The Retired Young Mercenary Is Secretly a Billionaire

It was almost evening, The blades of the choppers slowed and finally came to a halt, kicking up one last gust of mist and dust across the island courtyard. The air smelled of sea salt and pine. Drums echoed faintly in the distance, the kind of rhythm that always carried a sense of homecoming.

Clan members had already gathered, their white and blue robes flowing in the evening breeze. They were waiting, eyes shining, hearts pounding, as the returning silhouettes stepped off the helicopters. Mothers screamed the names of their daughters, sisters ran forward, voices breaking into laughter and tears all at once. The courtyard became a tide of reunions — hugs, cries, songs blending together into a single overwhelming moment.

At the center, Lady Yurei herself walked forward with measured steps, her presence commanding yet warm. Her eyes, sharp as ever, softened the moment she saw Sayaka.

Sayaka bowed deeply, her voice trembling. "Disciple greets the Master."

Yurei didn't bother with formality. She wrapped Sayaka into her arms, her robe falling around them both like a shield. Her tone scolded but carried relief. "Don't you ever do anything stupid like that again."

Sayaka clutched her tightly, tears threatening. "Okay, Master. I'm sorry… I worried you."

Miles stood to the side, watching quietly, until Yurei turned her gaze toward him.

"Greetings, Lady Yurei," Miles said respectfully.

Her eyes swept over him, and then a small smile tugged her lips. "Just as I expected. Not only did you return with our crown, but you brought back our people, alive and safe. And you dealt with those barbarians without hesitation. You are truly worthy of praise."

Miles inclined his head slightly. "I appreciate your words, Lady Yurei. Now, if you wish to see it…"

He swung the backpack from his shoulder, unzipped it, and carefully lifted out a glass box. Inside, the crown gleamed, its polished edges catching the sunlight like fire on ice.

Gasps rippled through the clan. Sayaka's eyes widened; even though she had seen it before in clan paintings, in Miles's hands the crown looked almost divine.

Miles extended it forward with both hands. Yurei received it reverently, her fingers brushing the cool glass. She held it up high, the crown flashing golden under the evening sun. Her voice rang loud and strong across the island.

"To our ancestors!"

And as one, every clan member shouted, their voices shaking the air: "To our ancestors!"

The cheer was followed by drums beating harder, flutes picking up, and the rhythm of feet tapping the stone ground. A celebration was already alive in the air, waiting to burst.

Yurei lowered the crown and turned with a bright smile that seemed rare on her face. "Come. It is time for celebration. We have prepared a feast."

Sayaka brightened instantly. Miles gave a half-smile, tugging at his collar.

"Let's go," Yurei said again, clapping her hands together. "Food, drinks, laughter — tonight the Snow Women Clan drinks in honor of the ancestors."

Miles muttered under his breath, "I hope you have something non-alcoholic."

The courtyard fell quiet for half a beat. Sayaka's jaw dropped. "Eh?!"

Yurei tilted her head. "Ehh?"

Even some of the clan members exchanged looks of disbelief, and a ripple of laughter followed.

Miles blinked. "What? I don't drink."

The courtyard erupted with laughter. Even the younger disciples covered their mouths, giggling.

Sayaka leaned closer, whispering just enough for him to hear. "You don't understand, do you? The Snow Women Clan are basically a bunch of drunkards. Master… turns into someone else after drinking."

Miles chuckled, shaking his head. "That explains a lot."

Yurei, with her sharp ears, smirked and said loudly, "I heard that."

Sayaka froze, her face flushing crimson. Miles just grinned wider, hiding his laugh behind a cough.

The music swelled again, and the clan led them toward the long courtyard tables, where lanterns already hung, sake jars lined up in neat rows, and food steamed with fragrant spice. The air was full of warmth, laughter, and the promise of a night no one would forget.

…

The moon hung high above the island, silver light spilling across the tiled rooftops and the carefully raked gardens. The Snow Women Clan celebrating their crown, but inside the guest chamber a soft glow remained.

Miles sat on the low couch, a tray beside him with the remains of some clan delicacies—grilled river fish, miso soup, and pickled roots. He leaned back, rubbing the back of his neck, when the little tablet in front of him blinked.

Two bright faces filled the screen instantly.

"Asher—Big brooo! The chef uncle at the restaurant gave us cheesecake!" the boy shouted, crumbs still on his cheek.

Hope pushed her face closer to the camera, her mouth already shining. "It was yummy! Look!" She opened her mouth wide as if showing proof.

Miles chuckled, leaning in. "Really? You two had cheesecake without me? That's unfair. I want some too."

Asher grinned proudly. "I asked him to save some for you. He said he will serve you when you come back."

Miles smiled, touched by the boy's thoughtfulness. "Thank you, soldier. That makes me feel better. And I am coming back tomorrow."

Hope's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yes," Miles nodded firmly.

Before they could squeal again, a knock came from the door behind him.

"Miles?" A soft voice.

Hope blinked. "Someone's at the door? Sister?"

Asher tilted his head. "Who? Who? Lemme see!"

Miles smirked. "You two are going to be surprised. Don't fall off your chairs." He got up and pulled open the sliding door.

Sayaka stood there, a faint flush on her cheeks, her hands tucked neatly before her. "There you are, Miles. I was looking for you in court."

The twins leaned toward the camera like curious kittens.

"Turn the camera!" Hope urged.

"Yes, yes, turn it!" Asher echoed.

Miles grinned and flipped the screen toward Sayaka.

Her eyes widened as she saw the two little faces staring at her. They blinked back. A beat of silence passed—then Hope gasped.

"Wait… I know you."

Asher nodded quickly. "Yes! We saw her at the vacation! Big bro fought her in the final match!"

Hope clapped her hands. "I remember!"

Sayaka's face flushed bright, but she pressed her palms together politely. "H-Hello. I am Sayaka."

Asher puffed out his chest. "Hello, Sister Sayaka! I am Asher."

Hope tilted her head, her eyes sparkling. "I'm Hope. Woah, Sister, you look pretty. What is that outfit?"

Sayaka's eyes softened instantly, glistening with warmth. "Thank you… you two are so cute. This is a yukata, a traditional Japanese dress."

Hope gasped and tugged at the screen. "Big brooo, I want a yukata!"

"Me too!" Asher shouted, not to be outdone.

Miles turned the camera back, pretending to sigh. "Alright, alright. I'll bring you some. Don't start a war over it."

Hope narrowed her eyes mischievously. "Big bro, what are you doing with Sister Sayaka anyway?"

Asher snorted, giggling uncontrollably.

Miles coughed. "Nothing, you two. It's work. I'm her guest, right Sayaka?" He angled the screen toward her.

Sayaka's voice faltered, but she nodded quickly. "Y-Yes. It's a work thing."

Just then Elena's voice carried faintly in the background. "You two, did you sleep yet?"

Hope jumped. "Big bro, Mama's coming! Come back soon!"

Asher waved, hurried. "Good night, big brooo!"

Miles softened. "Sweet dreams, soldiers. Dont forget to brush your teeth tonight and don't give mom too much trouble."

The screen went dark.

For a moment the chamber was quiet. Sayaka stood with her hands folded, looking thoughtful. "I saw them before, didn't I? At the contest."

Miles nodded. "They're my siblings."

Sayaka blinked. "Siblings? But… they don't look—"

"They're my half-siblings," Miles explained gently. "From my mother's second marriage."

Her eyes softened. "Oh… You seem so close."

Miles smiled faintly. "Of course. They're my family. We share the same mother. That's enough."

Sayaka let out a small breath. "They're adorable. I feel like… meeting them one day."

Miles teased with a crooked grin. "You can come to Star Harbor if you want. But careful—your drunk master was already trying to give your hand to me."

Sayaka's entire face turned crimson. "Sh-she was just drunk!"

Miles laughed, leaning back. "Relax, I was kidding."

She puffed her cheeks, then quickly composed herself. "Anyway… this is what you wanted. Master told me to give you this." She placed a heavy folder on the table before him.

Miles opened it, his eyes scanning quickly. His expression sharpened—then softened into a smile. "Thanks."

Sayaka hesitated. "It's not enough, you know. For what you did for us. Are you sure this is what you want?"

Miles closed the folder, tapping it once with his fingers. "It's more than enough."

Sayaka nodded slowly, then stood. "Alright. Have a good night, Miles."

As she turned, Miles spoke suddenly. "Hey, Sayaka… I'm not going to die, am I?"

She froze, startled. "…What? Why?"

"You know," he said lightly, almost joking, "the curse. About men and this clan."

Sayaka shook her head quickly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That's an old legend. Master has permission from the elders. Well… are you scared?"

Miles smirked. "Who's scared?"

Sayaka gave a faint laugh. "Alright then. Sweet dreams, Mires-san."

The door slid shut. Miles let out a long sigh, running a hand through his hair. "Good night, Sayaka."

The moonlight followed him into silence.

Crimson Island — Edwin Carter's Villa

The evening breeze carried the scent of the sea. The old villa stood quiet, its wooden floors creaking softly as Monica walked toward the hall where Edwin Carter sat, sipping tea.

"Grandpa," she said gently, setting her bag down, "it's time for me to leave."

Edwin looked up, his eyes warm though lined with age. "So soon? Well… take care of yourself and your brother. And be good to your aunt."

Monica smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Grandpa. I always talk to Aunt. She cares about me and brother a lot."

Edwin's lips curved into a proud smile. "Good girl. You finished your work here?"

"Yes," Monica nodded. "Cousin Miles needed something. It's done. I'll head to Star Harbor directly."

Edwin set his cup down and rose slowly, his back still straight despite his age. "Wait. I have something for you."

Monica paused, watching as he disappeared into his room. A few moments later, he returned with a small bundle wrapped in a cloth. He placed it in her hands.

"Take this," Edwin said softly. "It's a family photo album. It has old pictures—our family, your father, and Elena when she was just a little girl. I think… she'll like it."

Monica carefully opened the edge and glimpsed faded photographs: children laughing, summer gardens, Elena's shy smile as a teenager. Her eyes softened. "Grandpa, I've seen this one before."

"Maybe so," Edwin chuckled, "but it's different when you give it back. It'll remind her of home."

Monica nodded firmly. "I'll give it to her, Grandpa."

Edwin's hand lingered on her shoulder for a moment. "Take care. And remember—even if I'm old, I can still manage this island. Don't go worrying about me." His eyes glinted with pride. "Tell Miles that Grandpa said hello. And tell him to call me sometimes. The boy always forgets."

Monica smirked. "I'll remind him. Don't worry."

She lifted her bag again and stepped toward the door. "Alright then, Grandpa. See you next time."

Edwin's voice followed her warmly. "See you, dear Mona."

The old man stood in the doorway as she left, the sea wind tugging gently at his white hair, watching until she disappeared down the path.