As they walked toward the main hall, Azrean and Sumi kept their voices low.
"What do you think happened to Invanne?" Azrean asked, glancing ahead.
Sumi shook her head lightly.
"I'm not sure… She's strong, but it feels like she's pushing herself too hard. She always acts like nothing bothers her."
Their voices faded as they reached the others. The room was already lively again. Servants lined the sides, bowing as Dean and Kumi stepped inside. The moment Sumi saw them, she rushed forward.
Kumi opened his arms and caught her easily, pulling her into a tight hug.
"I'm back, my little flower."
Sumi smiled up at him, her voice bright again.
"Welcome back, Papa!"
Azrean walked up more slowly. He looked at Dean and Azrea, then spoke in a quieter voice.
"Dad… Mom… I'm feeling better now."
Azrea's expression softened. She reached out and gently patted his head.
"I'm glad… You don't need to think so much, alright? Everything will be ok."
Dean gave a small nod, a faint smile touching his face. Then he stepped slightly aside and gestured to the man standing behind him.
"Children, this is Jaek Korer. Starting tomorrow, he'll be your swordsmanship mentor."
Sumi's eyes lit up immediately. "Really?!"
Jaek stood tall and steady, a man in his late forties with short salt-and-pepper hair and sharp, experienced eyes. His posture was straight like a soldier. His clothes were simple, dark, and well-fitted.
He gave a respectful nod, a small smile forming.
"It's an honor to meet you both. I've known your fathers for almost a decade now. They are truly kind people, so when they asked me to be your mentor, I thought I would accept."
He lifted a hand slightly.
"I used to serve as the commander of the royal army."
Azrean blinked, clearly impressed.
"That's… amazing."
"We're really happy to have you as our teacher!" Sumi beamed.
Azrea stepped forward and lightly touched Jaek's arm.
"I'll show you to your room. You'll be staying with us from now on."
Then she looked back at the children with a gentle smile.
"You two can go enjoy yourselves for a while."
They both nodded.
"See you later, Sir Jaek," Azrean said, giving a small wave.
"Bye bye, master! Let's talk later!" Sumi added cheerfully, waving with both hands.
Jaek returned the gesture with a warm nod as Azrea and Memei guided him down the hallway.
They moved over to a nearby couch and sat down side by side. Around them, the mansion slowly returned to its usual rhythm. Servants passed by in a steady flow, voices low and calm.
"I'll go prepare the bath now," one maid said as she walked past.
The other nodded. "Let's bring Ms. Invanne too. She'll feel much better after soaking in hot water."
Azrean and Sumi stayed where they were, leaning back into the cushions, eyes closed. The quiet hum of movement, the distant clatter and the soft voices—it all settled around them.
After a while, Azrean spoke, his voice low.
"They already brought us a mentor…"
Sumi turned her head slightly, a small smile forming.
"Yeah. I was the one who told Papa Dean to arrange it."
Azrean's eyes opened a little.
"Really…? You really are dedicated, huh…"
She nodded without hesitation.
"Of course. A good mentor means we'll grow properly and become stronger. And we already have big sis Invanne for magic."
Azrean let out a quiet breath.
"Yeah… but the blood type thing… we can't ignore that."
Sumi's expression turned thoughtful.
"I know… but I really can't figure it out. Maybe we'll understand someday."
Azrean slid down slightly, lying back against the couch.
"Someday... I just hope it doesn't cause trouble." His gaze drifted toward the ceiling.
"We can't even ask anyone. If they find out we saw different things instead of blood type... They might say we're children from hell who'll become reapers and kill people."
Sumi didn't answer. She just lay there beside him, quiet, staring ahead.
Somewhere in a large bathing chamber, steam filled the air in thick waves. A wide marble pool sat at the center, its surface gently rippling with hot water. The scent of lavender and rose oil hung heavy, mixing with the warmth. Soft lantern light glowed along the walls, reflecting across the damp stone.
Invanne sat partially submerged among the maids. Her long hair clung wet against her back and shoulders, strands sticking to her skin. Water traced slowly down her arms as she moved.
One of the younger maids from behind tried to wrap a towel around her chest but struggled, the fabric stretching tight and refusing to close properly.
"Miss Invanne... um... it's not fitting again," she said awkwardly, letting out a small, embarrassed laugh.
Invanne didn't react much. She simply took the towel from her hands and adjusted it herself with calm, practiced movements. Then she went back to washing her arms, slow and precise. The water shifted gently around her.
An older maid stepped closer and sat at the edge of the pool looking at her.
"Are you feeling better now?"
Invanne gave a small nod. "I'm fine."
The maid studied her for a moment, worry still clear on her face.
"I'm still worried about you. From tomorrow your workload will increase even more."
Invanne paused, her hand stilling beneath the water. Azrean and Sumi's words drifted back into her mind. After a moment, she spoke quietly.
"Yes... from tomorrow, I'll be training Lord Azrean and Lady Sumi."