Chapter 29: The Road Back Home
The carriage rocked gently as it rolled over the dirt road, the sound of the wheels clattering against stone filling the quiet air. Phyro sat across from Klein, his head resting against the wooden frame of the window, eyes lazily following the passing scenery. It had been a long few months at the academy, and now they were finally heading home.
Klein stretched, letting out a content sigh as he leaned back. "Finally heading back. Bet Nico's been scheming something while we were gone."
Phyro exhaled, already dreading whatever mischief his little sister had in store. "She probably booby-trapped my room or something. Last time, she put flour in my shoes."
Klein smirked. "She's getting creative. You should be proud."
"Proud?" Phyro gave him a deadpan look. "She's using her intelligence for evil."
Klein shrugged. "That's the Nishiki way."
The two brothers sat in comfortable silence for a while, the only sounds being the occasional chatter of the coachman outside and the distant chirping of birds. The road to Velthrys was familiar—rolling green fields, scattered farmhouses, and the distant outline of the capital growing closer with each mile.
Phyro stared out the window, his mind drifting back to the academy. The dungeons, the training, the moments with Lana… His face warmed slightly at the thought.
Klein, ever observant, noticed immediately. "Thinking about someone?"
Phyro snapped his head toward him. "W-What?"
Klein smirked. "That reaction tells me everything."
"Shut up." Phyro crossed his arms, looking away.
"Don't worry, little brother. It's natural to think about the people you like." Klein's tone was teasing but not unkind. "You should write her a letter when we get home. Girls like effort."
Phyro groaned, sinking deeper into his seat. "Can we not do this?"
Klein chuckled, clearly enjoying his suffering. "Fine, fine. I'll drop it… for now."
The carriage hit a small bump, jolting them slightly. Outside, the coachman's voice called back. "We'll be stopping soon to let the horses rest!"
Phyro stretched his arms. "Good. I need to move around."
Klein nodded, but his expression shifted slightly as he gazed out the window. "It's been a while since we were home. I wonder if anything's changed."
Phyro leaned back, closing his eyes. "Knowing Father, not much."
The thought of facing their father again made his stomach tighten slightly. Kaien Nishiki was a strict man—one who expected strength, discipline, and progress. Phyro had grown stronger, but would it be enough?
The carriage continued forward, Home was looming in the distance.
End of Chapter.