Some of the first memories I have ever had were of a girl with red and yellow hair, who played with me in the outer courtyard. When I was old enough to remember stuff, I now recognize she was my beloved older sister Hanessa, or Han, which I called her for short. Whilst I am Leovarion, first son of the Godfall house, or so I was told. Many things my big sis Han, along with my maid Kathy, told me were very confusing, like how we are important and all… which confused me even further. Han was not much older than me, and Kathy not much older than her, so how can they be so confident and know what to do…
All I knew nowadays was that I loved playing with Kathy. She scolded me sometimes, but she treated me well, and when I did really well, she'd sneak to the kitchen to give me sweets. We rarely had sweets, only when the grownups came in giant groups and I had to dress up… which sucked. But she was so kind, I really liked her and hoped we could keep playing for a very long time.
And before, when I was 2 or so, I think from what I remember, my little sister Kaelis was born. I call her Kae for short, again, and it's such a long and weird name. She was super cute! I loved being around her when I wasn't allowed outside. Although she cried quite often… it was quite annoying. But Han just loved and adored her. She did me too, but I pushed back a lot of the time. I was embarrassed that a girl was so close to me; they were gross. But that only made Han try more often to get close… Which made me realize that I would always have to deal with this.
On Han's 7th birthday, however, it seemed like my world was about to turn dark… behind my tears at the dinner table, though, my father told me that we would be leaving the estate for a while. I didn't understand what that meant, but I thought I would be separated from Kathy, but he assured me that all of our personal maids and butlers would be coming, which stopped my crying, and I looked up in glee. But still disappointing, some of the maids and butlers have kids around my age and played with Kathy and me, so I wouldn't be able to play. One of them, who was Karl's child, Han's butler's child, was super fun to be around. He taught me a game called hide and seek; unfortunately, it later caused Kathy to scold me…
We had around 1 week before we had to leave, and Han and I were in the same room packing our own things. I was packing my wooden sword and magic staff when I had to voice my complaints to sissy, "Why do we have to leave. I understand, but common… I was making friends with people." While I proceeded, pout. I am extremely annoyed, though still happy Kathy is coming with us…
"You do realize this is the time of one's life where one becomes true nobles, we are given a chance to meet people and showcase how powerful we are," Han said, being her usual self. I know she's right, but I want to know why that matters. Why can't I just play… She continued, though, "But who knows, maybe you'll find a little girl to take as your fiancée. I know you like that one maid girl, but you cannot marry her," snickering behind her hand, teasing me.
"Wh..wh…WHAT are you talking about?" I exclaimed in a panic, feeling heat rise towards my cheeks and ears, "Girls are gross, shut up. You're always like this, Hanessa…" I pouted, moving towards the corner of the room, and looking over my shoulder, I saw Han continue to snicker the entire time.
She was having too much fun. I know I like Kathy because she plays with me, but she doesn't need to be a butt about it… "Hey, hey Leovarion, I'm sor…" she started, but I quickly interrupted her, making my own little poke at her insecurity, "You won't find a man if you treat him the way you treat me. You're only 7, but you have that mouth of yours, you'll have to go to one of those convents… meanie!" I said while sticking my tongue out at her, feeling I won this fight. Though I quickly noticed something…
A vein clearly was popping on her head, and she smiled in anger, which was quite creepy. Then she said, "Leovarion. Watch. Your. Tongue. Or. Ill. Hit. You." Glaring through gritted teeth. I jumped back and apologized. I knew this was a sour subject for her; every single young boy and even some girls came to our home and proposed to her, for her to beat them up or make them cry by telling them something. She loved our mommy and daddy a lot, possibly the most out of any of us, and any disrespect towards them she would not tolerate. I sighed after a minute and continued to pack up for the trip about to come.
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Finally, the week was over, and we were about to leave Luminar for the capital, Sylvaren. On the way to the giant tower in the center of the city, where we would be teleported to the capital, I talked with Daddy for a while, and he explained, "While in the capital, you will be next to me for much of the trip. You will be the leader of our Duchy when you're older, and even if you don't understand what is happening, you'll be exposed to it." He said with his signature smile.
I peeked over to big sis Han and Mother, and they were having an in-depth conversation about something. Which I was curious about, but knew I would only interfere. Father noticed my gaze wander towards their direction and smiled, "Someday, son, you'll know everything your sister does, even more." He proceeded to pat me on the head. I shrugged his hand off, but he just chuckled, "Don't worry, son, just let me baby you a little while longer, you're young once in your life." His smile left his face, a nd he almost looked… sad?
I hugged him in reaction, and he hugged me back, "You're a good boy, Leovarion, never forget your family is always there for you." I nodded, and we as a group proceeded through the gates that housed the teleportation gate.
The feeling was weird, it was like part of my insides were being turned upside down… I wonder why Father and Han felt like they didn't experience any issue, but Mother, Kae, and I all looked a bit worse for wear. All the weird feelings and emotions I have vanished as I looked at the scene before us. It was like the stories Kathy tells me before bed, a city of pure beauty.
"Wowwww," I said in amazement. I even heard Kaelis talk, which was rare, "Shin-eh…" she said. She was cute, but I just wish she weren't such a frightened kid.
As we took in the breathtaking sights, we eventually arrived at a large estate. "This is where we'll be staying for the next year, little ones," Father said with his kind smile, "I know this is unconventional, but in time, you will understand. Now, let us enjoy the beauty of this city, Sylvaren."
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When the year was up, I was mentally drained. Talking to all of those nobles who were just mean and rude to my father and me was more than I could take. Not crying during every encounter was my biggest accomplishment, though, compared to my sister, I felt a bit inferior. I saw how the spoiled nobles of the capital used their power compared to us, and it disgusted me. My relationship with Kathy was one I treasured, but I saw some families throw cold iced drinks and food at their servants, which made my blood boil. Though I was quite small, I couldn't do anything. I needed power.
Han kept her feelings close to her chest, and beat up many nobles, and also got beaten up herself. Because of her interactions, she actually showed a talent for fighting, so after being scolded by our mother for the 9th or 10th time, Father actually found an instructor for her to be under. She was lucky, I had to be in meetings with much older men who scared me every day…
Though in every meeting my Father and I went to, I did interact with the Crown Prince and the First Princess often. They always were super nice to me, and the princess even gave me candy. But all of that came to an end, we arrived back at our estate exactly 1 year from our leave date, on Han's 8th birthday.
Unlike in the castle and other buildings, however, where we had time to dress up and all, we didn't this time. Experiencing it for over a year, it was nice not to care, but it was weird. Never in our family have we had a giant family meeting like this. Why now?
We were waiting in Father's office for over 30 minutes in silence, until a knock at the door came, where our Mother signed the approval for them to come in. 2… no 4 people came in. The first I recognized was Seri, a maid I remember seeing helping Kathy out sometimes, and Lovis, apprentice to Karl, Han's butler, both of them holding babies. Why? Whose were they? Then my brain shut off as they spoke in unison.
"Duke Aurelian and Duchess Valerienne, along with Mistress Hanessa, Lord Leovarion, and Mistress Kaelis, we, Lovis and Seri, servants of the house of Godfall and protectors of Amaranthine and Siegfried, have brought Siegfried and Amaranthine to you. Here they are." Seri said, whilst bowing to our Father and Mother, holding them out to them.
I was very confused, since the capital I had not been informed of such an event, and now we have children… I'm confused, but Han said, "Oh my Go, they're both so cute!" which confused me further.
Then everything clicked, they're like Kae, they're my siblings! When did this happen? Why? How? So many confusing thoughts swirled in my head, but now that I see our parents do seem quite happy to see them, let alone Han. They do look a bit weird with their black and white hair and golden eyes, but they look cute!
"They both look so cool! But that comes with the territory of being the children of high nobility!" I said with a prideful thump to his chest. I saw Han glare at me, but I couldn't care. I have more younger siblings besides Kae. This is a joyous day! I am quite happy!
All the happy thoughts I was having came to a stop when Kaelis spoke, though… "They… look scary… W..why do they have black and white hair… and… g-g-golden eyes. They don't look like mama or dada…" The atmosphere in the room shifted. I turned over to Han, and she had a face that was frozen like stone. I then noticed the start of anger flash before her eyes, before Mother started to talk.
"Kaelis, don't say such rude things. Has your tutor been slacking? I should've expected as much from an outside instructor," Mother said in utter exasperation, shaking her head. "Watch your tone, Kaelis, and you two as well, Hanessa and Leovarion. You are the representatives of the region of Luminar, where the people of Luminareth call home. Also, you are in the presence of your Father, the reigning Duke, of the 3rd most powerful nation in the world. I will instruct your tutors to instill this within you thoroughly…" She finished, continuing to shake her head. I wanted to object; Han and I did nothing wrong. It was all Kae's fault; she was being extremely rude! Even though I think their eyes are odd compared to Father's and Mother's, they're our siblings! They look cool, like they'll be strong.
"Now now, dear, no need to be hard on them. They are only children, and children aren't meant to understand this stuff." Our Father said, I was glad for his backup. He has never once yelled at us before, unlike Mother. He is quite understanding and kind towards almost every situation. "We must let them have some semblance of freedom before the society of nobility breaks down their world views. Besides, this is a joyous occasion. Siegfried and Amaranthine, my darling children. Welcome to your home!" He finished with a giant smile that reached his eyes.
New siblings. Huh. I do wonder how many we will get. Nevertheless, no matter how many I will have, I will aspire to protect them; they are cute! They also look strong, I hope to talk and spare with them in the future!