It was five in the morning at the Alepou mansion when one of the sisters, living on the third floor, woke up, brimming with excitement. This was no ordinary day: it was her turn to organize the family's weekly party.
The weekly party was a deeply ingrained tradition since the Alepou family had moved to Japan. According to the rules, each week one of the siblings would choose a spot within the extensive family grounds to host a themed event designed entirely to their liking. It was a way to maintain family unity and creativity, as well as a symbolic reminder of their unique bond.
That week's host was Amalhe, a young woman of 1.74 meters with striking South African features. Her black hair fell to her neck in soft waves, and her deep violet eyes, like amethysts, reflected her passion and energy. Her brown skin, glowing in the dawn light, was adorned with tribal tattoos representing various South African cultures, each holding a unique meaning for her and her family.
She wore a short white shirt, jeans, light sandals, and a necklace of seashells, a souvenir from one of her trips along the coasts of different countries. Her style combined her family's unmistakable vibe with her affinity for marine elements, which so defined her.
– A new day begins, and my role as organizer gets underway – Amalhe said with an energetic smile as she enthusiastically descended to the first-floor kitchens – Three steps before the event, and the first is the food.
Then, Amalhe activated her Quirk, Marine Frost, creating a thin layer of ice beneath her sandals that allowed her to glide swiftly and gracefully through the mansion's hallways. Her movement was fluid, almost dance-like, leaving an ephemeral trail of blue crystals that vanished seconds after she passed.
Upon reaching the kitchens, she knocked on the door to a cheerful melody, a habit of hers to announce herself before entering any room. Then, with a decisive gesture, she flung open the enormous doors, revealing the servants already at work inside.
The head chef, seeing her enter, hurried to greet her. Clara, as she was called, was a woman with light brown hair styled in large waves that fell softly over her shoulders, held back on the left side by a dark pink ribbon. Her honey-amber eyes seemed to hold liquid caramel that sparkled in the light. Her fair, smooth skin had a subtle warmth, like a forgotten teacup on the table.
She wore a long cream-colored dress with a white lace apron and gold buttons, as well as a tall French pastry chef's cap adorned with delicate pink ribbons. She wore thick, heat-resistant gloves, and on her chest, she sported a brooch in the shape of crossed spatulas, the emblem of her profession and a source of pride.
– It's a pleasure to have you so early, Miss Amalhe – Clara said in a sweet, melodious voice, a warm smile softening her expression – I assume you've come to give me the menu for today's gathering. Please come in, I'm listening.
– Well, since we're having a beach-themed party, let's have some tropical snacks and drinks before the main course – Amalhe said calmly, tapping her chin with a finger, her mind racing – Some tropical fruit drinks, simple sandwiches, and fruit skewers would be perfect.
– And for the main course? – Clara asked, preparing her notebook and pen.
– I'd like something inspired by Japanese culture – Amalhe replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement – Sushi rolls as an appetizer; dorayaki for dessert; and for the main course, one portion of tonkatsu and one of okonomiyaki.
– All noted – Clara said, meticulously writing down every detail in her notebook. – Would you like to choose the drinks for everyone, or would you prefer we make them ourselves?
– Let's leave that up to you, as a little surprise – Amalhe replied with a mischievous smile – A different drink for each brother sounds fun.
– Perfect – Clara said with a slight bow – We'll start the preparations after breakfast – The chef strode off, leaving Amalhe alone, brimming with excitement, imagining the aromas and colors that would fill the party.
– Okay, the food's ready, now for the decorations – Amalhe said, full of determination, before hurrying off to a small room at the end of the hall.
It was a room filled with all sorts of props: fabrics, decorations, lights, and boxes with handwritten labels. In the center, seated elegantly while holding a teacup, was Isidora.
– Isidora, I've come to ask you about the decorations for today's party – Amalhe announced, entering with her characteristic fervor.
Isidora calmly looked up. Her jet-black hair, with deep blue highlights, cascaded to her ankles like a dark, shimmering river. Her violet eyes, with spiral irises and golden flecks, seemed to move smoothly like a living fractal. Her porcelain skin radiated a constant theatrical glow, and her perfect posture gave the impression that she was always on the stage of an elegant play.
She wore a fitted black suit with a long skirt featuring a side slit, a deep wine-colored high-necked jacket, and long gloves. Crystal earrings and a circular mirror brooch completed her attire.
– What do you have in mind, Miss Amalhe? – Isidora asked in her usual serene tone, placing her cup on the table – I'm at your service.
– Actually, it's nothing too complicated – Amalhe replied, still catching her breath – I want the celebration to be simple: a few balloons, some light decorations for the furniture, and if you think of anything else to add a special touch, go for it. But nothing extravagant this time.
– That leaves me with an interesting challenge – Isidora said thoughtfully, resting a finger on her chin – We're used to extravagance, but I'll do my best with what you've described.
– You're the best! – Amalhe exclaimed with a wide smile – If that's the case, I'll move on to the last step: the entertainment team. I hope your magic remains as flawless as ever.
– Don't worry – Isidora replied, raising her cup with a slight smile – Everything will be perfect.
Amalhe let out a laugh before darting off down the hallway again, leaving behind the echo of her enthusiasm. Within minutes, after traversing several corridors of the mansion, Amalhe finally found the person she was looking for: Meredith, the assistant butler.
Meredith was a woman of impeccable presence. Her long, straight, bluish-black hair shone with violet highlights reminiscent of crystal shimmering in moonlight. Her deep, almost purple, blue eyes held an analytical and serene gaze, capable of conveying both calm and, at the same time, a disquieting sense of absolute control. Her alabaster skin contrasted with the dark suit she always wore, and her perpetually composed expression was limited to a slight smile that never betrayed any real emotion.
She wore a black suit with a silver-gray vest, a high-collared shirt, and a white tie, along with silk gloves that seemed tailor-made for her. Hanging from her belt were a gold pocket watch, a small set of keys, a digital tablet, and a stylus—tools of her meticulous discipline.
– Meredith, just the person I was looking for – Amalhe said, a little sweaty but full of energy, stopping in front of her – I need your help arranging some music and entertainment for the party.
– Of course, Miss Amalhe – Meredith replied calmly, bowing her head slightly – I'll see what I can organize.
– Perfect – Amalhe said, taking a deep breath – You know it'll be a simple affair, but knowing you, I don't think I need to remind you.
– Do you need me for anything else? – Meredith asked calmly. Amalhe shook her head.
– In that case, I'll go right away and get things sorted – Meredith added with a slight bow before leaving.
– See you later – Amalhe said, standing alone for a few seconds to catch her breath – Well, now all that's left is to get ready for the party.
With a satisfied smile, she started back to her room, while the echo of her footsteps mingled with the growing anticipation of what would be another unforgettable day at the Alepou mansion.