"I'm fine. We're fine. Everything will be fine,"
"Honey, you need to calm down,"
"I am calm!"
Mom gave Dad the stink eye before sighing as she cradled me in her arms. "You're going to make our little Riven worried, you know. He's been frowning a lot for the past couple of days. He even fainted yesterday, my poor baby,"
"He is?" Dad looked surprised. "I'm sorry, son. Daddy will smile and be happy more often!"
I only gave him a stink eye, copying my Mom, which made her laugh.
Dad is rarely home because he's always working overtime at his office job, which barely pays him due to his F-rank. He impressed Mom by taking her out on a date at the park, and when the sunset hit, he released water bubbles all over the sky with his fingers.
It's the only magic he could do.
I don't see anything impressive about that, but as long as Mom was happy with it, then I'm satisfied.
I think the only thing I'm grateful for, all thanks to Dad, is his looks.
Because of that, I became a good-looking baby.
Heck yeah.
But sadly, beauty doesn't matter in this era if you can only make bubbles with your magic. Poor Dad.
This must be one of the reasons why he's so nervous about going to this birthday party.
He knew people were going to point out his lack of magic, making fun of the bubbles he was making and his low-paying job. Mom would get belittled by my aunt, and I'd get bullied by my cousins. Dad knew this, and he felt helpless about it.
Don't worry, Dad. Since I activated my demonic heart, I'll start my training starting tomorrow and become so powerful that I'll become the only one with an SSS rank in this world.
Just you wait.
"We're here," Dad announced, swallowing loudly out of nervousness.
I looked outside the window in awe.
Holy crap, grandpa is rich!
Is this what happens when you're someone with a high rank?
The mansion loomed at the end of the long drive, with rows of overgrown trees surrounding it. Its walls were pale stone, dozens of windows lined up, and a wide staircase led up to the front doors.
Dad parked the car next to a much, much better-looking one, and we all exited the vehicle. I held mom's hand since I didn't want her to carry me all the time, and waddled toward the stairs.
The doors were already open, and a butler approached. I thought he was going to greet us, but the guy must've ranked higher than us because he didn't even acknowledge our existence and closed the doors behind us.
You're lucky I'm a respectful little baby, old butler. Or else I'd kick your shins!
"Mr. Rowan is still upstairs. But he instructed everyone to gather in the living room," The butler said, giving Dad a flat stare before walking away.
I glared at the retreating figure, swinging my fists in the air out of frustration. Mom shushed me, patting my head.
"This is not the time to fuss, Riven. You promised me to behave, okay?"
"Ng," I hummed, pouting petulantly.
Dad smiled at me, though nervousness was still coloring his entire face.
The three of us walked deeper into the mansion, following the smell of delicious food and the sound of music playing.
But when we arrived at the massive living room, the atmosphere subtly shifted.
Those judgmental eyes.
Ugh, I hate them.
I glanced up to see Mom and Dad, and their expressions seemed pinched. But they tried to pretend that it didn't bother them.
"Well, well. If it isn't my dearest sister,"
I resisted the urge to yell the B word out loud. I'm sure I'd get sent to a psych ward or something. That, or they'd separate me from my parents, thinking they taught me that word.
"Miranda," Mom greeted back uninterestedly, but her shoulders looked tense.
"Ah, and little Riven has grown up!" Miranda, my stupid aunt, chimed in with feigned cheerfulness.
I want to rabbit punch her face.
I didn't respond and looked away. My aunt's face twitched, and her cheerful demeanor disappeared instantly.
"Tch, still has no manners. This is what happens when you can't afford a proper education for your child. How disappointing," Miranda tutted, flipping her short hair while two of her friends giggled behind her.
"My son is very well-behaved," Mom tried to defend me.
"Whatever you say, sister," Miranda hummed. "How about letting him play with Avia and Cassian while all of us catch up before Dad comes down from his room? My children are particularly fond of Riven,"
What a load of butt! She knows her two gremlins of a kid like to bully me!
"I think it's okay for Riven to stay with Nessa,"
Yes, way to go, Dad!
"Come on, Aven, surely you don't want your son to be spoiled when he grows up. I thought you knew how to take care of your child,"
Damn you, Aunt!
Mom and Dad hesitated, but they knew they had caused an unwanted commotion since everyone in the room was staring, whispering among themselves, and clearly taking sides with my aunt.
Mom looked at me with a forced smile. "Would you like to play with Avia and Cassian, sweetheart?"
"Nyo," I replied flatly.
My aunt sneered. "See? No manners,"
I looked at my aunt and stuck my tongue out.
She gasped.
My mom tried not to laugh, but Dad paled and reprimanded me softly not to do that.
Who cares? My aunt deserves it.