Every week, Duke Carlos holds a luncheon party with his family. Due to his busy schedule, he finds it hard to spend time with his family. Hence, every Sunday morning, he asks the entire family to join him for lunch. After their lunch, the family spends the rest of the morning drinking tea and chatting in the sun room of the main house. 

In the beautiful and spacious area, they have a small table in the centre surrounded by expensive sofas for leisure. The beige coloured walls and sofas add a warm atmosphere in the room. The glass windows and ceiling welcoming the sunlight. It is an ideal place for spending a good Sunday morning. 

The Carlos family are idols within the nobility. Their dark black hair and green eyes are a hereditary symbol of their lineage. The Duke is renowned in the empire as a demon on the battlefield. In the siege 7 years ago, Duke Carlos led the Aldelaine army to victory and earned a medal of honour for his hard work towards the Kingdom. 

Duchess Vivian is revered as the most majestic and beautiful woman in all of Aldelaine. She’s the only family member with gorgeous blonde hair and hazel eyes. Her etiquette and care for her people have earned her the title as the most kindhearted and elegant noblewoman in the Zureth Empire. Princesses from other kingdoms bow to Duchess Vivian, all in rage to learn from the queen of etiquette. 

One would think that the couple alone are enough but their 2 sons and daughter are always on the front page of Kingdom News. The eldest, Raven, is a proud student at Alden Academy. His skills as a mage are equal to the highest ranking court mages. As well as that, his talent in swordfighting brings shame to the imperial knights. Just like his father, he’s a monster to be feared. 

Irene inherited the blonde hair from her mother but shares the emerald green eyes of her family. As the youngest of the family, she doesn’t have much to show yet, but her beauty can make any man fall to their knees. The Kingdom fawns over her even more so than the royal princess. She’s spoiled by both her family and the people. 

Tap. 

After placing the cup of tea down onto the table, the Duke sat back straight and cleared his throat. “Ahem. I’m glad to see everyone well. Lucas, how have your preparations been going?”

A young man with a lean figure dressed in black silk pants and a white poet shirt placed his cup down as well. A slight breeze passed and his layered black hair fluttered, all the attention on the streaks of bright golden hair in the front. The rare mix of hair colours and his gem-like emerald green eyes along with his faint smile, made the maid picking up the cup blush till she turned red. She jolted her head back and scurried out of the room. 

He sat back with one leg over the other with elegance, “It’s going well.” he answered with a deep yet clear voice. 

Lucas Carlos, the middle child and the second son of the family.  

“Also, how long are you going to stay in that rundown mansion? You have a decent room here for yourself.” asked the Duke while picking up the fresh cup of tea. 

“It is not rundown.” answered the young man while also picking up the fresh cup of tea. 

“Suit yourself! Also, what are you planning for your 14th birthday?” 

“Same as usual, Mother can handle it anyways. Right Mother!” 

The Duchess smiled warmly at her mention, “Of course!” 

In the eyes of the public, this family is filled with monsters who have skills to wipe out the kingdom. It is easy to believe that they do not get along or have grudges against each other. However only the inside of the house knows the truth. This family is the warmest group in the entirety of nobility. 

There is no sign of hatred. They respect and love each other equally. 

“Pfft.” A small sound of laughter came from Lucas’ side. 

Astonished at his sudden laughter, the entire Carlos family turned and looked at him with surprise. 

“What’s the matter Lucas? Why did you suddenly laugh?” Asked the duchess, who was definitely the most curious about the source of this joy. 

“Lately, it’s so rare to see big brother Lucas smile like that.” Asked the young lady, staring at her older brother’s smile.

“It’s nothing, I just found something interesting. Definitely interesting.” He said as he looked out towards the haunted mansion and the library. A sudden realisation came to him. He glanced around the room and a solemn expression formed on his face. 

“Well, I’ll be off.” He says with a stern voice. Lucas stands up, fixes himself, and walks out of the room. 

“What that child is thinking, I will never know.” The family nodded in unison. 

…………

Tap. Tap. Tap.

“Ugh! Who is that?” Kai woke up from the odd sound at the door. 

If it was a person, they would just knock. 

He got out of bed and walked towards the door, at the slight opening, a black haired creature snuck into his room. Unaware of its surroundings, the cat flicks its head around in amazement. Confused at the lack of sound in the room, the cat turns its head towards the door where it came in from. A patch of golden hair shimmers in the light. Kai stood bewildered at the door staring at the gem-like eyes of the creature in front of him. 

“Nero!” At the sound of the name, the cat glared at Kai. 

“Pffffttt! Never- it never gets old!” 

Slowly the cat approaches Kai, and nuzzles up his leg. Surprised at the cat's sudden behaviour, Kai froze up. 

“Did you get hurt or something? I’ve never seen you show such love to me.” 

The cat continued rubbing its head against Kai’s leg and slowly walked around his legs with joy. 

Kai smiled at Nero’s odd behaviour.

“Well at least you’re happy.” 

Upon his words, the black and golden haired cat meowed with joy. 

TBC