The celebration carried on, light and easy. Laughter drifted through the room in soft waves. Plates clinked as hands reached for more cake, voices overlapped in cheerful chatter, and the warm glow of the lights wrapped everything in a calm, comforting feeling.
Invanne stood near the door. Her posture was straight, hands resting loosely behind her back, gray eyes quietly scanning the room.
"Big sis Invanne!"
Sumi's voice cut through the noise as she came running over, her dress swaying with each step. A bright smile lit up her face. Invanne's gaze lowered to her.
"Lady Sumi, please don't call me that."
Sumi didn't stop. Her smile only grew wider as she reached out and grabbed Invanne's hand without hesitation, her small fingers wrapping around it firmly.
"Why not?" she said, tilting her head slightly. "You're older than me. You've always been here taking care of us, watching over us." Her eyes sparkled.
"That makes you like a big sister."
"And soon you'll be the one teaching us magic and swords. I'm really looking forward to it."
Invanne didn't move. She didn't pull her hand away. For a long moment, she simply stared down at the small hand holding hers. Then, quietly she said—
"I… am just a weapon."
Sumi's eyes widened slightly. Her smile flickered, just for a second. Before anything else could be said—
Azrean stepped in from the side, wiping the last bit of frosting from his cheek with the back of his hand. He came to a stop beside them, his gaze steady as it met Invanne's.
"Then make us a weapon like you, big sis." His voice didn't waver. "We want to be strong like you."
Sumi's expression brightened again instantly. She nodded quickly, looking up at Invanne with that same lively energy.
"Yes! I agree too. And soon we'll check our magic aptitude—after that, you can teach us a lot of things."
Invanne stayed silent. Her eyes moved between them—Sumi's eager face and Azrean's calm face. Something shifted behind her gray eyes, small and hard to catch.
"You two are… more mature than your age," she said softly.
Sumi let go of her hand and tucked both behind her back, rocking slightly on her heels with a wide grin. "Are we?"
Then she spun around and ran off, her laughter trailing behind her.
"Azrean! Come catch me!"
Azrean smiled faintly. He started after her, but paused for just a second, glancing back over his shoulder at Invanne.
"I'll be looking forward to our training, big sis."
Then he turned and followed Sumi, disappearing into the crowd.
Invanne didn't move. She stood there, watching them—two small figures weaving through the room, voices full of life and without any fear.
For a brief moment—a faint smile touched her lips.
By the time the last of the laughter faded and only crumbs of cake remained, the celebration had quieted. Azrean and Sumi stepped out into the garden with their mothers.
The late afternoon sun filtered through the flowering trees, casting long golden streaks across the stone paths. Petals drifted lazily in the air, some catching in the grass, others crushed softly underfoot.
Memei carried Sumi in her arms, holding her close as the little girl rested her head against her shoulder. Sumi looked comfortable there, one arm loosely wrapped around her mother.
Azrean walked beside them, hands tucked into his pockets. Now and then, he nudged a stray petal along the path with the tip of his shoe.
A few steps behind, Invanne followed in silence. Azrea glanced down at the children, her voice calm and gentle.
"We'll be heading to the church now."
Sumi lifted her head immediately, her eyes lighting up. "I'm excited!"
Azrea smiled at that, though a faint shadow passed over her expression.
"We're a little sad your fathers couldn't make it to the party."
Memei adjusted Sumi in her arms and shook her head slightly.
"They went ahead to the church early. Clearing a place like that isn't easy. Too many nobles and politicians would turn it into a spectacle." She exhaled softly. "They wanted it to stay quiet. Just for us."
Sumi nodded, pressing her cheek lightly against her mother's shoulder.
"We'll see them soon anyway… so I'm happy."
Azrea's gaze shifted toward Azrean.
"And you, son?"
Azrean met her eyes and gave a small, relaxed smile.
"I know how busy they are, Mom. It's okay."
They reached the estate's front gate. The massive iron doors stood tall, shadows stretching across the ground.
The moment they stepped into view, every knight stationed along the path dropped to one knee at once. Armor gleamed in the fading sunlight as heads bowed in perfect unison. Not a single word was spoken. The gates opened slowly, soundlessly. Outside, a carriage waited.
Polished black, its surface reflecting the light, with silver trim running along the edges. Four white horses stood harnessed at the front, shifting their weight as they waited. The driver, dressed in dark livery, stepped forward and opened the door.
They climbed in. Azrean and Sumi sat side by side on one bench, their legs hanging just above the floor. Invanne took her place beside them, posture straight, hands resting neatly in her lap.
Across from them, Azrea and Memei settled in, both watching the children with soft smiles. The carriage began to move. A gentle jolt, then the steady rhythm of wheels rolling over the road.
Sumi swung her feet once before looking up at Azrea.
"What's the church like?"
Azrea leaned forward slightly.
"It's over three hundred years old. They say Goddess Latila herself once blessed that ground." Her voice softened.
"That's why it's so respected. The magicians and priests there are among the best. They'll be the ones testing your magic aptitude today."
Sumi's eyes widened, curiosity shining through.
"Do they do special rituals or—"
The carriage jerked violently. Then stopped. Everything went still. For a brief moment, there was nothing but silence.
Then—from outside, the driver's voice rang out, sharp and filled with panic.
"We… we are under attack!"