The discussion inside Lord Lucas' office had finally come to an end.
A verbal agreement had been reached.
Although the official contract would be drafted in the coming days, both sides had already accepted the proposed terms.
Prince Rayryn stood and offered Lucas a respectful nod.
"I look forward to our cooperation, Lord Lucas."
Lucas returned the gesture.
"As do I, Your Highness."
The First Prince smiled before looking toward Bereshith.
"And I look forward to tasting this meal you've promised us."
Bereshith smiled politely.
"I shall do my best not to disappoint."
Princess Alesh folded her arms with a grin.
"You'd better! After all that talk about your farms, your cooking better be just as impressive."
Princess Inoha gently nudged her younger sister.
"Alesh."
"What?"
"You're being rude again."
"...Oh."
Alesh awkwardly scratched her cheek.
"My apologies."
The room relaxed with quiet laughter.
Lucas rose from his chair.
"Then allow me to show everyone to your rooms."
He opened the office door.
Outside, several maids and butlers were already waiting.
Lucas addressed them calmly.
"Our honored guests will be staying with us tonight."
"Please prepare the finest guest rooms and extend every courtesy."
Every servant bowed together.
"At once, My Lord."
The guests were soon escorted through the manor.
The First Prince followed one butler.
Princess Inoha and Princess Alesh were accompanied by several maids.
The Enician Company manager quietly followed behind another servant.
Before long...
Only Lucas and Bereshith remained standing in the corridor.
For a brief moment...
Father and son walked together in silence.
Then Bereshith smiled.
"Dad."
Lucas glanced toward him.
"Hm?"
"I hope you don't mind me borrowing the kitchen for a few moments."
"I'd like to prepare tonight's meal myself."
Lucas immediately looked at him.
"You mean it?"
Bereshith nodded.
"I promised Princess Inoha."
"I'd like to keep my word."
Lucas sighed.
"...Very well."
"You have my permission."
"But..."
His expression became unusually serious.
"Please serve them a proper meal."
"They're not ordinary guests."
Bereshith chuckled softly.
"Of course, Dad."
"You're worrying too much."
He turned around and began walking toward the kitchen.
His footsteps echoed gently through the corridor.
Lucas watched him disappear around the corner.
Then he called out one final time.
"They're Royals, Bereshith!"
"Please..."
"I trust you to treat them with respect!"
Bereshith simply raised one hand without looking back.
"I know."
His figure vanished beyond the hallway.
Lucas released a long sigh.
"I certainly hope so..."
He rubbed his forehead.
"...Please don't do anything strange."
Unfortunately...
What Lucas failed to foresee...
Was that Bereshith would indeed treat every guest with complete respect.
Whether the royal family interpreted those actions as respectful...
Or utterly shocking...
Was another matter entirely.
Several hours later...
The aroma of freshly prepared food drifted throughout the manor.
One by one...
The family received word that dinner was ready.
The dining hall gradually filled with familiar faces.
Former Lord Ascirick was the first to arrive.
As always, he occupied the seat at the head of the long dining table.
Shortly afterward...
Bereshith entered quietly.
He greeted his grandfather with a respectful bow before taking the second seat along the table's side, leaving one chair between himself and Ascirick.
A few moments later...
Lucas entered together with Maria and Eva.
Lexy walked beside Maria with the elegance expected of a noble young lady.
Eva gently carried little Peter in her arms.
The one-year-old was already half asleep against his mother's shoulder.
Not long afterward...
Sarah entered while carrying little Mia.
Beside her walked Yareach, still rubbing the sleep from her eyes after her afternoon nap.
Everyone gradually settled into their seats.
Lucas sat nearest to Ascirick.
Maria gracefully took the seat beside her husband.
Eva sat beside Maria.
Peter was carefully handed over to Sarah once everyone had settled, allowing Eva to eat comfortably later.
Meanwhile...
Bereshith smiled as Yareach immediately claimed the chair beside him.
Mia happily climbed onto the chair at his other side.
The two little girls proudly sat beside their beloved elder brother.
Levanah and Lexy took their places together further down the table, opposite Sarah, who now gently rocked little Peter whenever he stirred in his sleep.
The entire dining hall soon became filled with quiet conversation.
Only...
The seats reserved for the royal guests remained empty.
As they waited...
Levanah turned toward the elderly lord.
"Grandfather."
Ascirick looked at her warmly.
"Yes, my granddaughter?"
Levanah smiled politely.
"My apologies if I may ask..."
"Why did you ask all of us to dress so formally tonight?"
"Is there a particular reason?"
Years ago...
Calling Ascirick 'Grandfather' had embarrassed Bereshith, Levanah, and Lexy.
None of them had shared his blood.
None had believed they deserved such a place within the family.
Yet...
Days became weeks.
Weeks became months.
Months became years.
Through countless meals...
Conversations...
Birthdays...
Laughter...
And hardships...
The title had slowly stopped feeling borrowed.
Now...
It came naturally.
Ascirick smiled warmly.
"Well, my granddaughter..."
"We have honored guests tonight."
"It is only proper that the House of Ascirick presents itself with dignity."
Levanah nodded.
"I understand."
Before the conversation could end...
Lexy spoke.
A faint smile appeared across her face.
"Relax, Sister Levanah."
"The only time Grandfather insists we dress this formally..."
"...is when important nobles visit the manor."
She folded her hands neatly atop the table.
"And considering we received no prior announcement..."
"I can only assume the three people who arrived with the Enician Company manager came here under secrecy."
She paused thoughtfully.
"...I've heard the rumors."
"Merchants from the Kingdom of Cartha were supposed to arrive today."
She smiled knowingly.
"So my guess is..."
"They aren't ordinary merchants at all."
"They're nobles pretending to be merchants."
The room grew quiet.
Several members of the family exchanged amused glances.
Only Ascirick smiled without confirming...
Or denying...
Her deduction.
The dining hall settled into a peaceful silence.
The warm glow of chandeliers reflected across polished silverware and crystal glasses. The rich aroma of freshly prepared food drifted through the room, yet no one reached for their utensils.
Instead, Lexy's curious voice broke the silence.
"Grandfather... may I ask something?"
Former Lord Ascirick looked at his granddaughter with a gentle smile.
"Of course."
She hesitated.
She glanced toward the entrance.
"...Who exactly are they?"
Ascirick chuckled softly, clearly amused by the anticipation on the younger generation's faces.
"Well..."
He folded his hands upon the table.
"Your guess was correct, Lexy."
"They are indeed nobles."
He paused just long enough for everyone's curiosity to rise before calmly adding,
"Not merely nobles..."
"They are a prince and princesses."
"..."
"Prince...?"
"...Princesses?!"
Levanah and Lexy exclaimed together.
Their eyes widened.
Even Bereshith looked slightly surprised, although he remained composed.
"A royal family... visiting our manor?" Levanah whispered.
Lexy's voice trembled with excitement.
"Grandfather... may I ask... who are they?"
Ascirick had only begun to inhale—
—but before a single answer left his mouth—
Knock. Knock.
The massive oak doors slowly opened.
A butler stepped inside.
Standing perfectly straight, he announced in a loud, dignified voice,
"His Highness, Prince Rayryn Leorel Leokas, First Prince of the Kingdom of Heirora."
A brief pause followed.
"Her Highness, Princess Inoha Ghodru Amezu, Fourth Princess of the Kingdom of Cartha."
"Her Highness, Princess Alesh Ghodru Amezu, Fifth Princess of the Kingdom of Cartha."
Another respectful pause.
"And the Enician Company Manager..."
"Ms. Maliks."
"They have arrived."
The entire dining hall rose to its feet.
Moments later—
the guests entered.
Prince Rayryn walked first.
Freshly bathed and dressed in elegant yet modest noble attire, he carried himself with quiet confidence befitting the future king of Heirora.
Behind him walked Princess Inoha.
Her long brown hair rested gracefully over her shoulders. Her noble dress was simple compared to those worn within the royal palace, yet elegance naturally surrounded her.
Beside her came Princess Alesh.
Unlike her older sister, she walked with visible confidence, almost swaggering despite the refined clothing she now wore. Her blue eyes wandered around the room with obvious curiosity.
Finally, Ms. Maliks entered behind them, carrying herself with the composed professionalism expected of the Enician Company's highest representative.
Seeing the household already standing, Prince Rayryn smiled apologetically.
"My apologies."
"It seems we have kept everyone waiting."
Princess Inoha immediately followed with a graceful bow.
"Please forgive our lateness."
"We hope we have not caused any inconvenience."
Before anyone else could respond—
Princess Alesh folded her arms.
"We're not late."
"You people are simply too early."
The room became briefly silent.
Lucas nearly coughed.
Maria lowered her head slightly to hide an amused smile.
Even Inoha sighed in quiet embarrassment.
"As expected..." she murmured.
Ascirick, however, simply laughed warmly.
"No, Your Highness."
He placed his right hand over his chest before bowing respectfully.
"Princess Alesh speaks truly."
"It is we who arrived ahead of time."
He raised his head with a smile.
"Nevertheless..."
"It is an honor to welcome Your Highness Prince Rayryn."
"Her Highness Princess Inoha."
"Her Highness Princess Alesh."
"And of course..."
"Our honored guest, Ms. Maliks."
Prince Rayryn returned the smile.
"The honor is ours."
Lucas stepped forward next.
"Please."
"Have your seats."
The guests accepted.
Prince Rayryn took the seat prepared near Lexy.
Ms. Maliks sat beside the prince.
Across the long table, Princess Inoha and Princess Alesh sat opposite them.
Once everyone had settled—
Ascirick gently clapped his hands.
"Serve the meal."
Immediately, the doors opened once more.
Maids and butlers entered in perfect order, each carrying silver trays filled with carefully prepared dishes.
Among them—
Cyse.
Dressed impeccably in a butler's uniform, his movements were smooth, precise, and elegant.
Without wasting a single motion, he approached Princess Alesh first.
He carefully poured chilled lemon water into her crystal glass before placing a bowl of warm soup before her.
Then he smiled.
A gentle smile.
One that countless noble daughters had secretly admired over the years.
"Please enjoy your meal, Milady."
"I hope it suits your taste."
Princess Alesh looked up.
Their eyes met.
"..."
For a single heartbeat—
the noisy princess froze.
Her heartbeat skipped.
He's... handsome...
Wait...
Why is a butler this handsome?!
Cyse simply bowed politely before moving on.
Completely unaware.
Or perhaps pretending not to notice.
His next stop—
Levanah.
Just as professionally, he placed a fresh drink before her.
"A refreshing beverage for you, Lady Levanah."
"And your favorite soup."
He smiled exactly the same way.
Levanah stared at him blankly.
Then—
without changing her expression—
she quietly stepped on his foot beneath the table.
Hard.
Cyse twitched.
Just once.
Yet his perfect smile never broke.
"As expected..."
"Always lively."
He whispered softly enough that only Levanah heard.
She immediately pinched the side of his leg beneath the table.
Cyse nearly lost his composure—
but somehow maintained his gentlemanly expression.
After serving everyone else, he bowed respectfully before retreating with the other servants.
Princess Alesh unconsciously followed him with her eyes until he disappeared beyond the dining hall doors.
"..."
"...Interesting."
She whispered to herself.
Across the table—
Levanah noticed.
"...Hmph."
Only then did Ascirick gently clear his throat.
Before anyone reached for the food, he looked toward the royal guests.
"Your Highnesses."
"If I may ask one small favor before we begin."
Prince Rayryn nodded.
"Please."
Ascirick smiled.
"My grandson always offers a prayer of thanksgiving before every meal."
"If it does not trouble you..."
"May we do the same tonight?"
Princess Inoha immediately inclined her head.
"We do not mind."
Prince Rayryn smiled as well.
"Neither do I."
Even Princess Alesh shrugged casually.
"Go ahead."
Ascirick turned toward Bereshith.
Bereshith gave a small nod.
Then—
he slowly brought both hands together.
His fingers gently intertwined.
His head lowered.
His eyes closed.
The movement itself was simple.
Yet strangely...
the atmosphere changed.
The cheerful conversations vanished.
Silence naturally descended upon the room.
One after another—
Lucas...
Maria...
Eva...
Ascirick...
Levanah...
Lexy...
Sarah...
Even the remaining servants quietly followed Bereshith's posture.
Prince Rayryn blinked.
Princess Inoha exchanged a puzzled glance with her sister.
Princess Alesh tilted her head.
Ms. Maliks adjusted her glasses, studying the unfamiliar custom with curiosity.
None of them interrupted.
Instead...
they watched.
And listened.
Then Bereshith spoke.
His voice was calm.
Gentle.
Filled with quiet reverence.
It was unlike the voice of a sixteen-year-old boy.
It carried an indescribable peace.
He began to pray...
Bereshith drew in a quiet breath.
The dining hall became completely still.
The candles flickered gently, and even the sound of the evening breeze outside the windows seemed to fade away.
With his eyes peacefully closed and both hands folded together, he began to pray.
"Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
Silence followed.
Not an ordinary silence.
It was peaceful.
Comforting.
The kind of silence that wrapped around one's heart without asking permission.
Even those who had never heard such words before found themselves unable to interrupt.
Then, together...
"...Amen."
The voices of Lucas, Maria, Eva, Ascirick, Levanah, Yareach, Lexy, Sarah, and the remaining servants echoed as one.
Only after the final word did everyone slowly lift their heads.
But...
There was something the family had never noticed.
During the entire prayer—
Only Prince Rayryn...
Princess Inoha...
Princess Alesh...
and Ms. Maliks...
...had witnessed it.
Their eyes widened.
Their breathing stopped.
Standing behind Bereshith...
No—
Hovering gently above him...
was the silhouette of a Man.
His figure was impossible to describe.
He radiated neither blinding brilliance nor overwhelming majesty.
Instead...
He was warmth itself.
Golden-white light gently flowed from Him like an endless river.
It did not hurt the eyes.
It soothed them.
His very presence made the room feel lighter, as though every burden resting upon one's shoulders had quietly disappeared.
The figure looked down at Bereshith with indescribable affection.
Like a father watching over his beloved child.
Then...
He slowly lifted His gaze.
His eyes met those of Prince Rayryn.
The prince's body froze.
His heartbeat thundered against his chest.
The figure smiled.
Not a grand smile.
Just...
A gentle one.
Then He turned His eyes toward Princess Inoha.
The nightmares...
The countless sleepless nights...
The fear that had haunted her for months...
For one fleeting instant...
All of it vanished.
Tears unknowingly gathered in her eyes.
She did not know why.
She simply wanted to cry.
Next...
His gaze moved to Princess Alesh.
The spirited princess who moments ago had been sitting proudly now found herself unable to move.
She could not explain it.
The arrogance she carried so naturally...
Simply melted away.
Finally...
The figure looked toward Ms. Maliks.
The capable manager instinctively lowered her head.
She had negotiated with dukes...
Merchants...
Princes...
Even kings.
Never...
Not once...
Had she ever felt so small.
Then...
The radiant figure slowly raised His right hand.
One finger...
Rested gently against His lips.
A silent gesture.
Be still.
Say nothing.
No words were spoken.
Yet every one of them understood.
Their mouths instinctively closed.
None dared speak.
Not out of fear...
But out of reverence.
A heartbeat later...
The warm radiance slowly faded.
The silhouette disappeared as though it had never been there.
Only the four guests remained frozen in their seats.
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
Their minds struggled to comprehend what they had witnessed.
Was it an illusion?
A miracle?
A dream?
No.
It had felt far too real.
Before anyone could gather their thoughts—
Clap!
Bereshith cheerfully brought his hands together.
"Alright!"
A bright smile spread across his face.
"Let's eat!"
The sudden change shattered the solemn atmosphere.
Yareach immediately reached for her spoon.
"I'm hungry!"
Mia nodded enthusiastically.
"Me too!"
Peter happily banged his tiny hands against the table, making everyone nearby chuckle.
Lucas let out a faint laugh.
"Go on then."
Maria smiled warmly.
"The food will get cold."
Eva gently served Peter while smiling at the children.
Ascirick calmly lifted his utensils.
"Please, Your Highnesses. I hope tonight's meal suits your taste."
Yet...
None of the four guests moved.
Prince Rayryn stared at Bereshith.
Who... are you...?
Princess Inoha quietly touched her chest.
The suffocating heaviness she had carried for three months...
It was gone.
Completely gone.
She realized it only now.
For the first time in months...
She could breathe without fear.
Princess Alesh glanced at Bereshith, then around the table.
No one else seemed to have noticed anything.
Not Lucas.
Not Maria.
Not Ascirick.
Not even Bereshith himself.
It was as though...
Only the four of them had been permitted to witness that radiant presence.
Ms. Maliks slowly adjusted her glasses, though her hand trembled.
Her years of composure were nowhere to be found.
"..."
She lowered her voice until only the prince and princesses could hear.
"...Did... all of you see it too?"
Prince Rayryn answered without taking his eyes off Bereshith.
"...Yes."
Princess Inoha quietly nodded.
"...I saw Him."
Princess Alesh swallowed.
"...Me too..."
Another silence settled over the four.
Then, as though nothing extraordinary had happened—
Bereshith innocently smiled toward them.
"Your Highnesses?"
He tilted his head.
"The soup is still warm."
"You should eat before it gets cold."