Han frowned, watching as Lord Tova’s entourage stepped out from the shadows of the dock: eight “Pets”, four male and four female, each pushing a hovercart with a sizable crate secured on top. He hesitated, eyeing the crates and then the slaves—expressionless, calm, perfectly obedient. The sight left an uncomfortable twist in his stomach. Han wasn’t like Magnolia, he wasn’t raised a noble around slaves and Pets, and he didn’t understand the difference in the two.

Lord Tova’s faint, practiced smile never wavered as he noted Han’s uncertainty. “Magnolia is expecting a delivery,” he said smoothly. “These crates hold some valuable items for her journey. Gifts to prepare her for what lies ahead.”

Han glanced at Lee, who was standing just behind him, brows drawn. Magnolia hadn’t mentioned any delivery, much less one with… attendants. But he didn’t want to admit that uncertainty to Lord Tova—not when there was so little chance he’d gain anything from challenging him.

“She didn’t mention any crates,” Han said carefully, keeping his tone neutral.

Lord Tova’s smile widened a fraction, his gaze steady. “That’s because it’s a surprise,” he replied easily, gesturing to the crates. “Tools, provisions, a few family heirlooms. They’re only here to deliver the gifts—she needn’t keep them if she doesn’t wish to.” His tone carried an edge, as if dismissing the Pets was of little consequence.

Han looked over the crates once more, the lingering discomfort gnawing at him, but he nodded, stepping aside as Lord Tova directed his entourage forward. The Pets filed in silently, each moving with smooth, practiced precision as if they had long since perfected the art of remaining unseen, unheard, and obedient.

Lee leaned in close to Han as they watched the crates float up the Wildflower’s ramp. “You sure about this?”

Han’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. “It’s… probably fine.” He didn’t quite believe his own words, but he knew better than to argue with a man like Lord Tova over matters of ‘family.’

The procession of Lord Tova's Pets moved through the Wildflower’s hallways with precision, each of them pushing a hovercart laden with a large crate. They reached Magnolia’s quarters without so much as a stumble, their eyes lowered, movements quiet and deliberate. Han and Lee trailed behind, keeping a careful watch, both of them tense but unwilling to object without Magnolia present.

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Reaching her door, the lead Pet paused, glancing back at Lord Tova, who nodded in silent permission. The Pet pressed a hand to the door’s sensor, and it slid open, revealing the lush space within. Magnolia’s quarters were as alive as she was, bathed in soft, shifting light and green foliage, bioluminescent plants casting a gentle glow across the walls. She wasn’t there.

Lord Tova stepped forward, barely glancing at the greenery and delicate displays. “Set everything inside,” he ordered, his voice quiet yet unyielding.

The Pets moved swiftly, guiding each hovercart inside and arranging the crates in a neat line near her meditation area. As they finished, they retreated to the doorway, still as statues, waiting for further instructions.

Han shifted uncomfortably, glancing from Lord Tova to the silent attendants. “Magnolia didn’t say anything about expecting this. She’s going to want to know where it all came from,” he said, his tone firm but respectful.

Lord Tova’s smile remained as smooth as polished glass. “Tell her it’s from her father—a set of essentials for her journey, carefully chosen. Family treasures and survival tools, as well as companions to assist her,” he replied, a pointed look at the Pets.

Han felt Lee shift beside him, but neither of them spoke. They both knew Magnolia’s complicated feelings toward her father’s gifts, but Tova was here now, delivering them with an air of authority that was difficult to challenge.

With one last glance over the crates, Lord Tova gave a satisfied nod. “Inform her of the delivery, and should she choose to keep them,” he said smoothly, “I trust you’ll ensure they’re kept safe.”

He turned, leaving with a faint trace of satisfaction in his expression, his footsteps fading down the corridor. Han and Lee stood in silence for a moment before looking back at the crates and the row of silent Pets, uncertain what to tell Magnolia when she returned.

Lee sighed, crossing his arms and leaning against the doorway as he looked over the crates and the silent, watchful Pets. “Maybe we just don’t tell her,” he murmured. “Let her walk in, find all this, and see what happens.”

Han gave him a look, one eyebrow raised. “I don’t know how they got here if you don’t.” He turned, running a hand through his hair as he started to walk down the hall. “You’re the one who said you’d handle it.”

Lee let out a quiet laugh, eyes still on the crates. “Or we just blame In-Su. Bet she’d believe it.”

Han paused, a smirk tugging at his lips. “He probably had something to do with Lord Tova finding out anyway,” he said with a chuckle.

“Exactly.” Lee looked around the room one last time, shaking his head. “So we let him be the one to explain it all to her.”

Han grinned, clapping Lee on the shoulder as they headed down the corridor together. "Sounds like the perfect plan.”