The late afternoon sunlight streaming through the grand windows of the Altavis residence began to shift into a golden orange hue, casting long silhouettes across the cold marble floor. On the plush, long sofa, Alvin slept peacefully on Kazien's lap. The High Elf's chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his messy strands of golden-yellow hair sprawled across Kazien's robe, shimmering like pure gold threads spun by the goddess of light. His mint-green eyes were shut tight, as if the world around him were nothing but an endless, beautiful dream, far removed from the political intrigue currently playing out in the room.
However, for those still awake, the atmosphere in the room slowly shifted. The warmth of the family reunion and Sarias's romantic moment faded, replaced by a tension demanding serious attention.
William, who had remained mostly silent, observing from his wingback chair, finally cleared his throat softly. His face wore a serious expression as he looked at his parents, then shifted his gaze to the King.
"Father, Mother," he began, his voice low but clearly audible in the room's silence. "Why did Father bring His Majesty the King here personally? Is there an urgent matter to discuss? This feels like more than a customary visit."
The question made Davin, Virena, and Selena straighten their posture. Even Sarias, who had just recovered from his transformation, could sense the change in the air.
King Nalvon nodded slowly. His usually friendly face now radiated the cold authority of a true ruler. He answered in a heavy yet measured tone.
"Correct. It is better if I explain it directly," replied King Nalvon.
Everyone adjusted their seating positions; anticipation hung heavy in the air.
"After the death of Marquis Jastiver," King Nalvon began, his eyes sweeping over the faces of Duke Elgard's children one by one, "most of his territory has been claimed by the Altavis family. This is not merely conquest, but punishment for the murderous intent he directed at Selena. I have revoked his family's land rights."
The King paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"The Vorusan region is now leaderless. One of you must take that responsibility and become the ruler of this territory. A Count or Countess is needed!"
Silence fell for a moment. Everyone's eyes instinctively turned to Kazien. After all, he was the one who contributed the most in the recent conflict. His terrifying intelligence and immeasurable magical power made him the most logical candidate.
However, Kazien's sapphire blue gaze remained unwavering, cold and calm like the surface of a frozen lake. He continued to stroke Alvin's hair gently.
"I am not interested," Kazien stated firmly. His voice carried absolute certainty that brooked no argument. "My ambition is not in thrones or territories. Being a regional ruler would restrict my movements."
King Nalvon had anticipated his answer and then shifted his gaze to the eldest child. "Selena?"
"I am not interested, Your Majesty," Selena answered without a shred of doubt, her purple eyes radiating determination. "I have just found a new priority in my life. I want to focus on my family and my path as a knight in Lazavis."
King Nalvon looked at William. "William? You are the eldest son."
William shook his head respectfully but firmly. "I cannot, Your Majesty. I am the heir to the title of Duke Altavis. My place is in Lazavis to prepare myself to succeed Father one day. I cannot abandon my primary duty to manage a branch territory."
The refusal of the three siblings created a stalemate. The Vorusan territory was vast and strategic; it could not be left empty without a leader from the main family.
It was then that Davin leaned back against the sofa. A distinctive, confident smile was etched on his face. He looked at Virena with a meaningful gaze.
"Then, let Sis Virena be the Countess," Davin said casually yet calculatingly. "With Victor as her head of household, she can certainly lead Joltam wisely."
Virena's eyes went wide with disbelief. She looked at Davin, then turned to her other siblings. She expected a rebuttal, or at least a debate.
However, what she found was a silence of agreement.
Her siblings looked serious. No one disputed Davin's words. William nodded in agreement, Selena smiled in support, and Kazien—the genius—seemed very satisfied with the proposal. Davin's logic was irrefutable: Virena possessed great management skills, and with Victor's strong support in swordsmanship and expertise in administration, they were the perfect pair for Joltam.
There was no room to argue. Virena realized she had been cornered by her siblings' consensus.
With a long sigh of resignation, Virena finally nodded. Her shoulders dropped, accepting the weight of the small crown.
"Very well," she said softly but steadily. "I will accept that responsibility."
Duke Elgard and Duchess Larina exhaled in relief simultaneously. The family's trust in Virena's abilities assured them that the new Altavis territory would be in the right hands.
"Virena Altavis," King Nalvon declared in a solemn tone, "starting today, you are the Countess of Joltam. As soon as I return to the capital, all official matters regarding the Vorusan territory will be finalized."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will dedicate myself fully to my duties," Virena replied, bowing respectfully.
At the corner of his lips, Kazien offered a faint smile. Yet, behind that smile lay a subtle discomfort in his chest. A strange sense of melancholy. He watched Virena, who now bore the burden of a high noble title, preparing to leave the main house to live in the city of Joltam with Victor.
Soon, Kazien thought, I will deeply miss these days full of laughter because before long, we will go our separate ways. Our childhood has truly ended.
Only Kazien knew the bitter truth of that maturity in his silent heart.
Kazien's reverie was broken when his father's deep voice shattered the silence once again with a shocking announcement.
"Selena, William, Virena, Davin! In two months, your weddings will all be held simultaneously!" Duke Elgard exclaimed suddenly.
The family blinked in shock. A mass wedding?
"And Kazien," Duke Elgard looked at his youngest son with a warm gaze. "Your official engagement to Alvin will also coincide with this celebration."