A deep silence settle, Ren wondering just how the Soul Devourer would react his comment.
But then;
"I'm s-sorry, I only wished to inform you that your guards are waiting downstairs... " a soft frightened voice made Ren turned around, noticing the other presence in his room— his younger sister Liz, donned in a school uniform, eyes on the ground, her breath shaking as she rubbed her elbow with her hand to herself down.
Ren's expression softened, a pang of guilt washing over him as his gaze fell on her hair— so lightly blonde it tended to white.
"No, Liz... "
Before he could finish, Liz spoke stutteringly, "I'll take my leave now," then she scurried out of his room.
He wanted to chase after her and explain but he stopped himself, realizing it was better for him to be absent from her for the time being.
"You know Ren, I keep on thinking I'm simply seeing things. That you're simply being as manipulative as you've shown so far, trying to use your family as some sort asset. But the more I watch, the more I start I think that you actually care for this family.... "
came the Soul Devourer's voice, probing calculatedly.
Ren's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Of course I care for it. I've always wanted a family, relations formed with bonds deeper than mutual benefit. I thought I had one before, but that person betrayed me and buried me one thousand feet under.
I know he'll exploit it as a weakness. All I can do is prepare for the day he does.
He quickly took a shower and wore the outfit he requested for the previous day— a pair of black pants, a long sleeved shirt which he folded because the sleeves couldn't accommodate the chains wrapped around his forearms, black shoes and a necktie— a classic casual look a business man tired after a long day in the office would done.
This was how he was used to dressing on casual days and on official office days, a full suit. He did this because of his ego, a silent statement to everyone that looked down on him that he would make his way to the top, above everyone else, despite his zero background.
He felt nervous heading downstairs. He was about to officially step into a new world and learn all there was about it, living independently, a fresh start, but with silent dangers lurking in the shadows.
He found his family had just finished their breakfast and were about to head out. Two men, one young, the other older, sat in the lavish lounge in still silence.
I guess those are my guards. Yeesh, they don't look like they'll be easy to get along with. That young one looks like a vampire that hasn't slept in years. Why is he carrying around a Violin? And the older one... his stone face, he's like a ruthless military instructor.
As soon as Natasha saw Ren coming downstairs, her fierce heels struck against the marble floor along with her rhythmic strides— a sound that made Ren flinch in anticipated pain.
"YOU!"
Before he knew it, he was lifted off the ground by his necktie.
Damn Woman! You need to take it easy on those steroids!
"What did you do to her this time you, sicko!"
Natasha's gaze burnt with unmistakeable fury.
At once, Ren understood.
Its Liz.
"I'm sorry. I swear, I did not do anything..." he was in trying to explain himself when Natasha's grip tightened around the tie, making him choke.
"Natasha, Put your brother down!" Martin warned sternly— Ren's savior when it came to Natasha problems.
Natasha heeded and let go, afterwards crossing her arms over her chest.
"Like I said, I did not do anything. It was a slight misunderstanding. I had just woken up from a nightmare and the Soul Devourer's voice was so loud in my head, I didn't notice Liz standing in my room. And I said a harsh comment reffering to the Soul Devourer as a white-haired fool, but Liz misunderstood and thought I was referring to her... " Ren projected his voice just enough for Liz to hear.
Turning his gaze at Liz who was stood in the dining hall, he smiled affectionately, "Liz, I just want to let you know... the Ren you knew is gone. I'm different now."
"How did you know he had white hair?" came Natasha's question, eyes narrowed in suspicion, gaze sharp— still not willing to let Ren off the hook that easily.
"hmm?" Ren was a little started, turning his attention back to his new scary big sister.
"Are you deaf? The Soul Devourer... how did you know he had white hair?"
"Well that, I saw it in the dream I had this morning... "
Natasha smirked coldly in response, "I'm late for work... See you later Mother, Father. I'll drop Liz at school," then she made her way out of the house, Liz scurrying right behind.
***
Just outside, her expression had softened, taking a warmer big sister aura as she firmly held Liz's shoulders and looked right into her eyes.
"Liz, you need not worry about him anymore. He won't hurt you ever again. Even if he tries. Remember what I told you this morning. He lost his memories, his cultivation level as well. The next time he says something hurful, I give you permission to beat the hell out of him.. He's weak now. You can hoist him in the air just as easily as I did."
"Really?" the tension in Liz's shoulders eased.
"Yes really... " seeing she had managed to calm her down, Natasha let go of her and started walking to the parking, a smile tugging on her lips as she imagined Liz bullying Ren.
Following behind, Liz shuffled her thumbs, saying, "But I don't want to hurt big brother. I'm not a bully," her comment drawing a genuine laugh from Natasha.
"Of course, you wouldn't."
***
Ren had to wait in the house for about an hour after all his family members had left and now he was left alone with his guards.
This was the plan they agreed on the day before. He couldn't risk being seen leaving the house together because that would give the impression that they were close— just in case there were spies waiting outside.
The older guard, who introduced himself as David, handled all the communication. The young guard wasn't really a guard, but a talented student he had taken in, his name— Kael.
"I am aware of your current misfortune prince... my condolences. This is your new phone updated with all the your cloud data. As per your father's request, your bank account has been updated. The bank will be sending you a form to fill and set your pin later. Your funds will be accessible after. A modest apartment has been arranged as per your request... We'll take you there at the end of the day after we've shown you around the city."
There was a way David spoke— like a superior staring at a spoilt brat he had no respect for. However unsettling, Ren understood where he was coming from and silently kept a mental note.
From time to time, he kept on glancing at Kael and his violin.
Something feels off about him.
Having been briefed thoroughly by David, Ren didn't notice time fly as he pictured how this world was going to treat, and now he was set to make his debut in this high fantasy world.
I may be at the bottom now, but I'll climb my way up. I've done it once; I'll do it all again!
The door was opened for him and he stepped out of the manor.