Chapter 31: Homecoming
The rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels slowed as they passed through the towering stone gates of the Nishiki estate. Beyond them, a long gravel path stretched toward the grand manor, lined with well-manicured trees and pristine gardens. The Nishiki family estate was the same as always—imposing, disciplined, and untouched by time.
As the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the grand entrance, Phyro leaned against the window frame, exhaling softly.
"Nothing's changed," he murmured.
Klein smirked as he adjusted his gloves. "Did you expect Father to suddenly embrace interior decorating?"
Before Phyro could respond, the front doors burst open, and a small figure shot forward like an arrow, kicking up dust in her wake.
"PHYROOOO!!"
BAM.
A now 10-year-old force of nature slammed into Phyro's chest with alarming speed. The sheer impact nearly sent him tumbling backward, but he somehow managed to keep his footing.
"Nico—ACK! You're choking me—"
Nico clung to him like a starving beast reunited with its prey, squeezing his torso in a grip that defied her small frame. She pulled back just enough to grin up at him, her bright golden eyes gleaming with mischief.
"You're finally back! I've been waiting forever!" she whined. "Did you bring me anything? A souvenir? A cool weapon? A rare monster core?"
Phyro groaned, trying to pry her off. "We just got here, and you're already shaking me down for gifts?"
Klein ruffled her hair as he walked past, completely ignoring her protests. "You really missed us, huh?"
Nico pouted but didn't deny it. "Obviously! It was so boring here without you guys. Mei wouldn't let me do anything fun."
A cool, composed voice cut through the chaos like a blade.
"I recall your definition of 'fun' involving setting traps in your brothers' rooms."
Phyro turned to see Mei, the head maid of the Nishiki estate, standing at the entrance with her usual poised yet unreadable expression. Her dark uniform was pristine, not a wrinkle in sight, and her posture carried the same sharp authority she always held.
"Welcome back, Young Masters." She inclined her head respectfully. "Your father has been expecting you."
The air instantly grew heavier.
Kaien Nishiki.
The name alone was enough to tighten Phyro's shoulders.
Of course. His father wasn't the type to indulge in warm reunions. He was a man of discipline, strength, and expectation—and now that his sons had returned, he would want to measure their progress.
Klein, as always, looked completely unfazed. "Well, let's not keep him waiting."
Nico snickered. "Ooooh, you guys are so in for it."
Phyro sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Fantastic. No time to relax, huh?"
Mei's gaze remained steady. "Your father is in the training hall. He wishes to see you immediately."
A familiar pressure settled in Phyro's chest. It wasn't fear—no, he had grown stronger. But the weight of expectation was still there. Would it be enough?
As he stepped through the entrance, the walls of his childhood home surrounded him once again. It was comforting in a way—but it also reminded him that home wasn't just a place.
It was where the heart is.
End of Chapter.