The moment the carriage gates opened, the noise hit him first.
Rows upon rows of servants lined the wide stone path, all bowing in perfect synchronization. Their voices rose as one.
"Welcome back, Your Grace."
Fainyx stiffened.
Estrella held him carefully in her arms, but he could feel it... the weight of attention pressing down on him. Too many eyes... This place was nothing like the annex.
The duke stepped forward without pause, his presence commanding enough that the servants parted naturally to form a path. Estrella followed close behind, her grip firm, her back straight despite the tension he could sense in her arms.
I don't like this...
They entered the main hall, vast and echoing, marble floors polished to perfection. Sunlight streamed in through tall stained-glass windows, casting sharp colors across the floor.
And then... he saw them.
An elderly man stood near the center of the hall, posture impeccable, hands folded behind his back. His silver hair was neatly combed, his expression calm and sharp.
Is that maybe the head butler?
Beside him were two boys.
One stood taller, clearly older, confident posture, composed expression, dark green hair tied neatly. The other was only slightly taller than Fainyx himself, his hair has lighter color of green with softer features, eyes bright with curiosity.
Adam von Nocte and Liam von Nocte...
His chest tightened.
So this was it. The characters he'd only known through a screen... standing right in front of him.
Adam's face lit up first when he saw the duke. "Father"
Liam followed a heartbeat later. "Welcome back!"
Their voices were clear and lively, so different from the silence that followed Fainyx everywhere.
The duke stopped. "I've returned."
The old butler bowed deeply. "Welcome home, Your Grace. We have prepared everything as instructed."
Adam's gaze shifted.
It landed on Fainyx.
His smile faltered not disappearing, but changing. Confusion flickered across his face.
"…Father?" Adam asked carefully.
Liam tilted his head, eyes widening slightly. He leaned forward just a bit, openly curious.
"Who's that?"
Estrella tightened her hold unconsciously, as if bracing herself.
The hall once filled with practiced calm seemed to quiet, servants pretending not to listen while absolutely listening.
The duke's voice was steady. "This is my youngest son."
Silence.
Adam blinked.
"…Youngest?" he repeated.
Liam's mouth fell open slightly. "We… have a younger brother?"
Adam recovered first, schooling his expression into something polite, though his eyes remained sharp with questions. He stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"I see. Welcome home."
Liam followed suit, though less formally, his curiosity practically buzzing.
"Hi," he said, smiling openly. "I'm Liam."
Fainyx stared back.
His face, as always, revealed nothing.
Inside, however
He didn't bow. He didn't speak.
Estrella hesitated, then gently adjusted him, offering a small bow on his behalf. "Young Master Fainyx is still unwell," she explained softly.
Adam's eyes softened, just a little.
"I understand," he said. "Please take care."
Liam leaned closer, eyes sparkling. "He's… quiet."
The duke turned away, clearly finished with the exchange. "The child will stay in the west wing for now."
The butler nodded. "As you command."
As Estrella carried him away, Fainyx caught one last glance at his brothers.
Adam watched him thoughtfully.
Liam waved.
Fainyx did not wave back.
He merely stared ahead, heart beating faster than it had in years.
So this is the main palace, he thought. And those are my siblings...
His peaceful life in the annex was officially over...
*********
The moment the small figure disappeared down the hall, the atmosphere subtly changed.
Adam's warm expression faded first.
His green eyes narrowed slightly as he straightened, the friendliness he had worn earlier slipping away like a mask. Liam noticed it immediately and followed his gaze toward the corridor where Estrella had carried the child.
"…That was strange," Adam said at last, his voice calm but cold.
Liam frowned. "Father never mentioned a younger brother."
Adam folded his arms. "Nor did the household records."
Liam tilted his head, thinking. "Do you think… he's adopted?"
"It's possible," Adam replied without hesitation. "Father isn't known for sentiment."
Liam hummed, his earlier curiosity turning more cautious. "But they look alike and also his eyes is also similar to us."
Adam paused.
Silver hair and that crystal eyes that been past down to the Nocte family as this possess the identity of their unique heritage.
That alone was rare within the family.
"…Hairs can be deceiving but his eyes... yeah maybe he's related." Adam said carefully. "We'll know for sure once we confirm whether he's truly related to us."
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Adam turned away, already done with the topic. "We're late for our lessons."
Liam sighed. "Right… theory class today... I don't like to study..."
As they walked off in opposite directions of the palace halls, the presence of their supposed new brother lingered.
Somewhere in the west wing, a silver-haired child with a faint green gradient hair slept quietly.
Unaware that he had already become a question.
*********
Fainyx was awakened by a gentle shake.
"Young master," Estrella whispered, careful not to startle him. "His Grace is calling for you. It is time for dinner."
Instant panic.
Dinner…? With him? With them?
His eyes opened slowly, his face perfectly neutral. however in the inside his thoughts were already spiraling.
So soon… I haven't even mentally prepared for this…
The maids moved quickly but delicately, dressing him in clean, finely tailored clothes befitting the main palace. Soft fabrics, subtle embroidery nothing excessive, yet unmistakably noble. They fixed his hair carefully, the silver strands falling neatly, the faint green gradient catching the light.
Estrella held his hand as they walked.
He could feel her nervousness too.
When the dining room doors opened, Fainyx froze.
The room was vast and breathtaking. Long polished tables, crystal chandeliers glowing warmly above, silverware arranged with military precision. Everything screamed nobility, power, wealth.
At the far end sat the Duke.
Beside him were two boys.
Green-haired.
His siblings Adam and Liam.
Their eyes locked onto him instantly.
The stares were sharp, heavy, and still curious pressing down on him like invisible weight.
Fainyx resisted the urge to retreat behind Estrella.
With careful steps, he was guided to the left side of the table. His legs didn't reach the floor, and Estrella discreetly adjusted the chair, helping him settle properly.
"Serve the meal," the Duke commanded.
At once, servants entered in perfect coordination.
Dish after dish filled the table.
Roasted meats glazed in rich sauces, the aroma deep and mouthwatering. Steamed vegetables seasoned delicately, vibrant in color. Golden-brown bread still warm, releasing a comforting scent. Creamy soups that shimmered softly, and delicate pastries arranged like works of art.
There were also desserts, fruit tarts, custards, layered cakes dusted lightly with sugar.
Fainyx stared.
His stomach growled faintly.
Inside his mind, chaos.
Be calm. I can't just give in to the smell... But... why are there so many eyes on me..
He just realized he hadn't touched his utensils yet and they are already eating.
The Duke noticed.
Adam noticed too.
After a brief pause, Adam spoke, his tone polite but probing.
"Is the food to your liking?"
Fainyx blinked.
Slowly.
He looked from Adam… to the untouched plate in front of him.
Then back at the food.
Ah.
He hadn't even started eating.
The room felt still.
All eyes on him.
Fainyx remained silent, his face unreadable caught between excitement and nerves, unsure whether to reach for the food or retreat into stillness.
Fainyx finally reached for his spoon and fork.
The metal felt a little heavy in his small hands, but he managed. He carefully cut a piece of meat and lifted it to his mouth.
The moment it touched his tongue
It was tender. The meat practically melted, rich with flavor, the sauce deep and savory without being overwhelming.
So Delicious!
…So this is what they eat everyday the chef is good cook.
He swallowed, then gave a small nod.
Adam observed him for a brief moment before speaking.
"I see."
With that, Adam returned to his meal as if nothing unusual had happened.
The tension around the table loosened a little.
Fainyx continued eating in silence, his face unchanged, though inside is happy about the food the meat was tender and sweet because of the sauce and the vegetables are fresh and tasty. Desserts are also delicious as it is sweet and tasty.
After a few more minutes, the sound of cutlery slowly faded.
Fainyx was full.
Inside, he himself was satisfied and full.
The food here is so delicious.
He set his utensils down neatly, posture straight, expression still calm and unreadable.
Then...
"I don't understand."
Liam's voice cut through the room.
Fainyx froze internally.
Liam looked directly at him, green eyes sharp with curiosity rather than hostility.
"Why can't you talk?"
The air in the dining hall seemed to solidify.
he then added "Even when you eat, I never heard you let out a sound, and also your expression is stiff why is that?"
Adam stopped eating.
Silence.
Heavy. Suffocating.
Fainyx slowly lowered his gaze to the table, fingers resting lightly against the edge of his plate.
Ah, he thought flatly. He ask a hard question, I guess they are curious of my behavior whether I was faking it.
The Duke did not speak immediately.
His eyes moved from Liam… then moved to Fainyx.
Waiting.
Liam's question hung in the air.
No one moved.
Then-
The Duke placed his utensils down with a soft, deliberate sound.
"That is enough."
His voice was calm, but it carried weight, enough to make even the his siblings flinch.
Liam stiffened. "Yes, Father."
The Duke's gaze did not leave Fainyx as he spoke.
"Your younger brother does not speak," he said evenly. "That is all you need to know."
Adam frowned slightly."Is it an illness?"
The Duke's eyes flicked toward Adam brief, sharp.
"A physician is attending to it."
That ended the discussion.
Adam nodded once."I understand."
Liam hesitated, clearly wanting to say more, but one look at their father made him shut his mouth."…I apologize father."
Fainyx remained silent, eyes lowered, face still blank.
Inside
Phew... To think father's scary tone actually has uses.
The Duke picked up his utensils again. "Finish your meals."
Dinner continued.
But the atmosphere had changed.
Adam occasionally glanced at Fainyx, thoughtful. Liam kept stealing curious looks, clearly holding back questions.
And the Duke...
The Duke watched his youngest son just a little longer than necessary before finally returning to his food.
The Duke rose from his seat.
"I have matters to attend to," he said curtly. "You may leave."
With that, he turned and walked out, his footsteps fading down the hall.
The heavy presence vanished.
Silence settled over the long table.
Fainyx stayed still, hands resting neatly on his lap.
Then...
"Um…"
Liam shifted in his seat, looking uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry fainyx." he said, scratching the back of his head. "I didn't mean to make things awkward."
Fainyx looked at him.
Liam's expression softened, almost guilty."I just… am a bit curious about you... But still I will apologize if i make you uncomfortable."
He leaned closer, eyes sparkling. "I'm Liam Von Nocte. Second son of the house, and since you're here... As your big brother, maybe I can help you with your condition!" Liam said it excited and concerned to his new little brother.
He smiled, a little shy but genuinely excited.
Adam, who had been silent the entire time, finally spoke.
"You should be more careful with your words," he said coolly to Liam. "You're not speaking to a common child."
Liam flinched."I know, I know! I was just trying to help him."
Adam's gaze shifted to Fainyx.
"You are our brother," he said, voice neutral but firm."As long as you bear the name von Nocte, you will be treated as such."
He paused.
"…Regardless of your condition."
Fainyx blinked.
Inside
Oh... That was… unexpectedly decent.
Liam grinned. "See? Even Adam agrees!"
He leaned back in his chair, clearly he feels a bit comfortable as his brothers not some bad kids.
Fainyx remained quiet, expression unchanged.
But for the first time since arriving...
The tension in his chest eased, just a little.