After enjoying the meal with Urie, I felt satisfied and content. Rubbing my belly, I pondered aloud, "Urie, what can I do to pass the time?"
Urie glanced at me and suggested, "You can explore the city, visit the library, learn proper etiquette, or perhaps take a nap."
Grinning at the options, I agreed, "Great ideas. Alright, Urie, where's the library?"
Urie replied, "The library is on the second floor of the mansion. Shall we go there now?"
I nodded eagerly, and Urie led the way. Following her guidance, we soon found ourselves back inside the mansion, ascending the grand staircase. Before I knew it, we stood before a large door, one that Casia hadn't shown me yesterday.
Urie opened the door, and I trailed after her. The library was a sight to behold—vast and adorned with books stacked on every surface. It was a marvel, surpassing even the public library in Jonathon town.
"My lady, please feel free to choose whatever you'd like to read," Urie offered.
With a smile, I approached one of the shelves labeled "History." As I continued , I marveled at the the different shelves labelled: history, war, gods, magic, politics, science, and finance. It was truly astonishing.
Intrigued by magic, I gravitated toward that section of the library and picked up a book labeled "History and Basic Magic." Taking a seat, with Urie close by, I delved into the pages. Each word held a sense of wonder as it described how magic was bestowed upon the universe by Inas, a fact I was already familiar with.
The narrative then introduced the first human magic user, a man named "Oliver de Venta," who held a low rank as a baron. It recounted how Oliver, tasked with defending the kingdom alongside his fellow guards, encountered a hungry beggar during his six-month stint on the front lines—a mere pawn in the king's game.
Unlike others, Oliver showed compassion, offering the beggar food and kindness. Little did he know, the beggar was no ordinary man but a dragon named "Ednas," concealed in disguise. Ednas, a red dragon skilled in fire magic, was testing Oliver's heart and found him worthy of a reward.
Impressed by Oliver's benevolence, Ednas imparted the knowledge of mana and various magical arts to him. Empowered by this newfound wisdom, Oliver led his knights to vanquish monsters, emerging as a formidable force.
Upon his return to the kingdom, Oliver confronted the king, condemning his rule as selfish and unjust. He challenged the king's authority, citing the suffering of the people, exorbitant taxes, and rampant diseases. Oliver's courage and integrity marked him as a hero, standing up for what was right despite the consequences.
As I read further, the narrative unfolded a tale of resilience and nobility. Despite facing the king's wrath and the threat of death, Oliver stood firm, displaying unmatched strength as he fought against the king's men. With sheer determination, he emerged victorious, eliminating all who stood in his way, including the king himself.
Upon seizing the throne, Oliver transformed the kingdom into the grand Ostedia Empire, marking a new era of prosperity and justice. His ascent to power was not solitary; he chose a worthy empress, a woman of beauty and grace, to stand by his side.
The empire flourished under Oliver's reign, with his descendants inheriting not only his throne but also his gift of magic. Through centuries, this magical legacy transcended noble bloodlines, reaching even common folk who ought to learn the mystical arts.
Reading about Oliver's extraordinary journey filled me with admiration. Despite facing adversity, his compassionate heart remained unchanged, earning him the favor of a dragon and ultimately shaping the course of history. As I delved deeper into the text, I also gained insight into the enigmatic dragons, the ancient beings who were the first to harness the power of magic, their essence brimming with boundless mana.
As I was settling into my reading, a maid entered the library, bowing respectfully before addressing me, "Young Miss Giselle, your Aunt, uncle, cousins, and other guests have arrived. Your family awaits you downstairs, if you could please join them."
With a nod of acknowledgment, I returned the book to its place and exited the library, Urie trailing quietly behind me. Descending the staircase, I noticed the maids positioned in familiar formation, reminiscent of our initial arrival.
Stepping outside, I found my family gathered, my mother directing my attention towards the approaching visitors. Anticipation tingled within me as I awaited the arrival of my extended family members.
As the carriages rolled into view, adorned with intricate decorations, my gaze fixated on a striking figure emerging from one of them – a girl with flowing pink hair, and from a distance, her eyes appeared to match the hue of her hair.
Accompanied by Casia and other staff members, the girl was soon joined by another, whose long brown hair framed her delicate features, complementing her pink eyes. Following them, a distinguished-looking woman and a man with matching pink hair and eyes disembarked from the carriage.
Observing the unfolding scene, I noticed the other guests alighting from their respective carriages, engaging in conversations with the maids and butlers. In total, I counted Eleven individuals, each adding to the lively atmosphere.
As they approached, I witnessed Aunt Frisca break into a run towards a small, elderly woman, enveloping her in a tight embrace. "Oh, Mama, thank goodness you made it safely!" Aunt Frisca exclaimed, her relief palpable.
Watching this heartfelt reunion unfold, a sudden realization struck me like a bolt of lightning. If the elderly woman was Aunt Frisca's mother, then she must also be my father's mother, making her my grandmother. The thought dawned on me with a mix of surprise and warmth.
The woman tenderly addressed her daughter, "Oh, my beautiful daughter, nice to see you once more."
Following their embrace, Aunt Frisca turned her attention to the brown-haired woman and the man with pink hair. "Hello, sister Dominica, and brother-in-law," she greeted warmly.
"Hello, Frisca, thank you for having us," replied Dominica with a smile.
Turning to the man with black hair and eyes, Aunt Frisca exchanged a nod of acknowledgment. "Brother, nice to see you," she said warmly.
With pleasantries exchanged, Aunt Frisca extended her hospitality, ushering everyone indoors to foster introductions and connections among unfamiliar faces.
As the guests entered, they were guided to a spacious room furnished with several couches, prompting my family and me to settle on one.
Addressing the gathered family members, Aunt Frisca expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, everyone, for joining us for this family gathering. It's wonderful to come together periodically and catch up on each other's lives. If anyone is facing challenges, let's discuss how we can support and assist them."
With nods of acknowledgment, Aunt Frisca proceeded, "My brother, Henry, was the first to arrive, accompanied by his wife and their three lovely daughters."
The mention of family members prompted most to glance over, including the elderly lady, my grandma.
"Sister Dominica, her husband Chad, and their two beautiful daughters, along with Brother Kevin, his wife Richita, and their wonderful sons, are here, along with a guest who is a friend of Dominica's, accompanied by her child. Thank you all for joining us," Aunt Frisca continued, warmly acknowledging each family member.
"Thank you for having us," responded Dominica graciously.
"Please, don't forget Mama. While we're here, feel free to mingle and catch up, as dinner will be served shortly," Aunt Frisca added, emphasizing the importance of familial connections.
With that, Aunt Frisca exited the room, followed by Casia, leaving everyone to engage in conversation. It was evident that Aunt Frisca was keen on fostering communication among the family members.
Feeling the atmosphere ripe for interaction, I suggested, "Father, why don't you take this opportunity to catch up with your siblings?"
My father chuckled and rubbed his head, flashing me a feigned smile. "Haha, you're right, darling. I'll give it a shot," he replied before rising and heading over to Kevin to initiate a conversation.
Meanwhile, Anco stood up and approached one of Kevin's sons, who appeared rebellious with his fiery red hair and piercing green eyes. They engaged in dialogue, piquing my curiosity, though I hesitated to draw too much attention to myself. Saori remained by my side, quiet and reserved.
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As I scanned the room, my gaze met with the girl sporting pink hair and eyes, her hair fashioned in pigtails like mine. Despite her smile, I sensed a lack of genuineness in her expression. Politely, I returned her smile, though a flicker of doubt lingered within me.
Turning to Saori, I offered a quiet but determined directive, "Saori, ensure you excel as a powerful mage or in whatever pursuit you choose within the academy."
Surprised but reassured, Saori nodded and replied, "Of course, I'm your older sister. I won't disappoint you."
Just then, Casia reappeared, announcing the readiness of dinner. Guided by Casia, we made our way to the dining room, where everyone took their seats among their respective families. Aunt Frisca, seated gracefully, initiated the meal and conversation.
With nods of agreement, we began to savor the delectable spread before us, relishing in the flavors of succulent beef, perfectly cooked rice, and an array of side dishes, accompanied by refreshing juices. The table boasted an assortment of dishes, including ham, steak, and many more, each adding to the delightful culinary experience.
Soon, Dominica spoke up, addressing my father, "Brother Henry, you haven't spoken to me since my arrival, and I'm your older sister."
Caught off guard, my father paused, setting down his fork with a hint of unease. "Forgive me, sister. I was engrossed in conversation with Brother Kevin," he apologized.
Dominica rolled her eyes in response, prompting a silent observation from me, "Wow, are all of Papa's siblings like that?"
Undeterred, Dominica continued, shifting the conversation to family matters. "So, brother, how is your family? Since we're all gathered here, as Frisca mentioned, it's important to keep each other informed in case of any pressing needs."
Reluctant to share, my father hesitated before finally responding, "My family is doing alright. My wife, Renna," he gestured towards my mother, "and my three lovely daughters are here with us," he indicated towards us.
Taking a moment to observe us, Dominica offered a compliment, "What a lovely family you have, especially your daughters. They're truly beautiful."
With a warm smile, my father reciprocated, "Yours are equally beautiful."
Kevin chimed in, acknowledging the beauty of our family, but his curiosity was piqued by my unique white hair. "Yes, indeed, your girls are stunning, but why does that one have white hair?" he inquired.
Without missing a beat, my father explained, "Her name is Giselle, and she developed a rare condition when she was born, causing her hair to turn white."
Glancing at Aunt Frisca, who remained composed and silent, I couldn't help but wonder about the underlying tension in the room.
Interrupting the silence, a woman spoke up, expressing hope for the children to bond during their two-week stay. It became apparent that she was Dominica's friend.
When Kevin directed his attention towards her, she introduced herself, "I'm Sonia, Dominica's best friend, and this is my son, Harry," she said, as Harry greeted everyone with a wave while munching on his meal.
Reflecting on the atmosphere, I couldn't shake off a sense of unease. Although I had anticipated reconnecting with my extended family, something felt amiss, perhaps attributed to their demeanor.
Dominica shifted the conversation, inquiring about Kevin's son, James, and his Performance in the magic academy, sparking a new topic of discussion over dinner.
"Kevin, I heard your son James is enrolled in the magic academy," remarked Dominca, casually sampling her food.
"Ah, that's wonderful news! How long has he been enrolled there?" inquired Aunt Frisca, her interest piqued.
Chuckling proudly, Kevin replied, "James started last year, and he's already made it into the top 10 of his class."
"A remarkable achievement indeed! Which department is he specializing in?" Aunt Frisca inquired further.
"He's focusing on swordsmanship primarily, but he's also dabbling in some magic courses," Kevin explained.
As I listened to their conversation, it became evident that attending the academy was an impressive feat in itself.
Curious to put a face to the name, Aunt Frisca asked, "So, which one is James?"
With a gentle touch, Kevin directed attention to a handsome young man with sleek black hair and captivating black eyes, who carried himself with grace as he dined.
"Hello, Aunt Frisca. I'm James," he greeted warmly between bites of his meal.
Aunt Frisca reciprocated his smile, prompting Dominica to chime in, "Speaking of the academy, my daughter Abby will be joining this year, three months from now. She'll be focusing on magic, thanks to your guidance, Sister."
Curious, my mother inquired, "Which one is Abby?"
"My beautiful baby right here," Dominca exclaimed, placing a gentle hand on the shoulder of the pink-haired girl. Abby rose to her feet with poise, introducing herself, "Hi, my name is Abby Lee Emblyn. I'm currently 13 years old, and I've been practicing magic for some time now. Thank you, Aunt Frisca, for inviting us. It's a pleasure."
With a subtle nod of approval, Abby settled back into her seat, seemingly eager to make a favorable impression on Aunt Frisca.
Moved by Abby's courtesy, my mother remarked, "So polite."
"Thank you for your introduction, Abby. It's quite remarkable that despite not yet attending the academy, you've already mastered mana and delved into magic practice. What a talented child," Aunt Frisca commended warmly.
Abby's impressive demeanor and appearance didn't escape notice. She exuded charm and talent, leaving me to ponder that she seemed to possess all the qualities parents would wish for in their daughters.
Anco interjected with a hint of sarcasm, "What a dramatic introduction. You could've simply sat and said the same thing."
Anco's flair for drawing attention to our family couldn't go unnoticed, much to my chagrin. My mother shot her a stern look that seemed to make Anco break into a nervous sweat.
Aunt Frisca intervened calmly, stating, "Of course, it's proper courtesy to stand when introducing oneself."
Anco wisely remained silent, seemingly avoiding a confrontation with Aunt Frisca, knowing the outcome wouldn't be in her favor.
Dominica lightened the mood by sharing, "Hahaha, my daughter Jenny will also be joining the academy next year. Additionally, Sonia plans to enroll her son."
It appeared that talent ran deep among our extended family, extending beyond our own kin. Suddenly, Kevin and Dominica redirected their focus towards us.
"Brother, what about your girls?" Dominica inquired, while Kevin added, "They must have some potential, right?"
Feeling uneasy about their intentions, I couldn't shake the feeling that they were probing for weaknesses within our family.
In a moment of solidarity, Saori rose to her feet, asserting, "My name is Saori Lynette. Thanks to the generosity of Aunt Frisca, my sister Anco and I will be joining the academy in three months."
Saori resumed her seat, and suddenly Dominica leaned in to whisper something to her husband.
Without missing a beat, Chad cleared his throat and addressed the gathering. "Hello, everyone. As you all know, my name is Chad Emblyn. It seems like everyone's kids here have talents, but I must ask, Henry, considering you live quite remotely and appear to be short on funds, why did you turn to Aunt Frisca for assistance?"
Aunt Frisca's firm response reverberated through the room as she struck the table lightly. "Chad, mind your words. Henry is family, and if a family member is in need, it's only right to lend a helping hand. Let's not delve into that topic any further."
"Forgive my husband, Frisca Sister," Dominica interjected diplomatically. "Since we've finished our meal, why don't we allow the children to retire to their room and make acquaintances? After all, there are certain adult matters better left undiscussed in their presence."
Aunt Frisca nodded in agreement. "Casia! Please escort the children to their designated room. I trust their luggage has already been placed inside."
Casia acknowledged Aunt Frisca's directive and turned to us, gesturing for us to follow her. As we excused ourselves from the table, the other children rose to their feet eagerly. Climbing the grand staircase behind Casia, we soon arrived at the familiar room adorned with bunk beds.
"Young ladies and young gentlemen, feel free to choose any bed you like. This will be your accommodation during your stay. Should you require anything, simply ring the bell over there," Casia instructed kindly.
As Casia departed, I settled onto my bed, noticing Urie's absence. Despite being my temporary maid during my stay here, she remained the mansion's official and original caretaker.
As the others began selecting their beds, Abby took charge, suggesting we introduce ourselves properly. She stood before us, poised and confident.
"My name is Abby Lee Emblyn. I'm 13 years old," she began, launching into her introduction. "My hobbies include learning magic, indulging in tea, and reading. I enjoy chocolate cake, lemon cake, pies, beautiful people, and magic. I dislike pudding, ugly people, and those who imitate me. In the future, I aspire to become a powerful mage, earning a noble title like Aunt Frisca."
Abby's declarations left me momentarily stunned. Her aversion to "ugly people" and those who mimic her struck me as shallow and concerning. It seemed forming a genuine connection with someone like her would be challenging.
Next, Anco spoke up, revealing her interests and aspirations. "My name's Anco Lynette. My hobbies include frequenting the public library and socializing with interesting people. I enjoy eating and teasing my sisters. I dislike Giselle and Saori Lynette, and in the future, I aspire to become a warrior."
I couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt at Anco's blatant disregard for her sisters. Saori's soft inquiry mirrored my own bewilderment.
Anco's response was dismissive, prompting another girl, Jenny, to step in. "My name is Jenny Lee Emblyn, Abby's sister. I'm 12 years old," she began. "My hobbies include playing with teddy bears, indulging in sweets, and napping. I love teddy bears, food, and my family. I dislike those beneath me, and I aspire to become a captivating magician."
Observing the sisters' self-absorbed attitudes, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. While I understood occasional self-centeredness, theirs seemed extreme, bordering on narcissism.
James took his turn, offering a concise introduction. "I'm James, almost 14. I enjoy playing games with my brother, and my passion lies in swordsmanship. No particular dislikes for me. In the future, I aim to become a top-ranking swordmaster."
Following James, the boy with fiery red hair and emerald green eyes introduced himself simply as Cion, age 10. His abrupt conclusion left me wondering about his relationship with James.
Next up was Sonia's son, Harry, who presented himself thoughtfully. "My name is Harry. I'm 13 years old," he began. "I enjoy reading and delving into the mysteries of magic. I'm fond of magic, good food, and sunny days. I dislike cruelty, and my goal is to become a mage to safeguard my loved ones from harm."
Impressed by his sincerity, I made a mental note to connect with him later.
Then it was my turn. "My name is Giselle Lynette, aged 12," I began. "My hobbies include tending to my appearance, indulging in good food, and losing myself in books. I cherish meaningful conversations with my family and treasure my moments of rest. As for dislikes, I'll simply say: Anco Lynette, Anco Lynette, and Anco Lynette. As for what I want to be in the future well I'm still not so sure about it."
As I playfully called out Anco's name three times, she shot me a venomous glare. It was amusing to see her reaction, considering she had done the same to me in the past. I couldn't help but feel a sense of poetic justice.
Saori stepped forward, introducing herself with sincerity. "I'm Saori Lynette, 13 years old. My hobbies include maintaining cleanliness, caring for my sisters, and indulging in good food. I cherish my family dearly, but I dislike conflict. My goal is to become someone capable of protecting my sisters from harm."
With Saori's introduction, everyone had shared their stories. Abby, ever the lively one, applauded and remarked, "Wow, quite interesting, especially the Lynettes. I mean, having your sisters as your dislike? Hahaha, how amusing! What a clever idea."
With introductions concluded, Abby suggested, "Since we're all acquainted now, why not engage in a conversation?" Her infectious smile invited everyone to participate in the next activity.