You've grown up

The two boys had a heavenly morning exploring the grounds surrounding the Scott mansion.

Joseph was leading Joseph to one of his favourite spots and the two were climbing some rocks. Jacob looked up to see Joseph in front of him, his hand outstretched towards him. A warm feeling spread across Jacob's heart upon beholding Joseph's smile.

His usual expression was one of superior smugness, which changed into a scowl whenever Joseph saw him.

So Jacob was naturally very surprised upon seeing Joseph offering his hand to him, with such a warm smile. Jacob took hold of the hand and Joseph helped him up.

"I've got to say White, not many people can keep up with me in my own backyard." Joseph spoke with a smile, dusting his hands.

Jacob chuckled, "You should see me in the hills surrounding my village. Not even Aria can keep up without a bit of bending."

Joseph raised an eyebrow, "Aria can't keep up? Now that's somewhere I've got to try myself."

Jacob nodded as Joseph continued, "I would really like to visit your village sometime. I would love to see the place Aria grew up in."

"You...you would... .like to..." Jacob stuttered.

"I can understand your surprise." Joseph said with a smile, "But yeah. I would like to visit. I have come to understand that I really know nothing of this world. And I think that I cannot be in any important position without knowing and understanding all the people of the kingdom."

Jacob smiled and patted his shoulder, "You're growing up Scott."

Joseph rolled his eyes, "Literally or metaphorically?"

The two boys looked at each other and chuckled.

While the boys were enjoying outside, Aria and Helen were in the latter's room.

Aria had a book open in front of her as Helen buzzed about the whole room, choosing from among different dresses and telling her maids to bring this or do that.

"Helen? Could you quiet down a bit? I'm getting distracted." Aria spoke, not taking her eyes off the book.

She exclaimed and looked up when the book suddenly disappeared from front of Aria's eyes. Helen was standing in front of her holding the book. "Nope. I'm not giving it back. Sit down properly. And Caitlin, apply the face mask on Miss Aria's face." Helen spoke, walking away as the maid named Caitlin walked over to Aria with a bowl of something in her hands.

Aria huffed as she followed Helen with her eyes before settling down in the chair and closing her eyes.

It was already evening and guests had begun to arrive. Lady Scott was welcoming them along with her maids.

"Hii Diana, where are Helen and Joseph? It's been ages since I saw them!!!" A lady in a blue dress exclaimed as she greeted Lady Scott.

Mrs. Scott replied with a smile, "They both will be here any moment. They're getting ready."

"Helen was always fussy about her clothes. But this is a new for Joseph." Lady Scott's friend chuckled.

Mrs. Scott, "Joseph would have gotten ready if he hadn't spent his day out in the gardens."

"My my, that sounds just like Joseph. Anyway, I'll wait for a while longer. Both your children are really worth the wait after all." The lady replied with a motherly smile before walking away.