Family, Guidance, and Small Rebellions
Ania's eyes sparkled, tiny tears forming at the edges, her lips quivering. "Brother… why did you become so quiet all of a sudden… "
Victor came to an immediate halt, rigid as a statue. His eyes scanned his mother and father, both looking at him with caution, waiting, the warmth in their eyes mixed with curiosity. The little girl's guileless concern pulled harshly on his chest.
He experienced a whirl of thoughts, panic flicking briefly—fuck, how do I make this sound?—before he imposed a mask of calm on his face. A gentle smile spread, easy and warm, covering the turbulence within.
"Huh… nothing, Ania," he said softly, voice even. "Your brother was just. lost in thought. Thinking about which cultivator technique or route might be right for him.
Ania blinked, cocking her head to one side, attempting to decipher his mood. Her small brows drew together, but she appeared to believe him, though uncertainty remained. Victor's golden-purple eyes gentled as he observed her.
Anna and Ben shared fleeting smiles and nodded, the corners of their mouths tugging upwards with their mirth, which was understated, yet not concealed.
Anna leaned in, voice soft but playful. "Victor, you don't have to think too hard about this. I'll tell you a bit about cultivation."
Victor's lips curled, his words instructed by hers. Violet whispered inside: Darling… you already know everything there is to know about this through your system. Just pretend. He nodded ever so slightly, hiding what he knew, pretending to be curious.
Anna went on. "My cultivation is Tempering Realm [Advanced], and your father—well, he is Tempering Realm [Master]."
Victor's eyes widened a bit, pretending he was surprised. "Oh… that's… impressive. Great father, great mother… you two are very powerful."
Ben smiled and bowed his head ever so slightly, his deep and modest voice. "It's nothing, son. In this world, there are too many strong people. You've only seen a fraction."
Anna went on, her light voice floating in the air like a feather, "And you do not yet have our complete levels. We're… giving you only the portion appropriate for a child your age."
Victor's brow creased ever so slightly. "Wait… just part?"
Anna wiggled her hand indistinctly, as if swatting at the details. "Shh, it doesn't matter now. You'll understand in time."
Victor's thoughts ticked through their words, affecting to process them. Violet's voice slipped into his mind: Darling… your system might see all of this if you want to. But your parents don't know that yet. Enjoy the moment.
He nodded slightly, a small flash of amusement lurking in his eyes.
Ben cleared his throat, smoothing his robe, the action commanding but untroubled. "Son, put all that on hold for now. Let's go to the Royal Cultivation Room. I'll show you how to master your breathing and award you your repeated gift."
Victor's mouth formed a small, compliant smile. Anna fell into line behind Ben, hands crossed elegantly in front.
Ania pulled gently at Victor's cuff. "I want to go too!" she said, voice firm, childishly demanding.
Anna's violet eyes relaxed, but her voice was firm. "No, Ania. You will go with the maids to learn. You have to get your foundation knowledge in before next year when you awaken. Big brother will take care of you now.
Ania pouted, gazing up at Victor with big, beseeching eyes. "But… I want to study with my big brother now!"
Victor smiled down at her, taking her small hand in a gentle grasp. "I know, little one… I'll see you later, I promise. Today, you go learn first, okay?"
Ania's brows furrowed, but she nodded slowly, believing her brother's promise. Victor's eyes darted to Anna.
"You little brat," Anna muttered under her breath, shaking her head, "stubborn like your brother."
Victor chuckled softly, pressing a reassuring squeeze to Ania's hand. "Go study now. Later, we'll play together, alright?"
Ania blinked, and nodded in full, taking a step back. She let the maid, who had been called with a polite clap of Anna's hands, take her hand. The little princess was led quietly out of the room, with a final glance at Victor, a mingling of excitement and longing.
Victor's parents looked back at him. Anna's smile was patiently, proudly, while Ben's blue eyes spoke a quiet pride.
"Now, son," Ben spoke, his voice warm, "let's go. Time to start your training.
Victor nodded, running his hand over his robe and breathing deeply. The three of them—Victor, Anna, and Ben—made their way out together, the corridor sighing quietly beneath their feet. Morning light poured through the high windows, gold and white gilding the floor.
Each step was alive, each movement deliberate, filled with the soft intimacy of family, the weight of expectation, and the excitement of setting out on a new path.
Victor's eyes glanced at the vacant hall where Ania had vanished, a gentle heat in his breast. Soon… soon, little sister. We'll train together, I swear.
And with this hope, his pace kept up with his father and mother's, assured, even, and prepared.