BY THE TIME ARIUS AND THE REST GOT BACK, the cakes and cupcakes were ready and the celebratory party had begun!
"Wouldn't the drinks be less? Since Winslow and Willow left to buy them before Arius and Athy came."
"I bought extras, don't worry." Winslow spoke as he placed all the beverages on a table.
They all began partying. Everyone scattered to different parts of the room. Vincent and Cadell were pretending to couple dance and acting like couples making the rest of them laugh throughout.
Athanasia was busy munching on the cupcakes and cakes. Ruby and Elio got along best with Athanasia. They were in a corner, Athanasia eating the sweets while praising the taste and Ruby and Elio conversing with her about the ingredients.
Lifa and Jasper were looking at Vincent and Cadells dance. Gunther and Mia were having some sibling time and Willow and Winslow were also sitting on one of the couches viewing the dance.
Arius was sitting with the twins and began conversing with them.
"You both read books?" Arius asked and the twins nodded.
"We go to the local library. Vincent helped us make a library card. So we spend most of our time there, especially her." Winslow stated.
"What kind of books do you read?" Arius felt like he was interrogating them but he wanted to know.
"Make a guess?" Winslow asked.
Arius observed the two.
Since they're good at information gathering, they probably read informative articles.
"Informative books? About people, places and objects?"
"Hah! That's what Jasper said too." Winslow laughed at the answer.
"If he also said it , then it must be wrong." Arius sighed in defeat.
"We read all the books..." Willow answered in a low voice.
"...Novels especially..."
"Yea, Willow likes novels a lot. I read them as well but I focus more on knowledge-based content."
"Which genre do you like the most , Willow?"
"...Romance, Fantasy, Mystery, Horror." She answered.
"Oh, so then have you read 'The Seven Dragons' ?" Arius asked, Willow jolted her head to Arius and shook it vertically as her eyes sparkled at the mention of the book.
I guess she likes it.
"We borrowed a few books from the library the other day, would you like to see them?" Winslow asked as he got up. Arius nodded and they headed to the twins room. Willow followed the two.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
ARIUS OBSERVED THE BOOKS laid on the table. On the right side were the ones Willow borrowed and on the left Winslow's. Their tastes in books were opposite to each other.
The left side was filled with Black, white , gray or simple covered books which Arius assumed were documentaries or just informative content.
The right side were books with more creative covers. Sceneries, characters and weapons were shown on the covers and the titles were fictional.
Arius preferred Willow's taste more than Winslows. He saw a few books among Willows' collection which he had read before and the two engaged in a conversation about the book.
Winslow observed them as he saw Willow smiling and expressing her thoughts on the book. A smile formed on his face as he watched the two interact.
But Arius was surprised. The novels Willow read were similar to what Athanasia and Arius have read. And Athanasia and Arius are reincarnated.
Normal children would find the Vocabulary and descriptions in the book too hard to understand. But Willow was expressing her views on the books as if she understood them perfectly.
"So, What did you need from us?" Winslow asked as he sat on a chair. Willow began putting the books back in their places. Arius turned to face Winslow.
They both maintained their eyes on the others. Arius was thinking whether he should actually ask them to do it. If they leak the information to Vincent who's already a noble, it would become quite chaotic.
"Vincent is the Count's son. We already know that as well." Winslow told him as he saw Arius hesitating.
"...Makes sense you two would figure it out."
"But we don't know why he's helping us- or using us..." Willow said as she placed the final book back in the drawer. Her face lost its previous expression of joy.
"It's not for something bad. So you don't need to worry." Arius assured her.
"We trust him. He saved us and gave us a home when we needed it." Winslow lowly spoke, before raising his voice back to its usual level."But you also helped us, Arius and so if you ask us to do something, rest assured. We'll keep it a secret."
"I... want you to investigate a noble. All the information about them, which is not public. Duke Roger Alpheus."
"A Duke?...hm, Okay. Is there anything specific you want us to find out? and by when do you need all the information?" Winslow asked.
Arius was a bit surprised to see him accept the request so quickly even though they might get in danger for such a shady job.
"This Duke has been trying to appoint his son or niece to be my and Athanasia's friend. He's simply trying to gain our favour for the future. But the way he was asking seemed odd. I did accept his offer for a friend. So I wanted to gain some information on said son and niece." Arius elaborated.
"I see...and by when?"
"As soon as possible, but be careful when you do so. The Duke is quite a shady man himself." Arius warned.
"Okay then."
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
"DARLING~ You look stunning!"
"Oh my honeypie! You look like you ascended from heaven!"
1
Arius and the twins entered when Cadell and Vincent and even Gunther were in the middle of their cheesy acting. They saw almost everyone else lying on the floor exploding with laughter.
Vincent had even brought a dress for Cadell and Gunther to wear. And so their acting was in full spring. Athanasia and Lifa had done Cadell's makeup, with a bright red lipstick. While Ruby and Mia had done Gunthers.
The sun set with the laughs of the children.
ARIUS AND ATHANASIA WERE on their way back. Their two knights who unfortunately were still in their dresses from the party sat on one side of the carriage. Their makeup still applied.
Athanasia was still laughing from their acts before.
"Wow Athy your makeup skills are just...wow... I feel bad for Cadell since he's your knight."
However Athanasia was busy laughing. Gunther had come to resemble Felix in many ways, like he was a tomato in the dress.
"How long are you gonna keep blushing like a girl?" Cadell asked the tomato, who only became a brighter red.
Snow and Raven had become visible and were sitting in their masters' laps.
"Your highness, do you think his Majesty would be angry? since we're returning after sunset..."
Both Arius and Athanasia froze at the question.
Of course Clause would be angry, they didn't even have Felix with them. And they stayed out later than usual. But...would Claude be angry, or worried?
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
THE CARRIAGE FINALLY STOPPED. The four of them came out of the carriage. As soon as the carriage began heading to the carriage house, footsteps could be heard from a distance.
Arius looked to see Claude standing at the entrance of the Palace. A moment of silence remained. Claude observed the two girls behind his children. And his children as well.
It took him a while to comprehend what was happening. No, his son did not just bring home two girls. It was their knights. Claude almost had a heart attack when he saw the two girls exiting the carriage.
"It looks like you enjoyed yourselves." Claude commented and Gunther was drowning in embarrassment. Cadell on the other hand was proudly smiling, while dressed up.
1
"Daddy! I did Cad's makeup! what do you think?" Athanasia ran up to Claude and asked him as she pointed at Cadell.
Claude picked Athanasia up in her arms and stared at the supposedly 'knights'. "It's..."
"Don't force yourself to praise her dad." Arius spoke as he also walked up to Claude.
"Hey! I did a great job! Cadell looks beautiful! Right?" Athanasia asked Cadell this time.
"Of course, Your Highness, You've honoured me with a divine face." Cadell smiled.
Arius helped himself from bursting with laughter. "You too can go and rest for now. We'll be with Dad until dinner." Arius instructed and the two knights left.
"You...were late." Claude pointed out and the two siblings flinched.
"Were you waiting for us?" Arius asked.
I mean, he was standing outside.
Claude looked at Arius standing on the ground and tried to pick him up along with Athanasia as well, but Arius settled with just holding his hand as they walked to the Garnet Palace.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
THEY HEADED TO THE DINING room to eat. Although Athanasia and Arius had already eaten a lot, they didn't want Claude to eat alone.
"Ah! Dad, I have something to show you! " Athanasia squealed as she remembered her furry pet. She raised Raven high up for Claude to see.
"Brother said it's my divine beast!" Athanasia continued to squeal as she hugged the cute little creature.
"Dad, do you like furry creatures?" Arius asked, noticing Claude's irritated expression towards Raven, who was being snuggled by Athanasia.
1
"No."
"Why not! They're so cute, Dad!" Athanasia defended as she petted Raven's head.
Arius looked curious as well. I mean, WHO doesn't love cute furry creatures. Arius never understood those people.
What is the reason behind their indifference to the existence of such adorable creatures?
"They're weak. And useless." Claude replied and Arius couldn't help but burst in laughter upon hearing Claude's answer.
"D-Haha-Dad, wolves and lions are furry animals too. Oh and bears too."
"Still useless."
"Then how about dragons?"
Snow, who had turned invisible, revealed himself as well and began to fly within the room before landing beside Arius.
Claude maintained his blank expression as he observed the flying creature.
"A winged fox?" Claude mumbled and this time Athanasia laughed.
"Dad! Snow is a dragon." Arius defended his beast.
"It has fur. Dragons have scales." Claude pointed out.
Arius observed Snow. White fur and white wings. It did look like a fox with wings.
"I don't care. Snow is my dragon." Arius proudly declared as he began petting the furry creature.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
THE SIBLINGS ENJOY THEIR time with their father. It was suprisingly fun for them to have talked and joked with their father openly without any worries.
They were happy.
Claude stretched his fingers to the ground so that his children could walk as they held hands.
Athanasia on the right and Arius on the left.
As they walked, Arius remembered to ask Claude something.
"Dad, do you know the Dancing Lilac?"
One word, 'Lilac', was enough.
Claude froze in his footsteps. The siblings eyed each other in worry.
"D,Dad?" Arius and Athanasia began clutching Claude's robes to bring him back to reality.
Suddenly Claude crouched down and picked both of his children up in his arms.
"Daddy?" Athanasia called him.
"It's late, you two should sleep." Claude stated as he finally reached his own chambers.
"Wait, We'll be sleeping with you dad?" Arius was beyond confused.
"You don't want to?" Claude made a puppy expression. I repeat, Claude made a puppy expression. Claude, Claude de Alger Obelia. The cold emperor of Obelia made a puppy expression..
ARIUS WOKE UP WITH A START. He had a nightmare about Claude turning into a puppy. He turned around expecting Claude sleeping beside him, but he was greeted by a sleeping Athanasia instead.
4
He sat up straight and scanned the room for Claude, to no avail. He laid back down. Trying to comprehend last night's events.
Dad has those expressions as well, huh?
Arius questioned as he remembered how Claude looked sad when Arius inquired about their sleeping place.
Claude's inner eyebrows were pulled up and together. His lip corners were pulled down. His upper eyelids were drooping and his eyes were staring straight at Arius's.
He then turned to Athanasia as well, with the same expression and question.
Despite the genuine expression being sad, he looked handsome and quite young when he made that face. Expressions suited him , it made him look young and enhanced his already good looks.
Arius's trail of thoughts drifted to his friends. Arius noticed this yesterday and a few times before as well, but all of them really are different from normal children.
They're mature for their age. Even after being involved with slave traders, they don't seem traumatized.
They adapt to situations quickly. Find solutions just as fast.
Gunther is still a child and yet he hardly ever acts like one.
Willow and Winslow. Those two are even more intelligent than Athanasia and Arius himself. They read books which are normally too complex for children.
Athanasia and Arius are reincarnated. But they're not and yet they're still so talented.
But then how come they didn't stand out in the other two timelines?
The Slave Traders.
Arius clenched his teeth at the thought.
Did the imperial knights arrive too late at the scene? did they resist the slave traders too much and get themselves killed?
Whatever happened, it took away their lives. That's probably why Lennox County was hardly mentioned in the other two timelines either.
He shut his eyes close as he thought about the other timelines.
They're just like him.
They died without a mention.
"I'm gonna be the greatest swordsman!" He thought of Cadell and Gunthers wish.
So much potential, so much talent.
So many dreams.
"I'm gonna open a bakery when I grow up." Ruby's dream...
So many hopes.
"I want us all to grow old together."
"They... didn't deserve it." Arius placed his arm above his eyes.
Tears streamed down his face as he quietly mourned their fates in the previous timelines.
"This time...I won't let it happen."
Gunther and Cadell will become the strongest swordsmen.
Ruby and Elio will open the best bakery in the whole empire.
Willow and Winslow will read all the books they want to.
Jasper and Lifa will never see their siblings die.
None of them will die.
They will live and stay happy.
"I will make sure of that." Arius decided.
He rubbed his eyes.
Golden rays of sunlight penetrated the room and landed on Arius's face, making the latter turn in irritation.
I'll sleep some more.
Arius turned and closed his eyes, before feeling someone's stare on him.
He opened his eyes to greet jeweled eyes. Athanasia observed Arius while the latter did the same.
Silence remained as the two simply stared at each other for a while before Athanasia shouted, "You're crying!?"
She suddenly placed her hands on Arius's cheeks and shook him up and down while asking him.
"Why?! What's wrong?! Did you have a nightmare?!"
"A-Athy! "
Athanasia stopped shaking him and silently observed him, worry dripping from her face.
"I just came to a realization. Speaking of which, I still haven't told you."
Athanasia's eyebrows rose up in curiosity.
"First tell me why you're crying." Athanasia demanded.
She's being awfully kind.
"Athy...are you okay?"
"Shouldn't that be my line?" Athanasia asked.
Something feels off, or am I just overthinking?
"No nightmares. I was just thinking that all those kids could be dead right now. They're all talented. And yet they were not mentioned in Lovely princess."
Athanasia looked visibly uncomfortable at the mention of the novel.
"Just like us. They probably died in the Slave Trader mess. They're just children. Yet they're so mature. I mean, we're reincarnated. They're not. " Arius noticed Athanasia's sad expression and thought he was being too emotional. "But...Not this time. They won't die. They survived. So it's all good. I'm just thinking too much about it, sorry."
"No, you're right...Brother do you think I'm-"
Knock!
Knock!
"Who is it?" Arius asked.
"Your Highnesses, we heard some shouts, is everything okay?" asked a small male voice.
Arius looked at Athanasia who was drowning in shame. "Everything's fine, haha. We'll be out in a minute."
"What were you saying Athy?"
Athanasia shook her head. "Nothing! let's go, we shouldn't keep them waiting." Athanasia hopped off the bed and was greeted by Raven sleeping on the floor. Snow was also sitting beside the bed waiting for Arius.
Both of them went to their respective Palaces to get fresh and meet the Emperor for breakfast.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
ON THEIR WAY BACK AFTER they parted their seperate ways for their palaces, Gunther noticed Arius in deep thought.
"Is something bothering you?" Gunther asked.
"It's Athy...I think she's acting strange..."
"The princess? If you'd like , I can ask Cadell to report anything strange the princess does."
Arius thought about it for a while.
"No, it's fine, she'll tell me if something bothers her."
'I might just be overthinking..'
THE SIBLING MET UP ON THEIR WAY FOR BREAKFAST. Accompanied by their knights, the two headed back to Garnet Palace. On their way, they were greeted by a servant.
"Greetings Your Royal Highnesses, I have a message from his Majesty. "
The siblings were surprised by this and half worried.
Dad wasn't in the room when we woke up either.
He was acting strange last night as well.
"Go on." Arius told the man.
"He asks that the two of you enjoy breakfast together as he is busy with an audience."
"Daddy's...busy?" Athanasia mumbled under her breath.
"I see, Thank you for your work. My sister and I will then eat in Emerald Palace. By any chance would you know when the audience would be over?" Arius asked the servant who flinched upon the question.
"I-I don't know, Forgive me your highness." The servant dramatically bowed. "The audience was supposed to be over some while before but due to some reasons the noble is still discussing matters with His Majesty."
Pesky Nobles.
Athanasia clutched Arius's shirt and signaled towards the servant with her eyes.
He was trembling and still bowing down.
"I see, you can stop bowing."
Arius gave Athanasia a nod and the two gave the servant an angelic smile, before saying, "Thank You."
The servant's fear immediately disappeared when he saw the two little children in front of him.
Arius and Athanasia turned and began walking back to the Emerald Palace, leaving the servant awestruck by their cuteness.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
THE TWO SIBLINGS SAT ON THE DINING TABLE, waiting for their breakfast to be brought in.
"Dad's busy...Why does that sound so strange?" Athanasia voiced her thoughts.
"He is the emperor. But the servant said the meeting was prolonged cause of nobles...Dad isn't usually the type to just let nobles do whatever. Is something going on?" Arius added his thoughts.
The two looked at each other and just sighed.
"It's just one meal. Why're we thinking so much about it if Dad is busy? "
"Right, we're becoming spoiled and too used to having Dad around."
The two nodded with their conclusion.
Thud!
In came the maids with the breakfast.
Arius' eyes sparkled in this opportunity. "I want coffee as well." He asked one of the maids.
Athanasia looked at Arius with a 'Dude.' expression.
"Via would be mad with you if she found out." Athanasia told him, in Pascal's official language. She didn't want the maids to know Arius was asking for something he was forbidden from drinking.
"She's in the Sapphire Palace. Plus Its only just once." Arius replied back in the same language.
"Then I want Lippe tea as well." Athanasia ordered.
The maids bowed before leaving to fulfill their demands.
The siblings enjoyed their breakfast, with their preferred drinks. They exchanged their drinks for a tasting. And as Athanasia thought, coffee is just not her thing. Arius still liked the tea, it was sweet and refreshing.
"Brother if you like tea, then instead of coffee why don't you just drink Lippe tea? Because coffee messes with your sleep routine."
"Hm...I didn't know I used to drink coffee a lot in my past life. So I just naturally like it."
"...Okay..." Athanasia slowly replied as she focused on her breakfast.
There it was again. A strange expression etched on her face.
"Athy." Arius called her as he placed his utensils down.
Athanasia looked up at him nervously since he was using a serious tone of voice.
"...What is it?"
"Are you feeling sick?" Arius asked her.
The mana explosion can happen anytime. I should be careful.
1
"No, why ? Is my face looking pale or something?" Athanasia asked as she touched her face.
"Tell me right away if you feel something weird, kay?"
Arius continued eating his breakfast.
"Uh sure...but why?"
"I'm just worried about my little sister, is that so wrong?" Arius spoke in a dramatic voice.
"Brother, You're weird."
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
BREAKFAST WAS END and the siblings were currently giving their divine beasts a bath and playing with them.
All the while Arius noticed Olivia and Lilian talking with another servant at the door.
"Via, is something wrong?"
"Your highness, uh , It seems you have a guest, asking for an audience with you. But since His Majesty has not approved of any noble meeting you..."
Athanasia looked at Arius.
Is it the white dog?
"I'll meet them. Take them to the reception room." Arius ordered and began walking out of the room.
"But Your Highness, his Majesty..." Olivia followed behind.
"I'll talk to dad myself. Plus there must be a reason why the guest came, it would be rude to turn them away."
"As you wish."
"By the way, what does the guest look like?"
"He's a child that looks older than your highness."
"A child..."
Don't tell me
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
"BLESSING AND GLORY upon the first star of the Obelian Empire." The child greeted the prince as he entered the room.
"Vincent." Arius spoke, sounding irritated. He had just entered the room and was standing.
"You sound so happy to see me."
2
"What. are you. doing here?"
"Since our conversation was interrupted yesterday, I thought I would personally visit you to explain any further of your queries."
Arius sat down on the couch irritated. For some reason this kid gave him a bad feeling.
"I see, how thoughtful of you."
Vincent smiled proudly.
There were no maids within the room and so the two could discuss what they wished to without any worries.
Vincent stretched his arm towards the table and placed down a file.
"What's this?"
"A complete info sheet about those children."
Arius picked up the file and opened it. Reading the information given.
"I say completed. But we don't know everything obviously. But that file contains everything we do know and everything that matters."
Arius flipped through the pages and he could see the detailed pieces of information starting from their origins to their abilities to their weaknesses.
"You may keep this file. I have a copy of it." Vincent offered with his signature smile.
"I still don't see how the county would profit from this."
"You still don't trust me! I'm heartbroken." Vincent acted. "But you needn't worry, Your Highness. My mother is having an audience with His Majesty and His Majesty trusts my mother. A. Lot. You can confirm our intentions from him." Vincent smiled.
Wait. what. His mother is having an audience with dad...then the reason for his absence during breakfast...'My mom admires the emperor a lot... '
Claude chose to talk to a woman more than spend time with his children! I mean, we're with dad all the time and she's probably visiting after some time. Right! Calm down! Calm down! It's alright. I'm just overthinking.
"Vincent. Do you have anything else to discuss?" Arius stood up irritated. He did have a bad feeling about him.
"Uh, no..."
"How long have you been in the Palace grounds?" Arius approached him slowly.
"Um, I believe it has been an hour. or...more."
"And your mother has been in the audience room since when?" Arius's jeweled eyes glowed coldly.
"S-She went inside as soon as we came to the Palace." Vincent almost screamed as he saw Arius look furious.
"Get up, we're going."
"Where?"
"The Audience Chamber."
THE TWO BOYS WERE NOW WALKING OUTSIDE of the Sapphire Palace.
"Your...Highness, What are you going to do?"
"..."
Arius quietly kept walking.
What. do it now. I have to stop that stupid audience somehow, but barging straight in isn't the best option since WHAT IF THEY'RE ACTUALLY DISCUSSING SOMETHING IMPORTANT?!
Arius sighed.
Okay think. How can Claude come out of that stupid room? If it's something concerning his children he should probably come...right? Well, what? should I eat poison?
Arius exhaled another deep sigh as he was making his way to the Garnet Palace's Audience Chambers.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
THE TWO WERE NOW STANDING outside the grand doors to the Audience Chambers.
"Um...Are we going inside?" Vincent asked and Arius just stood looking at the door.
I thought of a plan on the way. BUT I HAVE NOTHING. Now what?!
Arius was panicking in his head, when suddenly the doors opened themselves.
"Mother, is your meeting over?" Vincent stepped ahead to talk to the woman who came out.
Lilac hair tumbling down her shoulders. Her viridescent eyes brimming with confidence and an aura of intimidation as she walked out.
As she talked to her son, she eyed Arius and straightened up before politely greeting him.
"Greetings your highness. Are you here to see His Majesty?"
"Yes." Arius replied curtly.
"I believe his Majesty is free currently as I was supposedly the last audience he was conversing with."
"I see..." Arius stared intently at the woman from toe to head.
Even if they were discussing a potential war, would it take this long?!
Arius ignored his thoughts and marched inside the audience room leaving the two nobles behind.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
"ARIUS..." Claude spoke as he saw his son running up to the throne.
Arius walked up the few stairs and finally reached the throne. With a smile he greeted his father.
"Good Morning Dad!" He spread his arms wide around Claudes legs and hugged his legs.
Claude smiled slightly and picked him up. He began walking towards the emerald Palace while holding Arius.
"Is something wrong? Why did you visit me?"
"I just missed Dad!"
Claude paused for a moment and stared Arius dead in the eye. "Something did happen. What is it?"
1
"Why, Can't I miss you?"
"Why did you miss me? I only skipped breakfast. We would have had lunch together." Claude began walking again. Arius spread his arms around Claude's neck and buried his face in his arms.
I can't say I was worried he'd fall in love with a third woman. Even though it's true.
"I...had a nightmare. And I wanted to see dad..." Arius slightly raised his head to see Claude's expression.
"A nightmare? About what?" Claude placed a hand on the back of Arius's head and began caressing it.
Dad turned into a puppy. But I can't say that. BUT IT'S TRUE.
"Everyone...disappeared." Arius clenched further onto Claude's shoulder robes. Claude eyed his son as he continued stroking his head.
"Dad, Athy, Via, Felix, Lily and all of my friends... everything was gone... and I was alone...in a dark place. Trapped."
This was truly a fear of his. What if one day he woke up back into his old life? What if this isn't actually a reincarnation and instead he's in a coma in the real world and is simply having a long dream about the last manga he was reading? He was never in the story. What if that comes true? A constant fear of his that existed.
If I ever end up going back to that dark, dark world?
Flashes from his past life,
His mother scolds him.
His father beat him.
Him being friendless.
All the sad and painful times flashing.
Then...what would I do...?
"ARIUS!" He flinched back to reality as he heard Claude call him.
"Huh-oh-Dad...wha..."
Tears dropped down from his face, without any hint of stopping. "I-uh...I'm fine really... " Arius tried to control his tears. "...Aha...I don't know why they won't stop..."
Geez why am I crying? Stop dammit. Stop.
"I won't disappear. I won't go away. I will stay with you, Arius. I...should've waited until you woke up and then left." Claude began patting Arius's back and Arius felt a pang of guilt hit his chest.
It's not Claude's fault. Claude is already busy with his emperor work and yet he still spends almost half the day with his children.
And now he's going to stay until his children wake up and deal with their mood swings as well? Arius didn't want to feel like a burden on Claude.
He quickly rubbed his eyes and tightly hugged Claude, which caught him by surprise.
"Dad, you're the best dad in the world! I love you!" Arius smiled at him.
4
Claude looked a bit surprised by the sudden swing of emotions, but replied anyway.
"I love you too, Arius."
─── ･ ｡ﾟ : *. .* : ﾟ.───
CLAUDE DELIVERED ARIUS TO THE Sapphire Palace and then headed back to his duties, promising to eat lunch together. And also telling Olivia to immediately report to Claude if Arius begins to cry or show any discomfort while sleeping.
Arius went back to Emerald Palace to see what Athanasia was up to and found her playing with Raven and Snow.
The two went on with their daily lessons and one new addition was Arius going to the library daily.
He was never a lover of books but, apparently Athanasia was once caught reading a novel by Arius and the book piqued his interest, which led to him reading the whole series and then wanting to read new books.
It was like reading manga but in words instead of drawings. But he still enjoyed them. And with time he began enjoying reading textbooks as well.
The siblings spent their whole day as they normally would, but Arius borrowed a lot of books from the library and was mostly reading them in his garden or in other odd places.
ARC 4 - ANGUISH AND APPREHENSION