As Luna stepped into the grand foyer of the manor, the familiar scent of lavender polish and warm oak greeted her. Before she could even call out, a flash of white fur darted from her arms—"Milo!"—and with a triumphant leap, the fluffy feline landed neatly in Emmerich's arms.
"Milo," he chuckled, expertly catching the cat like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Do I look that comfy?"
Luna blinked, then laughed, watching as her once-needy, antisocial cat purred like a spoiled prince in her father's hold. "Traitor," she teased. "I carry you around for years and this is how you repay me?"
Emmerich looked up with a smug smile, gently scratching Miso behind the ears. "It's because we understand each other. Right, Milo?"
The cat gave a soft meow of approval, clearly pleased with his new luxurious lifestyle.
Luna rolled her eyes fondly as they walked together down the hall. "You spoil her more than me."
"Is that so," Emmerich said warmly. "I'd better spoil rotten as well, then. I just needed time to catch up."
Luna chuckled, and mirth etched in her face.
Emmerich smiled.
They entered the manor and Emmerich led Luna to Milo's new room.
They arrived at a newly renovated room, sleek and minimalist, but with a few cozy touches—soft perches, interactive climbing walls, a sunlit window seat, and even a custom water fountain.
Luna's jaw dropped.
"You're insane," she murmured, placing a hand on the doorway.
"I'm efficient," he corrected with a wink. "And he deserves a proper welcome. He's family, too."
Still floored, Luna stepped inside, watching Milo explore with the air of a feline prince inspecting her domain. "You really don't waste time."
Emmerich turned to her, expression gentle. "When something matters, you don't hesitate. You just do it. That's how I've lived my life."
She glanced at him, a slow smile forming. "Thanks again, really. For everything. I'm still adjusting… but I think I'm starting to like this whole 'dad' thing."
"I should hope so," he said with mock offense. "I intend to be very annoying about it."
They both chuckled.
"Oh!" Luna snapped her fingers. "Before I forget. I promised Kana we'd do karaoke this Sunday. Mind if I head out for that?"
Emmerich gave her an amused look. "Do you think I'd stop you from belting power ballads with your best friend?"
"I was going to sing anime openings, actually."
"Even better," he grinned. "Go, have fun. Just don't lose your voice—we still have family dinner that night."
Luna nodded, heart warm. "Thanks, Dad."
As she watched Milo settle into his new throne—er, cat bed—Luna realized something deeper had shifted. The manor no longer felt like a stranger's house. It was slowly, hesitantly, starting to feel like home.
After checking on Milo one last time, who was now curled up in his sunbeam spot like a pampered emperor, Luna made her way back to her room.
The warm golden hues of the sunset filtered through the windows as she slipped out of her casual clothes and into something more polished: a soft blue blouse paired with a sleek, dark skirt, casual but still presentable enough for dinner in a manor like this.
She brushed her hair, dabbed on a little tint, and muttered to herself, "Don't spill soup, and eat slowly like chew 100 times...," before heading downstairs.
As she arrived at the dining hall, she paused mid-step.
Seated already—early, for once—were her two cousins, dressed in their usual sharp, put-together attire, but noticeably more subdued than usual.
They looked up, Cass gave her a brief nod, and Sebas glanced away. Luna arched a brow and smirked inwardly.
Oh? No more snobbish glares? Must be the darts and drinks combo finally thawing those frozen egos.
"Didn't think you two would show," she said lightly as she took her seat.
"We're not here for you," Sebas muttered under his breath. "We have urgent matters to discuss with Uncle."
"Charming as ever," Luna replied dryly, but let it slide, deciding not to poke too much. Awkward baby steps still count, I guess.
A few minutes later, Emmerich entered with his usual commanding presence and warm smile, greeting everyone. "I see we're all early today."
"We were just waiting to speak with you after dinner," Sebas said respectfully.
"Of course," Emmerich nodded, but then paused at the door as the butler returned to murmur something to him.
A subtle shift in energy moved through the room.
Emmerich turned back to them, voice pleasant, "Ah, and we'll be having one more join us tonight. I trust you won't mind."
Luna tilted her head.
The doors opened once more—and in stepped a tall, striking man in a crisp, minimalist designer suit.
His silver cufflinks glinted under the lights as he strode in with confident ease.
"Edward Sola," Emmerich introduced with a pleased nod. "He'll be joining us for dinner."
Edward Sola!? Luna's eyes widened.
She immediately recognized him.
The boy wonder billionaire who made waves across the investment world by twenty-one, now the elusive, enigmatic CEO known for transforming floundering companies into goldmines.
He was her age—and somehow even more handsome in person than in those polished magazine spreads.
She froze, unsure of how to greet someone like him. Her usual sarcasm and casual flair hit a momentary wall of panic.
Edward's gaze moved across the table, landing on her. His eyes were sharp, but not unkind. Curious.
Luna gave a small, awkward wave. "Uh… hi."
He gave a faint, amused smile. "Hello."
She wanted to melt into her seat.
Brilliant first impression, Luna. You waved. Like a third grader.
Emmerich, oblivious to her inner scream, gestured toward a seat beside Luna. "Please, Edward. Sit. I thought it might be time for you and Luna to meet."
Luna's brain short-circuited.
Wait. What do you mean "time to meet"—Dad, what the hell are you plotting!?
As Edward took the seat beside her with casual grace, the cousins exchanged subtle glances. The atmosphere buzzed with layers of unspoken meaning.
Dinner was about to be very interesting.