"Zoltan, how would you like to be my disciple?" The Vampire Empress asked.
Everyone in the room had mixed emotions. Jealousy, envy, shock, curiosity, and so forth.
The children were filled with envy, while the parents were shocked. The experts who were looking for disciples were jealous since someone stole their ideal candidate. But how could they argue with the Vampire Empress? It's simple, they couldn't.
They had to suck it up and go with the leftovers. Although, Dennis and Edith are not considered "leftovers" but super geniuses. It's just that when you compare them with Zoltan, it looks and feels that way.
The one who really had mixed emotions was Sofia. These were emotions she never felt before. Her mother never treated her with this much enthusiasm, barely gave her attention, and yet, here comes Zoltan. She thought it was unfair...
'But...maybe it's not so bad.' She thought as another feeling came over her.
Aria couldn't believe her eyes and ears. She knew her son was special, but this? Ever since he was born, he seemed different. As a child, he appeared more mature for someone his age.
He was smart as he soaked up all the knowledge she gave him. She didn't know why he was adamant about learning the world, especially that of the different races. The 3 races he wanted to know the most were elves, demi-humans, and demons.
She also saw how he learned diligently about combat and survival training. It seemed like he was really excited about becoming an adventurer.
Now, when she saw his overwhelming talent and affinities, along with being asked to become the Empress's disciple, she didn't know what to think. He was growing up too fast. 'Should I be glad or worried?' She thought.
Meanwhile, something else was on Zoltan's mind.
'Hahaha! Is this the famous "Main Protagonist Luck"?! I knew that I would attract some offers, but I got asked by the Empress. It'll be even easier to conquer Sofia, and who knows? Maybe the Vampire Empress would fall for my charms...' He thought but was soon snapped out by the Vampire Empress.
"So, could I hear your answer?" She asked, but to Zoltan, she sounded a bit worried. Zoltan thought he imagined it, however, he replied. "Yes, I would be honored, Your Majesty"
"Good! Starting today, just call me Master." She ordered, but she then sent a mind transmission to Zoltan, which startled him.
'Meet me here tomorrow 2 hours before the banquet begins.'
Zoltan nodded his head slightly, as he thought she didn't want anyone to know.
Seeing his response, she said, "Alright, return to your mother and we'll see each other at the banquet, Disciple."
He nodded and went toward Aria.
The awakening ceremony was over, so everyone headed home. Aria and Zoltan took their carriage and headed back to Aria's mansion, but along the way, Zoltan could feel the awkwardness in the air.
"Are you alright, Mother?" Zoltan asked, attracting Aria's attention.
She turned and looked at him as she said with a dispirited expression. "I'm fine...I guess my baby is growing up, huh?"
Zoltan sighed. Although he thought of having a humongous harem, it'll be hard managing everyone's feelings. He didn't just want to collect women like a certain anime he knows.
He wanted to make them happy, laugh, and overall have fun. By no means he would view them as pawns or something of the like. He would treat them right as he remembered his mother on earth said "Treat others the way you want to be treated."
Of course, this was one of the most common sayings, but it's not without reason. Sure, Zoltan would eventually go around collecting and maybe a bit of manipulation, but that would be the extent of it. He wasn't a fan of brainwashing, so if the girl wasn't into him, then that's that.
Anyway, Zoltan smiled at Aria while getting closer. "I told you this, right? Don't worry, I'll always be your lovebug. Whether it's the current or future me, that'll never change."
Aria relaxed, sighed, and nodded her head. "You're right...You know, I was surprised by how amazing my son was. Not only with your talent, but who would have thought...7 affinities. You even grabbed Flora's attention. Fufu~"
Zoltan had a puzzled expression. "...Flora?" he asked.
Aria nodded her head once again. "Yup! The Vampire Empress. Ah! I never told you. Flora and I are best friends."
'Uh...What? What's with this sudden plot change?' Zoltan thought. Anything that unexpectantly or expectantly happens, he'll blame it on his isekai life.
Zoltan cleared his head. "Mother, how are you and...Flora best friends?"
Aria put on a thinking expression as she put her left finger on her lips. "Let's see...Oh, it was way before you were born. In fact, even before I had your sisters. I thought it was quite unusual at the time.
One day, Flora, the Vampire Empress, comes in and demanded that I took over the family. She gave me special education, resources, and other things. She even talked to me daily, which I found weird and suspicious.
I'd never spoken a word to her before, but she came in out of nowhere and said I should lead my family.
But over time, I stopped thinking like that. I didn't care if she had ulterior motives as it was nice to talk with her. It seemed like she was lonely, and this didn't stop when I had Val and Ruby, but then you were born and we talked less.
Maybe that will change since you became her disciple. I'm really proud of you, Zoltan."
Zoltan had different thoughts flowing in his mind but brushed them off. "Thank you. Hopefully, you'll start to talk again. Maybe becoming close as sisters, Hehe~" he giggled "innocently".
Aria didn't catch on to what he meant but was happy she might get to talk to Flora again.
....
Zoltan and Aria arrived at their mansion and ate dinner. It was a long, tiring, and eventful day and all they wanted to do now was relax.
After dinner, Zoltan and Aria took a bath, but not together.
After Zoltan started going through puberty, he became horny at the sight of Aria and couldn't control his little brother, well it could hardly be labeled as "little" for someone his age, but Zoltan thought he and Aria weren't quite there yet.
Zoltan was still growing in height, appearance, and his little brother. But most importantly, their relationship wasn't ready for him to advance it a step further. When he comes back from adventuring, only then will he start progressing.
Zoltan went to bed in his room, while Aria did in hers. They both slept peacefully.
....
It was the next day, as Zoltan already bathed, eaten, and dressed for the royal banquet.
Zoltan was wearing a similar outfit from yesterday, but this time it was a white tuxedo, red bow, black undershirt, white pants, and white shoes. This outfit suited his long silver-white hair and his crimson eyes.
He was currently sipping on a straw that pierced something that looked like a juice box. However, this was called "blood juice". This juice box mixed blood with a few fruits to give it a unique flavor.
Zoltan thought blood was disgusting since it had a metallic taste, but that was when he was on earth. Now, it was his second favorite thing, while Aria's breastmilk being the first.
As he was sipping on his blood juice, he waited for Aria in the living room. He had told Aria that Flora wanted to meet him 2 hours before the banquet begins.
10 minutes later, Aria walked out, and again they shared the same theme.
Her silver-white hair was nicely braided as it laid over her left shoulder. She was wearing a full white dress, with black trims. Her dress brought out her womanly charms. To finish the outfit off, she was wearing white glossy high heels.
They both exchanged praises until a white, glowing magic circle appeared in front of them. It startled Zoltan, but Aria assured him it was the people sent by Flora.
It was 3 figures wearing black cloaks. Zoltan could guess they were women from their body build and stature.
The 1 in front of the 2 walked forward to Zoltan as she kneeled. "Greetings, Young Master, Zoltan. Duchess Aria. I was ordered by her majesty to escort you to the palace. Please, step onto the teleportation circle."
Zoltan glanced at Aria, to which she responded with a nod. They both stepped onto the teleportation circle. The kneeled woman got up and stood next to them as she activated the circle using her magic.
Gusts of air spread throughout the room, and then they immediately disappeared from the living room.