When they arrived at the Ensi Studio, Seraphina was immediately greeted with both respect and urgency from the staff. Even the director of Ensi himself stepped forward to welcome her personally, bowing slightly as if in the presence of royalty.
"Woah…" Raiquèn whispered under her breath, her golden eyes wide as she admired her aunt's radiant smile while shaking hands with the director.
"I didn't think Aunt would be so big time."
"Of course she is!" Ryo puffed out his chest proudly, patting Rai's head with a grin. "It's in our blood."
'Right… I almost forgot,' Rai thought, lips curling slightly.
Her family wasn't just wealthy—they were accomplished beyond belief. Her father, Hiroto Kanazora, was a pure Japanese man who had risen to global stardom as a singer by the age of twenty. His voice was said to cross borders and break language barriers, earning him invitations to stages all around the world. Because of his schedule, he traveled monthly, leaving them in different places depending on his work.
'I wonder how much the people are paying Papa just to hear him sing,' Rai mused, a little dazed at the thought.
Then there was her mother, Valentina Maria Ignazio—Spanish and Italian-born, a painter whose hands created miracles on canvas. She had been a rising artist when she first met Hiroto in Italy. With his support, connections, and her relentless talent, her career exploded. Now Valentina was a name carved into the history of art itself. Her most famous work, The Geograh, earned a permanent place in the Metropolitan National Art Museum in New York.
Rai groaned softly, sinking into the plush couch nearby.
'Urgh… both of my parents are legends in this life…'
Her gaze slid toward Ryo, who was giggling as the makeup artists dusted powder over his smooth, childlike face.
'And Brother… it looks like he's on the path to becoming a model, just like Auntie…'
Rai rested her chin on her palm, watching as the studio bustled with lights, lenses, and set adjustments. A sudden ache tugged at her chest.
'I wonder… if I can achieve my dream of becoming an actress in this life…'
"Uwahh~ whose child is this?"
Rai jolted slightly when a woman suddenly crouched in front of her. She had sharp features softened by a warm smile, her presence confident yet inviting.
Golden eyes blinked up at the woman innocently, almost startled.
"Oh my… you have such rare, prepossessing eyes," the woman commented with delight.
"Oh, she inherited them from her father," a familiar voice chimed in.
Both Rai and the woman turned to see Seraphina, who had finished her conversation with the director. Her lips curved into a warm smile.
"Oh gosh, Sera!" The woman lit up as they embraced briefly.
"Mika! It's been so long."
They chatted with the ease of old friends before Mika's gaze fell back to Rai, glowing with affection.
"She's such a cutie!" Mika crouched lower, locking eyes with her.
"Say, little princess, we actually need a child model for Ensi's upcoming brand launch. Would you like to volunteer?" Her voice was coaxing, but sweet.
Rai's lips parted slightly.
'This… this could be an opportunity. But… will I really be able to do it?'
Mika tilted her head patiently, still waiting for an answer.
'If I let this go… who knows when I'll ever get another chance?'
"Oh, Mika, Rai is a shy kid. I don't thi—" Seraphina began, her tone protective.
"Okay." Rai's voice came out firm, cutting her aunt off.
Seraphina's eyes widened, turning to look at her with gentle concern. "Are you sure?" She placed a hand on Rai's head, her touch warm and grounding.
Rai turned her golden eyes up at her aunt and smiled with childlike brightness before nodding. "Mhm!"
"That settles it then!" Mika clapped her hands together, delighted.
"I'll tell the director right away." She couldn't resist leaning down to pinch Rai's tiny nose playfully before rising.
Seraphina sat beside her niece, still studying her. "Are you really, really sure?"
"Geez, tía! I really am sure!" Rai pouted, puffing her cheeks in mock annoyance.
Seraphina only chuckled softly, smoothing her niece's hair down. But deep down, Raiquèn couldn't help but admire her aunt even more—her confidence, her beauty, her presence.
"Look, they're starting," Seraphina murmured, leaning back into the couch with practiced poise.
Rai's gaze shifted toward the lit set, where Ryo was now striking a pose.
"Woah… Brother looks… cool," she whispered, eyes sparkling.
The studio lights flickered on, bright and blinding against the white backdrop. Several staff scurried around, adjusting tripods, reflectors, and props. The photographer, a man in his mid-thirties with a scarf looped stylishly around his neck, clapped his hands.
"Alright, little man, let's see your charm. Ready?"
Ryo sat up straighter in the chair where the makeup artist had finished her work. His red hair gleamed under the studio lights, his features sharper than most nine-year-olds, carrying a natural blend of their mother's fiery coloring and their father's refined, Asian structure.
"Ready!" Ryo declared confidently, hopping onto the set with an almost exaggerated swagger.
Raiquèn blinked from the couch, tilting her head.
'Brother… looks way too eager.'
The camera clicked as Ryo struck his first pose—arms crossed, chin slightly tilted upward, his small mouth curved into a smug grin.
"Good, good! A natural confidence," the photographer encouraged, moving side to side. "Tilt your chin down just a bit. Yes—like that. Perfect."
Ryo followed eagerly, his grin softening into something more playful. He leaned against a small white cube prop, one leg bent, his eyes narrowing slightly as if he knew a secret no one else did.
Click. Click. Click.
"Ohhh," Raiquèn muttered, hugging a pillow against her chest as she watched. "Brother looks… really awesome…"
Seraphina chuckled beside her. "He does, doesn't he? He has the aura. I knew he'd do well."
The photographer called out again, "Try something casual—pretend you're walking in the park!"
Immediately, Ryo's childish side came through. He skipped forward with a little bounce in his step, swinging his arms dramatically. The staff laughed, and even the photographer lowered his camera briefly to grin.
"Not that much, iho. Keep it light!"
Ryo tried again, this time with a subtle smile, his eyes sparkling. The camera captured the innocence of his age mixed with the elegance of his appearance.
'He's… really good at this,' Rai admitted inwardly. Her lips curved unconsciously.
For the next half hour, Ryo switched between outfits—first a clean white shirt with suspenders, then a tiny tailored suit jacket that made him look more mature, almost princely. Each time, the studio buzzed with approval.
"He photographs beautifully."
"Those Ignazio genes are no joke."
"Look at that smile—natural star material."
The whispers floated around the room, but Rai could hear every one of them.
She hugged her knees on the couch, golden eyes following her brother's every move.
'Brother is shining so much under those lights… maybe… one day… I could too.'
As the last flash went off, the photographer lowered his camera, satisfied. "That's it! Excellent job. You'll make the brand proud, kid."
Ryo beamed, running off the stage. His eyes immediately searched for Rai, and when he spotted her, he puffed his chest proudly.
"Did you see that, Rai?!" he asked, still breathless from excitement.
Rai's lips curved into a soft smile. "Yes… you were really cool, brother."
Ryo flushed pink, scratching his cheek sheepishly, but his grin only widened.