The three of them stood still, watching with wide eyes as their parents moved about, each action carefully scrutinized.
They made sure to keep their voices down, fully aware that even the slightest sound could lead to their discovery during the covert escape. Just when they felt a glimmer of hope that they might get away unnoticed, Lord Tohru suddenly spotted them and shouted,
"STOP!" His authoritative voice cut through the tension like a knife, instantly freezing Jin, Kenya, and Kenjuro in their tracks.
The commanding tone held them in place as they slowly turned to face their fathers, moving as if they were malfunctioning robots struggling to regain their bearings.
"Arg!" they exclaimed, a startled sound escaping their lips as they realized how caught they were in this moment.
Their eyes locked with those of their fathers, a mix of surprise and anxiety reflected in their expressions. Meanwhile, their mother, with her ever-familiar warmth and nurturing gaze, looked at them, creating a stark contrast to the tension in the air.
''Chichi, we...''
Kenya attempted to explain but was interrupted when Lord Oshitani Mamoru, one of his father's associates, raised his hand to signal him to stop.
"Go and take some time to rest first; everything will be thoroughly explained to you the next time we meet. There's no need to rush, sons," he instructed them gently as they bowed respectfully and exited the room with their mother.
The older individuals in the room let out a collective sigh, their expressions heavy with concern as they exchanged knowing glances.
"I really don't think this situation will resolve itself properly if we don't communicate anything to them at all," Lord Ishiki Toshi remarked, his voice laced with worry. He let out a deep sigh, feeling the weight of the moment.
"Well, we are just waiting for Sei to wake up from her faint, but that will take a few days, won't it?" Lord Kageyama Tohru responded, casting a glance toward Sei's father, Lord Ishigami Ryunosuke, who sat nearby.
"Yes, it will indeed take more than a week before she is fully awake and aware," he replied, taking a moment to sip his tea thoughtfully. The warm beverage offered him a small comfort amidst the tension in the air.
"I am convinced that Yamato will prove to be quite beneficial for us!" declared Lord Ryunosuke confidently, his tone filled with hope.
"However, he is currently deeply engrossed in his studies; his involvement is unlikely to bring about any significant changes," Lord Tohru countered dismissively as he leisurely poured himself another cup of tea, seemingly unfazed by the discussion.
"Kozuki has a vast number of branch families scattered throughout, yet when it comes to importance, we seem to be the least significant among them, don't we?" Lord Toshi observed with a sigh as he paced back and forth, his brow furrowed in contemplation.
He stole a glance at his friend; their shared features strongly suggested they resembled concubines more than anything else. And then he smiles with a chuckle.
"Haha! Just a reminder, I still can't believe we share the same wife as if we're her concubines," Lord Tohru said, laughing and leaving others looking confused.
"Ahem! That was a long time ago; let's not bring it up," Lord Mamoru replied, standing up. "I'm going to check on our daughter." He then left, with Lord Ryunosuke following him.
The Kozuki Clan currently has three heirs, all siblings: Kozuki Ayumi, Kozuki Isamu, and Kozuki Daichi. They are all children of the same parents, and their lineage is a significant aspect of the clan's heritage.
Within the Kozuki Clan, there is an unspoken rule regarding female heirs and relatives, who are identified as Omegas. This classification comes with specific responsibilities and needs, especially during their heat cycles.
To effectively manage these cycles and to channel the aura magic within them, Omega individuals need to have the support of multiple Alphas. This system ensures that their needs are met and that their magical energy is properly harnessed.
A relevant example of this family structure can be seen in the case of Sei, Jin, Kenya, and Kenjuro's mother, who had four husbands and together they raised five children.
This arrangement illustrates how the clan navigates the complexities of its societal norms while ensuring the well-being of its Omega members.
The dynamics within the Kozuki Clan highlight the importance of cooperation and support among its members, which is crucial for maintaining both familial bonds and the flow of magical energy.
The explanation for this phenomenon stems from the unique flame aura produced by the lineage of the Kozuki ancestors. This aura is present in each individual within the inner circle of the Kozuki family and fundamentally influences their characteristics and abilities.
The flame aura empowers and connects both Alphas and Omegas, enhancing their emotional and magical bonds.
In the Kozuki Clan, each Omega embodies a distinct aspect of this flame, reflecting its varied intensity. Their growth is essential for the clan's survival and prosperity.
During heat cycles, the potency of the aura allows Omegas to express heightened magical abilities, performing feats that strengthen defenses and enrich the land.
Multiple Alphas help balance the emotional burdens of the Omegas, emphasizing that collaboration fosters resilience. This unity creates a protective synergy, reinforcing a sense of belonging and stability within the clan.
The Shiba clan, invigorated by their fire aura, strongly disapproved of the Kozuki clan's use of converted power, viewing it as a disrespect to true power users. The combination of all eight auras produces a flame infused with red, orange, blue, yellow, purple, green, or white, enhancing inner aura magic.
"I can't imagine the reaction when they find out our child has multiple types of aura magic!"