I headed back to Marquis Brellof’s estate with Ascan.

Angela, whom we rescued from Harrison’s underground chamber, returned to her family’s embrace.

I heard that Angela’s mother, who had lost her mind after her daughter’s disappearance, was fortunately showing gradual signs of improvement.

And the plan to supply food to the village was actually carried out. What began as a mere excuse turned into reality, as Ascan genuinely instructed Adel Trading House to push forward with the business.

He seemed to have judged, after investigation, that the arrangement would benefit both the villagers and Adel Trading House.

The villagers were shocked to learn that Harrison, once well-regarded, was a murderer, but they rejoiced at the arrival of new provisions.

Thus, we departed amid the villagers’ gratitude, but our work was not yet fully concluded.

Harrison was suspected of killing not just one or two women. Since the bodies had been burned in a large furnace, uncovering the full truth would require time.

I intended to conduct a thorough investigation once we returned to Marquis Brellof’s estate.

During our carriage journey, Zen took charge of monitoring Harrison. He shadowed him like a specter, seizing every opportunity to torment him.

So much so that Harrison eventually begged Zen on both knees.

“Please, stop. Don’t people need sleep?”

But Zen didn’t even blink.

“Was it such a person who kidnapped and murdered women? After committing such horrific acts, you think you deserve rest when tired, meals when hungry?”

I witnessed a new side of Zen—blunt and unyielding. Needless to say, I found his harsh demeanor deeply satisfying.

After concluding our long journey, we arrived at Marquis Brellof’s estate.

At the mansion’s entrance, Orland, Noxia, and many others awaited to greet us.

I stepped down from the carriage and looked at my family, whom I hadn’t seen in a long while. Even without words, I could feel their warm welcome.

“I’m back, Father.”

At my words, Orland nodded as if acknowledging my hardships.

“Welcome home.”

“Sister, I missed you.”

Noxia quickly approached and embraced me. Only then did I truly feel I had returned home.

Though countless matters demanded discussion—so many words piled up like a mountain—the most important fact was that we had captured the true culprit behind Charles’s murder.

Behind me, Zen descended from the cargo carriage, gripping Harrison firmly. I sensed Orland’s gaze instantly turn terrifying as it fixed upon Harrison.

“Tanashia, I read your letter. I’ve already dispatched experts to the residence where that scoundrel stayed. We’ll soon uncover much about the murdered women.”

On our return to Marquis Brellof’s estate, I had already informed Orland and Noxia of everything we’d discovered.

Thus, both were already aware of Harrison’s crimes.

Surprisingly, Orland remained calm—though it seemed he harbored deep anger within. Unbeknownst to himself, this composed fury was even more fearsome.

“Zen, lock him up for now.”

“Yes, Master.”

Zen carried out the order without hesitation.

Orland and Zen were also meeting after a long separation. They exchanged silent glances, briefly confirming each other’s well-being as a form of greeting.

Soon, Orland’s gaze shifted toward Ascan. Behind Ascan stood Carlton and numerous retainers who had escorted me here.

“I’ve heard about you from Tanashia. Rest here in my home for now. Once urgent matters are settled, we’ll speak again.”

“I shall do so, Marquis.”

Ascan replied obediently.

Truthfully, their relationship was somewhat delicate. Long ago, Ascan had been a slave of the Brellof family, and Orland its master.

Even though Ascan had risen to become former Imperial Guard Commander of the Calua Empire, that past remained unchanged.

Now, after years had passed, the man who was once a slave had returned as my lover. I couldn’t guess what thoughts stirred within Orland.

Just as Zen had initially distrusted Ascan, I worried Orland might also view him unfavorably.

To lighten the heavy atmosphere, I deliberately spoke up.

“Shall we go inside? I’d like to rest a bit after such a long journey. We still have much to discuss as a family.”

Toppling the Calua Empire also stemmed from my desire to avenge Charles. Since I had installed Dekain as Emperor of Lazent Empire, there was much to say about that as well.

Moreover, with Noxia’s wedding fast approaching and the question of Harrison’s punishment, mountains of matters awaited family deliberation.

Upon hearing I wished to rest, Noxia quickly stepped aside.

“Right, you must be exhausted after such a long trip. Go ahead and rest.”

I gently ruffled Noxia’s silver hair and smiled warmly. Seeing her after so long filled me with joy.

“Yes.”

Ascan watched me with an odd expression. Perhaps our affectionate sibling bond felt unfamiliar to him.

As Orland and Noxia turned toward the mansion, I returned to Ascan’s side and took his hand. I realized he might be nervous, meeting my family for the first time.

“I’ll personally choose the room where you’ll stay. Somewhere close to mine.”

Hearing this, Orland glanced back over his shoulder—but said nothing and continued walking.

I had no intention of hiding my romantic relationship with Ascan from anyone. Even if my family objected, it wouldn’t change my mind.

Ascan, sensing my sincerity, softly smiled, his eyes crinkling—a tender gaze reserved only for me.

“Alright. It feels refreshing to return here after so long.”

Marquis Brellof’s estate also held untouched memories for Ascan from ten years ago.

I suddenly realized how, after so many years, we had returned together to this very place.

When I had left with him—amnesiac, bound for the Calua Empire—I never imagined our future. Yet here we were, returning side by side. The feeling was profoundly moving.

Much had happened, but I was grateful for this moment, standing beside Ascan.

“That’s right. I’m glad we returned together.”

At my honest expression, Ascan’s smile deepened.

Though unintended, everyone seemed startled by my words. Noxia’s eyes widened, and Orland briefly halted his steps.

Thus, we entered Marquis Brellof’s estate. It had been precisely ten years since we last walked through these doors together.

By the time I arranged accommodations for Ascan and the others who had escorted me, late afternoon was approaching.

Contrary to my earlier claim of needing rest, I first visited Charles’s grave. Charles rested near Marquis Brellof’s estate, so it wasn’t far.

Tap tap—

As I neared Charles’s tomb, I was surprised to find someone had arrived before me. Upon closer inspection, it was Orland.

I stared at him in surprise.

“Father?”

At the sound of my voice, Orland turned and looked at me.

“You’ve come too.”

“Yes. You were already here.”

“You must be tired. Shouldn’t you rest first?”

“I kept thinking of Mother on the way. And you, Father?”

“Now that we’ve caught the culprit, I felt I must tell Charles. From now on, I can face her memorial day with clear conscience.”

Orland had spent every anniversary of Charles’s death drunk—unable to face her squarely without having caught her killer.

Now that I’d captured the long-sought culprit, I too longed to see Charles more than ever. That’s why I came straight to her grave.

“Indeed. You won’t need to drink anymore. You’re not young—you should think of your health.”

“Haha, anyone would think I’ve become a grandfather.”

“You’re not far off. Once Noxia marries and has children, you truly will be a grandfather.”

Just as Orland and I were exchanging these small talk—

Rustle—

A sound made me turn. It was Noxia. She, too, had come to visit Charles’s grave, missing her.

Noxia looked at us in surprise.

“Oh? Sister and Father got here before me.”

As if by unspoken agreement, the family gathered before Charles’s tomb. I gestured for Noxia, the last to arrive, to come closer.

“Come here. Let’s greet Mother together.”

“Okay!”

Orland, Noxia, and I stood together before Charles’s grave and bowed silently.

Though no words were spoken, each of us conveyed what we wished to say to her.

After a moment of silence, Orland spoke.

“First, I wish to ask—how do you both wish to handle the culprit?”

Deciding Harrison’s punishment was another matter for family discussion.

Naturally, my eyes met Noxia’s. Truthfully, I had already decided how to deal with Harrison during our journey back to Marquis Brellof’s estate.

“Once the investigation into other victims concludes, Father, handle him however you wish.”

Whether Orland chose to kill or spare Harrison didn’t matter to me. Whatever method would ease his anguish was sufficient.

I was willing to follow whatever he chose.

Noxia beside me nodded in agreement.

“I feel the same as Sister. After much thought, I believe however Father wishes to punish the culprit is right.”

Because of Harrison’s crimes, Noxia and I grew up feeling Charles’s absence. But the one who suffered most deeply through that pain was Orland.

Though we hadn’t coordinated our words, we were both willing to accept whatever would relieve Orland’s grief.

Orland nodded solemnly.

“Thank you. Then I shall punish the culprit my way. I intend to make him experience every pain known to mankind. He will not die easily.”

I didn’t know the precise details of Harrison’s punishment, but I was certain his remaining days would be anything but peaceful.

Orland would inflict upon him suffering worse than hell.

Yet, no matter what he did, it would never compare to the years Orland spent without Charles. Nothing could bring her back to life.

Orland, Noxia, and I silently gazed at Charles’s grave. Each of our eyes brimmed with personal longing.

Noxia murmured softly.

“Now that we’ve caught the true culprit, only the Calua Empire remains.”

Harrison had directly murdered Charles; the Felmira family had brought the poison to the villa.

With Harrison and the Felmira family dealt with, avenging the Calua Empire—the one who sent the intruders that day—would complete our revenge.

Orland looked at Noxia and me and spoke.

“You’ve both worked hard. Thanks to Tanashia, Lazent Empire and Arwen Empire have formed an alliance, making it easier to check the Calua Empire.”

Noxia added, her expression in agreement.

“I heard the delegation sent by Lazent Empire to formalize the alliance will arrive soon. His Highness the Crown Prince was very pleased about it.”

The Arwen royal family was no stranger to us. Once Noxia married, Crown Prince Rohel would become a new member of the Brellof family.

Though I hadn’t acted for Arwen Empire’s sake, Rohel’s happiness lifted my spirits too.

“I’m glad His Highness is pleased. Though belated, congratulations on your wedding, Noxia.”

Until now, we’d only exchanged news by letter. Speaking face to face made it truly sink in—Noxia’s wedding was very near.

Though nothing would fundamentally change when she married, I couldn’t explain why her approaching wedding felt so bittersweet.

Noxia looked up at me with glistening eyes. Then, she wrapped one arm around me and the other around Orland.

Somehow, our family of three gathered around Noxia.

“I’m so glad we caught Mother’s killer before my wedding. I feel so much lighter in my heart.”

Catching Charles’s murderer had long been our family’s shared wish. Achieving it filled us with indescribable joy.

It was the result of Orland, Noxia, and I combining our strength.

Noxia continued.

“Father, Sister. Let’s gather here again on Mother’s memorial day this year. Once we’ve dealt with the Calua Empire, Mother can finally rest in peace.”

I opened my arms and embraced Noxia. Closing my eyes gently, I replied.

“Yes, let’s do that. Once everything is finished, let’s come back to greet Mother.”

Finally, Orland wrapped his arms around both Noxia and me and spoke.

“It may sound redundant, but I’m truly fortunate to have you both by my side. You are treasures Charles left me.”

Hearing such words from Orland—normally so sparing with affection—moved me deeply.

Thus, our family of three held each other for a while, soothing the emptiness in our hearts. It was because we had each other that we could fill the void left by Charles.

If Charles were watching us from heaven, I imagined she’d be smiling contentedly.

‘I’ll always miss you, Mother. Now that we’ve caught the culprit, please rest peacefully.’

Catching Harrison didn’t lessen the sorrow of losing Charles—but it felt like setting down a heavy burden I’d carried in my heart for so long.