As she rose to join her family, the weight of Elder Cryzton's words lingered heavily in her thoughts, questions about her past, her true nature, and the ancient war that had erased an entire era of gods still tangled together with no clear answers in sight.
But for now, she allowed herself to simply focus in the present, surrounded by a family who loved her regardless of whatever happened.
The breakfast that morning stretched longer than usual, the family lingering over honeyed tea and warm bread while Zyver recounted, in exhausting detail, every single item they'd won at the auction the day before.
"And then Herox outbid that stuffy old merchant for the Frostbind Core, you should've seen his face, Mother." Zyver said, gesturing animatedly with a piece of toast.
"You're the one who nearly started a bidding war over just a locket" Heriot pointed out while smirking.
Zaiveil's hand drifted unconsciously to where the locket rested hidden beneath her collar, its familiar warmth steady against her skin.
She hadn't mentioned Elder Cryzton's visit that morning, nor the weight of everything he'd shared. She's still not ready to tell them what she'd just learned earlier.
She think that some truths, needed time to settle first before she could share them, even with people she trusted the most.
"Third Brother, It wasn't a waste," she said simply. "I like it."
"That's all that matters, then," Zyrcus said, offering her a small, knowing smile from across the table, the only one of her brothers who'd noticed her quiet distraction that morning, though he hadn't pressed her about it.
Empress Hernia, seated at the table's head, watched the exchange with visible fondness. "I'm glad you all had a wonderful time yesterday. Though I'm surprised to the expenses of you siblings."
"Don't worry, Mother," Zyver said cheerfully. "The expenses was all for our little sis, we just want her to be happy in her first auction in this world.
As the conversation drifted into a lighter conversation, Zaiveil found her thoughts wandering back to Elder Cryzton's careful warnings from earlier that morning.
'The Celestial Charm you carry isn't merely rare. It's a direct inheritance from Cosmic Veil herself.'
If that was true, if she truly carried some fragment of an ancient goddess within her, then simply attending lessons and learning palace etiquette isn't good enough for her,
she suddenly felt an insufficient preparation for whatever waited ahead of her future.
"Zai, you're quiet again," Zyrcus observed once their breakfast had finish, and the others had scattered toward their respective morning duties, leaving the two of them lingering near the dining hall's tall windows.
"I'm just thinking about my training, Fourth Brother. It was revealed last time that I carry a considerable strength and it's more than most charmers have to begin with. But I know that strength without proper control is dangerous, both to myself and for everyone too." Zaiveil said, watching sunlight filter through the glass, casting warm patterns across the polished floor.
"Do you have anything in your mind right now, regarding of your own training arragement." Zyrcus asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
"I want to actually train, not just simply attending lessons within our palace, or memorizing theory from our library books and the elders own teaching. I want to be stronger through practical experience, so I can test my charms limits properly."
"If that's what you want then our family and the other elders will surely support it, but do you have a specific place in your mind?" Zyrcus asked slowly,
"In the Havenmyst Forest," Zaiveil said.
Zyrcus's expression shifted immediately, and concern was flickering behind his usually calm eyes.
"Zai, that forest isn't exactly a gentle training ground. It's a home to dangerous beast and venomous beings, it was also claimed that, it was a forest where an ancient spirit beast dwell. That was such a dangerous idea, Zai." Zyrcus said in a serious tone.
"I'm aware of all of that, Fourth Brother. Which is precisely why i really have to go in that forest. Because if I'm going to properly understand and learn my own strength, I'd rather learn it somewhere far away that demands real caution from me, rather than somewhere artificially safe but I couldn't even unleash it's full potential." Zai said seriously, taking into consideration her brothers words but that won't be enough to stop her.
"For sure our parents won't agree that easily, especially our Mother. Cause you've only been home barely a few weeks, Zai. The thought of you heading into one of Southemeia's most dangerous forests so soon will surely terrify her." Zyrcus said.
"I know all of that, Brother. but I'd rather said all of this now, and talk to our family soon enough, instead of sneaking away and risking my own life without them knowing." Zaiveil said, some of her earlier conviction softening slightly at the thought of her mother's inevitable worry.
Zyrcus studied her for a long moment, something like reluctant respect passing behind his expression.
"Have you really thought this through?" He asked
"I have." she confirmed with a firm conviction
"I've spent most of my life being told what to do, They've trained me for purposes I never chose for myself. But this life is different, I have you guys to support me and I can only do mt best to protect all of you in return. With this strong charms inside me, I wanted to use it to protect everyone who believes in me."
A small, genuine smile tugged at Zyrcus's mouth despite his obvious concern.
"Alright. If you're determined in that decision of yours then, I won't stand in your way anymore. Instead, I will try my best to help you convince them." Zyrcus said without hesitation.
"I think we need the support of our older brothers for your wish to happen. With them supporting your decision, we will surely have a higher chance on convincing our parents and the elders."
The sibling parted ways after discussing things for a bit.
That evening, once the palace had settled into its familiar quiet rhythm
Zaiveil gathered her brothers in the small sitting room adjoining her private chambers.
Once all four had settled comfortably around the room. Zaiveil said,
"Older Brothers, I want your help with something."