In Elyndria, the king's birthday was never celebrated for just a day.
It lasted an entire week.
From the very first morning, the kingdom transformed. Streets were draped in silk banners, balconies overflowed with flowers, and lanterns shimmered like captured stars. The final day would be the grandest—the king's actual birthday—but even today, the first day, Elyndria already looked like a bride dressed in her finest, glowing with pride.
Inside the palace, preparations were endless.
Outside—
Nael had other plans.
Wrapped in a simple cloak, he slipped through a quieter gate with Leo close behind him.
"You're smiling too much," Leo murmured.
"That's because I'm free," Nael replied softly, then suddenly grabbed Leo's hand. "Come on!"
The streets buzzed with music and laughter. Nael pulled him straight toward a row of accessory stalls where silver chains and jeweled pendants sparkled under the lantern light.
"Choose for me," Nael demanded, leaning closer with bright, expectant eyes.
Leo gave him a look but stepped forward anyway. Unlike Nael's restless energy, he examined each piece carefully, fingers brushing lightly over cool metal and polished stones. He ignored the overly flashy ones, moving with quiet focus.
Then he paused.
A necklace with a deep blue stone set in fine silver caught his attention. It wasn't loud or extravagant—just elegant and calm.
Like the sea before a storm.
"This one," Leo said to the seller.
The vendor quickly wrapped it and handed it over. Leo took it—but didn't pass it to Nael.
Nael blinked. "You're not giving it to me?"
"I'll give it to you when we go back," Leo replied evenly. "You'll drop it here otherwise."
"I would not!"
"You would."
Nael pouted dramatically, then they walk forward
Nael's smile bloomed like spring sunlight.
Without hesitation, he slipped closer and clung to Leo's arm, almost hugging it as they continued walking.
"Fine," Nael said. "I'll wait. But you have to take good care of it okay."
Leo didn't answer—but the faint curve of his lips gave him away.
They wandered through the lively streets, Nael excitedly pointing at sweets, fabrics, and decorations, his laughter light and carefree. And through it all, he never once let go of Leo's arm.
The festival had only just begun.
___
The private jet touched down smoothly on the land of Elyndria, the golden skyline stretching beneath the late afternoon sun.
Cassian stepped out first.
A warm breeze greeted him—carrying laughter, distant music, and something almost sweet in the air. His sharp eyes scanned the horizon: marble buildings lined with climbing roses, streets polished to a soft glow, people dressed in flowing fabrics that shimmered as they walked.
He exhaled quietly.
"So father was not exaggerating," he said at last, gaze lingering on the lively crowd near the gates. "About the beauty of this place… and its people."
Ristof gave a satisfied hum. "I never exaggerate."
Before Cassian could reply, Elena approached swiftly, composed as always. She gently took his suitcase and guided it toward the waiting car.
"It's even more vibrant because of the festival week," Elena added, nodding slightly. "Elyndria knows how to celebrate."
Cassian slid his hands into his coat pockets, watching everything with calm interest. Nothing escaped him—the architecture, the guards at a distance, the rhythm of movement in the city.
Ristof gestured toward the sleek black car waiting nearby. "First, the casino. Business before pleasure."
Cassian didn't argue.
They drove through the decorated streets, lanterns already being lit despite the fading daylight. Music drifted from open plazas, and laughter echoed warmly through the air.
Soon, the towering building of Ristof's casino came into view—grand, polished, unmistakably powerful even in a foreign land.
Cassian stepped out once more, this time with sharper focus in his eyes.
Elena closed the car door behind him. "Preparations have already begun inside."
"Good," Ristof replied. "We don't have time to waste."
Without another word, the three of them entered the building.
___
Mason and Juri landed at exactly 5:50 p.m., the sky painted in soft shades of amber and violet. The air of Elyndria felt festive even near the private terminal—lanterns already glowing in the distance.
A sleek car was waiting for them.
"My sister doesn't waste time," Mason muttered as the driver stepped forward respectfully and took their luggage.
The ride to the mansion was smooth and quiet, the city buzzing beyond the tinted windows.
When they finally arrived at the grand estate, the tall gates opened without delay.
Ira was already standing at the entrance.
Elegant as ever.
The daughter-in-law of the powerful Stefen family, and Mason's elder sister, she carried herself with effortless authority.
The moment Mason stepped out of the car, he smiled faintly.
"How are you, Irai?"
"I'm fine," Irai replied warmly, stepping forward to hug him briefly before turning her attention to Juri. "What about you? And how are you, Juri? Does my brother bother you? Should I give him some beatings?"
Mason frowned. "Excuse me—"
Juri quickly bowed his head politely, a soft smile on his face. "He treats me well, Sister. There's no need for beatings."
Irai studied him for a second, then nodded in satisfaction. "Good. At least someone raised him properly."
Mason rolled his eyes.
Juri gently changed the topic. "How is your health, Sister?"
Irai's expression softened. "Much better now. The doctors here are quite attentive."
She then glanced behind them. "Where is Cassian?"
"He'll come later," Mason replied. "He had to go somewhere else first."
Irai hummed thoughtfully but didn't press further. "Alright. Come inside. The festival traffic will only get worse from here."
She turned gracefully and led them into the mansion, the warm lights from inside spilling across the marble floors.