Chapter 326: Reunion Part 5

Sophia leaned back slightly in her chair. "So she came early, left Mira behind, and now she's here waiting for a bath. That sounds like she wanted to get here before her sister."

Adrian nodded. "That's what she said. She didn't want to wait. I believe her."

Christine tilted her head. "Big brother, doesn't that mean she wanted to see you more than anyone else?"

Her words made a couple of the women smile. Eve hid it with her hand, while Seraphina let out a soft laugh.

"Careful, Christine," Seraphina teased. "You're making it sound as if she's rushing to steal him away."

"She can't steal big brother," Christine replied quickly, puffing her cheeks. "He already belongs here."

Isabella spoke then, her voice calm but edged with quiet amusement. "Out of the mouths of children come the sharpest truths. Adrian, what will you do if she expects more than just courtesy? You already have your hands full."

Sophia tapped her finger against the table. "Exactly. You already have all of us around you, and now you're adding another one? Tell me, little brother, do you plan on turning this manor into a nest for every woman who looks your way?"

Adrian gave her a flat look. "Hardly. Lira isn't just any noble's daughter. If this marriage happens, it's politics as much as it is personal."

"Politics, hm?" Isabella’s tone sharpened slightly. "And yet you smiled when she asked to call you by your name."

Adrian sighed. "Would you rather I forced her to call me Baron Everhart for the whole visit? That would have made things awkward."

Seraphina chuckled. "You could have insisted. But no, you liked it, didn't you? Hearing your name on her lips."

Christine frowned, looking between them. "Why is everyone teasing big brother? He was just being kind."

Eve spoke up softly. "Kindness is dangerous. Sometimes people mistake it for something else."

Sophia gave her a glance. "And what do you think she'll mistake it for?"

Eve hesitated, then said, "Hope. Maybe even affection."

That made the table go quiet for a moment.

Adrian broke the silence. "I won't mislead her. I'll treat her with respect, but I won't promise anything beyond what's been arranged."

Isabella arched a brow. "Respect, hm? That's how it starts. You treat a woman gently, you make her feel safe, and suddenly she wants more. Don't tell me you don't know that by now."

Sophia smirked. "Mother's right. Look at all of us. None of us started with grand promises, and yet here we are. You keep collecting women like gemstones, Adrian."

Seraphina leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand. "And what makes you think you’ll ever let her go? You didn’t let your own mother go, nor your sister. Even me, your aunt, is now under your claw. You’ll probably never let Lira go now that she’s here, even if the Blackthorn count objects."

Adrian shook his head, though there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You all make it sound like I am some kind of demon, collecting women for pleasure only."

"Aren’t you one?" Isabella said firmly.

Sophia tilted her head, her eyes glinting mischievously. "And after Lira’s sister follows her here later this afternoon, what then? Don’t tell me you’ll target both sisters in the end."

Christine scrunched her nose. "Big brother wouldn’t do that… would he?"

That broke the tension, a ripple of laughter moving around the table.

The meal was underway when the soft creak of the dining hall doors drew everyone’s attention. Lira stepped in, her stride measured and composed, though the faint flush of warmth on her cheeks betrayed the bath she had just taken.

Her hair gleamed under the chandelier light, freshly dried and falling in gentle waves, while her gown—a simple travel dress exchanged for something finer provided by the manor—suited her well.

She paused at the threshold, inclining her head politely. “Forgive my lateness. The road was long, and I thought it best to wash the dust from me before joining you.”

Adrian rose smoothly from his chair. “You’re right on time, Lira. Come, sit.”

Christine was already smiling brightly, gesturing to the seat prepared beside Adrian. “We kept it ready for you, Lady Lira.”

Lira’s lips curved faintly as she moved forward, her steps light. “Thank you. You’re very kind.” She took her place beside Adrian, offering the family a composed glance. “I hope I haven’t inconvenienced anyone.”

Isabella answered first, her voice calm and gracious. “Not at all. A guest should feel at ease in this house. If a bath was what you needed, then you did right to take it.”

Rosalyn added with a small smile, “Besides, travel leaves its mark. A good bath works wonders, does it not?”

Lira inclined her head slightly in agreement, though her gaze flicked briefly toward Adrian. “It certainly does. I already feel far more myself.”

Sophia leaned back in her chair, her expression carrying that familiar blend of amusement and mischief. “Then let’s hope the meal restores the rest of your energy. You’ll need it if you plan on keeping up with my little brother.”

Lira arched a brow, the faintest spark of challenge in her eyes. “I don’t doubt he’s a difficult one to keep pace with. But I don’t scare easily.”

That earned a ripple of laughter from the table. Even Seraphina smirked. “Bold words, Lady Lira. You may fit in here more quickly than expected.”

Christine clapped her hands once, delighted. “See? She’s strong too! Big brother likes strong people.”

Adrian gave her a look that was half stern, half affectionate, before speaking to Lira. “Ignore her. Christine thinks she knows all my preferences.”

Christine puffed her cheeks. “But I do!”

The laughter rose again, softening the edges of what could have been stiff formality. Lira allowed herself a small, genuine smile, the tension of arrival melting from her posture.

As the servants brought out warm dishes and filled goblets, conversation picked up again.

Isabella studied Lira with quiet eyes, then asked, “You mentioned your parents would arrive tomorrow?”

“Yes,” Lira answered evenly. “They were bound by obligations to attend another count’s celebration. They regretted the delay, but duty left no choice. They’ll be here by the afternoon tomorrow, I expect.”

Rosalyn hummed softly. “So for now, it will be just you… and if Lady Mira catches up as expected later today. That makes things simpler, in a way.”

Sophia smirked again. “Simpler, yes. Though I suspect it makes things harder for Adrian.”

Lira glanced at him sideways, curiosity flickering. “And why is that?”

“Because,” Sophia said with deliberate lightness, “he already has his hands full. Adding you into the mix means he’ll have to work twice as hard to keep the balance.”

The implication drew a low chuckle from Seraphina, while Eve’s lips pressed together as if to hide a knowing smile.

Lira’s eyes lingered on Adrian for a beat longer, the faintest curve tugging at her mouth before she returned her attention to her plate.

Adrian, of course, only sighed. “Do none of you tire of teasing me?”

“Never,” Isabella said simply, her calm authority final. “It’s the least we can do for all the trouble you bring us.”

The table laughed once more, and for the first time that day, the air was entirely free of tension.