-Dwight State-
A lavishly decorated carriage halted before the city's most renowned restaurant. People bustled in and out, each eager to dine at the famous establishment.
A chubby figure came out from the lavish carriage, supported by his servants.
Seeing this figure, the crowd cleared a path for the man, well known for his antics and notable background. This chubby man was Baros, the son of a wealthy merchant whose fortune rivaled that of many marquises.
As Baros entered the restaurant, he was greeted by a waiter with a polite bow and a welcoming gesture.
He swept his gaze across the floor; the people in the restaurant did not dare meet his gaze.
He headed straight for the upper floor. Upon reaching his usual spot, he noticed a familiar figure seated by the window. His eyes gleamed with recognition, and he hurried over, his big belly bouncing with each step.
"Bro Spark, you've returned," Baros exclaimed, his breath heavy from the short sprint.
The seated figure was Spark, who had recently returned to the state. Seeing Baros, Spark's face lit up, and he gestured for him to sit.
"Let's have a drink," Baros invited, eager to reunite with his old friend. The two were notorious drinking buddies in the city, often causing a ruckus when drunk.
"I can't drink right now," Spark replied with a somewhat dejected expression.
"What?" Baros almost leaped from his seat. "Who are you? You must be an imposter. My bro never rejects free drinks."
"I've got company with me," Spark explained, pointing to another table nearby.
Baros turned to look but saw only a pile of food. As he squinted, he noticed the food was moving. A small golden head popped up, munching on a large roasted leg. Baros' eyes widened.
"Big bro, who is this copy of yours, another sibling?" Baros asked, staring at the little girl with greasy cheeks.
"Father is my father," replied the little girl, still engrossed in her meal.
Baros's eyes widened and turned to spark. "Bro Spark, you didn't tell me you had a daughter?"
"I also didn't know I had a brat," Spark replied.
"I thought we were similar." Baros feigned weeping. "You and I made a vow to remain single forever. You traitor."
"Why are you saying it like you've been cheated on?" Spark looked at Baros with an unamused expression. "And I don't remember making such vows with you."
"They are in the indoor garden, Young lord," the butler replied with a respectful bow.
"Did spring come again? What are they doing in the garden?" Spark muttered to himself, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Let's go disturb them."
As they walked past the grand hall, Zhao Shi, trailing behind Spark, marveled at the grandeur of the duke's mansion. Every few steps, his eyes landed on another rare ornate piece hanging on the walls.
The hall was adorned with exquisite decorations, and the architecture was magnificent, unmatched in many places he had seen before.
However, as they continued through the mansion, Zhao Shi couldn't help but notice the absence of guards. Apart from the butler and maids, there were no signs of security personnel anywhere.
This detail stood out in stark contrast to the opulence surrounding them. He silently wondered why such a grand estate would lack visible protection, especially considering the power of the Dwight family.
Not long after, the group reached the garden, which had a pavilion at its center. From within the pavilion, the sounds of conversation drifted out, and two figures could be seen resting inside. The group moved closer.
A tall, golden-haired man and a graceful woman lounged in the pavilion. Spark approached, his tone carrying a hint of dejection as he said, "Father, Mother, you didn't even come to see your son."
"Oh, you've returned. Did you enjoy your vacation?" boomed a broad voice. The tall golden-haired man stood up. This was Spark's father, Duke Dwight Renard, head of the Duke family and one of the leading figures in the Jul Empire.
"You've safely arrived," a woman's voice followed, gentle and soothing.
"Yes, Mother," Spark replied respectfully to his mother, Sophia, who stood beside his father.
"While coming here, I've noticed strange gazes from the people and even the maids and butlers. May I ask why?" Spark questioned, sensing it had something to do with his parents.
His parents exchanged a warm smile before his father spoke. "We are proud of you, son."
"Huh, what's with the praise?" Spark asked playfully. "Did someone die? Or am I getting disowned?"
"We have a new member in our family," his mother said, her smile warm and inviting.
"New member?" Spark echoed, momentarily dazed. "Don't tell me you two got me another sibling at this age."
"No, we didn't," Renard retorted sharply. "And what's wrong with our age?"
Avoiding his father's glare, Spark turned to his mother. "Where is this new member?"
Sophia, turning behind her, called out softly, "Don't be scared, come out."
A brief moment later, a tiny golden head popped out, staring at Spark curiously with big, innocent eyes.
"Meet your daughter, Alice."