Three full years passed after Aster's collapse.
Three years of quiet growth.
Three years of technology and magic evolving hand-in-hand.
Three years without a single concert.
Because Arlienne refused.
"You are NOT risking your life like that again," she told them. "Not until you grow older."
So Aster and Astra focused on albums instead.
And by age eleven, the twins had already released **three** of them — each one causing waves across the nation.
***
During this time, Sound Magic Stone technology advanced rapidly.
Aster, together with magic engineers, developed a new type of device:
*The Harmonia Player — Version 2*
A magical music player that could:
- Insert multiple sound stones
- Adjust volume
- Adjust clarity
- Improve sound quality
- Support special resonance speakers
It was expensive.
Very expensive.
But even so — it sold out immediately.
Cities played the twins' songs in taverns, shops, inns, and homes.
Foreign nations began importing the devices.
The Arc Merchants expanded rapidly, becoming one of the most successful merchant groups in Vornis.
And Aster?
Aster became wealthy.
Extremely wealthy.
At just ten years old, Aster made a decision.
"I want to build us a new home."
Arlienne blinked in surprise. "A new house? Why?"
Aster placed a hand over hers.
"Because I want us to live freely. Without relying on the royal family's money. Without being controlled by palace politics. I want us to have a place that belongs to us."
Arlienne's eyes softened. "Aster…"
But she agreed.
She always did when it came to their dreams.
***
One year later, a pristine mansion stood on a quiet hill overlooking the capital — elegant white stone, grand balconies, music-themed carvings, crystal-lit corridors.
It wasn't just a mansion.
It was independence.
Aster, Astra, and Arlienne stood before it for the first time.
Astra twirled with excitement. "It's so big! Aster, you built this?!"
Aster laughed softly. "We all built it. All of us. With our music."
Arlienne wiped her eyes. "You two… you're going to make me cry again…"
Their sisters—Seraphine and Lyria—arrived soon after and were completely speechless.
"Aster… this is… insane."
"You're ELEVEN! How are you like this?!"
Aster shrugged playfully. "Hard work."
Arlienne smiled warmly. "And stubbornness. That part came from me."
The mansion buzzed with life as servants and engineers helped prepare for the big day.
Because in two days…
It was Arlienne's birthday.
And this year, for the first time ever, they planned to celebrate it in their new home.
A special gift.
A special memory.
A new beginning.
***
But destiny always moved quietly.
Two days before Arlienne's birthday, a knock echoed through the Wynfall mansion.
The butler bowed deeply as he handed Arlienne an envelope.
"My lady… a letter has arrived."
Arlienne paused.
Aster and Astra looked up.
The envelope was sealed in deep red wax.
Stamped with a crest.
The crest of the royal family.
Arlienne's expression stiffened.
Aster's heart slowed.
Astra swallowed nervously.
Arlienne broke the seal slowly, carefully… her hands trembling just slightly.
She opened the letter.
Her eyes widened.
Her breath caught.
Aster stepped forward.
"Mama… what does it say?"
Arlienne lowered the letter, expression unreadable.
"It says…"