Bastard Child?!

Lucien yawned as he waited for his father's arrival outside the gate. At 5 AM, Lithira had woken him abruptly, urging him to wait outside the Euclair wall. He suspected she was more interested in welcoming Branny, the Forest Colossus, rather than Cassius.

Branny, a giant tree-like monster with remarkable endurance, was one of Lithira's favorite pets, something Lucien had discovered a week ago.

So there they were, with Lithira and Gibson—who was managing to sleep while standing—and Auden, who was squatting with a hangover.

The sky was still dark, but dawn was approaching. Lucien watched the sun slowly rise and saw Branny lumbering towards them, silhouetted against the morning light. They waved enthusiastically, and Lithira waved back with equal spirit.

When they finally arrived, Cassius jumped down from the tree and enveloped his son in a bear hug. "You finally became a good son, welcoming your father after being a brat for as long as I remember."