Chapter 409 - [Bonus chapter]Playful Children (1)(unedited) (2/2)

”Are you just preparing lunch?” Aerith asked with a cute voice.

”We are just about done. Why don't you take your seats and we will just wait for your imperial parents to arrive and you could start eating lunch.” A kitchen attendant replied with a smile.

”What is for dessert today?” Alphonse asked with excited anticipation.

”It is a surprise but…” The kitchen attendant leaned down. ”I heard that Chef Jacob is preparing one of your favorite desserts because it is a special day. I heard it was chocolate and strawberry mousse.” The attendant whispered to Alphonse's ear.

Alphonse eyes lit up in excitement after hearing the desserts name. The attendant stood up and winked at them and left.

'Hey, what did she say?' Aerith asked her brother telepathically.

'She said Chef Jacob is making chocolate and strawberry mousse.' Alphonse replied telepathically.

”Yey.” Aerith said out loud.

”What is it?” Aliyah looked at Aerith curiously.

”Oh… it's nothing.” Aerith feigned. ”I am just excited to eat lunch. I am famished.”

”Then let us take our seats then.” Deimos replied.

The children took their respective seats on the long dining table. The long dining table is now arranged with many plates lined up. That just means there are still more guests coming.

”Who are going to have lunch with us aside from Grand Uncle Dimitri's family?” Aerith asked the attendant curiously.

”It is said that the Grand Duke Gladiolus' family will be joining you for lunch as well.” The attendant replied. ”The Grand Duchess Satiana and her family will be arriving before the banquet this evening.”

”Oh, I see.” Aerith replied. ”Hey, we have not seen Uncle Gladiolus and Aunt Anatalia since Leonhart's first birthday, right? I heard they had a daughter.” She whispered to her brother.

”Yes. I heard that uncle has been busy with governing North Atlantia and was not able to visit the capital that much.” Alphonse replied. ”And whenever he comes here, he would be alone and just be quick. So, we are not able to meet him since then.”

”I am curious what their daughter looks like.” Aliyah replied. ”I heard that sirens are so beautiful that she can take your breath away from first sight. I am excited to see her.” She said with excitement.

Not long the door to the dining room opened and the voices of Regaleon and Alicia can be heard. They were talking to another set of voices. When they came inside the dining hall, the children saw the emperor and empress walking side by side with the grand duke and duchess.

The children were at awe looking at the beauty of the couples coming inside, but what caught Alphonse's attention was the little girl walking by Grand Duchesses Anatalia's side. She was a six year old girl with light pink hair. Her eyes were a sky blue color and she looked like a doll.

”Children, I know you have long not seen Grand Duke Gladiolus and his wife Grand Duchess Anatalia.” Alicia said.

”We greet the stars of the Astley Empire. Happy birthday little highnesses.” The couple greeted.

”I know this is your first time meeting my daughter. This is Thalia.” Anatalia said with a smile and introduced the little girl. ”Thalia, please greet the imperial prince and princess. Your little uncle and aunt are here as well.”

”H-Hello…” Thalia replied shyly and hid behind her mother.

”Awww, she is so cute.” Aerith shrieked and ran towards Thalia. ”Hello Thalia, I am Aerith. That is my brother Alphonse, that is our little aunt Aliyah and little uncle Deimos. Come, seat beside us.”

Aerith gently pulled the little Thalia. She looked reluctant at first and looked at her mother with concern. Anatalia nodded her head and gave her a gentle nudge. Thalia smiled and let Aerith pull her to the chair beside her and Alphonse.

”No need to be shy, we will be great friends. We are second cousins after all. And you are such a cute girl.” Aerith said. ”Don't you think Thalia is cute Al?”

”Y-Yes…” Alphonse replied with a blush.

”I think we are going to be such good friends.” Aerith replied with a merry tone.

After that the imperial couple ate lunch with their guests. The children seemed to be enjoying their new cousin.