The Calm Before the Storm Pt.2

The king emerged from the carriage with an air of regal grace, his every movement exuding authority and poise.

As he approached Ivan, his expression remained neutral, betraying none of the emotions that undoubtedly stirred within him.

Ivan, on the other hand, beamed up at him, his grin infectious in its exuberance.

Suddenly, the scene erupted with joy as the queen burst forth from the carriage, her eyes alight with affection as she made a beeline for Ivan.

With effortless grace, she scooped him up into her arms, spinning him around in a whirl of laughter and celebration.

"Ivan!" Her voice rang out with genuine warmth, echoed by Ivan's delighted cry of "Aunt Liona!"

Their shared joy seemed to permeate the air around them, infecting everyone with its contagious energy.

Yet, amidst the jubilation, a hint of confusion lingered on the faces of Ivan's friends, their expressions a mixture of awe and bewilderment at the unexpected spectacle.

Liona gently set Ivan down, her smile radiant as she bestowed upon him her birthday wishes.

Meanwhile, Mira emerged from the house, drawn by the commotion, her own smile mirroring Liona's as she approached her longtime friend.

Their embrace spoke volumes, a silent exchange of years of friendship and shared memories.

"It's been a while, Liona," Mira murmured, her voice filled with affection.

"It's been a while because that idiot husband of yours refuses to bring you guys to the capital," Liona teased, her laughter ringing out melodiously.

Mira chuckled, scratching her head awkwardly before replying, "Well, you know how it is."

Meanwhile, Ivan's friends gathered around him, their curiosity piqued by the unexpected royal connection.

"How come you're the nephew of royalty when you're living like… this?" Kataban blurted out, his incredulity evident in his tone.

"I don't know, marriage," Ivan quipped, his grin widening at their astonished expressions.

Their banter continued as Mira and Liona engaged in conversation, their laughter blending with the chatter of the children.

But amidst the joyous reunion, Arthur's keen observation didn't go unnoticed.

His inquiry about the absent Master drew attention to the one missing piece in their gathering, casting a shadow of concern over the festivities.

But Arthur's demeanor quickly shifted as he presented Ivan with a special gift, his smile genuine as he handed over the intricately crafted trinket.

"It's a necklace that has magical properties that might come in handy one day," Arthur explained, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mystery.

Ivan's gratitude was palpable as he accepted the necklace, his eyes alight with curiosity at its promised magical properties.

As the party ensued, the evening unfolded in a flurry of laughter and conversation.

The tantalizing aroma of food filled the air as Mira and Liona tended to the festivities, their camaraderie evident in every shared glance and exchanged word.

With the return of Von, the circle was complete, his embrace welcomed warmly by Liona and Arthur alike.

As the night wore on, Ivan's joy was palpable as he reveled in the company of loved ones, his heart overflowing with gratitude for the gifts and the memories shared.

But as the night drew to a close and Ivan drifted into slumber, a sense of foreboding lingered in the air.

The departure of Mira and Liona, though bittersweet, marked the end of the festivities, leaving behind a quiet stillness that whispered of hidden secrets and uncertain futures.

As the night air cooled and the festivities drew to a close, Liona bid her farewells with a mix of nostalgia and hope for future reunions.

"It was good seeing you again. Hope the next time I see you, you will be coming to us," Liona remarked with a warm smile, her gaze lingering on Mira.

"Agreed," Mira replied, returning the smile with equal fondness.

Arthur's voice broke through their exchange, signaling the readiness of the carriage.

With a final embrace, Liona bid goodbye to Mira and Von before making her way to the waiting carriage.

Arthur's request for a private conversation with Von did not go unnoticed by Mira, who watched with a mixture of curiosity and concern as they stepped aside.

Von's reassurance and tender embrace brought a sense of warmth amidst the growing unease.

"Arthur asked me to check out something in the forest so I'll be out for a while," Von explained, his voice soft and reassuring.

"Ok, just be careful," Mira responded, her concern evident in her tone as she leaned into his kiss before letting him depart.

Alone once more, Mira's thoughts turned to the shadowy figures lurking in the forest, a sense of foreboding settling over her as she watched Von depart with Arthur.

Meanwhile, as the carriage made its way towards the entrance of the forest, Von and Arthur disembarked, their footsteps muffled by the thick carpet of leaves beneath them.

Entering the forest, their senses heightened, they embarked on their search for the source of Arthur's concern.

Yet, as time passed and the forest remained shrouded in silence, doubts began to creep into Von's mind.

Maybe it was a false alarm, a trick of the shadows. Weariness weighed heavily upon him, urging him to abandon the search and return home. But as he turned to convey his decision to Arthur, he froze in his tracks at the sight before him.

Arthur stood, sword drawn, surrounded by a contingent of knights, their presence a stark contrast to the tranquility of the forest.

"Arthur, what's going on here?" Von's voice wavered with uncertainty, his eyes darting between Arthur and the imposing figures surrounding them.

"Von, we need to talk," Arthur replied gravely, his expression betraying none of the secrets that lay hidden within the depths of the forest.