Maximo's family was undoubtedly large, which might be a blessing for many, but for him it was sometimes a source of exhaustion. With seven members under one roof, the house was always full of voices, laughter and little arguments that kept the household alive. Sometimes Máximo wondered how they managed to live together without the constant noise driving them mad, although deep down he knew he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

  His mother and father were the centre of the family. They possessed a beauty that seemed timeless, a natural grace that they had passed on to their children and that was the object of admiration throughout the village. Mrs Valois, always elegant and with impeccable manners, represented the balance in the home, while Mr Valois, though sometimes a little strict, was the pillar of discipline and hard work. They complemented each other's strengths and weaknesses, and together they had created a warm environment where love and respect were fundamental.

  Bastian, the eldest of the brothers, aged 28, was the epitome of what it meant to be a Valois: attractive, intelligent and charismatic. His presence was magnetic, and his smile could disarm even the harshest of critics. However, to the frustration of many noble families, Bastian did not seem interested in marriage. He was a free spirit with an insatiable appetite for travel and adventure. His motto was that the world was too big to stay in one place, and he could often be found planning his next expedition, whether to explore a new city or venture into the wilderness. Although his parents politely suggested that it was time to settle down, he always found an excuse to put it off.

  Then there was Oliver, the youngest of the boys, just 14. Oliver was the epitome of youthful enthusiasm. Always restless, always curious, he seemed to be on a constant quest to discover and create. He loved art, especially painting, and could spend hours in his room, brush in hand, letting his imagination run wild. Landscapes, portraits, even simple sketches filled his world with colour and meaning. However, if there was one thing that was clearly not his thing, it was musical instruments. No matter how hard he tried, any attempt to play a tune ended in disaster, as he himself admitted with a carefree laugh.

  Rosette, the eldest of the sisters, 24 years old, was the pride of the family when it came to beauty. She had an air that attracted attention wherever she went, a mixture of elegance and self-confidence that seemed innate. Her face, with delicate features reminiscent of her mother's, and her hair, always perfectly styled, made her stand out even among the most refined ladies. But Rosette was not just a pretty face; she had an overflowing passion for dancing. She could often be found practising her steps in the main hall, moving with a grace that seemed to defy gravity. Although marriage was something she eventually considered for her future, it was clear that her personal dreams and goals were her priority.

  Seventeen-year-old Amaranta was close in age to Máximo and, according to many, bore a striking physical resemblance. Their family nicknamed them 'the non-twins', a joke that had been around since they were young. But despite their physical similarities, their personalities were very different. Amaranta was brave and determined, a young woman who preferred action to analysis. She had an impressive ability with musical instruments, a talent that everyone in the family admired. Although she was quieter than her brother, her opinions were always forceful when she decided to share them. Their mother often said that Máximo was the brain and Amaranta the heart, and although they both pretended not to pay attention to her, they knew there was some truth in those words.

  Finally, there was Daniela, the youngest of the family, barely 12 years old. Daniela was a spark of energy and joy in the house, always running from one place to another, filling the rooms with her infectious laughter. She was a girl who loved to play with her friends and had a particular fondness for the colour turquoise, so much so that most of her clothes and accessories were of this hue. Her sincerity, though sometimes disarming, was one of her most endearing qualities. There was nothing Daniela enjoyed more than spending time with her older brothers, who never hesitated to spoil her.

  The dynamic between the siblings was in many ways the heart of the family. Although there were occasional arguments and inevitable differences, there was also a deep bond that united them. Each had their place in the group, their strengths and weaknesses, and together they formed a unique team. The days at the Valois house were full of activity, with each member busy with their own interests and hobbies, but they always found time to get together and share stories, jokes or simply a meal.

  Despite his more reserved nature, Maximo found solace in the company of his brothers and sisters. Each of them brought something different to his life: Bastián's guidance, Oliver's creativity, Rosette's grace, Amaranta's bravery and Daniela's joy. Although he sometimes wished for a little more silence to concentrate on his numbers, he knew that the chaos of his home was also what gave it meaning. In his quieter moments, when he allowed himself to reflect, he understood that his family was his greatest treasure, however much he sometimes felt overwhelmed.

  In the Valois family, mornings were a mixture of sounds, movements and unbridled rhythms that could hardly be described as quiet. Some were reluctant to leave the warmth of their beds, while others were already awake and busy with their pre-dawn activities. The hustle and bustle seemed to be part of the essence of the family: a daily whirlwind that was chaotic but somehow worked.

  Máximo used to wake up early, just as the first rays of sunlight began to filter through the windows of his room. His mother shared this habit. Both had a leisurely but steady rhythm, finding the stillness of the early hours of the day the perfect time to plan. This synchronicity was no accident; mother and son had much in common in character: calm, calculating and with a patience that rarely ran out. But when they did speak, it was with such firmness that there was no need to repeat what had been said. This quality, which set them apart from other members of the family, gave them an air of effortless authority.

  The rest of the household, however, was a different story. Bastian, the eldest brother, was one of those who could sleep in as long as he didn't have any important duties to attend to. Rosette, although disciplined in her passion for dance, often stayed in bed a little longer than expected, enjoying the time she could spend resting after hours of rehearsal. Amaranta, always punctual, had an almost military schedule for starting the day, while little Oliver let himself be carried away by the mood of the moment: sometimes he jumped out of bed full of energy, sometimes he had to be practically dragged out by someone.

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  Daniela, for her part, was the first to rush out of her room, full of enthusiasm and ready for whatever adventure the day might bring. Though they were a family of immense wealth, the Valois did not let this keep them from the simple things in life. Yes, they had a team of domestic servants to take care of many tasks, but both parents and children preferred to be involved in the day-to-day running of the household. Máximo would help organise the household paperwork, checking bills or financial records; his mother would sometimes personally oversee the preparation of important meals. Even the smallest tasks, such as setting the table or making coffee, were moments in which everyone participated.

  Daniela, with her inexhaustible energy, was particularly active in the kitchen. She loved to decorate the plates with personal touches, such as edible flowers or little figures made of fruit, and she always insisted that everything looked perfect before serving.

  The dynamic between them was not always orderly, but that did not mean there was no harmony. The Valois shared something special: a bond so strong that even in the midst of the most heated arguments or the most chaotic moments, there was always laughter. Each member of the family had his own way of being, his own interests and priorities, but this diversity did not divide them. On the contrary, it brought them closer together. They all knew they could count on each other in any situation.

  Maxim, like his siblings, had learned to appreciate this particular dynamic. Although he sometimes wished for a little more quiet to concentrate on his figures and calculations, he also found solace in the hustle and bustle of the family. He knew that in the most important moments they were all there to support each other, like a perfectly aligned cogwheel that somehow always worked.

  At breakfast, which was rarely on time, the Valois spirit was at its strongest. Conversations ranged from Oliver's artistic projects to Rosette's plans for her upcoming performances. Amaranta, with her calm but firm character, was usually the one to mediate in any disagreements. Bastian, always with a clever joke, kept the atmosphere relaxed, while Daniela added her childlike sparkle with exaggerated stories about her games or creative ideas. The parents, though often busy with their own responsibilities, always made sure to be present, listening and offering wisdom when needed.

  It was a mess, yes, but one that no one would change. The Valois were a family who, despite their differences and very different personalities, knew how to find balance in diversity. They accepted and loved each other as they were, and this was undoubtedly the greatest strength of their home.

  Breakfast at the Valois home was, as always, a reflection of the family's dynamism. The usual bustle filled the room, with crossed conversations, laughter and occasional comments on the day's plans. Bastian was talking animatedly about an upcoming trip he was planning, while Rosette was trying to persuade Amaranta to accompany her to a dance class. Oliver was sketching on a napkin, and Daniela was talking to her mother about the dessert they were going to make together that afternoon. Maximo, on the other hand, kept a low profile, eating in silence and listening to the surrounding comments. It was a chaotic scene, but also a warm one, reflecting the bond that united the Valois.

  After breakfast, everyone dispersed to go about their business. Maximo went to school as usual. Though he enjoyed it, school was not his favorite place; he tended to focus on his own thoughts rather than socializing. This day, however, promised to be different. As soon as he arrived, he took his seat in the classroom and to his surprise, Priscilla, the princess and heir to the throne, decided to sit next to him.

  — Good morning, Maximo. — she said with a friendly smile as she arranged her things.

  Maximo looked up from his notebook in surprise, but greeted her calmly.

  — Good morning, Miss Priscilla. What brings you here?

  — Curiosity, I suppose. I always see you reading something interesting, and I thought maybe you could recommend something new, I don't know what to read these days.

  Maximo raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her comment.

  — Well, it depends on what you like to read. I'm reading Plato's 'Republic'. Are you interested in philosophy?

  — Not much, to be honest, but I'm intrigued as to how you can enjoy something that seems so… complicated.

  Maximo smiled slightly, a little more relaxed. — It's not complicated if you can connect with the ideas. Plato talks a lot about justice and how an ideal society should be organized. It's interesting to think about whether something like that would be possible today.

  — And what do you think? — she asked, leaning slightly towards him, as if his words were the most important thing in the world at that moment.

  — I think it's an ideal that's difficult to achieve, but not impossible. It depends on people and their choices.

  Priscilla listened to him attentively, as if every word was worth analyzing. This first conversation set the tone for the rest of the day.

  During each break, Priscilla would look for Maximo, and although he was a little reluctant at first, he soon began to enjoy her company. They talked not only about philosophy, but also about literature, history, and even authors they both thought were overrated. Maximo was surprised to discover that Priscilla had a great knowledge of poetry, a subject he had never really explored.

  During lunch, the two of them sat together at a secluded table, which did not go unnoticed by the other students, including those who, like Selene, were used to monopolizing Maximo's attention. Selene, who had been watching them from a distance, finally decided to intervene.

  — Maximo, can I talk to you for a moment? — Selene said as she approached the table with an air of confidence.

  Maximo looked up from his plate, noting the authoritative tone in her voice. Priscilla, meanwhile, remained calm, discreetly observing the situation.

  — What do you need, Selene? — Maximo asked, although he didn't seem particularly interested.

  — It is something important. Come with me for a moment.

  He sighed and put his cutlery aside.

  — I'm sorry, Selene, but I'm busy right now. Can't you see I'm in the middle of a conversation?

  — This can't wait.

  Maximo looked her straight in the eye, his voice calm but firm.

  — If it's so important, you could say it here, but I don't think that's the case. Please, leave me alone.

  Selene pursed her lips, clearly annoyed, but with no other option, she turned and walked away, muttering something to herself. Priscilla looked at him with a mixture of surprise and amusement.

  — That was… direct.

  — Sometimes it has to be, but with Selene.

  Maximo replied with a shrug. Then he quickly changed the subject and resumed their conversation about the books they had been discussing before they were interrupted.

  — So, you said that your favorite book is a collection of poems. Which poet would you recommend to someone like me?

  Priscilla smiled, grateful for his ability to remain calm and his genuine interest in her words.

  The rest of the day was a constant exchange of ideas between them. They took advantage of every free moment to talk, whether in the corridors, during practical lessons or even when they left the school. Priscilla enjoyed Maximo's intelligence and unique perspective, while he appreciated her curiosity and her way of listening with genuine attention.

  At the end of the day, when they both said goodbye at the school entrance, Maximo stood there in silence for a few seconds, watching her go. Something about his interaction with Priscilla had made him think, not about numbers or philosophy, but about the unexpected connections that can form between two people.