So, why do you call me Christopher?" Rafael asked, his tone one of confusion, as he was being served a glass of wine, his brow slightly furrowed in curiosity.
After they finished dinner, Christopher leaned in slightly and asked Rafael and Marco in a hushed, private tone because he wanted to speak with them alone in a private room. Still, the women heard that, they exchanged glances, thinking they could have their own 'girls' conversation, while the tired children retreated to their bedrooms to sleep.
"Can I just say I want to drink?" Christopher said evasively, pouring more wine into his cup with a calm, deliberative motion.
"No, Chris, you know this old man still holds a grudge against me," Marco replied with a teasing smile, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Don't call me an old man. I'm only a decade older than you," Rafael quickly countered, his tone assertive. "And again, you're the reason Christopher decided to join the military in the first place."
"Hey, Pops, cut some slack on father-in-law. You know he's always serious," Christopher said with a firm tone.
"Hehehe, sorry, just messing around," Marco chuckled, taking a hearty gulp of his drink to mask his amusement.
"Alright, then, what's the real reason?" Marco asked seriously, setting down his glass and fixing his gaze on Christopher.
Christopher looked down at his cup, lost in deep thought, hesitantly questioning whether his decision was correct or if they would listen to him—yet he knew this was the only way to ensure his family's safety.
"We should have our own private army," he finally declared with determination.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
"Are you serious, Chris?" Marco asked with wide eyes, his voice filled with disbelief as he poured more wine into his cup, scrutinizing him.
"That's a bold statement, Christopher. The authorities won't look kindly on that, and you risk being arrested for such plans," Rafael said cautiously, sipping his wine as he carefully considered the implications.
"I know, but I've had enough of the uselessness of government officials. They prioritize their own interests over protecting citizens," Christopher responded passionately. "This unpredictable world has already shown us that time is not on our side."
"Moreover, the world continues to expand in unforeseen ways; this mysterious phenomenon has already proven we're running out of time, and the government isn't taking it seriously. Despite reports that billions are dead, they appear complacent," he continued, voice rising slightly.
"So I believe we need to prepare now, gather weapons and forces while we still can, before the fallout begins."
The room fell into an uneasy silence, as Marco and Rafael each recollected the numerous offenses committed by authorities against their respective families.
In the Reignius family, officials constantly meddled in military affairs, forcing family members into dangerous missions and ignoring Marshal Edwin's authority, among other intrusions.
In the Conwell family, internal strife existed, with attempts to create division within the company, including supporting Rafael's three sons over Arthur, stealing important research data, and excluding them from collaborative projects, among other actions.
"Okay, you've convinced us," Rafael said reluctantly, his face unreadable, though his mind was seething with anger as he recalled past government intervention on business.
"Yeah, when I heard you received another mission abroad, it seems like they're just playing around and not planning ahead," Marco added with an irritated fold of his arms.
"They already are. The city bunker is their fallback plan if they can't control everything," Rafael said soberly, taking a sip of his wine.
"What do you plan to do then?" Rafael asked, leaning forward slightly.
"I think you should avoid recruiting outsiders. We have family relatives in the branch, distant and subordinate families we can reach out to," Marco advised.
"Additionally, if we want to detach from the government, we should consider creating our own city bunker. I can contact my brother and see if he wants to join us here."
"That's a good idea, Pops," Christopher said approvingly.
"Don't forget me," Rafael interjected, voice firm.
"I'll fund the city bunker project. Many of my company's research needs relocating, and most countries are after my data anyway."
"So, you want to separate from the authorities as well? I like that. They clearly don't appreciate our families," Marco said with a grim smile.
"But Pops, would Uncle agree to that?" Christopher asked cautiously about his father-in-law's involvement.
"It's okay. He's already part of the family. My brother wouldn't object," Marco chuckled.
Knock Knock
Just as they were on the verge of resuming their conversation, a soft knocking echoed on the door, interrupting the moment.
"Yes?" Christopher responded.
The door slowly creaked open, revealing Kevin as he entered awkwardly. He looked at Christopher and asked.
"Dad, can we talk?"
Rafael and Marco exchanged glances, nodding, and they were about to stand up to give father and son privacy.
"It's okay, you two can listen."
Rafael and Marco nodded and settled down again.
Kevin took a deep breath before speaking again.
"Dad... I want to join your mission."
"... I already know how to fight and protect myself since you trained me, but still!"
"I want to fight again, rather than stay behind on the sidelines while you jump back into the zombie outbreak." He stated firmly, clenching his hands.
Christopher looked at him with a calm, steady gaze.
"... No"
"Dad!"
"For what reason do you need to insist?" He asked gently.
"Recognition," Kevin's expression hardened as he was explaining.
"If I have achievements, I can join the government and stand against corrupt officials on their own grounds"
"I don't like that they're not accountable for their causes, our safety seems not a concern to them, even now, Dad's life appears disposable used whenever it suits their needs." His voice rose with frustration.
Christopher sighed and said.
"If that's your reason, then still no, just focus on your studies and training"
"But, Dad—
Keven was about to protest when Christopher gestured to him to wait.
"If you seek recognition, just as I and your mom achieved, skip grade and then learn in law school"
"You will be well known, and that's an achievement that will accelerate your goals."
"... Got it?"
Kevin nodded, though concerns still lingered in his eyes.
"But Dad, even though what you said I still wanna join the mission."
Christopher's expression hardened.
"No means no, did I say study first?"
"Or what? Are you worried about me? Don't underestimate me, have I kept you all safe from zombies and gotten you resources, did I?"
"Now go and get some rest before I get mad"
Seeing seriousness in his father's eyes, Kevin relented and sighed. He walks through the door, opens it, and then looks at his father with a small smile.
"Thanks for listening to me Dad"
Christopher nodded and returned the smile.
"Good night, Kevin"
"Good night, Dad"
Kevin quietly exited, closing the door behind him, and returned the room to silence.
Only to be broken by Rafael, speaking emotionless.
"Sometimes I wonder why you two are father and son," he said, sipping his wine as he looked at Marco.
"You don't act much like a father figure, huh.?"
Marco shot him an annoying glance and said.
"Leave me alone"
"Hehehe"
Christopher chuckled, laughing at their banter.
Meanwhile, Arthur woke up from the sound of his door opening, he looked over and saw his sister, Evangeline.
"Ohh? Hehehe, Sorry for waking you up Arthur." She said sheepishly, and she continued to move towards his bed, still intending to sleep there.
"Sis, why are you in my room? Didn't I say we should sleep separately now" he asked curiously.
"No, I still have nightmares and still want to sleep with you"
"... haahhh" Arthur sighed deeply.
"Okay, but this will be the last time, got it?"
"Got it"
Arthur nodded and settled back into his sleeping posture.
"... can I hug you while sleeping?" She asked hesitantly.
"... okay" he murmured quietly.
"Good night, Arthur," she said warmly with a cute smile, proceeding to cuddle him and then falling asleep.
"..."
Arthur suddenly feels a gaze in his mind.
[...]
(...Don't Say Anything)
[... affirmative]