The attendant stepped aside, holding the carriage door open, but the three figures waiting in front of it made the moment stretch longer.

"Elena."

Veyron von Lestaria crossed the short distance with quick strides, his smile warm and steady. He didn't hesitate to pull his sister into a tight embrace, lifting her slightly from the ground. "You've been away too long. Tell me, how much longer before I have to stand through your wedding, hm?"

Elena's cheeks turned crimson. "B-Brother!" She pushed at him lightly, flustered, but didn't let go.

Noel slowed to a stop a few paces behind, arms loosely folded. The sight tugged at something in him. He remembered Veyron well—from that wedding years ago, the first time he'd realized Elena's heart leaned toward him. And now, seeing her held so warmly by her brother, it was clear how much she'd missed this.

"You haven't changed," Noel said at last, his tone even.

Veyron set his sister down, still grinning. "And you—still looking like you carry the world on your shoulders. Lighten up, Noel. It's good to see you again."

Before Noel could answer, the last figure stepped forward. Livia.

She wasn't as he remembered. No trace of sharp composure or cold calculation remained. Instead, her auburn hair was neatly tied back, her gown elegant yet understated, and her smile… soft.

"It's wonderful to see you both," she said, her voice warm, almost gentle. Her eyes found Elena first. "You've grown beautifully."

Elena blinked, surprise flickering before she smiled back. "Sister-in-law…"

Then Livia's gaze settled on Noel. There was no distance in it, no veiled judgment. Only sincerity. "And Noel. We meet again. I'm glad."

Noel hesitated. The Livia he remembered would never have spoken like that. 'She's changed. Too much. What happened to her?'

Veyron clapped his hands lightly. "Come, let's not keep the horses waiting. We've a long road ahead, and I'd rather not arrive in Nivaria after nightfall."

The siblings moved first toward the carriage. Noel lingered for a second, watching the sunlight catch on the polished wood. Then, with quiet steps, he followed.

The carriage lurched forward, wheels creaking as it left the bustle of the harbor behind. Inside, the space was lined with dark velvet cushions, a faint scent of cedar clinging to the polished wood.

Veyron leaned back comfortably, one arm resting along the seat as he studied his sister. "So, Elena. You've been out in the world long enough now. Tell me—how much trouble have you caused?"

Elena puffed her cheeks faintly. "None."

Veyron chuckled. "Liar. I can see it in your eyes."

Noel smirked at that, watching Elena's blush deepen. "He's not wrong."

"Not you too…" she muttered, covering her face with her hand.

Livia's soft laugh filled the space, warmer than Noel expected. "Don't tease her too much. She's done well—I can see it. There's more confidence in her now." Her gaze slid to Noel briefly. "And I imagine you had something to do with that."

Noel kept his expression neutral, but inside he felt the weight of her words. 'She's different. Careful, kind even. If I didn't know her from before, I'd almost believe this is who she's always been.'

Veyron tapped the side of the seat with a grin. "He's probably had to keep her out of more trouble than we'll ever know. Which makes me wonder…" His eyes flicked between them. "How long before I need to polish my boots for another wedding?"

Elena nearly choked, her ears turning crimson. "B-Brother!"

Livia only smiled, calm and composed. "You shouldn't embarrass her like that."

But her tone was gentle, not scolding. Almost protective.

Noel rested an elbow against the window frame, watching the scenery roll by—the forest road stretching toward Nivaria, golden light breaking through the canopy. He didn't reply to Veyron's teasing, but his mind lingered on Livia again.

'What happened to the sharp-tongued woman I knew? She feels… completely different.'

The carriage rocked lightly, laughter and conversation filling the air. For once, it felt almost like a family outing.

The carriage swayed gently as it rolled along the forest road, the chatter fading into a comfortable lull. Sunlight filtered in through the curtains, casting warm stripes of light across the seats.

Livia's gaze lingered on Noel for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Finally, she spoke.

"Noel."

He turned slightly, eyebrow raised. "What is it?"

Her hands rested calmly on her lap, fingers interlaced. "I wanted to say… I owe you an apology."

Elena blinked, caught off guard. "Sister-in-law?"

Livia's eyes softened, her voice quiet but steady. "Back then, I wasn't fair to you. I looked down on you. Treated you as if you were beneath us. I carried too much pride, too much… sharpness." She paused, a faint sigh escaping her lips. "I see now how wrong I was."

Noel regarded her in silence. He remembered vividly—her cold words, her dismissive tone, the distance she had carved deliberately between them. This Livia in front of him, speaking with sincerity, felt like another person entirely.

"You've changed," Noel said at last.

Livia smiled faintly. "Marriage does that. Responsibility does that. Being part of this family taught me that arrogance only poisons the bonds we should treasure. I don't want to repeat those mistakes."

Elena's eyes softened, her lips curving into a small, relieved smile.

Noel leaned back, arms crossed loosely. "People don't usually admit they were wrong."

"Then I'll be the exception," Livia replied gently. "If it helps ease the weight I left behind, I don't mind admitting it. You've earned more respect than I ever gave you."

"And the others?" he asked. "How have they been?"

Livia's smile faltered slightly, her hands folding neatly in her lap. "I wish I could tell you. But… it's been weeks since I last saw them."

Elena tilted her head. "Weeks?"

"Yes." Livia nodded softly. "Since the wedding, I've been living in Elarith. My life is there now, and though letters come, they aren't the same as being present. So I can't say with certainty how everyone else is doing."

Her tone carried no defensiveness—only honesty.

Noel leaned back, thoughtful. 'So even she's been distanced from the core of things. That explains it.'

Veyron rested a hand on his sister's shoulder, giving her a reassuring smile. "You'll see them soon enough, Elena. And things will feel whole again."

Elena nodded faintly, though her eyes betrayed a quiet longing.

The carriage rolled on, the sound of hooves steady against the road.

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