#Layton would just do this to be funny | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

angelbellelc2 · 1 month ago

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The Puzzling Tea Party

A warm fresh spring is abundant all across London, birds chipping, flowers blooming, and a certain fashion-loving detective is getting ready.

“Where is it? No, that one won't do.” Katrielle, frustrated, searches for what seems to be an eternity.

“Kitty-Kat, what's with this mess?” Sherl walks into her room seeing mountains of outfits scattered around.

“I'm getting ready for a special occasion today, Sherl, it's a family event that I do with my siblings,” Katrielle replies. “I just can't seem to find my tea party outfit anywhere. Have you seen it?” Katrielle replied.

“You've thrown it over there.” Sherl walks over to one of the piles of clothing.

A mint green dress pokes out among other vibrant brightly colored dresses.

“That's where it went, thank you Sherl.” Katrielle smiles thankfully.

Katrielle steps over carefully each mountain of clothes, making her way towards that specific outfit. She shifts through each one, grabbing the dress, and eventually changes into it.

“Perfect, wouldn't you agree, Sherl?” Katrielle smiles happily staring into her mirror while Sherl stands beside her. She looks down at her dog companion and an idea sparks in her mind. “Sherl, I just had an idea:you should join my siblings and I for tea!” She smiles with a sparkle in her eyes.

“WHOT?! Kat, have you lost your mind?!” Sherl's ears perked up at Katrielle's suggestion. “Dogs and tea don't exactly go together, Kat. I know this from experience.”

“Experience, Sherl, whatever do you mean?” Katrielle asked.

“You know that little girl we see sometimes, the one who visits Chancer Lane from time to time. She's always insisted on forcing me to do things, it's just utter rubbish!” Sherl snorts.

“She's a child who loves animals, Sherl, no need to get upset over that.” Katrielle laughs.

“How would you feel if someone was being touchy with you? Certainly you wouldn't be up for that.” Sherl snorted.

“No, I wouldn't like that. But that doesn't mean you couldn't join my tea party, Sherl. I promise you will have a great time with my siblings and I.”

“Alright, but no funny business. I'm strictly against revisiting that minging situation.”

“Great!” Katrielle's smile turns mischievous, running towards an unopened box. It's wrapped in a red ribbon and decorative packaging starts spilling out as Katrielle dumps three separate outfits onto her bed. “I've been waiting for this moment, Sherl! I bought these outfits specifically for you when the time was right and now is the perfect time.”

“Oh, bother…” Sherl sighs at Katrielle's excitement.

“A proper gentleman, or in this case gentledog, should dress in proper tea party attire. For you I think this would suffice.” Katrielle places a dog- sized dark blue tophat on Sherl's head. “See, you look dashing, Sherl.”

“I look ridiculous…”

“Don't be like that, Sherl, tophats are the height of fashion, especially on dogs. It gives off a sophisticated look.” Katrielle explained. “There's more than the tophat, so hold still Sherl.” Katrielle begins to dress Sherl in the matching dog sized tuxedo.

“.....I don't get a say in this do I?” Sherl sighed.

“Nope! Now, hold still, I won't say it again.” Katrielle finishes dressing the unamused hound. “Now then, look, Sherl, you're the epitome of sophistication.”

Sherl turns facing the mirror, looking straight at his reflection and admires the whole ensemble.

“Well… Not too shabby, Kat. I quite like this one.” Sherl says.

“Why, of course, Sherl. I do have the knack for this. Now, let's begin to head off, shall we.” Katrielle winks to her dog companion.

“What about your mess? You're leaving your room in shambles!” Sherl looks around.

“I could let Ernest come by and clean while we're out-”

“Pinstripes doesn't own a key to your flat Kat!” Sherl retorts.

“Hmm… You're right, Sherl. We'll clean it up when we get back.”

“We, Kat?”

“Yes, we, Sherl. You're an honorary Layton so you get to help.”

“Oh, boy…” Sherl sighs as he walks beside Katrielle.

The two companions make their way outside getting ready to ride onto their way to meet with other Layton siblings. Katrielle lifts herself onto her beloved bicycle and Sherl hops with all of the power that his small legs can give into his usual favorite basket. The ride has begun, a beautiful day for a tea party, and the ride seems long.

_ _ _ _ _

“Hey, Kat? Can I ask you something?” Sherl asks with a soft voice.

“Sure, Sherl. What's on your mind?” Katrielle smiles.

“You don't talk about your siblings much. I know about your brother Alfredo from the brief times you talked about him, but who's the other?” Sherl questions.

“First off, my brother's name is Alfendi, not Alfredo, Sherl. And to the mysterious identity of my other sibling, it's my older sister Flora. She's the oldest, Alfendi is the middle, and I'm the youngest.” Katrielle clarifies.

“How come you don't talk about them much, Kat?”

“Well…. It's not that I don't want to talk about them, Sherl. I just never found the right moment to bring them up in conversation. It's what you might call a complicated subject.” Katrielle's tone became saddened in tone.

“Oh, Kat. What happened, that you three aren't together often?” Sherl asks.

“After Daddy disappeared…. I suppose our bond just became distant.” Katrielle says.

“Distance between siblings, eh? I don't remember if I have siblings myself, so I don't know how you're feeling, Kat.” Sherl says.

“I feel sorta mixed about seeing my siblings again, but let's change the subject, Sherl. How are you feeling about the tea party?” Katrielle smiles awkwardly.

A small frown forms upon Sherl's face as he shakes a few seconds until he speaks once again.

“I'm still uneasy about this whole event, Kat.” Sherl whimpers.

“Hmm… I got an idea, Sherl. I'll tell you the story behind this special occasion. Maybe it'll help you change your mind.”

“A story might help…. Sure, go ahead Kat.” Sherl starts to listen closely.

“Well, when my siblings and I were younger…”

_ _ _ _ _ _ _

“We started a new tradition that became special to us. At the start it was a time of merriment, that holds a new meaning today, I still remember that day clearly.”

“Kat, what's up with you today? You've been pacing back and forth for 30 minutes already!” Alfendi shouted.

“Alfendi, Flora is coming home today, isn't she? We have to do something for this special occasion, it's been forever since we last saw her!” Katrielle yelled frustratingly.

“You don't need to act like you're going bonkers over this. It's just Flora, not the queen of England coming over.” Alfendi laughed.

“IT'S BECAUSE IT'S FLORA, SHE'S OUR SISTER! SHE DESERVES TO BE LIKE… Like… family. Even though she's not the queen of England, she's still important.”

“Alright, Kat, I'm just trying to wind you up. You take things too literally sometimes.” Alfendi rolled his eyes at Katrielle's native.

“Aww, that wasn't very gentlemanly-”

_ _ _ _

“Wait a moment Kat, that brother of yours doesn't sound like a nice chap.” Sherl says.

“Sherl, he was just being a big brother, that's what they do. I don't make the rules. Besides, he was a teenager at the time, they can be like that sometimes.”

_ _ _ _

“What do you have in mind then, Kat?” Alfendi asked.

“Well, we could wait…. no. Maybe….. no. A puzzle competition?” Katrielle's thoughts circled around in her mind.

“Kat, don't take all day!” Alfendi demanded impatiently.

“Give me a minute, Alfendi! It'll come to me, geez. It has to be perfect!” Katrielle whined.

Katrielle tapped her chin as she paced for another minute or two.

“I had to come up with the best way to welcome my sister home. Flora deserved only the best, and when I mean best, I mean it. It took me awhile until-”

_ _ _ _ _

A sudden whirlwind enveloped the two and a surprise slam of the door stops Katrielle in her thoughts. Flora stood still panting tirelessly from running for a moment and devils into hugging her two siblings.

“I missed you two dearly, I never stopped thinking about you.” Flora hugged her beloved siblings.

“Flora, you're home! It's been forever!” Katrielle happily hugs Flora in return.

“Welcome home, Flora.” Alfendi smiled.

“Flora hugged us for what felt like a while,

She looked like she ran a marathon with how tried out she seemed.” Katrielle remarks.

“Oh, that reminds me! I got you two something special from my trip to Monte d'Or.” Flora grabbed and reached for two wrapped presents from within her purse.

“You got us presents from Monte d'Or?! Yay!” Katrielle couldn't help but to be overwhelmed with excitement as if she was about to leap over the moon.

Flora handed over a small box wrapped in a pastel pink to Katrielle.

Katrielle admires the small box as she shakes it around. Alfendi is given a rectangular box that is wrapped in a brilliant blue.

“Go ahead, open them. I hope you enjoy them. These gifts reminded me of you two.” Flora smiled warmly as she flicked her hand to signal them to open their presents.

Alfendi opens his present to see a leather notebook adorned with the family insignia embroidered upon it. The insignia is slightly different from their father's as there's no tophat, instead it's just the L by itself. He gently brushed over the book. The notebook had a well-crafted black fountain pen beside it.

“I know it may not be much of a gift, but I remembered that you're currently trying to study to become your own detective. I also remembered that you've always liked peeking through our father's old notebooks. You were always wanting to see the old mysteries he was involved in. ” Flora raised her hand over the notebook.

“Flora, thank you. It will be useful for future endeavors, I will use it- dutifully.” Alfendi smirked.

“My turn! I wonder what this is! Is it my own magnifying glass, or a mysterious piece of ancient culture?” Katrielle quickly ripped open her gift and threw the lid to the side to reveal a woven ribbon bracelet of red and white roses.

“A bracelet? That's it?! I was expecting something different… Wait a minute?!” Katrielle realized that Flora's hair was down instead of being held up as it was normally.

Flora ran her fingers through the back of her hair.

“But, I can't take this, Flora! It's your favorite ribbon. You always wear it.” Katrielle tried to give it back.

“It's fine, Katrielle. I want you to have it. Besides, it's not the same ribbon as mine.” Flora pulled out the red ribbon.

“Oh, you could have said something. You look different without your ribbon, Flora. Can I help you tie it back?! I have an amazing idea that would be perfect for you!” Katrielle walked over to Flora as she kneeled down.

“You can, Katrielle, just be careful though. That ribbon means a lot to me, it's a precious keepsake from my… mother. It's… one of the last things I have of her.” Flora explained carefully.

“I'll be careful, don't worry Flora! You styled my hair many times before, so I have an understanding of what to do.” Katrielle said feeling pretty confident in herself.

Katrielle dragged Flora over to the orange couch in the living room and sat her down. She ran over to grab a hair brush and a hand mirror. She carefully brushed her sister's hair neatly and then tied it up in a low ponytail style.

“I saw this in a fashion magazine recently, I thought it looked very elegant. I just knew it would suit you, Flora! Do you like it?!” Katrielle happily smiled as she kicked one of her feet.

Katrielle handed over the small hand mirror, awaiting her sister's response. Flora meticulously observed her reflection. A small warm smile formed onto Flora’s faces.

She pushed her hair to the side to lay it upon her shoulder.

“Alfendi, come see Flora’s new hairstyle! I outdid myself with this, that you're going to be amazed at how amazingly beautiful she looks! Hurry, hurry!” Katrielle urgently called to Alfendi, and snapped him out of whatever he was doing.

“Honestly Kat, what does this have to do with tea parties? It feels like you're just stalling for time,” Sherl huffs.

“I'm getting ready to tell that part, Sherl. Stories have to build up momentum to the best parts. It keeps the listeners engaged as the story goes on. Patience is the key to satisfaction,” Katrielle explains.

“Kitty-Kat, you may continue. I still don't know what gifts have to do with tea parties but go on.” Sherl turns around in his basket.

“Now, where was I? Oh, that's right. I just finished styling my sister's hair, it was excellently styled for my first attempt,” Katrielle continues.

“Alfendi, stop what you're doing and come see Flora’s new hair style! I really outdid myself for my first time trying something new!” Katrielle screamed to get his attention.

Alfendi eventually stopped looking at his new notebook with an annoyed expression plastered across his face. He walked into the living room to see his two sisters, Katrielle with a wide smile, and Flora admiring her new hair style.

“Hey, it suits you, Flora. And Kat, next time don't scream, you're being too lairy.” Alfendi said.

“She's just excited about her first try at doing a new experience, Alfendi, and I think it's wonderful. We should do something to celebrate together, like having tea.” Flora clapped her hands together.

“Flora gave me the best idea that sparked in my young mind, the missing piece to the puzzle, I realized the best way to celebrate is something we all enjoyed together-”

“That's it, thank you, Flora! A tea party is what we should do together!” Katrielle became enthusiastic about this idea.

“Oh, a tea party?” Flora asked about Kat's sudden outburst.

“Yeah, a tea party! Flora can brew the tea, Alfendi can help me with setting up the table, and I can choose one of Daddy's tea sets we can use!” Katrielle jumped happily as she grabbed both of her siblings’ arms.

“That sounds wonderful, right Alfendi?” Flora turned to face their brother who seemed less than enthusiastic about the tea party.

“I have other things to focus on then a tea party. You two can enjoy your tea party together to catch up on sister time. I'm going to look for some old case files dad has stashed away.” Alfendi remarked.

“Aww, Alfendi, that's boring! A tea party is way more fun than reading old dusty files! Please help with setting up the tea party?!” Katrielle whined and pleaded with him to stay.

Alfendi sighed heavily.

“Alright, but only to check up on you two, just make sure nothing breaks or explodes.” Alfendi joked as he walked away to do his own thing.

“That doesn't exactly help, Alfendi! Alfendi! Fine! You're no fun anyway!” Katrielle tried to call him back , but to no avail, he clearly did not want to participate.

Flora knelt down to her level as she tried to reassure Katrielle. “Don't worry, Kat. He'll come around eventually and knowing Al, he's a lot like Father when it comes to wanting some alone time. They are both attached to their tasks.”

“Aww, but… I wanted all three of us to do this together.” Katrielle cried.

“How about this, Kat. Let's do this together so we can have that sister time we have been missing out on and eventually Al might change his mind, just give him time.” Flora smiled.

“Okay! We'll have so much fun that he'll just have to join in!” Katrielle wiped away her tears.

Katrielle swiftly grasped Flora’s hand as they walked to the kitchen. The kitchen is not much as it's small in size but it's big with meaningful memories. Flora notices the clutter of pots, pans, and plates stacked on top of one another.

“Oh, dear. You've forgotten to wash the dishes. It's just like Fatherto forget about these poor things.” Flora stated.

“Flora, no time for washing dishes! We have to focus on the tea party.” Katrielle pushed her.

“Okay, but afterwards, everyone gets to pitch in with those forgotten dishes.” Flora said.

Flora and Katrielle began to search around for the teapots and matching tea sets. Katrielle eventually finds their father's collection of unique teapots within a high cabinet.

_ _ _ _

“Daddy had a strong impulse to buy anything that reminds him of a puzzle. He always came home with the most unusual and unique nick-nacks. I'll have to show you them, Sherl.” Katrielle laughs.

“I'm sure they're riveting, Kat.” Sherl says sarcastically.

“They are riveting!” Katrielle says.

_ _ _ _

Young Katrielle searched around for a stepping stool; eventually, she found an old worn wooden stool tucked away in a corner. It didn't seem very sturdy. She dragged it across the kitchen floor with loud creaks emerging from its wobbling legs.

“Katrielle, that stool is wonky, you'll hurt yourself. I'll- ” Flora said worriedly.

“No need to worry Flora! It's safe!” Katrielle starts to wobble the stool back and forth until one of its legs breaks off.

“Hmm…. Kat, perhaps use something that isn't broken. Father wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.” Flora anxiously explained.

“I got this.” Katrielle smiled with determination as she brushed Flora’s warning off.

She continues to move the loose stool underneath the teapot cabinet high upon the kitchen wall. She stepped onto the stool reaching, standing on her tiptoes as much as she could.

Katrielle reached the cabinet gripping the handle tightly. She stepped onto the counter.

“Flora, see, I'm fine.” Katrielle confidently remarked as she opened the cabinet to reveal the array of teapots.

Flora watched attentively as Katrielle searched through each teapot.

“I found Daddy's special teapot! It's perfect- Ah!” Katrielle slipped off of the counter, losing the teapot as it shattered hitting the floor below.

“Kat!” A large yelp is heard across the room.

Alfendi rushed as fast as he could, using his body to catch Katrielle before she collided with the floor. Flora, horrified, rushed over to her siblings.

“Kat, are you alright?” Flora worriedly asked, looking all over Katrielle for any wounds.

“Kat, what were you thinking?! You could've gotten hurt or worse! Don't ever do-” Alfendi cuts himself off as Katrielle weeped large tears.

“I-I just– Daddy's teapot…” Katrielle barely got her words out.

“What?! Why would you do something so utterly dangerous?!” Sherl yelps.

“Sherl, you're interrupting me again. It's almost as if you're not interested in my story,” Katrielle says.

“I'm not uninterested! Just surprised… “ Sherl sighs.

“Daddy's teapot it's b-broken! H-he's-” Katrielle's words trailed off as her tears continued to overflow.

Flora picks up Katrielle off Alfendi's back, sits her down onto a chair.

Alfendi pulled himself off from the floor, he whined in pain as he rubbed his poor aching back.

“Kat, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?” Flora asked, distressed.

Flora delicately searches thoroughly for any kind of injury from Katrielle's fall.

“Alfendi, can you go find the first aid kit? There's a small cut on Kat's knee.” Flora inquired.

“She shouldn't have done something so terribly idiotic! Or-”

“Alfendi, please.” Flora gestured to him to go before he could finish.

Before Alfendi can leave he looks back briefly to Flora as she tries to calm down their sister, his eyes shift to the floor seeing to the shattered remains of their father's beloved teapot.

Alfendi sighs quietly to himself, brushing his bangs back, he walks in silence.

“Katrielle…” Flora says softly patting Katrielle's head.

Katrielle sniffs, brushing her tears away.

“May I ask you a question, Kat?” Flora asked.

“...Uh-huh, you can.” Katrielle replied.

“How come you and Alfendi are acting hostile to each other? Did something happen?” Flora asks.

“Ever since Al got interested in joining Scotland Yard, he stopped playing with me. He only wants to study, nothing else! Playtime used to be fun when he joined in… It's not the same without him.” Katrielle replied sorrowfully.

“Kat, it feels like there's more than just Alfendi. He's been longing to join Scotland Yard for a few years now, so please continue.” Flora says.

_ _ _ _

“That sister of yours sounds more like a mother than a sister, Kat.” Sherl says.

“She's a loving person who cares deeply for others, especially when it comes to family.” Katrielle happily remarks.

_ _ _ _

Katrielle knows that everything isn't what it used to be. As a family, they used to spend so much time together; it felt like those times would last forever.

Katrielle remembered when Flora used to play dress up with her, when Alfendi used to play as the bad guy getting caught by the great detective, and most importantly when the three of them spent time together.

“You two stopped spending time with me… I miss you guys.” Katrielle frowned.

“I've been either spending time with Daddy or by myself… I love Daddy and everything but… I miss you two.” Katrielle whimpered.

“Kat, what about Grandma Rosa? Haven't you-”

“Grandma Rosa is great but she isn't you guys.” Katrielle cried.

Flora reached down, and hugged Katrielle, holding her close.

“Flora, you've been having fun traveling to wonderful places. Alfendi has been working hard on studying to join Scotland Yard. I-I didn't want to bother you two, you're doing something you always wanted, so I had to keep it to myself. ” Katrielle says.

Alfendi walked into the dining room carrying the first aid kit, slouched back, one hand in a pocket and another extended over to Flora.

“Flora, here's the first aid kit you asked for.” Alfendi mumbled.

“Thank you, Alfendi.” Flora answered.

“Flora… I'll handle cleaning up the mess over there.” Alfendi replied.

“Alfendi, wait-”

“Al, don't go… Please.” Katrielle whimpered.

“Alfendi stayed silent for a while; he glanced back once every few minutes.”

“Almost done…. And there you're all fixed, Kat. Be careful when you do something like that in the future, okay.” Flora reassured Katrielle.

Alfendi finished sweeping the shattered porcelain.

“Alfendi, can you come here?” Flora asked.

“What is it?”

Flora leaned close to his ear.

She whispered something to him that seemed to change Alfendi's mind.

Alfendi sighed.

“Hey, Kat…. I have some free time to…. to pitch in with the tea party. If you don't mind.” Alfendi said.

Katrielle's eyes sparkled happily, sliding herself off of the table. She hugged Alfendi tightly.

“Yay! Alfendi is joining us, Flora!” Katrielle said cheerfully.

“Yeah-”

“But you have to promise to help fully, Alfendi. After all, A gentleman keeps his promises.” Katrielle lectured.

“You sound like dad…” Alfendi groaned.

“Daddy is a prime example of an English gentleman! He knows everything! You should be more like Daddy!” Katrielle shouted with excitement.

“Uh, how about no.” Alfendi replied.

Alfendi gently pushes Katrielle away, and walks slowly in the other direction.

“Wait, Alfendi! You don't have to be like Daddy! You gotta stay!” Katrielle whined.

“Okay, okay. I was just trying to wind you up again, Kat. Calm down.” Alfendi laughed.

“Alfendi, you're not funny.” Katrielle pouted.

“Uh…. Flora…” Alfendi mutters.

“I have to agree with Katrielle, Alfendi. That wasn't very funny.” Flora said clearly not amused with his awful joke.

“I'm with little Kat and Flora. Your brother stinks with jokes.”

“It was pretty mean spirited, wasn't it. If Alfendi plans to pick up a comedy career, he could easily be a birthday party clown.”

“Okay… What's first, Flora?” Alfendi inquired.

Flora wagged her finger. “Don't ask me, Alfendi. It was Katrielle's idea, you have to ask her.” Flora pointed to their sister.

Alfendi scratched the back of his head, looking down at Katrielle.

“Kat, what do we do first?” Alfendi asked.

“Hmm… Well we still need a teapot for the tea party, but Daddy's special teapot is broken. It would've been perfect!” Katrielle replied.

“Katrielle.” Flora called softly. “Any other of our father's collection can suffice, right? It's quite expansive, coming in more shapes and colors.”

“Daddy does have other neat teapots we can use, but they're not that one.” Katrielle frowned.

“Flora, can't we replace this teapot? Dad might not suspect a switch, right?” Alfendi asked.

“Problem is we can't replace this one with another. It's one of a kind, Father would be able to figure out just by looking at it.” Flora explained.

“One of a… a… kind!” Katrielle and Alfendi shouted in unison.

“You two didn't know?!” Flora surprised with one hand covering her mouth.

“No!” the younger siblings shouted.

“Well, when Fatherbecame a professor-” Flora

“Flora, we know about dad's past. Just tell us about how he got this!” Alfendi demanded.

“Alfendi, it's not nice to interrupt someone. Patience is the key to understanding.” Flora lectured Alfendi.

“You two listen to dad too much. It's almost as if there's three of him.” Alfendi huffed.

“Alfendi, you promised. It hasn't been even a minute-”

Alfendi rolled his eyes.

“I promised to help, not to listen to dad's life story.” Alfendi corrected Katrielle.

Kat stamped her foot.

“Then… You're going to make a new promise! Promise to help with the tea party and no-”

“Got it, Kat.” Alfendi replied.

“Alfendi, being a know-it-all isn't becoming.” Flora explained.

“I'll stop, but it's quicker just to tell the important part.” Alfendi said.

“You're no fun! But you have a point.” Katrielle pouted disappointingly. “I was looking forward to another story about Daddy's past….”

“Uhh, yeah. Flora, go on before little Miss Pouty gets more pouty.” Alfendi

“I'm not pouty, you that back!!!” Katrielle shouted as she bangs on his legs barely making a bruise.

Flora grabbed Katrielle, pulling her away from Alfendi's “poor leg”.

“Hey, Kat, calm down okay. We shouldn't fight. ” Flora said.

“Alright, Flora,” Katrielle replied.

Flora began to explain the importance of their father's beloved teapot.

“This teapot is special to Father

as it was a gift from Grandpa Roland and Grandma Lucille. It was a congratulatory gift when Fatherfirst became a professor.” Flora answered.

“If it was a gift when dad became a professor, wouldn't it be possible to find a similar one?” Alfendi asked.

“Well that's not possible. The teapot is a rare antique, only a couple of them were made.” Flora explained.

“Flora, if there's others then what separates Daddy's?” Katrielle asks her sister.

“Hmm, well, Father enjoys the odd and unusual right? Father's teapot had rare defects, which was the hue and shape.” Flora explains.

“That doesn't make sense, Kat. If the teapot had flaws, how does that make it special?”

“Good question, Sherl! I had a similar thought at that time and to answer your question…”

Alfendi, lost in thought “Can it be-”

“What is it, Alfendi?” Flora asked

“Huh? Alfendi, where are you going?” Katrielle asked curiously.

Alfendi rushed away towards their father's personal study.

“I'm going to follow him!”

“Kat, wait! Your leg shouldn't be-”

Katrielle continued to follow behind her older brother, sneaking quietly not to alert her presence.

The study is almost cramped with stacked papers scattered onto the floor to the unorganized desk covered with loose research papers and materials. In the corner of the study a drawer had collected dust and newspapers were bursting out everywhere.

Kat watches her brother closely as he searches section by section until finding what he was looking for. An old London Times Newspaper dated back twenty years ago scribbled around a particular article “Famous Potter Malcolm Baker retires: Lottery gives away his finest teapots.”

He shoved the old newspaper into his coat pocket.

“Kat, I know you're there! You're not as sneaky as you think you are.”

“How did you know I was here? I was being quiet….”

“I've known you since you were a baby and besides you're limping a little. You really shouldn't be walking on your leg for a bit.”

“I'm not-”

“Kat, go back to Flora, or I'll change my mind. I still have to look for something and you being here causes more problems than we need right now.”

“Fine! Grumpy grump…. Just don't take too long…” Katrielle mutters.

“Alfendi decided to stay there longer than I anticipated. I was beginning to think he wanted “alone time” with Dad's old dusty files again.”

“What's taking Alfendi so long?! I'm starting to think he ditched us again.” Katrielle said.

Flora put her hand on Kat's shoulder. “He'll be back soon, Kat. While we wait, how about I show you something. I just know you'll love it.”

Katrielle lifted her up over looking towards Alfendi, who's still snooping through their father's study.

“What is it?” Katrielle asked.

Flora pulled out a slip of folded paper, she unwrapped it, and handed it to the curious Kat.

“Paper, really, Flora?” Katrielle stared at Flora with a blank expression.

“You have to open it, Kat. It's a letter from Uncle Luke.” Flora smiled.

Kat examined the folded letter, and started to unfold the paper. Alfendi walked silently, almost sneakily.

“What about Uncle Luke, Flora?” Alfendi blurted, scaring the two.

“Ah, Uncle Luke's letter!” Katrielle cried as the letter dropped to the floor.

“Oh my, Alfendi, you scared us. How long were you there?” Flora gasped.

“Not too long, I only heard something about Uncle Luke, that's it.” Alfendi replied.

“Your brother Alfredo-”

“Sherl, once more his name isn't Alfredo, it's Alfendi. You're getting hungry, aren't you, Sherl?”

“Got any of those doggie treats on you, Kat?”

“Never leave home without them! Here you go.”

_ _ _ _

“Flora, you dropped something.” Alfendi bent down and handed over the piece of paper to Flora.

Katrielle threw herself off the table, landing on her hurt leg.

“Ow… Alfendi, give me the paper, Flora said it's for me.” Katrielle tried to jump to reach the letter.

Flora tucked the letter away back into her pocket.

“Hey, now. I didn't exactly say it was for you Kat, it's for all of us to read.” Flora explained.

“Fine. Alfendi, why do you have that newspaper sticking out of your pocket?” Katrielle pointed to the dusty newspaper.

Alfendi pulled out the old thing, shaked it, causing dust to get everywhere.

“Why is it so dusty?!” Katrielle sniffed.

“Elementary, dear little Kat. It's an old newspaper. Not any old newspaper, but the one that answers our problem.” Alfendi smirked confidently.

Alfendi guided Flora and Katrielle's attention to the circled article.

“Dad must have entered in this lottery, there could be more like his old one.” Alfendi said.

“But, didn't Daddy get the teapot as a gift?” Katrielle asked.

“He did mention that, Alfendi… It's not like Father to enter a lottery.” Flora inquired.

“Just look at the article you two. The article states where the teapot most likely came from, it's on Chancer Lane.” Alfendi huffed.

“Chancer Lane, that's where Daddy and I go to get yummy sweets! Flora, Alfendi, we have to go there!!!” Katrielle happily demanded.

“I could bake the sweets, Kat. Wouldn't that be better?” Flora smiled.

Both Katrielle and Alfendi turned into a lovely shade of green, shaking their heads.

“No thanks, Flora. Maybe another time…” Alfendi gulped.

“Yeah, a-another time.” Katrielle lied.

“Why did you two lie? Sherl asked.

“Well… I love my sister but she isn't exactly…. You'd call normal when it comes to cooking.” Katrielle said.

“In what way?”

“I guess you could say Flora’s cooking is creative?”

_ _ _ _

The three get themselves ready to head out until-

“Wait! We've forgotten to set the table!” Katrielle ran back into the dining room setting her stuff down.

“Kat?” Flora followed behind.

“This couldn't wait?” Alfendi sighed.

“Katrielle?” Alfendi and Flora followed behind their little sister.”

“Give me a minute Flora, Al! We-”

Flora gently grabbed her sister's hand.

“Kat, we can set the table when we get back. If we're going to have the perfect tea party like you wanted, it's best to wait until we gather everything.” Flora explained.

“Sure thing, Flora!”

“Sherl, you should've seen how different Chancer Lane was then. There were so many different shops compared to the few we have today.”

The Layton siblings walked through Chancer Lane looking for what they would need for their tea party.

“Oooo, there are new stores here!!!” Katrielle gasped in amazement eyeing each new shop.

Katrielle skipped through Chancer Lane admiring the sights. Flora and Alfendi talked closely behind her.

“Flora, Alfendi, here's the pastry shop Daddy and I went to! They make the most tasty sweets you'll ever eat.” Katrielle said.

_ _ _ _

The three siblings walked into the pastry shop; a sweet heavenly aroma filled the room as they walked in. Different kinds of professionally made sweets and pastries are arranged in the shop.

“Mmmm! So many delicious treats!~ Oh, neat! Free samples!!!” Katrielle ran to an array of free samples of small cakes. Katrielle grabbed three pieces of the samples, and ran back towards Flora and Alfendi.“Flora, Alfendi, you have to try these! The cakes here melt in your mouth!” Katrielle handed them over.

“Kat, did you ask to take any?” Flora asked her sister.

“Flora, it's free samples, you don't need to ask to take. They don't do this often, give it a try.” Katrielle said.

“I see now.” Flora bit into the small confectionery. “Mmmm, it's light, fluffy, and like you said it melts in your mouth.”

The owner started to place down more sweets, catching the siblings' attention. “Oh, hello! A rare sight seeing you here by yourself Katrielle. Not with your Fathertoday?” Mr. Lo

“Hello! I'm not alone today, I brought my siblings with me today. It's our first time here together and we're planning on having a tea party.” Katrielle happily sang.

“A tea party you say? I might have some tea cakes you'd be interested in. It's a new recipe.” The owner placed a fresh batch of tea cakes onto a small cake stand.

Katrielle's smile grew twice its usual size, admiring the freshly baked cakes. She was awed at the sight of them, each one decorated and sliced into even squares.

“Flora, can we get them, pretty please?” Katrielle pleaded.

“We can get them.” Flora replied.

“Yay! I-”

“But to make it fair, all three of us should have a choice of sweets to add to the tea party and afterwards we can choose one more confectionery together.”

“Works for me! Alfendi, your turn to choose and here's your free sample.” Katrielle ushered Alfendi.

“Uh, no thanks. Not much of a sweets person, Kat. You should choose one for me.” Alfendi lied.

“That's not true. It won't kill you, besides the other day I saw you eating the whole jar of chocolate chip biscuits! You barely left a single one for anyone else.” Katrielle replied.

“Al, sweets make people happy! If you eat the cake you will not be grumpy anymore.” Katrielle handed a small confectionery to her brother who's sulking in the corner.

Alfendi gripped the small cake, seeing little Katrielle who pleaded with him to give it a chance. She used her secret weapon: her puppy eyes.

“Okay, okay. Stop using your puppy dog eyes already, it's embarrassing. Just one bite.” Alfendi huffed.

He bit into the small confectionery, a small smile formed onto his face. “This is pretty-”

“Tastiest treat you ever had! Delicious enough that you want more!” Katrielle happily sang.

“I was going to say decent but yeah, you described it perfectly, Kat.” Alfendi said.

Alfendi examined the array of sweets, and he eventually landed on a plate of macarons.

“These will be fine. Flora, your turn to choose something. Alfendi turned to Flora who's lost in thought.

“Hmm…. Sir, what do you consider the easiest out of your confectioneries to bake?” Flora asked the owner.

“Flora, what are you doing? Earth to Flora?” Alfendi tapped Flora’s shoulder.

“Oh, dear. Sorry, Alfendi. It's my turn right?” Flora apologized

Flora looked around eyeing each and every pastry, every single one caught her eye until she landed on a plate of freshly baked fudge brownies.

“Between your tea cakes and Alfendi's macarons these brownies would complement them both. Now we just need one more confectionery to add that all three of us can agree on.” Flora inquired.

Katrielle thought for a couple of moments, she tapped her foot, until she thought of something special.

“We can choose something special that Daddy likes! Daddy loves shepherd's pie. But that isn't exactly something you'd bring to a tea party.” Katrielle muttered.

“Doesn't dad enjoy jam with his scones?” Alfendi brought up.

“You're right Father does enjoy his scones with jam. Kat, would you be okay with us getting plain scones for Father?” Flora asked.

“If it's something that Daddy would like then we can add it to the tea party. Even though scones are boring, as long as Daddy likes it then we should get it.” Katrielle smiled brightly.

“Are you three ready to pay?” The owner asked politely.

“Wait!!! Daddy needs his favorite jams first.” Katrielle scooted over to the jam shelf, she grabbed a lemon marmalade, grape, and an apple jam.

Katrielle placed the three jam jars with the rest of their sweets. “Now, we're ready.” Katrielle announced.

“That's an awful lot of stuff you three got, Kat. Did you need that much?” Sherl asked, confused.

“It may seem like a lot, Sherl, but you need to have various things at tea parties. And having an assortment of sweets is definitely one of them. It's absolutely important to a successful tea party mind you.” Katrielle explains.

“Yeah, if you want a successful sugar crash.” Sherl jokes.

"After we got the sweets we went to replace Daddy's tea pot…”

_ _ _ _

“Come Kat, we're finished with everything here. We have to focus on replacing Dad's tea pot.” Alfendi called out.

“Coming!!!” Katrielle skipped over to grasp Flora’s hand.

The three siblings walked through Chancer Lane. Alfendi was farther ahead while Flora and Katrielle stayed close to each other.

Katrielle was awed every few minutes admiring the passing stores. Katrielle usually walked around Chancer Lane with their father but being with her siblings made this feel magical.

“Today has been the most fun I have ever had! Spending time with you guys after what felt like an eternity and getting to see more of Chancer Lane! Daddy and I only ever get to go to the pastry shop.” Katrielle mentioned.

“How often does Father take you, Kat?

“Not as much as I would like, but when he does it's for special occasions when he has free time. And every time we come here we only go to the pastry shop. I guess Daddy does it as a way to spend time with me when he can… He's always too busy to go often.”

“Father is quite busy with his work at Gressenheller isn't he? He means well Kat, so don't worry.”

“You guys talking about Dad? He's probably just catching up with class work that he needed to grade from being away. Or old man Delmona is keeping him with a new puzzle to solve. Either way he's too busy to spend time with any of us.”

“That's not true, Alfendi. Father doesn't mean to avoid us, you know that.”

“Flora, you say that, but you know that he'll leave us behind, especially since he did it to you more than once.”

“Father is trying to make up for that, Alfendi. He's doing his best.”

“Not really…” Alfendi muttered under his breath.

_ _ _ _

“Your brother, is he alright, Kat? He seems to dismiss your old man constantly.”

“Alfendi's relationship with dad is… It's complicated. I can't explain why Alfendi is that way towards Dad he just is. It hasn't always been that way though, perhaps a story for another time.”

_ _ _ _

The store the Layton siblings find themselves in seems almost empty as a single sign hung primarily on the front window stating that they're doing a going out of business sale, inside there isn't much merchandise set out.

“Alfendi, is the store you were talking about? The same one you thought may carry a new teapot to replace our father's broken one?” Flora questioned.

“It's supposed to be. We'll probably find a similar one if we look around- Kat?”

Katrielle stared longingly at the building next door, she's mesmerized by it. It's empty, compared to the store next door.

“Kat! Earth to Katrielle, come on.” Alfendi yelled, bringing Katrielle back to reality.

“Sorry, I'm coming!” Katrielle walked behind her older siblings, going into the store she peeked back at the building once more.

An elderly lady acknowledged the three siblings walking in.

“Welcome, welcome. What brings you three here, looking for anything in particular for our closing sale?” the elderly lady asked warmly.

Alfendi shoved the twenty-year- old newspaper to the lady. He pointed to the particular news article talking about an old lottery that took place here.

The elderly lady grabbed and adjusted her glasses on her face. She lets out a small sigh at the article.

“I'm afraid the three of you are twenty years too late to participate in this lottery.” The elderly lady explained.

“We're not here about the lottery ma'am, we're trying to track down a replacement teapot for our old man.” Alfendi said.

“Your old man dear? Who may you be talking about? We used to have customers who would come here frequently in the past.”

“Our dad is the great Professor Layton! Have you heard of him?!” Katrielle exclaimed.

“Professor Layton, is that so? Your father used to frequent here back in the day, how is he doing?” The lady asked.

“That's not important at the moment. Do you have any more of those-”

“Sorry for my brother, but he's correct, we don't have enough time to converse ma'am. Do you carry anything resembling an old teapot puzzle? Possibly by chance made by a “Malcolm Baker”?” Flora asked.

As Flora and Alfendi continued to speak with the store clerk, Katrielle decided to wander around the small store admiring the different crafted teapots.

The teapots displayed looked quite different from one another reminding Katrielle of their father's collection. Each one seemed questionable, in unorthodox shapes and colors arranged in the oddest ways. It was like walking into a real life version of that mad tea party from a book Katrielle had read recently.

“How curious? Flora, Alfendi, I'm going to look around for a teapot for Daddy. I-”

“Not now, Kat! Don't you see that the adults are busy,”Alfendi scolded.

“Oh dear, she's not a bother. You can look around if you want to,” the lady said.

“Fine. But you're not even an adult, Alfendi. And thank you ma’am.” Katrielle muttered.

“Katrielle, be careful when looking at these alright? Look and don't touch, please.” Flora asked.

Katrielle turned to face her sister and nodded sincerely.

“I promise to be careful, Flora. But if I find another teapot Daddy might like, can we get it? Daddy has all kinds so maybe it won't matter if we can't find something similar.” Katrielle replied.

Flora grabbed the small envelope holding the letter from Luke, she reached inside and handed over the money to Katrielle.

“Hm? What's this for, Flora?” Katrielle asked, wondering about her sister suddenly giving her money.

It wasn't her birthday that day, so Katrielle found it unusual.

“Since Uncle Luke wasn't able to make it to your birthday this year he sent over a small amount of money instead to make up for it. You can use it for finding a teapot of your liking if you want, Kat.” Flora said to Katrielle.

“Thanks, Flora. Hopefully Uncle Luke will come next year. Birthdays aren't fun without your whole family anyway.” Katrielle replied.

“Be careful when looking around, Kat. These teapots look to be very fragile. You must only look and don't touch anything without getting me or Alfendi to help you okay.” Flora explained.

“I'll be careful! I'm going to look around for the best teapot! Wish me luck.” Katrielle sang.

_ _ _ _

“I searched high, and low for the best teapot while Alfendi and Flora dealt with the store owner. It felt like an eternity.” Katrielle explains.

_ _ _ _

Alfendi continued to be frustrated with the store owner, and Flora tried to calm him down.

Katrielle paid no mind to her siblings' quarrel.

“Do you or do you not have anything from Malcolm Baker?! I'm starting to get tired of these yes and no games ma'am. It doesn't even have to be a teapot! Quit being an old stubborn bothersome hag!” Alfendi shouted.

“Alfendi! Mind your manners, you shouldn't yell at your elders! It's improper and down right rude.” Flora reprimanded him.

“Oh, no need to fret dearie. I understand that you three are in a hurry. But I'm afraid that we don't carry anything resembling Malcolm Baker. His work is very hard to track down as they're quite rare and valuable pieces.” The elderly lady remarked.

“That's great, just great! Coming here was a waste. The newspaper mentioned that your store was the only one who carried his work.” Alfendi irradiated and grabbed bangs tightly.

Alfendi's patience slowly began to drain, so he stopped himself from going overboard.

“Alfendi, that newspaper was twenty years ago. Things change with time, you know that. If she says they're hard to come by then we have to take her word for it.” Flora uttered.

_ _ _ _

“My siblings’ bickering filled the whole store that I bet people outside heard them. I eventually found the perfect teapot to rush things before something terrible happened.” Katrielle says.

_ _ _ _

“Flora, Alfendi, look at what I found! Isn't it wonderful?! I want to buy it with the birthday money that Uncle Luke gave me.” Katrielle smiled.

The teapot is an ordinary shaped teapot with a floral mint green design. It stood out from the others as they're more extraordinary in design and shape.

“May I see what you have chosen, little one?” The lady inquired.

“Sure thing. Isn't it lovely? It may not be extraordinary like the others here but it stands out on its own.” Katrielle smiled brightly.

“Ah, yes, this one . This teapot is quite special, it's a wonderful choice. I'll ring you up right now if your siblings say it's alright.” The lady nodded.

“Flora, Alfendi, please?! I know it's not what we were looking for to replace Daddy's teapot with, but Daddy may still enjoy using it.” Katrielle pleaded to her siblings.

Flora looked towards Alfendi, Alfendi pushed his bangs back.

“It's better than nothing… Okay Kat go ahead, buy your tiny little teapot. Then we're leaving this place. This place is nothing but utter rubbish.” Alfendi scoffed.

“I don't know about that. but I think this place is amazing! Ma'am, I'm ready to buy my teapot.” Katrielle handed over the teapot.

“Alright dearie, come over there and I'll ring you up.” The lady replied.

The trio followed the elderly lady towards the counter by the front door of the store. As the lady began to check out the item Katrielle noticed a matching tea set that looked to match with her teapot.

“Hey, hey, Flora. Look behind the lady, there's a set of plates and tea cups that go with my teapot. May we get them too?” Katrielle begged Flora.

Flora examined the tea set behind the counter, she noticed how badly Katrielle wanted to get the whole set.

“Excuse me ma'am. How much is it for the set behind you as it appears that it goes with my sister's teapot. If that's alright with you?” Flora asked nicely.

“Oh, of course. I'll get it down for you. Give me a minute dearie.” The elderly woman explained.

She grabbed a nearby wooden stool tucked beneath the coin registration table. She struggled to reach the tea set despite standing on her ancient tipping toes.

“My word, I can't grasp the tea set you want dearie. Sorry for that, you lose height at my old age. I'm not as tall as I once was.” The lady stumbled.

“Alfendi, can you help the lady out please? You're tall enough to reach that high shelf. She can't reach it on her own.” Flora asked.

“If it gets us out of here quicker than fine. I don't want to stay here any longer anyway. Oi, brittle bones, move to the side real quick will you. I can't help you if you're in my way.” Alfendi ushered the lady to the side.

He reached the top of the tall shelf and grabbed the tea set.

“Why thank you dearie. You're quite the gentleman aren't you, just like your father. I see that gentlemanly behavior runs in the family. For helping me you can take the tea set for free.” The elderly lady proclaimed.

“Really we can take the tea set for free?! Thank you, thank you, ma'am! I promise to use it often!” Katrielle happily smiled.

_ _ _ _

“We eventually left the tea shop and went straight home afterwards. We had to get everything ready for when Daddy came home.” Katrielle recalls.

_ _ _ _

“We're home which means we can finally set up the tea party! Flora and I can set up the food and you all great grumpy puss Alfendi can set the table.” Katrielle ordered.

“Grumpy puss seriously, Kat?” Alfendi inquired.

“You've been nothing but grumpy. You can be crowned King of the Grumpy grumps with how you've been all day. I swear that's your default setting if I didn't know you.”

“Katrielle, Alfendi, no fighting you two. Ladies and gentlemen should show each other respect no matter the situation.” Flora said.

“Flora, Alfendi has been like this all day! He's-”

“NO, Kat, you've been worse! I only wanted to focus on my studies-”

“Alfendi, Katrielle, listen to yourselves. You sound like Don Paolo when he doesn't get his way. Let's do this instead, I'll be in charge of the food preparations while you two set the table. Besides Kat, didn't you want to do that in the first place.”

“Oh yeah, I forgot. My bad. I've been so excited about getting everything we needed that I forgot about wanting to set the table. And I have the perfect thing we can use for the table cloth!” Katrielle exclaimed.

She picked out an old patched blanket that's clearly been loved for many years. The blanket dragged along the wooden floor, Katrielle tugged it a few times, bringing it to her siblings.

_ _ _ _

“Why would you want to use an old tattered blanket, Kat?”

“The “tattered” blanket is a special kind of blanket, Sherl. My siblings and I used to share it. We would mostly use it during times when we watched TV together or when Flora would read us stories.”

_ _ _ _

“...That old thing, Kat, it's worn out.”

“It may seem worn out, but it's perfect to be used as table cloth. Help me put it on please?”

“Katrielle, it needs to be fixed first, after the tea party I'll patch it up for you okay. I have a better idea of what we can use as the table cloth. Look in my room I believe there's an unused table cloth I bought a while back.” Flora said.

“Okie dokie, Flora!”

Katrielle spotted a brilliant pink table cloth standing among Flora’s belongings in her room. The cloth is adorned with an array of different colored apples, red ones, green ones, and golden ones.

“This cloth is beautiful, Flora! I've never seen an apple pattern this beautiful before.” Katrielle sang running back into the kitchen.

A small excited laugh left Flora’s mouth.

“Haha, I'm glad you love it, Kat. Now go and help Alfendi to place it onto the table while I handle the food preparations.” Flora smiled.

Katrielle and Alfendi went to work setting up the table while Flora brewed the tea and prepared the food.

“Ready 1…, 2…., 3! Careful, careful, Alfendi! Almost… and there! We did it, we got the cloth onto the table!” Katrielle shouted.

“It looks bare don't you think, Kat. Like it's missing something besides what we're going to use.”

Katrielle stared at the barren table and snapped her small fingers.

“It's missing flowers! We need flowers to liven up the decor, every tea party needs flowers to accompany the refreshments. I know roses just like my bracelet!” Katrielle smiled ear to ear.

“Kat, that sounds lovely! I think that Gressenheller University grows them. I believe if you ask one of the botany students, they can give you some.” Flora suggested.

“I want to stay here to help you, Flora. Alfendi, can you go to Gressenheller please? I want to help Flora.” Katrielle asked.

“Alright, I'll go. But not to Gressenheller University, that's too far from here. There's a florist shop near here.” Alfendi replied.

“Alfendi, buy really beautiful ones!” Katrielle shouted

“Sure thing!” Alfendi shouted back.

“Alfendi came back with the most beautiful arrangement of roses, Sherl. The roses were each different shades of pinks, reds, and yellows. It matched pretty well with the tablecloth Flora got.” Katrielle smiles fondly.

“Oooo, Alfendi, these are magnificent! I know what we can use!” Katrielle sang.

Katrielle rushed into the living room and grabbed an empty vase.

“Daddy hasn't used this vase in ages so let's use it for the flowers. They deserve a nice vase to be in.” Katrielle said.

“Alright, Kat.” Alfendi replied.

Katrielle carefully carried the vase over to Alfendi so as not to break another thing of their father's. The vase is simple in design like most of their father's things besides from the occasional odd shaped teapot or odd shaped mundane object.

“Place the flowers carefully in the vase, Kat. Don't rush things.” Alfendi said.

“Okay.” Katrielle replied.

“Tea and cucumber sandwiches are ready! Kat, Alfendi, come here please. I need help with setting the plates and tea cups.” Flora called.

“Coming! Come on Alfendi.” Katrielle exclaimed cheerfully, grabbing her brother's hand.

“After setting everything up with the food, tea, and flowers, the tea party was ready to commence.”

_ _ _ _

“Flora, these cucumber sandwiches look so tasty! I can't wait to try them with the sweets we got.” Katrielle smiled.

“Kat's right, they do look quite good. They definitely look better compared to what you usually make.” Alfendi laughed.

“When I went to Monte d'Or, Aunt Angela taught me how to create a new recipe for cucumber sandwiches and its cucumber with cream cheese. A little piece of Monte d'Or to go with our lovely little tea party.” Flora explained.

“Oh, speaking of Monte d'Or. Flora, can you teach me how to create my own ribbon rose bracelet? The one you made me is really cute and I want to make you a matching one.” Katrielle inquired.

“Sure thing, Kat. I can teach you how to make the ribbon rose bracelet.”

“Yay! Alfendi, do you want one too? Your’s can be blue and red as they're your favorite colors.” Katrielle chimed.

“I'm fine thanks, I don't do frilly things like ribbons. We can do a puzzle competition to pass the time though.”

“A puzzle competition sounds like fun! Flora want to participate with us?”

“I suppose I can join, but I should have you know that I come from a village that's all about puzzles. I might win the majority of time.” Flora boasted.

“Oh, it is so on! Daddy has been tutoring me with puzzles and I bet that I won't lose!” Katrielle blurted.

“Ha! I doubt that will help you against me, Kat. I have been solving puzzles even in my sleep.” Alfendi bragged.

“We gave each other puzzles back to back that we eventually lost track of time. We loved giving each other puzzles just to see who could solve the most.” Katrielle smiles.

“Alfendi, Katrielle, I'm home! I came as quickly as I could, Dean Delmona kept me longer than I anticipated. We should get ready to prepare for Flora’s return so-”

Professor Layton smiled seeing his beloved children spending time together.

“May I join your little tea party and puzzle competition? I hope you don't mind another participant. I brought apple roses from Grandma Rosa.” Professor Layton asked.

The three siblings turned to welcome their father home. Each one gave him a loving hug.

“Now that I see this, it reminds me of a smashing puzzle. Who wants to give it a shot?”

“I do!” Katrielle shouted.

“You can count me in, Father.” Flora smiled.

“Why not. Hit me with it, Pops.” Alfendi replied.

“Alright, listen carefully….”

_ _ _ _

“That's where the story ends, Sherl. And look, we made it to the café. Flora, Alfendi, hello!” Katrielle happily sings.

Katrielle's smile forms for a quick moment as she waves to her siblings sitting patiently for her arrival. A sudden thought comes across her mind seeing that the table they're at has four seats.

“Hello, Katrielle! How's your agency going?”

“It's going-going… I-I–” Katrielle struggles to answer.

Flora stands up running towards her sister, hugging Katrielle tightly just like back then.

“I know, I know. I miss him too, but you still have us. Katrielle, Alfendi and I promise that we'll never disappear on you.”

“Promise?” Katrielle asks.

“We promise. Right, Alfendi?” Flora questions.

“I promise not to disappear on you too. I'm not going anywhere, Kat. So, don't worry, you're stuck with me.” Alfendi replies.

“I know. And I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope you don't mind me inviting Sherl. He needed to understand how important tea parties are.” Katrielle smiles.

Even with a missing piece to the Layton family, at least the three siblings have each other and one day their family will be whole once more.

I've enjoyed writing this one as I wanted to focus on the Layton siblings and what their dynamic could be like. I'm quite proud of the story I came up with.

I had a wonderful time collaborating with the wonderful artists @najikasunart and @juji39. Their art work is absolutely phenomenal so go check them out. I also had an amazing puzzle maker for this story @sides-on-a-string, they developed a great puzzle which the puzzle Professor Layton gave his children to solve.

And also to the wonderful people who helped me to iron out the story, I want to thank the members from @proflaytonbigbang who gave me comments and suggestions to make it the best it can be.

#professor layton big bang 2024 #professor layton #flora reinhold #flora layton #alfendi layton #katrielle layton #sherl oc kholmes #sherl layton #layton siblings

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