Chapter 409 - [Bonus chapter]Playful Children (1)(unedited) (1/2)
Alphonse and Aerith together with Aliyah and Deimos were running thru the hallways towards Leonhart's room. Once there, they saw a maid was about to knock on the little prince's door but saw the children come.
”Greetings to the stars of the Astley Empire. Happy birthday, your highnesses.” The maid gave a kind smile and bowed. ”I was about to knock and wake up the little prince Leonhart.”
”Hi Jessie.” Aerith greeted. ”Let us do the waking up.”
”B-But… your highnesses…” Jessie the made looked worried.
The children opened the door hurriedly and stormed inside the room. Prince Leonhart's room was still dim because of the closed curtains. Aliyah used wind magic to part the curtains open and the sunlight brightened the room.
The little prince was still under the blankets and sounded asleep, even the bright sun rays lighting up the room. Alphonse put his finger on his lips telling the other children to be silent. The others were trying to suppress their giggles.
Alphonse stood at the bottom of Leonhart's bed and held the blankets covering the little prince. In one fell swoop, Alphonse pulled the blankets off and Leonhart was seen in his pajamas and sleeping on his stomach.
”RISE AND SHINE LITTLE BROTHER!” Alphonse yelled loud startling the sleeping little prince.
”Huh, what… what happened?!” The seven year old Leonhart sat up in surprise, looking around him.
”HAHAHAHA…” The children around him laughed out loud with Leonhart's surprised reaction. His hair was still a mess from sleeping.
”Wake up, sleepy head.” Aerith said and jumped on Leonhart's bed. ”You know what day it is, right?” she smiled and hugged her little brother tightly.
”Ahh, of course I know.” Leonhart replied while yawning. He did not mind his big sister hugging him. ”Happy birthday big bro Al and big sis Rith.” He said with a sleepy expression.
”Thank you, Hart.” Aerith hugged him a little tighter. ”My little brother is just so cute.”
”Hey Rith, you are going to crush him.” Alphonse said. ”Hey Hart, wake up. We are going out to play, so come with us.”
”Yeah, yeah.” Aliyah replied excitedly. ”Let's play outside.” Deimos was silent but was excited internally. Dimitri and Angel's twins have opposite personalities, with Aliyah being the loud and carefree one while Deimos was the silent and diligent type.
Leonhart was still rubbing his eyes, not yet fully awake.
”Your little highnesses, why don't you go along and let me prepare Prince Leonhart first.” Jessie said. ”You know that he will just fully awaken after getting a bath. By the way, have you all taken your breakfast?”
”Yes, we are already done.” Aerith replied while scratching her cheek.
”But how about the little lord and lady?” Jessie asked. Aliyah and Deimos shook their heads. ”Then why don't you all go to the dining hall first before playing outside.” Jessie suggested. ”The little lord and lady just arrived from a long journey and I am sure they are famished. Food should be prepared because it is near lunch time. I will lead Prince Leonhart there after his bath.”
The children nodded and exited Leonhart's room. They proceeded to go to the dining hall. While walking, the heard the rumbling of stomach.
”That was me.” Aliyah raised her hand in embarrassment. ”When Jessie mentioned the food, I just realized that I was hungry, hehe.”
”I am as well.” Deimos backed up his twin sister so that she won't be embarrassed.
”It will be good to wait for Hart at the dining hall as well.” Alphonse added. ”It is more fun with many of us.”
”Your little brother sure slept in late. It is nearly lunch time.” Aliyah said.
”Well it is Al's fault for playing sword until it was past Hart's bedtime.” Aerith looked at Alphonse begrudgingly.
”Hey, he also wanted to learn the sword when he saw me practicing with father.” Alphonse defended. ”We just lost track of time last night, hahaha.” He laughed awkwardly knowing he was at fault why his little brother slept in late.
”Well your little brother is still growing so he needs to sleep more.” Deimos said.
The children came in the dining hall and saw the kitchen staff preparing the table.
”Greeting to the stars of the Astley Empire.” The kitchen staff greeted. ”Happy birthday your highnesses.”
”Thank you.” Alphonse and Aerith replied.