Maxwell walked awkwardly forward down the carriage steps. His shoes clinked against them.

“Hello…s-sister,” he stammered. What was he to do? Heck he’d never had any siblings before.

“Why are you standing there all awkward for?” she said. She raised the hem of her skirt and dashed forward. Her arms wrapped around him.

“So cold, not giving your sister a hug!”

Maxwell gasped for air. “Your siblings have been gone for a couple months yet that’s all you have to say, the nerve!” she complained.

“I…can’t breathe,” was all Maxwell was able to get with his mouth buried in her shoulder.

“Come on now, your siblings are waiting for you, it’s already time for dinner! “She said ignoring him. She grabbed his arm and gently pulled him into the manor. She whistled sharply and the beast lazily galloped after them. The sight of the massive beast made him all jittery, especially the glimpse of large canines in its mouth.

“Amelia, help me,” he mouthed behind her. She pointed to the carriage as if to say,”I got to put this away.”

They walked directly to the dining room.

The door opened revealing the grand dining room. Sir Howitzer and lady Gamiere were already seated at one end of the table.

“The prodigal son returns,” they said in unison, their faces beaming.

“Yeah, heh,” said Maxwell. I’m starting to wish I had joined the theater club right now instead of being a part of the going home club. Then I could actually pretend to act like Ignard.

The door behind him opened again.

Two boys both several years older than him sat down across from him. One appeared slightly older and had a navy blue coat, which contrasted nicely with the white shirt beneath it. Despite the dark bags under his eyes his gaze was sharp. His hair was straw blonde like Sir Howitzers and a slight smile played on his lips. The one on the left was dressed similarly except for the fact that the coat was yellow. His hair was dark brown like Lady Gamiere’s and was parted to the side slightly.

Maxwell gulped. “Good evening, my dear brothers Julius and Eustace,” he said. It was a good thing Marco had briefed me slightly on his siblings a while ago. That aside he barely knew anything about them except for their names.

He felt their eyes scan him up and down. Why is everyone so quiet? He squirmed awkwardly in his seat.

The room erupted in laughter. Julius pointed at him guffawing loudly, his head all the way back. SIr Howitzer slapped his leg laughing. Sofia and Lady Gamiere daintily covered their mouths with a hand.

“Did I do something… “began Maxwell.

“Did you do something,” said Sir Howitzer, “I was sure you would be rubbing in your awakening the second you sat down!”

“When he heard the news we were sure you would drown us with tales of your many exploits,” said Julius wiping away a tear. “Your quiet demeanor was hilarious.”

Maxwell blushed. “Sorry about that,” he mumbled.

“Is he blushing,” teased Eustace.

“I am not!” said Maxwell. Why am I getting embarrassed? He wondered if siblings were always so good at getting on his nerves.

“So tell me Ignard,” said Julius leaning in. “Is it really true you awakened your divine blessing?”

Maxwell nodded. “It’s true.”

Julius leaned back nodding. “I was starting to think it would never come…”

It is through the grace of the gods,” said Sir Howitzer. “His Insignia is the divine blessing of Luminus the god of light.”

Julius rolled his eyes. “Father even the children of the orphanages know that much.”

Perhaps it was simply his imagination but it seemed that for a moment Julius’s mouth had tightened slightly at the edge of his gentle smile.

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“You may be the youngest but it appears you may be the shining torch of this household,”

He was starting to feel like the power he was being bestowed was more important than he had thought. While perhaps cheesy, he thought back to that one saying. With great power comes great responsibility.

Maxwell nodded. “I hope to live up to your expectations,” he said bowing slightly.

Sir Howitzer nodded in approval. “Good, good manners.”

Julius took a bite of his food. “It seems he has finally grown up,” he said. “Maybe one day you can be as good as me,” he joked. “It’ll take more than just some golden eyes to beat me!”

“So this means you’ll be joining the academy next term,” said Sir Howitzer between bites.

The academy?- Right, Marco had mentioned something like that! Maxwell contemplated the thought for a moment.

“Yes, of course,” he said. The thought scared him but maybe if his siblings would be there then maybe it wouldn’t be so bad.

“I see…” said Julius.

Sofia laughed. “Afraid he’ll come after your spot?”

“Of course not,” said Julius.

I remember when you were only about this tall,” said Julius holding his fingers open only slightly.

Lady Gamiere chuckled in response. “You’ve been teasing him an awful lot.”

“It’s OK,” said Sofia. “I’m sure his high spirits can’t be pulled down by some friendly taunting,”

Maxwell hadn’t realised it before but Sofia’s eyes were a bright vibrant green. Everyone’s eye color in the house was blue except for hers- and of course Maxwell’s. He couldn’t recall what eye-color Marco and Amelia had. How did I not notice that before? He wondered. Eye-color has to do with mana power or something. I wonder how that affects the dynamics, I think I heard one of the instructors mention that nobles all have Aquamarine eyes.

Julius stretched his arms high into the air stretching.

“Can we get some tea?” he asked.. Amelia nodded politely before gracefully leaving the room. She returned shortly after with a tray of tea and light snacks.

Steam misted from the pot as she poured them into the porcelain cups.

Julius stood up and went over to her. Don’t work yourself too hard,” he said, putting a hand on her shoulder. “You have a gentle soul, I don’t want you to overwork yourself, you’re so delicate”

Sofia leaned toward Maxwell. “It’s so embarrassingly clear how obvious his feelings are toward her,” she whispered in his ear.

Maxwell nodded slowly with a straight face. I also don't think Julius has any idea what she’s really like, he thought. If he did he doubts Julius would still have a crush on her. The memories of her kicking him and cursing him popped into his head with incredible ease. She walked around the table softly placing a cup at each person’s plate.

“Thank you,” said Maxwell as she placed it in front of him with a clink.

He tenderly took a sip but nearly burnt his tongue in the process. He had gotten a taste of the sweet aroma and was looking forward to drinking it when it cooled down.

He heard a crash, and turned his head.

“My you’re so clumsy,” said Julius teasingly. “Are you alright?”

“Sorry sir,” she said.

In Amelia’s hands were the splintered remains of his teacup. The hot liquid steamed as it dripped from her hand. Droplets of blood spilled from in between the porcelain’s sharp cracks.

Maxwell stood up, “You’re bleeding!” He exclaimed.”Let me help you!” he said. He rushed over to her. He held up the tray for her to put the shards in.

“Let me look at your hands, “he said.

“What are you-” began Amelia but he inspected her hands before she could continue.

There were long red gashes in her hands. Maxwell winced at the sight of several small shards still stuck in her flesh. I think I can do something about this. He thought back to the first day of his general crash course in magic. They had channeled their mana into the plant and it had grown. Maybe I can do a similar thing here.

Maxwell held a hand above and below hers and closed his eyes. A golden light emanated from them. The bleeding stopped and the wounds shrivelled in size. The shards loosened and clinked lightly as they hit the ground.

“That should stop the bleeding,” he said at last while opening his eyes”Hmm…. Impressive, you’ve already learnt general healing magic,” remarked Julius whistling lazily.

“Huh, no that wasn’t healing magic,” said Maxwell. “I was just supplying some of my mana into her hands, “ he explained.

His family exchanged surprised glances.

His father uttered a small whisper.

“Normally simply applying mana to wounds doesn’t help in healing or stopping the bleeding, it might dull the pain and provide a small energy boost but that’s it. Whether it’s because you have golden eyes or light magic it doesn’t really matter, to make such a change with such a basic ability…. It’s miraculous…” breathed Sir Howitzer.

“It is indeed… “ echoed Julius.

Soon the commotion faded into the background to Maxwell's relief. He took small sips of his tea. Julius and Eustace conversed over some school event while Sofia chatted with Lady Gamiere. Amidst all the noise Sir Howitzer loudly cleared his throat. Nobody seemed to catch onto that cue to be quiet. Sir Howitzer cleared his throat again but everyone was too caught up in their conversations. Only Maxwell seemed to notice.

Sir Howitzer’s eyebrows furrowed in anger. His eyes shone brightly. The hair on Maxwell’s neck rose. A boom echoed throughout the room, assaulting his ears. He felt the wave of energy reverberate through the air, rippling his face.

The room was immediately silent.

“Listen up, everybody,” he boomed. “I have an important announcement to make of utmost importance. I will be announcing the heir to the Vanderbilt Household.”