"Welcome home, Brian."
I'll be honest—hearing those words almost brought a tear to my eye, but I held it in. Everyone was there, but my eyes immediately locked on my beautiful grandmother Aoi. Despite her age, she still had a youthful face. Her warm smile and serene gaze filled me with a deep sense of calm. As I stepped toward her, I noticed her hands open slightly, inviting me closer.
Aoi-san: "Child, quickly, take this tea—I don't want you to catch a cold."
I approached her and bowed slightly, noticing how her face showed a mix of worry and affection. I smiled as I got closer.
Don't worry, grandma. I'm fine.
Aoi-san: "What do you mean you're fine? Hurry and go take a shower, or you'll catch a cold. I mean it."
Her hands moved toward me firmly, her voice left no room for argument, though her eyes stayed gentle.
Alright, alright... But I want to say hi to everyone first.
Aoi-san: "Fine."
As soon as I said that, my cousin Manako jumped at me and wrapped me in a sudden hug. It caught me off guard, but the way she clung to me, pressing her face into my chest, made me realize just how much she had missed me. Her strength and emotional expression made me smile. She had grown so much—not the little girl I remembered—but her spirit was still the same.
Manako: "Onii-chan!! You finally came back... I thought you'd forgotten about me... Did you miss me?"
I smiled and hugged her gently, running a hand through her hair. Looking at her face, I saw pure nostalgia. Her voice carried a slight tone of insecurity, as if she truly feared I'd forgotten her. That hit me right in the gut.
How could I forget you? Of course I missed you. Look how much you've grown.
Manako: "Hmph... I know you forgot me since you have a girlfriend now..."
I let out a soft chuckle, pulling away slightly to get a better look at her. She looked down, blushing faintly. Even with her age, she still had that same adorable attitude—it made me feel like no time had passed at all.
Oh, my dear Makoto... The place you have in my heart—no one could ever take it. And I love that you're still so cute.
She blushed a little more, her cheeks tinged pink. She gave a shy smile and turned her head to the side, clearly embarrassed.
Manako: "Hmph... T-those words might work on a little girl, but I'm a woman now."
No matter how much time passes, you'll always be the little girl in my heart.
Manako stepped back, her expression growing more serious, though I could still see the sadness and affection in her eyes. She turned away quickly, biting her lower lip slightly—clearly trying to hide her emotion.
Manako: "I'm not talking to you anymore."
I watched her for a second as she walked away, smiling with nostalgia.
Just as she left, the other two approached—Kaede and Reina. I immediately noticed a bit of tension, especially from Reina, who stared at me with those intense, challenging eyes. Kaede seemed more relaxed but still held back, like something was on her mind.
Kaede-san: "Hi, Brian-kun."
Reina-san: "I'll never forgive you for forgetting about us. You're not like the others."
They both stared at me. Kaede nervously tucked a lock of dark hair behind her ear, while Reina crossed her arms, pouting slightly and tilting her head up—almost daring me to argue.
I'm really happy to see you two again. I didn't forget you. I just needed to heal... And just because I didn't reach out doesn't mean I wasn't thinking about you.
Reina lowered her gaze slightly, frowning, her hands subtly clenched at her sides. Kaede gave a small, less confrontational smile.
Reina-san: "T-that charming mouth of yours won't save you, Brian."
Kaede-san: "S-she's right. You can't just fix things with sweet words."
You're right. I can't justify what I did... and I can't undo it either. But please know that when I disappear... it's because I'm not okay.
Reina stepped forward, but Kaede stopped her with a subtle hand motion, signaling her to ease up.
Reina-san: "Then what are friends for?"
Kaede-san: "Reina-san's right—aren't friends the ones who help you through the pain?"
You're absolutely right... But you know I'm the type of person who prefers to face things alone.
The two of them fell silent for a moment, clearly taking in what I'd said. Kaede nodded gently, while Reina narrowed her eyes like she was still upset.
Kaede-san: "Alright."
Reina-san: "You haven't changed. Still speaking without saying anything."
I'm cold and soaked. Can we talk another time?
Reina raised her hands with a wry smile, while Kaede shrugged, understanding the situation.
Reina-san: "No promises. I'll be busy with work."
Kaede-san: "I work in Tokyo, so I won't be around either."
Are you telling me you both came all this way for nothing? You could've stayed home.
Kaede-san & Reina-san: "What are you trying to say?"
You could've ignored the fact that I was back... but you didn't. I doubt you came all this way just for an apology.
Reina looked down, clearly caught off guard, while Kaede pressed her lips together, debating whether to say more.
Reina-san: "W-well..."
Kaede-san: "T-that's not..."
If you won't say it, I will—I want to restart our friendship. What do you say?
Kaede smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling with warmth.
Kaede-san: "You're still so sharp and straightforward... Yes, I'd love to reconnect, Brian-kun."
Reina-san: "You better not disappear on us again."
Don't worry—I'm staying here for a long time. But if you'll excuse me, I really need that shower now.
Reina nodded with a teasing smirk as Kaede nudged her shoulder, and the atmosphere lightened.
Reina-san: "We'll talk more another time. Bye, Brian."
Kaede-san: "I need to go too. Bye, Brian-kun."
After speaking with Kaede and Reina, I headed to the old building where my old room was. But first, I returned to the car to grab the [War of Kingdoms] gear and bring it in.
Then I jumped in the shower. Thunder rumbled in the distance as the storm raged on. When I got out, it was still raining. I dried myself off, hair still damp, and rushed to set up the equipment I'd brought.
I connected the headset to the console and logged into [War of Kingdoms] as the storm continued outside.
[Welcome to War of Kingdoms]