In one corner of the pool, a small group of four people chatted quietly. They sat on the edge or reclined on floats, each enjoying a drink as the atmosphere remained relaxed and harmonious.
Talia, calmly sipping lemonade, sat next to a girl who was about 5 feet tall. The young woman had Japanese features, brown hair tied back in a small ponytail with a red ribbon, steely silver eyes, and cream-colored skin. Her figure was slender but slightly athletic. She wore a short black kimono decorated with a red petal pattern, which gave her an elegant and understated air even in such a casual setting as the pool.
– What's been happening lately, Talia? – asked the girl named Himari calmly, holding a cup of green tea – With the preparations for next week's party and some personal matters, I haven't been very aware of what's been going on at the mansion lately.
– Well, there's not much to say, really – Talia replied with a small smile – Just the meeting with the UA, where what I mentioned earlier happened, and some preparations for other minor matters.
– Nothing unusual about Lefki? – Himari asked, noticing Talia raise an eyebrow – When I greeted him upon arrival, he seemed a little distracted. Not with his typical expression of someone pondering a new project, but rather… something deeper.
– The UA is making him uneasy – Talia explained seriously – Especially the fact that we'll be fully reintegrating into society after what happened in Naples. Even though the family has treated him wonderfully, deep down his natural curiosity is yearning for new experiences and relationships beyond our circle.
– And what do you think about that? – Himari said calmly – We know that, although we all love Lefki and revolve around him, you're the most protective and closest, because of your unique bond.
– It's complicated – Talia admitted, her gaze uncertain – The plan we have for him works in the short term, but I don't know how long we can extend it. Society is an environment we can't completely control.
– So you're worried his curiosity will lead him down a path outside of what we've planned and he'll get hurt? – another voice suddenly interjected, soft but firm, as she took a sip of hot chocolate – UA isn't a hostile environment, Talia.
The young woman who had just spoken was 1.65 meters tall and had French features: white hair, obsidian-black eyes, and pale skin that gave her a delicate and shy air. She was petite and wore a black one-piece swimsuit with a gray skirt. She was reclining on a small float in front of Himari and Talia.
– It's not just UA, Rose – Talia replied, looking at her reflection in the pool to avoid her sister's melancholic expression – It's everything that comes with being a hero. Villains and even certain members of society won't hesitate to tear him apart the moment they get the chance… and I'm terrified I won't be enough when he's vulnerable.
– I understand your point – Rose said shyly, moving a little closer on her small float – UA is an environment where we can grow up alongside him, yes, but when we face a serious situation… if none of the other Alepou or the servants are around, it'll just be you and Lefki facing the danger.
– Although I doubt the ordinary citizens are the problem – Himari chimed in, calmly analyzing the situation – Our family can handle most of those inconveniences. The real variable will be the villains.
– And that doesn't make the situation any less worrying – Talia admitted with a sad smile – This whole thing keeps going around in my head.
Suddenly, Talia felt a hand gently rest on her shoulder. It belonged to a girl who had been sleeping beside her just moments before. She was barely 1.55 meters tall and had Portuguese features: electric blue hair that fell in soft strands, bubblegum pink eyes, and a creamy complexion. Her flexible and adorable body resembled that of a cat, a detail accentuated by her Quirk, which granted her a tail, ears, and small feline whiskers that completed her appearance.
She wore a yellow jacket decorated with small lightning bolt logos, black shorts, and on her left ankle, a bracelet made of tiny yellow marbles that jingled with every movement.
– Let's hope that doesn't happen – said the girl, whose name was Leonor, her voice still sleepy but firm – And don't worry, Talia... you're not carrying that weight alone.
– Exactly – Rose continued with a small, shy smile – Even if you were left alone with Lefki, all they would have to do is wait for us to arrive. Because an Alepou never abandons another Alepou.
– The burden you feel is shared by the whole family – Himari added, gently taking Talia's hand to comfort her. Talia looked at her with renewed calm – That was our promise back in Naples. And it doesn't matter if the conflict is ten times worse: we are not the same as we were ten years ago.
– I think you're right – Talia said, wiping away the single tear that had escaped her eye – We must always trust ourselves… because our home will always be there for us.
While the conversation of the previous group drifted to lighter topics, a few meters away, on two sofas facing each other, sat another group of four siblings. On the first sofa was Miriam, fast asleep, reclining peacefully with her head resting on her brother Alexander's shoulder.
Alexander was an imposing man, 6'10", with pale skin and dark green eyes. His ash-black hair, along with his distinctly Russian features, gave him a strong and serene appearance. The thick beard and tattoos of trees and plants that adorned his arms completed his robust presence. He wore a red plaid shirt, long jeans, and brown work boots.
– Have you finished your UA preparation tasks? – Alexander asked in a calm and friendly voice – Sofia and Leyla.
Sofia was a young woman, 5'11", with Italian features, ash-colored hair, and golden-yellow eyes. Her fair skin and mature bearing gave her the air of an elegant huntress mixed with the commanding presence of someone from a mafia family. She wore a formal black suit with silver details, dark gloves, and matching boots.
Leyla, on the other hand, was 1.70 meters tall with dark skin, black eyes, and obsidian hair that accentuated her Turkish features. She wore a black tank top, denim shorts, and gray sneakers. Although her attire was simple, her presence exuded an analytical calm and the shrewdness of a seasoned trader.
– It's not a very difficult job – Sofia said seriously – I just checked a few things in the area to make sure about certain details, but other than that, I followed my usual routine.
– For my part, I just did as much research as I could on some valuables that interested me, but none of them caught my eye in the end – Leyla said calmly as she sipped pomegranate tea – And you, Alexander? How are your plants doing?
– Nothing out of the ordinary – Alexander replied, careful not to move the shoulder where Miriam slept peacefully – Kinoko and the rest of the gardeners keep everything perfect, and I just take care of a few personal projects.
– Aside from the UA preparations and your usual routine, did you do anything different? – Alexander asked, trying to steer the conversation toward a more casual tone.
– The same old thing on my end – Sofia replied, glancing sideways at Leyla, whose eyes seemed to light up at the question.
– Well, it's nothing too exciting, but I'm looking for a special gift for Lefki – Leyla said with a sly smile – Last week she mentioned wanting a new animal for the zoo collection, so I'm trying to figure out how to get one.
– Do you need help? – Sofia asked, genuinely interested – You know if Lefki overhears that, she'll get all excited and want to know everything, and I don't think you want her to spoil the surprise.
– Of course, Sofia, a few extra hands wouldn't hurt – Leyla replied, clapping softly, delighted by her sister's support – I'll wait for you in my room after the party, so I can tell you everything I've discovered so far.
– I'll be there – Sofia said with a small smile, just as Alexander steered the conversation toward a more mundane topic, something his two sisters understood and allowed this time, occasionally exchanging knowing glances about Lefki.