News Travels Faster Than Owls
Runcandel Mansion — Truth at the Table
The atmosphere in the main hall of Runcandel Mansion was calm—right until Keith spoke.
"I need to tell you something," he said evenly.
Around him sat Luna, Rias, Grayfia, Scathach, Albedo, Gamma, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Nagini, and Serafina.
Keith didn't waste time.
"I've formally accepted marriage contracts with Daphne Greengrass, Astoria Greengrass, and Cassandra Vole."
For exactly one second—
Silence.
Then—
"Oh," Luna said softly, tilting her head. "That explains the pressure easing."
Rias smiled, arms crossed.
"So that's the alliance."
Grayfia nodded calmly.
"Politically optimal."
Bellatrix laughed lightly.
"They're good girls."
Narcissa smiled knowingly.
"I'm not surprised."
Nagini glanced at Serafina, then back at Keith, expression gentle.
"You're collecting people who need protection again."
Serafina flushed but didn't deny it.
Scathach smirked.
"At least they chose well."
No anger.
No jealousy inside the mansion.
Only acceptance.
Because they all understood—
Keith never chose lightly.
Elsewhere — Jealousy Exists
Acceptance, however, was not universal.
When the news reached others—
Susan Bones slammed the paper down.
Helena Prince stared at the headline longer than necessary.
Hermione Granger frowned thoughtfully.
Penelope Clearwater clicked her tongue.
Katie Bell muttered something under her breath.
Angelina Johnson crossed her arms.
None of them said it aloud.
But the feeling was the same.
Jealous.
Bones Mansion — A Pouting Heir
At Bones Mansion, Susan sat on the couch with her cheeks puffed out, arms crossed, radiating pure irritation.
It was… adorable.
Edgar Bones noticed immediately.
"Now that face," he said dryly, "usually means one thing."
Susan shoved the newspaper at him.
Edgar read the headline once.
Then smiled knowingly.
"…I see."
He folded the paper calmly.
"So," he said, peering over his glasses, "you like the Runcandel heir?"
Susan froze.
Then nodded hard.
"Yes."
Edgar chuckled and casually pointed toward the doorway.
"And you know your aunt likes him too, right?"
Susan's eyes widened.
She turned slowly.
"Aunt Amelia…?"
Amelia, standing there with tea in hand, froze completely.
Her face turned red.
She shook her head furiously.
"N-no—!"
Edgar stared at his daughter.
Then stared harder.
"…You do."
Amelia turned away, mortified.
Edgar blinked.
Then laughed.
"Well I'll be—"
Susan gasped.
"You do like him?!"
Amelia hid her face.
Edgar leaned back, thoroughly entertained.
"How long?" he asked.
"…Three years," Amelia muttered.
Edgar exhaled in relief.
"Thank Merlin. At least my daughter is capable of loving someone."
Amelia groaned.
"He's younger than me!"
"So?" Edgar shot back. "Do you know how many people ask me why my daughter isn't married yet?"
Amelia's blush deepened.
Susan, meanwhile, was glowing.
Grandfather turned to her.
"I'll find a way," Edgar said confidently. "You'll marry him if it's the last thing I do."
Susan squealed, hugged him tightly, then ran outside to play, mood completely restored.
Edgar watched her go.
Then turned slowly back to Amelia.
"So," he said mildly, "we'll be having another talk later."
Amelia buried her face in her hands.
Summer holidays had just begun.
And somehow—
They were already exhausting.