Ancestral Lineage-Chapter 271: Family Time

And somewhere above it all, the winds of fate stirred once more, for this was only the beginning.

...

In the vast courtyard of the newly furnished Haven Grove, gentle music floated through the air, carried by a light spring breeze. The expansive lawns, freshly mowed and vibrant with life, were dotted with colorful picnic mats, neatly arranged beneath the shade of ancient, sprawling trees.

Off to the side, a line of barbecue stands was already set up, the scent of marinated meats and spiced vegetables beginning to tease the senses, hinting at the feast that would soon follow. Long wooden tables were being set with silverware and simple floral centerpieces, giving the gathering a blend of elegance and homely charm.

From the courtyard, the view stretched toward the horizon where the Empire's newest marvel took shape: the Grand Castle of Anbord. Massive spires of marble and obsidian rose toward the heavens, wrapped in scaffolding and alive with the clamor of magic-forged construction. This would soon be the heart of all official matters — the seat of the Emperor and his kings, the beacon for the world to see.

Yet here, in the Haven Grove, there was no burden of crowns or titles. This was home. A sanctuary crafted not for ceremony, but for family.

The servants moved quietly, setting up baskets filled with fresh fruits, pastries, and cold drinks. Cushions were fluffed, shade canopies were raised, and enchanted lights — delicate orbs that glowed like captured stars — were beginning to hover gently above the picnic grounds, ready to illuminate the evening when the sun dipped low.

Nearby, a soft laughter echoed as children's toys were set out: wooden swords, enchanted bubble-blowers, and floating disks perfect for playful games. Even the small pond at the edge of the courtyard had been cleaned and charmed, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky.

The atmosphere was light, almost ethereal — a rare, precious pause in the relentless march of empire-building.

Today was not about power or politics.

Today was for family.

And soon, as preparations neared completion, the first footsteps would cross the green once more, carrying with them the warmth and clamor of a gathering unlike any other.

"Yo, Reg! You seen my shirt anywhere?" Trevor's voice echoed down the wide, marble-lined hallway.

"I don't sleep in your quarters, you senile goat!" Regnare shot back without missing a beat.

"Weren't you supposed to iron it for me?" Trevor grumbled.

Regnare groaned. "It seems old age finally caught up with you, old man."

"This fucking idiot... I'm gonna strangle you—"

"Yo, Trev! You seen my flip-flops?" Ethan's voice chimed in from across the hall.

"I don't live in your quarters either, bro!" Trevor barked back.

"I know that, you moron!"

"Then why are you asking me? Sounds like age is hitting you harder than we thought," Trevor teased with a snicker.

"Oi! Fuck off!"

"Sorry, I have wives to take care of. Can't babysit you too."

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"I have wives too, dumbass!"

Trevor smirked. "So you're looking for... a little change of flavor, huh?"

"Eww! Disgusting! What the hell, man?! I'm telling Mom."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me," Ethan challenged, already wearing that wicked, childish grin that spelled trouble.

Trevor cursed under his breath. Somewhere down the hallway, Regnare laughed so hard he nearly fell over.

Their bickering was interrupted by a loud crash from the courtyard.

"What the hell was that?" Trevor muttered, tugging a new shirt over his head.

Regnare peeked through the window, snorting. "Looks like Mother Pisces dropped the entire basket of fruit."

"And Clara's chasing her with a broom. Perfect," Ethan said, slipping on one sandal he found under the couch.

"One sandal? Really?" Trevor raised an eyebrow.

"Shut up. I'm committed now," Ethan said with mock solemnity.

The smell of grilled meat already drifted through the open hallways, carried on a light spring breeze. In the distance, the sound of music picked up — a mix of cheerful strings and upbeat drums, perfectly suited for a sunny family gathering.

Outside on the lawn, picnic mats and tables were spread in a colorful patchwork across the grass. Skewers of marinated meat sizzled on the barbecue stands, and enchanted fans floated midair to keep the heat comfortable. Buckets of cold drinks, both mortal and magical, were lined up beside the tables. Fluffy pastries, colorful fruits, savory pies — it all awaited a crowd that never came quietly.

In the far corner, a small team of workers was setting up an outdoor game arena for the inevitable family competitions — sack races, tug-of-war, magical duels (with limited spells), and even an archery contest. Laughter rang out from a group of young ones practicing throwing water balloons at targets.

And towering beyond it all, the Castle loomed — a magnificent work still under construction, its towers and spires rising each day higher into the sky, glinting under the sun. It stood as a symbol of Anbord's future — and of the new Empire that Ethan and his family would build together.

Back inside Haven Grove, Ethan finally found the second sandal, jammed under a chair.

"Victory!" he shouted, holding it above his head like a trophy.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty," Trevor said dryly. "You've bested footwear. The Empire is surely in safe hands."

"Jealousy is an ugly thing, brother."

They headed out toward the courtyard, ready to join the growing chaos that was, somehow, still a 'relaxing family picnic.'

As Ethan and Trevor stepped into the sunlight, they were immediately bombarded by a flying water balloon.

Smack!

It exploded harmlessly against Ethan's shoulder, soaking him instantly.

There was a collective gasp from the little ones gathered near the water balloon station, followed by a slow, creeping silence.

Trevor took one look at Ethan's stunned expression and burst out laughing.

"You fools," Ethan said, voice deadly calm as water dripped from his sleeve. "You dare assault the Emperor?"

The kids squealed and scattered like startled rabbits, shrieking in delight.

Ethan kicked off his wet sandal, grabbed a balloon from a nearby bucket, and with frightening precision, nailed one of the braver boys square in the back.

"War it is!" Ethan declared.

The courtyard exploded into chaos as kids and adults alike grabbed water balloons, shields of magic, and enchanted towels. Makeshift alliances were formed and broken within seconds. Shrieks and laughter filled the air, and even some of the servants joined in after a few minutes.

Meanwhile, Lisa and Christel arrived, arms full of snacks, only to stop dead at the courtyard entrance.

"...Are they at war already?" Lisa asked, blinking.

Christel sighed dramatically, balancing a basket of cupcakes. "I told you. Give them five minutes unsupervised."

A booming voice joined in behind them. "And they didn't even invite us?"

It was Lamair, carrying an enormous cooler over one shoulder and wearing sunglasses like he owned the place. Beside him, Reginald appeared, carrying skewers of marinated meat and looking far too dignified for the madness unfolding before him.

Without hesitation, Lamair charged into the fray, launching a water balloon at Trevor with pinpoint accuracy.

Smack!

"TRAITOR!" Trevor bellowed, clutching his chest like a dying soldier.

From the barbecue stands, Pisces and Clara waved wildly. "FOOD FIRST, WAR LATER!" Pisces yelled.

Clara simply summoned a minor spell to lift the scent of grilling meat through the battlefield, a tactic that made most of the children immediately abandon their water weapons in favor of following their noses.

"Smart," Ethan said, chuckling as he shook out his wet shirt and made his way toward the feast. "They're learning from the best."

Slowly but surely, the chaos melted into a rough semblance of order. Picnic mats were claimed. Food was piled high. Cups were filled. And laughter continued to ripple through the air like sunlight through leaves.

Here, under the sprawling branches of Haven Grove and the shadow of a rising castle, Anbord's royal family — rulers, warriors, mages, troublemakers all — found a rare and precious peace.

At least for now.