Special Chapter: 7th Birthday (II).

I look down to the whole palace ground as I watch all the people enter it. Within the palace grounds are the four palaces that were built for the Emperor and Empress, Concubines, Princes, and Princesses. As of now, I am floating--with Asher to check if there will be suspicious people lurking in our palace. 

"Asher, what are the protective measures you laid in the palaces?" He cocked his brow and turned his head to me. What's with that face? It's like he's telling me 'What the heck are you talking about?'. I think his personality still sucks.

"What a question. But, well I covered this whole ground with a divine barrier. Any dark magic users won't be able to come inside," He did what? The whole palace?

"But I can't see any barriers?" I asked. He smirked and stretch his hand to me? I tilt my head which annoyed him so he just casually grabbed my wrist. 

"Of course, you won't see it. We are within the barrier after all," And then after that, he started flying---floating? No, he's flying! Even higher!

"Hey, hey! Wait! Calm down. Where are we going?" I asked. He just chuckled at me and continued dragging me higher! I gulped as I look down on the ground---and I was amazed to see how beautiful the empire is from here! I can see the whole Center Empire!

I can even see the mountain that was split by my father into two...but, dang that as well looks really amazing! I think my father may created an art. Also, because of the space that it made in the middle, some people built houses there, although I think it's dangerous. It's probably going to be prone to landslide. 

And to the west side, a peaceful looking village can be seen. The houses are a few distance away from each other and I can see lots of people enjoying themselves! However, it is also obvious from here the differences of the peaceful living people and the ones who are still suffering from poverty.

There are streets in some places with gloomy looking people.

"Here it is," I turned to Asher and saw him looking somewhere, I followed where he was staring at and I was surprised to see a huge glass thingy covering the whole palace grounds!

"W-woah...it's a huge barrier! That's why I can't see it earlier," I mumbled. He did say that we are within the barrier. And wait, this glass looking barrier looks extremely familiar.

"Is this similar to the barrier you used to cover the Antares Palace before?" I asked. He nod his head and then his face turned sour, and he sighed. The heck is wrong with him?

"Yeah. Those princes managed to break it all because of my still weak magic," weak magic? That's right, come to think of it...why is Asher went back to being a child?

"Asher, why are you a kid?" His face crumpled before looking at me with those annoyed eyes. Maybe my words sounds offending or what, that's why he's looking at me like that.

"I-I mean...Sir Abel is already a grown up man. Oh, is it because of--"

"Magic. I can transform to any form I want," I stared at him for a while and just nod my head as he look away from me.

He say that but I haven't seen him in his grown up form yet. Is he being considerate because I'm also in a form of a kid? But when he saved me, he's already short like a child. I think he was the same age as Ziel at that time.

Hmm, maybe there are other reasons that he didn't want to tell me.

"Anyway, now that your question has been answered, we should go back to the Antares Palace. It's your duty to welcome all the guests," Oh, he's right...

"Okay," I mumbled while nodding my head repeatedly. I need to make a good image to the other nobles so I won't be a target of their rumors. I know they won't dare do such thing now that my family loves me dearly, but who knows? There are those arrogant peeps who think they can go against my family. 

"Also, if someone bothered you just beat them up," No way I can do that. His advice are always useless. Do you think a princess trying to make her image perfect would do something like that? This guy is hopeless. 

"Yeah, as if I can," And right after I said that, I felt a bit dizzy and the surroundings had already changed. Asher teleported me at the Antares Palace, at the front gate, where a lot of people are gathering to have their turns to enter the palace. 

Ever since Dad gave me this palace, it becomes more colorful---I mean, unlike before when it looked dull, it's a lot more brighter now. Maybe it's because my life has also changed a lot since I came here? I wonder what the future holds for me? My life as Alina is not the same as the one I read in the novel, which means that the future is also different. I'm nervous...but also feels a bit excited. I can't wait to see Big Sis Amara. 

"Asher, are you not busy today?" the guy quickly shook his head, is he telling me 'yes, I am not busy' or 'no, I am busy'? Seriously, just use your mouth to answer me, will you?

"I'll have to protect the Princess until she got a personal knight with her," Ohh...that's right. Well, he's been protecting me all this time. Is he going to stop hanging around with me once I got a personal knight?

"I see. Then, that means your job as my babysitter ends then?" I asked. He smirked and ran his fingers through his hair. 

"Yes, finally," I rolled my eyes and prevented myself from clicking a tongue. Not because I don't like the idea that he's not going to babysit me anymore but because of his nasty personality. 

"Well, good for you, I think~" I replied as I start walking towards the line where people are lining up. 

"Oh--it's the First Princess!" Eek--

"Your Highness, were you walking around the palace as well?"

"Yes, I was. I love watching everyone wearing a smile while entering the Antares Palace!" I answered with a huge smile on my face. Seriously, seeing them happy makes me happy as well.

"Princess! Can we also visit your new garden?" I nod my head to the person that asked that question. 

"Of course! You can go whenever you want! But, please don't go beyond the boundaries! Thank you ~" I replied. There are areas of the palaces that they blocked. I'm pretty sure it's those place that are so important for the imperial family. Oh, they also placed stanchions in front of my Mom's portraits and at the important rooms like my bedroom and my walk-in closet. They made the Antares Palace look like a museum. 

"Princess Alina, are you going to serve as tour guide for us?" As guide, huh? That's actually not a bad idea! That means I can hang out with them more!

"Huh? The audacity to ask a royalty to be your tour--"

"I'd love to!" I covered Asher's mouth before he could finish his rude words. 

"W-we think it's alright, Your Highness..." Oh? I turned to Asher and I sighed when I saw how hard he's glaring to the people in front of us. Seriously? He's like an untamed beast! 

'Stop it, Asher. Why are you so upset?' I asked through telepathy. 

"It's fine, really! I'll be able to play with everyone as well, so it's alright!" I spoke. I need to calm him down or else I won't be able to befriend anyone at all.

'They had the guts to ask the Princess to be their tour guide? Do these people have a death wish?' What's wrong with him? It's not like it's against the rules to do that? He's making a big deal out of it!

'What's the problem with it?' I smiled at the crowd as they all exchange looks at each other and glaced at Asher.

'It sounded like he was ordering you to do it, I don't like it,' What a childish person...

"Oh, if it isn't the First Princess! We've met you at once!" I turned around to see who was the person that spoke behind me, and I saw a tall guy with black hair...and emerald eyes? Huh? Who's this? A black-haired person...

My eyes went to the little girl hiding behind him, she's hiding but is glaring at me? 

"Eli, will you stop glaring at the First Princess?" Eli? Wow, it's funny how my nickname is Ali while hers is Eli. But, who are these two? This is my first time seeing them ever since I came here.

The big brother placed his right hand on his opposite chest and his left hand behind him as he bow.

"Greetings, Your Highness the First Princess. I introduce myself as Caelus Ciera. I believe you've already met my father. Kieran Faris de Ciera?" Ohh...these two are his children? They're beautiful! Big Bro Caelus is so pretty with those slanted eyes, and his face is perfect! The little girl behind him looks extremely adorable as well!

"Oh, yes. I've already met Uncle Ran a lot of times these past two years!" I giggled and turned to the person behind him that's been glaring at me as if she's mad at me or something.

"Elira Thea Ciera..." Oh, that's why her nickname's Eli, huh?

"What an adorable little kid!" I praised. I smiled at her and wave my hand. She looks really cute.

"You're also a little kid, you know?" Asher spoke. Oh, right--did I sounded like an old grandma just now?

"The Princess looks like a fairy, just like what my father said," I chuckled.

"Thank you for the compliment, brother Caelus. You are also very handsome! And Lady Elira too!" I said, looking directly to the little kid's eyes. She looks surprised but then hid behind her brother again.

"T-the princess can call Eli by her nickname...because they are cousins," Awww, she uses a third person way of talking! How cuuute!

"Really? Then Eli can call me Ali as well. Our nicknames sounds similar, don't they?" I said. I wonder how old she is? If she's the same age as me, that's going to be a change in my life as someone who's been surrounded with people older than me. I mean, Ziel is obviously my playmate, but he's still four years older than me. Plus...for a kid, he's tall, don't you think? I feel like he's already thirteen or what, dang it. Logic don't work in a fictional world. But, well he's 11.

"T-Then...Eli will call the princess by her nickname," I chuckled and nod my head. Even though she was glaring at me a while ago, she's starting to become soft now. I think this is how kids act? Probably, I was the only one that acted differently as a kid.

"May I ask how old is Eli and Brother Caelus?" Also, I'm curious why they're appearing just now even after two years. I have no news about them at all, and my brothers never mentioned anything about them. I'm confused...

"Eli is five, Your Highness, and I'm fifteen," Woah--a ten years age gap? Also, how come their only similarities are their hairs? Brother Caelus' eyes are emerald, but Eli's is orange...? No way, is this what I think it is?

They are probably of different mothers as well, don't they? Then, Eli...

"HUH? WHAT...are you doing here?" I was startled when I heard Brother Dae's 'huh'. He sounded so annoyed but his voice suddenly soften. Is it because of Eli here?

"Hello, my dear cousin! You've grown up so well!" Brother Caelus sounded like an old man just now. That was funny, and it made brother Dae annoyed even more because his face crumpled. Also, Brother Caelus' attitude seem a lot more different from my brothers.

"You're only a few years older than me, don't act like you're my uncle or what--hmm? Eli, did I scare you?" Oh, his tone of voice changed. He bend his knees a bit to match Eli's height and smiled at her.

"Aww, Zain's smiling at me ~" Wow, looks like brother Caelus can be such a tease. My brother glared at him and he chuckled.

"It's been a long time since we've last seen each other--"

"Shut up, jeez," Brother Dae rolled his eyes and turn his head to Eli again, smiling, his eyes softening in just a split seconds.

"Greetings, little lady. Do you remember brother Del?" Eli's expression changed from fear to confused to curiosity, then her face lit up as she seem to remember something. So he's also got a nickname from this adorable baby?

"Brother Del?" Eli asked and then nod her head repeatedly, she looks excited! Does she actually remembers him? When was the last time they met?

"Looks like Eli got a good memory. This little princess here is my sister, did you introduced yourself, Ali?" Brother Dae asked, ruffling my hair. Oh, wait. I haven't actually introduced myself yet!

How embarrassing.

"Ahh---I haven't yet," I held both sides of my dress' skirt, placing my right foot just behind my ankle to properly give them a bow.

"Greetings to the Young Lord and Young Lady of the Southern Empire. I am the First Princess of Ciera Empire, Alina Devi de Ciera, it's an honor to meet you," I greet, smiling at the two siblings. I saw Eli's face brightened as she mimics what I just did. So cute!

"G-greetings, Princess Ali. Eli's name is Elira Thea Ciera...it's an honor to meet you," she even imitated my words. How adorable! 

"You're blushing, Your Highness," Oh, I forgot Asher's still here...or not? Wait, he's here but it looks like his introverted mode is turned on. I'm pretty sure these people with me can't see him.

That means I can't talk to him, huh?

'Shut up, I know that. She's too cute,' I replied using telepathy.

"Eli's so adorable ~ is this your first time in my birthday celebration?" I asked. I don't think they were here three days ago. And during those days.

"Y-yes, big sister...Eli and Brother just came back from the Yukarta Kingdom...Eli lives there," They live in Yukarta Kingdom? Hmm, I think that was the kingdom next to the Eastern Empire. Why are they living far from their homeland?

"Yukarta Kingdom? I heard it's a home of many festivals," I replied. She nods her head repeatedly as she smile at me.

"Brother Del once sneaked out with Eli to go to one of their festivals," sneaked out...? I looked at Brother Dae and he looks proud.

"Wow, I've never done that with my brother..." I pouts my lips and brother Dae was surprised by my reaction.

'You certainly did that with me' The jerk magician should just go away.

'You're certainly not my brother' I prevented myself from rolling an eye because of this Asher. Since he won't show himself anyway, can't he just leave?

"A-Ali...are you jealous, perhaps?" I crossed my arms and turned my head away from brother Dae.

"I-is Eli in trouble?" Eli asked, so I turned to her and grin as I giggle.

"Of course not. I just wanted to tease my brother," I heard brother Dae's sighed in relief when he heard my reply. Eli's face lit up as she smile. She's really cute when smiling...how adorable! I feel at ease knowing that someone is actually younger than me.

"I'm glad to have the First Princess here with an outgoing personality ~ I've only been seeing cold stares ever since the first time I met this family," Brother Caelus said, shrugging his shoulders. He looks really at ease knowing that a person with different personality is within this family.

"That hurts me. I thought I've been nice to Caelus all this time," Brother Aeli walks up to us, holding a glass of apple juice? I think?

"Ugh, fake smile is here," what a nickname. Does he believe that brother Aeli is only faking his smiles?

"How mean. Don't call me like that in front of my sister, you're making it look like I was rude to you," Brother Aeli's still smiling as he said those words. Brother Caelus sighed and rolled his eyes.

"Were you not? I do remember you picking on me when we were kids?" Brother Caelus cocked his head and crossed his arm. Brother Aeli chuckled. 

"I didn't know you hold grudges over little things, Caelus. Kids are immature. If you haven't gotten over that yet, maybe you're still a kid," Whoa, whoa. Is he teasing brother Caelus right now? I think this is the first time I've heard brother Aeli saying things like this with that tone as if he's trying to pick a fight with Brother Caelus!

"This jerk--" he gritted his teeth and clenched his fist while closing his eyes tight, and then he took a deep breath.

"Princess Ali is the only kind soul here---of course, my dear sister too ~" he ruffled Eli's hair and the little girl giggles. Looks like they also got a great bond between them.

"The sister complexity..."

"Hey, that's mean, Zain! Are you not!?"

"We're not like you," Brother Aeli replied.

"It's the same!" I can't believe I'm hearing these things from these people. I turned to Eli who's obviously confused about this nonsense conversation by our brothers, so I stretched my hand in front of her.

"Shall we walk around the palace together?" I asked. She smiled at me and then accepted my hand.

"Yes please!" Aww, she's really cute ~ those orange eyes seems like a sunset whenever it hits the sunlight! She also has wavy hair like me but it's black.

"You two are like yin and yang," Yin and yang? Is it because of our hairs? I started walking while holding Eli's hand, and she follows me right away. I hope she don't act like this to other people.

"Yeah...wait, how did you know yin and yang? Is there also something like that here?" This world is different after all.

"I told you, I've been hopping world to world to look for the holy crystal--"

"Uhh, Big Sister, who are you talking to?" I looked at Eli and blinked for a couple of times. Wait a minute...

"Asher..." The boy with me shrugged his shoulders and eyed Eli.

I felt the little kid's hand tightening on my hand so I turned to her, and now she's hiding behind me while looking at Asher's direction. Oh, she can see him now? She looks scared, and like how she first saw me, Eli's glaring at Asher.

"There's no need to worry, Eli. It's Asher, and he's an Astra. Do you know about them?" Eli peeked at Asher with big and innocent looking eyes, nodding subtly.

She's so cute. I wonder how many times I've complimented this little girl in my mind.

"B-but why is he small...Eli read in the book that the Astras have been living for thousands of years..." I pressed my lips together to prevent myself from laughing. I can see the disappointment all over Asher's face.

"It's magic, Lady Elira. In order to change my form," Asher answered. Eli nods her head again.

"T-then...can Eli see your real form?" Eli asked, the astra in front of her chuckled and bend his knee to match my cousin's height.

"I'm afraid I won't be able to do it, My Lady. If I do that, the barrier covering the palace grounds will shatter and it might get dangerous for everyone," Asher replied. Pretty sure that wasn't the case.

"Is that so...but, aren't Astra really strong?" Asher's expression slowly changes, and it seems like he's been cornered by the little kid. Maybe there's a reason why he's staying in that form. It could be that he's replenishing his mana or whatever.

He forced a smile to the kid.

"That's right but..." Looks like he can't get out from this situation, huh? He can just be arrogant about it, why is he acting nice? Jeez.

"The truth is, Eli...the Astra is not feeling really well right now. Due to working non-stop these past few days, he got exhausted, that's why turning back to his real form might affect the barrier he placed around the palace," I explained, putting my hand on top of the kid's hair. I can feel Asher's stares but I chose to ignore it. Does he feel ashamed that he was helped by a mere human? Huh! He should be!

"Ohh...Eli apologize, Mister Astra! Eli's being insensitive," Eli bowed to the magician and he just chuckled.

"It's alright, My Lady. Shall I accompany the Lady and the Princess in their stroll?" He asked--but he's not asking me. Obviously because he didn't need to.

"Really?" Eli looks like a bright child but she glares at you the first time she saw you. But, she's definitely a child who can be bribed with some chocolates.

"Really," Asher smiled, stretching his hand in front of Eli. They're so cute ~

'Fake smiles...' I said through telepathy.

'How rude. Still, thank you,' I smirked and crossed my arms as I smile smugly.

'Nevermind, I'm taking it back,'

'Don't take it back!'

•••

"Where do we go from here, Sister Ali?" Eli asked, holding my hand, while her other hand is on Asher's. We're like siblings strolling together.

I wonder where our real siblings are. Did they not notice us leaving their side? If that's the case, it's most likely Asher's fault. He's the only one who can do something like that.

"Now that we're done looking at my Mom's portraits, do you want to visit my room? Or my play room? I'm pretty sure you'll like it there! Oh, and there should be other kids there as well, we can play with them!" I answered. Her face brightens up after hearing my suggestion, she nodded her head repeatedly.

"Please, Eli wants to play with them!" She replied, intertwining our fingers together and happily doing little jumps in front of me. She's so cuuuute! I want to bite her cheeks!

We both started walking as Asher follows us from behind. He's being quiet ever since we took Eli around the hallway to look at my Mom's portraits. I wonder what he's thinking. I hope he wasn't affected by Eli's questions earlier. Hmm...knowing him, he might not think about it too much.

"Eli, is there any reason why you're living in Yukarta Kingdom instead of your manor in Southern Ciera?" I asked. Just to prevent the silence between the three of us. Asher's not speaking at all no matter the topic is, so I have to do my best to entertain this little kid.

"Mama lives there!" Her mother, huh...? Come to think of it, I never met her mother at all.

Uncle Ran's family seems really mysterious. And I realized that just now because the topic is brought up. I never even think of meeting my cousins before, but now that I see them, I want to be close with them right away.

"Oh, she does?" They live separatedly with Uncle Ran? I wonder why? But, I don't want to meddle with their family.

"Hmm! Mama didn't come here, she said she has to work as the Princess' teacher," As a teacher for the Yukarta's Princess. I wonder what status does Auntie have? Although I have no idea which mother she is referring to because I'm pretty sure she has a different mother from Brother Caelus. Their eyes are different after all.

"Wow, Auntie's a real hard worker!"

'She probably intended not to go,' Asher said. But, of course it's not impossible. I have no idea about their family at all so I can't say anything about.

'Do you know something?'

"Yes! Mama works hard for Eli and Brother!" She said cheerfully. It looks like her mom actually treats them well. But, where is Brother Caelus' mother? Why is he living with Eli and her Mom?

"Haha, looks like Eli loves Auntie so much," I said, smiling. She nod her head repeatedly with a huge smile on her face. Being with this kid, I can act more mature. Maybe because I'm two years older than her?

'So? Is this kid in your novel too?' My eyes widened as I stopped walking, turning my head to Asher as I grit my teeth, this jerk...was he reading my mind all these years?

"How did you..." No way, I never tell him anything about the novel at all. All these years I've kept the fact that I am inside a novel book a secret, so how did this guy know about it?

"I'm a magician after all," I glared at him. 

"Have you been peeking into my thoughts these past two years?" I asked. He cocked his head and continued walking. I felt Eli's gazes so I started walking again and she did too. 

"Asher, tell me,"

'I knew your past life, you know?' Huh? What is this guy telling me right now? Of course, I knew about that all along.

But that doesn't mean he knew about it all---or wait, does he actually...

'Wait a minute, don't tell me you knew about me all along? That this world is only a world in a novel book?' I heard him chuckled. The heck is he chuckling about now? 

'A world in a novel book, huh? What kind of bullshit is that?' I want to freaking smack his mouth even though he did not said the word personally. 

'Something like that don't exist. Though, I can't deny that the novel you read is not unrelated to this world,' He's contradicting himself. Sometimes, it's really hard to defend this guy.

"Sister Ali, are we there yet?" I turned to Eli when she spoke. She must've been bothered because I stopped talking for a moment. 

"Oh, it looks like little Eli's excited. Should we ask the magician to teleport us there?" her face sparkles she looks at the magician on her other side. Asher smiled at her.

"Not a problem, Your Highness," And right after Asher said that, I felt a little bit dizzy as the surroundings suddenly changed. 

"Wo-woaaah..." Eli mumbled. The kids here with us are all looking at us with wide eyes. Even their guardians are all surprised to see us suddenly appearing out of thin air. 

"G-greetings!" I was startled when they all greeted together with a loud voices. Even Eli ended up hiding behind me!

"Greetings, Your Highness the First Princess, Lady Elira," Hmm...eh? Ziel is here? What is he doing here? Oh, he's probably one of the knights assigned to guard this room. A trainee knight.

"Am I invisible?" Asher asked, Ziel turned his head to the guy and smiled. 

This magician has some problems. Seriously, does he always want attention? If someone greets us, he would right away involve himself and threaten the person hat ignored him. This Astra...

"Apologies, Almighty Astra. I greet you as well," Ziel bowed to him, but the guy ignored him. Look at him, how arrogant. 

"I see that the Princess and the Lady are getting along really well," Ziel spoke. The kid behind me--I mean, my cousin behind me peeks at Ziel while clinging tightly on my left arm. 

"It's alright, Eli. Brother Ziel is not a bad guy," I said, smiling at the little girl. Our height difference is not that huge that I can call her a 'little girl' but well, my age is years higher than her. 

"B-but--Big Bro told Eli not to talk to strangers," Aww, how cute ~ but she talks to me and Asher? Oh, is it because I'm her cousin and Asher is an Astra? At least, she listens to her brother. 

"That's right. You're listening to your brother well, Young Lady," my face crumpled when Asher spoke. Shouldn't he be telling Eli that Ziel isn't a bad guy at all?

"Hmm. Mama told Eli to always listen to big bro," That's so adorable. It looks like even though they've got different mothers, it looks like Eli's mom is a nice person. 

"However, Eli. Brother Ziel here is Sis Ali's friend, you know?" I spoke. Eli turned to me, we had a few seconds of eye contacts before she faced Ziel. The latter smiled at her and she seem mesmerized by the face of the young lord. 

"Ahh...Eli's sorry, big brother..." she lowers her head a bit and then looked at Ziel again as if she's peeking on him. Ziel chuckled. 

"'It's not a problem, Lady. I am Kafziel Laverde from the Laverde County, I am honored to finally meet the Lady of the Ciera Ducal House," Does this mean Ziel haven't met Eli until now? Well, they're living in Yukarta Kingdom after all, so it's not surprising. 

Eli looked at me, as if she's asking me a permission to do something, so I just nod my head at her while smiling. Then she held both sides of her dress as she bow in front of Ziel. 

"Greetings, brother Ziel...Eli's name is Elira Thea Ciera, she's five years old and Eli live in the--"

"It's a nice meeting, indeed. Now that the greetings are done, would you like to play with the other children, Lady?" Asher stretched his hand in front of Eli and the little girl was confused. She wasn't even done introducing herself yet! What's with this guy?

"Y-yes!" Eli couldn't even do anything about it and just accepted his hand and they started walking. Both Ziel and I just ended up following them with our eyes. 

"What's his problem..." Seriously, is he jealous that Ziel's getting attention from the lady? That's immature!

"It looks to me that he wanted to protect the lady," Hmm? Protect? I turned to Ziel after I saw Asher talking to some children to let Eli play with them. 

"Protect?" Ziel nod his head as he walk towards me and lined up with me. We both looked at Asher and Eli's direction. Look at the magician, is he enjoying himself?

"It's just a guess, Your Highness," Ziel answered. Guess, huh? He definitely have an idea about Eli's life if he can say things like that. 

"Your Highness. Do you think I will win the up-coming competition for selecting your personal knight?" Ziel asked, so suddenly. If he wants to become my personal knight, I can just tell Dad about it--but they've already announced about the competition, so we can't go against the rules now.

"If Ziel really wants to, he definitely can win it!" I answered. I can't tell him 'yes' or 'of course', because he might get pressured by it and affects his mind and actions. 

"Wow, good answer," I was startled when a certain someone appeared beside me. I turned to him and he's staring at Ziel with a blank face. What's with him now?

"I don't really think you still need a personal knight. You already have an Astra here," he said. He probably just hate the fact that having to converse with another person is a pain in his butt. But, didn't he just said that it'd be good to finally be free of his job of babysitting me? What's he saying now? He's really confusing sometimes, duh ~

"Plus, you can already protect yourself. What's learning magic for?" he added. Well, he's right but...

'You should tell my family about your complaints because I wasn't the one who decided to have a personal knight,' I replied using telepathy. He now turned to me and shrugged his shoulders. 

"It's probably just for formalities. Doesn't matter," This guy...he really hates interacting with my family, huh? 

"Anyway, it looks like the lady is having fun. Won't you join her?" Asher asked. I found my cousin playing happily with the other kids with their guardians making sure that they're safe while playing. 

"Hmm, I'll join," I spoke and started walking, but then I remembered. 

If I leave these two alone, they'd probably start throwing insults to each other. I know Asher's annoyed by Ziel because he sometimes disrespect the Astra, but Ziel's reason for that was Asher's arrogance of being the God of Creation's incarnation!

"What are you staring at us for?" Asher asked, with his brow cocked. Wait a minute, looking at them from this distance...it's like seeing two angels at once! Look at those faces---are they for real? I mean, Ziel's an actual angel, but the incarnation is the total opposite. 

"Nothing. Don't pick a fight with Ziel, otherwise I'll kick you out," Asher face crumpled as he heard my words. Ziel chuckled and covered his mouth, it looks like he's preventing himself from laughing.

I think they're getting along well...hmm.

"Haha...it looks like he's the one picking a fight with me," Asher pointed at the guy beside him and I just sighed. Ziel has changed ever since he came back here. Unlike before, he's showing his annoyance to Asher now--don't get me wrong, that's the only thing that changed. Maybe he holds grudges?

"Anyway, just don't cause trouble, Astra," I said, turning around to walk towards Eli.

Eli's having fun with the other kids and I can't help but smile. I'm 2 years older than her---not just two years, so there's this feeling within me that I want treat her like a younger sister I never had. Seeing her smiling like that while gently playing with the others makes me happy, and I don't even know why. We just met, but I already adore this kid so much! I want to spend more time with her. I hope Dad lets me meet her again after this birthday celebration.

***