The scene shifted as Kazuki made his way home from the Royal Academy. The streets of South Ryehem shimmered in the late evening light, the crimson hues of the sunset painting the sky as the kingdom quietly prepared for the next day's celebration — the birthday of Arthur Ayanami, the crown prince.
Tomorrow was a grand occasion, one that gathered all members of the royal family under the same roof, something that didn't happen often. The royal mansion buzzed with subtle excitement, and one by one, the royal siblings began arriving.
Kazuki was the first to step into the mansion, his calm demeanor and steady steps giving away no hint of the anticipation that stirred within the walls. Not long after, Shristi arrived — her presence as composed and sharp as always. Then came Ezabela, exuding her confident, no-nonsense attitude, followed by Sazuki, whose carefree grin was as constant as the stars above.
Finally, Arthur arrived. The eldest sibling, the future emperor, radiating a natural air of leadership and strength, though his eyes still held a brotherly warmth for his younger kin.
As evening descended, the siblings gathered together in one of the larger chambers, each occupied with their personal hobbies, though the bond of family filled the room with a rare and cherished ease.
Kazuki sat across from Shristi, locked in a chess match that had quickly grown intense. Despite his strategic mind, Kazuki found himself bested once again by his brilliant elder sister, who smirked at the checkmate she'd skillfully set.
Arthur, meanwhile, was casually chatting with Ezabela, offering her pointers on breaking through from Body Refining Tier 4 to Tier 5. Their conversation was equal parts training advice and sibling banter, their mutual respect evident in every word.
On the other side of the room, Sazuki was at his usual antics. He painted a vivid picture of a bird mid-flight, his Spirit Ability, Spiritual Cloning Technique, creating multiple clones of himself to fill in different parts of the painting simultaneously. His clones hummed and laughed, adding touches of color here and a stroke of detail there.
Unbeknownst to the others, one of Sazuki's mischievous clones had taken it upon himself to sketch exaggerated, silly caricatures of Kazuki and Shristi mid-chess match, complete with oversized heads and comically dramatic expressions of victory and defeat.
The atmosphere in the room was light, filled with the kind of easy companionship only family could bring. Even for Kazuki — whose mind was often burdened with layers of hidden motives and long-laid plans — these fleeting moments were quietly precious.
As night deepened, the siblings gradually dispersed to their rooms, knowing they would need to rise early for the celebration ahead. The royal mansion fell into a calm hush, its walls holding centuries of history, soon to witness yet another chapter written by those destined to shape the future of Ryehem.