Cutleries clinked softly, a harmonious sound that paired with the faint crackle of a fireplace nearby. The dishes on the table steamed, their rich aroma mingling in the air, a comforting yet formal presence that underscored the atmosphere of the room. A family of five sat at a long dining table, their movements poised and elegant as they ate with the refinement expected of nobility.
"Yen."
"Yes, Father?"
Yen placed his utensils down with deliberate care, the polished silver catching the light as he turned his attention to the head of the table. His father, however, didn't meet his gaze, his focus entirely on his own plate.
"The second prince will attend the academy soon," his father stated, his tone devoid of emotion but brimming with expectation. "I assume you already know what you must do."
Yen's lips curled into a perfectly rehearsed smile, a fake one at his father.
"Ah, to gain the prince's favor," He thought before replying, "Yes, father."
"The second prince? I had the pleasure of meeting him at the palace not long ago," chimed in Elluah, the eldest son, his voice as bright and warm as the smile that accompanied it. "His Highness was humble and kind—a truly good friend to have."
Yen turned toward his older brother, nodding politely. In truth, Yen admired Elluah deeply.
His brother had accomplished so much at such a young age. Already a renowned summoner, Elluah had formed a legendary soulbound, a creature with unparalleled healing abilities. Together, they can heal everything, EVERYTHING.—an extraordinary feat that had earned Elluah the title 'Messiah's Touch'.
Elluah wasn't just a man of great talent; he was pure of heart, a nobleman in every sense of the word. Kind, selfless, and endlessly supportive, he was a person impossible to dislike. The prodigy and the ideal son.
"Excuse me, Father, Mother, I'll be on my way now," said Kian, the second-born son, as he moved to rise from his seat.
"Kian," their mother's soft but concerned voice stopped him. "Are matters still unresolved at the borders?"
Kian paused, his expression remaining composed. "The situation has been resolved for now, but waves of beasts are breaching our walls as if an unseen force is leading them here. Father will attend the upcoming council meeting, but I must return to the frontlines to oversee the cause. I likely won't return for some time."
Their mother's delicate hand rose to her mouth, her graceful features shadowed with worry. "May the Omniscient protect us all," she murmured, her voice a quiet prayer.
Yen glanced at Kian, noting the stoic determination in his brother's face. His plate was empty, as always; Kian never left food uneaten. Yen's gaze wandered further, landing on his brother's broad shoulders and the bulging muscles that strained against his fitted tunic. It looked like the fabric might rip at any moment.
Blinking, Yen quickly averted his gaze, focusing instead on the food before him, savoring the tender taste of the pork as it melted on his tongue.
Riippp
His ears perked up. Yen's eyes darted at his brother's biceps and his garment was really torn. This made him pause, looking dumbfounded.
"Then, I'll take my leave," Kian said, his deep voice reverberating through the room. As he passed behind Yen, he tapped his younger brother lightly on the back—a touch that felt more like a solid punch as Yen coughed at the impact.
"Don't slack off at school, Yen," Kian teased, grinning as he ruffled Yen's carefully combed hair.
"I never do," Yen retorted, smoothing his hair with his fingers, though his tone lacked any real bite.
Kian's heavy footsteps echoed as he exited the room, leaving an unspoken warmth in his wake.
And that, is the second son. A well-respected general of the royal army's first order, known for his valor and loyalty to the empire. Feared and commended by his enemies and loved by the citizens for his unwavering sense of justice, Kian was a protector of peace. Despite his stern nature, his family knew the truth: Kian had a soft and caring heart hidden beneath his rigid exterior.
Oh, and his soulbound? An archangel's spirit. On the battlefield, Kian became an unstoppable force, earning him the fearsome nickname 'Michaelus'.
"Yen, dear," his mother's gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. "There's more pork tenderloin here. Isn't it your favorite?" She gestured gracefully to a maid, who approached with the plate.
"Thank you, Mother," Yen replied, his smiled as the tenderloin was placed before him. He stared at the dish briefly before slicing off a piece and bringing it to his mouth.
My favorite was the ribs part, Mother, Yen thought, but he made sure to chew with visible enthusiasm, eager to let his mother see that he was satisfied.
"Want to go for a walk after dinner? I still have some time," Elluah asked, his ever-cheerful smile lighting up the room.
"Sure, big bro," Yen replied, smiling genuinely—mirroring Elluah's.
"You should spend your time practicing instead," their father's cold voice cut in.
"…Understood, Father," Yen said, the warmth of the moment dissipating like steam from a cooling dish.
"Oh, then let me teach Yen before I leave for the imperial palace," Elluah offered quickly, his tone eager.
Their father didn't respond, which Elluah took as permission. He winked at Yen, whose appetite had suddenly diminished. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Yen drank a sip of water to steady himself.