Chapter 14 - #14 Collecting free points (2/2)
I thought while glancing at her from the corner of my eye.
If my father saw her unrevealed, he would definitely question her. He must have ordered her to guard me from the shadows.
I took look at my current energy
[Energy: 100/135]
Hmm, just that little show cost me 35 energy? Not to mention that I didn't do anything special with that fire and only let it take form of flames around me. Energy should come from both Intelligence and Constitution since it's not exactly ”mana”.
After I descended stairs and getting greeted by numerous maids, I arrived at the dining room but it would be better to call it a hall. It was too large to be called a room.
”Sweetie! Come here!” When my mother saw me enter the room, she immediately called out to me while waving her hands and pointing at the empty seat next to her.
”Good morning, mother.” I said with a smile and sat down next to her.
”So you finally decided to join us, huh?” Jun, my father, said with a neutral tone with closed eyes.
But I get from where he is coming from...He is trying to make me independent from the yearly age since I am in this comfortable environment, he must be thinking that I would never learn anything. He is trying to make me strive for his acknowledgment...I don't think it's a bad strategy, however, I think it is too double-edged strategy.
”Father.” I said in the same tone and nodded at him with closed eyes.
”?!” He was visibly surprised by my reply but soon enough a small smile appeared on his face.
”You two, can't you greet each other normally?!” My mother scolded both of us while pouting her lips.
”...haha” Both I and my father looked at each other before we started to laugh.
”Laugh for another 2 seconds and I will stuff your breakfast into your throat myself. Hehe” My mother immediately said while looking at my father and then started to laugh herself while putting her hand in front of her mouth.
We both stopped laughing and even though it wasn't directed at me, I still tried to play dead.
This new mother is even scarier than my previous one! Thankfully, I am too young for her to ”abuse” me like she ”abuses” my father.
...
”Akashi...I know that you have yet to leave this mansion so I will let you leave today since you are already 6 years old. You can go out and explore the surrounding of our territory or even play around with other kids.” My father said with a small smile and I knew just from his words that he is up to no good.
”Father...haven't you said to me that the city can be dangerous?” I asked with a confused expression.
I noticed that upon hearing my words, his eyebrows raised a bit in surprise before his poker face recovered.
”It is dangerous if you are out of our territory. Here, no one will dare to do anything to you. However, I still commend you for remembering my warning.” He said with a small smile and nod of appreciation.
I nodded back as a ”thank you”.
---
'*sigh* Is this really a good way how you are supposed to nurture your child? I am afraid that Jun expects too much from little Akashi...I don't want to see their relationship crumble but I can't speak about those things against Jun, he is the head of the family. It's just that I feel too sad...I've decided, if Akashi will get trauma from what Jun is about to do, I will make sure to stop Jun from doing anything further to our son!' Ember thought with a sad expression while watching Akashi's and Jun's exchange, unfortunately, it's impossible for her to know that they weren't talking to each other with words but with gestures and their indifference.
'...I know that sad expression the Mistress is making...She is worried about their relationship and that the young lord will grow accustomed to act cold towards the lord Phoenix. I don't understand what is going inside the young lord's head but I am positive that he won't be affected by this.' Ichika thought while observing Ember's expression from shadows with a thoughtful expression behind her mask.
'...This kid, I am already proud of him just from this little exchange. He even adapted so quickly when I suddenly became so ”cold” towards him. One side of me doesn't want me to do ”that” but the other side is telling me to discover my son's limits. I want to see just how far he can go before I will have to teach him other things about life.'
---
[+1 Charisma for getting father's acknowledgment]
Oho? Interesting...since he gave me a point for free, I will comply with his whims and go out.
”In that case, I think I will go...I am interested in the world beyond our home.” I said with a small smile.
I have no idea what he would do if I simply said that I don't want to but to be honest, I really am interested to look around. I felt like a caged bird inside this mansion and to be honest...I am slightly missing the thrill of the fight and seeing a bit of blood.
...I hope that doesn't make me a sadist. It's just a long time since I have killed anyone so I can't help but feel like I am missing something.
------END------
[Name: Akashi Phoenix]
[Title: King of Sloth]
[Class: Young Noble (+1 Cha)]
[Health: 90/90]
[Energy: 135/135]
<Stats>
[Strength: 4]
[Agility: 7]
[Intelligence: 7]
[Constitution: 4]
[Charisma: 3 (4)]
[Free stat points to ȧssign: 1]