"Lilly, can you sit down at the table? Your sister will be here soon," Reed said, his voice calm but firm.
Lilly gave a small nod. "Alright, Father," she murmured. With a quiet sigh, she moved to the table and sat without another word.
Just a minute later, Luna stepped into the garden.
Reed glanced over, concern softening his features. "Luna, sweetheart, are you feeling alright? You look a little worn out."
Luna exhaled slowly. "Still got that eye, huh?" she replied dryly. "I'm fine."
Reed gave a half-smirk. "Always the smart mouth," he muttered, gesturing to an empty chair. "Come on. Sit."
Luna eyed him curiously, her brows slightly furrowed. "What happened to you?" she asked.
Reed's clothes were torn and stained—clear signs of battle. Sword cuts streaked across his sleeves and shoulders.
"I had a duel with Nyx. Naturally, I won," he said with a proud smile, clearly awaiting praise.
Luna clapped her hands in exaggerated admiration. "Great job, Dad—I'm really proud of you!"
Reed beamed, wearing his victory like a crown.
"Luna! Luna!" Lilly called out excitedly.
"Yes, Lilly?" Luna replied, sipping her tea with practiced calm.
"I had an etiquette lesson today—and my teacher praised me!" Lilly declared proudly, puffing up with excitement. "She said I've improved a lot since my first lesson. Last time, she said I was a lost cause!"
Luna choked slightly on her tea, caught off guard by her little sister's brutal honesty. Her expression twisted in disbelief for a moment, but she quickly recovered.
"That's really wonderful, Lilly! I truly believe you'll go even further next time—I'm already looking forward to it!"
Still, in the back of her mind, Luna couldn't help but wonder, Is this really how every noble family acts? Maybe not… this household is doomed.
Her gaze drifted toward the table, where two figures sat unusually quiet.
"Keal, Kane… you're oddly silent today," she remarked.
The twins glanced at Reed, waiting for his cue.
He gave them a subtle nod.
"We've been grounded," they said in perfect unison. "We were naughty. Father forbade us from speaking."
"Ah, as expected," Luna muttered—perhaps a bit too loudly.
The twins turned toward her with matching frowns.
"That's not nice, Sister!" they exclaimed together.
"Well, who ever said I was nice?" Luna replied, smirking as she winked at them.
The chatter soon mellowed, and everyone returned to their meal.
I never knew life could be this calm, Luna thought to herself. She gazed toward the distant oak trees, smiling softly as she chewed her food like a contented child.
Time passed quickly—filled with laughter, stories, and playful teasing. The children ran around joyfully, playing with one another while the adults exchanged warm smiles.
Before anyone realized, night had crept in.
"Alright, time to sleep, everyone," Reed announced. "Nyx, we've got a long day tomorrow. Go get some rest."
"Aww, okay," Lily pouted, then dashed toward the door.
Luna gently took Aria's hand and leaned into her. "I had fun today, Aria."
Aria looked at her, blushing shyly, unsure of how to respond.
"Me too," she finally whispered.
Luna looked up at her, smiling from ear to ear.
Together, they all made their way back to the mansion, the day drawing to a close under the gentle hush of night.