(Arthur Leywin POV)
Today was the day of the 10-year anniversary of the Helstea Auction House. I was dressed in a black suit with no tie. Sylvie climbed on to my shoulder and we made our way to Amber's room. During these last 2 months Sylvie has grown quite a lot, to the point that she can barely ride on my shoulder. Her intelligence was rapidly increasing as well. In the few short months after she was born, it felt like she had gained years of emotional intelligence. Though, I guess the same can be said about Airies.
One major change had happened recently; she learned how to transform. It felt like it happened so suddenly. I had been pondering how to hide her appearance in the days to come when she grows larger. She had been beside me and Amber when she started whining and scratching herself as if uncomfortable. Amber, being the worried mother picked her up and tried to figure what was wrong. But the next thing we knew, her red spikes began retracting while her horns got smaller. It was a mind-blowing surprise. Now, most of the time, Sylvie just kept her spikes and horns retracted, making her look more like a cute, black scaled fox with little horns.
Airies also went through a similar metamorphosis, though not exactly the same. He was able to retract the flames that covered him and was able to change his size. At least that meant we wouldn't have a problem hiding him in the future. I pondered on why they could go through such change, but my mind always come to the same conclusion that it was because they were powerful, supposedly mythical creatures. I mean, Sylvia was able to transform her form at will and was also able to communicate in the human tongue, so Sylvie would probably have similar abilities. And from what Amber said, Airies' mother was also able to speak, so why couldn't she alter her form as well? This was the only connection I could make that could explain anything.
I felt melancholy and the thought of Sylvia. Her untimely death, our farewell. It happened far too soon for my liking. I would feel hatred boil up inside me for what the horned demons did to her every time I thought about her. And just like every time, I would remember her last message to me. To not go back to my old ways of revenge, death and emotionlessness. But that message strikes me even harder now than before. Because now, I have more to protect. In addition to my parents, I have to also protect Sylvie, Airies and Amber. I would not allow myself to fail. That wasn't an option!
"Papa?" Sylvie spoke as she felt my inner turmoil. She rubbed her cheek with mine, as if assuring me everything was going to be ok.
I rubbed the top of her head, "I'm fine no need to worry."
We made our way to Amber's room and went inside. She was wearing a midnight black dress that shimmered a luminescent white in the light, reminding me of the countess starts in the cloudless night sky. She wore rose gold diamond earrings and golden bracelets covered in silver. Around her neck was a heavy silver necklace with a large amber coloured diamond embedded into it. Her hair tied in a waterfall braided style at the back while long flowing silver hair covered some of her face at the front. On her feet was 1 inch silver colour heels.
I looked at her in admiration. Even in her child like body, she still had the beauty, etiquette and grace of a queen. Even if I were to compare her to queen Merial, she out classed her easily in all aspects. The way she held her self, the authoritative aura around her, her regality and beauty. There was no doubt in my mind that if were to be a queen in this life, she would be the most adored and respected queen of this continent.
She raised an eyebrow at me and I realised that I had been standing there and staring at her for too long. I walked over to her and greeted. "Good evening milady. You look gorgeous as ever!"
She gave me quick chuckle and said, "So, ready to head down." I gave a wordless nod and we started to walk downstairs. Airies was situated on Amber's shoulder and was talking to Sylvie. We walked down stairs and saw that most the Twin Horns were there already. We greeted them and talked while waiting for everyone else.
(Vincent Helstea POV)
I was currently in my room getting dressed for the anniversary of the auction house with a servant adding some final finishing touches.
"Are you sure you don't need conjurers inside?" I questioned Rey who was leading against the door. He looked like he was in deep thought, but quickly composed himself and answered.
"We have Angela and another wind conjurer alternating patrolling the grounds. We also have Durden manning the main entrance. Anymore and people will think we're preparing for war!" He finished off with a light chuckle.
"I'm really grateful that you and your old party members agreed to help out with security."
"Yeah, with them here I was able to position some other guards outside around the next block. We'll engage any threat before it can even enter the auction house and destroy it!"
"I know you're joking but I'm gonna hold you to that promise." we both laughed at the unlikely scenario. "By the way, what were you thinking about before? It looked like you were in deep thought." I was rare to see the cheerful and goofy Rey act all serious. If he of all people were acting serious, then whatever he was thinking about must have been important.
"Ah. Well, I was just thinking about Arthur." I nodded my head in agreement. Arthur was certainly a mysterious child, and it was common sense that a father would worry about his son.
"Speaking of Arthur, him an Amber asked me to get some stuff for them for their adventure. He wanted me to give him a sword. I was quite surprised actually. I thought you would teach him your in-fighting style of using gauntlets instead of swords." I voiced my thoughts. I've never seen Rey even wield a sword, so I never knew he could use a sword as well.
"Believe it or not, but I didn't actually teach him how to use a sword. All I did was get him a sword for his 4th birthday, but aside from that he learned on his own." He said while scratching his left cheek.
"What!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. But I guess if it was a generational talent like Arthur then it would be possible. *Sigh*"4 years old huh. Why am I not even surprised."
"Honestly, he says he's self-taught. But sometimes when we spar, he emits this... pressure." He closed his eyes, as if trying to remember this pressure he was talking about.
"Pressure?" I asked, uncertain of what he meant.
He nodded before continuing, "like this sort of calculated confidence that he's fought battles for decades."
I nodded my head in agreement, solely for the reason I knew where he was coming from. "I know what you mean. Something similar happens with Amber as well."
"What do you mean?" He tilted his head in confusion.
"Whenever we go to make business deals, she would sometimes come with me to help. When were in the presence of someone important, like a higher status noble family, she would start to emit this...aura."
"Aura?" He asked, further confused.
"It's like this superior, authoritative presence takes over her. Like she's used to being in these intense situations, negotiating with important figures. I mean I know I don't imagine it, as I can clearly them start to sweat and become weary of her. In all honesty, it makes making deals with them easier." I finished with a light chuckle.
*Chuckle* "Well lucky you. Business must be booming is you have her" We looked at each other and burst out laughing. We eventually finished our banter and headed downstairs to meet up with everyone.
(Amber Helstea POV)
"How did it take 2 grown men the longest to get ready?" Mother asked, clearly annoyed for making us wait so long.
"Haha, sorry about that. Rey and I were just talking about the Auction House and some other important things." They looked at each other then started to snicker.
*Sigh* "Honestly, you really can't tell that you're a grown man from that attitude." Mother said in an exasperated voice.
"Anyway, you guys all look great. I kind of feel bad more making everyone wear black and white though." He scratched his cheek in embarrassment. Apart from mother and Aunt Alice and Eleanor, everyone was wearing black.
After father and Uncle Rey came downstairs, we all headed to the carriages to leave for the auction house. The Twin Horns and Arthur along with Sylvie got on carriage to catch up with each other. The rest of us got on a separate one and left for the Helstea Auction House.
Nothing interesting happened on our short trip. Lilia and Eleanor played with Airies for a bit, while the grownups talked about what was going to happen at the auction. Meanwhile, I just stared outside, looking at the scenery.
"Missing him already?" Mother whispered to me. Me, mother, Aunt Alice and Eleanor were sitting on one side of the carriage in that specific order, whilst father, Uncle Rey and Lilia were sitting on the other side.
I looked back outside to see that the carriage that Arthur and the rest were at was directly in front of where I was looking. I guess she thought I was looking at the carriage and not the view itself.
"No. I was just looking at the view. It's quite calming, to take a look around Xyrus at a slow, steady pace. I don't know what you were thinking mother, but I assure you that's not it!" I said, looking at her from the corner of my eyes. I could see her smirking, as if she didn't believe anything I've said.
After a while, we finally reached the Auction House and the Twin Horns along with Uncle Rey immediately got to work. Father went somewhere else, while one of the guards took us to the VIP room. While we were walking, I saw Arthur looking at various objects that were on display, probably things that were going to be sold at the auction. His face displayed various expressions, from awe and admiration to confusion and shock.
We finally walked in front of the VIP room and the guard opened it. It was massive! The floor had a red carpet, probably signifying that only the most prestigious guests use this room. The walls were a cream colour with an intricate silver design on it. There was a large chandelier handing at the middle of the room and one of the walls was made completely out of glass so we could see what was going on down below.
The auction house was soon a panorama of cheerful and excited noise, as more and more people, who were no doubt people of some sort of influence, began filling the lower seats. There were some groups that seemed more distinguished than the rest who were personally escorted by the hosts to their booths. No doubt, they were some of the more affluent nobles in the Kingdom.
Growing bored of the hordes of overdressed nobles chatting eagerly amongst themselves I went and stood next to Arthur and we watched what was happening in the room. I shifted my attention to Lilia as she was teaching some sort of clapping game to Ellie. I couldn't help but smile myself as the both of them broke into a fit of giggles when either of them messed up and were flicked gently in the ear as punishment. Meanwhile, Sylvie and Airies were running around the room. My guess is that they were playing a game of tag.
"Looks like they're having fun." I spoke.
"Yeah, they are." He responded.
Suddenly, father came in with a group of important looking people. From their posture, aura and the important looking guards following them, I knew straight away that I was in front of royalty.
The first to come in behind father was an elderly man with long, deep-red hair that was aged with streaks of grey. His back was ramrod straight with broad shoulders that took off years in his appearance. The man's eyes were stern with harsh, sword-shaped eyebrows, giving him an undeniably eye-catching presence. He was wearing a red robe lined with white fur around the collar and had a cane that shined brighter than any silver I had previously seen.
Trailing closely behind him was a lady that looked a few years older than my mother. While my mother had a lovely, sweet, friendly ambience, this lady's facial features reminded me of an ice sculpture; refined, elegant, noble and with little to no flaws, but also cold and devoid of emotion. She was wearing a shimmering silvery-white dress that complimented her dark blue hair that draped over her shoulders like a well-kept tapestry.
Behind the lady of whom I assumed was the man's wife were two younger kids that could only be their kin.
(Kathlyn Glayder POV)
As I walked in, my eyes travelled across the whole room. It was small when compared to the rooms at the palace, but for a normal person or a lower-class noble it could be considered huge. As I was surveying the room, my eyes stopped at a group of people who were already there.
There were 2 women, both of whom gave of kind and gentle auras, and 4 children. 2 of the children, one of whom seemed like she was 5 years of age and another that seemed closer to my age, were looking at us with their hands raised. They were probably playing some sort of game before we had come in.
But no! What had really and truly caught my attention were the other 2 kids that were there. A boy and a girl.
The girl could only be described as beautiful. She had long flowing silver hair and honey tinted amber eyes. Her features were sharp and elegant, to the point where you couldn't find a single flaw. Her midnight black dress only heightened the illuminating colour of her hair.
The boy beside her was handsome. His auburn-coloured long hair contrasted with his piercing bright azure eyes. His face also had sharp features which were just above the textbook definition of handsome. The smile plastered on his face made him seem quite sociable and kind. It wouldn't be a surprise if her were to capture the hearts of many maidens in the future.
But that was not what made me catch their attention. It was their posture and aura. They stood straight and radiated maturity, something that my brother, the so-called Prince of Sapin, lacked. There was an aura of authority and superiority in their stance, but not in the same way that made them seem arrogant or as if they were looking down on someone. I am considered very mature for my age, but even I don't have the aura they have. I had only ever felt this type of aura from my parents and the other kings and queens. So why do they have it?
I looked at my family and it seemed as though only mother noticed it as well. She has a small look of surprise that most people wouldn't notice, but I did. I wouldn't expect by brother to notice this sort of thing, he's far too immature like all his male friends. Father was busy with talking to Mr Helstea.
"I didn't know we were sharing this space with others, Vincent." He spoke in an authoritative voice. His tone neither harsh or kind.
"M-my apologies your majesty. I seem to remember you asking to meet my family at one point, so I thought that this would be a perfect opportunity to meet them." He said with a slight bow. "This is my wife, Tabitha, and our children, Amber and Lilia. This is our family friend, Alice Leywin and her children, Arthur and Eleanor Leywin." As they were getting introduced, they took a knee in front of us, a sign of respect.
So, they were called Arthur and Amber huh. I think I have found my kindred spirits.
(Arthur Leywin POV)
"No need to be so formal. Friends of Vincent are friends of ours as well." He motioned us to stand while giving a charming smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. At least we'll have some company besides these guards," the queen giggled. I raised an eyebrow in surprise at the sharp contrast in the woman's personality to her appearance. She seemed much more welcoming, despite her intimidating looks, than her husband.
"Everyone, as you all may know, I'd like you all to meet the King and Queen of Sapin. Introduce yourselves to King Blaine Glayder and Queen Priscilla Glayder and their children, Curtis and Kathyln."
I looked at the royal children.
The boy, Prince Curtis, looked to be about the age of thirteen or so, took more after his father. With his serious brown eyes, straight brows, and his short mahogany hair that had a shiny lustre just like his father's, it was apparent as to what he would look like a few decades down the road. Despite his fierce looks, however, there was a sort of unrefined charisma that was different from his father's. It was the sort of charisma that would make him the centre of any group.
The princess, however, was a different story. She held herself with such maturity, that would think it wouldn't pe possible for someone of her age. You could argue that it was because of her upbringing, being a part of the royal family and all, but that didn't explain why she seemed mature, while her brother wasn't. Even Tess wasn't as dignified as her.
It would still be a couple of years until she started maturing, but needless to say, the potential was there. I couldn't help comparing her to Tess. They would both grow to be captivating to the men around them, but in very different ways. Tess was the lovely girl next door, with her comforting almond-shaped eyes that glowed a bright teal. Her peaches and cream complexion and rosy cheeks. Her unique, gunmetal hair complimented her eyes, giving her a mysterious, yet approachable aura.
She looked to be about my age, surveyed the room carefully before locking eyes with mine. Her porcelain white complexion was a canvas for her meticulously carved facial features. Her penetratingly sharp eyes that seemed much too mature for her age was a dark brown shade that appeared larger because of her long, thick lashes. Her hair was a glaring black, which she got from her mother. Compared to her dark hair and eyes, however, her small lips were covered in a soft pink shade that gave life to her doll-like appearance.
It was hard not to wonder how they would grow up to be; whether mother nature would make them bloom or wither.
However, one thing was for sure. Amber will bloom into someone they could never compare to. Her illustrious flowing silver hair. Her honey tinted amber eyes that showered you in warmth. Her smooth pale white flawless skin that seemed to illuminate her surroundings. Her sharp and well-defined facial features. And also, her figure. I could see it now, the formation of her hour glass figure that she once had in our past life. She had all the qualities that both the Ice Princess and Tessia had and didn't have. She would once again be the pinnacle of beauty, being regarded as the pride of Dicathen. Someone all women will aspire to be like and someone who'll capture the hearts of all men. And with her strength, she would be regarded even more highly.
I sighed to myself. This all meant that I would have to fight off all the noble brats to come to pursue her. Perhaps I may even need to show Prince Curtis his place if he tries anything funny or makes any moves on her or tries to use his royal status on her; by saying that she can be the queen of Sapin. However, I knew Amber would never even be tempted by something as petty as that.
Sylvie and Airies, who were hiding at the sight of the unknown people, came out and jumped on mine and Amber's shoulders respectively. I thought I heard a gasp from one of the guards in the rear, but I wasn't able to tell since their faces were covered.
"Oh my! What cute little mana beasts!" Queen Priscilla's face brightened up at the sight as she made her way towards me and Amber. The King and the two children's eyes looked towards our direction as well. The guards took a step forward as well, making sure they were close enough to react in case something happened to the Queen.
"They just hatched a few months ago your majesty. This is Sylvie, she's my bond." I explained. I didn't want to get on the queen's bad side by not speaking to her and looking disrespectful.
"And this is Airies. He's my bond." Amber added from beside me.
"How fortunate you are to have a mana beast. Even infant ones are not easy to tame, yet she looks to be very obedient." The king said.
"Well, we're able to communicate mentally, so it's more like a mutual agreement rather than obedience," I simply shrugged.
"What? You mean to say that you are under an Equals Contract?"