The week following Edwin's birthday celebration brought an unexpected change in the dynamics of our small group. Something had shifted during that perfect day—not just for Edwin, but for all of us. The ceremony welcoming him as an honorary member of our family had crystallized bonds that had been growing for two years, and now we moved through our daily routines with the comfortable familiarity of siblings who truly belonged together.
"I can't believe you actually got Viscountess Rivelle to smile," Isadora said as we walked through the estate's eastern gardens after finishing our morning lessons. "When you gave that analysis of trade policy impacts on border security, I thought she was going to start clapping."
Edwin grinned, looking more relaxed than I'd seen him since his arrival. "Father always said that understanding how different systems connect to each other was the key to good governance. I guess all those boring lessons about resource management finally paid off."
"It wasn't boring," I protested. "The way you explained how disrupting one trade route could cascade into regional instability was actually brilliant."
"Thanks," Edwin said, and I could tell the praise meant something to him. Over the past two years, he'd grown more confident in expressing his knowledge, but he still sometimes seemed surprised when his insights were genuinely appreciated rather than merely tolerated.
Celia, who had been unusually quiet during our walk, suddenly stopped and turned to face the rest of us. "I need to tell you guys something important."
The serious tone of her voice immediately got our attention. Celia was rarely serious about anything unless it really mattered.
"What's wrong?" I asked, studying her expression for clues.
"Nothing's wrong, exactly," she said slowly. "But I overheard Mother talking to Captain Aldric yesterday, and... well, the situation in the west might be changing."
Edwin went very still. "What kind of changes?"
"I don't know all the details," Celia admitted. "But it sounded like there might be some kind of diplomatic breakthrough. The Antalus Empire has apparently pulled back some of their forces from the border regions."
The implications of that news hit all of us at the same time. If the tensions that had brought Edwin to Silvaria were genuinely resolving, it might mean...
"Does that mean I'll have to go home soon?" Edwin asked quietly.
"I don't know," Celia replied. "Mother didn't say anything specific about that. But I thought you should know what I heard, so you wouldn't be caught off guard if she talks to you about it."
Edwin nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful rather than panicked. "Thank you for telling me. I... I'd rather know what might be coming than be surprised by it."
We continued our walk in contemplative silence, each of us processing what this potential change might mean. Two years was a long time in the life of a ten-year-old—long enough for Silvaria to feel like home, for our friendship to feel permanent, for the idea of separation to be genuinely painful.
"Even if you do have to go back to Ardenfall eventually," Isadora said finally, "that doesn't change anything between us. You're still family. Distance doesn't change that."
"She's right," I agreed. "And it's not like Ardenfall is on another continent. We could visit each other, keep in touch through letters, maybe even coordinate our educations so we're learning similar things."
Edwin's expression brightened at these suggestions. "Do you really think that would be possible?"
"Why wouldn't it be?" Celia asked pragmatically. "Our families are allies. It makes sense for the next generation to maintain close relationships."
"Plus," I added with a grin, "do you really think Celia is going to let you disappear from our lives after putting that much effort into your birthday party?"
"Not a chance," Celia confirmed firmly. "You're stuck with us now, whether you like it or not."
Edwin laughed, the sound carrying genuine relief. "I can't think of anything I'd like more."
As we made our way back toward the main house, I found myself thinking about how much all of us had changed over the past two years. Edwin had arrived as a formal, somewhat rigid boy who seemed older than his years due to the weight of his responsibilities. Now he moved with the easy confidence of someone who had learned to balance duty with friendship, who understood that strength could coexist with warmth.
Celia had grown as well, developing from an enthusiastic but sometimes impulsive child into someone who could plan complex projects and consider the emotional needs of others. Her natural leadership abilities had been refined by experience, and she'd learned to channel her energy into purposeful action.
Isadora had perhaps changed the least, but that was because she'd arrived with a practical wisdom that served her well in any situation. If anything, her time with us had simply given her more opportunities to apply that wisdom, and she'd become the reliable voice of reason that kept the rest of us grounded.
As for me... well, my changes were more complicated. Physically, I'd grown stronger and more coordinated, though my mana core remained stubbornly at Yellow Stage despite intensive cultivation. The limitations of my young body continued to frustrate me, but I'd learned to work within those constraints rather than fighting against them.
More importantly, I'd learned to value the relationships I was building here. In my previous life, I'd been too focused on personal power and individual achievement to truly appreciate the strength that came from working with others. This time, I was discovering that shared knowledge and mutual support could multiply individual capabilities in ways I'd never imagined.
"Lance," Edwin said as we reached the main courtyard, "can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
"If I do have to go back to Ardenfall soon, would you consider coming with me? At least for a visit?"
The invitation caught me off guard. "What do you mean?"
"Father has been writing about wanting to meet you," Edwin explained. "He's heard about your... unusual talents, and he's curious about your perspectives on strategy and political theory. Plus, I think he'd like to thank your family properly for everything you've done for me."
I glanced at Celia and Isadora, seeing similar surprise and interest in their expressions.
"It would be an incredible opportunity," Isadora said thoughtfully. "Getting to see how another Great House operates, understanding their perspective on imperial politics..."
"And it would be fun!" Celia added enthusiastically. "A real adventure, traveling to the western mountains, seeing all the places Edwin has told us about."
The idea was certainly tempting. I'd been curious about Ardenfall since Edwin's arrival, and the opportunity to observe their military organization and strategic thinking would be valuable for my own education.
"I'd have to ask Mother, of course," I said slowly. "But if she agreed... I think I'd like that."
Edwin's face lit up with excitement. "Really? That would be amazing! I could show you the training grounds where Father taught me swordwork, and the great hall where we hold formal ceremonies, and the mountain paths that lead to the border fortresses..."
"Easy there," I said with a laugh. "This is all still hypothetical. We don't even know if you're actually going home yet."
"Right," Edwin said, though his enthusiasm was clearly not diminished by this practical consideration. "But if I am, and if you can come... it would make leaving here so much better."
That evening, as we prepared for dinner, I found myself reflecting on how naturally the four of us had begun planning for an uncertain future. There had been no drama, no desperate promises or emotional outbursts. Instead, we'd simply acknowledged that our circumstances might change while affirming that our friendship would adapt to whatever came.
It was a mature response that spoke to how much we'd all grown, but also to the genuine strength of the bonds we'd forged. These weren't relationships built on convenience or proximity—they were connections that could survive distance and time.
"You're thinking very seriously about something," Mother observed as she joined us at the dinner table. "Care to share?"
I glanced at Edwin, who nodded encouragingly. "Edwin mentioned that there might be developments in the western border situation. Celia overheard some conversation between you and Captain Aldric."
Mother's expression grew thoughtful, but not displeased. "I see. Well, since you're already aware of the general situation, I suppose there's no harm in discussing it openly."
She set down her utensils and looked at each of us in turn. "The Antalus Empire has indeed begun withdrawing some of their forces from our border regions. Their new emperor has apparently decided that the costs of maintaining pressure on the Killion Empire outweigh the potential benefits."
"New emperor?" Edwin asked sharply.
"The old emperor died three months ago," Mother confirmed. "His heir has different priorities and a different approach to foreign policy. This could be very good news for regional stability, but it's too early to know for certain."
"Does this mean Edwin will need to return to Ardenfall?" Isadora asked directly.
Mother's smile was gentle but honest. "Possibly. The Archduke has sent word that he's evaluating the situation and will make a decision within the next few weeks. Nothing is certain yet, but Edwin should be prepared for the possibility."
Edwin nodded solemnly. "I understand, Your Grace. And I want you to know... whatever happens, these two years at Silvaria have been the best of my life. You've given me more than just sanctuary—you've given me a real family."
"You'll always have a place here, Edwin," Mother replied warmly. "Regardless of what political necessities might require."
As dinner continued, the conversation turned to lighter topics, but I could sense an undercurrent of change in the air. The comfortable routine we'd established was about to be disrupted, and while that wasn't necessarily bad, it would require all of us to adapt in new ways.
'Change is the only constant,' I reflected, remembering a saying from my previous life. 'The key is learning to grow with it rather than being broken by it.'