The next morning, sunlight poured through the grand windows of the Lionhardt mansion. Lucien stretched, crimson hair falling into his amethyst eyes, before heading down to breakfast. The aroma of freshly baked bread and chocolate-filled pastries made his stomach rumble, and he enjoyed a quiet meal with Venelana and Claire, who were already animatedly discussing the family wealth.
After breakfast, Lucien settled into a cozy corner of the study, opening his system interface. He browsed through the menus, his eyes flicking across options for traits, bloodlines, and skills.
Venelana leaned over the desk, curious. "Lucien… can I ask something?"
Lucien looked up, smiling. "Of course."
Claire, ever blunt, piped in. "Do we… resemble anyone?"
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Resemble anyone? What do you mean?"
Claire shrugged, her cheeks faintly pink. "Yesterday, after you woke up from… you know, when you lost consciousness, you seemed a little surprised. It got me thinking."
Lucien chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You have a sharp eye, Claire. Very observant," he said, praising her. Claire puffed out her chest proudly, while Venelana glanced at her, slightly jealous but smiling warmly.
"Well…" Lucien continued, "you both resemble characters from two different animes." He grabbed a piece of paper and began to sketch. "Venelana, you look like Vanelana Bael from High School DxD." He drew her adult likeness, capturing her elegance and fierce charm.
Venelana peeked at the drawing, eyes widening. "Is that… really me?"
Lucien nodded. "Absolutely. Beautiful, strong… everything you are."
Claire's arms crossed, slightly flustered. Lucien then drew her likeness, capturing her sharp but gentle features, remarking, "And Claire… you resemble Claire Harvey from Hundred."
Claire blinked in surprise, then nodded. "I… I look like that?"
Lucien smiled warmly. "You do. Both of you are beautiful."
The girls exchanged glances, warmth spreading between them.
Bloodline Decisions
Lucien turned his attention back to the system. "I've been thinking… about bloodlines. I've decided to pick the Nine-Tail Bloodline, combining both the Origin Class and Primordial Class to form a single, apex-level bloodline."
Venelana and Claire leaned in, intrigued.
"This combination," Lucien explained, "will make the bloodline extremely powerful and versatile. It's the best way to maximize its potential."
He paused, eyes softening as he looked at them. "And for both of you… I'll buy you strong bloodlines too. That way, you can protect yourselves. I won't always be able to shield you from everything."
Venelana and Claire's faces lit up. "Really?" Venelana asked softly.
Lucien nodded. "Really."
Overwhelmed by warmth and gratitude, the two girls hugged him tightly. Then, in a playful show of affection, they each kissed his cheeks—Venelana on the left, Claire on the right.
Lucien's ears turned red instantly. "W-Wait… you two!" he stammered, flustered but smiling.
Venelana and Claire giggled, letting go of him but keeping their arms around his shoulders. Lucien shook his head, still blushing, yet feeling a sense of happiness and belonging he had never known.