Aster chewed thoughtfully on a piece of the perfectly roasted meat, swallowed, and looked around the table. The mention of Lord Neolux had left him curious about the rest of the world's power structure.
"So, out of the Five Lords..." Aster asked, leaning forward slightly. "How many of them have you guys actually met?"
Finn swallowed his food quickly, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful hum. "Well, besides Lord Neolux, who we see from a distance at the big assemblies? Just one other, really. Lord Zephyrus, the commander of the Aerial Faction. He visited our base last year to coordinate some border patrols."
Finn shivered slightly, though he was still smiling. "Man, he's like a living hurricane. He didn't even walk; he just kind of floated an inch off the ground the whole time, and the wind in the room was so sharp it felt like it could slice your skin if you got too close."
"I remember," Elio muttered, his expression turning incredibly serious as he set his spoon down. He looked at Aster with a stern glare. "That's why you need to realize how small we are compared to them, Aster. Two out of five is more than enough. The other three Lords rule over territories so far away or so dangerous that regular squads like us would never have a reason to cross paths with them. Unless a full-scale war breaks out, meeting a Lord is a once-in-a-lifetime event."
Eva placed a gentle hand on Elio's arm to calm his intense tone, before looking at Aster with her usual serene smile.
"Elio speaks the truth, though perhaps a bit too harshly," Eva said softly. "The Five Lords carry the weight of this entire realm on their shoulders. To meet even one is a great honor. For now, you do not need to worry about the grand scale of the world, Aster. Focus on your training, and the rest will follow."
Eva's soft confession hung in the air for a moment, catching everyone off guard.
"Actually, I have met Lady Seraphine Valebriare," Eva said softly, a look of quiet admiration in her serene eyes. "She is a very beautiful person... just like an angel."
Finn's jaw practically hit the table. He dropped his spoon, leaning forward with wide, starstruck eyes. "Really?! The Lady Seraphine? Wow! That explains why every single man in the capital falls for her! I want to meet her so bad!"
Right on cue, Elio's face darkened. He frowned deeply, crossing his massive arms, and clicked his tongue loudly in pure irritation at Finn's excitement. He shot a protective, fierce look across the table.
"Hmph. Eva-sis is the most beautiful girl ever," Elio grumbled defensively, his voice dripping with absolute sibling loyalty. "Some faraway Lord doesn't even compare."
Finn just rolled his eyes and laughed, completely used to Elio's sister-complex. "Yeah, yeah, we know Eva's great, Elio. But come on, we're talking about one of the Five Lords here!"
Aster couldn't help but chuckle quietly into his soup, watching the familiar banter. It was amazing how a conversation about the most powerful, terrifying figures in the world could still end up feeling like a normal family dinner.
Aster let out a soft laugh at Elio's fiercely protective response, the warmth of the room making him feel bolder. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.
"So, to you guys..." Aster started, a curious glint in his eyes. "Out of the Five Lords, who is the absolute strongest—"
Aster didn't even get to finish his sentence.
"Lord Neolux."
The response came in perfect, terrifying unison. Finn, Eva, and Elio didn't hesitate for even a fraction of a second, their voices slamming down together like a heavy gavel.
Finn nodded vigorously, his playful attitude completely gone for a moment. Elio gave a firm, definitive grunt, his crossed arms tightening. Even Eva, always the most gentle and soft-spoken, answered without an ounce of doubt in her serene voice.
Aster blinked, momentarily stunned by how fast and unanimous they were.
"Wow," Aster murmured, looking between the three of them. "That was... fast. Is there really no debate?"
"None," Finn said, pointing his fork at Aster for emphasis. "Look, the other Lords are monsters in their own right, but Lord Neolux? He's the Vanguard. His power isn't just about destructive force; it's absolute. There's a reason he commands the central faction and takes on the threats no one else can touch."
"He is the shield and the sword of this realm," Elio added, his tone brimming with deep, begrudging respect. "To question his strength is to question the sun rising in the morning. It's just a fact."
Aster just smiled, nodding along as he took another sip of his soup. On the inside, he couldn't help but sweatdrop a little at their intense, perfectly synchronized reaction.
Wow, Aster thought to himself, a mix of amusement and genuine awe swirling in his mind. They are really obsessed with and respectful of their Lord. It's like a total fan club in here.
"Hey, don't look so skeptical!" Finn laughed, noticing Aster's slightly overwhelmed expression. "Once you see him in person, even just from a distance, you'll get it. The guy just radiates power."
"It is not obsession, Aster," Elio corrected sternly, though his ears were a little pink. "It is proper tactical acknowledgment of a supreme commander. You would do well to learn it."
Eva just chuckled softly at her brother's defense, passing the platter of meat back toward Aster. "Eat up, Aster. Whether he is the strongest or not, you will still need a full stomach to face Elio's training regimen tomorrow."
Aster smiled warmly, taking another piece of meat. "Right. Thanks, Eva."
Elio's forehead creased into a deep, terrifying scowl as he slammed his hand flat on the table, making the bowls rattle.
"You heard it, Aster?!" Elio barked, leaning across the table and pointing a thick, calloused finger right at him. "Eva-sis asked you to eat! If you dare to waste a single piece of her food, I will beat you up!!!"
Aster froze, a piece of meat halfway to his mouth, his eyes wide.
"Elio," Eva said, her voice dropping into a dangerously calm, low tone. She didn't raise her voice, but the sudden chill in the air made even Finn stop chewing. She turned her head slowly to look at her brother. "What did I say about bullying Aster?"
Instantly, the terrifying, muscle-bound warrior withered. Elio shrunk back into his seat, his broad shoulders slouching as his fierce scowl melted into a look of absolute panic.
"I-I'm not bullying him, Eva-sis! I swear!" Elio stammered, his face turning a bright, embarrassed red as he waved his hands frantically. "I'm just... encouraging him to get his nutrition! For his health! I'd never actually beat him up!"
Finn choked on his bread, trying desperately to muffle his hysterical laughter into his napkin, while Aster finally let out the breath he was holding, smiling softly at the chaotic sibling dynamic.