Rei and Daichi also arrived at the Clan Lord's estate. The manor stood tall and proud at the heart of Kaida, its lanterns glowing softly in the evening haze. The carved wooden gates bore the crest of the clan, guards in polished armor stood watch, their expressions stern but respectful as familiar faces approached.
"Oh, you two are here as well. Greetings, Master," Ayato said as they bumped into Rei and Master Daichi at the entrance gate. His voice carried a touch of relief.
"Greetings to you all," Master Daichi replied warmly, his hand brushing over his long sleeves as he gave a small bow. His calm presence had a way of softening the air, like a steady fire in the middle of a storm.
"Greetings, everyone," Rei followed politely. The rest of the group returned the greeting in unison before the guards finally allowed them through the gate.
The courtyard inside the estate buzzed with quiet activity.
"Hey, sleeping beauty," Rei teased Rin as they walked deeper inside, a sly grin tugging at her lips. "I hope you got enough sleep."
Akari couldn't hold back a cheeky laugh, her eyes narrowing in amusement.
"What are you two laughing about?" Rin asked, narrowing her eyes suspiciously. Her steps faltered as her cheeks already tingled with dread.
"You should have seen it," Rei said, smirking. "The Ice Queen carried you out of that cave like a little baby on her back. Honestly, it was… romantic." She gave Rin a dramatic look, hand to chest, as if narrating a love story.
The words hit Rin like an arrow to the chest. Her face instantly turned red, her shyness spilling through like fire on dry leaves. She flailed her arms for a moment, unsure whether to deny it or bury her face.
"Yeah, and you were snoring so badly," Akari added, giggling behind her hand.
"I was?" Rin muttered in disbelief, her voice shrinking as she buried her chin into her collar.
"Aww, my little sister and her Queen Charming—so cute, so adorable," Minato said with a teasing laugh, rocking back and forth with joy at Rin's expense.
"Now I know for sure," Ayato added with a sly smile, "the Ice Queen will never hurt you. She carried you too carefully, pampering you the whole way."
Rin's whole face turned crimson, like a kettle about to whistle from overheating. Her heart raced as though everyone could hear it pounding through her ribs.
"Enough, all of you!" she shouted, her voice sharp as steam bursting free. Her hands balled into fists at her sides, her glare silencing them at last.
The group immediately quieted, though their suppressed laughter still lingered in the air like the aftertaste of mischief.
...
Inside the estate's grand hall, the air grew formal.
"Welcome, everyone, and thank you for accepting my invitation," the clan lord said, his voice steady as he stood at the front of the wide hall. His long robes shimmered under the torchlight, stitched with threads of silver. Guards were lined up along the walls, rigid and still, and beside him stood his wife and daughter—both graceful, their sharp eyes scanning the guests.
Master Daichi and the others bowed to pay their respects, their movements in unison.
The lord's gaze swept across the room, his brow tightening. "Huh. I invited everyone, yet not all are here." His words carried both disappointment and calculation.
"Lord Kazutora," Akari spoke up, lifting her chin with dignity, "Cousin Mai had an urgent matter to attend to. She won't be joining us."
The clan lord let out a thoughtful hum. His eyes narrowed slightly, but he did not press. "I also invited the Ice Queen, but it seems she too is too busy to accept my invitation."
Then, slowly, his gaze shifted and locked onto Rin.
"And you, Rin Kisaragi," his voice grew warmer, softer almost, "after what happened last night in Kaida… you deserve to be honored. You saved the hostages, trapped that beast, and gave kaida hope again. For that, Kaida is deeply grateful."
Rin bowed slightly, her eyes lowered. Her chest tightened at the praise, but she forced herself to remain humble. She didn't like spotlights—they always seemed too bright, too sharp, like a blade waiting to cut her.
"As for Sayuri," the lord continued, his tone sharpening like steel, "I've summoned her parents. I will speak with them myself. Her crimes will not go unpunished. But that matter will wait. Tonight, the main reason I called you all here is to celebrate each of you. Thank you, once again, for your courage."
With a clap of his hands, the solemn weight of the hall shifted in an instant. Servants streamed in with trays of food, pitchers of wine, and sweet rice cakes. The clatter of plates echoed as the long tables filled. A band struck their strings and drums, filling the room with bright, lively music. The transformation was startling—what had been an austere hall was now alive with warmth and festivity.
The clan lord raised his hand again. "Rin Kisaragi… tell me. What is it you desire as a reward?"
Every head turned toward her.
Rin stepped forward, her voice clear and honest. "I want nothing more than peace to reign in Kaida."
The clan lord's lips curved, the weight of a dream flickering in his eyes. "That has always been my wish as well. I want nothing more than for the two clans to stand as one. And I believe… one day, that dream will come true."
He raised his cup high. "Let the feast begin!"
Cheers rang out, echoing through the hall. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of celebration filled the space as the clan lord once again gave thanks for bringing the missing home safely.
The hall glowed with music and light, a warmth of joy spreading as everyone gathered to feast.
"Don't worry, Rin," Rei said between bites of steak, her eyes sparkling. "When Akari and I get married, and I become clan master, I'll bring peace between the two clans."
Akari smiled softly, her cheeks warming as she glanced at Rei. "Yes, the hate will end with our fathers. We'll be the ones to start a new era."
The clan lord, seated at the high seat, raised a brow. "Are you sure about that? None of your masters approve of this union. But if I wanted to, I could make sure the two of you get married. You know that."
"That would be great, right, Papa?" Rei grinned at Daichi, who took a slow sip of his wine, pretending not to hear.
The clan lord's eyes narrowed, sharp as steel. "Oh, Daichi… where does your loyalty truly lie? With your husband, or with Kaida?"
Daichi placed down his cup and smiled gently, unshaken. "My loyalty lies with Kaida. I want nothing but peace to reign here."
The clan lord nodded approvingly. "At least someone has the right sense, unlike those who keep dragging the past into the present." His gaze then shifted back to Rin.
"And you, Rin… you'll soon be wed to the Ice Queen."
Rin's lips curved into a smile, though her chest tightened painfully at the words.
"I hope this marriage isn't against your will," the clan lord pressed, his tone sharp with scrutiny.
"No, it's not," Rin answered softly, forcing her smile to hold steady. She refused to drag her matter into this moment.
"Good. Then may you soften her heart, Rin. May you bring light into the Ice Queen's life."
The words hung in Rin's mind like a riddle, echoing long after the music rose around her. But she brushed them off, hiding her thoughts behind her polite smile.
The feast went on, laughter and music weaving through the night.