Elrian puffed up his chest, trying
A brief silence followed his monologue. Then, a chuckle escaped from Alden, soon joined by Lyssandra's melodic laughter. Arlen tried his best to suppress his smile but failed miserably. The weightiness of Elrian's words, combined with the contrast of his young age and the sheer sincerity he exuded, made the entire situation irresistibly humorous.
Seeing his family laughing, a deep blush crept up Elrian's face, the stark realization of his over-dramatization becoming apparent. He muttered, slightly embarrassed, "I was just trying to be serious..."
Lyssandra, wiping a tear from her eye from laughing so hard, gently ruffled Elrian's hair. "Oh, my sweet boy, your heart is in the right place. And that's what truly matters."
Alden added with a grin, "Your sincerity is commendable, Elrian, but remember, it's okay to be a child sometimes."
