City of Cards: Capital of the Republic of Palm Groves
In the sunlit courtyard of a villa, a handsome young man with messy cyan hair lounged peacefully in a rocking chair, enjoying a sunbath with a cocktail in hand.
"Effort deserves reward. So if you want to be as comfortable as I am, you have to work. Understood?"
"Yes, Master!" Bell and Brad shouted in unison.
Opposite Sirius, the two children were chaining push-ups, squats, and strength exercises with a seriousness bordering on obsession.
Sirius took a sip of his cocktail, then slowly inhaled.
"Tomorrow, we'll be leaving the villa to head for Anthrapokentron, the headquarters of the Order. So even in my absence, you'll keep training. And don't call me Master. You haven't accomplished anything yet to be my disciples."
"Yes, Master!" they chanted again.
Sirius didn't even bother correcting them anymore. He had exhausted all his patience over the past two weeks.
