figure disappeared down the streets. Only then did he allow himself a small, controlled sigh.

He turned toward the empty road ahead, where the carriage carrying Meical and Min-jae had vanished. His jaw tightened slightly.

"Order is restored... for now.." he muttered under his breath. But even as the streets emptied, he knew this was only the beginning.

Rumors had been seeded, lies had been whispered, and Aldoria’s people had seen enough to question what they thought they knew.

Sebastian’s gaze hardened. He would ensure that every lie was traced, every accusation confronted, and every instigator held accountable.

And with that, he turned, walking toward the estate, already planning the next steps: documentation, investigations, and preparations for the inevitable ripple effect this confrontation would have.

Standing at window, Vanadis sighed, it’s been weeks since Kaizar stormed off, and it’s been a week since Meical left.

Odysseus wiped the window, he was not one to ignore a spot that needed cleaning when he saw one.

"Three weeks.." he muttered. "Three whole weeks and still no sign of Master. Is he really going to leave the Master?"

Odysseus stopped wiping and turned to Vanadis. "No, there’s no need to worry about those two. They’re young and in love, or at least they care for each other. We mustn’t forget that they got married under special circumstances. So they’re in a phase where they’ll argue and not see reason, why? Because they’re still adjusting, getting to know each other. Even the oldest of married partners still fight or argue sometimes and that’s normal. If the master didn’t care for the madame, he wouldn’t have gone to bring him back."

Vanadis huffed, looking away toward the far gates. He couldn’t deny how wise and broad minded Odysseus was and maybe that was the part that irked him.

"I just hope... I hope they both come back safely. I can’t imagine the estate without them."

Serin who had just finished her duties, also joined them "We’ve worried enough. All we can do now is wait. He’s clever, the Madame has always been clever. Whatever he’s doing, he’s planning something. And the Master... he won’t abandon him either."

Odysseus adjusted his coat, tilting his head with a small smile. "They’re still married, still finding their rhythm. And as long as they do, no matter what delays or troubles come, they’ll return. We just have to trust that."

Vanadis exhaled sharply, a mix of relief and exasperation. "I just hope we see them soon. Three weeks is far too long to be left wondering."

Serin nodded, glancing toward the horizon. "Soon... they’ll come back, together."

The carriage rolled over the familiar cobblestones of the estate, the rhythmic clatter of hooves echoing against the high walls.

Min-jae’s shoulders were stiff from the journey, though not from discomfort, he had spent much of it staring at the passing scenery, letting Meical’s steady presence beside him calm his nerves.

Meical leaned slightly forward, helping him adjust as the carriage slowed to a halt in the courtyard. "Almost there.." he murmured. His hand brushed lightly over Min-jae’s back, steadying him as the coach doors swung open.

The sunlight spilled into the carriage, catching on the gold trim of the rings they now wore. Min-jae squinted against the brightness and blinked rapidly, realizing that this was home and he had missed it.

Before he could take another breath, the three figures he had been missing most appeared. Vanadis, Serin, and Odysseus were already running toward them, their expressions a mix of concern, relief, and joy.

Meical reached down, supporting Min-jae under the arms, and helped him step out of the carriage. "Careful.." he said softly.

Min-jae’s feet touched the ground, and he let out a quiet exhale, steadying himself. The cool stone underfoot felt grounding.

He looked up to see the trio rushing closer. Their worry was still visible, but it had melted into unmistakable relief as soon as they saw him.

Vanadis called out first, his voice warm but teasing, "Master... you’re finally back! We were beginning to think you’d vanished for good."

Min-jae’s lips twitched into a small, tired smile. "I’m here. It’s only been a few weeks, not forever.." he replied, his tone light but carrying a hint of exhaustion.

"Master, Madame..." Serin’s voice trembled slightly, a mixture of joy and relief. "To see you both return... it eases our hearts greatly."

Odysseus adjusted his posture, giving a formal bow. "Indeed, I knew Master would not return without his wife. I’m glad you’ve sorted out your differences.."

Min-jae nodded slightly, a small, appreciative smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He could see the care etched into every detail, the silent devotion of the people who had kept things in order while he had been away.

"I’m sure madam Greya would cook up a lovely feast once she hears the madame is back. We we’re all worried.."

Min-jae smiled awkwardly, with the way he stormed off, it was a bit awkward to coming back again.

"We have alot of gifts from Abdel-shafi, please help us get it inside.."