Instantly, Yonna's face paled. Her eyes widened in shock, but a second later, her brow furrowed in disbelief.
"You... you must be joking with me, right?" Yonna retorted with a forced, hollow laugh. "How could that happen in this world! Near-death experience might make sense, but repeating time? That is absolutely impossible!"
"He is speaking the truth, Yonna." Allen suddenly chimed in with a soft but firm voice.
Spontaneously, Yonna shifted her gaze to Allen. The pink-haired young man looked at her with a convincing calmness.
"What do you mean, Allen? You also believe my brother's nonsense?" Yonna asked, confused.
"Actually, I've known about it from the beginning." Allen said calmly, continuing the story. "Not just Alrain. My husband, Arvin, also experienced the exact same thing as Alrain. They both returned from the future."
Yonna was even more speechless. Her jaw dropped slightly. She shifted her gaze to Arvin, seeking a denial. However, Arvin just nodded slowly with a face full of deep regret, signaling that what Allen said was the 'truth'.
Behind that calm face, Arvin's heart was in turmoil.
Allen, Alrain, Yonna... forgive me... Arvin said inwardly, guilt piercing his conscience. I am forced to lie and just follow your storyline. I don't want you to know the reality that I actually come from another world, a modern world in a different dimension, and possessed Arvin Vedegra's body in this world. Let you think I am a regressor like Alrain; it's easier to explain than the concept of transmigration.
Seeing the confirmation from Arvin, the logic of the strong and authoritative green-haired woman instantly collapsed.
"Sister..." Alrain called softly, seeing his sister still frozen. "If you keep acting shocked like this, I won't want to continue the story, you know."
Hearing her brother's subtle threat, Yonna took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She adjusted her sitting position.
"A-Alright. Continue. I will listen." Yonna said, though her voice still trembled slightly.
Alrain smiled thinly. His gaze drifted far away, piercing the walls of that living room toward a painful past.
"It all started on that day..." Alrain began his story, his voice becoming heavy and cold. "The day my world was destroyed. My sister... you, were killed brutally right before my eyes by that bastard King!"
[Flashback: Alrain's Past, Age 24 years old]
That night, a light drizzle soaked the capital, but the atmosphere inside Alrain and Yonna's modest home felt warm. The firelight illuminated their beaming faces.
On the round wooden table, several sketches of wedding dresses were spread out.
"What do you think of this one, Alrain?" Yonna asked, pointing to a sketch of a dress with lace on the sleeves. Her face flushed with happiness. "My fiancé said he likes simple designs, but I want to look beautiful on my wedding day."
Alrain smiled broadly, looking at his sister with deep affection. "Sister will look beautiful even without wearing this dress. But I agree, this dress suits you very well. You will be the most radiant bride in Astoria."
"You and your sweet mouth..." Yonna chuckled, lightly hitting her brother's shoulder.
They laughed together, discussing future plans, flower decorations, and the food to be served to the guests. It was the most peaceful moment in Alrain's life. He felt his duty to protect his sister was almost done. Because soon, Yonna would have a husband to look after her.
However, that happiness was snatched away by force.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
The sound of loud and impatient knocking broke their laughter. Instantly, they stopped talking. The smile on Alrain's face faded, replaced by alertness.
"Who is visiting this late?" Alrain murmured.
He got up and rushed to the door. As soon as the wooden door opened, Alrain's eyes widened. In front of him stood a squad of royal soldiers in full uniform with the crest of the Kingdom of Astoria on their chests. Their faces were stiff and cold.
"Good night. Is this the residence of Yonna and Alrain?" asked a soldier who seemed to be the squad leader, his voice firm and blunt.
"That is correct." Alrain answered honestly, his hand unconsciously gripping the door handle tighter. "I am Alrain. What business do royal soldiers have coming to our house this late at night?"
"We received direct orders. Can you two come with us to the palace right now?" the soldier stated. "A nobleman is filing an official complaint at the palace regarding a transaction that occurred at the Merchant Guild, and he demands a direct explanation from the staff on duty."
Hearing the conversation, Yonna, feeling responsible for her work, immediately approached them at the door. Her face looked anxious but professional.
"When does he wish to meet us, Sir?" Yonna asked politely.
"Tonight!" the soldier answered quickly. "Because early tomorrow morning, he must return to his territory. This is an urgent matter concerning the Guild's reputation."
Alrain and Yonna looked at each other. There was hesitation in Alrain's eyes, but Yonna nodded slowly.
As Guild employees, refusing a summons for clarification from a nobleman, especially at the palace, could be fatal for their careers and even their safety. Alrain felt he couldn't just stand by, as at that time, he also worked at the same Guild as his sister.
"Alright, give us a moment to change clothes." Yonna said.
"Fine, we will wait here!"
Alrain and Yonna went back inside and immediately got ready. However, Alrain felt restless.
What is happening? Alrain thought anxiously. Why do I have such a bad feeling? Are we going to be punished for negligence?
Alrain sighed and tried to think clearly. He ignored his agitation and decided to accept whatever would happen when meeting the nobleman.
After changing into more appropriate clothes, they stepped out of the warm house into the cold night. A plain black wagon was already waiting in front.
They climbed into the wagon along with two soldiers who sat guarding near the door. The wagon began to move, its wheels rattling over the wet cobblestone streets.
The atmosphere inside was silent and tense. Alrain felt something was odd about their journey.
What is going on? Alrain wondered, observing the surrounding area. Why is the route this wagon taking... it feels like it's not the main road to the palace front gate, but a detour toward the deserted city forest area?
"Wait..." Alrain was about to open his mouth to ask.
However, before his words could come out, a sound shattered the silence of the night.
Thud! Thud!
Loud thuds were heard from inside the wagon.