"You have a wonderful family, Isakawa," Goshi Subaru said with a rare smile, his tone warm.

"Thank you, Father," Isakawa responded with equal courtesy.

"You should all settle in and make yourselves comfortable. The family games will commence in two days. Ensure your children are well-prepared," Goshi instructed before turning and leaving the hall.

Isakawa, Jennifer, Iris, Tael, and Sally were then escorted to their designated quarters for the duration of the family games. As they walked through the expansive halls, they arrived at an elevator unlike any they had seen before. Kena, with a practiced touch, input a series of numbers on a keypad that materialized in front of her. The elevator then whisked them away, reappearing in front of a grand door.

"This is where you and your family will be staying, Mr. Isakawa," Kena announced with her usual poise.

As she opened the door, Iris’s eyes widened in confusion. The term “room” seemed inadequate to describe what lay beyond. The space resembled the ground floor of a lavish mansion. The living area was vast, featuring a long, floating white couch and a stunning blue hologram projector.

Iris stared in awe as she noticed the couch levitating gracefully, a feature that added to the room’s otherworldly charm.

"Looks like the Subaru family is pretty loaded, huh?" Iris thought to herself, her expression a mix of wonder and disbelief.

Jennifer was equally stunned as they entered their assigned quarters. The room was nothing short of extravagant, with a king-sized bed dominating the space. A white, floating ball of energy softly illuminated the room, casting a gentle glow. Through the window, they had a panoramic view of the expansive Subaru estate. The adjacent room contained a sleek, modern bathroom and their luggage, neatly arranged in a large, black drawer with clothes seemingly suspended in mid-air.

“If the air conditioner feels too cold, don’t worry. You can activate the heat pad under your bed; it should start warming up in about three minutes. Your pillow can also be adjusted to be warm or cold, depending on your preference,” Kena explained, demonstrating the features with a polite smile.

Jennifer’s expression shifted from amazement to mild irritation. If such advanced technology existed, she wondered why Isakawa hadn’t bought something similar for her before. She cast a pointed look at him.

Isakawa, catching her gaze, shifted uncomfortably. “Of course, don’t worry, Jennifer,” he stammered, feeling the weight of her silent reproach.

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Jennifer gripped his arm firmly, a playful yet mischievous smile on her lips. “You will get me one of these pillows when we get home, won’t you?”

“Uh, y-yes, of course…” Isakawa stuttered, clearly feeling the pressure.

He glanced at Iris with a pleading look, silently asking for her help.

Iris shook her head in disappointment. “It’s your fault, Daddy.”

Jennifer and Isakawa were left alone in the luxurious room as Iris, Tael, and Sally were guided to their own quarters.

—

The next room was equally lavish but slightly smaller. The bed was a bit more compact, and the space was a tad more confined. Kena turned to Sally. “This is where your maid, Sally, will be staying.”

“Thank you, Madam Kena. I’ll excuse myself now,” Sally said, bowing before taking her leave.

Kena then directed Iris and Tael. “Iris and Tael, your room is around the corner.”

“Our room?!” Iris and Tael exclaimed in unison, their faces showing complete shock.

Tael, flustered, struggled to find his words. “You want us to sleep in the same room?!”

Kena’s tone was nonchalant. “Honestly, I don’t care.”

“But why don’t we have separate rooms? I’m a boy and she’s a… It’s not appropriate,” Tael argued, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

Kena’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Yes, you are correct.”

Tael blinked in surprise. “I am? I mean, yes. I am.”

“Indeed. You are a boy, not a man,” Kena said with a firm smile.

Tael felt the weight of defeat settle over him as Kena’s words sunk in. Her casual dismissal of his concerns was like a blade slicing through his resolve. He couldn’t argue with her logic—two children sharing a room wasn’t unusual.

Iris, on the other hand, found the situation amusing. Her giggles were a stark contrast to Tael’s frustration. She had been hoping for a roommate and was delighted by the prospect.

With no other options, Tael resigned himself to the arrangement. The room, though unconventional, was surprisingly pleasant. The bunk beds, mounted against the wall, were both functional and stylish. The dark purple neon lights that glowed around the beds added a futuristic touch, and the room’s amenities were impressive—a TV for each bed, cozy blankets, and pillows.

Their clothes were quickly organized in a drawer, much like Iris’s parents’ room. Iris made herself comfortable on the couch in the middle of the room, resting on a glass coffee table.

“I hope you enjoy your stay here, young lads,” Kena said, her face flushing slightly at Iris’s polite smile.

“Thanks, Kena,” Iris replied cheerfully.

“No worries. Ahem, I must remind you that all family members are expected to attend the family dinner. You have four hours to rest and prepare. If you’re hungry, there are snacks in the refrigerator,” Kena added before leaving the room, closing the door quietly.

As soon as Kena was gone, Iris eagerly claimed the bottom bunk, jumping onto the bed and snuggling into the blanket.

“I call the bottom bunk!” Iris giggled, her voice full of excitement as she buried herself in the soft, sweet-smelling bedding.

Tael watched Iris with curiosity . He had never shared a room with someone before and found himself unsure how to react. After a moment’s hesitation, he floated up to the top bunk, settling into the upper bed.

“Iris,” Tael called softly.

“Yes, Tael?” she responded, her voice already drowsy.

“Thank you. For being my roommate,” Tael said, his voice sincere.

Iris’s eyes were heavy with sleep as she smiled up at him. “You’re welcome. I’m glad you’re here.”

With that, she drifted off to sleep, her breathing steady and calm.