Chapter 1558: The Arena and the Audience ( 1558 )

Armand Private Island.

Garius stood at the far end of the open field in the center of the island, his posture calm and commanding. His arms were crossed over his bare chest, his golden beach trunks catching the morning light, and his eyes fixed on his five sons with quiet expectation.

The field stretched wide and flat, marked with faint lines and edged by palm trees that swayed gently in the morning breeze.

On the other side, Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, Heres, and Javier stood in a loose line, their expressions a mix of dread, irritation, and resignation.

Marcellus dragged a hand down his face, letting out a loud, frustrated groan.

"Ugh! Great... just great..."

Aelius let out a long, weary exhale, nudging his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

"Sigh... I thought Father already forgot about this."

Heres slumped his shoulders, his voice carrying the tone of a man already defeated.

"Damn... I want to enjoy my time with Kliatana today. We just made up last night..."

Cedric rubbed the back of his neck, squinting toward the rising sun with a sour expression.

"Do we have to do this after breakfast? The sun just rose. I haven’t even digested my food yet."

Behind them, Javier stood slightly apart, both hands clutching a massive meat burger that Liana had prepared for him. A thick, juicy patty was stacked between toasted buns, layered with melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and a generous drizzle of special sauce. He took a huge bite, chewing slowly, his expression completely relaxed.

"Let’s just finish this. You all know how Father is."

The four brothers glanced back at him. Their eyes narrowed, their expressions twisting with fury as they spoke in unison.

"This is all your fault!"

Javier grinned, rubbing the back of his head with his free hand. The special sauce was still smeared on his lip. He took another bite of his burger, completely unbothered.

"Hehehe~"

Meanwhile, on the sides of the area.

Fransesca sat gracefully on a plush, cushioned lounge chair, her morning dress flowing around her like liquid gold. The fabric was light and airy, a soft cream color with delicate golden embroidery along the hem and sleeves, cinched gently at the waist with a thin silk sash.

Her hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the morning sunlight like spun moonlight, and her radiant smile was warm and content as she watched her husband and sons take their positions on the field.

Beside her, Garcinia, Phenelopie, Eridith, and Mylezra were settled on similar cushioned lounges, each one dressed in their own elegant morning attire. Garcinia wore a soft lavender gown with lace trim, her dark hair pinned up loosely.

Phenelopie was in a pale blue morning dress, her posture relaxed and motherly. Eridith wore a deep crimson robe that hugged her curves, a plate of meat already balanced on her lap. Mylezra sat quietly in a flowing white dress, her hand resting gently on her stomach, her expression serene.

Around them, maids moved quietly, setting up small side tables with steaming cups of hot chocolate, delicate porcelain teacups filled with fragrant tea, and trays of fresh pastries and fruit. The clinking of silverware and the soft murmur of servants blended with the distant chirping of birds and the gentle rustle of palm leaves.

Not far from where the Queens were seated, another group had gathered on a wide arrangement of cushions and low couches.

Athine sat elegantly in a soft silver morning gown, her silver hair braided loosely over one shoulder. Lithia, Harny, Meira, and Zania were scattered around her, some sitting upright, others lounging lazily against the cushions. Kliatana was still half-asleep, a thick blanket wrapped around her shoulders, her eyes droopy and unfocused as she yawned and watched Heres take his place on the field.

Liana stood near a portable magic stove, a pan sizzling in front of her as she prepared another batch of meat for Javier’s burgers. The aroma of grilled beef and spices filled the air, making several of the girls glance toward her with hungry eyes.

Gloria stood nearby, slicing fresh vegetables with practiced precision. Felicia was curled up on a cushion, a romance book in her hands, her eyes scanning the pages with a dreamy smile.

Delya sat cross-legged, blowing gently on her hot chocolate before taking small, contented sips. Mimi was already munching on a massive meat burger, her tail swaying happily behind her. Gracelle leaned heavily against Felicia, still half-asleep, her cheek pressed against Felicia’s shoulder.

Celine sat beside Lyzia, both of them yawning in unison, their eyes still heavy from sleep.

Maids moved among them, refilling cups, adjusting cushions, and quietly clearing empty plates.

Mimi glanced toward Liana, her mouth still half-full.

"Nya? Big Sister?"

Liana glanced up from the sizzling pan, her silver hair swaying as she turned her head.

"Yes, Mimi?"

"Is Husband fighting Father-in-law?"

Liana chuckled softly, turning the meat with a practiced flick of her wrist before answering.

"No, Mimi. Young Master and his brothers are having a practice duel. It’s more like an assessment. Father-in-law wants to see how much they’ve grown, how their skills have developed, and whether they’ve been keeping up with their training. It’s not a real fight. Just... a test."

"Oh~"

Gloria glanced up from her cutting board, tilting her head as she looked toward Mimi.

"Mimi? Did your father say when he’s arriving?"

Mimi nodded, swallowing her bite before answering.

"Nya~ Yes. Mister Alf said Father-in-law already contacted them. They’ll arrive by afternoon."

"Oh." Gloria turned her gaze toward Delya, who was still blowing on her hot chocolate.

"Delya?"

Delya glanced up, her dreamy smile never fading.

"Yes, Big Sister Gloria?"

"Did your brother mention when he’s coming?"

Delya nodded, taking a small sip from her mug before answering.

"Yes. Brother said he’ll arrive before afternoon. He already contacted me last night and told me to let Father-in-law know. He seemed... excited. I think he’s looking forward to enjoying this vacation with everyone."

( End Of Chapter )