The walk back to the castle felt longer than Kaito had anticipated. His siblings seemed less concerned about his strange encounter in the woods and more focused on the familiar task of returning to the safety and comfort of the castle walls. The forest, with its dense canopy and the silence that seemed to swallow every sound, had left its mark on them all. But there was nothing in the forest compared to the life that awaited them within the looming stone walls of Shiro Castle.
As they approached the castle gates, Kaito's unease remained like a weight in his chest. He kept replaying the encounter with the boy in the woods—Nori, was it? Was it real? Kaito couldn't be sure. His mind kept playing tricks on him, making him question everything. Had Nori been there at all, or had it just been a mirage? Was it just a figment of his imagination or some kind of strange omen? The doubt gnawed at him, leaving him unsettled.
"Don't worry, Kaito," Sora said, breaking the silence. "We're back now. You're safe."
Kaito looked up at his eldest sister, grateful for the soothing tone in her voice. Sora was always the rock of their family—confident, self-assured, and with a sense of purpose that could anchor anyone. At fifteen, she was already stronger than most adults, with unparalleled combat skills. She was destined to leave the castle soon, to attend a prestigious combat school far from home. It was a path chosen for her, one that would strengthen the Takeda bloodline. But Kaito felt a strange mix of pride and unease at the thought of her leaving. It would be different without her around. There was no denying it.
The massive wooden doors of the castle creaked open as they arrived, and the familiar scent of polished wood and stone greeted them, wrapping around Kaito like a comforting embrace. As they crossed the threshold, the warmth of the castle's interior provided a sense of relief, though the disquiet in his heart remained.
They made their way through the grand hallway, the large stone walls adorned with intricately woven tapestries that told the history of the Takeda family. The hum of servants working quietly in the background, coupled with the faint aroma of freshly prepared food, brought a semblance of peace to the otherwise tense atmosphere. Kaito's stomach grumbled, reminding him that he hadn't eaten since the morning.
"I'm starving after all that running around," Keiko, the second youngest sibling, said with a smile. "Let's go grab something to eat."
"Good idea," Kaito agreed, eager for the distraction. He needed something to take his mind off of the unsettling encounter in the woods. "Let's head to the kitchen."
The siblings made their way down the long corridor and into the massive kitchen. The smell of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, and the warmth from the large stone oven added to the comforting ambiance of the room. Despite its size, the kitchen felt cozy, especially when the family was together. This was one place where Kaito could momentarily forget about the unease in his mind.
A few servants bustled about, preparing the evening's dinner. They were used to seeing the Takeda children wandering through the halls at all hours, so they hardly paid the siblings any attention. Kaito grabbed a plate of bread and fruit, feeling his appetite slowly return as he settled into one of the chairs at the long table. He nibbled at his food in silence, trying to quiet the unsettling thoughts in his mind, but they lingered like a shadow in the back of his thoughts.
"So," Sora began after a moment, her voice serious. "Father wanted us all to meet in the Great Hall after dinner."
Kaito looked up from his plate, his brow furrowing. "What's going on? Is something happening?"
Sora glanced around the table, her expression thoughtful. "I'm not sure. But he sounded urgent. He didn't go into detail, but he said it was important."
The mention of his father's urgency only deepened Kaito's sense of unease. Takeda Haruto, their father, was a man of few words. When he did speak seriously, it was always a signal that something significant was about to unfold. In recent weeks, Kaito had noticed a shift in his father—there was a weight in his eyes that hadn't been there before, a weariness that spoke of burdens Kaito couldn't understand.
Dinner passed in relative silence. The usual chatter among the siblings was subdued, each of them likely lost in their own thoughts. Kaito's gaze frequently drifted to the long wooden doors that led into the Great Hall. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to change—that the meeting their father had called would mark the beginning of something new. The air felt thick with anticipation, and his unease only grew with every passing moment.
Once dinner was over, they made their way to the Great Hall. Their footsteps echoed in the empty corridors, each step adding to the tension in Kaito's chest. The Great Hall was massive, with towering stone columns that seemed to rise into infinity, their shadows stretching long and dark across the room. The long, polished table at the center of the hall could seat dozens, and the walls were adorned with tapestries depicting the Takeda family's greatest victories. The faint flickering of candlelight only deepened the shadows, adding to the somber atmosphere.
At the far end of the room, sitting in the grand chair on the raised dais, was their father. Takeda Haruto's broad shoulders were hunched slightly, as if weighed down by a burden Kaito couldn't understand. He was a towering figure, both physically and in presence, but tonight, his posture seemed more slouched than usual, as though the weight of the world rested on him. Beside him sat Lady Takeda, their mother, elegant and composed as always, though there was a nervous tension in her posture, her fingers absently tracing the edge of her sleeve.
As the children entered the Great Hall, their father's sharp gaze met each of them in turn, lingering on Kaito just a moment longer than the others. Kaito tried to read the expression on his father's face, but there was something about it that he couldn't quite interpret—something fragile in his father's eyes that Kaito had never seen before. It made his chest tighten with an unfamiliar worry.
"You're all here," Haruto said, his voice heavy yet controlled. He gestured for them to gather around the table. "Please, sit."
The siblings took their places, and the room fell into a heavy silence. Kaito's heart beat faster, the anticipation making his stomach twist. Whatever this meeting was about, he could sense that it wasn't good news. The gravity in the air was palpable.
Haruto looked down at the table for a moment, his fingers lightly tapping the wood before he spoke again, his voice low and steady.
"I've been called away on urgent business," he said, his words cutting through the silence. "And I need to speak with you about it."
Kaito's stomach dropped. His father rarely traveled for business, and when he did, it was always a matter of great importance. There was an unspoken weight behind those words—a burden that Kaito had learned to recognize.
"I will be leaving with your mother for a short time," Haruto continued. "There are matters outside the kingdom that cannot be delayed, and I must attend to them."
The siblings exchanged uneasy glances. It wasn't like their father to leave the castle for long. And when he did, it always came with consequences. Kaito's chest tightened at the thought of being left behind. The idea of their father being gone—along with their mother—felt like a crack in the foundation of their family.
"What about us?" Raiko asked, his voice cautious. "What are we supposed to do while you're gone?"
Haruto's gaze softened as he looked at his children. "Don't worry," he said. "You'll be in good hands. The castle will be safe. Guards, servants, and trusted advisors will remain here with you."
Kaito felt a strange unease. "But who will look after us, Father?" His voice was quieter than usual. The thought of being left alone, even with the promise of protection, unsettled him.
Haruto looked at him, offering a small, reassuring smile. "Your Aunt Mai will be visiting often. She will guide you as she always has. You are not alone."
Kaito nodded, relieved to hear his aunt's name. Aunt Mai had always been a comforting presence in their lives. She wasn't as imposing as their father, but her intellect and sharp wit were invaluable. Over the years, she had helped shape the children's education—teaching them history, strategy, and the ways of the world. He trusted her, and that brought him some comfort.
"What about Sora?" Keiko asked, glancing at her eldest sister. "She's leaving soon, right?"
Haruto's eyes softened as he turned toward Sora. "Yes," he said, his voice steady. "I will be taking Sora with me for an important matter. She will attend a combat school far from here. We need to ensure she receives the best training for her role as a protector of this family."
Sora's face was impassive, but Kaito could see the mix of excitement and trepidation in her eyes. The combat school was something she had worked toward for years, and now, the time had finally come. Yet, Kaito could sense the unease in her, the apprehension about leaving the safety of the castle.
"I'm sure you'll do well, Sora," Raiko said, offering her a comforting smile.
Sora nodded but didn't speak. Her thoughts were clearly elsewhere, and Kaito understood. This was a momentous time for their sister. She was preparing to take the next step in her future, but it wasn't easy.
Kaito's heart ached as he took in the gravity of the situation. His family was changing. His parents were leaving, and soon, Sora would be gone too. Though they spoke of safety, Kaito couldn't shake the feeling that the world outside was creeping closer—and that things were shifting in ways he wasn't prepared for.
"I trust you'll all take care of one another," Haruto said, his voice regaining its usual strength. "The Takeda family's future rests in your hands. Remember that."
The weight of those words settled over Kaito like a heavy mantle. He had never asked for this responsibility, but now, it seemed that it was his to carry.
With a final, proud glance at each of his children, Haruto and Lady Takeda left the room, their footsteps echoing as they disappeared into the castle's corridors.
The siblings sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation still hanging in the air.
Finally, Sora spoke, breaking the stillness.
"Things are changing," she said, her voice quiet but resolute. "But we'll be okay."
Kaito nodded, though his heart remained uneasy. The future was uncertain, but one thing was clear: the coming days would be a time of growth for all of them. And whatever came next, they would face it together.