I don't want to be popular...

   It’s been a week since that day.

   The Vermillion mansion’s renovation was progressing smoothly. 

   Liam and Laura had moved to the capital. The Vermillions offered them a whole house, but they declined politely, saying they didn’t need that much space for just the two of them. Instead, they settled into a modest flat. 

   Meanwhile, the Silverbane sub-territory had been reborn under a new name: Leviathan, after the merchant family that took over the management.

   As for us. We had finally returned to our quiet home in the forest. And we also decided to organize a barbecue for everyone.

* * *

   The air outside was thick with the smell of sizzling meat and grilled vegetables. Fire crackled from the stone pit, casting a golden glow across smiling faces. Plates clinked, laughter filled the air, and the tall trees around us carried the sound like music.

   “Cheers!!!” everyone shouted at once, cups raised high.

   I stood at the side, watching it all unfold. Bel and Finn were darting around, playing tag between the tables. Luna and Laura sat nearby, exchanging stories about their work experience. Zephyra leaned back with a glass in hand, deep in conversation with Rex and Victoria. Across the way, Sylvia and Theodore spoke warmly with Sakura’s parents. And then, at another table, Liam and Luke were locked in a ridiculous eating competition, their plates piled with skewers, while Chloe took the possition of their judge.

   It was chaotic, loud, and yet strangely peaceful.

   “Why are you standing here alone?” A familiar voice pulled me back.

   I turned slightly. Sakura joined me, holding a cup in her hand. Her calm presence contrasted with the energetic chaos around us.

   “Just taking a break,” I replied. “What about you?”

   She smiled softly. “Just wanted to give you company.”

   “I see.” I nodded. “So, how’s the new house?”

   Her eyes widened before she chuckled. “Calling it a ‘house’ is generous. It’s definitely too big for that. Honestly, I never expected the Vermillion Clan to give my parents authority over a whole sub-territory.”

   “You’re welcome,” I said casually.

   Some of you probably guessed already. The merchant family I recommended was Sakura’s. Her full name is Sakura Leviathan. Her parents, famed seaborne traders, had spent years traveling the world. They’d received countless offers of support from nobles and clans alike, but probably never expected to get a whole sub-territory. As fate would have it, they were planning to settle down anyway. For them, this was the perfect opportunity.

   “Now you and Finn should have more chances to enjoy your youth.” I said.

   She blinked at me, clearly surprised. “You thought that far ahead?” Her voice softened. “Seriously, since I met you guys, I just keep piling up more debts to repay.”

   “What are you talking about?” I frowned slightly. “We’re friends. It’s normal to help each other.”

   “Sora... Thank you.”

   Before I could respond, another voice cut through, playful yet mocking.

   “Well, well. Engaged for one week, and you’re already cheating?”

   I didn’t need to turn to know who it was. Lilith stood there, lips curled in amusement.

   “I don't remember agreeing to this though...”

   “You’re starting with that again?” She sighed dramatically. “Is there something you don’t like about me?”

   “Do you even like me?” I countered.

   Her lips curved into a devilish grin. “Do you really want to know?” she asked, her tone carrying a dangerous allure.

   …Yeah. She had definitely grown bolder in just one week. I understood why though. She was likely trying to change the future she had foreseen, doing whatever she could to alter the disaster. Now that she trusted her own actions, she’d become a very dangerous woman.

   “Master. What are you three discussing?”

   A cold voice whispered behind me. I nearly jumped out of my skin as Luna silently appeared. 

   “Dammit, Luna!” I hissed, clutching my chest. “Don’t just pop out of nowhere like that!”

   “My apologies,” she said flatly, her eyes narrowing. “So… what were you talking about?”

   Her tone was calm, but her gaze was anything but. One wrong answer, and I was fairly certain I wouldn’t live to see dessert.

   Ever since the “engagement”, she’d been like this—especially when I was with Lilith. Probably insecurity. She had always been the one by my side, and worries it might change. Not like I'm planning to marry anyone soon.

   Lilith gave a mocking chuckle. “Luna, if you keep pressuring him like that, he’ll end up hating you.”

   “Please, don’t be stupid. Master could never hate me.”

   Lilith smirked. “That’s a lot of confidence.”

   The air between them tightened. Two predators locked eyes, rivals destined to clash.

   Next to me, Sakura leaned closer and whispered, “You’ve become quite popular.”

   “Not the kind of popularity I want,” I muttered.

   “Maybe I should join in too?” she teased.

   “Please don’t joke about that,” I begged.

   She laughed lightly. “Your loss, then.”

   I exhaled deeply. “I’m going to the toilet for a moment.”

   I slipped past the tables, food, and chatter. By the time I reached the porch, I tilted my head back, looking at the sky. The setting sun painted the treetops in orange and gold, the air buzzing faintly with cicadas.

   “…I really don’t need this kind of popularity,” I muttered to myself, before heading inside.