The dining table at the Altavis mansion was filled with laughter, conversation, and the clinking of porcelain plates. But tonight, the atmosphere felt a little different. Not only were all the members of Duke Elgard's family present, but Rosalia was also joined by her two younger sisters, Raliana and Ritalia. The house seemed livelier than usual.
Raliana, the elder of the two, had just turned fifteen, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity and energy. Ritalia, the youngest, was only twelve, but she carried herself with a quiet confidence, keenly observing the antics of her older siblings. Their presence had immediately drawn the attention of everyone around the table, especially Kazien and Alvin.
"Wow! If only you two were boys, your faces would be adorable!" Kazien exclaimed with an unthinking grin.
Slap! The sudden blow to the back of his head silenced the commenter immediately.
"Ouch! Why did you hit me?" he groaned, rubbing the spot that had been struck.
Alvin's eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms, annoyance written plainly on his face. "Didn't you realize what you just said?"
"I realized! I was only complimenting how cute they look! That's all!" the man defended himself weakly.
Kazien turned sharply, eyes blazing, and glared at Virena, who was trying her best to hold back a laugh. "Sis Virena, are you happy to see me suffer like this?"
"I'm delighted," she replied, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes. "You opened your mouth, and Alvin got jealous. Hahaha."
Kazien's expression darkened as he pointedly glared at her. "I won't let you hold me again!"
Virena tilted her head, smirking, and stepped closer. "Oh, come on, don't sulk. You're so dramatic."
Kazien turned away, pouting, his pride wounded by the teasing. Virena laughed, undeterred. "Fine, I won't tell you where the good magic books are in the Vorusan region if you keep sulking."
At the mention of rare magic books, Kazien's eyes lit up. His thirst for knowledge was immediate, and he could not resist. "Fine, fine! Sit there, and I'll sit on your lap! I won't even mind if you feed me!"
Alvin, observing the siblings' antics, could only smile wryly. The argument had shifted from jealousy to playful squabbling, and he felt a warm sense of amusement and relief. Their parents, Duke Elgard and Duchess Larina, simply shook their heads, resigned but fond of their children's constant energy.
"Geez, you two have your own secret weapons when it comes to arguing," William muttered dryly, trying to suppress a grin.
Rosalia watched carefully, absorbing every detail of the family dynamic. She realized that this closeness, this easy bond between siblings, was rare and beautiful. She silently vowed to nurture the same harmony with her younger sisters, Raliana and Ritania.
"Wow… holding Kazien on my lap is the best! If only you were smaller again, it would be so fun to feed you," Virena teased, unable to contain her playful affection.
"Sorry to disappoint you with my ever-growing body," Kazien replied, a hint of exasperation in his voice.
Davin, observing from his seat, offered a grin but politely declined when Virena jokingly offered, "Do you want me to hold you on my lap too?"
"No, thank you!" Davin answered, shaking his head firmly, though amusement twinkled in his eyes.
The dining table had transformed into a stage for playful chaos, a theater of lighthearted squabbles and familial teasing. Yet amidst all the banter, moments of seriousness occasionally surfaced.
"Father, I have a question," Kazien asked suddenly, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and curiosity. "Are there any books about alchemy here?"
"If I'm not mistaken, the merchant guild carries several books on alchemy and other magical arts. Why do you ask?" Duke Elgard responded.
"I'll buy them tomorrow," Kazien said. "I want to learn alchemy on my own terms."
"Take the money from the family vault if you need it," his father said with a soft smile.
"No need," Kazien replied, presenting his and Alvin's S-rank adventurer license cards. "We have enough from our earnings as adventurers."
The room fell silent for a brief moment as the reality sank in. Duke Elgard and Duchess Larina could hardly believe what they were witnessing. Their youngest sons, barely thirteen years old, had already reached the status of S-rank adventurers—a feat unheard of in the history of Lazavis City.
"Truly remarkable!" Duke Elgard said, pride evident in his voice. "We are proud of both of you for accomplishing something so impossible at such a young age."
Duchess Larina nodded, her eyes soft with admiration. "But why this party name, Altareess? What does it mean?"
Kazien smiled and explained, "It's a combination of our family names—Altavis and Latreess. Together, we are Altareess."
Alvin nodded in agreement. And Kazien continued his words. "I think, it makes sense to combine our two family names into one..."
Laughter and pride filled the room as the family absorbed this news. Even Virena, ever the teasing older sister, could not hide her admiration. She reached over and gently pinched Kazien's cheek.
"Behind all that power, you're still my cute little brother," she said, laughing softly.
"Don't pinch my cheeks! They'll sag!" Kazien protested, although the corner of his mouth twitched in amusement.
The rest of the family chuckled, watching their unique family dynamics unfold. Even with immense magical power and the status of S-rank adventurers, Kazien and Alvin were still the children they had always known—playful, curious, and full of life.
"William, Kazien, Alvin, Rosalia, your engagement will be publicly announced at the upcoming ceremony," Duke Elgard declared. "Prepare your finest outfits for the occasion."
The siblings reacted differently. William laughed, understanding the familial teasing that would inevitably follow, while Virena and Davin's eyes sparkled with curiosity.
"Come on, don't glare at me! Sis Virena, why not marry Commander Hellius' son, Victor? He's handsome, strong, and kind. I think he's perfect for you. And as for Brother Davin, I want to see Rio's younger sister. If she's worthy, I'll introduce her to you!"
Virena blinked in surprise. "Victor?"
Davin, equally intrigued, asked, "Rio's younger sister?"
Kazien nodded, smiling knowingly. "If you approve, I'll make the introductions."
"Father, Mother, how about that?" Virena asked.
The parents exchanged glances, both amused and impressed by Kazien's confidence and sense of responsibility.
"Then we bless your decisions." Duke Elgard said, finally. "Tomorrow," Duke Elgard continued, "Kazien, you will go to meet Rio's sister. We must finalize preparations for the engagement announcement."
"I'll go, father." Kazien replied confidently.
"Kazien, I'll come with you!" Davin interjected eagerly.
Kazien could only sigh and nod, resigned but accepting his brother's curiosity.
William and Virena burst into laughter at the sight. Kazien's bluntness had no effect against Davin's enthusiasm, a fact that seemed endlessly amusing to the older siblings.
Rosalia, observing silently, felt her heart swell. She understood now how close-knit the Altavis family was, how their personalities intertwined, and how love and respect for one another shaped every interaction.
As the night deepened, plans were made. Tomorrow, Kazien and Davin would visit Rio's house, while Alvin stayed behind to continue his studies in cooking and to prepare the necessary supplies for their upcoming journey to the Vorusan region. The mansion, alive with laughter and warmth, seemed almost to glow in the gentle candlelight, a sanctuary of family, friendship, and unbreakable bonds.