How deeply must a father care for his daughter to know every tiny detail of her life with such tender precision?

“By the way, Loko used to get fevers often as a kid. Her health’s a bit fragile, so Shilufei, please keep an eye on her at the academy. Don’t let her go out in the rain—one illness could cause real trouble.”

“Alright, alright!”

At that moment, Vera gently nudged Pellan, and he finally stopped.

Realizing he’d misspoken, Pellan quickly bowed his head.

“Ah, sorry, Shilufei. I only mentioned those things because you’ll be living with Loko for the next four years—you’ll spend more time with her than we will. Just trying to avoid misunderstandings later…”

“It’s fine, really.”

Shilufei shook her head with a soft smile, glancing at Loko, who kept her head down, the tips of her ears flushed crimson.

“Also, Uncle Pellan… saying it like that might make Loko feel a little…”

Pellan’s gaze settled on Loko, and he hurriedly apologized.

“Loko, I’m sorry. Dad was being clumsy—only thinking about asking Shilufei to look after you…”

“Enough, Dad. The more you talk, the worse it gets.”

Vera smoothly defused the tension, then wrapped an arm around Loko and whispered in her ear.

Only then did Loko lift her head and glance at Shilufei. Seeing Shilufei completely unruffled by Pellan’s words, she let out a quiet breath of relief. She turned to her father, eyes holding a trace of reproach. Pellan, knowing he was in the wrong, avoided her gaze.

The family dinner ended hastily.

Shilufei followed a maid upstairs to rest; Pellan retreated to his room. Soon, only the two sisters remained in the first-floor hall.

“Big sis, I heard you were supposed to return to the barracks—but stayed just for me?”

“Mm, yeah.” Vera nodded openly. “Like you said, military life is dreadfully boring. Even with friends there, seeing them daily gets old. Coming home? That’s how I recharge with my little sister~” She snuggled closer to Loko. “Dealing with monsters every day—if I didn’t visit you guys, I’d turn into a monster-hunting machine.”

“Then… is it okay if you’re late?”

“No big deal. At the border garrison, one soldier more or less changes nothing.” Vera glanced at her. “What’s up? Thinking of joining the military too?”

“No…”

“Miss Vera, Miss Loko—Miss Teresa of the York Family has arrived.”

Loko froze.

“What’s *she* here for?” Vera frowned.

“Loko, stay. I’ll handle it.”

But Loko shot up faster, gently pressing Vera back down.

“Big sis, she’s here for me. I’ll go.”

“…Okay.”

Loko hurried to the door just as Teresa stepped toward it.

“Why so eager to welcome me today?” Teresa’s mood brightened, assuming Loko had rushed out for her.

“It’s not that… Miss Teresa, let’s talk here.”

“Oh?” Teresa’s brow furrowed as she eyed the lit windows. “Talk *here*? Am I not even worthy of a seat inside your home?”

Loko heard the irritation clear as day.

“No—it’s just Shilufei’s visiting today. If she saw you… it’d be hard to explain.”

“All because of *Shilufei*?”

Loko felt tears welling. *You ordered me to spy… now you’re making exposure inevitable? Is this sabotage?*

Seeing Loko’s helpless silence, Teresa sighed. “Fine. Listen: tomorrow evening, His Majesty hosts an imperial court banquet. I’m attending with Father and can bring one guest. Come with me?”

“I… probably shouldn’t. Our family’s status is… complicated. Nobles—even beyond the royal court—look down on us.”

Though the Gallina Family held the title of Earl (second only to Duke and Marquis), ancestral errors had demoted them from Marquis and stripped all lands. Without the York Family’s support, they’d have fallen to Viscount or Baron. Such banquets were for the empire’s highest nobility. By title alone, Loko qualified—but in standing? She was utterly out of place.

“The ‘landless earl’—a title unique to your house—is seen as lower than even a Viscount.”

“What’s wrong? With the York Family backing you, who’d dare disrespect you?”

*Exactly because of that backing,* Loko thought, *the prideful families see us as shameful.* She stayed silent, head lowered.

“If Miss Teresa wishes it… I’ll accompany you tomorrow.”

“Mm.” Teresa turned. “I came only for this. Talking outside is fine, but it’s getting cold. Next time, let’s warm up inside your home—no need to catch a chill.” She stepped into the carriage adorned with a white rose emblem.

Loko watched until it vanished, then let out a long breath and returned inside.

Vera rushed over anxiously. “Loko—did that girl bully you?”

“No.” Loko forced a faint smile. “Teresa’s taking me to the banquet tomorrow. I need to pick an outfit… I’ll head up.”

As she turned, Vera caught her wrist.

“Imperial court banquet?” Vera narrowed her eyes. “You’re sure she’s not setting you up for humiliation?”

“Probably… not?”

Loko hesitated. Teresa *was* terrifying when angry—she’d never dared defy her. Yet… had Teresa ever truly crossed the line?

For now, she couldn’t decide.