After parting ways with Joseph and Charles, Miranda made her way back to the Cavendish manor with her two attendants. Afternoon sunlight filtered through the tall trees lining the road, casting fleeting patterns of light and shadow on the ground beneath her horse's hooves.
When she arrived at the grand gates of the manor, two guards stood watch. They looked at the imposing woman clad in a high-ranking military uniform with evident puzzlement. One of them stepped forward to block her path. "Halt. State your business with the Cavendish family, please."
Miranda reined in her horse and offered a small smile. "I am Miranda Cavendish, Lord Richard's daughter. I've returned to see my family."
The guards exchanged uncertain glances. "Miss Miranda? But you've been gone for six years… We weren't sure—"
One of Miranda's attendants moved forward. "Step aside at once. This is Major General Miranda Cavendish, in the flesh."
The other attendant chimed in, "If you doubt us, summon the steward so he can confirm her identity."
The guard hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Very well. Please wait here. I'll fetch the steward."
Before long, the manor's steward hurried out to meet them. At the sight of Miranda's face, he froze in his tracks. "Miss Miranda? Is it truly you?"
"Yes," Miranda replied with a gentle smile. "I've come home."
He bowed deeply in apology. "Forgive me for not giving you a proper welcome, my lady. Please, come inside."
The gates swung open. Miranda rode in with her attendants, dismounted, and instructed them to stable the horses, leaving the steward to guide them. She then proceeded along a familiar path through the garden, vivid memories stirring at every turn. Though years had passed, the place looked little changed. The scent of jasmine blossoms filled the air, accompanied by birdsong that soothed her weary mind.
On the veranda, Alice—Miranda's mother—was seated, enjoying tea while admiring the scenery. Catching sight of a woman in military dress approaching, she paused. "I'm sorry, but… who—"
Miranda smiled, removing her officer's cap to reveal a face her mother knew so well. "Mother, I'm home."
Alice's eyes went wide, tears welling instantly. "Miranda… is it really you?"
"Yes, Mother. I've missed you so much," Miranda answered, rushing forward to embrace her. They clung to each other, tears of happiness flowing freely, neither able to speak for a moment.
While they were still holding each other, the soft sound of approaching footsteps came from behind. Rebecca, Joseph's wife, entered carrying a tea tray. "Mother, I've brought more tea—" She stopped abruptly at the sight of a uniformed woman in an emotional embrace with Alice.
Miranda turned, and Rebecca's eyes widened. "Lady… Miranda?"
"Rebecca?" Miranda asked, deducing the relationship from how Rebecca addressed her mother. "So you and Joseph… are married now?"
Setting down the tea tray, Rebecca hurried over, face alight with excitement. "Yes, my lady. We married two years ago. I'm so happy you've finally returned."
The two women embraced warmly. Tears glistened in Rebecca's eyes as she spoke. "I've always admired you. You've been an inspiration to me for such a long time."
"I'm glad you're part of our family," Miranda said. "I'm sorry I wasn't here for your wedding."
"Please don't worry about it," Rebecca replied with a grateful smile. "I'm just overjoyed that you're back."
Watching the two of them, Alice smiled affectionately. "Come, both of you—sit. We have so much to talk about."
Once they settled on the veranda, the three began catching up. Miranda recounted her travels and her time in the military, though one particular matter weighed more heavily than the others.
"Mother, I saw Joseph earlier. He's grown quite a bit," Miranda said, smiling fondly.
Alice beamed. "Indeed he has. He's become a fine young man, someone to be proud of."
Rebecca added, "He speaks of you often, my lady. He's missed you terribly."
Miranda's gaze flicked to Rebecca. "I'm sorry I didn't know about your marriage. I had no idea that you and Joseph were already wed."
A slight blush tinted Rebecca's cheeks. "Don't worry, truly. We understand that you had important duties to attend to. We're both just so glad to have you home."
"I'm happy you joined our family, Rebecca," Miranda said with genuine warmth. "Is Joseph taking good care of you?"
"He is, my lady," Rebecca replied softly. "He's been wonderful."
Alice's heart swelled with pride as she observed her daughter and daughter-in-law together. "Seeing you here like this makes me happier than I can say."
Miranda returned her mother's warm look. "Mother, where is Father? I haven't seen him anywhere."
A gentle sigh escaped Alice's lips. "Your father's busy preparing for the kingdom's Anniversary Celebration in two days. As the king's advisor, he's been buried in preparations."
"I see," Miranda answered with a nod. "I'm sure he must be exhausted."
They talked a while longer before Miranda rose to her feet. "Mother, Rebecca, I have to go attend to something. Please excuse me."
Alice tilted her head curiously. "What is it, dear? You only just got here."
A faint sadness touched Miranda's smile. "I promised myself I would pay my respects to the families of Hugh and Jeffrey—my guards who gave their lives protecting me. I feel deeply indebted to them for their sacrifice."
Alice took Miranda's hand, noticing the sorrow in her daughter's eyes. "I understand. You've always had a kind heart. Would you like me to come with you?"
"I'd like to go too, my lady," Rebecca offered, her voice resolute.
Miranda shook her head gently. "Thank you both, but I think I need to do this alone. I want to speak with their families in private."
Alice nodded. "Very well. Just come back before dark."
"I promise, Mother," Miranda replied, taking her leave.
She headed toward a small village, the home of Hugh and Jeffrey's families. The journey led her along fields and through a thin woodland. Along the way, memories came flooding back—painful recollections of how those loyal guards had sacrificed themselves for her.
...
Meanwhile, in the special holding room at the Department of Supernatural Suppression and Defense, Joseph sat on a chair while Charles perched on the edge of the bed, his legs crossed.
Charles pointed at a map. "Whether they grant my request to become an Ascendant or not, I want you to follow the plan we laid out. First, track down those bounty hunters who deal in under-the-table information, ask about the black market's whereabouts. If that leads nowhere, go see Humphrey in this area." He jabbed a finger at the marked location.
Joseph nodded. "Got it." He took the map from his friend, who was still sitting cross-legged on the bed.
As they discussed their next steps, the door opened and Edward Cavendish walked in.
Charles glanced over. "Something up, Chief?"
Edward offered a small smile. "The kingdom's Anniversary Celebration is in two days. Joseph, as the son of a high noble, you should probably head home and prepare."
Joseph's eyes went wide. "Oh, right! I completely forgot with everything that's been going on."
Charles realized it too. "I forgot as well."
Edward didn't seem surprised. "It's understandable, considering what you've both been dealing with—especially everything that happened at that last house. It's been quite a load."
Joseph exhaled. "Yeah. Probably best I go home for a while. My sister's back in town, too."
Charles gave a crooked grin. "Indeed—Lady Miranda Cavendish. You should spend time with your family."
Edward perked up. "Miranda's back? I thought she'd be returning with the army for the celebration."
"That's what I thought," Joseph replied, "but she said she wanted to visit family first."
Edward fell silent for a moment, then spoke softly. "It's been six years… but leaving her unit ahead of schedule like this might cause complications later, don't you think?"
Joseph shrugged. "I can't say for sure, but my sister can handle herself."
Edward nodded thoughtfully. "Let's hope so."
He patted Joseph on the shoulder. "Go, get some rest. We'll handle things here. If we learn anything new, we'll contact you."
"Thanks, Uncle," Joseph said, bowing his head slightly in gratitude.
Charles gathered some documents and handed them to Joseph. "In that case, guess we should call it a day."
Edward turned to the young detective, who was still seated on the bed's edge. "And you—take some rest. Get your head straight for your upcoming Ascendant procedure."
Charles nodded. "I'll do my best."
Edward then left, leaving Charles and Joseph alone. Outside, the evening light had begun to fade, casting long shadows across the floor through the windows.
Joseph looked to Charles. "Will you be heading back home?"
Charles gave a wry chuckle and rolled his eyes with obvious annoyance. "Home? Where else would I go? Maybe I could stay in your manor—see if you've got a 'special' room of your own."
Joseph chuckled and shook his head. "No need for that. I'll be on my way."
With a faint smirk, Charles added, "Say hi to Lady Miranda for me."
Joseph arched an eyebrow. "Why do you care so much about my sister? You got a crush on her?"
Charles looked exasperated as he rolled his eyes. "I'm just being polite. Besides... it can't hurt to stay on your sister's good side. Might lower my chances of 'disappearing' if I happen to annoy her."
Joseph laughed with a hint of exasperation. "You act like she's some specter with the power to spirit people away."
Charles only grinned. "A famed female war hero with the rank of Major General, commanding an entire force at her beck and call... I'd say she's got quite the power to make someone vanish without a trace."