Marcus appeared in front of Vespers' room and tried to walk in only to see a barrier shielding it, it was a protective barrier that could withstand the attack of the adept rank but strong enough to prevent a Grandmaster rank from casually entering.
Marcus looked at the room with a complicated expression before leaving the door of the room, it was already dusk and everyone was preparing for dinner in the main dining room.
Vesper sat on his bed meditating restoring his mana, then after a few minutes he opened his eyes and picked up a parchment and started inscribing, he had no idea of the dinner meant to hold, but he was never a part of it so it did not exactly concern him.
Vesper was determined to make the most of his time. After the incident earlier he was determined to find out his origins, but before that he needed to master his strength.
After a few hours Vesper had finished inscribing a few grade one talismans, and he got up from his bed and walked to the balcony of his room that faced the north.
He stared at the crescent moon as he felt a cosy feeling, his mind became clear as he basked in the serenity of the night.
His thoughts wandered across all the basic information of space elements that were in his memories, he the closed his eyes as he tried an experiment on something that appeared in his mind.
Vesper focused his perception within himself for a moment and then he tried something that was unprecedented, he tried creating a space for himself, where he would store his items, but after a few tries he did not succeed.
After a few tries, the mana in his body was almost rock bottom, so he stopped and pondered on what he was missing.
Meanwhile an hour earlier the Ashborn Family were seated in the Royal dining.
Marcus wore a black coat and sat at the head of the table waiting as everyone walked in one by one. This was a rare time were they had to eat dinner all together as a family.
Anna walked in along with Adolfus, Damian, Theodore, Benjamin and a young lady with white hair and golden eyes, she was the only daughter of Anna and Third daughter to Marcus, Celine. They all wore a fancy dress fitting for the occasion.
After them, Diane walked in with Amon, Morgan, Morgana and a boy with black hair and golden eyes, his body was brimming with savagery that could not be hidden by the dress, he was Conrad, last son of Diane and seventh son of Marcus.
Then soon after Chloe walked in, while Aurora and Catherine followed behind her, both dresses in black flowing gowns, the contrast in their hair colour and matching outfit was a sight to behold. Alongside them a young man with blonde hair and red eyes walked in, a bloodthirsty aura seeped out of him and his gaze was like that of a predator stalking its prey, beside him was a little girl with green hair and green eyes, on her shoulder was a little creature surrounded with a green halo, and behind its back were a pair of green luminescent wings.
The two of them were the last of Marcus' thirteen children, Jonathan, the second son of Marcus and first son of Chloe, and Sophie, the last daughter of Marcus and Chloe.
Soon after they were all seated in the room and Marcus cleared his throat and spoke, "It is good we are all here as one happy family, there are things we would have to discuss freely, and I hope all of you put on your best behaviour for my sake."
He smiled as he clapped his hands twice, and following the sound of his hands the side doors opened as a troop of maids and servants brought in different dishes covered and placed them around the table.
Marcus smiled as he watched his children's expression, although he said they could discuss freely, he still said they should put on their best behaviour, so they knew there was a limit to their freedom, but they did not mind this and stared at one another.
"Father, where is big brother Vesper, I don't see him." The voice of a little girl broke the quiet atmosphere.
"Vesper is currently doing his things, and what we are about to discuss entails our family only, nothing more." Marcus replied, not bothering to cover up his words when he was speaking to his fourteen year old daughter.
Aurora's expression dimmed slightly when she heard her fathers words but she could do nothing to help.
Soon after all of them started eating, in a very quiet atmosphere, they watched each other as they ate, looking out for who would speak first, even the Empress and the Queens were silent.
Marcus then dropped his goblet and wiped his mouth before speaking, "First of all, I called this dinner to inform all of you with the exception of Sophie, that you all would participate in the war coming next week, and I will reward the best performers and punish anyone who does anything that harms the empire, be it cowardice or malicious actions."
The entire room became silent, some of the children had a neutral expression, while others had a surprised expression, but thinking about the possible rewards all of them felt their fighting spirit ignite.
"So, if there is anything at all any of you wish to speak of please feel free, I would love to hear your conversations for today." Marcus said as he cut up a piece of meat and ate.
Hearing his last statement, his wives did not know if to laugh or cry, they just wondered how the children would casually converse, but then someone surprised them.
"Amon, I know you were the one who revealed Vespers' secret to first brother, but I want to know why you angered him after father had punished him, do not mind me, I just want to to appease my curiosity." Jonathan's voice came up.
Amon looked at Jonathan for a while and then looked at Marcus who acted like he had not heard anything, continuing his meal.
Everyone else had paused their actions watching Amon, but Adolfus gaze was on Jonathan.
Jonathan patted Sophie's head before saying, "You can ignore it if it is inconvenient, I just wanted to know why."
"There is nothing much, I just spoke my mind casually, I did not expect that it would incite such a reaction from him." Amon said.
"Well that is not all dear brother, or is it?" A female voice sounded.
Everyone turned their heads to see a lady in black dress looking at Amon.