Flann sat at his desk by the window, staring outside where the moon shone brilliantly over the city. Although the sight was beautiful, his mind was full of other thoughts, contemplating the conversation he had had a few hours prior. 

Getting adopted into the Ruzena family.

Not only would he have a place to stay and a family to come home to, he would also be given the chance to be admitted to an academy to train his magic skills. For the past few weeks, he had gotten used to the comfort of the Ruzena estate, and had been beginning to wonder if he was imposing for too long. Still, he enjoyed it here, and didn’t yet know the outside well enough to know where to go. 

His memories remained disconcertingly empty, and he had no family nor identity that he could remember. If that was the case, would it be fine to simply accept the offer and treat them as his new family? 

Flann closed his eyes, his eyelashes pure white under the moonlight. He knew the answer he wanted, but was still afraid of burdening the Ruzena family. For a noble family, however small, to adopt a child out of nowhere, especially one without any notable background… there would without a doubt be rumors and other negative effects. 

However, if he could learn to control his magic and wield it well, could he perhaps become an asset to the Ruzena family? Flann again tried to sense the mana flowing through his heart, and a soft spark blazed where he focused his attention. He followed it as it circulated throughout his body, honing in to the sensation. Without channeling the force anywhere, he let go of it and opened his eyes. 

If he was truly talented at magic like they said, he wanted to be able to use it to help the family, and the people precious to them. 

Flann opened and closed his fists a few times, finalizing his decision.

***

Early the next morning, as the sun just barely began to shine its light over the land, Flann exited his room and headed towards Kelsus Ruzena’s office. Standing in front of the large, intricate doors, he paused for a moment to take a deep breath, and then knocked on the door lightly. 

“Come in.”

Opening the door slightly and peeking inside, Flann found Kelsus sitting at his table, already at work despite the early hour. Meekly, he stepped inside the room and approached Kelsus’s table. 

Kelsus looked up from the document he was reading, surprised to find that it was not any of his attendants or workers, but Flann who had come to see him.

“Oh, Flann! What brings you here at this hour?”

Flann fidgeted with his fingers behind his back, a little nervous. Then, he forced himself to stop and stood up straight, making sure to make eye contact with Kelsus. 

“...I contemplated a lot last night… about what was said at dinner.”

“About the adoption?” Kelsus replied. “You didn’t have to rush.”

“Yes, but it was on my mind…”

“I see.” Kelsus placed his paper and pen down and brought his hands before him on his desk. Smiling, he asked, “So did you come up with an answer?”

“I..,” Flann started, “I want to become a part of the Ruzena household.” 

He bowed his head deeply towards Kelsus, hands at his side. “Although it may cause trouble for you… I want to be able to stay here with everyone.”

Then, standing back up, he claimed, “I promise… if I learn to wield my magic properly… I will pay back your kindness…!”

Kelsus was a little taken aback by his earnestness, yet at the same time somehow felt it was to be expected from Flann. Laughing quietly under his breath, he replied, “Of course, Flann. I’d be happy to give you the name Ruzena.” 

Flann again bowed deeply, stating, “Thank you very much…!”

“I’m sure Amandine and Clarette will be pleased to hear this news. Why don’t we go share it with them?”

Flann nodded a few times, and Kelsus stood up from his chair, laughing softly at Flann’s excited reaction. He ruffled Flann’s hair gently, and the two of them left the room.

Kelsus first led him to his bedroom, where Amandine was getting ready for the day. He knocked lightly on the door and asked, “Amandine? Are you up yet?”

After a short moment’s pause, the door creaked open, and Amandine came out, fully dressed for the morning.

“Yes? What calls you back– Oh! You’re with Flann!” She patted him on the head lightly. “Good morning! You’re up early today.”

A little shy after being patted on the head twice in a row, Flann replied quietly, “...Good morning.”

“So? What brings you both here?”

Kelsus smiled and patted Flann on the back. “Flann has some good news this morning.” Looking at him, he said, “Why don’t you tell her?”

Peering up from his long bangs, Flann said, “I… wish to take on the Ruzena name.”

He bowed once again, this time towards Amandine, stating, “Thank you very much for your kindness!”

Amandine stood for a minute in pleasant surprise, and then smiled, spreading her arms open for a hug. “I see!”

He timidly approached her for an embrace, and she wrapped her arms around him. The tips of his ears blushed slightly red, and he kept his arms close to him, not knowing where to put them. 

Letting go of him, Amandine moved back a little and said, “Welcome to the Ruzena family, Flann!”

Flann’s cheeks bloomed in a rosy red, and he nodded eagerly a few times. 

“Well then,” Kelsus spoke. “Shall we all go to tell Clarette?”

Amandine laughed, closing the door behind her. “She’ll be so excited to have a younger brother.”

The three of them headed down the hallway to Clarette’s room, at which they stopped to knock, in case she might still be sleeping. 

“Clarette, are you awake?” Amandine asked.

From inside the room, Clarette’s response came. “Yes, but I’m not yet dressed.”

There was the sound of footsteps, and then the door opened slightly, Clarette peeking out. “Is it urgent?”

She found all three of them waiting outside for her, and surprise showed on her face. “Did I miss something? Everyone’s here…”

“No, it’s nothing urgent, but we just had some news for you.” Amandine responded. “It’ll be quick, so it’s alright if you’re still in your night wear.”

Clarette nodded and opened the door wider. “What news is it?”

Amandine and Kelsus looked towards Flann, who after seeing their gazes, pointed his towards Clarette. “I decided… to become a part of the Ruzena household,” he stated.

Then, nervously, he bowed his head again, surprising Clarette with the sudden movement. “...Please take care of me from now on!”

After the brief moment of shock, Clarette burst into laughter, tears forming in her eyes. “Somehow, Flann’s always so serious it’s funny,” she stated. 

Wiping the tears away from her eyes, she replied, “Please take care of me too.”

Like her mother, she reached out to hug him as well, and Flann awkwardly accepted her embrace. “From now on, you’re my little brother!” she said excitedly, squeezing him tightly.

Carried by the mood, Amandine and Kelsus also joined in on the hug, amused by the nervousness Flann displayed from receiving affection. 

His cheeks flushed with embarrassment, Flann stood stiffly between them, not knowing how to react. Although he was flustered, the kindness and acceptance he received from them was incredibly warm, and he found himself smiling a little between them.