As was tradition whenever Kazien and Virena met, a playful squabble was imminent.
"It has nothing to do with my sexual orientation! I only like men with cute faces, not beautiful women! And my blushing face is only because I see Alvin's happiness!" he protested, trying to deflect the teasing.
"Yes, yes, yes, whatever you say. So, are you two heading to the capital today?" she finally conceded, her smile gentle.
Kazien nodded, confirming her question. "We came here to say our goodbyes. Oh, by the way, where is Brother Victor?"
"Ah... He went to Nire Village to check on the local residents there. I'll let him know you stopped by when he gets back."
And then, Kazien invited Virena out of the mansion. Her curiosity, which was now piqued by her brother's mysterious errand, prompted her to accept his invitation. As soon as they arrived in the courtyard, Kazien, once again, dramatically retrieved a carriage from his dimensional storage space.
"What is this carriage?" Virena asked, her voice laced with intense curiosity.
"This is a special carriage I created to make it easier for you and Victor to travel wherever you need to go. Sister Virena, let's go inside!"
Isn't this just a regular noble's carriage? she thought skeptically. What could possibly be special about it?
However, the moment Virena stepped inside, her skeptical assessment was instantly and completely overturned. Seeing the interior, a chaotic mix of disbelief, awe, and shock washed over her.
"Kazien, did you make this carriage?"
"Yes, I finished it yesterday! Is something wrong, Sis?"
"Are you even aware? This is not a carriage! It's a walking mansion, you fool!"
"Ha ha ha!" Alvin burst into uncontrollable laughter after hearing Virena's exact words.
"What's so funny, Alvin?" Kazien asked, genuinely confused.
"Ha ha ha! Your sister's assessment is exactly the same as what I said when I first saw the inside of this carriage you created!"
With Kazien accompanying her, Virena walked through every single room in the carriage. The sensation of wonder never left her, and she praised the incredible vehicle Kazien had brought to life with every step.
"Kazien, are you truly giving this incredible carriage to me?"
"Yes, Sis Virena! Consider it a late wedding gift for you and Victor."
Virena pulled him into a tight embrace, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you! You truly are the best brother. But there is one thing I must impress upon you!"
"What is it?" Kazien asked, eager to hear her advice.
"Never show your full capabilities recklessly! And second, take good care of Alvin, and don't you ever dare make him cry!"
"Of course, Sis Virena!"
Virena released him from the hug and looked at her brother's handsome face, her eyes filled with sisterly pride. She then gently pinched both of his cheeks.
"Kazien, Alvin, take good care of yourselves! If anyone gives you trouble, make sure to teach them a lesson!"
They both nodded in understanding. Moments later, Kazien and Alvin bid farewell to Virena, needing to return to Lazavis. After a final, warm embrace, Kazien used his teleportation magic to return to their waiting family.
Upon their reappearance inside the parked carriage in the Lazavis mansion courtyard, the entire family was there, eagerly awaiting their return.
"Did you manage to say your goodbyes to her?" the Duke asked.
"Yes, Father! We are ready to leave for the capital immediately."
They all exited the carriage. However, what Kazien did next truly surprised everyone again: he pulled six more identical carriages out of his dimensional storage space, which suddenly appeared in the mansion's courtyard.
All eyes immediately turned to him, their expressions a mixture of confusion and shock.
"Come on now, please don't stare at me like that. You probably have a lot you want to say, but Alvin and I really need to depart for the capital."
"Are these carriages for us, Kazien?" William asked tentatively.
"Yes, they are for all of you. Please make the best use of them."
While everyone was preoccupied with staring at the six new magical carriages, Kazien swiftly scooped Alvin up in his arms and carried him into their personal carriage.
"Father, Mother, everyone, we are leaving now! See you all again during the next holiday!"
The golem steed began to move, its mighty legs stepping in perfect rhythm as it pulled the mansion-on-wheels away from the Altavis courtyard.
Ritalia, Kazien's youngest sister, was startled by the sudden departure. She bolted forward, running to chase the moving carriage.
Thud!
Ritalia stumbled, tripping over her own feet and falling hard onto the ground.
Kazien, catching sight of her fall, immediately halted the carriage and rushed out to her side.
"Are you hurt? Show me your leg!" he asked, bending down in concern.
Instead of answering, Ritalia wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug.
"It's not my leg that is hurt, but my feelings! Were you truly going to leave without saying anything to me?"
"I'm sorry, Ritalia."
Ritalia looked up at Kazien. He gently stroked his little sister's face, his eyes full of affection. Then he said, "In that case, I have to leave now. Take good care of yourself, okay?"
"Yes!" Ritalia replied, her face breaking out into a wide, bright smile.
"You are truly the best little sister."
Ritalia released her embrace, allowing Kazien to stand. She stood on the lawn, waving her hand, her broad smile never fading.
"Goodbye! I love you all very much!" Kazien called out, waving back from the carriage door.
The golem carriage resumed its journey, pulling away from the mansion. Ritalia watched its departure, waving until it was a mere speck on the horizon.
Once the carriage was out of sight, she immediately ran to her mother and hugged her tightly. She wept, feeling a sudden, deep loneliness without Kazien and Alvin's presence.
"Don't worry, Ritalia..." Duchess Larina comforted her, embracing her daughter. "He will surely return here again. Just wait until he comes back."
"Mother, when will they come back?"
"I don't know, but perhaps once every seven months or so. If you miss him, you can always send him a letter."
Ritalia nodded, finding a little peace in her mother's words. The great journey was over, the journey to the capital had begun, and the Altavis family had to adjust to a new life, where the carriages that were magical mansions that could move around became part of their daily lives.