Chapter 88 - The Warmth of the family

The gates closed behind them with a soft thud, sealing Luca’s first step into the so-called "home." The courtyard was lined with trimmed hedges and white-stone lanterns glowing faintly in the twilight. The scent of jasmine lingered in the summer air as Vincent pushed the front door open.

Inside stood two figures awaiting them. A dignified woman in her mid-forties, graceful and elegant, with long dark violet hair tied back in a neat bun and eyes that mirrored Luca’s own—crimson and piercing. Beside her stood a young girl, barely fourteen or fifteen, with silver hair cascading down her shoulders and a delicate face glowing with excitement and tears.

Luca didn’t need to be told. He knew instantly—

this was his mother and sister

.

He braced himself, mentally steeling his nerves.

Alright... let’s do this.

But before he could even open his mouth, a blur dashed forward. The silver-haired girl threw herself at him with a cry, burying her face in his chest.

"You bad brother!" she sniffled, her small fists clutching at his robes. "You didn’t call me once! You forgot about me as soon as you reached the academy!"

Luca blinked in panic, arms awkwardly hovering in the air. He had no idea how to respond. He gave a helpless laugh, the sound dry and apologetic. "Uh... well..."

Before he could stumble through a response, the woman stepped forward with a sigh. "Lisa, enough now. Your brother’s just returned after a long journey—let him breathe."

The girl—Lisa—looked up at Luca with pouting eyes full of betrayal, but eventually nodded and stepped back, wiping her face with the sleeves of her dress.

Vincent offered a small chuckle beside him. "She must have been waiting all day."

Their mother gave both her sons a soft look. "Your father’s in the study. As usual, buried in work." Her expression softened further. "You two must be exhausted. Dinner will be ready in about two hours—rest and freshen up. Your father will join us then."

Luca almost exhaled in relief.

Dinner. Quiet. A room. That sounds nice.

A maid appeared beside him and gave a slight bow. "Young Master Luca, allow me to show you to your room."

Luca nodded gratefully and followed her through the elegant halls, still trying to take in the details—the marble floors, golden-framed paintings, polished chandeliers.

A minor noble family has all this?

As he entered the guest bedroom assigned to him, the door clicked shut behind him. He stood still for a moment... then let himself fall face-first onto the plush mattress.

The tension drained from his body all at once.

Overwhelmed and dazed, Luca muttered into the bedspread, "It’s harder than I thought"

The steam filled the lavish marble-walled bathroom, but even the warmth of the water couldn’t ease the strange weight pressing on Luca’s chest.

Pretending to be someone else in the middle of a battlefield is one thing... but pretending in front of a family that looks at you like you’re theirs? That’s a different kind of battle.

He stared at the reflection in the mirror as he dried his hair—crimson eyes that no longer felt foreign, a face that once belonged to someone else and now was his to wear. But it still didn’t feel

his

.

They look at me with so much affection. Like I’m theirs. Like I belong. But I’ve never belonged anywhere before. I didn’t even have a family in my past life... No mother to scold me, no sister to cry into my shirt, no father who’d sit at the head of the table..."

He changed into a soft high-collared robe, deep blue with silver lining, the kind nobles wore for comfort at home.

Maybe I should skip dinner... I might mess up. What if I say something he wouldn’t say?"

He paused by the mirror again.

No. If I run now, I’ll just keep running. Let’s face it. Even if it’s just pretending... I don’t want to push this warmth away.

And with a soft sigh, Luca left his room.

The grand dining hall of the so-called "house" was glowing under warm chandeliers, the scent of roasted meats, herbed vegetables, and fresh-baked bread already inviting. Seated at the head of the table was a tall man, early forties perhaps, with neatly tied silver hair and sharp yet calm violet eyes—the same crimson shimmer hidden underneath. His posture was disciplined, military even, but his gaze softened as he looked at his sons.

This was

Darian von Valentine

, head of House Valentine.

Luca took the seat beside Vincent as the rest of the family was already seated. Lisa was fidgeting next to her mother, trying to reach the butter dish without being obvious about it.

"Welcome home, both of you," Darian said, his voice calm and deep, like rolling thunder muffled by velvet.

Their mother,

Selene

, offered a kind smile. "You’ve both gotten taller. Luca especially... Are you eating enough at the Academy?"

Luca gave a polite nod, "I’m managing, Mother. The Academy food is... edible."

Vincent snorted. "That’s a nice way of saying it’s a war crime."

Lisa giggled, sneaking a piece of bread into her mouth. "Big brother doesn’t look starved at all! Maybe because he’s eating all the girls’ hearts!"

Luca nearly choked on his water. "Wh-What?! Lisa!"

Selene raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "Lisa, behave."

Darian smirked faintly, the corner of his mouth twitching. "Girls, huh? Is that so, Luca?"

"I—it’s not—!" Luca stammered as Vincent chuckled beside him.

Lisa pouted. "You didn’t write me

one

letter! But I bet you wrote some to those girls, hm?"

Luca looked away, feigning interest in the roast potatoes. "I didn’t write to anyone..."

"That reminds me!" Selene, who was seated on the side closer to Lisa and nibbling on fruit slices, leaned forward with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Luca, do you have anyone you’re taking to the ball tomorrow?"

Luca blinked. "I... uh... well—"

"If not," she interrupted smoothly, "tell me. I know some of my friends who have daughters your age who’ll be going alone. I can arrange for you to go with one of them."

"I... that... some—" Luca stumbled over his words, visibly flustered.

Vincent, who hadn’t missed the chance, cut in with a small smirk. "He will be going with

Mrs. Aurelia

."

The entire room paused for a beat.

Darian

, mid-sip of wine, choked and coughed into his napkin. "It’s not

Iron Duke’s

granddaughter, is it?"

Vincent responded calmly, "Who else?"

Luca shot him a glare, eyes narrowed.

You sure are speaking a lot today

,

he thought bitterly.

Lisa was practically sparkling now. "Ooooh~ Luca has a girlfriend~!"

"She’s not—" Luca started, but Lisa was already giggling and leaning across the table.

"She’s

so

pretty though. I saw her once from the scrying orb during the parade. Can I meet her?!"

"You’ll scare her off," Vincent said deadpan, causing everyone to laugh.

Selene chuckled softly. "You boys... At least pretend to act refined at the table."

But her eyes shone with happiness. As did Darian’s, who had finally composed himself and muttered, "Iron Duke’s granddaughter, huh... my son is more dangerous than I thought."

Dinner continued with light laughter, teasing, and the warmth only a real family could offer.

And for once, Luca didn’t feel like he was pretending.

Luca chuckled gently. For a moment, the tension he carried all day faded.

They talked about the capital, Vincent teased Lisa about her art lessons, and Selene shared how she was planning a winter tea party for nobles. It was a warm, normal dinner—full of teasing, smiles, soft laughter, and glances filled with affection.

Luca wasn’t used to any of it.

This... This is what a family feels like. It’s not just words or blood... It’s warmth that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. Even Vincent who acted all cold and mighty acted differently in front of his family

He smiled quietly, his fingers curling slightly around his spoon.

I don’t know how long I can keep pretending... but maybe, just maybe, it’s not so bad to be part of something like this. Even if I was never meant to be.

As Luca turned to leave after dinner, still quietly processing everything—the laughter, the food, the way everyone accepted him like he truly belonged—his father’s calm voice stopped him.

"Son, are you happy?"

Luca froze. His breath caught.

He didn’t know why... but that simple question hit him harder than any sword ever could.

He slowly turned back. His eyes widened, and before he could stop it, a few tears welled up in the corners of his eyes.

He gave a small nod, then smiled brightly—so brightly it nearly surprised himself—and said with trembling sincerity,

"Yes... I am."

Then, before anyone could say more, he quickly bowed his head and turned, walking briskly toward the hallway, then breaking into a dash as he climbed up the stairs to his room.

He didn’t stop until he reached the bed.

He slumped down, chest rising and falling.

His thoughts spilled forth, raw and honest.

So that’s what parents are... They didn’t ask about the academy. Not about grades, not about mana levels or performance, or achievements. Just... if I’m happy.

How is it that this warmth... feels more real than anything I’ve ever known?

In my past life, I never even had a family. But here I am, pretending to be someone else—and they’re giving me love I never thought I deserved.

So what if I’m not the real Luca? So what if I’m acting selfishly by staying in this role...?

This family is mine too now. These are... my parents. My little sister.

Even if it’s all borrowed time... I want to protect this.

Luca turned his gaze to the moonlight streaming in through the window.

He wiped his eyes, whispered a thank you to the stars above...

...and finally allowed himself to sleep—heart full.

***

Next day at the ball..

How the hell did I end up in front of the strongest in the world alone?