"How come it's so ugly?" A tiny Shin asked as he kept his eyes focused on the pale baby's small figure. His pointer finger lightly poking the newborn First Blood's chubby cheek.

A small chuckle escaped Krone's lips at her second son's remark. "Don't call Aku 'it,' Shin," she gently reprimanded, "he is your brother, not an object," she explained a loving look glinting in her golden eyes as she stared at the strawberry blond-haired boy.

Shin tilted his head, confused by his mother's words before shaking it frantically in denial. "That's impossible, he can't be my brother. He's too ugly!" He exclaimed, sounding highly offended at the prospect of such an ugly being joining his family.

Standing beside his brother, Carla heaved a heavy sigh. "He's, just like you when you were born," the oldest son bluntly declared, his voice smooth as he neared the baby to take a closer look at him, "Maybe a bit more silent though..." he added in a mutter.

Shin showed a horrified face, his golden orbs opened wide in shock. "That's impossible!" He firmly rebutted, making the small baby stir in his sleep. At, the sight of the youngest First Blood moving, Shin unconsciously lowered his voice, "I'm too handsome, how could I ever be this ugly!" He whisper-yelled.

Carla merely rolled his golden eyes at his brother's childish argumentation before gently poking his baby brother's chubby little cheek. Soft, he thought as his features unnoticeably softened, his lips lightly curving up into a ghost of a smile.

Seeing her children act so childishly, Krone let a nostalgic expression settle on her delicate features. If the birth of her youngest was all it took to gain back some of her oldest children's lost childhood, then the little demon in her arms was not only a blessing for her but for them as well.

"Young master, please stay focused," Kagamine lightly scolded his wine-red eyes sternly starring at the young Founder in front of him.

It had been a few human years already since the youngest Tsukinami's birth. The newborn First Blood had turned into a cute little boy and as it was expected from one belonging to the revered Tsukinami family, the boy since the day he could talk and walk started to take lessons.

Although the young demon like his brothers received many tutors. Unlike them, his etiquette lessons were for the most part handled by his mother while the historical and geographical courses were taught by his mother's closest aid: Kagamine.

"Sorry, Uncle," the young demon sheepishly apologized. "I saw a bat outside. I thought it was pretty," the small boy tried to justify, his voice going down under the intense stare the Shadow Demon was giving him.

Kagamine gave a silent sigh, deciding to skip the matter of the stray bat and focus on his pupil's speech, "I already told you, Young Master. Please do not call me 'Uncle' it is unbefitting of someone of your standing, Young Master," he reprimanded.

Aku looked at Kagamine, his expression complicated. "Unbefitting?" the boy slowly repeated, voice filled with wonder as he tilted his head to the side. His big yellow eyes owlishly blinked, as he tried his best to look cute in front of his mother's trusted aid.

Kagamine gave a loud sigh. Black spectacles in hand, he mechanically rubbed his temples. His eyes trailed on Aku's figure which screamed 'I don't know what you're talking about at all! Please tell me!'

Seeing Kagamine's reaction, Aku's smile stretched, showing off his pearly whites in the process. "So? Tell me, Uncle," he fake whined, further ticking his tutor off.

Exhaling, Kagamine put his glasses back on. A perfect smile on his face, "Do not worry Young Master," the Shadow Demon stated a smile painted on his usually poker-faced face as his voice dripped with sweetness.

Aku's grin briefly froze, his golden eyes opening for a fraction at the much older demon's expression. The child's whole body tensed, although he didn't know what his teacher had in mind, Aku knew this smile of his and his tone of voice weren't good news.

"A-ah?" the white-haired boy stuttered out, barely maintaining his 'composure.'

Seeing his young pupil so flustered. Kagamine couldn't contain his glee anymore, letting go of his trademark poker face even more. "Of course, Young Master," he confirmed, "I will ask Mistress Krone to overview this peculiar notion with you in my stead," he paused, his eyes taking in the delightful sight of his youngest master sweating bullets. "It seems like my lessons on the subject aren't good enough for the Young Master to memorize and understand them after all."

Aku nodded, his movement a bit stiff as he realized the table had turned.

Running through the caste's large corridor, Aku searched for something to cure his boredom. Now looking like an eight years old human youth, the golden-eyed First Blood explored the majestic Banmaden castle he called his "house."

His lessons had ended earlier in the morning, and since both, his mother and Kagamine were busy with their own tasks the youngest of the Tsukinami had taken it upon himself to take care of himself.

Now, what to do? Hanging out with Carla was a no go, the white-haired First Blood was always busy taking care of whatever their father assigned him to. Then again he could go to Shin...

No, Shin was way too mean! Always looking down on him with this annoying grin of his! Continuously grabbing Father's attention! How could he ever get along with him? It definitely was a no-go...

Or maybe? Should he observe him? Gather information to better undermine him? Now that sounds like a great idea!

A mischievous smile made its way to Aku's perfect features. The evil glint hid in his eyes behind what seemed to only be pure childish mischief.

Happy, small Aku ran to the West wing's inner courtyard where Shin usually trained with some of the palace guards.

Observed, Shin felt observed. It all began a few weeks ago, as usual, the young First Blood had come to train with the palace guards to sharpen his swordsmanship skills and battle senses.

Nothing unusual, the duel progressed as they should with him winning and losing depending on who he went against, but at some point, a strange feeling in his back started to make itself know.

At first, since none of the guards had reacted he thought maybe it only was his imagination and shrugged it off. Anyways, it disappeared the next day. But then, the next week this strange feeling reappeared, and the day after never going away, always appearing at a certain point of the day and leaving only seconds before he finished his latest fight.

Shin wondered whether he was getting paranoid or if his suspicions were founded.

Although he had to admit the animosity in the feeling he was perceiving had diminished over the days, and it allowed him to lift a load off his shoulders. It remained that it was unnerving to have someone cursing you while you tried to train your sword.

Whatever, today was the day! He would confront whatever was looking at him, and if he has to, he won't hesitate to use his sword to subdue them!

Casually making his way to his gourd, Shin didn't look into his stalker's direction. He instead applied pressure to his legs, imbuing them with magic to make his already fast movements even faster and ran his target's way. Although teleportation magic was another option, Shin hadn't mastered it yet as he was more focused on sharpening his skills with the sword at the moment, leaving his magic tutor in the dust.

"What do you want!" he screamed, his sword at his target's neck. A fierce glare adorning his childish face. If not for the dangerous aura he acquired through his continuous sparring sessions, Shin was everything but scary. He looked like a ten-year-old human child at most, some baby fat remained on his face, and his pursed lips looked more like a pout than anything.

Aku gasped, a small squeak escaping his mouth before his features turned into a scowl.

Unmistakably unhappy about his current situation.

"A-aku!" Shin exclaimed at the sight of his younger brother, putting his word down a confused expression adorned his face. His yellow eyes glinted in dismay as he crouched down to look into the slightly shorter male's eyes.

He didn't perceive or acknowledge the small twitch of Aku's hand when he did.

"Did you come to see me?" Shin asked, a bit happy to spend time with one of his brothers. The three of them were always doing their own things alone and never took time to be together. Although Shin found it saddening, he also was at fault for striving for more and more power and neglecting his family.

Not like Carla who worked to become the next King, and Aku who always disappeared to who-knows-where, were to be considered blameless. It was their shared responsibility.

Hearing his brother's question, Aku scoffed. Cheeks, gaining an unnoticeable red tint he turned his head to the right to evade his brother's piercing gaze. "O-of course not..."

Shin hummed, clueless to his brother's discomfort, he interpreted it as shyness and let an even brighter grin adorn his face. "Don't be shy Aku, you want to learn the way of the sword right?" he asked puffing his chest proudly. "Do not fear for I am here! You big brother will teach you!" he declared taking hold of his brother's hand and dragging him to the center of the court.

"Wha- No! I don't wanna!" Aku whined, doing his best to get out of his brother's grip, in vain.

"Now now, Aku," Shin coaxed, trying to sound adult-like. "Stop being a baby already will you?"

Aku stared at his brother offended, a small gasp leaving his trembling lips. "H-how dare you!" he stuttered out, trying to remember the etiquette lessons his mother gave him. "U-unhand me this instant you-you fiend!"

Shin burst out laughing, "F-fiend?" he repeated in disbelief. "What are you? A damsel in distress?"

"St-stop it! I'll tell mother!" Aku threatened.

Still chuckling, Shin let him go. "Right, you can always come to practice with me okay?" he said, catching his breath. A childish grin still adorning his face.

Aku huffed, turning around without a word. "As if..." he muttered.

Two days later, Aku was back.

Years flew by. With his mother's etiquette lessons, dress-up sessions, Kagamine's history, and magic classes, and his brother's swordsmanship guidance, Aku grew up into a youthful-looking teen. Most of his days were now spent polishing his magic and sword skill, his free time, for the most part, was filled with his mother, and sometimes with Shin as both boys ran the long corridors pranking whoever crossed their path.

Now seating around the table, all of the Tsukinami silently ate their meal.

As usual, only the sound of silverware hitting plates was heard, and no useless movements or words were exchanged. Golden irises never clashed with one another while a corner of each family members' eye discreetly trailed on the patriarch's figure.

Looking out for any sudden movements or indication the King may Make. Although it may have sound unnerving and unnatural, to the Tsukinami family it was only their routine. It was normal. Logical, to always be at the King's beck and call.

Since their childhood, the children had learned to be this way. To them, it was like breathing. Krone, on the other hand, had learned how to survive within the caste through many hardships. From so-called childhood friend to fiancée, Krone had time to learn how to adapt to the castle's harsh environment. What she could and couldn't do, not forgetting what she ought to do and how these restrictions only increased once she married Giesbach.

Krone knew the ins and outs of the palace like the back of her hand. Its rules, secrets, history, and population. Out of all the people in the Kingdom if not the world, she was the one with the most knowledge on the palace without a doubt.

Giesbach, the center to all this attention seemed unfazed, unconcerned. Used to it, he only ignored it, dismissed it.

Instead of lingering on those probing and careful gazes, the King raised his head, his gold-colored eyes settling on his youngest son's small figure. "Aku," he called out voice nor too soft nor too stern. Purely monotonous and oozing in power, this was Giesbach's usual tone when he addressed his subjects and family.

Startled, Aku tried his best to maintain his composure. "Yes, Father?"

"You are old enough to know now, what would you like to do later?" the question was simple, it was one that lots of children had already faced, but when it came out of Gisbach's mouth, more than an inquiry, it was a test. One to ponder his worth and deem him a useful pawn or useless trash.

Aku pondered his thoughts, lightly biting his lips in an attempt not to show his fear. What type of answer is Father waiting for? Is it a test?

"Do not worry, Aku, whatever it is I won't get angry," Giesbach coaxed, voice unusually gentle. As a King, Giesbach knew how to coax answers out of people, it was especially easy with children like Aku who had yet to meddle with politics and schemes.

Aku felt himself melt, a beautiful smile blooming on his face. Father's paying attention to me. He cares about me. He is asking about ME!

"I would like to travel, Father," Aku declared, voice soft devoid of its usual childishness. "To travel and to help you rule over the country!"

"So do you want to be King?" Giesbach asked, voice dropping a few octaves.

"N-no, I want to be an ambassador!"

"Really?" Giesbach paused, watching his youngest son, frantically nod in agreement. "How wonderful! You should come to me then, I'll introduce you to an ambassador's 'duty'" he declared, a sly smirk on his face.

"Yes, Father! Thank you for your guidance!"

Giesbach only nodded his head satisfied before going back to his meal.

Under the watchful eyes of the palace's servants, the tense atmosphere settled into the dining room once more.

"Are you sure you want to go to your Father, Aku?" Krone asked worry tinting her tone as Kagamine stood in the shadow a few meters away.

"Yes, don't worry Mother," Aku reassured, putting on his sleeping wear. "Father said it was alright after all!" He justified with a toothy grin, undisguised happiness and anticipation oozing from his short figure.

Krone nodded, sitting her son on a chair in front of a circular mirror and taking a hairbrush, she gently let her fingers run through his soft white locks.

"Mother," Aku called out absentmindedly. "Can I sleep with you tonight?"

Krone halted her movements for a second before resuming her brushing, an appeased smile blooming on her delicate face. "Sure, whatever you want My Dear."

Aku blushed, "Don't call me that mother," he whined, his pale hands covering his reddened face.

Krone merely chuckled, dismissively humming.

Thank you for reading, until next time^^