The Alchemists

Alaric and Aleksis' residence at Targu Mures that morning was very lively because they were hosting many guests. Usually, the place was very quiet because the owner moved around a lot since they have many residences. When they were in his other residence, there were only a few staff and android servants in this castle.

At 9 am, when everyone gathered at the dining table for breakfast, no one dared to discuss the blackout that occurred the night before. They all ate as if nothing had happened.

"We will go deer hunting in the forest after lunch. Who wants to come?" Alaric asked while they were eating.

Rune and London, who loved riding horses, raised their hands with enthusiasm. Terry just shook his head. He was a city boy who grew up in Singapore and was not accustomed to horseback-riding like his two younger siblings.

Caspar had planned to take a walk on the edge of the forest with his wife, so he refused to participate. Mischa and Alaric were used to horse riding and deer hunting in Targu Mures. So, they always enjoyed the activity when they had time to relax.

"Well ... then, later this afternoon, after Kai, Takeshi, and Rosalien arrive they will join us," Alaric decided. "You can choose the horse that you like in the stable."

Kara suddenly approached Aleksis and handed over her cellphone.

"Madame, Sir Lauriel called you."

"Is that so? This must be important. I will take this call." Aleksis nodded and took her cellphone from Kara's hand, then excused herself to his family at the dinner table. "Sorry I have to take this call."

She rose from her chair and took Lauriel's phone call.

"Hello, Father ... what's up?"

Since the past few months, Aleksis had finally gotten used to calling Lauriel Father, no longer Uncle Rory, because after all, the man was her father-in-law.

Lauriel was always very happy to hear the word 'Father' come out from Aleksis's lips because, after all, since Aleksis was born, he had considered Aleksis as his own daughter. He deliberately always asked to be called uncle because he did not want to offend Caspar, the girl's biological father.

But now, there was absolutely no reason why Aleksis did not call him father. So that's what Aleksis finally did.

"I have only been notified me now, but Nicolae and the children will arrive late. Their flight has problems, so finally, Nic decided to go straight to Targu Mures to bring Altair and Vega."

"Oh, really?" Aleksis was surprised, but she could not hide her joy. Nic will come to Targu Mures to bring her children, even though the original plan was to take Altair and Vega to Grosetto and then Lauriel took the two children to Targu Mures. Nic had wanted to avoid Aleksis. Now he can't help but come in person. "Alaric would be very happy when Nic came. I'll tell him."

"Right. It's an unexpected incident. Nic is afraid that if he delayed the flight and keep going to Grosetto, the children will miss your birthday. So he finally decided to go straight to Targu Mures with them," Lauriel explained. "They will arrive tonight."

"Ah, all right. Then, Father, you will still come here, right?"

"Of course." Lauriel's voice was warm. "I've never missed my beloved daughter's birthday, and I'm not going to start now. I'm leaving soon."

"Ahaha ... that's right. Then, see you later. Do you think you will arrive after lunch? If so, the men here decided to go deer hunting event. Are you interested in joining?"

"Ahhh... it's been a long time. Of course, I will join you."

"All right. I'll tell Alaric. Be careful on the way. See you later."

She hung up, and her expression was so happy that Alaric became interested. He looked at Aleksis and asked with his eyes what his father had to say.

"Ah ... That's your father. He said he was on his way here. The children will come later tonight with Nico." Aleksis explained joyfully. "He will join you for deer hunting. So please prepare a horse for him."

"Ahh ... is that so?" Alaric was happy to hear Aleksis's explanation. He really missed his children, but he also missed his twin brother, who had always been avoiding family events because of his feelings for Aleksis.

In his heart, he hoped that Nicolae's arrival this time was a sign that his brother could slowly forget about Aleksis and no longer felt awkward to meet her.

The atmosphere in the dining room became joyful due to the news brought by Aleksis.

"That friend of yours, still loves Aleksis more than his own children," Finland commented, whispering to her husband, who was sipping his tea. "He called Aleksis to give news, not Alaric."

Caspar smiled and nodded. "There is no denying it... Aleksis was his child for the longest time. Since Aleksis was born 31 years ago, she has become Lauriel's beloved daughter. Nicolae only met his father ten years ago, while Alaric only met Lauriel last year."

Finland nodded in understanding. "Are you not jealous of Lauriel's closeness with Aleksis?"

Caspar pretended to frown when he was reminded of this by his wife. "I'm still jealous. That's why you have to give me another daughter, so I don't have to compete with Lauriel."

Finland could only hit her husband's shoulder while laughing. As usual, Caspar will always direct their conversation to the topic of making children again.

Finland knew her husband was starting to feel lonely because now there were only the two of them left at home. Rune spent so much time with Aldebar, and London already had his own family. Unfortunately, Finland really didn't want to think about giving birth to another child, now that she was a grandmother. She still could not get used to this Alchemist clan way of living.

"I'm just kidding ..." Caspar said lightly while stealing a kiss from his wife's lips. He then pulled Finland's hand to rise from her chair after he saw that the woman had finished her breakfast. "Shall we go to the forest behind this castle? I heard the place is very beautiful."

"Okay." Finland nodded in agreement and followed her husband's steps. She waved to her children at the dining table and excused herself. "Caspar and I will go for a walk. When Lauriel arrives, please let us know."

"Will do, Mom," Aleksis answered.

Aleksis' birthday party will be held during lunch when everyone had gathered. They were just waiting for the arrival of a few more guests.

"I'll see Lily for a minute." London also excused himself. He handed Lily to the staff at the castle together with Ireland and Scotland, so they could sunbathe. Now he already missed his child.

"Kai, Takeshi, and Rosalien will land at the airport soon, I will pick them up." Mischa also took his leave. He had not seen his three foster siblings in a long time, and he couldn't wait to pick them up immediately.

Alaric waved his hand and let them all go. He, Aleksis also Rune and Terry were the last to come out of the dining room. They decided to meet Ireland and Scotland who enjoying the sun together in the garden next to the castle. It is time for the two baby boys to be fed.