Introductory Dinner

The dining room exceeds their expectations, it was as grand as the rest of the manor. Walls coated with gold and decorated with antiques and artifacts, as well as the long dining table with golden utensils and chinaware's arranged in uniform.

There are few people there, some are examining the antiques and artifacts, but no one took a seat yet. Most are around their age, some are older or looked older, but not older than 20. There must be an age limit. They are dressed well, like they'll be attending a royal ball. Lactiflora regrets that she didn't wear a ball gown.

Soon their great grandma arrived, her outfit adorned with jewels and gold like her dining room. Lactiflora wants to say that it's a bit too much but, who is she to judge someone else's outfit.

Lunaria picked up an empty wine glass and a golden spoon to get everyone's attention.

"Everyone, listen well, it's time for introduction. Once Elijah calls out your name, step up and you may find your seat."

Elijah, one of the head butlers steps up with a scroll in hand.

"Lady Olivia Jeanne Morriet and lord William Royce Morriet of Morriet county."

"Young master Sakura Tsushima of Hanamachi county."

"Young Mistress Lactiflora Eleanor Quinn Bellrose and Young master Roosevelt Elouise Quinn Bellrose of Bellerose County."

There are names said that Lactiflora barely recognize, such as Tala, Nicolas, Isabella, Gaia, Thalia, Ivory, Artemis and Lucas.

Aunt Veronica mentioned something about Fedrin and Jasmine, something she couldn't remember.

They sat at a long table, chatting with one another trying to make acquaintances. Lactiflora and Roosevelt sat next to each. To Roosevelt's right side sat Sakura and to Lactiflora's left was Olivia and William, who are also twins but don't seem to have a good relationship. William tried to initiate a conversation in which Olivia ridiculed saying that connecting with each other will only get in their way.

Roosevelt and Sakura are now making progress on knowing each. He found out that despite having a girly look and name Sakura is in fact a male. With the help of his new friend Roosevelt managed to gather information about the others. Sakura has healing powers, his body is also like a reservoir for mana, unfortunately due to his weaker body he cannot use it all. Just like the two of them, Sakura just wants to go home, and not take part in the competition for their great grandmother's position.

By the end of the meal, both Lactiflora and Roosevelt have the idea about their cousins, they just need to piece them together. As soon as their great grandma gives them the permission to leave the table everyone makes their way to do whatever they want before settling for the night.

Lactiflora and Roosevelt headed for the garden. It was equally as grand as the rest of the manor. Rare plants and exotic flowers Roosevelt had only read about and monuments probably sculpted by the greatest artist in the continent.

"This place reminds me of home, minus the glorious amount of gold." from his pocket Roosevelt took out small locket which contained two Bellrose seed, it's a white Bellrose flower she can recognized the unique marking on the seed.

"Bellrose has served as our county's symbol for hundreds of years, even before our family ruled over its land. It means a hope for the future." Roosevelt pulled his sister to the quieter part of the garden, wherein only a few went. "White Bellrose specifically meant for familial bond, you, me and father. Today we will plant to Bellrose here, and as it grows, so do we in this manor, by the time we leave this place, we will be bringing the flower to our father."

Lactiflora's heart fluttered at her brother's words. She expected him to do such a thing, truly in the time of uncertainty, he is there to show him something familiar.

"Oh well, I just hope no one picks it up or gets it eaten by a wild animal or a pest." Lactiflora chuckled, and accepted the seed Roosevelt was handing over. Together they planted their seeds next to each other. If Lactiflora's calculation is correct, the flower will bloom in 6 months. One of the reasons white Bellrose is rare is that it took so long to grow.

The pair joked to each other for sometime, not caring for the world. Unbeknownst to them, Lunaria's golden eyes watched their interaction from a window in the 13th flower of her manor.

Lunaria missed the time she joked with her brothers too, she missed them, but what is she to do now, but to reap what she sowed. after she managed to get that position herself.

"Rei, while the children adjust here for a few more days, we'll prepare for the tests."

"Of course, Head."