I decided to use my long vacation to return to my hometown for the first time in a while. It's been a very long time since I've been back to my parents' house since leaving home. I've been in regular contact with my father, and I told him in advance that I'd be visiting.

So, there was nothing to worry about.

—Until I passed through the gate.

"Welcome home."

I look up at the sound of a familiar voice. Standing there was a member of my father's clan whom I've known since I was a child. My cheeks naturally relax at the sight of his nostalgic smile.

However, I didn't recognize the man standing next to him.

"Welcome back, Master/Mistress."

A man in a black suit says the same words and bows politely. On the way to the main house, I noticed several more unfamiliar faces. Clan members I've known for years, and men I've never seen before. They are all mingling as if it has always been this way, with perfectly natural expressions.

...Were there always this many people? My father's clan has always valued its ties to the local community. The people here were supposed to be my father's subordinates and, at the same time, people familiar to me.

And yet. No one seems to mind that the number of strangers has increased.

—Something is wrong.

Though I thought so, I couldn't quite put into words what was wrong. I pass through the entrance and step into the nostalgic hallway.