Building The Strongest Family

Chapter 421: Change

As the sun began to rise, Dominion Sanctum awoke to an atmosphere brimming with a rare energy that seemed lighter, warmer, and almost affectionate.

The morning breeze danced through the estate, rustling the silver-leaf trees and sweeping over the broad stone paths.

Servants hurried about with trays, decorative pieces, lights, and baskets filled with fresh supplies, their footsteps reverberating across the smooth courtyard tiles.

The news was buzzing throughout the estate: The Patriarch was throwing a feast,a grand one, no less. Each member of the Osborn Family, fifty-five in total, was asked to come. And for the first time in what felt like ages, the mood was not one of strategy or formality; it was purely... festive.

The estate’s expansive garden covered several acres, with lush emerald grass carpeting the ground. Tall, crystalline lantern pillars lined the paths, and flowering trees sparkled softly in the sunlight.

The sky was brilliantly clear, and a crisp breeze carried the lovely fragrance of blooming flowers.

Staff members glided through the preparations seamlessly,some were setting up long tables draped in soft white cloth embellished with gold thread, while others were putting together floating lantern rings that hovered gracefully above ground, set to illuminate the night’s festivities.

Chefs began to arrive with carts piled high with fresh ingredients: aromatic herbs, exotic fruits from Varenya, marinated meats, and loaves of bread that were still warm from the oven.

Underneath a shaded pavilion, attendants checked their lists repeatedly to ensure everything met the Patriarch’s exacting standards. Because today—Arthur was involved. Personally. And that alone had everyone on edge.

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Arthur wandered through the garden, his usual cold demeanor noticeably absent. Today, he was moving at a leisurely pace, his gaze roaming around with an unexpected softness, taking in every detail,not with a critical eye, but with intent.

He paused near a row of lantern orbs. "These should be spaced out more," he suggested gently. "Let’s give the kids some room to run between them."

The staff momentarily halted,not out of fear, but out of surprise. Arthur, thinking of children? But they quickly complied with his request.

Continuing on, he arrived at an area where attendants were arranging circular cushions and blankets for a designated children’s space,something Arthur had specifically asked for.

Nearby, toys, small hoverballs, and game modules lay scattered about. Crouching down, Arthur adjusted a few pieces himself, turning game station monitors so they’d face outward toward the open garden for parents to easily keep an eye on their little ones.

The staff exchanged glances.This was certainly... different.

Standing back up, Arthur brushed off imaginary dust from his hands before heading toward the food preparation tables.

Chef Lorian,a master at the estate,nearly choked when Arthur approached him.

"Patriarch," he stammered, bowing deeply. Arthur simply waved him off with a gentle nod. "Can I see the menu again?"

The chef quickly presented a holographic list. Arthur scanned the options: grilled Varenyan tiger prawns, slow-cooked amber boar, lotus-steamed vegetables, moonlight rice, and desserts from every corner of the world.

"It looks good," he said, "but let’s include some comfort foods. Simpler dishes,the kinds of meals people grew up with."

Lorian blinked in surprise. "Simpler... foods?"

Arthur’s expression softened with a hint of nostalgia. "Bread rolls. Home-style stews. Those fruit pastries Emily used to hand out to the kids."

The chef nodded eagerly. "Right away, Patriarch."

As Arthur continued on, he felt the warmth of the morning sun on his shoulders. This day felt unique,yet not uncomfortable or confusing.

Meanwhile, family members began to gather on one end of the garden,cousins, uncles, aunts, siblings, and even the youngest children, racing joyfully across the grass.

Liz, Arthur’s little sister, arrived alongside Kaia, both wrapped in soft shawls. Liz spotted Arthur adjusting the lanterns once again.

Her eyes widened in surprise. "Kaia," she nudged her her, "take a look at him!"

Kaia followed her gaze and noticed Arthur carefully positioning the lanterns in a perfect arc.

"Yeah," Kaia murmured, "I see it."

Liz narrowed her eyes, skepticism clear on her face. "That’s unusual."

Kaia held back a grin. "For sure!"

With her hands on her hips and a playful pout forming, Liz exclaimed, "He’s so... soft today! Did he bump his head? Did something fall on him? Is he..."

"Liz," Kaia gently interrupted, "maybe he’s just... feeling good."

Liz froze. "Arthur? Happy?"

Kaia’s smile widened as a deeper understanding sparked in her eyes, one she chose to keep to herself.

"People change," she replied quietly.

Liz continued to scrutinize her brother. "But this is Arthur! He doesn’t change; he scares presidents!"

Kaia chuckled softly. "Perhaps today he simply wants to be a brother."

Meanwhile, in another part of the garden, Margaret and Emily observed Arthur too.

"That boy has a different look in his eyes," Margaret whispered.

Emily nodded slowly, agreeing. "It’s subtle... but it’s definitely there."

Philip overheard and chimed in with curiosity, "I’ve never seen him walk so calmly before. Usually, he practically teleports between places, with that terrifying aura."

Ashley added excitedly, "He even talked to the kids earlier, using his real voice! Not that scary one!"

Bella shook her head, baffled. "What’s going on here?"

George shrugged casually. "Maybe he found happiness... or wine?"

Eva leaned in closer and said, "Trust me, Arthur doesn’t act like this after drinking. I’ve seen him down a whole bottle."

William rubbed his chin, musing, "Well... whatever it is, it’s a good thing."

A soft silence fell over the group, filled with unspoken thoughts. They could all sense it, this was more than just a passing mood; something fundamental had shifted.

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Arthur made his way to the center of the garden, checking the seating for the main family table.

The long table was elegantly set with crystal plates, silver cutlery, floating candles, and soft, cushioned chairs.

A delicate scent of fresh flowers floated from the centerpiece. He adjusted a chair here and there, even tweaking the angle of a hanging lantern.

As he looked up at the sky, now a golden hue with the sun climbing higher, a gentle breeze tousled his hair. The sounds of busy staff, playful children, and excited voices blended into a warm harmony that he hadn’t felt in years.

A soft fullness settled inside him, accompanied by a gentle warmth that was almost unfamiliar. He took a deep breath and stepped back to take in the garden,the twinkling lights, vibrant decorations, laughter echoing, and rows of tables set to host a night of celebration.

Behind him, Liz and Kaia watched as he adjusted the last lantern. Liz whispered to herself, "He really is different."

Kaia nodded in agreement a sparkling gleam flashed in her eyes.

Just then, Arthur turned around as the garden lights flickered on in perfect harmony, casting shimmering gold and soft blue tones across the lawn.

The lantern arches sparked to life, creating a glowing path leading to the heart of the celebration. With a calm face, he stepped through the first archway.

For the first time in ages, he entered a night meant not for power, strategy, or conquest, but for family.

As those warm lights enveloped him like a comforting embrace, he allowed himself to fully immerse in that moment. The garden was alive,and so was he.