Autumn leaves drifted on the wind. In the primeval forest, layers of fallen leaves piled up like golden snowflakes, blanketing the entire woods. This gold promised lush rebirth for the trees.

A dark cloud descended upon the Kalarazat Great Forest. The golden-red canopy seemed devoured by inky blackness. Like the epic chronicles described, an army of demons pressed down—faces dark, fangs bared—as if they’d stolen pure darkness from the night sky itself.

"Form ranks!" roared the demon commander from the rear. Calm and detached, he prepared to face the legendary Sage. The Dark Emperor’s decree had declared this Sage the weakest in centuries. Now was the moment to strike!

For two hundred years, the Dark Emperor had stockpiled troops and grain. The thought of shattering this barrier thrilled him. The Demonic Race had finally arrived. He’d become their legend—a pioneer claiming a new continent. Humans had long dismissed demons as myth, sealed away by the Sages’ sacrifices. Now, he’d be the colonizer, seizing that land for good.

……………………

"Hail!" Voices rose across the botanical garden as guests stood in unison, toasting Grand Duke Mana like a ceremonial guard. Black and blue formal wear lent solemn grandeur to the summer night.

Allen stood dumbfounded with the crowd, having dragged Calliana to hide in the back row. She’d carefully avoided her father and brothers, certain this shadowy corner would stay unnoticed. Who knew there’d be a standing toast? She’d never seen her father host a homecoming banquet—he rarely returned. Probably because she’d never left her little room.

The banquet unfolded under summer stars. Magic Crystal Lamps bathed the greenhouse in bright light. Small barrels of ice crystals cooled the air, making the space feel like spring. Heavy formal wear, usually stifling on such nights, felt just right.

"…Keep the wine cups full…" the butler sang, raising a toast to three guests. They drained their glasses of expensive, fragrant red wine. Everyone followed suit.

"Hahaha! My thanks to all who managed my estate in my absence. I can only repay you with wine!" Grand Duke Mana laughed, lifting his silver cup and downing it in one gulp.

Most servants here were children of his old confidants—now like dear friends. With over eighty guests, the dining hall was too small. The greenhouse became the perfect spot: warm in winter, cool in summer, surrounded by flowers and trees. Folding tables and chairs stored nearby made it ideal.

"Enjoy yourselves! Drink until dawn!" Mana declared before returning to his seat. He sat at a long table, listening to well-wishers with childlike laughter. Allen watched, puzzled. How could a man famed for iron-blooded ruthlessness smile like this?

Under the bright Magic Crystal Lamp, Allen saw her father’s smile clearly. She’d never seen him smile since childhood—not when she was around. He’d always stopped, as if she were a curse. Tonight, he smiled freely, unaware of her. No wonder his friends knew of his three sons but had never met Allen.

She also noticed his hair had turned completely white since their last farewell three years ago. It felt like a lifetime, as if overnight snow had covered his golden locks. She longed to approach him, to show filial respect—even just a greeting. But fear held her back. What if he looked at her with disdain again? Her eyes stung. She blinked hard, terrified tears would spill.

"Sis Lotus, why are you crying?" Calliana whispered. Dragged to this corner, she’d missed seeing Alex and planned to tease Allen—only to find her weeping.

"It’s nothing. Seeing the Grand Duke reminded me of my father," Allen replied half-truthfully. She couldn’t confess her past; Calliana might abandon her. Lying filled Allen with guilt.

"Let’s eat. Forget it." Allen bowed her head, picking at her plate. The finest food tasted like ash. She fought the tears, but they betrayed her, slipping down her cheeks to drip onto the table. Silent, head lowered, each tear fell like a drop of blood from a wounded heart.

Calliana wanted to comfort her but realized she knew nothing of Allen’s pain. She gently stroked Allen’s silvery hair.

After a while, Allen lifted her head, forcing a smile. "Thank you, Calliana."

The smile only deepened Calliana’s ache. Tears still glistened on Allen’s face, making her look pitiful—a fragile mask over sorrow. Calliana’s heart clenched. She pulled Allen into a tight hug. "Don’t cry. Don’t cry…"

In that instant, Calliana touched the fragile core hidden beneath Allen’s shell. Allen’s dam broke. Sobs shook her body, soaking Calliana’s blouse. Calliana rubbed her back softly. The tough facade vanished; Allen was just a child now.

Finally, Allen calmed. She pulled a handkerchief from her pocket, drying her eyes. "Sorry for staining your clothes," she murmured.

A few glances had turned their way, but Calliana had silenced them with quick lip movements.

"Don’t say thank you!" Calliana scolded.

Allen smiled back—the real Allen. Not the stoic "ascetic" she usually pretended to be. This outburst made Calliana crave to know her better. She’d just realized how little she understood Allen. But soon, she’d learn everything. After all, she was good with people.

Allen stopped eating, watching Calliana instead. She only wanted to retreat to her library. Alex and Charlotte were approaching.

She ducked her head like an ostrich. Alex had spotted her. Their eyes met for less than a second before Allen looked away. He was unchanged from memory. Even as the Hero, she’d avoided her brothers. They’d steered clear too, fearing revenge. They’d barely crossed paths since she left home—the last time on her final night.

Both brothers inherited their parents’ bright golden hair. Thanks to Mana and Goria, they were strikingly handsome. Alex’s sharp brows radiated valor; her second brother, though lazy, possessed wisdom Allen could never match. They outshone her in every way, making her the family’s spare part. In another noble house, she might have lived a quiet, idle life. But because of them, she’d unleashed her true strength—becoming the Hero.

"Calli, who’s this?" Alex asked. Charlotte rolled his eyes and slipped away, refusing to intrude on Alex’s moment with Calliana.

As the butler Nikolai’s daughter—and Nikolai being the Grand Duke’s old friend—Mana tacitly approved of Alex and Calliana’s bond.

"She’s Lotus, the new librarian. Replacing old Mr. Brad, who retired," Calliana answered with a smile.

"Brad left without saying goodbye?" Alex sighed. "He was here when I was a kid. Such a shame… I’ll visit him soon." He extended a hand to Allen.

Allen hesitated, then offered her small hand. Their palms touched—and goosebumps raced across her skin. She kept her head down, silent.

"Lotus, look at Alex. It’s rude not to," Calliana whispered.

Allen lifted her gaze instinctively, fixing Alex with a strange stare before quickly correcting it.

Alex froze. That look—exactly like his foolish little brother who’d died in his place.

"Your eyes… remind me of someone I knew," Alex said coldly.

"R-really?" Allen replied.