Elora, ever attentive, had laid out my clothes on the bed before stepping outside, leaving me to change in privacy. I glanced at the attire she had chosen, a sense of irony tugging at the corner of my lips.
The outfit was nothing short of luxurious, the kind reserved for scholarly pursuits. It consisted of a richly embroidered tunic, the fabric a deep, crimson red that shimmered in the light. Intricate patterns of flames, symbolic of our family's heritage and status, adorned the cuffs and hem, while the trousers were of a matching hue, perfectly tailored to demonstrate elegance and prestige. Even the shoes were polished to a mirror-like sheen, completing the image of a young noble poised for greatness.
This clothing was specially tailored for children entering the 'Training'. Since the focus of the training was on enhancing the intelligence stat within the Asher's family, a pursuit more intellectual than physical, there was no need for attire suited to rigorous movement. Hence, they chose to equip us with these extravagant outfits. The purpose was more than mere fashion; it was a strategic choice. These clothes were designed to project a certain image to other clans, a display of sophistication that came with being a member of the Arashi family. Such attire was a subtle yet powerful statement of our family's commitment to excellence.
In my past life, I would have donned this outfit without a second thought, eager to project an image of influence and potential, especially given my young age. It was a way to command respect and attention in a world where adults often overlooked the young.
But now, with different priorities and a clear understanding of what truly mattered, I scoffed lightly at the thought of wearing such attire. It represented a path I was no longer interested in pursuing.
Turning to my wardrobe, I sifted through the clothes until I found what I was looking for: simple, unassuming garments. I selected a pair of plain grey pants and a basic white shirt – the kind of clothes worn by the lower-class for their everyday tasks. They were comfortable, practical, and most importantly, they were a statement. By choosing these clothes, I was rejecting the expectations of my family and the rigid traditions that had once dictated my every move.
"I also need these clothes because those fancy cloths won't withstand the rigorous training I'm planning to put myself through."
Dressing quickly, I felt a sense of liberation. I was no longer the prodigy bound by the chains of expectation; I was Kaien, a person determined to carve his own path, regardless of familial expectations.
Once dressed, I stepped out of my room. I was keenly aware of the surprised glance Elora gave me as she glanced at my attire, but it didn’t matter.
"Y-Young Master, what happened to the clothes I laid out for you?" Elora asked, her voice laced with surprise and confusion.
"I left them there. Today's the first day of training, and those impractical clothes would only get in the way of my movements." I replied, adjusting the simple shirt I had chosen.
"But, movement? Why would you care abou-" Elora started, her brows furrowed in concern.
"Let's head to the Main Hall, shall we? We wouldn't want to be late and cause a stir." I interjected, cutting her off. I knew Elora was uncomfortable with me presenting myself in such modest attire, but there were more pressing issues at hand. Between making a fashion statement and punctuality, the latter was certainly her greater concern. I steered us towards the Main Hall, ready to confront the start of a new path.
As we made our way to the Main Hall, the grandeur of the Arashi family estate was on full display. The corridors were adorned with lavish decorations. The walls were lined with an array of paintings, each capturing or depicting a moment of our family's history. The floor was covered with plush red carpets that muffled my footsteps, leading me through the hallway.
Maids moved quietly along the corridor, their attention dedicated to preserving the pristine condition of the estate. They meticulously cleaned the luxurious vases and dusted the frames that adorned the walls. Their movements were graceful and efficient.
As I stepped into the Main Hall, the scene that unfolded before me was of bustling activity. The hall itself was a architectural beauty. Towering ceilings adorned with intricate designs. Enormous chandeliers, dripping with crystals, cast a warm, golden light over the crowd. The floor was a polished marble mosaic, reflecting the beautiful ceiling.
The hall was teeming with people. Every corner was filled with adults from both the main and branch families. It was a gathering of significance, as many were parents of the children about to embark on the rigorous training program. The air was thick with anticipation and the murmur of countless conversations.
In my first life, I remember being overwhelmed by this scene. As a nervous and immature teenager, the weight of expectations and the scrutiny of so many eyes had been almost suffocating. But now, as I walked through the hall, my perspective had drastically changed. I felt a sense of detachment; these people, of whom I recognized less than a few percent, held no power over me.
As I made my way through the crowd, I could feel the gazes of the adults upon me. Their mocking whispers and muffled laughter were undoubtedly about my plain clothing.
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"Look at that one, in such plain clothes. Does the Arashi family now dress their children in commoner's attire?" one woman sneered, her voice dripping with mockery.
"Perhaps they've fallen on hard times?" another man joked, eliciting a round of chuckles from those nearby.
"And here I thought the Arashi main family prided themselves on excellence. Seems like they've lowered their standards." a man quipped, eyeing me with a smirk.
Their words, meant to belittle and mock, floated around me, but I remained unfazed. The disdain and ridicule that once would have cut deep now seemed inconsequential. I had a plan, a clear path forward, and the shallow judgments of these people were mere background noises.
"Kaien!"
'This voice!'
At the sound of that familiar voice, I whipped my head around so quickly it felt like I could have snapped a bone. There she was... my mother. She moved towards me with a grace that seemed to defy her physical capabilities, her elegant clothing flowing around her like water. She was the epitome beauty. Her hair was styled impeccably, each strand perfectly in place, and her face bore a gentle, yet striking, makeup that highlighted her natural beauty.
"Kaien!"
"Mother!"
As she closed the distance between us, I braced myself for a warm, maternal embrace, a moment I had pictured in my mind countless times. But what happened next was far from the tender reunion I had envisioned.
Just as she reached me, instead of wrapping me in a hug, her hand swiftly came up and thumped me on the head. The surprise of it left me momentarily stunned.
"Aghr! What was that for?"
"Kaien, what on earth are you wearing?" she exclaimed, her tone a blend of disbelief and exasperation. "You're at a formal gathering, not some backstreet play!"
I rubbed the spot where she had hit me, a sheepish grin spreading across my face. This was my mother in her truest form – straightforward, no-nonsense, and unapologetically herself. Despite the initial shock, a chuckle escaped me. I had almost forgotten how direct she could be, especially when it came to matters of family image or was it perhaps my image that she was worried most, rather then the families?
"Sorry, Mother, I thought I'd try something different today." I replied, trying to sound as earnest as possible despite the humor of the situation.
"Different is an understatement." she retorted, but I could see the corners of her mouth twitching, trying to suppress a smile. "Well, at least you made it in time."
As she inspected me from head to toe, her demeanor softened, and I could see the relief in her eyes. She was just happy to see me, even if her way of showing it was a little unconventional.
As I stood there, looking at my beloved mother, a wave of emotions threatened to overwhelm me. I longed to just break down and embrace her, to relive the affection and warmth that I had missed so dearly.
Suddenly, my mother's eyes widened as she glanced towards the grand clock in the hall. "Oh! It's about to start! Kaien, you idiot, go to the stadium before you get in trouble!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency.
Her words snapped me back to reality. This was neither the time nor the place for emotional reunions. There was a schedule to adhere to, and the Arashi family was nothing if not punctual in their proceedings.
I nodded quickly, feeling a mix of regret and resolve. "Right, I'm on my way," I responded, turning to leave.
As I started to walk away, I paused and turned back to give my mother one last meaningful look. "Things will be different this time," I said, a firm conviction in my voice.
"What?" My mother's expression shifted to one of puzzlement. She glanced at Elora, who was standing beside her, equally confused. Elora simply shrugged, her expression mirroring my mother's.
"What is that idiot even saying?" my mother muttered, though I could detect a hint of curiosity in her tone.
I couldn't help but smile slightly as I continued on my way. They couldn't possibly understand the weight of those words, not yet.
Making my way towards the stage, i could feel the weight of numerous gazes upon me. The area was bustling with children my age, far too many to count, each one here to embark on the same training.
These were my siblings from various mothers and cousins from different branches of the family tree. The scene was a direct consequence of my father's belief in natalism, his desire to expand the family lineage far and wide.
If only my father had not been so committed to this philosophy, there wouldn't be so many of us here, each child chasing after an approval that felt increasingly futile. This realization brought a sense of irony. Here we all were, a multitude of offspring born from the same ambition, yet for many of us, our aspirations and efforts would be in vain in the eyes of our shared father/idol.
"Hey, look at that one." snickered a boy with a haughty expression, pointing in my direction. "Did he get lost on his way to the market?"
Another, a girl with an air of superiority, chimed in, "Or maybe he's here to clean the stage, not stand on it!"
A group of children nearby erupted in laughter.
"Doesn't he know this is a prestigious event? You can't just show up dressed like a commoner!" another girl remarked, her voice dripping with disdain.
I let out a sigh, not of defeat but of indifference, and continued my walk, deliberately ignoring the children's mocking remarks. My nonchalant response seemed to irk them more than any words I could have said. Their laughter and jeers gradually faded into one of annoyance.
However, their attention – and mine – was abruptly diverted by a booming announcement that resonated through the hall. A spokesperson's voice, clear and authoritative, captured the attention of every attendee.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the Arashi family, please direct your attention to the arrival of Lord Arashi Kazuhiko, the head of our esteemed house."
A hushed reverence fell over the crowd. The petty squabbles and mocking ceased instantaneously, replaced by an air of anticipation and respect. All eyes turned towards the grand entrance, and arrival of the patriarch of the Arashi family.
As Lord Kazuhiko's arrival was announced, a noticeable change swept through the hall. The air seemed to grow heavier, almost stifling. It felt hotter, as though a invisible tension was being manifested physically. Breathing became a bit more laborious, each inhalation feeling thicker than the last. The grand chandeliers seemed to radiate more heat than light, contributing to the growing discomfort. The crowd’s nervous energy, mixed with the warm air, created an almost palpable pressure in the room.
And finally, the grand doors at the entrance creaked open. As he stepped into the room, every eye was fixed upon him. His entry was a undeniable presence of his authority.
'Father...'