Upon seeing Marcus, Rosalie turned around with a gentle smile on her face and said softly, "Come here, son. Help me rate this painting that I had finished a moment ago."
Marcus looked at his Mother who stood not far from him. He silently walked toward the her.
He first greeted his her, and leaned in to examine the painting closely.
With a just glances, he couldn't help but exclaime, "In the painting is Aaliyah?"
Just as he finish his sentence, a slender hand gripped his shoulder, without thinking, he jumped in fright and quickly turned to see who it was.
It was a young girl with slightly pale skin and flowing blonde hair, dressed in crisp white shirt with wide sleeves. She resemble the girl in the painting almost the same.
She was none other than Aaliyah, Marcus's sister, the one born with phenomenon known as Fairy blessings.
"Aaliyah, can you please stop appearing behind me like that? You really scared me." Marcus blurted out
Hearing her brother's words, Aaliyah lowered her head slightly and muttered, "It's been a long time since we last meet, I just wanted to suprise you... but you ended up angry."
Because of her blessings since when the day she was born, she was carefully taken care of by the family, and the fact that she was born with a rare phenomenon was strictly kept secret. Beside her parents, only The king and the supreme magician knew of this. Even Marcus didn't know about it.
She wasn't allowed to go anywhere besides stayed in her room, every time, a professor would come and personally teach her there.
To be sure that no one knew about her blessings or suspected anything, she was allowed to come to the Golden Palace everytime she wants, of course she was also allowed to go outside, but she had to remain under Maverick's or Rosalie's attention.
After hearing Aaliyah's sad voices, Marcus's expression softened. "Hey, don't be upset. I'll tell you about the novel I recently read."
Aaliyah always stayed in her room, all the time. she was busy studying, and didn't have any time to read novel, all the book she had wete related to magic, language, magical creatures, and especially magic corresponding to sprite domains.
Because of her blessings, she was allowed to study magic before hand.
When she finished her lesson, she would always come here to listen to Marcus explain his experience in school and the novels he had read.
Upon hearing this, Aaliyah's upset expression slowly faded away, replaced by a bright, blooming smile, that seemed to calm the heart. She looked like a cute and innocent girl.
Looking at the two lovely children, Rosalie couldn't help but smile warmly, She bent forward slightly and gently touched her children. "You two really love each other, I'm truly glad to have you both as my children."
"Come here, I'll draw both of you." She said gently, and pointing to the side.
The spot she indicated was at the corner of palace, where flowers bloomed, pink and red ink stain adorned the area, it was a magical and serenity place for painting.
Marcus and Aaliyah obeyed. After sitting down, Marcus revealed a wide smile, while Aaliyah held a flower and placed it between herself and Marcus. it was truly a beautiful scene.
A happy smile flashes across Rosalie face, her eye is reflected her children like a tranquil water, as she began carefully painting this precious and memorable scene.
After while, the painting is ready, it was truly a beautifu painting, full of life and colour. Marcus and Aaliyah unable to contain their patience and hurriedly come over to see the results.
"Woah... it's a beautiful painting! Can I take it and put it kn my room?" Aaliyah said with an amazed expression.
"I want it too," Marcus exclamed, his eye filled with excitement and his mouth wide open.
"I'll give it to Aaliyah," She said softly.
Aaliyah eye sparkled with joy, and a happy smile flashed across her face. Her smile is like a flowers blooming under the moonlight.
"Don't be upset Marcus, Aaliyah she seldom come out, and there aren't any painting in Her room either. Beside you're always out playing with others, if you want a painting you can have one right here." She said softly gently touching Marcus's hair lightly.
Marcus's upset expression slowly faded away as a gentle smile appeared on his face. "Okay, I'll choose one later," he said softly.
As he sat down, Marcus began to explain,
"Once, a long time ago, there was a hero named Raven. He was a hero, but everyone blamed him for being selfish. He always betrayed others for his own desires… no one liked him…"
He continued telling the story of The Fallen Hero to Aaliyah. Sometimes Aaliyah became furious at Raven's selfishness, other times she pitied the people he had deceived… and sometimes she even cursed Raven out loud.
Rosalie, watching from the side, couldn't help but smile softly, though no one knew what she was thinking.
After a while, Rosalie clapped her hands gently. "Alright, it's time for Aaliyah to go back."
The two, whose emotions had been completely drawn into the story, suddenly snapped back to reality.
Marcus smiled with satisfaction.
"There's still a lot more to his story. I'll tell you the rest when we meet again."
"This Raven is so evil… he must be completely inhuman, without any emotion. He's too selfish," Aaliyah couldn't help but retorted.
"Hehe… but in the end, forget it, I shouldn't spoil you," Marcus laughed lightly, a playful glint in his eyes.
"Alright, that's enough. Here's the painting," Rosalie said softly, a bright and caring smile glowing across her face as she handed it over. "Mom will take you back to your room now."
"Mom… can I stay here a bit longer?" Aaliyah whispered, it was she want to listen more about the story of Raven.
Rosalie gently sighed, her gaze soft but firm. "Be obedient, dear. There is still a lot for you to learn," she said, lightly brushing Aaliyah's hair with her fingertips.
Then, with a warm, reassuring tone, she added, "Besides, there is plenty of time in the future. You can always come here again once you finish your studies. This place will be waiting for you."
Aaliyah nodded slightly and raised her hand to grab Rosalie's hand. As they walked, Marcus, who was behind them, seemed like he wanted to ask something, but he couldn't bring himself to speak.
Rosalie turned back, smiling at Marcus, and said, "I remember that your father has given you a book to read. Don't forget to read it."
As she finished, she opened the door. Aaliyah turned back with a silly smile on her face and waved her hand at Marcus. "I really hate that Raven. Are you thinking the same as me?"
Marcus smile lightly, and he couldn't help but reply, "There are still more stories about him. You will see that he was a great hero in the future."
By the time he finished his sentence, Aaliyah had already left.
He seemed to loss in thoughts, and couldn't help but muttered to himself, "I'm so confused… why is Aaliyah unable to go out freely? Is it because she hasn't turned eight yet?"
He always had this question in his mind. One day, he asked his mother, and she explained that Aaliyah was too weak since birth. Only after turning eight could she move about freely. He didn't know the truth that his sister is a gems of the family, the blessing of fairy.
Without thinking much, he picked up his book and quietly left the Golden Palace.
After a walking for a while, he finally arrived at his room.
Bella hadn't come to look for him because she had too many things to do. She was the leader of the servants in charge of the First Area. Besides, she had to observe other servants and instruct them on their duties.
After closing the door and looking at his messy room, Marcus couldn't help but sigh. "What did I do last night? I can't remember anything."
"Ehh… that time I was at the climax of fighting the Evil Boss," he muttered, touching his head slightly.
It was none other than his imagination running wild while reading the story. Sometimes he even broke a window. Other times, he even brought wood into his room.
"Compared to Lilian's room, my room is better." A delighted smile appeared on his face.
He jumped onto his bed, lay down for a few moments, and dropped the book his father had given him in front of his face.
Looked at the book, he couldn't help but muttered in confusion, "Why did Father summon me and only give me this book? It doesn't make sense at all."
"It seems that there's something special or magical about this book," as this though run through his mind.
He quickly flipped through the pages. The book wasn't very thick. Its contents detailed the origin of the Atraxia family.
Time seemed to pass, and as night finally arrived, Marcus finished his reading. He couldn't help but frowned. "I thought there would be something magical or special about this book, but it's just an ordinary book."
He checked the time on the wall. There was still some time before he was to meet his father. He couldn't help but think:
I heard from Mother that there is something special about Aaliyah, which makes her so weak that she needs constant care. She can only go out freely after she turns eight.
Also, today Father summoned me, and Mother wanted to meet me on the same day. That's very rare.
And I don't have anything to do now. I've already read every single novel in my stash including The Fallen hero. It'll take some time before I get more. For now, I have nothing to do…
Without getting any answers, he pushed all his thoughts to the back of his mind, quickly checked the time, and left his room, walking toward his father's study room.
Along the way, there weren't many members outside. Most had already returned to their rooms. Only a few lingered, chatting with each other, while others walked quietly.
The corridor was slightly quiet, with only the soft murmur of voices drifting through the air.
After walking for a while, Marcus finally reached his destination.
He quickly checked himself. After ensuring there were no problems, he unhurriedly knocked on the door.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
"Come in," suddenly a deep voice echoed from inside.