Calm before the Storm

-----Yui's POV

Last night, Luna and her family did manage to come by safely and we had our joint dinner, however mom never came home and there was still no sign of father. For the first time, it was me in charge of the house, and asked for Luna and her family to stay here. The maids and butlers agreed and escorted them to some spare rooms where they'll be staying for the night. Luna would be sleeping with her mom in one of the maid's rooms, and Nick and his father would be staying in one of the butler's rooms. Kaede decided that she'd sleep in my bed, not that I had any problem with that at all. If anything It'd be upsetting sleeping without Kaede for the first time in a while.

It's now morning and we all gathered in the main lounge. Mom had come back at some point which was relieving to see.

Iris: "Thank you for coming at such short notice. I assume my daughter told you everything?"

Yui: "Uhm... I actually didn't know whether you wanted me to tell them or not. Sorry."

Iris: "It's okay. Well, then I'll just get right to it."

Everyone became silent at mom's words. It's quite a sight seeing every maid and butler also with us, making this seem like mom is about to announce something massive... Which in this case, is true.

Iris: "We're leaving for Yarene."

Just those words alone made everyone look around, trying to gauge everyone else's reactions. It's to be expected since our family has sided with the king of Inasdale for a long time. And to just suddenly declare that we're cutting ties like this does make everyone on edge.

Iris: "I'm aware this is a shock to all of you. When I say "we," I mean just Ellen and I. I'm not going to force any of you to come, and if you like to remain here in Inasdale, then I understand."

Head maid: "What do you mean, leaving for Yarene? Do they even-"

Iris: "Yes. I've been in contact with the Queen of Yarene for quite some time now, ever since I became the head of the family. I've been supporting her all this time, and she has agreed to take me in and everyone under me. I'll be governing essentially my own city next to the capital, so it'll be quite a lot of work. I can do it on my own if-"

Everyone: "No!"

Everyone was in agreement, responding to my mom before she could even say more. It's quite funny actually, since I don't think I've seen anyone cut mom off like that, let alone everyone.

Butler1: "I cannot imagine working for someone else."

Maid1: "Yeah! You've taken care of us."

Maid2: "We'd like to continue supporting you."

Everyone else: "Yeah!"

This is quite a commotion now. It definitely gives me the feeling of a revolution in a way. I take a moment to look around. Alice was smiling, seeming to be satisfied at everyone's responses. Natalie smiled back at me, resting her hand on my shoulder as if to reassure me, almost like she's saying "I'm with you." Luna and her family all seem to be shocked at what's unfolding but doesn't seem to dislike it.

Iris: "Thank you."

It was mom who reacted differently, catching a couple tears with her handkerchief as the impact of everyone coming together like this seemed to be overwhelming for her. I can only imagine just how much weight was lifted off of her after seeing everyone's response.

Butler3: "But what about lord Oliver, milady?"

Iris: "I've cut ties with him as well. I won't be taking him with me."

Quite brutal after everything I learnt from mom. She really did just use my father as a stepping stone. Maybe if I was more fond of my father I'd view mom differently... Wait, maybe that's why Fabian was acting all weird before? If I think of it like that, then it's entirely possible that father has told Fabian about mom, maybe even lies mixed in.

Maid3: "And what of the young master?"

Iris: "I'm... not sure."

Kaede: "May I ask something?"

Iris: "Yes."

Kaede: "When are we planning on leaving?"

Everyone moved their gazes back on mom as this question is probably the most important question as of now.

Iris: "Tomorrow. It would've been today, but I'm waiting for Rupert Crestel and his family to prepare."

Kaede and I look at each other as we both share a look of excitement, knowing that our small little plan had succeeded. Rupert is a distinguished Count of the kingdom, so it'd be a huge loss to Inasdale with them gone alongside us.

Kaede: "Then! I'd like to try and speak with Fabian. I'm technically meant to be in class soon, so I can spend today and hopefully convince Fabian to come with us."

Iris: "You'd do that for me?"

Kaede: "Yes!"

Iris: "Thank you... I'll leave that in your hands then."

Wow. To be honest, Kaede looked pretty cool there, standing up and taking on the job like that. I can't do much with me being suspended and all, but I do hope Kaede can convince him.

Kaede: "Mhmm."

Iris: "I'll spend today to make sure everything's all ready. All of my caravans have ceased their trade routes and are ready to escort everyone that wishes to come. I ask of everyone here to prepare as well. Any valuables you may like to bring, please do. There's more than enough room."

I can feel my heart begin to race at the thought of finally leaving. My eyes wander off back to Luna and her family, specifically Nick. With him dating Alice, I know how it'd feel having to say goodbye to someone you love. But thankfully Nick chose someone who'd actually be coming as well. Lucky bastard, haha.

William: "T-then we'll get ready!"

Elira: "Mhmm!"

Iris: "Please do. Thank you again to supporting me."

Elira: "Please. You're the one who's been supporting us. It's only natural for us to follow you."

Iris: "Thank you."

And so, after the final words, everyone began to pack up their things, with Luna and her family heading out the front door.

Luna: "This is pretty intense, right?"

Yui: "Yeah. I'm glad you're coming though."

Luna: "Me too. It'd be too depressing staying here without you."

We smile at each other before sharing a hug. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. Sure it would've been nice to get George and Mark with us as well, but being able to get Collin and Violet to come along with us is a huge bonus.

Luna: "I'll see you later then?"

Yui: "Mm."

She then leaves through the door before heading back home with her family. I notice Kaede still hasn't left for the academy, which makes me think that she's maybe waiting to drink some blood?

Yui: "Hey. Did you maybe want-"

I tilt my neck to her, gesturing to her if she would like a drink.

Kaede: "Hehe, when I get back. What about you?"

Yui: "Yeah... I'm not sure."

I'm not like Kaede, being able to figure out if I'm thirsty or not. I can only tell when it's already too late.

Kaede: "Then-"

She guides me back into my room upstairs. And with no one around us, she proceeds to cut her palm like she always does. I begin to drink it like it's the most natural thing to do. However, I immediately notice something, which confirms what I felt before when I drank Natalie's blood. Kaede's blood is still sweet, but nowhere near as intoxicating as Natalie's. With Kaede's I'd describe it as something savory, being able to enjoy it but not having that craving to have more. Natalie's on the other hand was a whole different story. I still remember being awake, but not being able to stop drinking. Definitely made me feel like some kind of monster.

Kaede: "Had enough?"

Yui: "Mm. You'll be back later today, yeah?"

Kaede: "Mhmm."

She heals her palm, not leaving a single trace behind as if there was no wound at all.

Kaede: "I'll be heading back to the academy now. We don't have much time."

Yui: "Yeah. Drag my brother over here, even if he doesn't like it."

Kaede: "Fufu~ Maybe I will, hehe."

After a brief kiss, she also begins to leave as she exits the bedroom, leaving me to look around my bedroom. Makes me wonder what it's going to be like living in Yarene. Will my room be smaller than this? Maybe even more casual and not as luxurious? I've grown to like this lifestyle a little bit, so I wouldn't mind living like this again. And with all of the servants agreeing to come with us, I think that'll be inevitable.