Sacred Unicorn Polly drew the attention of the Fluorite Mushroom Family members. She was a flawless creation, perfect without the slightest imperfection.
The previous unicorn had been beautiful, certainly, but she had been too large, always seeming incongruous beside a person.
The Sacred Unicorn now possessed a more crystalline sheen, and her size perfectly matched that of a knight, without any awkwardness whatsoever. Standing beside Russell, she looked like a knight and warhorse born for one another, harmonious and unified.
"Enough, don't continue being disrespectful to Lord Polly." Baron Roman spoke, ending everyone's admiration.
Polly was not used to being watched by so many people. She swiftly transformed into a streak of lightning and imprinted herself upon Russell's forehead.
"Even the mark has changed!" his younger sister Laura exclaimed.
She was already fifteen this year and had grown into a graceful young lady. Unfortunately, she had inherited her sister Rowena's looks and was not particularly striking—though the Fluorite Mushroom Family's way of survival had shifted from keeping a low profile to pursuing growth, its old habits had not changed in time.
"This time, I brought you all a whole pile of gifts from the Scorching Torrent Kingdom, but they're all in Cousin Mel's caravan and haven't arrived yet," Russell said.
Then the group returned to the castle.
Soon after they took their seats, Gewen, his elder sister-in-law, carried a tiny infant over to Russell with his elder brother Roland.
"Russell, come look at your eldest nephew!" Roland said with a chuckle.
"When was he born?" Russell reached out and teased the sleeping infant, whose eyes remained closed. His little face was all wrinkled, clearly not yet fully smoothed out. "Big Brother, Sister-in-law, have you named him yet... I even forgot to prepare a gift for our first meeting!"
"No gift