Chapter 4: I’m Home... Welcome Back

By the time we left the Eimoor estate, it was already past noon. Half the day had come and gone. Unlike the trip to the capital, there was no need for me to hide on the way back; I could ride in the back with the luggage in the open air and take in the sights of the city. Camilo sat up in front next to a driver, who was one of the workers at his store. With this seating arrangement, it would look like I was in charge of keeping watch over the cargo.

The city was diverse and bustling, as befitting a nation’s capital. A variety of different people and races mingled together in the crowd: there were beastfolk (part-feline ones and part-canine ones), dwarven women with short and stout builds, and dwarven men with thick beards. I also saw lizardmen, a race that seemed to have two distinct body types—ones who looked like bipedal lizards and ones who were covered in scales. I also saw a race of people called the Malito, who looked like children at first glance but with a distinctly mature demeanor. And of course, there were humans with all shades of skin and hair colors walking through the city.

There weren’t any signs of discrimination. The humans didn’t seem to hold any disdain for the beastfolk, for example. The different races were equals, walking on the streets and buying and selling in the shops.

A short while into our journey, we passed through a gate that demarcated the nobility and commoner districts. We rode for another hour before coming to the capital’s outer gates. I’d been hunkered down in a chest on the way here, so I hadn’t yet gotten a chance to see the gates. They were massive, arching upward nearly six meters. I couldn’t contain my curiosity and asked Camilo about their construction.

“One of the former emperors had a close relationship with the giants. The gates were built to allow giants to pass through easily,” Camilo explained. “That’s the legend, at least, but who knows how true it is.”

Interesting. I hope I get the chance to find out more about this world’s history and lore someday. Little by little, piece by piece.

Heading into the city, the guards had inspected the cargo, but there were no such precautions when leaving. One of the guards on duty glanced at us only briefly before moving on to the cart behind us. He wasn’t being negligent, but rather, we didn’t look suspicious...is what I wanted to believe. Truthfully, there was little value to checking people on their way out.

After passing through the gates, we emerged into the open. The pastoral scenery extended out all around us. The road and a river snaked through the green landscape like rough sketches drawn with brown and blue crayons. The river ran off into the distance, gleaming where the sunlight kissed the waters, and the road, too, extended beyond the horizon.

The green carpet was stitched together from grasslands and fields. I looked around and noticed a mountain range in another corner of the landscape. It looked as if it was a wall built to protect the beautiful scenery.

Based on the location of the river, I was positive that it eventually flowed into the lake in the Black Forest. What about the mountains? I hadn’t seen any before, so I couldn’t be sure.

The scenery continued unbroken as we progressed. The capital receded behind us until it disappeared into the horizon, and the mountains grew shorter and shorter until they flattened into the ground.

Since we were on the road that leads to the capital, we passed the occasional traveler, but for the most part, it felt like we were alone, riding under the infinite sky.

I soon tired of watching the landscape and distracted myself by conversing with Camilo. One topic I was curious about was the elven race since I hadn’t seen any in the capital.

“Elves, huh?” Camilo mused. “The elves are a self-sufficient people and they rarely leave their own communities. You won’t see any around these parts.”

“That’s too bad,” I said.

But at least they’re out there somewhere.

“Occasionally, they’ll come into town to buy something they need or travel in on a training expedition to improve their combat skills,” he explained. “I see all sorts of people in my line of work, but I can count on both hands the number of elves I’ve met.”

In the stories I’d read in my previous world, elves often roamed human cities freely, but the elves in this world were apparently the reclusive type. I’d been lucky enough to see a whole host of different races today, so I hoped that one day, I’d meet an elf too.

We continued to chat as we journeyed. The sky began to take on a rosy hue as the sun set. Since the cart was drawn by horses, we were traveling much faster than on foot. We would reach the forest drop-off before the sun fully dipped below the horizon; however, it would be dark before I could reach the cabin.

I’ll see if I can borrow a torch from Camilo. He can probably make it back to the city while the sun is still out, if barely.

When we reached the entrance to the forest, I hopped down from the cart, taking a torch and flint with me. I said my goodbyes to Camilo.

Just a little farther. I’m almost home.

I knew how to navigate home using my cheats and installed knowledge, so I hurried in the direction my instincts were pointing me. I tried to pay attention to my surroundings, but my emotions urged me to walk faster. Even at my brisk clip, the sun was catching up to me, and it would soon be completely dark. I hurried to ignite the torch while I still had a little bit of sunset left to see by. If I delayed any longer, it’d be too late.

I’d saved a bit of time in the beginning, but the dwindling light forced me to slow down. Plus, I now had to hold up the torch. I was now walking slower than we usually did as a group when we came back from town. Occasionally, I’d speed up without noticing, but I couldn’t afford to be careless. I tried to keep calm as I waded forward through the inky darkness of the forest.

It’s spooky after nightfall... We should avoid traveling in the dark.

I had just started to worry about the torch burning out when I emerged into the clearing around my home. I hadn’t been away for very long, but upon seeing the cabin, all of a sudden I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me. I approached the door slowly.

It flew open when I was still a few steps short of the threshold. Samya, Rike, and Diana stood in the open doorway.

That surprised me!

I tried to greet them, but the words stuck in my throat.

The women beat me to the punch.

Samya called out to me first. “Welcome home, Eizo.”

“We’ve been waiting for you, Boss,” Rike said.

Diana closed it off with, “Thank goodness you’re back, Eizo.”

My heart swelled with warmth and the words I wanted to say bubbled up from within me.

“I’m home.”

The three of them were all pleased to see me home in one piece. I also felt a surge of relief—and accompanying exhaustion—at having returned. I told Samya, Rike, and Diana that I would explain everything in the morning and then excused myself for the day. I dusted off from my travels, ate a simple meal, and headed straight to bed.

⌗⌗⌗

The next morning, after we ate breakfast together, I recounted the events in the capital. I hesitated over whether or not to explain Karel’s fate, but in the end, Diana insisted. I finished my story without leaving anything out.

Diana had kept her head down as she listened, but when I was done, she raised her face and looked at me. “I... I can’t believe that happened,” she stammered haltingly. Her expression was contorted with sorrow. “Before all of this, Karel was always nice to everyone. I remember playing with him when I was little. He was so close to my father, Leon, and Marius.”

The rest of us listened to her in silence.

“How could it have turned out like this?” Diana buried her face in her hands.

Rike and Samya hurried to comfort her.

They were a tight-knit family once upon a time. Had it all been a facade? Or had there been a trigger that caused such a drastic change in their relationships? There’s no way to know at this point.

Diana regained her calm after a while. “I’m sorry for losing my composure.”

“Don’t apologize,” I soothed. “It’s only natural. We wouldn’t want to associate ourselves with anyone who could find out about the death of their brother and keep calm. Besides, regardless of what he did before he died, it doesn’t change the fact that he was once your family and now he’s gone. Once you go back to the capital, you’ll have to pretend that none of this has happened, but while you’re here with us, you should grieve as much as you need.”

“Thank you, Eizo, truly,” Diana said with a small smile.

I waved off her words to hide my embarrassment.

“Oh, that’s right. Diana, I’ll see you off to the capital tomorrow morning.”

“Pardon?” she asked, surprised.

What is there to be shocked about? Wasn’t it always the plan for her to go back once the incident was resolved?

“The issue with the inheritance has been sorted out, and there’s going to be a banquet for your brother when he officially takes on the count title. Won’t you need to attend?”

“You’re right. I should be there...”

“I’ll be at the banquet as well,” I told her.

Since I had been acting as Marius’s guest from the north, Marius had said it would be suspicious for me to disappear right after the dispute. Apparently, the margrave was to attend the celebration as well, so I had no choice—I would be accompanying Diana all the way into the banquet hall.

Once I’d explained that I would be attending, Diana agreed to go.

“You’ll be away for another two or three days, then?” Rike asked.

“Yeah, looks like it,” I replied. “Sorry, you two.”

“I’ll be fine. Samya, on the other hand, might sulk if you’re gone too long,” Rike teased, grinning.

Samya blushed a fierce red. “Stupid—! What are you talking about, Rike?!” she cried.

The conversation ended in a round of laughter.

Since we wouldn’t be setting off until tomorrow, I decided to do a little bit of smithing while I had the chance. I’d been away from my workshop for several days, but my skills hadn’t gotten rusty; I was able to make an elite model as normal. I suppose it hadn’t been that long.

While I’d been gone, it seemed that Diana had gotten a lot of practice. She could now make an entry-level model, and her movements were confident and sure.

This is the last time we’ll all be gathered here together like this.

After we finished up in the workshop, I sparred one last time with Diana. It would be an exaggeration to say that she moved like a different person, but she had definitely improved. If she kept it up, she might even surpass me one day. It was a shame I wouldn’t be there when that day came, but I hoped she would continue to pour her heart into her training even once she was back home.

I prepared an extravagant dinner since it was Samya and Rike’s last day with Diana. As we ate, they chatted enthusiastically about anything and everything they could think of. The three of them seemed to be aware of the goodbye looming before them, or perhaps they’d simply bonded while I’d been away.

⌗⌗⌗

The next day, I woke up earlier than usual. I wanted to give us plenty of time to travel, so I completed my morning chores quickly.

We left the cabin together, proceeding into the forest, and I carried Diana’s bags. With my increased strength, they were as light as a feather, but she also hadn’t brought much with her when she’d fled from the capital. The two of us made good time—we reached the edge of the forest significantly faster than usual.

There, we waited.

It wasn’t long before Camilo came on his horse-drawn cart. He sat up front next to one of his clerks; Diana and I climbed up into the back alongside the cargo.

“G’morning,” I greeted him.

“Hey,” Camilo called back before turning his attention to Diana. “I’m afraid the ride may be rougher than you’re used to, my lady. I beg your pardon in advance.”

“Please, there is no need to concern yourself. You have graciously allowed me to travel with you, and you have been a great aid to my brother. I am in your debt.”

“I do not deserve your kind words. We merchants are merely misers trailing after the scent of profit,” Camilo said disparagingly.

The rare sight of a modest Camilo brought a smile to my face.

He quickly noted my bemusement. “I won’t be forgetting this, Eizo.”

I shrugged and said, “Oooh, scary,” then gasped and made a show of shrinking back in mock terror.

The whole cart burst into laughter, and we set off toward the capital in high spirits.

The journey itself was uneventful. We soon reached the city gates and joined the queue of travelers. When it was our turn to be inspected, Camilo flashed a wooden token at the guard, who waved us through with a cursory glance at our cargo.

Afterward, I asked him, “What did you show them?”

“It’s a tag that proves I have ties to the Eimoor house,” he explained. “A handy trinket to have around.”

“I bet.”

That’s right. He’s backed by the Eimoor family now. I’m sure he’ll make the most of that partnership.

After another hour and another gate (where, once again, the tag helped us), we arrived at the Eimoor estate, which was one of the few places I was familiar with in the capital. The cart drew to a stop. I climbed down and held out my hand toward Diana.

“Come, my lady,” I said playfully.

Diana rolled her eyes and pursed her lips in irritation. “Don’t give me that.” But despite her irked expression and sharp tone, she took my hand and stepped down.

It’s time for her to return to her household. The servants will take her from here.

I helped unload Diana’s baggage, and by the time I was done, she had been surrounded by a ring of female servants. There were a few familiar faces from my last visit. Everyone looked ecstatic to have Diana back home.

What a touching reunion. It’s been a while since they’ve seen her.

I passed the luggage over to one of the servants. Another servant led Camilo and me into the manor and showed us to a room where Marius was already waiting. It had only been two days since we’d last met, but Marius looked worn out and haggard.

I couldn’t help but ask, “What happened to you?”

“Huh? Oh, well, I haven’t had a second to rest since you left. The banquet itself is going to be on the small side, thank goodness, but I have my hands full preparing for my audience with His Majesty the King. There’s also the formal report I need to submit, and the register, and a whole host of other things.”

“You’ve had it rough.”

Upper-class life had a whole different set of responsibilities and obligations. Listening to Marius, I was once again reminded of how ill-suited I’d be for life as an aristocrat.

“When is the banquet?” I asked.

“Tomorrow.”

“That’s so soon.”

“Too long has passed since the deaths of my father and eldest brother. Normally, there’d be ample time to prepare and lay groundwork for the banquet, but I don’t have that luxury. My succession needs to be confirmed as soon as possible.”

Marius’s concerns were a level above those of commoners like me.

“We’ll attend the celebration tomorrow and head home the day after, right?”

“Yes,” Marius replied. “But in the meantime, make yourselves at home.”

“Thanks for the warm welcome.”

Marius left after our conversation, and Camilo and I were shown to the guest rooms. A servant guided me to the space that’d been set aside for my stay. Before he left, he said, “If you need anything, please call.”

“I will. Thank you.”

The servant bowed and made his exit, leaving me alone.

The room was furnished with a desk, chair, and bed. A tapestry depicting a battle scene hung on one wall, wherein a valiant knight in full armor faced off against a hair-raising monster. This was likely the confrontation that’d led the king to promote the Eimoors to countship status and bequeath to them the treasure sword.

That sword had been a symbol of honor for the man who’d triumphed against this beast in combat. And yet, it had been dismissed as a fake without hesitation and tossed aside. I can’t say I was proud to have a hand in the events that had led to the blade’s disgrace, but as far as I could see, there hadn’t been a better way to resolve the situation. Still, I had mixed feelings about the fact that a sword I’d made had been used to break the original heirloom.

Did they keep the pieces? If so, I’d like to hold onto them. It’s a poor atonement, but I should discuss it with Marius later.

A little while before dinner, the same servant—who’d introduced himself as Bowman—knocked on my door. He wanted to relay that Diana had requested to see me. When he asked for my response, I decided to agree to her summons.

Is she thinking what I think she is...?

Sure enough, I was led to a courtyard. Diana was also there, dressed in loose clothing, waiting with two wooden swords.

“You want to spar here?”

“But of course,” she said with a sly smile.

A lady shouldn’t be making a face like that!

“I suppose I have no reason to refuse.” I shrugged. “Let’s get started.”

Tapping our swords together, we bowed once before turning and putting some distance between us. We traded blow after blow, and the results played out similarly to our previous bouts. After an hour, I called for us to stop.

Diana was still catching her breath. Suddenly, between gulps of air, she asked, “Eizo...can you let me...see you at full strength...just this once?”

“My full strength, huh?” Why not? Today is the last time we’ll be able to spar together like this. “All right. I’ll show you what I can do.”

“Thanks.”

Diana adopted a general stance that allowed her to defend against all manner of attacks. I made sure she was ready and then sprang toward her at max speed and power. I was in her space before she had a chance to move a single muscle, and I slashed at her open neck with all my strength. My wooden blade stopped a hair’s width away from making contact with the skin of her throat.

“That’s what I can do when I put my mind to it,” I declared.

Diana slumped in disappointment. “I couldn’t follow your movement at all.”

“You’ve already made rapid progress in just the last few days. If you keep training, there’s no telling how far you can go.” I lowered my sword.

At that, her expression brightened and hope lit up her face. “Really?”

My chest tightened painfully. This is the last time I’ll see her smiling like that.

After our sparring session, I took a bath and then headed down for dinner, which was a casual affair—only the members of the family were present. The conversation revolved largely around Diana’s time spent with Samya, Rike, and me in the cabin. Marius contentedly watched Diana as she told her story; Camilo listened attentively as well. From time to time, I chimed in with details of my own, and our discussion lasted until late into the night.

⌗⌗⌗

The next morning, Marius left for an audience with His Majesty the King. He had already submitted the necessary documents to the archives, so this was the final step of the inheritance proceedings; once the meeting was over, he’d officially be Count Eimoor as far as the country was concerned. Then, all that would be left was the celebratory banquet for family and their friends.

The servants, including Bowman, were running around left and right, overwhelmed with preparations. The banquet was going to be a private affair, but a number of influential guests had been invited. Camilo and I were also here as guests, but we were largely left to our own devices. Our breakfast and lunch consisted of scraps from the food that was being prepared for the celebration. After all, there were more important things to do than make our daytime meals.

Bowman and the other servants had initially planned to prepare food for me, but I’d refused. To tell the truth, I’d felt uncomfortable with the idea of being catered to and making them expend the effort to serve me. I mostly just tried to keep out of the way and I spent my free time wandering around the grounds of the estate. Unfortunately, I hadn’t gotten a chance to meet with Diana all day; she’d apparently gone with Marius for his appointment with the king.

The preparations for the banquet proceeded apace. Though, I wasn’t sure if the non-contributions of Camilo and I made much of a difference... I suppose we’d never know.

Soon, it was showtime.

The banquet began, and servants showed the guests to their seats around a large table in the middle of the dining room. A variety of dishes had been laid out in the center of the table. As everyone got situated, servers came around to hand us all glasses filled with wine dispensed straight from a cask.

Once the guests had all arrived and while the wine was still being passed around, Marius rose to his feet. He was wearing a fine ensemble, decorated with ornate embroidery for the occasion. It was likely some specific formal dress that designated him as the head of the family.

And then, Marius began to speak—his resonant and sonorous voice filled the room. “Family, friends, and esteemed guests, I am honored that you could join us on this momentous occasion. Today, I, Marius Albert Eimoor, have officially taken on the title of count, and the position as head of the Eimoor family.”

Applause rang throughout the room. I glanced around and saw the margrave clapping as well.

“Without further adieu, I would like to propose a toast to the Eimoor family’s prosperity and to our ongoing partnerships. Cheers!”

“Cheers!!!” The gathered guests all toasted together and took sips of the wine, which was excellent.

Marius was now Count Eimoor, the family head, in both the public record and in the opinions of those who mattered most. Thinking about Marius’s success gave me a feeling of joy that was better than the high from even the strongest liquor.

After the speech came dinner, and the servers dished out portions from the food in the center of the table. There were many dishes that I’d never seen in the city, but several I thought I might be able to make myself.

Once I return home, I’ll try to make them for Samya and Rike.

Dinner and dancing were standard for celebratory banquets. Although today’s festivities were “informal” as far as high society was concerned, we still moved on to the dance portion of the schedule once all the guests had drunk and eaten their fill. That said, with everyone satiated by the meal, elaborate dances were no small feat. Instead, the dancing turned into standing around and enjoying conversations and finger food.

While everyone was chatting, I finally found a chance to talk to Diana. She had been making her rounds, jumping from one conversation to another, but I was able to slip in while she was in between guests.

“Do you have a moment to talk?” I asked.

“Good evening, Eizo. Your clothing suits you,” she complimented.

I had come to the banquet in formal clothing. The margrave was in attendance, so I therefore had to maintain my backstory as Marius’s friend from the north. Needless to say, I was supposed to be of high standing.

“I can’t relax in this ensemble at all,” I grumbled with a wry smile. It was half a joke and half a serious complaint. “You look beautiful in that dress. I can see why people call you ‘the Rose.’”

Diana was wearing an exquisite dress befitting the occasion. The fabric had overtones of red and appeared ornate without being gaudy. Subtle embroidery only enhanced its beauty.

“How sweet your words are,” she said, her face flushed.

Is she feeling shy or is it the alcohol?

“I’m serious. It suits you,” I insisted. “It’s hard to believe that this is the last time I’ll see you.”

“You never know where life takes you,” Diana replied with a mischievous smile.

“What do you—” I started to ask her, but at that moment, she was swept away by another guest. I saw the margrave heading my way as well, so I had no choice but to give up my inquiry.

The margrave soon engaged me in conversation. As we talked, I leaned heavily on my installed knowledge in order to act the part of a northerner. I stuck to short responses to avoid blowing my cover, knowing that I would be in trouble if I let myself get carried away. Couldn’t have any holes showing up in my stories.

Nonetheless, I enjoyed the conversation. I felt like I was speaking with a kind uncle, and as we parted, the margrave patted my shoulder. “I hope you’ll stand by the Eimoors. I’m counting on you.” His words engraved themselves deep into my heart.

I didn’t get to speak with Diana again for the rest of the banquet. When the night came to a close, the guests split off into two groups: one returning to their own homes, and the other retiring to guest rooms in the Eimoor estate.

I returned to my room as well. Some servants helped me out of my formal wear, and I immediately crashed into bed. Perhaps it was the wine I’d drunk, but I was dragged quickly into a deep and blissful slumber.

The next morning, it was time for me to head home. I realized that I may not have another chance to visit the capital for a while...though I could see myself occasionally coming here for some business or other.

If I ever come back, I’ll make sure to visit Marius and Diana.

The luggage I’d needed for this trip was minimal, so it took no time at all to tidy up my things. It was still early in the morning, and I met Camilo by his wagon, where Marius and a few servants had gathered as well.

Diana was nowhere to be seen.

When I approached, Marius said, “Eizo, thank you for everything.”

“Please, don’t mention it. Like I told you, I’m only returning what I owe. Make sure you rule over your domain properly.” He and I exchanged a firm handshake. Suddenly, I remembered a question I’d wanted to ask. “Oh, that’s right, I almost forgot—what happened to the ‘fake’ sword?”

“I was actually hoping you would repair it since it was cut in half,” Marius replied. “I’ve already packed it in with the cargo.”

Repair it, huh? I suppose he’ll want it back afterward.

“Should I return it to you once it’s fixed?”

“Actually, can you hold on to it at your place?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. It would be unusual for our family to keep the sword knowing that it’s a fake,” Marius explained. “Given the circumstances, it’d be best if you’d keep it.”

And they’ll keep the genuine heirloom safely stored away here.

Marius’s logic made perfect sense, and I had no complaints either. “I’ll fix it and keep it at my home then.”

“I’m counting on you,” Marius said. “Actually, there’s one more matter I’d like you to look after for me. It’s... Well, you’ll see for yourself when you unpack the sword. Everything’s in the same chest.”

“Really? Another weapon?” I asked.

“Something like that. But beyond my skill to handle,” he replied cryptically.

“If you’re sure, I’ll take it off your hands then.”

“I trust your judgment in both matters. Feel free to do with them as you see fit.”

I nodded. “Give my regards to Diana,” I said in parting.

I climbed onto the back of the cart with the cargo, and we set off. Marius and the servants waved to us as we left, their silhouettes shrinking behind us until they were no bigger than specks in the distance. Soon, we’d left the capital behind as well.

Along the way, I tried to engage Camilo in conversation a few times, but he seemed oddly on edge. When I asked about his mood, he just gave me a noncommittal answer, so I gave it up and settled for small talk.

We reached the forest entrance at just past noon. Here, Camilo and I would be parting ways. The next time I’d see him would be at his shop.

“Don’t forget to take the cargo from Marius with you,” Camilo reminded me.

That’s right! I nearly forgot.

“Which chest is it in?” I asked.

“The one right behind the driver’s bench.”

“This one?” I reached for the lid.

If I remember correctly, this is the chest that I hid in.

I opened the lid to find a cloth bundle and...a woman.

“Diana!” I cried out, forgetting my manners in my shock.

She smiled good-naturedly. “I hitched a ride.”

“I can see that. What about your family?”

“My brother entrusted me with a message for you. It’ll explain.” She handed me the letter.

Written in Marius’s hand was the following:

Hey Eizo,

If you’re reading this, then it means that my, Diana, and Camilo’s scheme was a great success. Oh, how I regret that I won’t be there to see your shocked expression in person, but there’s nothing to be done about that. I’ll just have to use my imagination.

In any case, the other “matter” I want to entrust to you is Diana. Since I am now Count Eimoor, Diana’s value in society has skyrocketed. She was always part of the family, but the circumstances were different with three older brothers ahead of her in line for succession. Now, she has just the one brother—me. I’m afraid that her rise in position will be accompanied by a rise in troublesome incidents. In the hopes of sparing her from such annoyances and headaches, I’d like to leave her with you for the time being.

PS: I meant what I said. I trust your judgment. Do with her as you like.

My eyes finished scanning the message, and I paused for a moment.

So that’s how it is... Not that I don’t understand his position, but this is a rather heavy-handed approach.

Also, I chose to entirely ignore the postscript.

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the stunt, but I had to admit that I was happy to see Diana’s smiling face again. “You’ve come all the way here, so how could I say no? Shall we go home?”

“Yeah! Thanks!” Diana cheered with a bright smile as she clambered out of the chest.

The two of us disembarked from the cart. I took the “fake” heirloom sword with me, shook hands with Camilo, and then we all said our goodbyes.

Diana and I started off into the forest together. We were traveling light, so there was little to slow us down. We made the journey mostly in silence, with a few words exchanged here and there. It wasn’t that either of us was in a bad mood, but personally, I was at a loss for what to say.

When we were nearly home, Diana stopped abruptly. “Am I...a bother?” she mumbled.

I rushed to reassure her. “A bother? Not at all. If you were, I would’ve sent you straight home when I found you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. I’m just your average rough and tumble blacksmith. What use have I for flattery? I haven’t got the courage to lie to you at a time like this.”

“It would be out of character...” she admitted.

“You weren’t supposed to agree so easily!” I protested, and Diana snickered. “Come on. Let’s go in already.”

I opened the door and entered the cabin first. Diana spoke up from behind me.

“Hey, Eizo.”

I turned around and looked at her.

“I’m back,” she said.

“You mean, ‘I’m home,’” I corrected her gently. “You’re part of our family now.”

Upon hearing my words, she beamed. “Okay, do-over, do-over! Look away.”

I did as she instructed.

“Eizo! I’m home!”

I looked over my shoulder once more and smiled. “Welcome home, Diana.”