As the three cloaked figures continued toward Sion's house, the incline of the hill gradually grew steeper, the path narrowing as stone replaced packed earth. The town noise faded behind them, leaving only the sound of their footsteps and the wind brushing through tall grass.
The man walking ahead finally broke the silence.
"And as expected of Your Highness," he said warmly, glancing back at the smaller child, "you managed to negotiate and convince him without adding a single penny or shedding a single drop of blood."
The child in question merely hummed, hands tucked neatly inside his cloak, as if the praise was expected rather than earned.
The other child ,slightly taller, walking with an unmistakable bounce of confidence ,grinned broadly.
"Well, of course," he said, puffing out his chest. "He is my younger brother, after all."
He reached out and patted the negotiating child firmly on the back. "We both inherited Daddy and Papa's quick thinking."
The younger one shot him an unimpressed look.
"That's right," he said flatly. "Unlike you, Uncle,you're far too easy."
The man laughed awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll… take that as a compliment."
They walked in comfortable silence for a few moments, the path slowly inclining as the hill came into view. The house was already visible from afar, standing alone above the town like a quiet observer.
They taller child spoke again, his voice quieter now, curiosity slipping through his bravado.
"But do you think what they said about Uncle Caelum is true?"
The younger twin reacted instantly, reaching out and pressing a hand against his brother's sleeve. "Lower your voice," he hissed. "You shouldn't just say that name so openly."
The taller twin frowned but obeyed, lowering his voice. "I'm just asking."
The younger one hesitated, then spoke carefully. "The rumors can't be true."
The taller twin frowned. "How can you be sure?"
The younger one hesitated, then said carefully, "I may not know him well… but I don't think he's that kind of person."
He paused, fingers curling slightly at his side.
"Especially since he's the one who saved me."
Darius slowed his steps, his expression turning serious.
"That's right," he said firmly. "I've known His Highness for a long time. There's no way he's as the rumors claim."
He clenched his hand slightly. "And even if he did something questionable,there would have been a reason. A proper one."
The twins exchanged a glance.
Then, almost in unison, they nodded.
"Rumors are just rumors," the taller one declared. "People like talking when they don't understand."
With that, the weight lifted slightly from the air, and they continued their climb.
The house wasn't far from the town's center,but its position atop the hill made the walk deceptively tiring. By the time they reached the iron gate, the twins were breathing a little heavier, though neither complained.
Darius paused, looking around.
There were no guards, though it is to be expected.He then straightened, preparing to call out toward the house—
When movement caught his eye.
A man was outside, sleeves rolled up, hands dusted with soil as he tended to chores near the garden. He froze upon noticing them, then quickly wiped his hands on his apron.
"…Visitors?"
Realization dawned on his face, and he immediately straightened.
"You must be the guests," Eiran said with a polite smile. "Please—come in."
Inside, they were seated comfortably, warm tea placed before them along with neatly arranged homemade sweets.
Eiran watched them with open curiosity.
"We were surprised to hear that a visitor would arrive under the guise of delivering suppressants," he said lightly. "But I never imagined it would be the two princes—and you as well, Sir Darius."
He chuckled, clearly delighted. "I'd wager even Young Master has no idea."
Darius smiled, finally undoing his cloak.
The twins followed suit.
The twin princes smiled, eyes bright and curious, utterly unlike the hushed rumors that surrounded the house's true owner.
Eiran stared for a heartbeat—then broke into a wide grin.