Early in the morning, soft sunlight filtered through the tall windows of the mansion. Inside the main hall, maids moved quietly but busily, taking down the last of the birthday decorations. They rolled up colorful banners, folded tablecloths, and swept confetti from the polished marble floors.
One maid wiped a table while chatting with another.
"The birthday party was so much fun, wasn't it? I've never seen the hall that lively before."
Her companion nodded, carefully stacking plates.
"Time really flies so fast. Lord Azrean and Lady Sumi are already ten years old. It feels like just yesterday they were running around, learning housework with us."
In one corner of the hall, several knights and soldiers were still sprawled on the floor, fast asleep in awkward positions. Empty bottles lay nearby. One knight who was still somewhat awake groaned as he sat up, rubbing his head.
"Hey, you lot drank way too much last night. Look at the embarrassing position you're all in. Get up before the head maid sees this mess."
Outside in the garden, the morning air was fresh and cool. Some maids worked alongside their husbands and children, cutting the grass with small sickles and watering the flower beds. Laughter and light conversation floated through the air as the kids ran between the bushes, helping carry small watering cans.
Invanne, now fully grown into a beautiful adult with long, sleek dark hair tied neatly behind her, sharp gray eyes, and a graceful yet commanding presence, stood near the entrance in her crisp black maid uniform. She held a sheet of paper in her hands and looked over the line of maids and butlers gathered in front of her.
"Everyone did well at the birthday party," she said in her usual calm, clear voice. "But after some days we have an even bigger event, and you senior workers will be in charge of preparing it."
The maids and butlers smiled brightly, excitement showing on their faces.
"We'll do our best!"
"We won't disappoint you, Ms. Invanne!"
Some men nearby were carefully picking up Jaek, who looked very drunk and was mumbling incoherently. They slowly carried him toward the exit.
"He drank way too much again. Looks like today's training won't happen."
In the living room, Azrea and Memei sat together at a large table, preparing several letters with elegant handwriting.
Azrea smiled softly as she folded one.
"Finally, the day is going to come."
Memei nodded, eyes warm.
"Yes, I cannot wait. Now that I think about it, this might be the first time we are inviting nobles and others to our house after a very long time."
"They will be surprised when they get this letter," Azrea said with a small laugh.
"Our husbands are busy as always, but they said they will take leave for it."
Memei chuckled.
"Haha, yeah. They might cry from happiness because they were already looking so excited."
"Anyway, where are Azrean and Sumi? Are they still sleeping?"
"Probably. They were very energetic yesterday, so they must be tired."
Azrea looked down at the letters with a gentle expression.
"They have grown up so fast. The day of them leaving the house is coming too quickly."
Memei nodded.
"Yeah, but it's better for them. So let's give them the best house life we can."
"They might get homesick if we do too much," Azrea added with a soft chuckle.
Both women laughed quietly together and continued their work.
The morning sunlight slowly filtered into the spacious bedroom through the tall, arched windows. The room was elegantly designed with soft cream-colored walls adorned with delicate golden vine patterns, a high ceiling with subtle crystal chandeliers, and a thick, plush carpet in deep emerald green that muffled every step. In the center stood a large, luxurious bed with silky white sheets and a canopy of sheer fabric that swayed gently in the breeze from the slightly open window.
Azrean and Sumi lay together under the covers. Azrean's curly brown hair was messily spread across the pillow, his face peaceful in sleep. Sumi's long white hair, pure like fresh snow, spilled over the sheets like a silken waterfall.
Sumi slowly opened her eyes. She turned her head and looked at Azrean, who was still deeply asleep. A soft smile touched her lips. She quietly shifted closer, raised her hands, and gently pinched his nose while covering his mouth.
Azrean's eyes snapped open instantly. He sat up with a start, gasping for air.
"Good morning, Azre~" Sumi said sweetly, her voice light and teasing.
Azrean looked at her, still breathing heavily.
"Why do you always do this? Someday my lungs are going to burst."
Sumi hopped off the bed with a playful grin.
"I'll just use a healing potion on you if that happens."
Azrean stared at her for a second, then slowly got off the bed too, stretching his arms above his head with a yawn.
"Yesterday was fun, wasn't it?" Sumi said softly as she picked up her toothbrush from the side table.
Azrean nodded.
"Yes, it really was fun. I hope this kind of birthday party happens every year."
He raised his hand. Sumi tossed a toothbrush to him, and he caught it easily.
"Maybe I ate too much," he added, rubbing his stomach. "My stomach is kind of hurting."
Sumi started changing her clothes behind a small folding screen.
"That happens when you eat too much meat."
"Hey, don't blame meat. They're just super good and I can't get enough of them."
Sumi chuckled.
"Talked like a true grandpa."
"What?" Azrean said loudly.
Sumi stepped out from behind the screen in her new dress—a light sky-blue outfit with short sleeves, a fitted bodice, and a flowing skirt that reached just below her knees. Delicate silver embroidery traced the hem and cuffs, giving it a simple yet elegant look perfect for a young girl.
She turned around with a bright smile.
"You can turn around now."
Azrean glanced back at her.
"Alright. Go out now, I'll change."
Sumi waved her hand casually.
"Yes, yes. I'll wait for you in the bathroom."
She opened the door and skipped out. Sumi walked down the hallway, her footsteps light. Maids and servants passing by bowed politely and greeted her with warm smiles.
"Good morning, Lady Sumi."
"Morning!" she replied cheerfully, waving back at them with both hands.
As she turned a corner, she heard a loud, angry voice. She walked closer and peeked around the bend.
A maid stood there, holding a large plate, head lowered in fear. In front of her was a middle-aged man, almost bald with only a few strands of gray hair slicked back. He wore fine, tailored clothes with a high collar and gold buttons, his face twisted in anger as he glared down at the maid. Sumi watched quietly, her expression shifting.
"What is going on here..." she murmured under her breath.