Published at 23rd of April 2026 6:26 am

Chapter 1690 Family Reunion

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Valerian squinted his topaz eyes as he gazed at the newcomer in the courtyard.

"Myu?" He tilted his head in light confusion. Then he reached out with his paw and gently tugged on Anna's cloak.

"Anna," he called out. "Look! Look! That man looks just like you!"

The princess wiped her tears away and slowly turned around. Her eyes found Marlow's, and her lips curled into a happy smile.

"That man is my elder brother, Little Val," she said in a gentle voice.

"Whoa..." the young dragon's mouth was slightly agape.

As he saw Anna rise to her feet and walk toward the newcomer, he turned to Queen Amira and asked, "Are they twins?"

Amira chuckled as she gently lifted Valerian and placed him on her lap. "No, little one," she said. "Marlow is the elder sibling."

Anna arrived before Marlow and gazed at him with a warm smile. "You look well, dear brother."

Marlow found himself at a loss for words all of a sudden. "Anna, you..."

No words needed to be said. Anna dove into his embrace and hugged him tightly. "I've missed you," she said as her eyes glistened.

Marlow's expression softened. He hugged her back and gently patted her head. "I've missed you too, sweet sister."

As they separated, he clasped her shoulders and deeply looked at her. "It's been so long," he said. "It appears you haven't aged a day."

Anna gently rubbed her eyes and offered a beautiful smile. She glanced at her brother's graying hair around the temple and jested, "And you've grown old since the last time I saw you."

Marlow subconsciously ran a hand through his crimson hair. "They say stress makes a man old. I didn't believe until I experienced it for myself."

The siblings laughed together. A moment later, the sound of footsteps echoed on the far side of the courtyard.

Anna peeked past her brother's shoulder and saw her childhood friend, Hazel, entering the courtyard. A boy with crimson hair and ruby eyes walked beside her, holding Hazel's hand and looking at Anna nervously.

The moment Anna's gaze landed on the youth, her heart fluttered with warmth and love, and she instantly knew his identity.

She walked up to them and first embraced Hazel for a few long moments. Then she shifted her doting gaze to the boy, who was clutching Hazel's gown and hiding behind her.

"You must be Marcus," Anna said with warm smile as she got down on one knee.

The crimson-haired boy meekly nodded. Hazel stroked his hair warmly and encouraged, "Go ahead, dear. Greet your aunt."

Marcus gazed at Anna with his blinking, innocent eyes. He had heard so much about Princess Anna, and now that she was finally here before him, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

Young Marcus had already turned sixteen this year, and he was almost a man grown. But for some reason, he felt anxious standing before her aunt. It was the same feeling he got when he was in the presence of his grandfather.

He meekly stepped away from his mother, his hands clasped before him. Then he pressed a hand over his chest and offered an awkward bow.

"Greetings, Princess. M-My name is Marcus Fireborne. It is a pleasure to-ah!"

His words got caught in his throat, and he yelped in surprise when Anna pulled him into a tight embrace. His nervousness was soon replaced by warmth and happiness. He rested his head against Anna's chest and hugged her back.

"Aunt Anna!" he said with a happy smile. "I'm so happy to finally see you!"

The two separated, and Anna fondly stroked her nephew's hair. She then cupped her cheeks and said with a light chuckle. "You look just like your father when he was little. No, in fact, you're far more handsome than he ever was." Marcus blushed in embarrassment. He lowered his head and softly murmured, "I know."

Anna was slightly taken aback. She and Hazel exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

The sound of their laughter echoed like spring's melody in the courtyard. The gentle rays of the sun cascaded from above, making the atmosphere warm and lovely for the family reunion.

Soon, all kinds of food and wine were brought into the courtyard as the Fireborne family sat in the gazebo and enjoyed breakfast together.

Plates were set down one after another, fresh bread still warm, butter melting into it, bowls of fruit glistening with morning dew, and roasted meats seasoned and sliced with fresh herbs. Honey, cheeses, and pastries filled the table, their scents mixing in the cool air.

Crystal goblets were filled with summer wine - the specialty of Amberfall - light and sweet for the morning. The courtyard felt alive. Soft laughter, happy conversations, and the gentle clink of cutlery blended with the rustle of leaves and soft chirping of birds.

For a moment, it felt like there was no war on the horizon at all.

Valerian scurried on the table, sometimes munching on lemon cakes, while at other times hogging food directly from Anna's plate. The rest were quite surprised to see Anna behave so fondly with the little cat.

"Aunt, is that your new pet?" Marcus asked curiously as he cut into the sizzling

bacon on his plate.

"Grr!" Valerian turned toward him and hissed, yellow cream from the cake

dotting his whiskers. "I'm not a pet!"

Marcus flinched subconsciously.

Meanwhile, Anna chuckled. "Little Marcus, tell me," she began. "Have you heard

of the Dark King?"

"Of course, I have!" Marcus' ruby eyes lit up respendently. "They say he's the most talented Magus in the world! I know everything about him!"

He lowered the cutlery on the table and passionately continued. "They say he's the youngest person to have ever become a Mana Core Magus! And that he rides to battle on his mighty dragon and slays evil men! They say he can conjure storms with a swipe of his hand and hurl meteors with the other. And that he can lift a mountain with pure strength alone. He's my hero! Believe

it!"

Anna glanced at him with an amused expression. Valerian's lips curled into a smug smile, and his tail swayed a little faster.

"Come to think of it, we never mentioned anything about Adam to our boy"

Marlow suddenly said.

"Mention what?" Marcus frowned.

Anna tried her best not to laugh too loudly. "Well, Little Marcus, the dragon

that you just spoke about..."

She let her words trail off as she pointed at the gray cat.

The frown on Marcus' face deepened as he turned to the cat. "What?"

"Heehee!" Valerian chuckled mischievously, his yellow eyes glinting. He looked at Marcus and haughtily said with a raise of his furry chin. "Ignorant boy, let me show you the majesty of I, Valerian the Strong!"

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