After putting on neat clothes, Kazien and Elisa left the bathroom and walked side-by-side toward the dining room. The appetizing aroma of toasted bread and corn cream soup immediately greeted them.
There, Alvin, Allen, Arken, and Erica were already seated, waiting at the dining table. Their eyes simultaneously turned toward the two newly arrived figures. However, a strange silence fell as their gazes landed on Elisa.
"Mother?" Allen broke the silence, his eyes narrowing sharply as he looked at the woman standing next to his fiancé. "No wonder I felt Kazien's emotions becoming unsettled through our eternity contract link earlier. It turns out he was bathing with you."
Elisa laughed heartily, her voice sounding lighter and more youthful. "Hahaha. He actually mistook me for you, Allen! Haven't you noticed the change in my face?"
Hearing this, Alvin, Arken, and Erica's eyes widened in unison. They observed Elisa's face intently. Her skin was tight and wrinkle-free, her cheeks held a natural rosy glow, and she radiated a powerful aura of vitality. Elisa's face had completely transformed. She no longer looked like the mother of a young adult, but rather like their eldest sister. Her long purple hair shimmered beautifully, and her purple eyes sparkled with energy.
"M-M-Mother..." Allen stammered, so shocked he nearly dropped the spoon he was holding. "Don't tell me you drank Kazien's blood while in the bathroom!"
"Yes, your guess is spot on, my son. I drank his blood!" Elisa replied casually as she pulled out a chair and sat down. "Although my body was in extraordinary pain during the transformation process, at least the effects of Kazien's blood are very satisfying. Look at me now! Hahaha."
Erica, sitting across from Elisa, could only stare in amazement, her mouth slightly agape.
Now, my adoptive mother is drinking Brother Kazien's blood too. Erica thought, her eyes fixed on Elisa's flawless skin. So, Brother Kazien's blood can really make someone young again instantly? Incredible! I... I want to drink his blood too so I can stay young forever!
Breakfast continued with a more lively atmosphere. Elisa became the center of attention, while Kazien simply offered a subtle smile at his family's enthusiasm.
Once the plates were empty, Alvin, Allen, and Arken rose from their chairs.
"We're going to bathe before heading to the guild." Alvin said.
Suddenly, Erica stood up as well. "I'm coming! I want to bathe with you guys!"
Allen stopped in his tracks, turning with a confused frown. "Erica? Why do you want to bathe with the three of us? We're guys, you know."
Erica put her hands on her hips, refusing to back down. "Even if you're guys, at least you're also Big Brother Kazien's 'fiancés', right? Our positions are the same! So, I don't mind bathing with you three, Brother Allen. Am I not allowed to bathe with you to get closer?"
Hearing Erica's unique logic, viewing Kazien's male fiancés as fellow 'wives', Alvin burst out laughing.
"Hahaha! What an interesting way of thinking. Fine, let's bathe together! The more the merrier." Alvin agreed.
The four of them walked toward the large bathroom, leaving Kazien and Elisa in the dining room. Elisa stood up and straightened her clothes. "Kazien, I'm heading to the palace and the academy first to handle the documents for Erica and Arken."
"Yes, Mother. Please be careful on the way." Kazien replied softly.
After Elisa left, Kazien, now alone, decided to move to the more comfortable family room. He sank into a plush sofa, enjoying a brief moment of solitude. However, he remembered the dangers that might lurk around those closest to him, especially Erica and Arken, who were new to a noble world full of deception.
Kazien reached out his hand and activated his Creation Magic. Silvery-white mana began to gather in his palm. Light particles solidified, forming matter from nothingness. In an instant, two bars of pure gold and six dark blue magic crystals appeared on the table.
Closing his eyes, Kazien concentrated on the next stage and activated his Alchemy. The gold bars melted and swirled in the air, dividing into six equal parts. The magic crystals glowed, merging with the liquid gold as it twisted into fine chains and elegant pendants. Kazien infused a special spell into the core of the crystals.
Clink!
Six gold necklaces with blue crystal pendants now lay neatly before him.
"Six necklaces for detecting malicious intent successfully created!" Kazien muttered with satisfaction.
He began to mentaly assign them. "I'll give four of these to Mother Elisa, Erica, Allen, and Arken so they can be alert if anyone approaches with bad intentions. Another one is for King Nalvon as a gift. That leaves one necklace..."
Kazien weighed the remaining necklace in his hand, the crystal reflecting the lamplight. "Ah... I'd better just keep it in my dimensional storage just in case. Who knows if another important person might need protection later." he decided, then stored all the necklaces away.
Not long after, the sound of footsteps and laughter echoed from the hallway. Erica and Kazien's three fiancés had finished their bath. The fresh scent of soap filled the room. Kazien turned to greet them, but his eyes immediately widened in shock.
"Erica!" Kazien cried out, stunned. "Why are you standing in the living room completely naked?!"
Erica stood there casually without a stitch of clothing. Her wet hair dripped water onto her shoulders. She looked entirely unbothered.
"I don't have any change of clothes, Brother." Erica answered honestly with an innocent face. "My old clothes were dirty, and I didn't know what to wear. So, I just came out like this."
Kazien slapped his forehead. He had forgotten that Erica had arrived with almost nothing.
"Wait a second."
Kazien activated his 'creation magic' again. This time, he created several rolls of high-quality silk and cotton in various colors, including pastels, brights, and dark tones. Then, he activated his 'alchemy' once more.
The rolls of fabric floated, unfurled, and were cut and sewn by invisible hands of mana energy. Within seconds, the pile of fabric transformed into a row of ready-to-wear clothing stacked on an empty sofa. There were elegant formal gowns, shimmering party dresses, casual everyday wear, soft pajamas, and several sets of women's undergarments in various styles.
"That's all your clothing! Put something on quickly, Erica!" Kazien exclaimed in a gentle but firm tone. "You don't need to worry about the size. All those clothes will adjust to fit your body!"
Erica cheered at the sight of the new clothes. Without the slightest hint of shame, she began sorting through them in front of Kazien and his three fiancés. "Wow, this is beautiful!"
She picked out lace panties and a bra, putting them on casually. Afterward, she chose a casual set consisting of a cream blouse and a knee-length skirt. Kazien could only shake his head at his cousin's behavior.
Realizing that the pile of clothes was too much to carry by hand, Kazien had another idea. He created a magic bag for his younger cousin.
"Erica, catch!" Kazien said, tossing the bag.
Erica caught it nimbly. "What kind of bag is this, Brother?"
"That's a magic bag with dimensional storage inside. The capacity is enormous. Use it if you find it difficult to carry your clothes or belongings while traveling. Put all your new clothes in there."
Erica's eyes sparkled. "Thank you, Brother Kazien! You're the best!"
Once Erica finished dressing and packing her things, Alvin stepped forward, adjusting his gloves. His golden hair shone in the sunlight. "My Dear, let's head to the guild! I can't wait to take on a mission and show off our new strength!"
Allen and Arken nodded in agreement behind him.
"Yes, let's go!" Kazien replied.
However, just before stepping out, Kazien suddenly split himself in front of them using his 'Sui Reflection' magic. Two identical versions of Kazien now stood side-by-side. Both with silvery-white hair, both handsome, and both radiating the same powerful aura.
"Alright!" said one Kazien. "This version of me will go with the three of you to the Adventurer's Guild for the mission."
The other Kazien smiled at Erica. "And I will stay here at home with you, Erica. I'm going to teach you the basics of magic and mana control before you enter the academy."
Erica smiled broadly. "Okay, Brother Kazien!"