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Dear Diary,

Guess what? I finally got to meet a flying beast, Keluang. This creature is like a small bat from Earth, but Keluang is about 3 meters tall, and the way it flies is just mind-blowing. It aslo can blend perfectly with the trees, like some kind of camouflage pro.

So, get this: I found out that using a Keluang, Lady Sylvana and Mr. Sebas glide through the air like they're in some kind of airborne adventure movie. Flying from Treebrook to the capital in just 3 hours! That's way faster than traveling by land. It must be the most thrilling experience ever.

Liam told me that the Keluang is actually the second fastest flying beast out there. Can you believe that? I'm dying to know what the number one beast is. Could it be a dragon? Man, that would be epic! But here's the thing, nobody can really tame a Keluang. There are other types of flying beasts that common people use. Liam said they're called Blooys or something like that. I wonder how they look. Maybe they're the kind of beasts Mr. Kusack uses for his travels.

Yours in awe,

Ethan

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Emily: Brother...

I was lost in my daydream when Emily suddenly settled on my lap.

Ethan: Uh, yes, Emily

Emily: (holding up a drawing) Do you like this drawing?

Me: (smiling) Yes, Emily, this is really good.

I gave her head a gentle pat, and she giggled in response. As I looked out the window, I noticed that it was already starting to get dark outside. The sky was taking on hues of orange and pink as the sun began to set. It was a bit unusual for this time of day to feel chilly; the winds carried a hint of coldness that seemed premature for the upcoming windy season. Inside the house, a sense of calm enveloped us, punctuated by the soothing crackling sound of the fireplace.

Ethan: Mom, today feels quite cold.

Sarah: Yes, it does.

Me: Can I cook something today?

Glancing over at my parents, I saw them savoring their peaceful moment together. I caught Mother's gaze, and she paused what she was doing and gave me a nod of approval.

Emily: (curious) "Brother, are you going to cook today?"

Ethan: Yes, let's have a Begemo Pie today?

Emily: P... Pie?

Travis: (joining the conversation) Well, isn't that a coincidence? It seems like you enjoy cooking when it's cold, Ethan.

Ethan: (smirking) Well, dad, I am still growing, you know.

Travis: Growing, huh?

Ethan: And besides, what's better than cooking for my lovely Emily? (He winked at her.)

Emily: (giggling) It's tickling, brother... hehehe.

A knock at the door interrupted our conversation. Emily eagerly rushed to open the door, revealing Lianee with a warm smile. Emily practically glowed with happiness as she snuggled up to Lianee. Lianee greeted my parents.

Ethan: Why are you coming this late? It's getting dark and cold outside.

Lianee: I needed to bring this vegetable to you, we have a lot in our garden, (whispering) plus I couldn't resist the urge to see your face.

I cleared my throat with a slightly amused expression.

Ethan: Well, come on. Let's have dinner together.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Emily: Yes, Brother wants to make pie.

Lianee: Pie?

Without further ado, the three of us made our way to the kitchen area. I instructed Lianee and Emily to take a seat in the chairs, both of them watching me with curious and eager eyes.

I asked both of them to peel the vegetables and cut them into small pieces. Of course, only Lianee would be doing the cutting. Meanwhile, Emily helped by peeling some of the Fenta (which tastes like potatoes and has a greyish color, but it's easy to peel by hand). It was nice to have their small helping hands in peeling the vegetables. As they worked, I started to cut the Begemo meat into small pieces, making it quick to cook and easy for Emily to digest.

I cooked the Fenta until it was tender, then drained it. After that, I added butter and mashed it until it became smooth. Finally, I added some Lej and beat everything together to combine the flavors.

Then, I moved on to heating oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium heat. I cooked the mixed vegetables we had in the house, including onion and garlic, for about 8 to 10 minutes or until the vegetables started to soften. Next, I added the minced begemo meat and added the appropriate seasonings. I cooked the mixture while stirring until it came to a boil. After that, I let it simmer for about 3 minutes. Once done, I set it aside to cool down. Emily, who was watching me, clapped her hands and exclaimed.

Emily: Brother, you're really good in the kitchen. I want to be like you too!

I paused and smiled at her compliment and then noticed that everyone had sneaky smiles on.

Ethan: Huh, why does everybody gather in the kitchen

Travis: Well, it can't be helped. The smell was too tempting to resist!

Ethan: Well, you all will have to wait another 30 minutes, hehehe

It seemed like my announcement of another 30-minute wait wasn't met with much enthusiasm. The room filled with collective disappointed expressions as everyone's anticipation for the Begemo Pie grew stronger. I simply continued with my task, knowing that good food was worth the wait. With the oven preheated, I reached for some cast iron pan. Carefully, I spooned the cooked begemo mixture into the pan, creating a savory layer. Then, I skillfully dolloped the mashed Fenta mixture on top, using a fork to create an inviting texture. It looked delicious, but a thought crossed my mind – there was no cheese in this world. I contemplated the idea for a moment, considering if I could create some simple cheese. But then it hit me – maybe the missing ingredient was vinegar. Lost in my thoughts--

Lianee: You're making that face again

Ethan: Huh? What face?

Lianee just smiled knowingly and nodded. It seemed she could easily read my expressions, even the ones I wasn't aware of displaying.

Emily: Like this...

I looked over at Emily, and she was mimicking the puzzled expression that had apparently taken up residence on my face. Her playful imitation of my expression made me chuckle.

Ethan: I guess I do make that face when I'm lost in thought.

Emily giggled in response, clearly delighted to have caught me in the act.

Amid our enjoyment of the delicious Begemo Pie, Emily kept showering compliments about how amazing the pie was and how much she liked it. Her words brought a smile to my face, and I acknowledged her appreciation with a nod. In the midst of the meal, a question sprung from my curiosity, and I addressed my dad with it.

Ethan: Dad, when can I go to the capital?

My simple question seemed to stir everyone at the table. I was taken aback by their reaction, not expecting it to cause such a commotion.

Sarah: (concerned) Are you planning to leave?

Ethan: (quickly reassuring) Oh no, Mom, I don't mean to leave Treebrook or anything like that.

My dad's expression grew serious as he spoke up, sharing his own experience.

Travis: I left my home and traveled to various places when I was 16.

Ethan: (a bit surprised) So, I'll have to wait 7 more years? That's too long!

Travis: Ethan, you just turned 9 years old this year.

Sarah: (inquiring) Is there something specific you want to do, Ethan?

I considered her question carefully before answering.

Ethan: I just want to gain more experiences and gather information beyond Treebrook.

Travis: (thoughtful) How about this? When you turn 12 years old and you've honed your skills further, we can revisit the idea after your solo rite ceremony.

I pondered his suggestion, realizing that it could be a reasonable compromise. It seemed like a practical plan, and it gave me something to look forward to. The pitter-patter of raindrops began to play a gentle melody outside.

Ethan: (smiling) It looks like the rain has decided to join us.

Travis: (looking out the window) It's quite unusual for it to rain at this time of the year.

Ethan: (curious) Unusual?

Travis: (explaining) Well, you see, we're still in the hot season.

Ethan: (glancing outside) Right...

Since I came to Florivera Land, the land only has two seasons which is the hot and slightly cold windy seasons. No snow, and rain only twice a year.

Sarah: Lianee, does Liam know that you're here at our house?

Lianee: (nodding) Yes, he knows.

Sarah: (raising an eyebrow) Lianee, I guess you'll have to spend the night here. Ethan, you should share a room with Lianee tonight.

Ethan's eyes widened in surprise at his mother's unexpected suggestion.

Ethan: (stammering) Wait, what?

Sarah: (playfully) Yes, dear. It's a perfect solution.

Ethan turned to his mom, his expression a mix of bewilderment and disbelief.

Ethan: (trying to communicate silently) Can't Lianee sleep with Emily?

My face communicated my message, and I hoped my mom would catch my drift.

Sarah: (smiling knowingly) Ethan, I know what you're thinking, but Emily's bed is a bit small. Yours is more comfortable for both of you.

Ethan's attempt at non-verbal communication didn't go unnoticed by his mother, who responded with a smile and a hint of amusement in her eyes. As the rain continued to create a soothing background sound with unexpected sleeping arrangements added. I glanced at Lianee, attempting to convey my thoughts through nonverbal cues. I raised an eyebrow slightly and gave her a questioning look, hoping she would catch on to my silent request. However, Lianee's expression only revealed a hint of shyness, without any obvious signs of protest.