Meanwhile, the family step onto the grand porch, an expansive space that seemed to welcome them with open arms. To the left, a beautifully arranged table and chairs sat under the shade, their polished wood gleaming softly in the light. The table was set with care, each chair cushioned for comfort, ready to host the gathering. Across from it, on the right side of the porch, a well-equipped cooking area beckoned with its array of utensils and a sturdy grill. Just beyond the cooking area, a cozy seating arrangement awaited, plush chairs and a low table creating an intimate spot for relaxation.

  Against the manor wall, a vibrant flower bed stretched along the length of the porch. The flower bed was a riot of colors, with a variety of blossoms swaying gently in the breeze. Tall, proud roses of red, pink, and white dominated the scene, their fragrance mingling with the softer scents of lavender, daisies, and marigolds. The flowers were carefully tended, their petals fresh and bright, while the rose bushes added a touch of elegance, their thorns hidden beneath the layers of lush green leaves.

  After everyone takes their seat, Talia pours everyone tea, and slices of honey cake are delicately divided among the guests by Ryu. The soft clinking of cups and the gentle hum of conversation fill the air. The wooden porch, surrounded by lush greenery and bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, is an idyllic scene of familial warmth.

  Ryu sits between Nikko and Talia. Nikko, ever cheerful, leans into him while Mirajane giggles from her seat on her father's lap. Her sticky fingers hold a small piece of cake that she nibbles on contentedly. On Talia's lap, Lisanna mirrors her sister, her small feet swinging happily as she munches on her own piece. Across from them, Alduin, Myra, Alora, and Alissa sip on their tea, savoring both the cake and the moment of peaceful reunion.

  Apollo stands quietly nearby, his posture straight and vigilant as he watches the family enjoy their tea and cake. His gaze scan the area, always on alert, though his presence is unobtrusive.

  The conversation flows naturally, a rhythm of laughter and shared memories. Talia's sisters are animated, teasing Talia about her life in the countryside while recounting their own adventures. Alissa, the cleric, speaks about her time in the various temples and the dangers she's faced on her journeys. Alora, destined to be the next queen, speaks of courtly intrigue with a mixture of pride and weariness.

  "Oh, the politics of the court are unbearable at times," Alora laments dramatically, her hands gesturing as she speaks. "It's all alliances and whispers behind closed doors. Give me an adventure like yours any day, Silvia."

  "Or rather, like Ryu's," Alissa chimes in with a playful smirk, glancing over at Ryu. "I hear he's always been the wild one."

  Talia chuckles softly, squeezing Ryu's hand under the table. "Things have calmed down quite a bit here," she says with a smile, her gaze soft as she glances at her children, "but it's a different kind of adventure now."

  As time passes, the children grow restless. Mirajane and Lisanna slip from their parents' laps and begin to run around the backyard, giggling and chasing each other with boundless energy. Nikko soon joins them, her ears perking up and her tail swishing excitedly as she dives into their games. The three girls frolic and play, their laughter filling the evening air.

  Myra, seated across from Ryu and Talia, glances at the girls frequently, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Children," she mutters quietly to herself, though not without some affection. She can't help but scoff as Mirajane tumbles into the grass, her once tidy new dress now streaked with mud.

  As the children play on the playground, their joyful laughter rings out across the yard, Alora finds herself glancing repeatedly at Apollo. He stands a short distance away, his imposing figure clad in black and gold armor, the gleaming plates catching the light with a subtle sheen. His face is completely concealed by his helmet, a dark, visor-like mask that reflects nothing of the world around him, giving him an almost otherworldly presence. His arms are crossed over his chest, and he remains perfectly still, his gaze locked onto the children as they chase each other and climb the wooden fort.

  Alora leans forward slightly, unable to shake the unease growing within her. She whispers to Ryu, who is seated beside her, "Why isn't Apollo joining us? I feel bad that he has to stand there, watching the kids. We can see them just fine from here."

  Ryu gently sets down his teacup, the soft clink barely audible over the children's laughter. He glances at Apollo, a small smile playing on his lips. "Apollo isn't much of a social person," Ryu replies, his voice low. "His priority is the safety of the children."

  This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  Alora frowns, clearly not satisfied with that response. "Ridiculous," she mutters as she rises from her seat, her determination pushing her forward despite the unease that creeps up her spine. She approaches Apollo, though her steps slow as she nears him. The closer she gets, the more imposing he seems—his towering frame and the dark, expressionless mask give him an aura of quiet menace.

  When she finally reaches him, her confidence falters. Her heart pounds in her chest, but she forces herself to speak. "Apollo," she begins, her voice wavering slightly, "it isn't right that you're just standing here while the rest of us are enjoying tea and cake."

  Apollo remains motionless, his dark visor reflecting nothing as he finally turns his head to regard her. He doesn't speak immediately, and the silence stretches out, amplifying Alora's nervousness. She fidgets with the hem of her gown, feeling the weight of his unreadable gaze.

  "Why don't you join us?" she asks, mustering as much confidence as she can. "There's plenty of cake, and I'm sure you must be tired from... well, standing here all day."

  Apollo's head tilts slightly as if considering her offer, but his voice, when it comes, is as calm and emotionless as his appearance. "No thank you," he says, the words delivered with a finality that leaves no room for debate.

  Alora blinks, taken aback by the direct refusal. She hesitates, then tries again, her voice a bit more insistent. "But... surely you must be hungry. You can't stand here all day just watching the kids play. Why not at least sit down and have some tea with us?"

  Apollo's visor shifts slightly as he turns his attention back to the children. "I am not hungry," he replies, his tone unchanged, his posture unwavering.

  Frustration flares within Alora, though she can't help but feel a bit intimidated by the droid's unyielding presence. She isn't used to being dismissed so easily. "You can't just stand there all day!" she protests, though the strength in her voice is beginning to wane. "At least sit down, have a break."

  For a long moment, Apollo remains silent, his gaze fixed on the children. Then, without looking back at her, he speaks once more. "No thank you."

  The finality of his words leaves Alora at a loss. She opens her mouth to argue further but finds herself unable to form a response. With a huff of exasperation, she turns and marches back to the porch, feeling both astonished and slightly defeated.

  As she returns to the table, Ryu glances up from his slice of cake, amusement evident in his eyes. "Told you," he says with a grin, lifting his fork to take another bite.

  Alora slumps back into her chair, shaking her head in disbelief. "Such a strange person," she mutters, still casting the occasional glance at Apollo, who hasn't moved an inch.

  Alissa, who has been quietly observing the exchange, finally speaks up, her eyes also drawn to the enigmatic figure. "Is he always like this?" she asks, curiosity tinged with unease.

  Talia chuckles softly as she sips her tea. "Yes," she says, her tone light with a hint of affection. "But I've gotten used to it. He's always been more of a silent guardian than a social companion."

  Alora crosses her arms, still clearly puzzled by the encounter. "It's just... unsettling. He didn't even flinch."

  Ryu smiles warmly, glancing once more at Apollo, who continues his silent vigil over the children. "He's doing what he's meant to do," Ryu says simply. "Watching over us."

  Alora's gaze drifts toward her parents, Alduin and Myra, her expression clearly asking: "Are you agreeing to this?" Her eyebrows are slightly raised, and there's a hint of incredulity in her eyes. She's clearly expecting some form of solidarity or at least shared confusion.

  Alduin meets her gaze, his own expression calm but with a touch of bemusement. "I find it strange too," he admits, glancing over at Apollo, who remains a silent sentinel near the children. "And I'm still not used to it."

  Alora's lips press into a thin line, a mixture of relief and lingering unease playing across her features. She's glad to know she's not the only one who finds Apollo's presence disconcerting, but the lack of clear answers doesn't sit well with her.

  Myra, however, seems far less perturbed. She sits with the grace of someone accustomed to managing her emotions, her face serene as she takes a sip of her tea. "As long as he keeps the children safe," she says, her tone decisive and pragmatic, "I don't mind."

  Alora's reaction is immediate—her lips part as if to argue, but then she hesitates, clearly taken aback by her mother's nonchalance. She looks between her parents, searching for some further explanation, but finds none. Myra's calm acceptance and Alduin's begrudging tolerance offer little comfort to her rising discomfort.

  With a sigh, Alora leans back in her chair, crossing her arms as she continues to cast wary glances at Apollo. She still feels unsettled, her mind turning over the oddity of the knight's presence and the ease with which her parents have accepted it. "I just don't understand how you can be so at ease with him standing there like a statue," she mutters, more to herself than anyone else, her voice tinged with frustration.

  But as her gaze drifts back to her family, seeing the children playing happily under Apollo's watchful eye and the calm assurance in Ryu and Talia's demeanor, she finally lets out a soft sigh of resignation. Even though it still feels strange to her, Alora knows she'll have to trust in the judgment of those around her. The sense of security Apollo provides seems undeniable, even if his presence feels unsettling to her.

  Still, she can't help but murmur under her breath, "Such a strange, strange person." Her eyes linger on Apollo for a moment longer before she turns her attention back to the table, trying to push the unease from her mind as she reaches for her cup of tea.