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Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: A Year of Peace

For the first time in years, the Valvas Mansion felt truly alive.

The days that followed were filled with laughter, warmth, and a rhythm of peace that none of them had known before.Roy Valvas, now ten years old, no longer carried only the aura of a prodigy — but of someone learning to cherish the world he'd built around him.

Moments in the Mansion

Every morning, sunlight spilled through the wide glass windows, glimmering off polished marble floors and the rippling blue curtains that danced with the wind.Inside, the mansion was rarely quiet anymore.

Sometimes, Roy could be found at the grand piano, his silver-white hair glowing in the soft light as he played — slow, graceful melodies that drifted through the halls like magic.Bela White, always seated nearby, closed her eyes to the music — calm and peaceful, her heart no longer shadowed by the past.

Rem and Ram often competed to see who could sing along better, while Albedo proudly claimed every song was written for her — to which Venelana Bael teasingly rolled her eyes and joined the argument, making everyone laugh.

In the evenings, they would gather in the library. The fire crackled, candles flickered, and Roy would sit before them with that mischievous glint in his diamond-blue eyes.

"Tonight," he'd say, "you'll hear the tale of The Shadow of Azkaban Castle…"

The room would fall silent — even Albedo, who rarely feared anything, clutched her pillow when Roy's ghost stories grew too vivid.Astoria Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass, and Cassandra Vole always sat closest to him, wide-eyed, half-frightened, half-excited — and when the story ended, they'd all beg to know what happened next.

Roy would just smile.

"That's for tomorrow night."

Days of Companionship

They went on countless outings together — strolling through enchanted gardens, exploring the edge of the Valvas forest, or visiting the crystal lakes behind the estate where Dvalin often rested.

Roy would spend hours chatting, laughing, and sharing secrets — or simply sitting under the great oak tree, surrounded by friends and the gentle hum of peace.

Venelana often teased him that he was "building a harem before even finishing school," which always made Daphne and Cassandra blush furiously — and Astoria puff her cheeks in mock annoyance.

But Roy just laughed.He didn't see it that way. To him, these moments were his family — a patchwork of souls bound not by blood, but by trust, warmth, and memories.

Return to France

As the months passed, Roy decided it was time to return to France — to visit the people who had given him life, love, and guidance before destiny had swept him away.

Dvalin carried him across the skies, her majestic wings slicing through the clouds as sunlight shimmered on her scales.When he landed at the old Valvas Estate, nestled in the countryside of France, a familiar warmth filled the air.

Darius Valvas, his grandfather, stood waiting by the gates — still sharp-eyed and dignified, but his expression softened the moment he saw Roy.Beside him was Clara Valvas, his grandmother, whose kind smile could melt even the coldest heart.

"Grandfather, Grandmother!" Roy greeted, jumping down and hugging them both tightly.

Behind them came Alex Valvas and Jessica Valvas, his parents, whose eyes glistened with pride.For days, the family was inseparable. They shared stories, meals, laughter — and sometimes long walks through the vineyard behind the estate, where Roy would listen to Darius speak about the old days of the Valvas bloodline.

The Flamels of Paris

From time to time, Roy would take a train to Paris, visiting the old house of Nicolas Flamel and Perenelle Flamel.

There, surrounded by ancient books and alchemical instruments, he continued to refine his craft.Nicolas, who had once taught him like a teacher to a pupil, now spoke to him as an equal — the kind of rare friendship that transcended age and time.

"Your understanding of transmutation now surpasses even mine at your age," Nicolas said one evening, polishing a crystal flask that glowed faintly gold.

Roy only smiled humbly.

"That's because my teacher is the best alchemist in history."

Perenelle laughed softly from her chair.

"And perhaps the most charming student we've ever had."

They spent countless evenings together — discussing theory, experimenting with new materials, and sometimes simply sitting by the fire while Roy played soft piano tunes Perenelle had grown to adore.

A Year's End

And so a full year passed — a year of peace, warmth, and quiet happiness.Roy had grown taller, calmer, and wiser. The flames in his eyes burned brighter than ever, yet were tempered by gentleness.

He had everything — friends who cherished him, mentors who respected him, and a family who loved him deeply.

But deep inside, Roy could feel it — the faint stirrings of change.The world was quiet now… too quiet.

And in that silence, destiny was waiting to call his name again.

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