I barely managed to whisper, "Okay, I'll be there," my voice carrying down the hallway as the maid's footsteps faded away. The silence that followed was heavy, oppressive, like the calm before a storm.
After emerging from the bathroom, I moved through the motions of getting dressed with mechanical precision. The wardrobe offered little variety—expensive but predictable. I pulled on a crisp white shirt and black pants, the fabric feeling restrictive against my skin. Everything in this closet screamed "privileged young master," and I grimaced at the lack of comfortable options.
Catching my reflection in the mirror, I paused. My hair—that ridiculously long hair—cascaded down my back like a dark waterfall. Even tied in a ponytail, it made me look disturbingly feminine. I'd have to do something about this soon. The original Riyan had grown it out for Fera's approval, a pathetic gesture that had accomplished nothing except making him look like he was trying too hard.
I shook off the irritation and headed for the door. Time to meet the family.
The hallway outside was a testament to obscene wealth. Marble floors polished to a mirror shine, paintings that looked like they belonged in museums, and ornate fixtures that probably cost more than most people's houses. Even with Riyan's memories, the sheer opulence was staggering.
My mind was already churning through strategies as I walked. How would I convince them about my modeling plans? The family had influence, money, connections—everything I needed to establish my own reputation before the Academy. But they'd also have expectations, concerns, questions I'd need to address carefully.
I was so lost in thought that I didn't notice the ambush until arms wrapped around me from behind.
"Good morning, Yan!"
The voice was sweet, melodic, and entirely too close to my ear. I turned to find myself face-to-face with Livia Descartes—Riyan's twin sister—and the memories provided instant recognition even as my eyes took in the reality.
She was beautiful in an almost ethereal way. Black hair that matched mine, cascading in waves. But where my eyes were crimson, hers were a striking blue that seemed to pierce through pretense. Her smile was warm, genuine, and completely at odds with what I knew about her from the novel.
Livia Descartes. The villainess. Brother-complex yandere who became increasingly unhinged as the story progressed. Dangerous didn't begin to cover it.
I gently extricated myself from her embrace, and her face fell for just a moment—a flash of hurt that made something twist in my chest. Then her smile returned, bright as sunshine, as if the moment of vulnerability had never happened.
"Good morning, Sis," I replied, keeping my tone casual while my mind raced.
Out of curiosity, I mentally commanded the system to show me her status.
[Ding!]
[Loading Status...]
[Status
Name: Livia Descartes
Charm: A-
Strength: D+
Speed: C+
Endurance: E+
Aura: C-
Current Rank: D+
Talents: S Rank Archer
Affinity: S Rank Ice
Age: 15 years
Traits: Brother Complex, Yandere, Ruthless
Race: Half Asura and Human
Relation With Host: Twin Sister
Siblings: Riyan Descartes and Syra Descartes
Titles: Ruthless Princess, Youngest of Descartes Family, Miss of the Mairis Family
Obsession: Riyan Descartes
Favorability: Deep Obsession
Identity: Villain in the Novel "Saint's Odyssey"]
D+ rank at fifteen. That was exceptional, even by genius standards. The Asura bloodline wasn't just for show. But that "Deep Obsession" favorability rating made my skin crawl. I'd have to be extremely careful not to trigger any of her darker impulses.
"What are you thinking about?" Her voice pulled me back to reality, those blue eyes studying me with unsettling intensity.
"Nothing," I lied smoothly. "Just wondering what's for breakfast."
"We should get going, or we'll be late," I added, trying to redirect.
She looped her arm through mine with practiced ease, her cheerfulness infectious. "Let's go then!"
We approached the massive double doors leading to the dining hall, and I felt my pulse quicken. Beyond those doors waited the rest of my new family—including two women I absolutely could not afford to underestimate.
Taking a steadying breath, I pushed the doors open.
The dining hall was exactly as ostentatious as I'd expected. A table that could seat twenty people dominated the center of the room, set with fine china and crystal that probably cost more than a car. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, making everything gleam.
But my attention zeroed in on the two women seated at the table.
The first sat in the main chair at the head of the table—clearly the seat of authority. She was a mature, refined version of Livia, with the same black hair and blue eyes, but her features held a sharpness that spoke of experience and power. Riya Descartes. My mother in this life. Pure-blooded Asura. Current head of the Descartes family and master of one of the continent's strongest guilds.
One of the main villains of "Saint's Odyssey," and according to the novel, a woman who would eventually die protecting her children from the protagonist.
The second woman had greenish-white hair that seemed to shimmer in the light and striking green eyes that currently regarded me with barely concealed hostility. Syra Descartes. Half-elf, half-human. My adopted older sister and, ironically, one of the novel's main heroines.
Her glare made it clear she thought I was about as useful as a screen door on a submarine.
I activated the system's analysis almost reflexively.
[Status
Name: Syra Descartes
Charm: S+
Strength: A-
Speed: A+
Endurance: D+
Mana: S-
Current Rank: A+
Talent: A- Rank Mana Control
Affinity: S Rank Wind
Relation With Host: Adopted Sister
Siblings: Riyan Descartes and Livia Descartes
Titles: A+ Rank Hunter, Sword of the Wind, Cold Princess, Eldest Miss of Descartes Family, Vice-Master of Descartes Guild
Age: 25 years
Traits: Cold, Guardian of Nature
Race: Half-Elf and Human
Favorability: Hate-Love (Hostile)
Identity: One of the Main Heroes in the Novel "Saint's Odyssey"]
A+ rank at twenty-five. Vice-master of the guild. That was impressive, but not unexpected. What caught my attention was that "Hate-Love" favorability. There was history here—the original Riyan had burned bridges with his obsessive behavior toward Fera, and Syra apparently hadn't forgiven him for it.
Then I checked my mother's status, and my blood ran cold.
[Name: Riya Descartes (Former Mairis)
Charm: S+
Strength: SS-
Speed: S+
Endurance: S-
Mana: SS+
Current Rank: SS+
Talent: A+ Rank Martial Arts Genius
Affinity: S Rank Fire
Husband: Cris Descartes
Children: Syra Descartes, Livia Descartes, Riyan Descartes
Titles: SS+ Rank Hunter, Fire Empress, Ruthless Queen, Former Heir of Mairis Family, Asura Duchess, Current Head of Descartes Family, Master of Descartes Guild
Race: Asura
Traits: Son Complex, Battle Freak, Ruthless
Favorability: Obsessed
Identity: One of the Main Villains in the Novel "Saint's Odyssey"]
SS+ rank. Those stats were monstrous—she could probably level a city block without breaking a sweat. And yet, according to the novel's plot, even she would fall to Alex's protagonist powers. The thought made my jaw clench. I'd have to change that outcome, no matter what it took.
"Good morning, Yan and Liv."
The sweet, motherly voice cut through my thoughts like a warm knife through butter. Despite everything—despite knowing what she was capable of, despite the "Obsessed" favorability rating—I felt something in my chest loosen.
"Good morning, Mom," I replied, and Livia echoed the sentiment with her usual enthusiasm.
Riya's smile was genuine warmth incarnate. "Come, sit. Breakfast is ready."
As we took our seats—Livia practically bouncing into the chair beside me—I noticed my mother's eyes studying me with that particular intensity only a parent could manage. Concern mixed with curiosity, love mixed with calculation.
Syra, meanwhile, continued radiating disapproval like a particularly judgmental lighthouse.
This was going to be interesting.
---