“You’re back, Onee-chan! You’re finally back!”

  Stella rushed towards Amber before she jumped and tackled her with an extremely tight hug.

  “Oof! O-Okay, maybe tone the hugs down a little, Stella? I’ve missed the two of you too.” Amber replied, suffocating a little from the hug.

  “No way! It’s been so long since you’ve come home that I miss you so much and I’ll savor this moment to the fullest— Ow!”

  Just as Stella was talking though, Steely bonked her head with a karate chop before he too spoke.

  “Will you cut it out? It’s clear that Amber-nee has returned home, and I do miss her, but considering the long journey from the capital—it’s best to let Amber-nee rest.”

  “Alright, fine…” Stella let go of Amber with a frown on her face.

  Amber then giggled at the little banter of her little siblings before she let out a small smile and spoke in a gentle voice.

  “It’s alright for Stella to hug me now, Steely. I know that you’re only worried since I’ve been on the road for a few long hours before I managed to get home and that I need rest, but It’s alright. I’ve been here for a few ten to twenty minutes now.”

  Stella face brightened once more and a smile grew on her face.”

  “Does that mean…!”

  Amber giggled once more before she spread her arms open and waited for Stella to come and hug here again.

  “Go ahead, my little Stella. Give your Onee-chan the biggest hug that you can ever give!”

  Stella gleamed before she threw herself on Amber again, which nearly made them fall to the ground, as she hugged her big sister in an even tighter hug than earlier.

  Steely merely sighed at this sight while shaking his head before he too gave in and hugged Amber tightly. He truly did miss her so much, but he was just trying to give Amber a few more minutes of rest before he can give her as much hug as she needed.

  “In the end, you wanted to hug Onee-chan more than I do, didn’t you, bro~?” Stella teased Steely with a grin.

  “Oh shut it, will you? I do want to give Amber-nee a hug once she got home, however, I considered the fact that she’ll be tired from traveling for so long. So, I didn’t want to hug her until Amber-nee is fully rested.” Steely retorted.

  Now, now, you two. No more fighting.” Amber gave the two of them a hug as well.

  “I know you two only wanted to do what’s best for me, but I don’t want you two to fight over something as small as this, okay?”

  “Okay!” Stella replied brightly.

  “I know…” Steely replied softly.

  “Good. Now I heard from mom and dad, along with Grandfather, that you two helped in making a feast just for me~. And from the looks of it, you two even bought me gifts. Four in total, as well.”

  Steely was the first to let go of their group hug before he nodded his head and lifted one of the bags that he was carrying.

  “Yup! Stella and I wanted to give you something special since this’ll be the first time in so long that you’ve returned home, so we went ahead and bought a few things. However…”

  When Steely trailed off in the middle of his sentence, Amber got curious as to why he did, so she asked.

  “However, what? Did something happened when you two were buying gifts? Tell Onee-chan so that she can help out.”

  “I-It’s nothing for you to be concerned about, Onee-chan!” Stella was quick to deny.

  “As much as we appreciate your help considering this matter, I think it’s best that we just keep between me and bro for now! W-We’ll tell you once we’re comfortable to tell you!”

  She added before give Steely a nudge with her shoulder and whispered.

  “Hey bro, I don’t think it’s good to tell Onee-chan about our experiences with Darsh and Tenshi earlier. So, let’s just keep it between us for now, okay?”

  Steely nodded before he replied back in a whisper.

  “I think you’re probably right, sorry about that. Considering that I know Darsh has told you something sensitive about him, just as Tenshi has told me about hers, I think it’s best that we keep what they’ve told us a secret.”

  “What are you two little foxies whispering about, hm~?” Amber hummed when she asked that.

  “I-It’s nothing, Amber-nee! R-Really! I-It’s nothing!” Steely nervously replied back.

  Amber narrowed her eyes as if to say that she doesn’t believe what Steely had just told her, and when Stella noticed this, she replied back too.

  “I-It’s really nothing, Onee-chan! Honest! C-Come on! We still have a feast to eat, right? You don’t want the food we helped prepared get cold now, do you?”

  Although Amber was still a little suspicious about what secrets both Steely and Stella were hiding from her, she shook her head and removed that thought before she sighed and nodded her head.

  “You’re both right. I can’t just let the food that you two helped prepare just go to waste like that. Alright, I’ll drop this topic for now. But I expect that you two better tell me about this one day, do you understand?” She replied sternly.

  ““Y-Yes/U-Understood!”” Both of the “twins” replied with a stutter.

  With their replies received, Amber let out a small smile before she grabbed Steely’s right hand and Stella’s left hand as she held them tightly with both of hers.

  “Very well then! Now, let’s get inside and eat the feast that’s been waiting for the three of us inside!”

  Amber then led both Steely and Stella inside their home while she held both of their hands tightly with hers. As the three of them were walking though, Stella and Steely managed to secretly exchanged a glance to each other and smiled.

  “Onee-chan still hasn’t changed all that much, huh?” Stella mentally asked with a cock of her head.

  “Yup. Amber-nee is still as strict, yet is still as loving as ever. As expected of the Noble Akane Heir.” Steely mentally replied as he nodded.

  A few moments later, in the dining room…

  “We’re back!” Amber shouted gleefully.

  “Welcome back, dear! Oh! And I see that you’ve managed to find both Steely and Stella too. Don’t just stand there now, come and take a seat!” Shiranui offered.

  “Thanks, mom.”

  Amber replied with a nod of her head before letting go of Steely’s and Stella’s hand as she took a seat right next to her mom’s side.

  Both Steely and Stella did the same and took a seat right next to each other with Amber on Stella’s right and Steely on the little foxian’s left.

  The table was filled with all kinds of foods along with about two whole large plates of rice. There were four bowls with fried Temporal Shrimps, two plates of Roadchicken Roast, three fruit bowls filled with Red and Blue Larmy Berries, and two bowls of Sylene Vegetable Salads—a salad named after Sylene Armonia.

  Steely glanced around the table for a few seconds before he started eating though.

  “Is there something wrong, darling?” Shiranui asked her son, who was still glancing around the dining room.

  “It’s just… strange, is all.” He replied.

  “Strange? What do you mean?” The mother was confused.

  “Usually, I see both Gramps and dad eating the food already with a few mugs of sake already drunken and making loud noises as they eat.” The young boy replied.

  “Now that you mention it, I kind of noticed that just now too.” Stella observed.

  “I think they already did manage to drink their fill together.” Amber surmised.

  “Who says that we’ve already gotten drunk?!”

  But when Enrei shouted loudly with Aki in tow right behind him, Amber’s guess was immediately shut down to the ground.

  “Oh. And there they are.”

  Steely stated the obvious, which made Shiranui giggle a tiny bit, made Amber let out a small sigh from her mouth., and made Stella let out a small chuckle.

  “Seriously, Steely?” Amber raised a brow.

  “What? You were the one that suggested that they’ve probably already gotten drunk, so how am I the only one at fault here?” Steely placed his hands in front of him to defend himself.

  “To be fair, bro only stated the obvious, Onee-chan.” Stella added.

  “How have I become the bad guy here?!” Amber couldn’t believe how the situation turned to her.

  “Maybe don’t talk badly about someone behind their back next time then.” Enrei suggested before he too took his seat and Aki followed suit.

  “Oh, don’t give me that lecture, Grandfather. You know very well that I’d never do something like that if they really don’t deserve it.” Amber casually replied.

  This reply ticked Enrei off though and got mad instantly.

  “So are you saying that I’m someone who deserves to be talked behind my back?!” The old foxian shouted.

  Amber just let out a small smug look on her face as she scoffed and looked away from Enrei’s gaze. This action made Enrei even angrier as he clenched his right fist tightly.

  “Why you disrespecting little…”

  In the end, Enrei merely let out a tired sigh before he smiled and looked at Amber once more before replied in a soft mutter.

  “You really are just like your grandmother with that cheeky attitude, Amber. I couldn’t be even prouder.”

  Amber looked back at Enrei and let out a small yet warm smile on her face as she let out a small chuckle out.

  “Well, I did manage to take after grandmother with the stories you told me about her. And for those stories, I am extremely grateful, Grandfather. And sorry if I made you angry again.”

  “No. It’s alright, little one. I know you meant no harm when you did all of that earlier.” Enrei replied, understanding where Amber was coming from.

  “Okay… So now that everyone’s calmed down, how about we start with the feast already?” Aki suggested and everyone nodded in agreement.

  One by one, everyone took their chopsticks and picked different foods that they wanted to eat piece by piece.

  After just a few bites of their meal, Aki took out the sake that he’s been saving for this moment and Enrei immediately grinned from ear to ear and sparkles shined in his eyes.

  While this happened, Steely and Amber sighed together, Stella just shook her head from side to side, and Shiranui gently face-palmed herself with a small smile.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “Oh! T-That’s…! H-How did you even managed to buy something like that’s imported from another nation like this, Aki?!”

  Enrei grabbed the bottle of sake from his son’s hands and inspected the whole thing from front to back.

  “Hehehe~. What can I say? I have very good connections with people thanks to some of the meetings. This bottle of “Violei Whisk” is imported from the Raiden Nation and has been fermented for seven years in their clan’s brewery!”

  Needless to say, Aki was extremely smug and proud about managing to buy this type of sake from the Head of the Raiden Clan Nobility. And his efforts completely paid off since Enrei’s joy showed.

  “As much as I want you two to enjoy drinking that bottle of fine sake, I suggest that you two take it easy tonight.” Shiranui insisted with crossed arms under her breasts.

  “Steely’s Blood Transfusion Ritual will happen tonight as well after we finished eating, and not to mention that he’ll have his Blood Transfusion with you, Father-in-Law. So, I hope that you two will only drink one of two cups of that.” She added.

  When Shiranui mentioned that to the two Foxian Leaders, they quickly slumped their shoulders before their smiles faded.

  “Oh… Right, I nearly forgot about Steely’s Blood Transfusion Ritual.” Aki admitted before he slowly started eating again.

  “Right… I got a little excited there, my apologies.” Enrei cleared his throat.

  “What Shiranui said is true. It’s best that both Aki and I refrain from drinking any sake or alcoholic drinks tonight because of my boy’s Blood Transfusion Ritual. If we were to drink, one or two cups would suffice.” The old Foxian added.

  Shiranui smiled and clapped her hands together before she nodded her head.

  “Thank you very much for your understanding, you two.” She exclaimed softly.

  “Speaking of my Blood Transfusion Ritual though…” Steely began before continuing.

  “Gramps, are you sure it’s alright for me to have my Blood Transfusion with you? Considering some of the risks that a Blood Transfusion may have, shouldn’t I have mine with dad instead?”

  When the young noble boy asked that question, Enrei let out a hearty laugh.

  “Hahaha! You’re worried about your old man’s health, is that it, my boy?” Steely nodded at Enrei’s question.

  “Well, no need to worry way too much about me! As old as I am, I am still very much capable of doing a Blood Transfusion Ritual with you! I wouldn’t still be the Akane Clan Military’s Chief General in my old age if I wasn’t!”

  Enrei grinned before flexing his biceps and Steely let out a small sigh. It was clear that the young boy was still having quite a few concerns about this, but he just pushed them away since this ritual is very important to not him—but to his family as well.

  “Okay… Then I won’t question this topic anymore. If what Gramps said is true, then I’ll just go with the flow and hope that my Blood Transfusion finishes in a safe success.” Steely replied.

  “That’s the spirit, my boy!” Enrei let out another hearty laugh before calming down and eating his meal once more.

  Amber patted Steely’s shoulder and let out a small smile on her face that reassured the young noble boy.

  “Don’t worry too much about it, Steely. If you’re still feeling nervous about this or are having doubts about it now, just understand that we’re always here for you and will respect your decisions.”

  “Yeah, bro! If you still have some concerns, I’ll cheer you up with a few games! A few minutes of chasing each other around or playing board and card games should help you calm your nerves!” Stella added cheerfully.

  Aki let out a small giggled before he too talked to reassure his adopted son.

  “I know that this decision is going to be a complete “turn of a new page” for your life, Steely; but just remember that if you don’t want to continue the Blood Transfusion Ritual, we’ll still treat you like our real son.”

  “Although considering that the preparations are already completed… I think that it’s too late to back down now, no?” He added awkwardly with a drop of sweat falling.

  “Don’t try to pressure him, Aki dear.” Shiranui gently chopped her husband’s head.

  “If Steely doesn’t want to continue the ritual, we can just ask for the Mikos and the Kannushis to cancel the ceremony. Although it will be a hassle, we can help them out with the cleaning as compensation.” The Foxian mother suggested.

  The support of his family was clear for Steely to see. Although, yes, there were still some hidden doubts deep inside his mind that he probably doesn’t know, but just knowing that his family completely supports him and whatever his decision is going to be, helped him become calm and for his mind to final set on a clear goal.

  “Alright… I think I’ve finally come to a final decision. Thanks for the support, everyone. I really appreciate it…” He trailed off for a while before his eyes shined with clear and firm decisiveness.

  “I’ll continue with my Blood Transfusion. I’ll make sure that I’ll become completely part of this family!” He answered with a gripped fist over his chest.

  Everyone saw his fire and all had different reactions. Enrei grinned, Aki nodded his head, Shiranui let out a small smile, Stella hugged him tightly, and Amber patted his back before hugging him from the back.

  “You’ll always make us proud, little brother. Just understand that if you ever need support of help in making a decision, we’ll always be here for you. I’ll be here for you. That’s an Onee-chan’s duty after all.”

  Amber reassured Steely through a soft gentle whisper through his ear, her small yet warm hug with Stella added in more to the effect.

  “Thank you, Amber-nee. Your words, no matter how small it may seem, helps me a lot. I promise you this, I’ll do my best to not let you or any of our family down.” Steely whispered back.

  “It’s fine if we do a few mistakes here and there, bro. What matters is that we managed to fix them quickly, no matter how big the problem is!” Stella said a little louder than a whisper with a gleeful smile.

  “Hee-hee~. Stella’s personality is really infectious, isn’t it? No matter how sad you are, once you’re near her, all that negativity just flies away into the sky.”

  Amber commented with a grin of her own and Steely let out a small huff before he grinned as well.

  While the three siblings were doing their own thing, supporting each other, the adults didn’t kept quiet most of the time while watching their small yet compassionate interactions.

  “No matter how many times I see them like this or how much I keep on saying it, these three are always so attached to each other.” Shiranui commented with a little giggle.

  “And here I thought that Steely and Stella were already inseparable, but if you add in Amber into the mix, they become completely attached to each other.” Aki added with a nod.

  “Ahh. To be young again. You know back in the day; me and my boys were extremely close almost like how these little foxians are.” Enrei mentioned.

  “But now that work has gotten us pretty busy these days, we barely even manage to have the time to schedule a meet-up anymore. Ah, how I miss those days so much…” The old foxian reminisced.

  “I think that you’ve mentioned that more than once already, dad.” Aki commented before taking in a small bite on his Temporal Shrimp.

  “I have…? Oh, yeah! I have mentioned this more than once now. Jeez… Old age is getting onto me again.” The old foxian scratched his neck.

  “It’s not your fault, Father-in-Law. It’s understandable considering you’re nearly half a century old. I know that’s not yet half of a normal foxian’s life, but it’s still very old for any normal human.”

  Shiranui commented before drinking a few sips on the cup of matcha tea that she brewd herself. Enrei then replied to his Daughter-in-Law’s comment in a slightly offended tone.

  “Hey! I know that I’m super old for human years, but may I remind you that under all these hair on my face is a young and handsome image of a man who’s seen a hundred battles! So don’t underestimate my vitality, woman!”

  “Okay, okay, we get it, dad. No need to be so offended. You know that Shiranui meant no harm when she said those words, she was merely speaking the truth.” Aki replied, calming the situation down.

  “Hmph. Like mother, like daughter. I can definitely see where Amber and Stella got that teasing personality from, and I’m not just talking about from their grandmother.”

  Although his words were harsh, Shiranui merely chuckled at those statements as she took them in as compliments towards her complete biological genes towards her daughters.

  Aki let out a small yet tired and defeated sigh out of his mouth as he shook his head slowly.

  “What am I supposed to do with these two? If left alone, they might cause a ruckus that may last for a whole night or two.” The Current Noble Akane Clan Head mentally sighed at his own thought.

  After a few minutes of eating and laughing together with their conversations, the whole Noble Akane Household finished their respective meals almost at the same time and all leaned back on their chair as they all felt the satisfaction that was left with their full stomachs.

  It took a while before they all finally managed to move properly because of that, but when they were finally able to move, Shiranui was the first to stand up and grab the plates that they used to eat one by one before she headed towards the kitchen to clean them.

  Aki stood up after her and suggested that Steely should start taking the bath first before anyone else since the young noble boy’s Blood Transfusion would happen after Shiranui finishes cleaning.

  And Steely followed his father’s orders and headed straight towards the bathroom first with Stella going upstairs towards their room along with Amber.

  Enrei then decided to enter his own room as well to prepare his clothes for the Blood Transfusion Ritual and Aki entered the kitchen to help out his wife.