Morning sunlight spilled over the hills of Vornis as the Wynfall family prepared for their long-awaited move.
Today was the day.
Aster's dream home—the mansion built entirely from his music earnings, his inventions, and his determination—was finally ready to become their new home.
And tonight, they would celebrate Arlienne's birthday there.
A celebration of warmth, family, and freedom.
Aster woke early, filled with excitement.
Astra burst into his room with stars in her eyes.
Arlienne joined them soon after, smiling softly at the sight of her children's happiness.
Servants packed the last crates.
Musicians tested the Harmonia Player in the main hall.
Liora Arcwell arranged gift baskets and decorations.
The old mansion faded behind them as carriages filled with boxes rolled toward the hill.
Aster looked back only once.
He wasn't sad.
He was ready.
***
By noon, they stood inside the new home.
Aster and Astra pushed open the grand doors, revealing polished floors, sunlit windows, and mana-lit carvings of musical symbols. Air flowed through the hall like a gentle song.
Astra gasped. "Aster… this doesn't look like a house."
He smirked. "It looks like our future."
Liora Arcwell arrived right after, hugging Arlienne tightly.
Her daughter followed, carrying flowers.
Old friends from the capital joined in.
Merchants who supported Aster's dream came too.
It was a small gathering.
A humble one.
Just as Aster wanted.
The twins sang a simple blessing song in the main hall to mark the house-opening—nothing grand, nothing tiring—just a warm melody to welcome their new life.
Guests applauded softly.
Arlienne wiped her eyes.
"It's beautiful… thank you, my loves."
Aster felt the warmth bloom in his chest.
This was perfect.
***
Afternoon faded into evening.
And as lanterns began glowing across the capital, a painful truth settled over the Wynfall household:
**Not a single noble had arrived.**
Not one.
Aster's sisters, Seraphine and Lyria, had sent a letter earlier that morning—full of apologies and regret.
They *wanted* to come.
But…
They lived in the palace.
They were royal daughters.
Attendance at the queen's birthday was mandatory.
Astra folded the letter, sighing. "I wish they were here…"
Aster touched her shoulder gently. "They wanted to come. That's enough."
Arlienne stood quietly near the window, watching distant lights from the palace.
"They have no choice," she said softly.
Because tonight, the palace was overflowing with nobles.
All dressed in gold.
All flattering the queen.
All ignoring Arlienne's birthday entirely.
Even when they knew.
Even when invitations had been sent.
Astra peeked at the empty road outside.
"…Not a single noble came."
Aster shrugged with a gentle smile.
"We didn't invite nobles to make us look grand. We invited people who matter."
Arlienne looked at him—eyes soft, but with a hint of sadness she tried to hide.
"You children are all I need."
Aster nodded firmly.
"And we're here. That's what matters."
***
The garden of their new mansion turned into a warm haven by nightfall.
Floating lanterns drifted above, shaped like musical notes.
Bright mana crystals lit the pathways.
A gentle melody—Aster's new mix—played in the background.
Liora Arcwell managed the food tables with pride.
Engineers chatted excitedly about new prototypes.
Children played hide-and-seek among the hedges.
Common families who once watched the twins grow now joined the celebration with warmth.
It was simple.
It was humble.
It was sincere.
Aster watched Arlienne walk through the lantern-lit garden, her dress shimmering under the glowing lights.
"Mama looks so happy," Astra whispered.
Aster smiled.
"She deserves it."
As guests gathered, Aster lifted his glass.
"To our mother," he announced. "The strongest, kindest woman in Vornis."
Astra added with a grin, "And the prettiest!"
Laughter and applause filled the garden.
Arlienne covered her face with both hands, laughing through tears.
It was perfect.
It felt safe.
It felt whole.
For a moment.
***
But the world outside did not remain quiet.
Inside the palace, nobles raised their glasses to the queen.
Foreign dignitaries offered gifts.
Courtiers whispered praises for her beauty.
But none of the noise reached her heart.
Because she had only one question:
"…Where are the twins?"
The attendant trembled.
"T-They did not come, Your Majesty."
Her expression shifted from annoyance
to disbelief
to fury.
"They refused both my command… and the king's request?"
The queen's smile snapped.
The wine glass slipped from her hand and shattered on the marble floor.
Her voice, icy and sharp as a blade, cut through the hall:
"Very well.
Let them enjoy their little party."
She stood slowly from her throne.
"Because once my celebration ends…"
A chilling smile formed on her lips.
"…I will deal with them myself."
***
Back at the Wynfall mansion, the lanterns flickered softly as Aster and Astra prepared the final surprise for their mother.
A brand-new birthday song.
Aster stepped forward with Astra, taking a deep breath.
"This one," he announced, "is for Mama."
Arlienne smiled, heart full.
The twins lifted their sound crystals.
The garden fell silent.
They were about to sing—
When the wind shifted sharply.
Lanterns swayed.
Mana lights dimmed.
Aster froze.
Astra's fingers tightened.
Arlienne felt a chill crawl along her spine.
Something was coming.
From the palace.
From the queen.
From the consequences of saying "no."
And whatever it was…
It would reach them.