After some time,the atmosphere in the house grew lighter.
The twins, having regained their energy from the sweets Eiran gave them, exchanged a look before turning to Darius.
"Uncle Darius," Riven began politely, though his eyes were already sparkling with mischief, "may we play in the backyard? Just for a little while?"
"Sure,but .." Darius then turned to eiran .
Eiran studied them for a moment and smiled. "Its okay.As long as you don't trample the seedlings."
"We won't!" Rhen answered quickly. "We know how to step carefully."
Darius chuckled softly. "I'll take a short walk as well, if that's acceptable. The scenery here is quite beautiful."
Soon, the twins were running toward the back, careful but still very much children, their laughter drifting through the open windows. Darius walked at a slower pace through the smallholding.
The vegetables were planted in neat rows. Some leafy greens were ready for harvest, their color rich and healthy. Fruit trees stood near the fence, some branches heavy with ripening produce, others still budding patiently. The soil was well maintained, not extravagant, but clearly handled with care.
Darius inhaled deeply.
The air here felt different.
Honest.
Meanwhile, Sion was already on his way back from town. The evening sun painted the sky in amber hues as he climbed the hill, cloak resting loosely on his shoulders.
Before he even stepped inside the house, Eiran hurried out, unable to contain his excitement.
"Young master!" Eiran called, practically glowing. "They've arrived!"
Sion paused mid-step.
"They?"
"Ah,there they are," Eiran added suddenly, pointing behind Sion.
Sion turned around.
The twins were already running toward him, having sensed his arrival. Darius followed at a measured pace behind them.
"Uncle Sion!" they called in unison before colliding into him.
For a brief second, Sion stiffened in surprise,then he laughed softly, steadying them with both hands.
"You'll knock me over at this rate," he said dryly.
Darius approached and bowed slightly. "It has been a while, Your Highness."
Sion's smile faltered for only half a heartbeat.
"Don't call me that," he replied smoothly. "Sion is fine."
Don't call me that," he replied smoothly. "Sion is fine."
"I—I wouldn't dare," Darius said quickly, flustered, waving his hand as if to dismiss the very idea.
"Just call him Young Master," Eiran whispered gently, leaning a little closer
Darius nodded immediately. "Y-Young Master."
That seemed to satisfy him.
"Welcome," Sion said, stepping aside to let them enter. "You've traveled far."
Dinner was simple—stew, bread, fresh vegetables from the field. Nothing like the palace feasts they were accustomed to.
Sion cleared his throat lightly. "I apologize for the humble meal."
Riven shook his head. "It's fine. We're used to simple food too."
Rhen added, "Papa makes us eat vegetables every day."
Darius smiled faintly. "This is more than enough."
Sion watched them carefully as they ate. They truly didn't complain. No subtle grimaces. No forced politeness.
Still, the meal passed in silence.Mostly Awkward.
After dinner, they moved to the living room. The twins sat side by side on the sofa while Eiran handed them a few small sweets—measured carefully.
"Not too many," Eiran warned gently.
"We know," Rhen sighed dramatically.
Sion sat across from Darius, fingers loosely intertwined.
"If it's alright," Sion began calmly, "let's talk tomorrow."
Darius looked at him attentively.
"We've all traveled. And I have a feeling," Sion continued, eyes unreadable, "that our conversation won't be short."
He tilted his head slightly. "Unless you're in a hurry to leave?"
"Not at all," Darius replied immediately. "We planned to stay for a few days."
The twins nodded eagerly.
Sion gave a small smile. "Good."
He turned to Eiran. "Show them to their room."
Eiran nodded. "This way, Sir Darius,Your Highnesses."
After they left, the house grew quieter again.
Sion poured himself tea and stepped outside.
The night air was cool. Crickets chirped faintly in the distance. From up here, the town lights looked small—almost harmless.
Eiran joined him a few moments later.
"You seem disappointed," Eiran said gently.
Sion exhaled.
He ran a hand through his hair, slicking it back as he tilted his head slightly. "Is it that obvious?"
"To me," Eiran replied. "But don't worry. I doubt anyone else noticed."
They had been together long enough for Eiran to read him easily.
Sion's expression shifted,less warm, more calculating.
"I was expecting the herbalist himself," Sion admitted quietly. "When I read about the word "visitor", I thought…"
He trailed off, lips pressing thinly.
"Who would've thought," he added coolly, "that it would be a guard and two children."
"You mean His Majesty? The Queen?" Eiran chuckled lightly. "Why would he personally come here, Your Highness—"
He stopped.
Sion's gaze had sharpened.
Eiran cleared his throat immediately. "—Young master."
Silence stretched.
After a moment, Eiran spoke more thoughtfully. "Still… perhaps this isn't a bad thing."
Sion didn't respond, but he didn't dismiss him either.
"The princes are sharp," Eiran continued carefully. "And Sir Darius would not travel personally without reason."
He hesitated before adding, "Whatever their reason for visiting… we might be able to use it."
Sion's eyes flickered.
Slowly, the corner of his lips lifted.
"You're right," he said softly.
The disappointment faded, replaced by something far more familiar.
Calculation.
"I shouldn't let expectations cloud my judgment."
He straightened slightly, composure fully restored. "We'll see what they want tomorrow."
Eiran smiled in relief.
"Rest well," he said.
Sion nodded and stepped back inside, heading toward his room.
He did not notice the faint shift in the shadows ,nor the quiet presence that had lingered just long enough to hear everything.
And just as silently,
It disappeared.