"Oh, my little child, you're growing up so fast! What happened to my cute baby?" Aeris said with a loving smile as she admired her son.
"Nothing happened, Mom. Your baby is still here he's just a little more handsome now."
Vale laughed softly and hugged his mother. Aeris gently patted Vale's head and then looked at Vale with admiration.
Meanwhile, Vale thought, Mom is the most beautiful woman in Calethia. I'm so glad she's my mother. Kind and gentle and today, she looks even more stunning than ever.
Her golden hair , and her vibrant blue dress, embroidered with gold, made her look radiant.
"I didn't know you missed me so much," Aeris said with a chuckle, patting Vale's head as he blushed. Aeris laughed quietly at the sight.
Meanwhile, Vale and his mother enjoyed their time together until Grandfather entered the room. "Oh, Sebastian! Look my daughter in law and my handsome grandson. Aren't they the most pretty pair in Calethia?" he boomed proudly, ending with a cocky chuckle.
"Of course, Lord Vandrel," replied Sebastian with a hesitant smile.
Sebastian, the family butler, was a tall, slender man who always wore a black suit with green accents. He had a tailored jacket with a high collar, a waistcoat, and an elegant bow tie. His ash white hair and round glasses gave him a distinguished look. I hadn't spoken with him yet, but Lucy told me he was a kind man and even capable of magic, though she didn't know what kind.
While I observed him, he suddenly turned to me and said, "Young master, happy birthday."
I blinked, surprised, but composed myself. "Thank you very much, Mr. Sebastian," I replied. He usually didn't talk much, except to Grandfather, so it was a pleasant surprise. After wishing me, he excused himself to check on the party preparations.
Roland and Lucy also left with him, giving our family some time alone. Mother, Olivia, Lucy, Roland, and some of the guards and maids had already greeted me earlier. A few even gave me small gifts mostly food which I gladly accepted.
Even the old monster came to my room early in the morning to give me his confused version of a 'happy birthday.' I'd gotten used to that by now he did it every year.
Later, Grandfather approached me again. "So, my dear grandson, what do you think of my new outfit?"
I looked him over his white wavy hair, full beard, and ornate cream colored coat with intricate patterns over a deep red shirt. Despite being sixty, he still looked quite dashing.
"Sure, you look good, Grandfather," I said.
"Oh, come on, you cold hearted boy! Now I'm not sure you deserve the special gift I worked so hard on!" he teased with a doubtful expression.
I grinned. "Of course, you're handsome, Grandfather. I'm sure every old lady at the party will fall for you!"
Aeris burst out laughing. "Ah, you dumb grandson!" he said while grabbing Vale playfully.
"Hey, it's not funny! So... can I get my gift now?" Vale asked.
Grandfather smirked. "Do you think I'm an idiot, boy?"
Vale looked down gloomily, but Vandrel chuckled and said, "All right, I'll give you your gift once the party starts. Now go on and mingle there are Lunareth family members and early guests here already. When our special guest arrives, I'll call you, little devil!"
As I walked through the main hall, I saw Lucy laughing with another maid. I knew her well she was the same age as Lucy and one of her close friends. Her name was Myra. She was funny but not as wild as Lucy.
I approached them. I enjoyed spending time with both of them they were cheerful and, I'll admit, quite pretty.
"Hey, what are you two doing?" I asked with a teasing smile. "Don't tell me you're goofing off. Should I report you to the Miss Olivia?"
"Oh, young lord Vale! Of course not," Myra replied quickly, grinning. "We're helping set the dining table."
Lucy snickered next to her.
"Really?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, young lord," Myra said, still smiling.
"Don't tease her, Master Vale," Lucy laughed.
I laughed too. "Fine, fine. So, where's Roland?"
"Oh, Sir Roland is with the other knights of the Lunareth family," Myra replied.
"Other knights?" I asked, confused.
Lucy chuckled. "It's not surprising you don't know much about them. You spend most of your time in your room or the library, or eating in the dining hall."
She had a point.
Lucy continued, "The Lunareth family doesn't have a large army, since Brindlehallow is just a small village. We only have a few guards who patrol or work the borders. But among them are three real knights strong ones. Sir Roland is one of them. He often goes on patrol during the night."
"Oh," I nodded.
Lucy added, "One of the other knights is actually a disciple of Lord Vandrel your grandfather."
"Really?" I said, interested. "I'd like to meet them sometime."
"In that case, follow me. Bye, Myra!"
She waved, and I followed her out toward the garden beyond the mansion.
"Here they are," Lucy said, pointing to two men and one woman standing in garden.
One of them was Sir Roland, but I didn't recognize the others. When they noticed us, they bowed politely. Roland stepped forward first.
"Young master," he greeted. "Were you looking for me? What can I do for you?"
"Oh, no," I said quickly. "I just wanted to meet the other knights Lucy mentioned."
Lucy gave me a look that said, why are you dragging me into this?
"In that case," Roland said with a faint smile, "let me introduce them. Come, young lord."
The other two moved forward. Both seemed to be in their thirties, around Roland's age, though I believed Roland must be older than thirty five by now, even if he didn't look it.
"Greetings, young master," one of the men said. "I am Dominic Winslow."
He was handsome, with short brown hair and a confident expression not as handsome as me, of course. His silver armor glittered under the light, a flowing white cape draped behind him, and a fine sword hung at his belt.
"Nice to meet you, Sir Dominic," I said, shaking his hand.
"Also, happy birthday, young lord," Dominic said with energy.
"Thank you, Sir Dominic." He seemed cheerful much livelier than the serious Roland.
Then a smooth, gentle voice spoke beside him. "Greetings, young lord. I'm Valka Winslow and happy birthday as well."
I turned to her. "Thank you, Miss Valka. Nice to meet you. Wait Winslow? Are you two…?"
Dominic grinned. "Oh yes, young lord. We're married."
"Oh, you two look wonderful together," I said honestly. Valka was indeed beautiful, with smooth skin, short black hair, and calm eyes. Her sleek dark armor fit elegantly over her clothing, and she carried her sword with quiet confidence.
"I've heard about you both from Lucy," I said, gesturing to her. Lucy waved before excusing herself to take care of other tasks.
Curious, I asked, "What kind of duties do you usually handle?"
Before Dominic could answer, Roland grabbed him by the arm. "Sorry, young master," he said. "We're still on duty. I'll take him with me. Miss Valka will explain."
Dominic protested as Roland pulled him away, but Roland didn't listen. Valka laughed softly, then turned back to me.
"Our main duties," she explained, "are to lead the guards and deal with any beasts that approach the village borders."
As she spoke, I looked around the garden. This was my first time really being out here, even though I'd lived in this mansion for six years. With the decorations for my birthday, the garden looked more beautiful than ever.
Valka's voice was calm and kind. She seemed like a gentle soul.
Just then, Lucy hurried back toward us. "Young master, your grandfather is calling you. Some guests have arrived he wants you to come back."
"Got it." I smiled and turned to Valka. "It was nice meeting you, Miss Valka."
"Likewise, young lord," she replied with a nod.
After saying goodbye, I followed Lucy back toward the mansion to see who the new guests were.