The atmosphere in the new Wynfall mansion was warm and peaceful as servants unpacked decorations and chefs prepared ingredients for Arlienne's birthday feast.
But despite the cheerful preparations, a heavy tension lingered in the air.
Aster read the queen's letter again, then folded it with a blank expression.
"Mama," he said calmly, "don't reply."
Arlienne stiffened. "Aster…"
He lifted his chin, silver eyes glowing with conviction.
"Let's see what she does. I'm not ignoring your birthday to sing for that woman."
Astra nodded immediately. "Exactly. Why should we?"
Aster continued, voice firm.
"If it comes down to it… we can leave this country."
Arlienne froze.
"Aster—!"
He looked at her gently.
"Do you remember? When Astra and I went to sing at the wedding in Newren Kingdom… the prince asked me about the songs."
Astra giggled. "He looked like a fanboy."
Aster smirked. "He was. And when he found out how young we were, he nearly fainted."
"And then," Aster said slowly, "he invited me to live with him—said he'd support my music in Newren if I ever wanted to move there."
Arlienne's eyes widened. "Son… it doesn't work like that. You can't just leave a kingdom so easily. Politics—alliances—royal image—everything matters."
"I understand," Aster said. "I'm not planning to run away."
His voice sharpened.
"But I'm also not letting anyone threaten our freedom."
Arlienne opened her mouth to reply—but then slowly closed it.
Her son was stubborn.
Her son was determined.
Her son was… a force she couldn't stop.
She exhaled.
"…Fine. I trust you."
Aster smiled softly. "Thank you, Mama."
***
The next morning, Aster sat at his desk, dipped a quill into ink, and wrote a reply to the queen.
One word.
*NO.*
No explanation.
No apology.
No justification.
Just a refusal.
He sealed the envelope, handed it to a messenger, and said:
"Deliver it directly to the queen's chamber."
The messenger paled when he saw the address but nodded reluctantly.
As the horse sped away, Astra stared at Aster with a mixture of awe and terror.
"You're scary sometimes," she whispered.
Seraphine laughed. "He gets it from father."
"No," Lyria said softly, "he's worse."
Aster smirked. "You haven't seen anything yet."
***
Word spread through the mansion quickly.
The queen asked them to perform.
Aster told her *no*.
Every maid, guard, and servant outside Arlienne's immediate circle quietly panicked for a full hour.
But strangely…
None of Aster's sisters tried to stop him.
Instead, Seraphine crossed her arms proudly.
"You did the right thing. She deserved it."
Lyria brushed her hair back. "I've wanted to tell that woman 'no' for years. Thank you for doing it for me."
Arlienne sighed, rubbing her temples. "This family is going to cause an international incident…"
Astra hugged her from behind. "Mamaaa, it's fine. Nothing bad will happen."
Arlienne muttered under her breath:
"That's exactly what people say right before something bad happens."
***
Meanwhile, Aster and Astra continued preparations for Arlienne's birthday celebration.
They invited:
- A few friendly nobles
- Merchants close to Liora Arcwell
- Engineers who worked on the music player
- Childhood friends from the capital
- Some street vendors Aster befriended when he was five
- And even a few common families who supported them since their first concert
It would be a mixed gathering—nobles and commoners together.
Something the queen hated.
Something Aster *loved*.
"We'll make this the best party Mama ever had," Astra said enthusiastically.
Aster smiled. "We will."
They decorated the garden with floating lanterns.
Set up a sound system using the newest Harmonia speakers.
Prepared a surprise performance—three soft songs just for their mother.
Everything felt perfect.
Everything felt peaceful.
Until—
A loud knock echoed through the mansion.
Three sharp bangs.
Urgent.
Forceful.
Everyone froze.
Arlienne looked toward the front door.
"…Who is that?"
A maid hurried to answer it.
Moments later, she returned, trembling.
"M-my lady… there is a messenger from the palace…"
Aster's eyes narrowed instantly.
Astra grabbed his wrist.
Seraphine's expression darkened.
Lyria swallowed nervously.
Arlienne inhaled deeply.
"Let him in."
The palace messenger entered the hall, sweating heavily. He bowed so deeply his forehead nearly touched the floor.
"L-Lady Arlienne… His Majesty requests…"
Aster raised a brow.
"His Majesty?"
Not the queen?
The messenger gulped.
"Yes… the king himself requests—"
He held out a sealed envelope.
Arlienne hesitated, then took it.
Aster watched her closely.
She slowly broke the seal…
But right before she opened the letter—
A gust of wind blew through the hall.
The candles flickered.
Aster felt something in his chest twist.
Something ominous.
Something dangerous.
Something inevitable.
Astra gripped his hand tighter.
"Aster… does something feel weird?"
"Yes," he whispered.
Everyone held their breath as Arlienne slowly unfolded the king's letter.
And—