Chapter 28: The Bonds of Family
The Augustine estate glowed in the warmth of the mid-morning sun, casting long shadows across the training grounds where Argus stood. His lean, muscled frame had changed over the past few years, and his once-boyish face now carried the sharpness of adolescence. His posture was more composed, his movements refined. But even in his newfound strength, there was still the unmistakable air of charm that had always surrounded him.
As he walked toward the mansion, a few of the maids who passed by blushed as they caught his eye. They bowed politely, but Argus noticed their flushed cheeks and averted gazes. His growing charm was becoming impossible to ignore. Even the older maids, who had long since become accustomed to his presence, couldn't help but notice the change. The younger ones, however, seemed most affected.
"Good afternoon, Young Master Argus," one of them greeted, her voice slightly shaky, betraying her nervousness.
"Afternoon," Argus replied with a nod, a slight smile playing on his lips as he continued toward the mansion.
It wasn't common for him to return right after training—Suzume usually kept him in the training grounds until dusk, pushing him to his limits. But this time was different. His mother had requested his presence. Though it was rare for her to summon him so directly, Argus knew her reasons weren't always serious. More often than not, Evangeline called him just to spend time together.
As he neared the mansion, a familiar voice broke through the quiet.
"Argus!" Lily's voice rang out as she ran toward him, her brown hair bouncing with each step. At nine years old, she had grown, but she was still much shorter than her brother, who towered over her. Her lively energy hadn't changed one bit since they were younger, and neither had the way she greeted him.
Before Argus could respond, Lily launched herself into his arms. He caught her with ease, a grin spreading across his face as he held her close.
"You're so much taller!" she said, laughing as she clung to him. "It's like you grow every day."
Argus chuckled softly, gently patting her head. "And you're still just as bouncy as ever."
Lily giggled and, without hesitation, clambered into what she considered her rightful place—his lap. Argus, now making his way to a nearby seat, let her settle comfortably. She grinned up at him with the same bright smile she always had.
"You've barely been around the mansion lately," Lily pouted, playfully poking his arm. "You spend all your time out there training."
"Someone has to keep up with all that energy of yours," Argus teased. "But I'll be here more often soon. I promise."
Lily's face brightened, and she nodded enthusiastically. "Good! You better keep that promise."
Just as Argus was about to respond, a familiar presence filled the room, and both siblings turned to see Evangeline standing in the doorway. Her dark hair flowed elegantly over her shoulders, and her eyes locked onto Argus with a mix of pride and something deeper, more possessive.
"Argus," she greeted softly, her voice carrying a warm undertone as she approached. She extended a hand, brushing his hair back from his forehead with a tender touch.
"Mother," Argus replied, gently moving Lily off his lap as he stood to meet Evangeline. He hadn't been expecting her to greet him so soon.
"You've grown stronger," she said, her voice filled with admiration as she looked him over. "I can tell just by looking at you."
Argus smiled softly. He had known for a while now that his mother always watched him train. Suzume had let it slip during one of their sessions, teasing him about his mother's constant watchfulness. At first, Argus hadn't noticed, but over time, it became clear that Evangeline's eyes were always on him, whether from the windows of the estate or somewhere close by.
"You're always watching," Argus said, his tone light.
Evangeline's lips curved into a small smile. "Of course I am."
She gestured for him to follow her, her touch lingering for a moment longer before leading him through the grand halls of the estate. The opulence and grandeur of the mansion, with its intricate designs and golden accents, was a constant reminder of their family's influence. Yet to Argus, it was just home.
They entered one of the smaller sitting rooms, a space Evangeline often favored for private talks. As they settled into their seats, Evangeline's gaze remained fixed on him, soft yet intense.
"You've been training hard," she began, her voice carrying a slight wistfulness. "But I miss you, Argus. You've been spending so much time outside, focused on training, and I've hardly had you to myself."
Argus blinked, surprised by the admission. "I see you often, Mother. You're always around."
"Being around isn't the same as having you close," Evangeline replied, her voice softening further. "I know how important your training is, and I've let you have that space. But soon you'll be going to the academy, and I won't see you as much."
Argus could see the longing in her eyes. He had always known his mother's love was overwhelming, but in moments like these, he could feel the depth of her care. "I didn't realize you felt that way."
Evangeline reached out, gently taking his hand in hers. "You'll be twelve soon, Argus, and your time here is slipping away. I want to spend as much of it with you as possible before you leave for the academy. You'll have one more session with Suzume, but after that, your focus will shift."
Argus raised an eyebrow. "Shift to what?"
Evangeline's smile grew, though there was a hint of reluctance in her next words. "To spending time with me... and the rest of the family, of course."
Argus chuckled, knowing full well that his mother's main concern was spending time with him. She had always been more focused on keeping him close, but he appreciated that she was willing to include the rest of the family, even if it was only for appearances.
"I understand, Mother," Argus said gently. "I'll be around more. We'll spend the time together."
Evangeline's eyes softened, and for a brief moment, the intensity that so often accompanied her love for him seemed to ease. She reached out and cupped his cheek, her touch warm and comforting. "You've always been such a good son, Argus. I'm so proud of you."
There was something undeniably warm about her words, and despite the weight of her possessive love, Argus couldn't deny the comfort it brought him. Her love might have been intense, but it was genuine, and it had shaped him in ways even he didn't fully understand.
He smiled softly, leaning into her touch for a brief moment before pulling away. "I'll make sure we spend as much time as possible before I leave."
Evangeline's smile widened. "Good. I've missed you more than you know."
The conversation lingered for a few moments longer, filled with a quiet understanding between mother and son. Argus knew the academy would mark a turning point in his life, and even though he was eager to start that chapter, part of him understood his mother's desire to keep him close for just a little while longer.