The scene shifted to the next morning — the long-awaited day of Arthur's birthday.
The Royal Mansion was alive with activity, from servants preparing the grand hall to the subtle hum of excitement in the air. But amidst the bustle, one figure seemed preoccupied for a different reason.
Sazuki was rummaging through his room, sifting through papers, brushes, and ink pots. His brow furrowed, he searched corners, shelves, and under furniture.
"Where is it…?" he muttered to himself.
At that moment, Kazuki happened to pass by, noticing his brother's frantic search. Leaning casually against the doorframe, Kazuki asked with a slight, knowing smile,"What's wrong, brother?"
Sazuki jolted upright, hiding his flustered expression with an awkward grin."Ah — nothing, nothing important. I just… can't seem to find one of my paintings from yesterday."
Kazuki's expression remained calm and unreadable."I see. Well, take your time, brother."
With that, Kazuki turned and walked away, his calm steps betraying nothing of the fact that the very painting Sazuki was searching for rested neatly folded in his pocket.
Once inside his own room, Kazuki pulled out the artwork, unfolding it carefully. It was, as expected, an exaggerated, comedic depiction of him and Shristi during their chess match — with Shristi drawn as a victorious queen and Kazuki as a defeated, dramatically slumped figure.
A small, genuine smile curved Kazuki's lips as he stared at the painting. He let out a quiet chuckle."Though I don't want to create any weaknesses for myself… moments like this are necessary."His gaze softened."At least with my family, I can afford to be off-guarded sometimes."
Without hesitation, Kazuki headed back to Sazuki's room and casually handed him the painting.
"I found this while I was walking."
Sazuki blinked, surprised."Oh? Thank you, brother. But… aren't you going to say anything about what it's even about?" he asked with a mischievous grin, expecting a reaction.
Kazuki simply turned to leave, his voice steady as he replied,"No."
Sazuki grinned even wider as Kazuki left — his brother's composed nature only made these little victories sweeter.
The day continued, and soon it was time for the grand birthday celebration. The royal hall shimmered with decorations, and the enormous birthday cake stood as the centerpiece. Civilians, nobles, and royal officials gathered to offer their blessings to Arthur, who graciously greeted each one.
The royal family, seated at the central table, shared in the warmth of the occasion. Laughter, light conversation, and the gentle clinking of glasses filled the hall. It was a rare, precious moment of unity amidst the stormy world they all lived in.
As night fell, the celebration shifted to the royal grounds, where the cool evening breeze brushed against their skin. The seven siblings — Arthur, Kazuki, Shristi, Ezabela, Isabela, Shang, and Sazuki — lay on the soft grass, gazing up at the endless tapestry of stars.
The constellations sparkled above them, ancient and eternal.
Kazuki, with his arms behind his head and his eyes fixed on the heavens, let his thoughts drift."To be honest," he reflected silently, "if I've fought for anything in this world until now… it's been for my family. For moments like this."
A quiet peace settled in his heart. Though countless battles and schemes awaited him in the years to come, tonight was theirs — a perfect, fleeting fragment of serenity in a world ruled by power and fate.