Hoffmann’s Estate

Jack stood in awe, his eyes widening in shock. The house he had pictured in his mind, a modest two-storey dwelling, crammed with too many family members, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, before him loomed an entire mansion, its pristine white structure burrowed into the side of a vast, pale cliff. Dozens of windows, perhaps fifty in total, gleamed in the sunlight. A towering metal gate, dark and adorned with gold accents, encircled the estate, standing at an imposing four metres. At its centre, a gold-plated sign read 'House of Hoffmann,' accompanied by a family crest depicting a leaping rabbit.

"Let's hop in, everyone!" Lupus exclaimed joyfully, striding forward with a hum on her lips.

The front portion of the house jutted out from the main structure, serving as both an entrance and guest area. Lupus led Jack and Frain through the automatic doors into a grand hall, its arched ceiling soaring ten metres high. The corridor stretched endlessly, lined with intricate designs that hinted at the house's rich history.

Jack's mind reeled, every detail suddenly falling into place.

"Holy moly! The pricey inn, her golden arc boots, her ridiculous spending habits, buying Frain on a whim, that extravagant gift… It was all excessive. Was she a highborn? Maybe this was the equivalent of a palace? A magistrate's daughter?"

His train of thought was abruptly interrupted as two young Wildren children, no older than ten, sprinted towards Lupus.

"Lupy! Lupy! Lupy!" A little boy chanted, hopping along while gripping a bamboo sword. His twin sister trailed behind him, waving frantically. Both wore identical toothy grins — ones that mirrored Lupus' own.

"Lumie! Lumus!" Lupus cried out in delight, throwing her arms wide open. The three embraced tightly in a heartwarming reunion. Jack froze, watching them, torn between feeling happy for her and battling the pang of jealousy creeping up his chest. But as Lupus turned towards him, he buried the ugly thoughts, forcing a smile onto his lips. Unfortunately, it turned out rather… unsettling.

"Stop grinning like a creep, Jackie!" She quipped. Frain exaggeratedly pulled her own cheeks into an awkward grin, mocking him.

That evening, Jack found himself seated at an impossibly long dinner table with twenty-two seats — plus two extra for guests. Every member of Lupus' family was present: her parents, twelve brothers, and seven sisters, their ages ranging from seven to twenty-eight. They welcomed Jack and Frain with open arms, their exuberant personalities unmistakably the source of Lupus' own lively nature.

The meal itself was a grand feast. Delicacies and drinks covered the table in excess, more than enough to satisfy even the heartiest appetite. Yet, despite the abundance, the dining atmosphere remained poised and dignified, with the exception of Lumus, the cheekiest of the bunch, who couldn't resist sneaking a playful poke at his twin sister's side. Jack quickly learned that rabbit Wildrens were particularly sensitive in that area. He made a mental note of it, knowing such a detail might come in handy one day.

Jack wasn't particularly surprised when Lupus' parents, Ludwig and Petra Hoffmann, revealed themselves as the magistrate and vice-magistrate of Hasenwald. Over dinner, he also gathered that Lupus was their eighteenth child, with Lumie and Lumus being the youngest additions to the family. He marvelled at how such a large household could function so harmoniously, every member contributing to the prosperity of the Hoffmann name.

That night, after the meal, Lupus took Jack and Frain to a scenic overlook. The city's layout, built along a zigzagging cliff, made navigation surprisingly efficient with electric lifts and escalators.

Stepping onto the large balcony, Jack was met with a breathtaking sight: the grand riverfall cascading endlessly below. Above, the shattered remnants of the former moon adorned the starry sky, casting an eerie yet mesmerising glow.

He inhaled the crisp, mist-laden air, letting the droplets settle on his skin, washing away the weight of reality. Suddenly, a soft whimper sounded behind him, followed by a gentle nudge against his back. Turning, he found Frain pressing against him, nuzzling close as though he were her pack leader.

Uncertain how to react, Jack glanced at Lupus for guidance. She closed her eyes in an exaggerated motion, then nodded. Taking the hint, he reached out, fingers brushing through Frain's hair. She purred in contentment.

"She's, um… we…" Lupus stammered, heat rising to her cheeks. She struggled for the right words while Jack tilted his head in confusion.

Eventually, she exhaled and spoke with quiet conviction. "We're family now." Her voice was clear as the river below, though her expression remained tinged with embarrassment.

Jack smiled, appreciating the sentiment. "I know you're saying that because I've lost… everything," He murmured, his gaze drifting towards the waterfall, ears attuned to the soothing rush of water.

Then, without warning, Lupus lunged forward, arms outstretched. Before he could react, she wrapped him and Frain in a tight embrace.

"Lu~Lupy?" Jack stammered, his thoughts scattering like waves against a shore. He couldn't comprehend why she would say such words, why she would do such a thing.

"Stay with me, Jackie. Please," She whispered, her plea raw and unguarded.

Jack had no words, yet his head nodded on its own, as if bound by an unseen force. Was this what he truly desired? Had his heart longed for her all along? Or was it merely the comfort of companionship filling the void within him? Countless questions swirled in his mind, overwhelming him.

"Stay with us, family!" Frain chimed in, rubbing her face against his side.

"Yes… family," Jack echoed under his breath. He closed his eyes, allowing gratitude to wash over him. For the first time in a long while, he appreciated what life had to offer.

Persuasion had not been necessary. He already knew — he needed a new place to call home, a fresh start. At least here, he wouldn't have to rebuild from nothing. With that thought, he resolved to begin a new chapter of his life in Hasenwald, western Germund.