On Evering's face, despite his exhaustion, appeared a new sign of hope and reassurance. It was a moment that gathered all the emotions of a family that had lost its balance for a long time. Amidst the group hug and smiles mingled with tears, everyone realized that their bond was stronger than any dispute or problem. Démic, who had thought he was the cause of the chaos, looked at his siblings and felt the warmth of belonging he had long missed. He knew that things would not be easy, but with his family by his side, he felt they could overcome anything.

Alyanora, with a mischievous yet tender smile, looked at Ivering and said, "Oh, great Emperor, we need to be stronger. The whole family is counting on you. Don’t let us down; we’re with you every step of the way."

Ivering replied, wiping his tears, "Thank you... thank you all. I know I am not alone, and that is more than I could have asked for."

Laughter and tears mingled in the room, but this time it was not from pain, but from hope and determination to stay together, no matter the cost.

Johan appeared at the open door frame, tapping gently and laughing, "Did you forget to tell me about the pajama party? It seems I missed quite a lot." His soft laughter added a touch of levity to the moment, as everyone exchanged amused glances with him.

Moments later, Maximilian, their other uncle, entered and approached Ivering with serious, determined eyes. Johan gently touched Ivering’s face and said sincerely, "We’re here with you, no matter what."

Maximilian nodded in agreement and added, "And if necessary, we’d tear out one of our own hearts to give it to you. We won’t leave you alone."

Démic notices something, his eyes scanning the room with contemplation as if the memories of the place are coming alive in his mind. He looks at Ivering, then at Johan and Maximilian, as if searching for answers to a question that has troubled him since his return. He hesitates for a moment, then asks in a quiet but anxious voice: 

"Where is my father? I haven’t seen him since I arrived... Why didn’t he come to welcome me?" 

"Yes, where is my uncle? I’ve been asking this question since yesterday, and no one will answer me," adds Alan.

Everyone freezes, exchanging uncertain glances as they search for the right words to reveal the truth. Johan’s gaze falls to the table, while Maximilian clears his throat in silence. Even Ivering, who is usually so confident, finds himself at a loss for words. Démic senses that something is wrong and presses with greater urgency:

"What’s happening? Why are you all silent?"

Evyannus, who had been sitting in the corner, steps forward, looking at Démic with sorrowful eyes, and says in a soft but clear voice:

"Démic, our father... has passed away."

Démic falls silent for a moment, trying to process the words he has just heard. His heart throbs with mixed feelings of shock, pain, and denial. He takes a deep breath as if searching for something to hold onto, before responding with a trembling voice:

"Passed away? What do you mean? How... and when?"

"Uncle... no, this can’t be true," Alan says in disbelief.

Evyannus approaches gently, saying, "Come with me, I’ll show you something."

The three of them leave the room, walking through the long, somber hallways filled with a melancholy quiet and memories. They arrive at a garden where a large, beautiful building stands, and Evyannus opens the door.

The shrine that holds Démic's father is located in a grand royal hall dominated by the color white. Rays of light beautifully scatter through the large windows adorned with intricately carved frames. Towering marble columns rise towards the vaulted ceiling, adorned with complex decorations that stand out under the filtered sunlight. The space appears to be covered with a thin layer of shimmering dust, where prismatic colors reflect on the polished floor, adding a touch of magic and elegance to the shrine.

The atmosphere in the hall is serene and silent, dominated by a sense of reverence and awe, as if it were a sacred place that tells tales of ancient glory. The ceiling is embellished with intricate engravings and interwoven patterns that speak of Casial’s grandeur and history, while the dim lights cast a feeling of peace and tranquility. Every corner of the hall exudes royal majesty, and each nook pulses with dignified opulence.

The glass shrine housing Cassius stands in the center of the hall, showcasing a stunning design that reflects his beauty and youthful spirit. The glass cover softly reflects the light, lending an air of purity and calm to the surroundings. Inside, Cassius lies peacefully, as if in eternal slumber, dressed in his elegant royal attire, adorned with golden embellishments that highlight his high stature and glorious past. The vibrant blue and gold of his attire harmonize with the surroundings, enhancing the sense of grandeur and dignity.

Surrounding Cassius are tulips in bright shades of red, white, and blue, infusing the sorrowful scene with life and beauty. These flowers symbolize the care and love still felt for him by those he left behind, arranged harmoniously around his body as if embracing him with grace and tenderness. The bluebird hovering nearby symbolizes freedom and hope, as if it were part of a story yet to be completed.

Cassius’s body within the glass shrine looks as though it’s in deep sleep, not death; his skin appears fresh and glowing, as though blood still pulses through his veins, with a fair complexion touched by a hint of rosiness on his cheeks, giving him a warm and lifelike appearance. His youthful and handsome features reflect calmness and serenity, his expression carrying a quiet smile or a gentle dream, making him look as though he’s merely asleep, lost in beautiful dreams.

His face radiates life, with his golden-blond hair cascading smoothly around his head, perfectly framing his delicate features. His closed eyes lend him a peaceful appearance, as if they’re ready to open at any moment. His lips, naturally colored, seem on the verge of speaking lost words or taking a new breath.

His body appears almost alive beneath his royal robes, showing a flexibility and ease that defy the stillness of death. His relaxed fingers rest at his sides, suggesting an inner peace, as though any moment could bring him back to life. Every detail, from the glow of his fair skin to his body’s posture, speaks of life, evoking the feeling that Cassius hasn’t left the world of the living but is simply resting for a while in a realm of dreams.

Iviannos and Alan stood silently beside Démic, allowing him his private moment with the overwhelming sorrow engulfing him. They knew that words would be meaningless now and that their presence was all Démic needed in this painful moment. Alan patted his cousin’s shoulder, who was more like a brother to him, and said:

"My dear Démic, I know words may not console you entirely in these difficult times, but I want you to know that you are not alone. The pain is immense, but we are one family, and we will always support each other. Uncle was a strong and great man. I know what hurts most is that we couldn’t see him, but our memories of him will be our source of strength during this difficult time." 

With all the love and support he had, Alan squeezed his cousin’s shoulder tightly. Démic moved and knelt beside the shrine, gazing at his father. He took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions, then whispered in a shaky voice:

"Iviannos, how did this happen?"

Iviannos approached his brother and helped him up, speaking in a broken voice:

"Father, after your kidnapping, his health deteriorated, and he couldn’t hold on much longer. His only wish for us was: ‘Find your brothers.’ He held himself responsible for what happened."

"Is my mother the reason?" Démic asked, filled with sadness.

"We suspected it. Even he believed she cast a spell on him or used some strange force. His body’s functions gradually slipped into a deep sleep until he ended up like this."

Démic smiled sadly and whispered, "Oh, Mama... you never stop hurting us." He kissed the glass where his father lay, while Alan cast a look full of pain and sadness at his uncle’s strong figure, now sitting lifeless.

"Our brothers are waiting for us in the dining room. Let’s go," Alan said.

The three headed back to the palace, to the dining room where the Casial family gathered for their meals. The spacious room was filled with the light clinking of cutlery and the soft hum of conversation, with everyone seated around the table, enjoying the delicious dishes and cups filled with hot tea. The atmosphere felt warm and comforting, despite the heavy issues looming in the background.

Ivering sat at the head of the table, with Johan and Maximilian on either side, both glancing at him occasionally as if ensuring he was okay. The warm atmosphere brought a sense of comfort, even if heavy matters still hovered above them.

Démic’s question broke the silence: "By the way, where are Kylian and Gina? I haven’t seen them here."

Johan’s fork slipped from his hand, making a sharp noise that pierced the quiet, causing everyone to stop eating, their eyes widening with anticipation. Johan froze for a moment, then picked up his fork with a trembling hand, keeping his eyes fixed on the table as if what he had just heard was too heavy to face.

Ivering took a deep breath, then spoke with deliberate coldness that concealed much beneath it: "Kylian... ran away without explanation, leaving behind unforgivable chaos. We’ve been searching for him for years, and every time we find him, he escapes again. He never gives us a reason, only saying that there’s unfinished business."

Johan slammed his fist on the table, his voice filled with anger and betrayal: "Stop looking for him! I have no son like that."

Démic looked at Ivering, wondering if the bad news had ended, but Ivering continued: "As for Gina... she got married. She couldn’t wait any longer."

Silence fell once again, and shock spread across the faces of those present. The news felt like an unexpected blow, especially for Démic, who never anticipated this response. Everyone was about to object or question why Ivering was lying, but he signaled them to remain silent, as if warning them not to reveal the truth to Démic. It seemed he was preparing something.

Démic’s face changed as he zoned out momentarily, taking a sip of water to regain his balance; knowing that the love of his life had married was the harshest thing he had faced in years.

Johan whispered to Kylos, who was sitting beside him: "Son, did my little girl get married without telling me?"

"It seems Ivi is planning an unnecessary surprise for Démic."

"And my brother Elias, where is he?" Démic asked again.

"He left last night. Something urgent came up, but he’ll be back tonight for the celebration."

"Celebration? What celebration?" Démic asked.

"The celebration we’re holding in honor of the return of the two lost princes."

"That’s not necessary," Alan added while sipping his tea.

"It is necessary, my boy," Max explained. "First, you both need to make a public appearance. Second, you must declare your allegiance to the King of Casial, and most importantly, you need to assume the positions that have awaited you for years."

"What kind of position deserves a grand celebration?" Now asked, while continuing to drink his tea calmly.

Evering smiled and rested his hand under his chin before replying, "The Grand Archduke and the Ambassador of the Realm."

Now was taken aback and spat his tea, while Démic choked on his food. His uncle Johan quickly handed him a glass of water and patted his back.

Max laughed and said, "Now, such behavior is unbecoming of the Ambassador of the Realm and the senior diplomat at the table."

Démic asked, "Uncle, aren't these positions yours?"

Max replied, "Yes, my dear, but it’s time for Johan and me to retire."

Démic wondered, "But I understand that Now will inherit your position since he is your son, but why am I taking on Uncle Johan’s position?"

Max answered seriously, "Because you deserve it. Killian lacks the wisdom needed to manage this role, and he has also expressed a desire not to be the head of the Mage’s Tower here."

Démic was surprised and asked, "The Mage’s Tower? Isn’t it abandoned?"

"Yes, Killian intended to reopen it and welcome new students. There were many eager and enthusiastic young people, but… that fool left me a message in his room saying: ‘Dear Father, I am leaving and will return when I feel I am capable of doing so.’"

Judith’s cup fell from her hand and shattered, causing everyone to turn toward her with concern. She tried to ease the situation by saying, "I’m sorry, my hand slipped."

Evering asked her anxiously, "Judy, are you alright?"

She replied with visible tension, "Yes, of course. I’m full. I’ll leave if you don’t mind." She stood up and quickly left, leaving behind a noticeable tension.

After a brief silence, Démic asked with curiosity, "Why don’t any of my siblings hold the positions you mentioned?"

Evering smiled and replied first, "Kailos is the Grand Marshal, responsible for leading the military forces and directing security strategies."

Evianus added, "As you know, I am the Saint, and in addition to that, I am a scholar specializing in the creation of weapons and various magical tools."

Alexander spoke with a touch of pride, "As for me, I oversee education and knowledge and serve as the Ambassador for Science and Technology. I utilize my expertise in collaboration with neighboring realms."

Elias said seriously, "I am the Director of Transportation and Logistics, responsible for organizing all land, sea, and air transport routes."

Max added with a hint of pride, "Even though Johan and I have retired from our previous positions, we continue to oversee Casial's trade with neighboring realms and manage import and export operations."

Evering continued, "As for the remaining positions in the state, they are filled by trusted nobles from the Kingdom of Casial, who contribute to the daily administration."

Démic asked with curiosity, "What about Phoenix? Why doesn’t he hold any of the important positions?"

Evering looked at Phoenix with a hint of discomfort and then replied, "Phoenix, as you see, does not like taking on responsibilities. He prefers to enjoy his life as the Phoenix Prince."

Phoenix smiled playfully and added, "That’s right, I love enjoying my life as the Phoenix Prince. Nothing else really interests me. Besides, the title of Grand Archduke has been yours for a long time; none of us have thought about taking it, dear Démic."

The group exchanged understanding glances and continued their meal in a calm and comfortable atmosphere, appreciating the significance of each person's role in the kingdom's framework.