In the midst of Kazien's awkwardness, the cry of a very cheerful young woman calling out to him saved him from the King's gaze.
Kazien turned quickly and saw Ritalia, his youngest sister, running fast through the crowd of his family toward him with a wide smile.
Tap!
Without warning, Ritalia lunged and hugged her brother very tightly, burying her face in Kazien's chest. The teenage girl had deeply missed the older brother she so admired and loved after not seeing him for so long.
"Brother, I missed you so much..." Ritalia said with a voice slightly muffled against Kazien's chest, hugging her brother's sturdy body tightly as if she never wanted to let go again.
"How are you, Ritalia?" Kazien asked with a gentle smile on his handsome face, his hands returning his younger sister's hug with full affection.
Ritalia looked up, her eyes sparkling brightly as she viewed her handsome brother's face from up close.
"I'm fine, Brother! Very fine!" the girl answered full of spirit. "How are you, Brother Kazien? Have you been eating regularly all this time?"
"As you can see, Ritalia." Kazien replied while chuckling softly at his sister's concern. "I am doing very well. Hehehe."
"I'm glad you're okay, Brother." Ritalia replied, her smile never fading. She tilted her head slightly. "Actually, there are many things and stories I really want to talk to you about. But, looking at our current situation, it seems this isn't the right time for a casual chat."
Kazien smiled understandingly. He raised his hand and gently stroked his sister's long hair flowing down her back.
"Yes, you're right. After today's tournament is over and we return to the pavilion, we will talk as much as you like." Kazien promised sincerely.
"Yes!" Ritalia answered very enthusiastically, her eyes reflecting her impatience for that time to arrive.
However, in the middle of that touching family reunion, a firm set of footsteps approached from behind Duke Elgard.
"You've started to grow taller, Kazien." greeted a man's baritone voice that sounded familiar yet very authoritative.
Hearing that familiar baritone voice, Kazien immediately turned away from Ritalia. Standing right behind Duke Elgard was Davin, his second older brother, possessing a sturdy posture befitting a formidable knight.
Seeing the brother he had not met in quite some time, a sweet smile spread across Kazien's face. Without hesitation, he slowly released Ritalia from his hug and rushed toward his brother.
"Brother Davin!" Kazien exclaimed with genuine joy. "Are you doing well?"
"Of course I am!" Davin answered enthusiastically. He laughed softly, reaching out to ruffle his younger brother's hair with deep affection, a long-standing habit that had never faded since Kazien was a child. "Besides, that question should be for you. Are you truly looking after your three fiancés properly while you're away from home?"
Hearing the teasing question, Kazien puffed out his chest slightly.
"I am definitely looking after them very well!" Kazien declared without a hint of doubt, defending himself. "They haven't lacked a single thing here. But truly, I am so relieved to see you and the others arrive in good health."
"Hello Kazien, how have you been?" a woman's voice greeted softly from behind Davin.
She stepped forward with an elegant smile. It was Karen, Davin's wife and Kazien's sister-in-law.
"Oh... Sister Karen!" Kazien greeted enthusiastically, his eyes sparkling to see his sister-in-law had joined them. "I'm doing very well. But you look exceptionally beautiful today. Your aura is practically glowing. Hehehe."
Hearing such an honest compliment from her brother-in-law, Karen's cheeks flushed slightly.
"Hahaha. You flatter me too much, Kazien." Karen replied a bit shyly, covering her lips with the back of her hand. However, shortly after, her gaze turned slightly teasing. "By the way, it seems that while you've been at this academy, you've gone and done something sensational again that reached all the way to our territory, haven't you?"
Under fire from the unexpected question, Kazien could only laugh awkwardly while scratching the back of his head. He understood exactly what his sister-in-law was referring to.
Karen was, of course, talking about the nationwide mass arrest incident that had occurred across the Garveon Kingdom recently. The operation to purge corrupt nobles and criminal syndicates had sent out massive shockwaves, and the news had spread as far as the borders of the Altavis territory.
Everyone in his family knew very well that the mastermind behind the massive crackdown, initiated through an official royal decree, was none other than the youth currently scratching his head in front of her.
Feeling the need to change the subject before his brother joined the interrogation, Kazien glanced around at the rest of the family gathering.
"By the way, where are Brother William, Rosalia, and Raliana?" Kazien asked curiously, noticing the three of them were missing from the group.
"Brother William and Rosalia stayed behind to help manage our territory." Davin explained. "As heirs, there are many administrative duties that simply can't be left unattended while Father and Mother are away. As for Raliana, she insisted on staying to help Rosalia ease their workload there. The three of them couldn't come, but they sent their warm regards and full support for you in the tournament."
"I see..." Kazien murmured, nodding in understanding. A territory as vast as Altavis certainly couldn't be left without leadership. "At least they are all doing well there. Hehehe."
As the family shared their reunion, King Nalvon, who had been standing nearby, finally stepped forward to break up the casual atmosphere.
"Alright, we can continue the family reunion later. For now, let's head inside!" King Nalvon invited with an authoritative voice, reminding them that the opening ceremony schedule was drawing near.
The King then turned toward the flock of winged monsters resting in the plaza. "As for the griffons, let them rest here along with our elite guards. The academy plaza is quite spacious; they'll be just fine."
Hearing the human king's words, Lidaz, who was lying down comfortably, raised his head.
"Yes, you need not worry. We will remain vigilant here alongside these human soldiers!" Lidaz answered with a steady, confident baritone. "And I am very certain that Master Kazien will win this tournament easily! Besides, if any human in this capital tries to do something foolish to our group out here, we certainly won't stand idly by."
Hearing the loyalty and the slight tone of a protective threat from the griffon, King Nalvon laughed out loud.
"Hahaha. Your words are very trustworthy. I share the same thought as you, great creature." King Nalvon replied, feeling quite satisfied with the additional combat power brought by his subordinate's family.
"Very well, you all wait and stand guard here. We shall head inside immediately." King Nalvon continued, leading the entire entourage from the Garveon Kingdom through the main gate of the Larkvood Central Academy.