The middle-aged man chuckled warmly, his eyes soft with kindness as he looked at Sophia.

Sophia hesitated for a moment, then nodded after a brief pause.

She reached into her pocket, pulled out a few silver coins, and offered them to him.

But the man waved his hand casually. “No, no need at all. You two siblings have suffered so much fleeing here—keep the coins for yourselves. Just one night’s stay. Nothing to worry about.”

He sighed. “Ah… come to think of it, my own child was about your age. He dreamed of becoming an adventurer… and never came back.”

“He said he was heading to the westernmost edge of the Haya Empire. Sadly, he arrived right when Count Yina’s rebellion broke out… Ah… You must be fleeing the war too. Poor things.”

Villagers here were simple and warm-hearted, naturally quick to open up.

In no time, the man had chatted away with Sophia about all sorts of things.

Yet Sophia showed no impatience—instead, she wore a sorrowful, fragile expression.

An watched her act and smirked. *Did the Royal Academy actually teach “acting” as part of the curriculum?*

Meanwhile, Sophia silently processed the man’s words.

*Haya Empire…*

*Count Yina’s rebellion…*

She knew of the rebellion, though she’d been too young then. She’d only read about it later in history books.

Count Yina had sought more land and authority, clashing with neighboring counts—even provoking a duke.

The conflict spiraled into rebellion, swiftly crushed by troops sent by Sophia’s father, the king.

Still, the region’s people lived in fear. To comfort them, the king himself traveled there.

But…

That happened ten years ago!

From the man’s tone, it sounded like it had just occurred…

“Ah! Almost forgot,” the man said, finally wrapping up his chatter with an awkward chuckle. “Follow me—my house is just ahead. My wife’ll cook extra for lunch. Makes it lively.”

“Mm, thank you so much,” Sophia replied with a sweet, grateful smile.

*“Did you get formal training for this ‘older sister’ act?”* An finally muttered through telepathy.

Yugo bowed politely.

Delighted by the well-mannered “siblings,” the man laughed heartily and led them home.

Yugo stole a careful glance at Sophia’s smile, then quickly looked down.

*Big Sister Sophia… Her smile is so beautiful…*

*But why doesn’t she smile often…?*

He suddenly remembered her words:

*“I have no family left…”*

He looked up again—his gaze trembling slightly.

*This kind man must’ve reminded Big Sister Sophia of her father… That’s why she smiled…*

*She’s so gentle… and strong.*

Yugo wiped a tear from his eye.

*Dad… Mom… I’ll be as strong as Big Sister Sophia!*

*Don’t cry… Yugo… Don’t cry…*

“What’s wrong?” Sophia turned and caught the fleeting glimmer of tears in the boy’s eyes—gone in the next second as he wiped them away.

“I…”

He couldn’t finish. A soft little hand rested on his head, gently ruffling his hair.

“Things will get better.”

“…Mm…”

*“You’re really nailing this ‘older sister’ persona,”* An remarked, tone laced with its usual mockery.

“Since he believes we’re refugee siblings, I’ll play the part convincingly. Avoiding trouble,” Sophia replied coolly.

In the depths of her azure eyes lay an unchanging frost.

…

At the man’s home, his wife was cooking. At his call, she stepped out with a warm smile.

She paused upon seeing Sophia and Yugo, then glanced at her husband questioningly.

The man laughed. “Refugee kids—look pitiful. Let them stay tonight. Cook a bit more for lunch, dear.”

Her expression softened. She smiled at them with added tenderness.

“Of course. You rest. I’ll prepare their room,” she said gently.

Clearly, this was a genuinely kind family.

Yet as they spoke—especially at the word “noon”—Sophia glanced upward.

The full moon hung high in the sky.

“…”

Sophia said nothing.

“Come now, rest easy,” the wife said, eyes brimming with compassion. “Ah… children so young, forced to flee… you poor little things.”