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Chapter Text

Leilin Shan Solon walked out of the Imperial Palace in long strides with her head held high. She had left the crown prince as a drunk mess and officially ended their engagement and her family's sponsorship of him. In fact, Leilin was certain he wouldn't be the crown prince anymore in a few days. He would become nothing but a disgrace after today.

She smirked as she extended a hand to the coachman. "Back to the Candmione Estate," she ordered as the door slammed shut behind her.

Leilin fiddled with her gloved fingers throughout the rocky journey. She was thinking a few things through now, like what she was going to do now her initial business in the empire has ended. For one, she could stay here and start the business she had planned, or go home and start it there.

The young woman looked out the window longingly, watching the busy capital. The sun was setting, so the lamp posts were slowly turning on. The yellow-orange sky was a nice, comforting sight now, but Leilin still preferred the evening to it. The bustling streets and bright lights that she used to admire from her room were always so warm and lively at night. The people's spirit was always alive, even into the dead of night. Family and friends would celebrate 'til the sun rose and ended knocked out, exhausted and drunk, but happy.

Leilin rested her head in her right hand and sighed. She hadn't done that in a while. Party with friends and family, she meant. It had been years since she last spent a good amount of time home. Enough to party the night away, like before her engagement, at least.

Home.

She surely missed home.

Leilin had sent a few letters a few days back, one to her family and the rest to select friends, about her plans to cancel her engagement to the crown prince. They all replied that whatever she'd like to do, she'd receive their and the rest of their family's support. Her siblings kept saying that the empire wasn't that great anyway (Benjamin kept emphasizing the Solon Duchy was richer than them) which made Leilin laugh. She hadn't mentioned anything in her letters about returning home at the time, but she'd send one tonight. Only the Solons could really calm the black-haired woman down, and she needed that now. She missed their loudness, alcohol, and pranks that she was almost always the victim of.

She missed their chaos that brought her peace.

When the black-haired woman first arrived at the empire, she wasn't able to sleep well for the first few nights. She kept tossing and turning and felt like something was wrong. At first, Leilin passed it off as engagement jitters but, really, she was homesick. Even if it had been a while now and she managed to settle in at the Candmione Estate, Leilin still missed her family, and right now, she missed them most.

She'll go home, the girl decided, as the coach rattled noisily. She'd tell her uncle, pack her bags, and set off for the Vasilios Empire with Xavier in a few days. Leilin wanted him to meet her family, anyway. After everything she's told them about Xavi, they were eager to meet him, too, though Leilin made a mental note to keep him away from the Agriche side of the family, especially from her grandmother.

Last she heard, Benjamin was named the Junior Duke of Agriche since the current duke, Jeremy Agriche's direct successors didn't want it. There wasn't an official ceremony, just a ring passed down from heir to heir, like what the Solons do. Benjamin was off doing his "junior duke duties'' more often now so he and Lucas were staying out of trouble. Only because they weren't together of course, but still it was an improvement.

Lucas… huh. Leilin rested her head in her other hand. A different, blue-haired Lucas came to mind suddenly, accompanied by a certain knight and a noble. Leilin's eyebrows furrowed. Should she tell them, too? They were friends, weren't they? But aside from Barrard, she wasn't exactly sure where to find them as she's only met the other two by pure coincidences. The black-haired woman wasn't even sure Lucas resided at the information center now that he's "Viscount Heyres". Did the Heyres even have an estate? Maybe she'd send a letter there and then to the Knight's Office to invite them over for tea, then.

"My Lady, we've arrived at the Candmione Estate."

Leilin looked at the coachman, knocked out of her thinking. She fixed her dress as the door of the carriage opened. The coachman offered her his hand again which she gratefully accepted. Leilin looked around the luscious gardens, but noticed a few extra carriages to the side. As she squinted her eyes to look at the crest, they soon widened in surprise.

The last sunshine for the day illuminated the dark purple coat of arms of the Solon Duchy.

She couldn't be mistaken. Leilin grew up watching her mother carry flags with that symbol to the Martial Arts Festival. She had seen it on the silver ring she once tried stealing because she found it "pretty". She found it on the seal of every letter her mother had sent her.

That insignia could only belong to one house.

The black-haired woman's head turned to the door of the estate as she hurriedly picked up the hem of her dress and ran up the steps. A few maids called after her, asking her to slow down, but Leilin had already thrown the doors open. She came to a halt, her hand flying in front of her chest in shock.

In the middle of the room stood the Solon family. Her parents were talking to Duke Candmione alongside her siblings and beside the duke, Xavier. Everyone's heads turned to the sudden noise, then recognition dawned on them. Xavi ran to Leilin for a hug, but a young, black-haired girl had reached her first.

"Leilin!" Keira shouted, squeezing her older sister tight. Leilin wrapped her arms around her sister, taking in the scent of lavender.

She looked up to see Benjamin already walking towards her.

"I'm assuming you already broke up with that idiot," he said casually, wearing a smirk. "But I still want to beat him up for his mistreatment towards you."

Lucas crossed his arms beside him. His hair grew even longer compared to the last time Leilin saw him. "I can burn the empire down if you'd like. Wanna see?" he offered.

"You can do that next time," Leilin assured them as she broke away from Keira. The older girl extended her hand, signaling a pouting Xavi to hug her, while she was still looking at Benjamin. "Why don't we talk over dinner?" she asked, ruffling the shifter's hair.

"Surely," Duke Candmione happily agreed. "To the garden. Some fresh air would be nice to set the mood."

Leilin walked to the garden as Xavi huddled close to her side. Keira was walking beside her, looking curiously at the small shifter. Benjamin was slightly ahead of the two beside Lucas. The two boys were trailing behind Medea and Dion who were talking to Duke Candmione. As the servants opened the garden doors, Medea turned to her eldest daughter wearing a proud grin. Leilin, stunned, was not sure what to make of it, but she knew her mother was going to stir up something. Whether it would be good or bad was up to the gods, and may they have mercy on her mother's victims.

Leilin took a step outside and immediately caught the scent of the summer grass. The sun had now also set completely.

"These people say they are Leilin's family," Xavi suddenly mentioned. Leilin looked down at him, Keira also turned. "Is that true?"

"Yes," Leilin replied. "They're my family," she added, smiling. Leilin grabbed Keira's arm to show her off. "This is my youngest sister, Keira. Keira, this is Xavier."

Keira was slightly surprised by the quick tug, but then smiled. She had been curious since earlier. "Hello." She smiled. "Leilin's told us lots of things about you in her letters."

"Leilin tells others about me?" he asked, eyes growing wide.

"She does!" Keira nodded enthusiastically. "She tells us lots of good things about you."

Xavi looked at Leilin for confirmation to which the older girl nodded. He started beaming from ear-to-ear, as if proud that Leilin showed him off to her family. Leilin pointed at her siblings backs' and introduced them to Xavi. He didn't look too happy about Benjamin and Lucas, but after Leilin told him how much her family mattered to her and how she saw him as part of the family, he smiled.

That smile faded when Leilin told him to go play inside while they discussed matters at the gazebo.

"Does Leilin not want me there?" He pouted.

"It's nothing like that," she assured, stroking his hair. "It's just an adult conversation, so you can't be there."

Xavi looked like he was going to throw a tantrum which made Keira's eyes widen in panic, but Leilin knelt to face him and patted his head. "I'll get back to you immediately after, I promise you that. Can you promise me you'll behave?"

Xavi pouted. "But—"

"Can you do it for me?" Leilin asked.

Xavi hesitated, looking down. "Alright. I'll do it for Leilin."

Satisfied, Leilin opened her arms for a hug. Xavier held onto her tightly, as if he didn't want to let go in fear that she'd leave him forever if he did. By now, the rest of the family had stopped to look at the two. Lucas frowned at the sight, crossing his arms. Xavi glared at the magician, but Lucas only glared back, unfazed. Their brother may have gotten their father's eyes, but he got their mother's stare.

Xavi looked away, pouting. Leilin, startled by the sudden change in his mood, looked down at him in surprise, then glared at Lucas after realizing he was the cause. He raised his hands defensively.

The eldest Solon daughter finally stood up as Xavi left with Becky. Keira had run up to her father by now while Lucas stood beside Medea. Leilin rolled her eyes playfully. The Solon parents and their respective favorites. Benjamin stood behind, watching her. He was waiting for his sister.

"You missed me, didn't you?" Leilin asked, catching up to him. The two started walking. Benjamin's strides were longer than hers, but he tried slowing it down to match his sister.

The two oldest walked far behind their parents and other siblings. Leilin wondered if that was symbolic to how far apart they were from them. Especially her.

They were the Solon Duchy's "other kids" as described by others, but their opinion didn't really matter to the two. Benjamin and Leilin had each other. They were each other's favorite.

"Maybe just a little bit," Benjamin replied after a while, then he shrugged. "I missed stealing one shoe from your new pairs and watching you get frustrated over it." Leilin glared at her brother, but Benjamin only shrugged as he continued. "I tried doing it to Keira, but she chased me with her sword."

The young woman chuckled, noting she should start chasing him if he ever does it again instead of sending the entire household into a frenzy. Even the Callistas, who only came over for tea, ended up helping her search once. She looked down at the cobblestone path, rethinking her decisions. She was such a spoiled brat before. Thankfully, she wasn't anymore, but now she had to make it up to everyone at the duchy she's ever inconvenienced—which meant pretty much anyone who had the misfortune of working there.

"You deserved it," she said, looking ahead of them now. She could see the gazebo come into view. "Why don't you try that on mother?" she asked teasingly.

"And die? I'd rather not," he replied, chuckling. "Even Uncle Jeremy and all the Agriches won't be able to do anything against an angry Medea Solon. Perhaps Aunt Roxana, but other than that, they're done for."

"That is true." Leilin closed her eyes, nodding. "Congratulations on becoming Junior Duke of Agriche, by the way," she greeted, looking at the ring on his pinky.

There were rumors it was made of real human bones twisted, curved, and polished to form a circular band. Looking at it now, Leilin thought it must be. Leilin shivered slightly at the sight. She didn't even want to know the history of it. Knowing the Agriches, however, it must've been brutal.

She recomposed herself, putting on a confident air like usual. "I never thought you had it in you," she added playfully.

"Why do I feel like you mean the talent to become duke rather than the courage?" Benjamin narrowed his eyes.

"You were always an overconfident asshole, but only recently a responsible one."

"Didn't your business fail?"

"We don't talk about that!" Leilin whispered, losing her confident expression. She crossed her arms. "Also, I've been studying recently so that it doesn't happen again…" she added, her voice trailing off. "Neither Lucas or Keira want to become the next Head of Solon, right?" she questioned, her voice quiet.

"Yeah, because becoming the next Head of Solon will be even harder than becoming the Duke of Agriche. I got lucky on that one." Benjamin tilted his head sideways, studying his sister. "Do you plan on becoming the next Duchess Solon?"

"Well…" Leilin's voice faltered, looking away. It was a big responsibility and, since their childhood, she was described as the least talented of the Solon children, but, "I do," she answered with her full chest.

She wanted to succeed her mother.

And she'd rather not wear that bone ring if she could wear the Solon ancestral ring made of silver, like proper jewelry.

Benjamin cackled. "I didn't think you had it in you."

"The talent or the courage?" she echoed his words earlier.

"Both."

They reached the gazebo at last. It was an open, marble building decorated with what Leilin knew as real gold. Lanterns lit up the area and flowery vines snaked across its tall pillars. The sun was gone completely now and the sky turned a bluish-grey.

Like what Duke Candmione said, it did set the atmosphere. It was quiet, relaxing, and smelled of grass, though that added to its charm. There were only a few helpers around now, just there to set the table and serve them.

Leilin and her family sat down at a rectangular table. Duke Candmione sat at the head. To his right, Medea Solon and her husband, Dion. To his left, Leilin, Benjamin, Lucas, and Keira.

Medea stared at her eldest daughter for a bit which sent shivers down Leilin's spine. It didn't help that they were seated across from each other. When the Medea Solon stared at people, they would usually avoid eye contact. That was exactly what Leilin did. She stared at the tea cup being filled in front of her instead.

Despite being born from her, Medea Solon never failed to intimidate Leilin. She was brilliant, cruel, and powerful… She was an amazing head of house and fighter. Unbeatable, even. Leilin was far from good at both. The young woman raised her tea cup, though her hands shook a bit. Her mother was still staring.

"So," Medea started, turning to Duke Candmione and Leilin sighed in relief. Her father looked at her though, which made her almost choke on her tea. "Leilin," Medea turned to Leilin again (Leilin tensed even more), "you ended your engagement with the crown prince just this morning, am I right?"

"Yes, mother," she responded, forcing herself to relax as she put down the tea cup, its contents sloshing inside. She should not be intimidated. "He was shamelessly seeing a poor count's daughter in public, embarrassing me, so I ended our engagement. I refuse to tolerate any further disrespect," she said, holding her head up high. "Especially if it is someone who I know is below me."

Medea raised an eyebrow making her daughter's shoulders jump up, but she slowly smirked. "Good girl, I raised you well."

Leilin smiled in relief as Benjamin elbowed her lightly. She side-eyed him. He needs to hold back on his strength more. That hurt slightly.

Medea turned to Duke Candmione again. "I heard she asked to study the Solon Duchy's files so I had them shipped immediately. I was happy to hear about her interest in the duchy, since none of her siblings have any, but—" Medea side-eyed Leilin. "—I heard about her failed business, so I'm curious about how her management and leadership skills are now."

Leilin sunk into her chair slightly. She could see Benjamin trying to hide his smile beside her. Lucas didn't even hide his amusement, laughing loudly. Even Keira couldn't hold back from grinning. One look from their father, however, and they immediately fell silent, looking down.

"Leilin has improved greatly in the past few weeks," Duke Candmione announced proudly, unfazed by Lucas' loud laughter. The duke looked at Leilin, smiling wide. "She's been making very good investments and is very diligent and eager to learn about how the duchy works. She's come a long way from the girl you sent here to become only the crown prince's fiancée."

Leilin smiled at the duke, feeling like her chest was about to burst. She supposed she has come far from the spoiled brat who made everyone panic over a shoe.

The Solon matriarch's eyes met her eldest daughter's. Leilin matched mother's gaze. The younger woman did not falter this time around. She considered this as her first task to her goal of becoming the next duchess.

Medea took the sight of her in and then smiled, proudly. "I must agree," she said fondly. "Our Leilin has grown so much."

"She has," Dion added suddenly, catching Leilin off guard. He did not smile, but he admired his eldest daughter.

Leilin turned a slight pink at her parent's praise. It was not often they complimented people. It was even rarer they did it sincerely, but Leilin was sure that was a genuine compliment.

Benjamin elbowed Leilin to tease her, but it backfired. He might have held back, but he still underestimated his strength.

Leilin doubled over in surprise and in pain which made the family laugh as Duke Candmione stood up, asking her if she was okay. Leilin waved it off, clutching her stomach. She'll have to endure much more if she wants to be the Solon heiress. She shot Benjamin a piercing glare, but he merely shrugged.

Medea and Duke Candmione started discussing foreign affairs. There was something about their cousin Fiona and the Heilon Duchy, but nothing else interested Leilin. The topic also bored Lucas out so badly he tried leaving, but Dion stopped him. Keira ended up being tasked to ensure Lucas didn't fall asleep. The wizard instead looked at the flickering candles boredly (if they went out once or twice, that was probably his fault).

Occasionally, Benjamin would join in the elders' conversation and even asked Leilin her opinion regarding the matters a few times. Most of the time, she only echoed what they already said, but, sometimes, she gave her own opinion. Twice, Medea nodded approvingly, which made the swelling feeling in her daughter's chest grow bigger. That was a good start.

After at least thirty minutes, Keira, Lucas, and Leilin were asked to leave as the others were going to talk about some private matters between leaders. Benjamin could now stay behind because he was the heir of Agriche. Leilin merely rolled her eyes at her eldest brother as he smirked at her, gloating. That wouldn't last for long, Leilin vowed.

The three got up and left, bowing politely, though their red-eyed brother was a little too happy to go. As they reached the last step of the gazebo, Lucas stretched his arms, hitting both his sisters. Keira hit him back, the sound was so loud it caught the lone gardeners' attention. Leilin waved her hand to signal him not to mind them.

Lucas' eyebrows furrowed as he rubbed his side. If he decided to retaliate by sending Keira to the moon, then Leilin would just have to jump out of the way. There was no chance of saving Keira by then.

Keira was the strongest of the siblings, which comes as a surprise because of her petite frame. She once sent her childhood friend, Erez, flying into a wall when she punched him after an argument. Dion treated her to ice cream after that while Psyche came in to heal her son. Lucas, on the other hand, was the most powerful, perhaps even in the entire family, which is why he's Medea's favorite.

Leilin really was just there.

She just existed.

"What was that for?" Lucas asked, irritated.

"Your lack of etiquette. Who knows who else you'll hit in the future?" Keira retorted. "You're a walking hazard, Lucas."

"I'm actually a wizard."

Keira gave him a disgusted look.

"A very good-looking one," he added confidently.

"More like arrogant, sarcastic, and rash. And that is exactly why you don't get invited to parties." Keira's eyes narrowed the longer she spoke.

Lucas rested his hands behind his head. "I don't care about that crap."

"And that's exactly why our relatives call you mannerless."

"That is also probably why Athy doesn't like you back," Leilin joined in teasing Lucas, crossing her arms. "A crown princess can't possibly marry someone like you."

It was common knowledge the magician had a crush on Empress Cayena Hill's only daughter, Athanasia, since they were children. Leilin also knew the reason why Lucas grew his hair and changed his style was because of her (thank the gods he inherited Medea's hair because when their father had long hair it looked matted and absolutely terrible).

Lucas glared at her then rolled his eyes, muttering something.

And he still likes her until now, Leilin noted, as if the expensive suit, ponytail, and Keira, Benjamin, and Leticia's letters snitching on Lucas and Athy weren't enough.

"Are you cursing us?" Leilin asked sarcastically as they stepped into the estate.

"If I turned you both into frogs now, no one would even bat an eyelash."

"Dad will have your head," Keira said in a deeper, more threatening voice. Her eyes narrowed. "If not, I will."

"Mom will defend me." He held his head high, then looked down at his sisters wearing a confident smirk. "And we all know who's the more dominant one between them." He side-eyed his siblings.

A sudden flashback of their parents in the Head of Solon's office came to the two girls' minds. That was certainly what Lucas was referring to. They did not mean to discover that, but they never forgot it either. Leilin shuddered, deciding she'll replace the entire place's furnishing if she becomes junior duchess.

"That's gross, Lucas." Keira's face scrunched in disgust as they stopped walking. "Stop bringing that up or I'll kick you."

"You have my full support on that."

Lucas scoffed at his sisters. "As if you could lay a finger on me."

"Didn't Athy punch you?" Keira asked. "Twice?"

Leilin laughed loudly. She didn't know about that, no one mentioned it to her. Not even Leticia. She bet fifty million gold coins Lucas threatened everyone who knew not to.

Lucas' eyes flashed dangerously, but Keira remained stone-faced. "Listen, Keira, I don't know what magic Erez has been showing you, but if you want to see what real magic looks like—"

"That reminds me," Leilin diverted the conversation quickly, no longer laughing. "Keira, how's summoning the Water Spirit going? I heard some girl was competing with you." The older girl narrowed her eyes.

"Yeah." Keira looked down, successfully distracted, then shrugged. Looking up she said confidently, "she's not shown any signs for me to actually fear her though."

The siblings laughed. "What's worse is she looks like Aunt Roxana," Lucas added, enjoying bad mouthing the girl a little too much now. He seemed past cursing his youngest sister, however. "Blonde hair, red eyes, but she's less capable and more annoying."

Leilin looked at Lucas then at Keira. "Oh," she said in a mocking tone. "So Keira, who's mom's carbon copy, is against this girl who looks like Aunt Roxana?" Leilin looked up, laughing. "It reminds me of the stories of their rivalry."

"It's the cheaper version, though. She's not even close to Aunt Roxana's foot," Lucas added. The three laughed again.

Stories of Roxana Agriche and Medea Solon's time as frenemies were some of the family's favorite conversation topics. From Medea trying to poison their aunt (only failing because Roxana had an insane immunity due to her butterflies) to bonding over how they both killed their father, the two came a long way as they're now the best of friends.

Actually, the Agriche-Solon children only existed because of their old rivalry. Roxana sent her brother to kill Medea Solon, but he married her to spite his sister, and the rest was history.

"Leilin!"

They turned to Xavi.

Leilin extended her hands to welcome him for a hug. He snuggled against her. "We just finished. Do you want to go inside?" she asked him.

Xavi nodded enthusiastically. Leilin beckoned for Lucas and Keira to follow them inside. Keira was looking at the shifter intently, but Lucas was glaring at Xavi's back.

Keira put her arms behind her and looked around. "The last time I was here, it was winter. This place is really nice in the summer, though," she said.

"It's breezier here than at Vasilios. It's so hot there," Lucas added. "But it's still home, I guess."

"Nothing can make me leave Vasilios permanently, but I don't mind spending a few weeks here."

Their older sister nodded. "I'll miss this place." She looked around sadly, then turned to her siblings, smiling. "But I miss my family more so I can't wait to go home."

"You're going to leave, Leilin?" Xavi asked suddenly.

"Oh." Leilin realized she hadn't told him yet. She mentally facepalmed, scolding herself. "Yes, but don't worry, I'm taking you to the Vasilios Empire with me. I'll show you where I grew up. It's really nice there, right?" She turned to her siblings.

Xavi wiped his tears as Leilin reassured him. Keira tried patting his head, too, but he recoiled from her touch. Keira took it as a sign that she should stay away from him to avoid getting scratched.

"Minus the emperor, it's okay," Lucas said, shrugging.

"You just want to move to another empire." Keira bumped his shoulder.

Lucas rubbed his shoulder, thrown slightly off balance. Benjamin and Keira really needed to be more careful with their strength. "Maybe if I had less annoying siblings, I'd be happy enough not to leave—"

"I'm going to leave you two here and then the empire will be happy. Maybe they'll even make me a national hero," their older sister butted in.

"Leilin, you're going to leave?"

The four turned to a tall, tan man standing behind them. None other than Sir Barrard Carlos.

"Lord Carlos," Leilin greeted. "What are you doing here this late?"

The young man did not greet her back. "Will you be leaving the empire?" he asked again.

Leilin side-eyed her siblings. That's the second person who's asked her that and it hasn't even been five minutes. "Yes, I'll be returning to my motherland. Now that I've canceled my engagement with the crown prince, there's no point in me staying."

He stared at her for a bit, then said, "I see…" Barrard looked down, nodding slowly, then added, "I hope you'd come to visit my mother before leaving. She's grown quite fond of you."

"Duchess Carlos is a person I admire deeply and I see her as a good friend. I'll make sure to." Leilin smiled.

Barrard licked his lips slowly. An awkward silence fell. He didn't have his usual funny or sarcastic air today, Leilin noted. He seemed off.

Leilin clasped her hands in front of her. "What are you doing here this late in the evening?" she asked again.

"I was going to give something to Duke Candmione upon my mother's orders, but they said he was in an important meeting with foreign dignitaries so I might have to wait a bit."

"Can I help you with that? I know you live right across from us, but still, it's getting dark."

"I'm a knight, rest assured I can protect myself in case anything happens during the three-minute walk back home." He smiled faintly. Leilin rolled her eyes, chuckling.

"Can you give him this?" Barrard followed-up, fishing for an envelope in his inner pocket and handing it to Leilin.

The young woman studied it, recognizing the seal of the Imperial Palace. "What's this about?" she asked, still staring at it.

"Confidential," he said seriously. Leilin raised an eyebrow at him, then he leaned in to whisper, "it's about the crown prince position. Don't stress yourself, Leilin, we'll handle it. He won't be sitting on any throne."

Leilin grinned slowly. "I see."

Keira started looking around, trying to distract herself. The two seemed to be in their own little world. Xavi clung to Leilin's dress, staring at the Carlos heir menacingly, but neither seemed to recognize him.

"Leilin," Lucas grabbed Leilin's sleeve and whispered into her ear, "let's leave."

Leilin furrowed her eyebrows and elbowed him lightly. It would be rude to leave a conversation so suddenly. "Mannerless," she whispered back.

The magician was still holding onto Leilin's sleeve. Xavi looked up at the two siblings, then narrowed his eyes at Lucas. Lucas raised his eyebrows at the kid again, which made the blond look away.

The green-eyed man turned his gaze to the new people beside Leilin, specifically Lucas. "These are… ?"

"My siblings," Leilin answered quickly, tearing Lucas' arm off her with the help of her nails. He gave her a dirty look as he rubbed where it had dug into his skin.

A sense of relief seemed to wash over the Carlos' face. "It's nice to meet you two." He bowed.

Keira curtsied and he kissed her hand for formality. "Keira Solon," she introduced herself, smiling brightly.

"Barrard Carlos, heir of the House of Carlos."

She has come a long way from the cold youngest daughter, Leilin thought, beaming as she watched them.

A memory that stuck with her of Keira was when the youngest Solon was practicing how to smile with her and, at the time, her smile wasn't the best so when Fiona walked in on them the white-haired girl shouted in fear. Keira ended up whining to them both about how naturally scary she was after.

Fiona was a war hero, too, so Keira took it harder than usual.

("Fiona has been fighting demons on a different continent since she was 13 and my smile scares her!"

"No! It was nothing like that! I was just… surprised… by your beauty!")

"You look a lot like your sister," Barrard remarked, eyes flickering between Keira and Leilin.

"We get that often," Keira said, chuckling. "It's our mother's genes, honestly. They're very strong."

"Then I guess she's as gorgeous as her daughters." His eyes landed on Leilin who crossed her arms amusedly.

Barrard turned to Lucas, staring at him for a bit, but Lucas looked away, unamused. Leilin smiled awkwardly, grabbing him by the shoulders to turn him towards Barrard.

"This is my brother, Lucas," she introduced him. "He's not really a sociable person."

The magician stepped on Leilin's foot. She immediately gave him a warning look. She liked that shoe. It was new. Lucas rolled his eyes. His older sister suddenly had this extreme urge to punch him in the face.

"Ah, well then, let's not force him." Barrard smiled politely. "I'll be off now, then, Leilin, Lady Keira." A pause. "Lord Lucas," he said stiffly, bowing his head to Lucas who didn't react even slightly. "Please tell Duke Candmione I'd like to meet with him tomorrow morning, as soon as possible."

"Surely." Leilin smiled.

"And please don't forget to visit us before you go home," he said in a softer tone. "Visit my mother, I mean, of course," he added, chuckling.

Leilin smiled, at least glad the knight seemed to be in better spirits than earlier. "Rest assured I will."

"Then I'll be off. Thank you for your time."

He bowed low then kissed her hand, catching her off guard. Keira's hand flew to her mouth in surprise, but both Xavier and Lucas gave him a deadly glare. Barrard seemed to not have noticed. That, or he didn't care, but Leilin could swear his knees were shaking a little as he walked away.

"He looks like someone I know," Keira muttered as they watched Barrard's retreating figure.

"The knight?" Lucas asked meaningfully.

"Who?" Leilin asked, her head tilting sideways.

Keira? Their Keira? With a boy? Liking a boy? Now, that she needed to find out.

"No one!" Keira shook her head forcefully.

"Aunt Eris' son."

"No—"

"Oh, so Erez? You keep bringing up Athanasia when you like her cousin after all—"

Keira punched Lucas. He gave her a dramatic offended look as he rubbed his face harshly. Strands of his long hair were strewn over his face from the impact. Keira's hands flew to her mouth.

"What the hell!" Lucas shouted.

"I didn't mean to!" Keira defended herself. "It's just, you were bringing up Erez and Joseph in front of Leilin so, I panicked because I thought she'd get the wrong idea—"

Leilin narrowed her eyes, then grabbed Keira's arm without warning, pulling her up the stairs. She was so quick, Xavi lost his grip on her dress and fell forward. As far as they knew, Leilin didn't inherit the physically strong genes of both her family, yet there she was already half-way to the top, dragging her sister.

"I know a crush when I see it, Keira Solon!" the older girl shouted determinedly. Keira raised her forefinger to her lips, shushing her sister. Leilin was so loud. "It's about time we had boy talk," Leilin whispered excitedly.

Keira dreaded it.

The two sisters disappeared and Lucas was left rubbing his left cheek with Xavier who was still on the floor, staring at the stairs menacingly. Lucas stared at the kid.

"I don't like you," the magician said suddenly, resting his cheek in his palm.

Xavi hissed at him. Lucas hissed back, annoyed. Xavi's eyebrows furrowed in confusion.

The black-haired man crossed his arms. "I need a vacation away from my family after this," he whispered to the air.

Chapter Text

Leilin stared at the tabloid in her hand, her eyebrows furrowing the further down the article she read.

The ex-princess, a spoiled brat in silk

The people are cheering after the royal family officially announced the engagement between Crown Prince Frederick and his ex-fiancée Leilin Shan Solon has been called off. But the question is, why?

As per the Palace's official statement, why would a mere duke's daughter break up with the crown prince of an empire? Simple, reports say, it was actually the imperial family who requested to end the engagement after they caught Lady Solon in a scandalous position with a certain fellow noble!

The Imperial Family, in an act of kindness, tried to cover up the issue to protect the lady's reputation, but an anonymous source has come forward to reveal the nasty truth.

According to our source, the ex-princess has also been seeing numerous other men all at the same time. A shameless trickster!

Lady Solon has disrespected not only the crown prince, but the entire imperial family and empire by putting herself out there with no regards to the crown prince's or imperial family's reputation. The ex-princess has no appreciation for the kindness and hospitality she has received from us.

Once, during a trip to a farm, a poor farmer offered her an avocado, but she refused, not even appreciating the effort put into the harvest. How heartless. Our crown prince, on the other hand, graciously ate it.

Her ungratefulness says a lot about her upbringing in the Vasilios Empire. As a member of the notorious Solon Duchy, what more is to be expected but an entitled, snotty noblewoman?

It's saddening to think the imperial family welcomed an entitled, spoiled brat into their ranks. The only good thing about the situation is that the crown prince is free from her and her family's delusions and a woman like her will never sit on the throne

Prior to the incident, rumors were circulating that the ex-princess also mistreated and abused her maids and bullied other nobles to her liking. The House of Candmione, her sponsor family, desperately tried covering the rumors up, but they failed as the truth always prevails!

Many of Lady Solon's victims have come forward to the COMMONER'S TALE anonymously to share their stories.

Continuation on Leilin Solon's nasty attitude and the victim's statements on page 3.

Continuation on Leilin Solon's dark family history on page 7.

Leilin threw the paper aside. She was not in the mood to hear about some people who had nothing better to do in their life badmouth her and her family on a stupid tabloid. A gossip tabloid, the ones popular in the common realm, that only ever spread rumors about whatever was popular at the moment to convince fools to buy their papers. She was allergic to avocados, so what was she supposed to do? Eat it? Leilin wanted to scream.

The young woman breathed heavily. She knew the Palace statement would come, she expected the mixed reactions that would come with it, she prepared herself for the hate she'd receive (and how to combat the slander), but she was not ready for them to go for her family. They should have left the Solons and Agriches out of this mess. Leilin didn't mean that in the way that this issue was only between her and the imperial family, but in the way that by bringing up the two households, this tabloid was dooming itself. And it was pitiful to think about knowing how brutal the Agriche-Solons can be, but Leilin shrugged. They brought this upon themselves.

They also referred to Medea Solon as a "mere duke" and, honestly, that was enough for Leilin to know these people were done for.

Leilin had to resolve this as soon as possible. Maybe not as quickly or as efficiently as her mother, but she decided this issue would be her first real test and Leilin vowed to pass it with flying colors.

What she had to focus on first was the false victims' statements. She wasn't going to read them (maybe later so she could digest them), but she already knew they were all big, fat lies from fake people made up just to ruin her reputation. Something was telling Leilin that Iris had something to do with this. She should have cut that girl's feet off when she had the chance.

She'd have to think of a solution sooner or later, but Leilin felt a little uncomfortable right now. She'd think of one once she's freshened up, she decided. There was no rush. All she knew was that she needed to find a way to sway public opinion now because she was certain the rumors had already spread across that town, if not every other one nearby.

The power of gossip, she supposed, scoffing. People can't keep their mouth shut, so they babble and babble about things they know, things they don't know, things they like, and things they don't. Humans love nothing more than to talk. Start a small rumor and it will spread and grow, like how a spark turns into a flame and then into a wildfire. If it harms anyone in the process, that is naturally how a fire works. If it destroys anyone in the process, that is naturally how gossip works.

The young woman shook her head. She was stressing over it too much for someone resolved not to think of a solution 'til later. Leilin sighed, turning to stare at the window where she first received the rolled-up piece of junk. A raven had come knocking on her window just a few minutes ago, waking her up, to deliver the newspaper along with a note saying, "If you want to do something about this, you know where to find me. L."

Now, the black-haired woman only knew a few people with the initial L and knew fewer who could've known about this unpopular news franchise, so it had to be Lucas. Viscount Lucas Heyres, she meant.

Leilin knew too many Lucases, it felt a little awkward.

She scratched her head thinking of it as she stood up to draw the curtains. The faint sunlight came pouring in. It was past the usual time the servants came to wake her, she noticed. Leilin looked back at the door, wondering why no one came. Not even Becky.

Leilin circled around her room, wandering aimlessly as she thought, her hand on her chin. Should she call for a servant so she could wash up now, or maybe she should go back to sleep since no one seemed to be waking her? She didn't have anything to do, anyway. Maybe she should rest? She glanced at the window again. It was almost breakfast time, though. If she slept now, she might miss it.

Leilin exhaled deeply, deciding to start her day. The young woman walked over to the door of her bedroom when she passed the mirror and caught a glimpse of her reflection. Leilin backtracked a few steps to stare at herself. Her hair was sticking up in a few places so she tried patting it down, but she wasn't satisfied so she brushed it through with her fingers. She turned her face at an angle, still running her fingers through her locks. Nothing seemed to be off with her face, but she noticed she looked a little… tired. Was that because of all the all-nighters she pulled studying the Solon Duchy's files?

The young woman sighed again as her hand fell at her side. She needed to take a break soon, perhaps a shopping trip would be nice. She deserved it after cutting ties with an idiot yesterday, not to mention putting up with a severely in-denial Keira Solon last night. Leilin felt like her younger sister was close to cutting ties with her too after her constant pestering. The black-haired woman chuckled. Young noble ladies and their crushes, always recipes for a disaster.

After she was satisfied with her appearance, Leilin reached for the door. Her hand was inches from the handles when it was pulled open from the other side, catching her by surprise. Medea Solon stood in front of her, the duchess had pulled the doors open forcefully. The Solons were really bad at measuring their strength. That, or Medea didn't care if she broke the doors.

"Mother!" Leilin shouted in surprise. "Mother," she corrected, stabilizing her voice and relaxing her shoulders. "Good morning."

"Good morning to you, too, Leilin," Medea greeted back. "May I come in?"

"Yes, of course." Leilin stepped aside, welcoming her mother in.

Medea walked inside the room, smiling at Leilin briefly, then turning her head to her daughter's bedroom with a neutral face. The duchess was taking slow, but long steps around Leilin's room, admiring the place quietly. Leilin closed the door behind her carefully and watched her mother awkwardly as an uneasy silence fell over them.

"Um, I apologize for looking so unpresentable," Leilin suddenly spoke up, causing Medea to look up at her. "I woke up late today since no one came, so I was just about to call for Becky—"

"It's alright. I was the one who told your maids to let you sleep in. You should rest." Medea turned away from her again, staring at a painting of a fruit bowl now. "Though I see you're up and awake now," she added.

Leilin stared at her mother, mouth slightly agape. Then it turned into a smile. Leilin turned away to look at the ceiling to hide her glee, pretending she was also looking at something.

Her mother kept pacing around her room as the younger woman snuck glances, until Medea reached the foot of Leilin's bed where the newspaper lay unfolded, the front page on full display.

The duchess picked it up, the sound of paper wrinkling under her touch. "What's this?" she asked, her voice cold and sharp like knives. Her eyes were already going back and forth across the article.

"Hmm?" Leilin turned around. "Oh, that's… just… just a commoner gossip tabloid," she said. She didn't intend on showing that to her mother, or to anyone in her family for that matter. "But, it's nothing seri—"

"'The ex-princess, a spoiled brat in silk'?" Medea read the title. She raised an eyebrow. "This takes me back to my younger days."

Leilin gulped slightly. She hadn't planned on doing anything about the article yet, but she would have never planned involving her family. If she was a spoiled brat in silk, the Solons were wolves with blood-stained fur. They were unapologetically merciless.

"A 'mere duke', huh?" Medea read aloud. The duchess laughed. It echoed around Leilin's room. It sounded hollow.

There it was, Leilin thought. They were doomed.

"Take a seat, Leilin," Medea ordered, no longer laughing. Not even smiling.

Leilin gingerly took a seat on one of her purple couches inlaid in gold hardware. Usually, she wouldn't take it well if people ordered her in her own room, but the duchess was someone who could have even royals bowing at her feet. Leilin knew better than to disobey her mother. She was fiddling with her fingers, her eyes following Medea as she came closer. Her mother sat on the other one, opposite her, the paper in hand.

"The date of this is today," Medea started, eyes still fixated on the paper. "I'm assuming you got it this morning and that's why you woke up."

Leilin crossed her hands and placed them delicately in her lap. "Yes. A raven delivered it to me."

"You have a subscription to a gossip tabloid?"

"No, a… friend—" she settled on that term for Heyres (she'd call him Heyres now, Lucas felt weird), "—sent them to me. He's the head of the information guild, so he has a lot of people who report back to him."

"The head of the information guild, huh?" Medea cocked an eyebrow. "That's a nice friend to have."

Truth be told, Heyres should be more of an acquaintance since they rarely met. However, whenever they did meet, Leilin thought they seemed to do things friends did. Maybe more.

As in, things that people who had known each other for a good amount of time do, ofr course. Like, plot to get revenge on the people who used them and… dance under the moonlight to romantic songs privately, she supposed.

"Friends are nice to have when you need company, and even better to have when they're useful," Medea noted. "It's nice to have a diverse circle of powerful, influential people. Invest in people who you think have potential, too."

Leilin nodded slowly. "I agree. You never know what trouble you might get into, so it's nice to have a wide set of connections."

Leilin winced, knowing she had very few of those. Especially since she refused to join social gatherings in the empire for a bit, she left Vasilios too early, and when she was there, people avoided her because of her family's reputation. As much as she loved her family, their reputation could be quite troublesome.

"Your Aunt Psyche was a particularly useful one, even if we became rivals at one point because of Eros."

Aunt Psyche, currently Countess Callista, was one of the kindest people Leilin knew, much like most of her children (Erez was such a menace). Emperor Eros Orna Vasilios was the current emperor of the Vasilios Empire, her mother and Aunt Psyche's ex-fiancé, their current nemesis, and the father of her best friend, Cale. Cruel, powerful, and brilliant… he was exactly like her mother, Leilin thought. They would have been a good match if he didn't screw their engagement up.

"Crown princes have a habit of wasting Solon women," Medea brought up, making Leilin look up at her mother, "and making enemies out of them in the process. It's funny how history repeats itself."

Leilin stared at her mother, surprised at the sudden mention of her past. She didn't usually talk about that part of her life, but the young woman knew, of course, though the details weren't complete, she had a good idea.

"Do you know what the emperor did to me when we were younger? All the humiliation he put me and our family through?"

"I heard about it from Aunt Psyche," Leilin replied hesitantly. She wasn't sure where her mother was going with this.

"I had a chance to get my title back at the Princess Games. I won every game, no surprise, but Eros still chose Psyche. Though he chose her for a more selfish reason than love, he still cast me aside and humiliated me publicly. Sound familiar?"

A little too familiar.

"After I was ridiculed for my loss, Eros accused the Solon Duchy of treason, claiming we attempted to kill the emperor. We didn't. If we did, the emperor would have been dead already." Medea chuckled lightly. "But rumors followed and the Solon Duchy was ridiculed even more. Do you know what I did?"

"You got your revenge."

"I did." Medea grinned simply, but it gave off an eerie vibe. "I burned all the papers and cut off the tongues of everyone who spread lies about me."

Ah. Leilin knew where she was going here.

*Solon women do not take disrespect from anyone, Leilin."

Leilin had a good idea what her mother was hinting, but she still asked, "What do you have in mind, mother?"

"What do you have in mind?" Medea asked back. "The girl I met back at the gazebo had a spark in her eyes, can you turn that into a flame?"

Leilin met her mother's eyes. Purple, much like her own, yet Medea Solon's gaze was slightly darker, more mature, more sinister and they made Leilin Solon nervous.

What should she answer?

What is an answer worthy of Medea Solon?

"I have no plans on taking any more disrespect from that man," Leilin started, echoing her words at the gazebo yesterday, her head held high. "And I refuse to take any from this cheap article, either. I'll improve my public image and then take them down."

"Alright. How do you plan on doing that?" Medea asked, smiling.

Leilin stared in surprise. She expected her mother to raise an eyebrow, to tell her she was foolish—but she smiled. A genuine smile, Leilin noted.

Leilin fell silent for a few seconds, breathing heavily. Her mother was expecting an answer, but Leilin hadn't planned anything yet. She kept pushing it back until after bathing, regrettably.

The door to her room creaked slightly, making Leilin jump. However, it was as if that sudden noise suddenly knocked some sense into Leilin as she formed a plan.

"Well, the rumors have already spread like wildfire so there's no use in taking back all the sold copies, but the people who already bought them are bound to be interested in me," she said. Medea seemed to be nodding approvingly, so Leilin continued. "If I can turn the focus on someone else who committed a juicier, more exciting issue, something that'll get everyone hooked."

"And who do you have in mind?"

"Iris Jan Conrad." Leilin grinned. At that moment, she looked a little too much like her mother as if her eyes turned a shade darker, more mature, more sinister. "A poor count's daughter and a desperate thief. I didn't tell many people, but Iris stole a dress designed and made for me from the best dressmaker in the kingdom, Rosemary, so she could go to a party. 'The desperate count's daughter lost all her morals just to play pretend for a night' sounds pathetic, don't you think? "

She'll hit two birds with one stone. Perhaps three if the issue can somehow drag Frederick into it, too. They'll all have to go down together.

"How are you so sure this issue will become popular?" Medea asked, though she looked pleased.

It wasn't as flawless as what the duchess had in mind, but it was a sign that Leilin started thinking independently and it had a good chance of succeeding, anyway. There was a lot of potential there. Medea smirked.

"I'm still hot in the eyes of the people. One mention of my name and they'll listen. If they hear about me in this issue, they'll listen, and after finding out the full details of what happened, they'll turn all their hatred from me to Iris."

The door creaked again. Leilin gave it a disapproving glare. It was ruining the moment.

Medea tilted her head to the side, raising her eyebrows. "And will that clear your name?"

"I don't expect to clear my name immediately, I just want them to find a new target for now. After that, I'll do a few good deeds to make my image look good." Leilin waved her hand. "And then I can clear my name.*

"Alright, I'll spread the rumors while you can focus on those 'good deeds'."

Leilin sat up straight. "But, mother—"

"If you think you have to prove yourself to me by being independent, Leilin, rest assured you already have." Medea stood up, looking down at her shocked daughter. "Don't be afraid to have some allies to do work for you. I had many, and you have us, your family."

The duchess was known for her strength, leadership, and intelligence. But she wasn't born that way. Duchess Solon was made by steel swords and mountains of books, a little blood and lots of pressure. Memories of her mother and father, what were supposed to be family, flashed through her mind at that moment. Exhausting herself 'til the sun rose upon her mother's orders, the most important person in her life's death at the hands of her father, a daughter executing her own family as revenge, relatives spilling their own blood for power and greed…

That was far from what family was supposed to be.

And yet that was exactly what the House of Solon was, before Medea decided to change that all. For herself, for her brother, for her children and their future children.

Medea gave Leilin an assuring grin before approaching the door (Leilin, on a regular day, would have questioned why it was slightly ajar since she remembered locking it, but was too stunned to notice now).

"I'll call Becky for you. Breakfast is in a bit. I'll meet you there," the duchess added as she shut the door.

Leilin stared at the closed door for a while, processing what happened. After a few minutes, a small smile appeared on her lips.

She felt like she could do anything.

∆

Lucas and Benjamin watched as Keira angrily paced in her room, criticizing loudly the gossip tabloid they just finished reading. Benjamin had, somehow, gotten a copy of it and shared it with his other furious siblings. Keira especially, who was close to grabbing her sword and cutting them all down.

"...the audacity of these people to slander our sister!" Keira threw her hands up in the air as she took a sharp turn. "And Iris deserved that 'nasty attitude', too. I found the threat to slice off her feet great!" Keira added enthusiastically. She turned to her brothers, coming to a halt. "Right?" she asked them.

Benjamin fisted his right hand, resting it on the arm of his chair. He smirked coolly, attempting to hide his own frustration behind it. "Yeah, that paper's absolute bullshit."

Honestly, he was just as angry as Keira, perhaps even more so, but he had to remain calm. If he burnt down the entire town the tabloid came from out of anger, that would be bad. He had to be calm for the sake of the empire—not that it's well being really mattered to him. He was only worried the people would use her family's angry outburst against Leilin.

"I'm close to cursing the entire empire when we leave." Lucas laughed at his threat in the chair opposite to Benjamin. His hands were thrown on both sides of the arm chair, sitting a little too comfortably. "They wouldn't be able to survive for more than a year without any food."

"I thought you'd just burn them like your threat yesterday." Benjamin raised an eyebrow teasingly. He emptied a packet of poison into his tea cup and stirred it lightly. Just a few safety measures against his aunt, nothing serious.

"I'll burn them when all they have left is a wasteland. Any trace of this place ever existing would be—" Lucas threw his hands up in the air and made small fits of smoke. "—poof. Gone." He slumped backwards, chuckling along with Benjamin.

"That's an automatic slot in the history books," the older man said, sipping his tea.

"'The great mage Lucas cursed the rich empire in the name of his sister and turned it into a barren land'," Lucas acted as if he was story-telling. "None of your biographies could ever have a quote like that." The mage laughed.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, slowly putting down his empty tea cup. Then he said casually, "If you don't shut up my biography will say how I killed my own brother after he annoyed me—"

Lucas' retort was cut off when Keira plopped down beside Benjamin suddenly. Apparently, she was now done pacing. Her own tea cup was still full and untouched, it had also turned slightly cold now. Lucas didn't bother drinking anything.

"You done taking a walk?" Lucas asked.

Keira crossed her arms, ignoring him. She stared down at the folded paper on the coffee table, the headline written in bold letters. "Leilin deserves better than this… bullshit. Who dared to say these things about her?"

"Someone who doesn't want to live for long." Lucas shrugged. "Though if they did, they won't be living for any longer once I'm done with them."

"I don't know where they got the nerve!" Keira furrowed her eyebrows, thinking. "I'm not even sure where they got the information," Keira said, her voice trailing off as if lost in thought.

"Yeah." Lucas nodded, his forehead creasing. "How'd they manage to make Leilin refusing to eat avocados because she's allergic 'spoiled brat behavior'?" he asked loudly.

"Actually," Benjamin started and the siblings turned to their eldest brother, "I was wondering the exact same thing. The details of the duel mentioned there weren't shared publicly." Benjamin leaned forward, staring at the paper, his head resting on his intertwined hands. He turned to his siblings slowly. "Do you think they have an insider?" he asked.

"You think there's a snitch here?" Keira tilted her head sideways, touching her chin. "I wouldn't be surprised, honestly. Most gossip informants are noble servants, or even knights. The question is, who?"

"Someone who needs money." Lucas waved his hand aimlessly. "Gossip tabloids pay, though it's probably less than their salary here at the Candmione Estate. Some extra cash is always nice, especially for commoners."

"Can't blame them for wanting more money," Keira said sympathetically. "But they should've chosen who they gossip about wisely," she added threateningly.

"If it's money they wanted, the Solon Duchy could offer that and more." Benjamin laughed. "Hey, I'd even throw in a few coins from the Agriche treasury. All they'll get now is a beating."

Lucas rested his left elbow on his arm, laying his head on it. "What do you guys say we find the traitor?" He smirked.

Benjamin raised an eyebrow, amused. "I thought you'd never ask."

Keira placed her hands on the coffee table aggressively, standing up and towering over her seated brothers. "I'm in," she said determinedly.

The table cracked under the pressure and Keira fell slightly forward in shock. Her brothers quickly stood up to catch her, but Keira quickly regained her balance. The table thudded loudly at their feet. Her brothers, who had both their arms out to catch her, fixed their posture after seeing she was fine.

Tea spilled all over the floor and broken pieces of china scattered. Some of the liquid splashed on Keira and Benjamin's shoes, making them recoil.

Lucas clicked his tongue, kicking a half of the table away. "You'd think Duke Candmione would buy tougher tables," he said, staring down at the two broken pieces.

"Nah, our Keira's just that strong," Benjamin replied, stuffing his hands into his pockets. He decided not to fuss over his shoes too much. He can just buy a new pair.

Keira raised a hand to her mouth as she stared at the coffee table. All its contents had gone down with it, including the now-stained tabloid. "I didn't mean to do that," she said quietly, ashamed. "I guess I just lost control of my strength in anger."

"You better not do that to the snitch when we find them," Benjamin told her.

"Actually, do exactly that to the snitch. They had it coming," Lucas said, pointing his finger at his older brother.

The three turned to the door which swung open loudly. They expected a maid, but it was their father who greeted them. Dion's red eyes darted between his three children and the broken coffee table. He raised an eyebrow at his kids. If he wasn't the three's father, they might've shivered a little bit at his cold glare.

"I was passing by when I heard something crash here. I was wondering if you were safe," he said, looking at Keira. Only Keira.

Benjamin and Lucas exchanged looks. Their father's favoritism was really showing. Lucas lifted a hand to his mouth and faked a hurt expression which Dion didn't even notice. Benjamin had to look away to hide his laughter. He didn't want his father to scold him for interrupting his chat with his favorite daughter.

"I'm fine," Keira said, waving her hand. Then her eyes flew to the broken table. She wore an awkward smile as she looked at it, then she turned to her father. "I just, um… broke the coffee table."

Lucas was still shaking his head, acting hurt that their father didn't even notice him, as Benjamin tried to hold in his laughter. Keira elbowed her older brother.

"I see…" He also stared at the table. No, Keira noticed. He was staring past it. He narrowed his eyes, studying the scene. "What's that?" he asked coldly.

"What's what?" Keira asked, turning to it, too. Her eyebrows furrowed. "Uh… that's the coffee table I broke?"

"No." Dion took a step closer.

Lucas' head snapped towards his father, as did Benjamin's. The magician stopped acting now and Benjamin couldn't laugh anymore. The three knew if their father found out about the tabloid and what the people were saying about Leilin, those people wouldn't make it 'til tomorrow.

"That's, uh…" Keira wasn't sure what excuse to say.

Lucas acted surprised. "Have you heard the rumors, father?!" He shook his head. "I didn't know the people were such gossips. 'Baby, actually a 67-year-old woman in a cursed body'? Outrageous!"

The only thing outrageous was Lucas' performance. Dion raised an eyebrow. It was absolutely terrible. Lucas was not made to lie, his tongue was sharp and direct. Not very useful when making excuses, but Lucas rarely ever needed to make excuses because he was powerful enough to obliterate anyone who questioned him with a snap of his fingers.

Of course, exceptions were his father, his mother, and especially Athanasia. Sometimes his siblings, but they were more often his victims.

Benjamin originally gave a disgusted look, then added, "Did you see the part where they said there was a guy turning hay into gold in the Candmione household and that's why the duchy's so rich?"

He was a much better actor than Lucas. It actually looked genuine compared to his drama queen of a brother. Benjamin was a manipulative trickster who enjoyed toying with people a little too much. The eldest Solon pulled so many pranks as a kid, it's surprising he was named Junior Duke Agriche, but then again, people grow into better—or worse—people as time goes by. Nonetheless, Benjamin's acting skills (and playfulness) seemed to remain through adulthood, however, and here they were on full display.

Not that they'd make any difference. His father knew better.

Keira nodded. "Yeah, it was kinda funny. We should search for him later." She laughed. "You wanna join us, father?" she asked.

Keira was an equally great—perhaps even slightly better—liar as her eldest brother (Lucas was the weak link) because she looked so natural. Her face was controlled, composed, completely unable to find a fault in. She grew in the span of several months from a recluse into a manipulative young woman. If her father didn't already know that it was that tabloid, he would've believed they really were just gossiping about an elderly child and a spinner.

The Solon children were formidable forces, strong and powerful, but they slumped at their father's next words.

"Is that the tabloid that said your sister's a spoiled brat?" Dion asked, unamused at his children's excuses.

The three kids exchanged looks again, thinking two things: one, it's definitely Lucas' fault they got caught, and, second, this empire is screwed.

"How'd you know, father?" Keira asked in a sweet voice, one they'd usually hear their mother or Aunt Roxana use when manipulating someone.

Lucas and Benjamin sidestepped away, letting Keira smooth out their father's anger. She was his favorite after all. Keira, hearing their footsteps, turned to them and glared then smiled at their father again.

"I overheard Leilin telling your mother her little plan. Do something to spread lies about that bastard's mistress to shift the focus." Dion shrugged. "But I wasn't satisfied with that, so I was going to my room to get my sword so I can get rid of the article's writer for her."

"We were thinking of doing something about the issue, too," Benjamin suddenly said. Dion raised an eyebrow, staring at his eldest. "Though, it's more about finding out who their insider is instead of killing them."

"I suppose it's only right we get revenge on everyone involved, they all had a role to play," Dion replied casually.

Benjamin hummed in agreement, putting his hands in his pockets. "We'll take care of the snitch, dad, you take care of that stupid writer." He chuckled.

"Keira, come with me later," Dion ordered. "Bring your sword and meet me at front after breakfast."

"Gladly!"

Dion stared at his youngest, then at his other sons. "Alright. Breakfast is in a bit. See you there." He reached the door, but then turned around again. "Also, get someone to clean that mess up."

"Yes, father," Keira answered.

Dion left the room, leaving the door slightly open, a habit of his. The Solons didn't really mind it now. Keira then turned to her brothers, wearing a mocking expression. Benjamin and Lucas crossed their arms at her, but then Benjamin turned to Lucas.

"What kind of excuse was that? That was the shittiest thing I've ever seen and I saw Sovieshu before we left."

Keira nodded. "That was horrible acting, Lucas."

"Yeah, I don't know why I said that either," Lucas agreed.

"So embarrassing," Benjamin commented again, shaking his head.

"Do you have to rub it in?" Lucas scowled.

"Yes. That's my job as your brother."

"Now, don't fight in my room," Keira butt in.

They stared at her for a bit then calmed down. They don't need more broken furniture. Though the Solons were merciless, they weren't shameless (well, maybe they were). Duke Candmione was a good man, they shouldn't trouble him too much.

"I need to go now," Benjamin announced, adjusting himself. He placed his right hand in his pocket now, leaving the other at his side. He started walking to the door, still talking. "I need to cram some paperwork for Uncle Jeremy before we get back home. What will you do, Lucas?"

"Annoy you probably."

"I hope you choke on your food later." Benjamin laughed as he pulled the door open.

"Close it when you leave!" Keira reminded.

"What if I don't want to?" Benjamin raised an eyebrow, his hand still on the doorknob.

Keira rolled her eyes. "Then don't, I'll do it myself."

She placed her hands on his back and pushed him with ease outside. Her eldest brother laughed as he watched her push Lucas outside, too.

"Bye. See you at breakfast!" she said happily, then slammed the door in their faces.

"Rude," Lucas commented.