"It's almost time, Little Lady." Saya looked up from her brass pocket watch. A soft melody, reminiscent of a music box, played as she opened the lid, revealing the Vongola crest she had once seen at a birthday gala.
Giotto had given it to her before they reached the carriage, instructing her to show it to the head butler of the mansion to ensure she received the finest hospitality. She remembered clearly—it was the very same watch that had brought her here.
"Look, Angel Sister! The mansion is huge!" Kevin pointed out the carriage window. A massive estate stood solitary upon a lush green hill, with a medium-sized white church nestled nearby.
So this is the Vongola Mansion?
"Tsuna moved the base of operations to Namimori," Dino's voice echoed in her mind. Saya wondered why they would ever leave such a grand and beautiful base, even if Namimori was lovely in its own right.
But wait... how did Tsuna-kun become a mafioso if this is truly Italy? Tsuna-kun is Japanese, isn't he? How did he end up leading an Italian mafia? She remained puzzled by these connections, even though the two leaders shared a certain striking resemblance. Then again, there are many look-alikes in this world.
It's truly mysterious, Saya thought, resolving to ask him once she returned. She had already decided: she would join Vongola, no matter what.
But it's been so many days now... I wonder how Tsuna-kun and the others are doing.
Upon arriving at the mansion, a man in a butler's suit stepped out. He appeared Portuguese but carried Italian features, with jet-black hair and brown eyes. His face reminded her slightly of Jin-nai, though his hair was combed back into a much more disciplined style. He wore a pleasant smile, though it lacked the profound gentleness found in Giotto's.
"Mr. Giotto told me to show this watch to you," she said. After the carriage driver was paid and departed, Saya held Kevin's hand and presented the watch. The man bowed instantly and introduced himself.
"My name is Pedro, the head butler of this estate. I have prepared rooms for you both as per Lord Giotto's instructions, Honorable Guests. The clothing sent ahead has already been arranged in the wardrobes. You, Miss Leyla, and young Master Kevin may bathe or dine as you wish. Should you require anything at all, please inform me or any member of the household staff. They have been instructed to follow your lead and serve you to the best of their abilities."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Pedro," Saya replied. Noticing the marks on her face, Pedro spoke again.
"We have a very effective healing salve. I shall fetch it for you shortly. And if you wish, I shall assign a maid to attend to your specific needs."
"That would be lovely," Saya said. She accepted his offer partly out of etiquette and partly to allow them to fulfill their duties. She wanted to ensure the guests were satisfied so she could report to the Master of the house just how well they performed their roles.
"Then, My Lady and Young Master..."
"You may call me Leyla, Mr. Pedro. And this boy is Kevin," Saya said with a smile. "I don't hold any high social rank, so please, feel at ease."
"You can call me Kevin too, Mr. Pedro! I'm the son of Anis Giordano, a friend of Mr. Giotto," the boy added cheerfully.
Pedro smiled—a smile that felt exactly like Jin-nai's. "Regardless of your previous status, if Lord Giotto says you are a guest, then you are a guest," he stated with pride evident in his voice and eyes. "I, too, once lived in very difficult circumstances, Miss Leyla. It is thanks to Lord Giotto's mercy and the opportunity he gave me that I am able to live as a human being today."
Mr. Giotto really is an incredible person, Saya thought. "I'm glad to hear that, Mr. Pedro. It's wonderful that you are happy with your life now."
The young man paused briefly at her gentle smile before smiling back, this time with even greater sincerity.
"Ah, forgive my lapse in manners. Please, come inside. Welcome to Vongola, Miss Leyla, Young Master Kevin." Pedro gestured for them to lead the way.
The Vongola Mansion was vast, filled with an ancient, solemn atmosphere. Though traces of repairs were visible, it remained exceptionally grand and sacred.
Built in the Renaissance style, the structure featured extensive marble work and intricate carvings. The design emphasized geometric symmetry and natural, muted tones. Yet, it retained a classic Greek and Roman influence that felt almost timeless.
By the way... what year is it exactly?
The girl stopped in front of a painting hanging by the staircase. It depicted a woman in red with one breast bared to nurse an infant. She held another child in her other arm, while a third child huddled against her skirt as if weeping. Nearby lay a discarded letter in a setting far removed from any city.
"Charity," Saya murmured. Kevin looked confused, but Pedro turned to her with a smile.
"You recognize it, Miss Leyla?" he asked. Feeling slightly awkward, she nodded, unsure if she should have known. "This is a copy by Andrea del Sarto, based on an original. It has been here since the time of Lord Giotto's father—it has belonged to this mansion for a very long time, perhaps nearly a hundred years."
Andrea del Sarto was a Renaissance artist who lived until 1530. Saya began to piece together the clues but still wasn't sure exactly which part of the Renaissance era she was in. Was it the Early Renaissance of the 15th to 17th centuries, or a 19th-century revival?
"Mr. Pedro, may I ask something strange?" the girl inquired. "What year is it currently?"
"It is the year 1629, Miss. Today is the 11th of November." The butler replied. Saya froze, her blue-violet eyes trembling before regaining their calm. "Is something the matter?"
"Angel Sister?" Kevin tugged gently on her arm, his little green eyes filled with concern.
"I see," she murmured. "Aside from the wars in Germany under Ferdinand II and the conflicts in Holland and Zeeland, are there any other dangerous events occurring?"
Saya bathed with the help of two maids Pedro had assigned—Spanish sisters who looked nearly identical and were close to Saya's age. Their names were Cayo and Dasa. Cayo had blue eyes and a large scar from a blade across her face, while Dasa had brown eyes and was missing a segment of her ring finger.
Initially, the sisters were stiff and nervous, especially when Kevin hid behind Saya out of fear. However, Saya simply smiled and chatted with them warmly until they relaxed.
If it had been five days ago, she might have been shocked by their appearances. But after witnessing the living hell of the slave auction, she felt a profound, strange empathy for them—just as Giotto had shown her.
The girl winced as they applied a salve that felt like ointment but provided a peculiar cooling sensation. As they braided her hair, they couldn't stop praising its beauty. Saya smiled through the conversation, but her mind drifted back to the date Pedro had given her.
"Nothing out of the ordinary for now," Pedro had told her regarding the news. That meant she had some time, but likely not much.
Currently, several wars were raging simultaneously: the Eighty Years' War in Holland and the Thirty Years' War sparked by the Reformation. These conflicts would define the Great Change in Italy—but that was the future.
For the present, the current wars were nothing compared to what was about to arrive. Italy was like a body of water with hidden undercurrents, waiting for the day to erupt. If the wars continued, loss was inevitable. But loss doesn't always come from the sword.
The Plague of Milan.
Saya wondered why she had been sent to this specific moment—just as the Plague of Milan was drawing near. What would happen to Vongola then? What did it truly mean to "fulfill their destiny"? What was it she was meant to do for Vongola in this past she had been returned to?
A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Pedro entered politely to announce that Giotto and G had returned.
The girl thanked the maids and headed out with Kevin. The little boy followed closely, never letting go of her hand. Looking at him, she saw traces of anxiety and realized Kevin had been hiding his fear all along, showing it to no one else.
"Is something wrong, Kevin? You can tell me." The girl asked. The little boy looked up at her, searched her eyes for a moment, and then spoke softly.
"Can I sleep with you tonight, Angel Sister?" He asked. No matter how comfortable the prepared rooms were, a sense of security was more important. Saya didn't know why Kevin was so attached to her, but if he chose her as his sanctuary, she would do her best for him.
"Of course," she said. "Whenever you want."
Kevin stopped walking, causing Saya to stop as well. He hugged her briefly before letting go and saying, "I'm hungry now, Angel Sister."
Saya laughed softly and led Kevin by the hand, following Pedro. Cayo and Dasa trailed closely behind.
The dining room featured an incredibly long teak table that could seat sixteen. Giotto sat at the head of the table, with G to his right. The seat to his left was empty, but next to it sat a young man with green hair and a lightning-shaped birthmark on his right cheek. He waited politely, though the table was already set for a meal.
"Please, have a seat, Leyla, Kevin," Giotto said with a gentle smile. Pedro pulled out an empty chair next to G for her. Lampo stared at Saya without blinking as she sat down with a grace that suggested fine training. Kevin sat beside her. "How do you find this place?"
"Thank you, Mr. Pedro." The dark-haired butler nodded with a small smile as Cayo and Dasa brought out the food. Pedro served them politely; the first course was an appetizer of salad, though Kevin received a small plate of fried calamari. "It is beautiful here, Mr. Giotto. Everyone has taken such wonderful care of us."
The Vongola Boss nodded slightly, while Pedro's team shared a silent, joyful look, maintaining their professionalism. G glanced at the empty seat across from him and asked Giotto.
"Hasn't Ugetsu returned yet?" Giotto shook his head.
"He said he would return in time for the rain," the Vongola Boss replied as he began his appetizer. "It might be tomorrow."
"Who is Ugetsu?" Lampo asked, and G answered.
"The Rain Guardian of Vongola," the red-haired man replied. "He is the Rain of Purification for Vongola."
"I don't understand a bit of that," Lampo remarked. "So, when are you going to let me go?"
"When I deem you fit to return," Giotto said, dabbing his mouth and looking at Lampo. "Your father has entrusted us with your training."
When Giotto finished, G handed a letter to Lampo. "Lord Francesco sent this for you," G added. Lampo snatched the letter and read it. His brows knitted tighter with every line.
His face turned bright red with rage. He crumpled the letter and slammed the table. "I won't accept this! This is madness! I'm going to talk to my father!"
"Lampo, stop right there!" G stood up and followed Lampo, who stormed out. The room fell silent as Giotto sat still, having stopped eating. "Please, continue your meal. I must attend to this matter for a moment."
He gave them both a gentle smile before politely walking in the direction G and Lampo had disappeared.
"Is it always like this?" the girl asked Pedro.
"Not exactly. Lord Lampo has just arrived. The Master informed us that Lord Lampo is to become his Lightning Guardian, but he is currently undergoing training."
"Lampo... he seems to know nothing," she noted. "To be honest, it looks like he doesn't want to be a Guardian at all."
"Initially, Lord Francesco, his father, wanted Vongola to train him. Lord Giotto refused several times, partly wanting to remain neutral and not involve himself too much with royal bloodlines. However, last week he changed his mind and decided to make Lord Lampo the Lightning Guardian. The request came directly from Lord Lampo's father."
Saya thought of Tsuna's Guardians. Though they were all different, they fit together in a strange, perfect way. Each had their own reasons, and while some were reluctant, she had never seen any of them truly fight with Tsuna.
"It's best to let Vongola handle Vongola business," she said.
"Well said, Miss Leyla," Pedro replied. "Shall I continue serving the meal?"
"I apologize, but I don't think I can eat any more. I'd like to take a walk, not far from the mansion." The recent tension had ruined her appetite.
"I'll go too!" Kevin said, quickly finishing his food and hopping off his chair.
Pedro offered to send Cayo and Dasa with them, but Saya declined. He pointed them toward the meadow in front of the mansion, noting it was safe to walk there alone.
"The sky is so pretty, Angel Sister!" Kevin walked ahead, stopping at the boundary Pedro had set. This remained a safe area even at night. Saya looked up. It was the first time since her arrival that she had seen the night sky while feeling safe.
On her first day, she had fallen into a meadow like this, fleeing for her life before being captured. She hadn't even noticed if there were stars then. But now, she saw exactly what people nearly four hundred years ago saw when they looked up at night.
The stars sparkled like diamonds arranged on dark-blue velvet. A brilliant blue moon cast a radiant glow, its color matching the girl's eyes at this very moment.
The more she looked, the more entranced she became. The gentle wind and the rustling grass created a feeling in her chest—a desire to both embrace the world and be embraced by it. She gazed at the sky with such wonder she felt like losing herself in it.
"The moon shines bright, the stars glow clear, yet life is fleeting, unable to stay with any star. Why then cling to the transient?" Saya snapped back to reality as she heard the rustling of sandals on the grass. She turned to find a young man wearing a white kariginu over light blue robes, topped with a tall black hat. It was the attire of a Shinto priest, or perhaps a Japanese nobleman. "Standing in the dew too long will give you a cold."
The man spoke in clear, formal Japanese. It wasn't strange to hear archaic terms in this era, but Saya was more surprised to find a Japanese man in the heart of Italy. Aside from herself, she hadn't seen another.
"Are you the Rain Guardian... Mr. Ugetsu?" Saya asked. The man gave a friendly smile.
"Indeed. I am Asari Ugetsu." He replied, opening a paper umbrella to shield them from the dew. "The rain is coming. I believe the three of us should head back inside."
"Pardon?" Saya was confused. At that moment, blue flames began to flicker from her body as "cloudless rain" began to fall from the sky. Kevin gasped in shock. "Rain? How is it raining? And Angel Sister, why are you on fire!?"
Ugetsu remained as calm as a still lake, unmoved by the occurrence. "Let us return to the mansion. I shall harmonize your flames and soothe the injury on your cheek."
"...Alright," Saya replied, slowly following Ugetsu as he walked with a steady pace that matched her and the young boy.