After they finished eating, they were told to change clothes and meet at the gates.
Vladislav dressed in a long-sleeved black shirt lined with subtle silver stripes, tucked neatly into black trousers, his boots polished to a soft gleam. Draped over his frame was a large and elegant coat, embroidered with golden dragons that seemed to coil and dance across the fabric whenever the light struck. His long black hair, reaching to his shoulders, was tied back into a neat ponytail, though a few strands had been left loose, framing his forehead with a careless grace.
Beside him walked Athelstan, matching his brother's coat but with a different underlayer — a plain black shirt that fitted snugly against him. His trousers and boots mirrored Vladislav's, yet his snow-white hair tied into a ponytail gave him a sharper, more ethereal appearance. Where Vladislav's presence was dark and commanding, Athelstan's contrast of pale hair and dark attire made him stand out like moonlight reflected on midnight water.
It had been Geneviève herself who had fussed over them earlier, insisting: "My sons have to look good. People must see the dignity of the Schatten family." She had made sure every fold of cloth and every strand of hair sat properly before letting them leave.
"I look so handsome. Don't you think, bro?" Athelstan asked with a smug tilt of his head as they walked down the corridor.
"Not more than me," Vladislav replied flatly, though the corner of his lips tugged upward.
Athelstan clicked his tongue. "Narcissistic bastard."
"The pot calling the kettle black." Vladislav smirked, earning a scowl from his brother.
As they rounded a corner, they encountered the twin sisters — Clara and Laura. The two girls were as striking as ever, their blonde hair cascading like silk down their backs. Both wore matching black dresses with subtle silver trimming, the fabric flowing gracefully around them as they walked. Each had styled their hair slightly differently, Clara with her strands tucked behind her ears and Laura with loose locks framing her cheeks, making it easier for others to tell them apart. Yet to Vladislav and Athelstan, who had grown up alongside them, there had never been confusion.
Clara was the first to bow, her face composed and serious. "Both of you look great, Young Master Vladislav and Young Master Athelstan."
"Thank you, Clara. You both look gorgeous today," Vladislav replied with genuine warmth.
Laura, however, crossed her arms with a small huff. She was still sulking from something earlier.
Vladislav crouched dramatically onto one knee before her, taking her hand and brushing a kiss across the back of it. "Why are you still angry, oh most beautiful girl in this estate?"
The gesture drew unexpected laughter from Athelstan and even coaxed a rare smirk from Clara. Laura's cheeks flushed crimson, and her pout melted into a giggle. "Hehe, fine. I'm not angry anymore."
Vladislav rose with a satisfied smile. "Good. Anger doesn't suit you."
They left the mansion together, following the cobblestone path that wound toward the estate gates. The winter air was crisp, the faint crunch of gravel beneath their boots mixing with the soft rustle of the trees that lined the path. As they approached the gates, two long rows of soldiers clad in black armour stood at attention, one line to the left and one to the right, their polished breastplates reflecting the pale light of day. The disciplined clank of armour echoed as the boys and their companions passed between them. Each soldier thumped a fist to his chest and bowed deeply, saluting.
The sight struck Vladislav, though he kept his expression calm. To Athelstan, however, it was more amusing than moving. "Damn, it almost looks like we're going to some grand council. All this for us?"
"Perhaps we are more important than you think," Vladislav murmured, though even he nodded in agreement at the strangeness.
At last, they reached the gates. Waiting for them there were Mary, Leon, and Asa.
Mary looked radiant in a long, flowing white dress that brushed the ground, her appearance so youthful she could have been mistaken for a woman in her twenties. There was an otherworldly beauty about her, heightened by the contrast of her pristine attire amidst her darker-clothed grandchildren.
Leon stood beside her, dressed in a heavy black fur coat without ornamentation, his trousers and boots neat and plain. His jet-black hair had been combed back meticulously, his sharp expression making him appear older than his age.
Asa, ever rebellious, had abandoned expectations entirely. Instead of a dress, she wore long black trousers paired with a black blouse adorned with delicate flower designs, a short black jacket completing her look. Her hair, normally tied into a ponytail, now flowed freely down her back, its dark waves catching glimmers of sunlight. She carried herself with a mix of defiance and confidence, as if daring anyone to question her attire.
Mary smiled fondly. "Hehe, it seems my grandchildren decided to dress up a bit. You all look very cute."
Vladislav smirked at Asa as he approached. "Heh, Asa, still wearing trousers like a boy? I thought you'd finally wear a dress today."
"Shut up. I'm not 'dressing like a boy'. I can wear whatever I want," Asa snapped, folding her arms stubbornly.
Clara and Laura stepped forward to greet Mary, Leon, and Asa with bows, their politeness forming a stark contrast to the siblings' bickering.
"Damn, we're all wearing black like we're heading to a funeral," Athelstan observed, his tone playful.
"Quite the gothic family," Asa said with a grin.
"Everything looks good in black," Leon replied flatly.
"Young Master Leon is right," Clara added in her calm, measured voice.
"Except for Grandma, of course," Vladislav countered smoothly. "She looks like an angel standing among little demons."
Mary laughed softly and spun in a graceful circle, the hem of her white dress fanning out. For a moment she looked ethereal, as though she truly were something divine. "Oh, do I really look like an angel?"
"Wow, Grandma is so beautiful," Asa murmured without thinking.
Vladislav wasted no time. "Don't get your hopes up. You'll never look as beautiful as her."
Asa turned and glared, her eyes narrowing dangerously. Without hesitation, she punched his shoulder hard.
"Ow! So uncivilised for a lady," Vladislav winced, rubbing the spot.
"Do you want me to punch you again?" Asa raised her fist threateningly.
"No ma'am," he surrendered quickly, raising both hands.
Laura giggled at the display, her earlier foul mood fully replaced by amusement.
Before the teasing could continue, the deep neighing of horses echoed from beyond the gates. Everyone turned as two sleek black horses trotted into view, pulling behind them a carriage that gleamed with polish. Predictably, the carriage was black as well, but its design spoke of wealth and prestige. Its frame was crafted from dark lacquered wood reinforced with fine metalwork, the wheels edged with steel, the leather fittings stitched with meticulous care. Every detail reflected the Schatten family's status.
On the door gleamed the family crest — a black dragon coiled menacingly around a black obsidian sword, its fangs bared in silent warning.
"Wow, the carriage looks fancy," Athelstan breathed, eyes wide.
"Of course," Mary said proudly. "My beautiful grandchildren deserve beautiful things."
The driver, a uniformed servant, climbed down, bowed low, and moved to open the carriage door.
But before anyone could step forward, a sharp cry rang from above: "Wait!"
All heads tilted upwards. From the sky descended Geneviève, her dark dress flowing like a cascade of shadows as she drifted down. Her black hair glimmered, catching the sunlight as she landed with perfect grace. To anyone else, the sight might have been miraculous, but to the family it was a reminder of who she was — a mage of considerable power.
Vladislav blinked. "I keep forgetting that Mom is a mage."
"Yeah, me too," Athelstan admitted, shaking his head.
Geneviève hurried towards them, her expression stern and yet soft with worry. "How could you leave without saying goodbye properly?"
"We already did, back at the mansion," Vladislav pointed out.
"No, that wasn't enough." She pulled both sons into a fierce embrace, showering their faces with kisses. Her arms wrapped around them so tightly that it was as if she hoped to imprint the feeling into her memory. "Stay safe, my babies. Enjoy the city, but don't wander too far. Always stick to your grandma, understand?"
"Yes, Mom," Athelstan answered immediately.
"Yes, Mom," Vladislav echoed, though his voice was muffled against her shoulder.
"Good." She gave them each another kiss on the forehead, her eyes brimming with reluctant affection. She then turned to Mary and hugged her tightly. "Please, take good care of them, Mary."
"They're in safe hands," Mary assured her, patting her daughter-in-law's back gently.
"I'll miss you, my babies," Geneviève whispered as she pinched their cheeks.
"There's nothing to worry about. We'll be back before evening," Vladislav said with a reassuring grin.
Geneviève nodded slowly, though her eyes lingered on them as if to memorise every detail. "I'll be waiting."
With a final wave, the children climbed into the carriage. The interior was a striking contrast to the dark exterior: upholstered entirely in soft white leather, the seats cushioned and spacious. Golden trim lined the windows, and the faint scent of lavender hung in the air from a sachet tucked discreetly in the corner.
Vladislav, Athelstan, and Leon sat on one side, while Mary, Asa, Clara, and Laura filled the opposite bench. The carriage creaked slightly as it adjusted to the weight, then settled into stillness.
Laura leaned forward with a curious smile. "This must be your first time in a carriage, right, Young Master?"
Before Vladislav could answer, she added teasingly, "Just wait until you see the city. You'll be so shocked your eyes will pop out of your head."
"Probably true for all of us," Vladislav admitted with a small shrug.
"Hey, who are you calling a kid?" Asa shot back, raising an eyebrow.
Leon smirked faintly. "You may be older than them, but you're still a kid, Asa. You're only eight."
"And don't forget, I'm older than you." His smirk widened, smug.
Asa opened her mouth, ready to unleash a storm, but then snapped it shut, her face reddening in frustration. She hated being reminded that Leon, as her twin, had been born first. A few minutes older, but enough to claim the title.
Vladislav grinned and high-fived Leon, the two boys sharing a look of victory. Asa muttered something under her breath and turned to glare out of the window.
Mary watched them quietly, her eyes soft with nostalgia. They remind me so much of their fathers when they were young. Each of them carries the shadow of their bloodline in their own way.
Silence fell gradually, broken only by the rhythmic clatter of hooves against the road. Outside the window, tall trees blurred past, their leaves whispering in the breeze. The estate slowly faded into the distance, replaced by rolling hills and winding dirt paths that stretched toward the horizon.
Vladislav leaned his head against the glass, the vibration of the carriage soothing in its repetition. His eyes grew heavy, and before long, his lids slipped shut. The gentle sway of the carriage rocked him into sleep, his last thoughts filled with the anticipation of what awaited them in the city of Izélia.
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A/N : I will upload maybe 4 more chapters later:)