Third Person P.O.V

~2 months later~

"You must be excited to see the Twin Horns today. It's been a while, right?" Alice asked walking besides her husband. "I don't think I'm the only one excited to see them." Reynolds said pointing towards his son who stood by the entrance anxiously. Suddenly, Sylvie jumped on his back as he glanced back surprised. "Sylvie, I don't think you're small enough to keep riding on my shoulder..." Arthur told her as she pouted at him. "They're here!" Arthur exclaimed when he heard the two knocks on the door. "Hi every--" Arthur said before he was cut off by Angela jumping him. She hugged him as his face was being suffocated by her breast.

"Oh! Thank gods! You've had it so hard for such a young boy..." Angela said mumbling a lot of other words. "Angela? I-I can't breathe..." Arthur told swing side to side because of lack of air. Someone rest their hand on her shoulder causing her to look up at them. "Oh my, where are my manners! I got a little emotional." Angela said letting him go as he fell back trying to get some air in his lungs. He stumpled looking as Sylvie stood besides him. "Burden. You've gotten even bigger!" Arthur said looking up at them as a tear fell from Burden's eyes. "I can say the same for you." He told them with a smile through the tears as he pat his head. Remembering all the sad times Alice and Reynolds had on the journey there.

"I thought the game plan was to put on a happy face for the kid. What's with all the tears? And... Is no one going to comment on that black Mana Beast behind--" Adam said pointing at Sylvie before a bow was put around his neck. "You can ignore this fool. We're so glad to see you, all grown up and even more handsome." Helen said smiling at him as she tug on the bow choking Adam. "So I'm the bad guy for not crying? It's not my fault I'm mature enough to keep it together." Adam said removing the bow from around his neck. Jasmine suddenly came running in hugging Arthur as he looked at her wide eyed. "J-Jas... mine?" He said as she started to cry. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Arthur." Jasmine said crying as Arthur hugged her back.

Adam looked away crying as Helen laughed at him. "Looks like we missed our timing." Reynolds said crying as he leaned against the stairs. "M-mhm!" His wife agreed besides him. A few days later, Vincent was in his room getting ready for the Auction anniversary. "Are you sure you don't need conjures inside?" Vincent asked fixing his tie. "We have Angela and another wind conjurer alternating detection barriers around the Auction house and Burden mannin the main entrances. Any more than that, people might suspect we're preparing for war." Reynolds said listing off what some of the members were doing. "I really am grateful that your old team agreed to help out with security." Vincent said as the maid brushed off any dirt that fell on his coat.

"Tell me about it. With them here, I was able to position some of the other guards outside around the next block. We'll engage any threat outside so the guest will be safe and the auction house won't get destroyed." Reynold said winking at his friend. "I know you're joking but after my experiences with mages recently, I'm going to actually hold you to that promise. Hopefully, it doesn't come to that." Vincent said looking at Reynold nervously as he laughed. "Speaking of which, your son actually mentioned he wanted a sword before he registers as an adventurer." Vincent as Reynold looked at him. "Oh?" He said as Vincent continued. "Yeah! Considering your in-fighting style with your gauntlets, i didn't expect you to teach him sword-fighting." Vincent told him surprised.

"Well... The only thing I did for him was get him a wooden starter sword. Aside from that, since he was four, he learned on his own." Reynold explained scratching his cheek. "F-Four years-- Why am I even surprised." Arthur said shocked staring at his friend. "Honestly, he says he's self-taught but the few times we have sparred, there are times when he emits this... pressure." Reynold said as Vincent glanced at him. "Pressure?" He asked hoping Reynold was elaborate. "Like this sort of calculated confidence that he's fought battles for decades." He said to Vincent who stared at him with a glance. "Rey... Arthur hasn't even lived for one decade. Don't you think you're giving him a bit too much?" Vincent said staring at him like he was talking nonsense for the third time that day.

"... Maybe you're right. But, when we spar, there are times when he suddenly trips or messes up, like he's not used to his own body." Reynold told him what he had observed from his son. "I think I know why..." Vincent said walking towards him. "Y-You do?" He asked as Vincent nodded with stars appeared around his head. "Early puberty." He told him as Reynold stared at him in disbelief. "Uh huh... Let's just go downstairs. Everyone's probably waiting for us." Reynold said done with Vincent at the moment before they left the room. "Took you two long enough! How are you two grown men the last to get ready?" Tabitha asked when she saw them walking down the stairs. "Woah! You all look great!" Vincent exclaimed blushing at his mate.

Everyone were smiling up at him as they looked dazzling in their outfits. "I just feel sorry that we made everyone wear just black and white. We are the hosts for this event so I didn't want to stand out over the guests, but I guess we didn't need to make Rey's family match the dress code." Vincent said sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "It's no problem at all! I'd be uncomfortable wearing bright colors anyway." Alice told him with a smile. 'Dressing up like this makes me realize no matter what I wear right now, I'm just some cute kid. I just hope my growth spurt comes soon...' Arthur thought as Alastair glanced at him snickering already guessing what he was thinking. "'Kay Ladies and Gentlemen! If that's the case, then let's get going! The carriages are waiting!" Vincent exclaimed walking towards the door with the others following him.

Just as Arthur went to walk pass, Vincent rest his hand on his shoulder stopping him. "I heard that my daughter is progressing well." Vincent told him with a smile. "If she continues like this, she should be able to awaken in time to attend Xyrus at a normal age." Arthur replied glancing up at him along with Sylvie. "Thank you again." He told Arthur with a soft look. "I'm just holding my end of the deal. I expect to see some great stuff at your auction house." Arthur told him as they started walking. "Of course! Let's go!" He told them as they left the house following after everyone walking to the carriage. Vincent, Tabitha, Lilia, Eleanor, Reynold and Alice sat in one carriage together while Arthur, Alastair and the Twin Horns sat in one together.

"Man, I can't believe you had to go through all of that after you fell down the cliff." Adam said glancing at Arthur who who sat in front of him with Alastair in between him and Burden. "All things considered, at least you were able to find a bond. That's something even seasoned adventures and nobles are rarely able to have." Helen told him with a smile. "She's right. That accomplishment should be listed in a book filled with all the things you've done." Alastair said earning a grin from Arthur. "Yeah, that's why she's special to me." He told them as Jasmine stared at him. Suddenly the carriage slowed down before completely coming to a stop. "Looks like we're here." Angela said glancing out the window.

"Welcome." Some guards said opening the carriage door and bowing to them. Arthur with Sylvie following behind him. 'So this is... Helstea Auction House?!' Arthur thought amazed but the huge beautiful structure in front of him.

The 10th Anniversary of the Helstea Auction House. An event nobles and adventures alike have been excited for. It will not only be a celebration, but also a chance to see and perhaps buy priceless artifacts that have been kept locked away and guarded for this particular event.

Arthur entered the building with Sylvie on his shoulder with Alastair walking with him because he said that 'He didn't want to be anywhere near Aunt Alice or Eleanor during this event'. Which confused Arthur who wanted to asked but decided not to and just let him follow him. 'Wow! So many beast cores! And even a... What the hell is that anyway?' Arthur thought as he pass by some beast cores and a creepy looked statue that Alastair decided he wouldn't look at to not have nightmares. 'The exterior of this building is amazing but the inside holds up just as well!' He thought as Alastair just wanted to see if there were any weapons on display.

"All right, everyone! Today's a big day! Let's get out heads together and make sure no mistakes are made!" Vincent said to the maids and butlers as Alastair and Arthur approach Reynold standing behind him who was with Adam. "Team But, make sure the side corridors are checked every half hour before circling back to your original route!" Reynolds instructed the soldiers. "Yes, sir!" Team B said to him. Alastair eyes light up amazed. "This is how I want my future to be. Respected. Especially by my little cousin who really thinks he's better than me." He said smirking at Arthur who returned it. "You want me to respect you that bad? Is than an honor for me or for you?" He replied as Alastair chuckled.

"Oh shove off, Arthur." He said lightly nudging him as Helen approached behind them. "It's good to see them like this, especially my father. A big change from how he usually is." Arthur said as Alastair nodded agreeing with him. "Well, your father was a leader, after all. I've grown since I took his place but still can't match up to him." Helen said smiling at the two of them. "Anyway, I'll be joining your father now. Catch you two later." She told them patting their back as she walk away. "Come on, Arthur, Alastair." Alice said glancing back at them from besides Tabitha. "Coming Mom/Auntie." Alastair and Arthur said together glancing at each other with a smile. "Let's go inside. Vincent and your father will join us a little later." Alice told Arthur looking back at him.

As they walked through the door, Arthur and Alastair stared at how huge the place was and how clean they were making it look. 'That must be the auctioner hosting the event.' Arthur thought looking on the stage at the man who was talking to one of the butlers. 'Even having been a king living amongst the Royal Family of Elenoir Kingdom, this is impressive.' Arthur thought complimenting the Helstea's with a smirk. "So, Arthur. What do you think of our Helstea's Auction House?" Tabitha asked glancing at him. "I think you're seriously downplaying the word 'House', here." Arthur replied with a smile as Alastair snickered along with Alice. "Well, I'm glad you like it." She replied with a smile.

"Wait 'til you see the private rooms at the top. Alastair couldn't keep his mouth close when he first saw it." Lilia said as Alastair gave her a playful glare. "That's so not true. I did no such thing." He replied looking away as Arthur smirked. "You're blushing." He replied seeing the hint of red on his cheeks. "I'm not!" He replied as Alice laughed at them. "Be careful, Ellie!" Alice said as they were walking up the stairs. Eleanor was running behind them with Lilia in front and Arthur behind her with Alastair. "We have arrived, ma'am." One of the butlers said opening the door for them. 'Seeing how he and this place is, no wonder Alastair couldn't keep his mouth shut. I'm excited to see what sort of items they're going to Auction off today.' He thought snickering while glancing at Alastair who narrowrd his eyes.

'I have the feeling he's snickering at me. I bet it's because of what Lilia told him.' He thought with a scowl on his face. "We'll be expecting some very special guests later on, but for now, make yourself comfortable!" Tabitha announced to them. "Oy oy!" Eleanor and Lilia cheered happily while the triple A's laughed at them. Alice and Tabitha went to get drinks while Alastair sat down watching Ellie. "Ellie, look, it's starting!" Lilia said pointing at the window. "Whoa~ So many people!" Eleanor replied looking out the window amazed while Arthur stood behind them peaking out as well. "What are you kids up to?" Tabitha asked walking towards them after getting drinks with Alice. "Ellie's trying to count all the people coming in." Lilia explained glancing at her mother.

"How cute~" she replied as Arthur smiled at them. "Hey Ellie, instead of counting, let's play Pok Pok instead!" Lilia said glancing down at her. "Ah, pok pok! Yess!" Eleanor exclaimed as they made their way over to the couch and sat down playing the advanced hand game (pok pok). Tabitha and Alice and sat down emerging into a conversation as Arthur went besides his cousin who seemed a bit bored. "Looks like they're all having fun." He said glancing at them with a smile. "Seems so..." He replied as he sighed. "Something interesting will happen soon." He replied as Arthur looked at him confused. "Excuse me for the intrusion, but I'd like to inform you that the VIP guests have arrived and will be here soon." One of the butlers said as they bowed besides her. "I understand." She replied as he left with them standing up in a line.

The doors opened as two knights appeared standing besides each other as a man wearing a hood came in. "May I present, His Majesty, Blaine Glayder, Her Majesty, Priscilla Glayder, Prince Curtis Glayder, and Princess Kathyln Glayder!" Vincent announced as they entered the room that they were in. 'I felt it then... The same as in Elenoir. I was in the presence of Royalty!' Arthur as everyone besides Vincent knelt to them. "I didn't know we would share this space with guests, Vincent." Blaine said looking at Vincent. "Forgive me for being presumptuous, Your Majesty! I remembered you wanting to meet my family again the last time you were here, so I thought today would be a good time for that." Vincent explained giving him a nervous smile.

"You remember my wife, Tabitha and my daughter, Lilia." Vincent said as he turned to looked at them. "Your Majesty." Tabitha told him as Vincent turned to the others. "This is Alive Letting, my close friend's wife, and their children, Arthur and Eleanor Leywin, along with her nephew, Alastair Verlice." He introduced to them as Alice said the exact same thing that Tabitha said to him. "Well, friends of Vincent mean friends of mine, as well. Now, please stand. After all, we're here to congratulate the Helsteas on the 10th Anniversary of this wondrous place and to enjoy the event." Blaine told them with a smile on his face. "Yes, no need to remain so formal. Let us enjoy ourselves. I for one am pleased that it seems we'll at least have some company besides our guards." Priscilla said giggling at them.

Sylvie was laying on the couch before she got up peaking over the handle. She had somehow managed to make a connection with Rosalia. They were talking and the princess expressed how much she missed them. She also told Sylvie she's trying to establish a mental connection with Arthur but it's a bit harder. Sylvie even called her Mommy catching her by surprise. She was ecstatic about how Sylvie thought of her before the connection ended. "Gyooh?" Sylvie said as she looked at them confused. "Oh my! What a cute mana beast. Looks reptilian-based but more... intelligent." Priscilla complimented as she saw Sylvie move to Arthur. "She just hatched several months ago, your majesty. Her name is Sylvie." Arthur explained to her as Sylvie made it onto his shoulder.

"Say hello to them, Sylvie." He said to her as he looked at her with a smile. "Kyu!" Sylvie exclaimed happily. "And this mana beast is your bond, young man?" Blaine asked Arthur who turned to him. "Yes, your majesty." He replied to him. "How fortunate you are. Even infant beasts are not easy to tame, yet she seems very obedient." Blaine complimented as he rubbed under Sylvie's chin. "Well, were able to communicate mentally, so it's more like a mutual agreement rather than obedience." He said to him looking at Sylvie. "What?!" A voice said catching them by surprise. "You mean to say that you are under an equals contact with this manna beast?!" The man exclaimed approaching him. 'Crap. Did I say something unusual?' Arthur thought as Alastair glanced at the man suspiciously.

"I-I suppose? She was the one who initiated the contract." Arthur said as Curtis stared interested. "Let me take a closer look at your bond!" The man said as Alastair moved in front of Arthur blocking the man's hand as he glared at him. "Stop. This is neither the time nor place to study someone's petmneed I remind you that you are on duty, Sebastian?" Blaine asked as he moved Sebastian back who glanced at him. "My apologies, your majesty." He apologized bowing to him. Alastair still stood in front of Arthur glaring at the man on his knees. "Er, the event must be starting! Please, your majesties, have a seat over there." Tabitha said as Alice went and pulled Alastair and Arthur to walk alongside her. Arthur glanced back at Sebastian who had stood up putting his hood back over his head. Sebastian returned his gaze with a glare on his face.