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Chapter 28 - chapter 27

Valvas Mansion — A New Home for the Leviathan

The morning sun bathed the Valvas Mansion in golden light, illuminating the sprawling gardens and ornate halls. For centuries, Katerea Leviathan had known nothing but battles, betrayal, and the bitter isolation of the Old Satan Faction. Today, however, she stepped across the threshold of the Valvas estate as something entirely new—a guest, a ward, and potentially family.

Roy walked beside her, offering a comforting smile.

"Don't worry," he said softly. "This is your home now. Everyone here… they'll treat you well. You'll see."

Katerea nodded cautiously, her usual stoicism still holding firm, but her steps were lighter than they had been in decades.

👩‍👧 Meeting the Household

The grand hall buzzed with curiosity as members of the household gathered.Grayfia Lucifuge, already aware of Katerea's story, gave her a warm, motherly smile.

"Welcome, Katerea. I'm sure you'll find peace here."

Ravel Phenex, still shy and wide-eyed, peeked from behind her mother Elena Phenex, while Yebullana, regal yet tentative, watched with a mixture of awe and uncertainty. Both girls had joined the Valvas fold only weeks prior and understood what it meant to find a family after loss.

Shuri Himajima stepped forward, her own life having been saved by Roy recently, offering a small nod of approval.

"I hope you feel safe here. We're all… a bit unusual, but kind," Shuri said softly.

Kuroka and Koneko, ever curious, circled her with wide eyes, tails twitching. Kuroka grinned.

"Don't worry. If anyone messes with you, they'll have me to deal with."

Lavinia Reni, Katerea's new charge in training, looked up with admiration, already inspired by the legendary aura surrounding the Leviathan.

The supernatural warriors of the second peerage—Scáthach, Medusa Rider, Irene Belserion, Astoria Saber, Astoria Lancer, Mordred, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki—observed from the side, their expressions ranging from curiosity to respect. Even they could sense the weight of Katerea's centuries of experience and the potential for growth under Roy's guidance.

Roy turned to her with a confident smile.

"Everyone here is family. You'll train, eat, rest, and live here like any of us. And… we'll help you adapt to living without constant fear."

Katerea blinked, unused to the kindness, but something in the warmth of the mansion made her heart tighten—a feeling she had not known in centuries: belonging.

🗡️ Training Begins

Roy wasted no time integrating Katerea into daily life. He called Ravel, Yebullana, and Katerea to the courtyard.

"We train together," he said, eyes sharp yet encouraging. "Ravel, Yebullana, you've already started your journey. Katerea, you'll learn to fight with us… and also to trust us."

Katerea's first training session was tentative. She moved with her usual precision, yet her attacks lacked fluidity without the constant presence of battle-born fear.

Roy, observing, offered corrections and encouragement:

"Relax your shoulders. Trust your reflexes. Let the energy of the environment flow through you—not against you."

Ravel and Yebullana watched eagerly, mimicking his techniques, while Katerea gradually allowed herself to respond—not out of survival, but out of cooperation and trust. Slowly, her rigid stance softened, her eyes brightened, and her movements became smoother, more integrated with the team.

🌸 First Bonds Form

After training, the girls gathered for lunch. Katerea hesitated, unused to communal meals, but Grayfia and Elena guided her to the table.

"Eat," Grayfia said gently. "It's part of family life."

Katerea took a cautious bite, glancing at Ravel and Yebullana. Ravel smiled nervously.

"You… you don't have to be so serious all the time," she said. "It's okay to laugh."

For the first time in centuries, Katerea allowed herself a small smile. She even chuckled quietly when Kuroka flicked a piece of bread at her shoulder.

Later, in the garden, Roy watched as Katerea, Ravel, and Yebullana sparred casually. The Leviathan no longer fought out of fear or obligation—her strikes were now tempered by trust and the encouragement of those around her.

Katerea's bond with the family deepened each day. She began speaking with Grayfia about magical techniques, laughing quietly with Ravel when she stumbled, and observing Yebullana with protective care. Even the more distant members—Scáthach and Irene—noticed her presence and slowly accepted her as a valued member of the household.

🌙 A New Dawn for the Leviathan

That night, Katerea stood on the balcony of the mansion, looking at the stars. Roy appeared beside her, quietly.

"You're home now," he said.

She nodded, a rare softness in her eyes.

"I… I never thought I'd feel this," she admitted. "Thank you… for letting me live again."

Roy smiled warmly, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"No one in this family is left behind. Not anymore."

Katerea inhaled the night air. For the first time in centuries, she believed in a future—one without chains, fear, or solitude.

And in that moment, the Leviathan of old legends became a guardian, a sister, and a part of the Valvas family.

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