Year 3988, 10th Day of the 9th Moon
Ember Isle, Fliamma Kingdom. Continent of Humana

STRETCHING HER arms and releasing a yawn, Elise put down the book. Sunlight had already peeked from the window but she didn't have a wink since they returned yesterday.

She already found samples of fire and water magic. Her next target would probably be the light element. In terms of using light in concoctions, the type of plants varied depending on the usage. However, she needed one that could act as artificial magic.

"Good morning, Miss. Rei Aricson requests for your presence," Aya informed.

"Hm. Why?"

"We don't have a clue, Miss," Dell replied as Aya fully opened the curtains on the window near her.

"Never mind." She got up from the chair and went back to the bedroom.

Her gaze instantly shot towards the mannequin in front of the dresser right after she entered. The ball gown draped to the floor with a trimmed sheen layer at the top that sparkled when the light hit it. The wide square line of the peach fabric emphasized the chest but the handicraft of embossed flowers took the design to a whole another level. It spread to the waist and scattered to the sides of the sleeves which had the same material as the skirt.

"What is that? Don't tell me, I'm wearing that one?"

"Yes, Miss. The Rei prepared it for tonight," Aya replied.

Her eyes landed on Aya. "Tonight? Why?"

"Today is a banquet of Lady Dryann for her birthday celebration."

"It's her birthday?"

"Yes, Miss."

'Weird.' She had presumed they don't celebrate things like that since they had such a long life.

"Miss, allow me to help you," Dell said and took a pink dress that was more similar to her usual style.

She inclined her head and let them do their job but as she sat in front of the mirror, her lashes became heavy. Dell's fingers on her scalp were too relaxing. 

"Miss, are you alright?" Dell asked as she braided my hair while Aya did my makeup.

"Yes, I just slept—" She could not even complete her sentence as a yawn came.

She glanced at the clock right next to the door. It was still eight in the morning and she should be sleeping but with Aricson asking for her, she could not.

That actually made her wonder since he was usually the one going to her instead.

The two maids finished and Aya undoubtedly had the skill to hide all her eyebags every single time she touched her face.

They went downstairs and the lobby was full of people decorating the place. They led her straight to the garden but it was a part where she hadn't been yet.

Abundant hedges could be seen framing the sides of the brick pavements. Her shoes clacked every step she made until they reached a gazebo.

Different pitched roofs were on each side, appearing like a blooming flower. It was hexagonal from her view with tree branches adorning the arc except for one where the entrance should be.

Amidst all the flowers and coupled with the siblings who had gathered, it was a scene out of a fairytale. A feast for the eyes. One that would have artists battle each other just to paint them.

"Why did you change many of our servants, Brother? I was quite surprised seeing a lot of new faces." She heard Faylinn ask as she approached them.

"There's a mole— Elise," Aricson called and pulled up the chair beside him. "Sit here."

"Thanks and good morning." She turned to Dryann opposite her. "Happy birthday."

Dryann only inclined her head before resuming eating.

"You don't have to mind Elder Sister, she's always awkward when receiving birthday greetings. Anyhow, I heard you became a Contributor! That's absolutely amazing!" Faylinn said beside her.

"Thanks," she muttered and placed food on her plate.

"So how is it? Are you planning to become our official Healer or do you plan to join Lord Gustavious? He always hoards the best Healers to the Medical City."

"I have no plans as of no—"

"Hello, my dear brothers and sisters." A youth strode beaming from ear to ear.

"So you can still recall your way back here?" Dryann quipped.

His deep-set eyes became crescents as he walked forward and circled his arms to Dryann.

"I wish you the best birthday, Elder Sis! I promise to make it up to you on knight's honor!" He pulled back, before raising his arm with three fingers up. But, there was no trace of seriousness due to his impish grin.

"You improved your sucking up, Little Brother. Last time I saw you, you were cowering from fright," Erkhan teased and ruffled his head.

Among the bright-colored tresses surrounding her, the young man was the only one who had dark hair. Almost akin to the early night sky with such vibrant blue. 

"I am not!"

"Yeah, whatever floats your boat, Gavin."

The guy had the dejected look of the youngest child searching for help and his gaze went to Aricson but it stopped before her. She could not help but study the face that had an identical profile to Hadrien. 

However, anyone could tell there were two sides to a coin. Not because they had different colored features despite their huge similarities in their physical aspects but due to the obvious outgoing disposition of the newly arrived guy.

"Am I having an illusion or someone is sitting beside Eldest Brother?" he inquired as those eyes were still glued on her.

"It's all real. Shocking, right?"

"To be simply shocked is an understatement. I was not expecting that the left seat has an owner already," he commented.

"If you weren't just too sacred with Elder Sister, you would have witnessed the anomalies of our eldest brother! One time they—"

"Your job must be doing so well that you have so much time to chatter, Erkhan. I can always ask for the king to keep you busy."

"No way! Besides, I'm only saying the truth."

Brennan tapped Aricson's shoulder. "Erkhan does have a point, Brother. To consider it as an anomaly must be a wrong choice of word, it should be a miracle that you're not spurning women anymore."

His lips curved and his voice laced with exuberance but it never reached his eyes. She was no expert in reading moods but Brennan was the hardest to know what he thought about her. It always felt like one wrong move and she was a goner.

"What's it about, anyway?" she queried, ignoring Brennan's attention.

"What?" Aricson asked as well.

"Something about the left seat."

"Oh, it's a tradition in the Humana, the left seat is always the place of the family head's wife. The right is given to his preceding sibling or his first child." Faylinn was the one who explained.

"Oh my god. Really?" She twisted toward Aricson, sending him daggers. "Why on earth did you not tell me?" 

She had always sat on his left ever since she could remember. Her lack of awareness of their customs should be blamed but not as much as him. He had not reminded her a single time.

He simply continued stirring his cup as he spoke, "Don't think too much about it, Elise. Albeit, now that we are all here—"

"How about Brother Caian? Did he get lost again?" Dryann interrupted.

"No. I already contacted him. He will be coming later this evening. As I was saying, let's now have a cheers for Dryann's birthday. May the God of Life send you his blessings." Aricson stated.

They raised their glass and so did she. Glassware clunked together and while she put it down, a yawn escaped.

"Apologies," she mumbled.

Aricson breath fanned her ears as he spoke. "How long did you sleep?"

"Not yet."

"You can rest first if you want. I'll be taking you somewhere after this so it's better if you can take a nap for a while."

"Huh? Where?"

"At the Central."

A groan resounded before she could reply.

"You're right, Brother. I never imagined I'd be coming home and be a lightbulb," Gavin said.

"I should've brought Arllian," Brennan followed up.

"If I should've known too, I would have come later and enjoyed some time with women's company," Erkhan added.

Elise only realized how ambiguous their position but it was already too late to notice since everyone's attention was on them.

"Brother, I think you haven't introduced yourself to her yet," Hadrien spoke, breaking the suggestive atmosphere.

"That's rare, Yen. You're not stammering with a stranger here?"

"She's nice."

"Wow! You manage to put my twin brother at ease!" Those light blue irises stared at her with admiration. "I'm Gavirien but seeing your relationship with our oldest brother, I think it's more appropriate if you call me Gavin."

Here they went again with presuming things about her and Aricson. Not that it was false but their relationship was hard to explain. It was something more than friends but less than lovers.

Despite her inner complaints, she put up a smile. "I'm Elise."

"Anyway, Elise, have you seen the gown?" Faylinn asked out of the blue.

"Yes, it's beautiful."

"I cannot agree more. I'm so proud of that gown. Pristine is such a genius! With that new design, I'm sure our shop will set the trend again."

"Wait, Pristine is still alive?"

"Brother!" Faylinn's eyes narrowed on Brennan. "That is so rude. Though she's Mundran, Pristine is very much alive, you know."

"Just kidding. By the by, I heard all the professors at the Southern Academy will be invited later," Brennan said.

"Yes. I already told Beanca to send them invitations a week ago."

"Speaking of the academy, where did you enroll, Gavin?" Faylinn questioned.

"Yes. Where?"

Dryann's cold voice echoed and they started interrogating Gavirien. Elise was thankful for the change of topic and enjoyed the meal while the majority became negligent with their food.

"Enough, Dryann. Gavin can make decisions on his own," Arcison finally said something.

"But, Brother!"

"Elder Sis, don't stress too much. Look, you're forming wrinkles! I swear Grandma will be disappointed if she sees you," Faylinn noted.

Elise was already done and set aside her utensils. She quickly covered her mouth when another yawn was inching its way out of her mouth.

She shook her head to keep herself awake but she was suddenly lifted up and all the talks ceased.

"What are you doing, Aricson? Put me down!"

"I'm taking you back."

"Put me down," she repeated. "In case you haven't noticed, I have my own legs capable of walking."

He didn't answer and turned to his siblings with her body in his arms. How she wanted to cover her face but doing so would only cause more taunting, especially when she saw mischief embedding their faces, even Dryann had a funny expression. 

'Dang it.'  Any future display of affection should never be permitted in front of family and friends!

"Elise needs to sleep. Continue eating. No need to wait for me."

Endless jeers were their only response. If there was one person who would die in humiliation, she was hundred percent convinced it was her.