At daybreak, the rays of dawn penetrated the Temparus Manor, standing at the border of the village of Eretide. This majestic residence was surrounded by autumnal forests and mountains, blending seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. The manor consisted of five floors, each as grand as the next.
Several housekeepers and maids were engrossed in tidying every nook and cranny of the abode. Some even paused to admire the portraits of ancient Temparus members hanging on the walls, which were crafted with remarkable detail and realism.
The Temparus residence was decorated with such refinement, truly echoing the power and nobility of the family lineage. Reds and whites were everywhere, merging seamlessly with the other decorative elements and bookshelves. A sense of wealth and grandeur permeated the air, intertwining the mystical aura of their lineage with the colors of the house.
Further inside, in the grand living room, stood a massive table crafted from white and red marble, impressive in its magnitude. On it were dishes like sunny-side-up eggs and bacon, along with beverages like fruit juices and coffee, all set with elegant and refined tableware. Lana sat in her nightgown, sipping her coffee gracefully, her cup held with finesse. Opposite her, Kalen was indulging in hot chocolate paired with a pastry that looked like a croissant. Meanwhile, Charles sat at the table's end, silently observing his two teenagers while eating.
Charles's deep voice broke the overwhelming silence, "Lana, it wouldn't hurt to greet your brother. It's been a month since you two last spoke."
"And why should I, Father? He's the weakest among the Temparus, after all," she retorted.
Kalen only lowered his gaze to the table, evading any eye contact with his sister.
"You're truly insufferable," Charles sighed.
"If there's nothing else, please allow me to enjoy my breakfast in peace," Lana responded curtly.
Kalen was deeply disgusted by her standoffish and arrogant demeanor, throwing discreet glances her way. You infuriate me, Lana... Why did you have to be the heir to our family? You're so pampered; it's maddening!
Despite Kalen's gentle and reserved nature, he couldn't help but clench his teeth at his sister's despicable attitude.
"Lana," Charles began, "I need to discuss your upcoming assignment..."
With a confident gesture, Lana placed her cup on the table and locked eyes with her father, awaiting further details.
"Go on," she urged.
"You'll be dispatched to the Cleared Manor for several months with a Lost One. They've engaged you as personal security, and you must oblige."
"If it's non-negotiable, then I won't resist your commands. Who's the Lost One accompanying me?"
"His name is Rogue Grimez. I must warn you, after his encounter with Abaguo, he was left traumatized. I expect better behavior towards him. Take that as an order."
"Yes, yes..." Lana sighed dismissively.
Suddenly, Kalen's hand slammed onto the table, a force that sent glasses crashing to the floor. Both Charles and Lana turned to him, perplexed by his abrupt outburst.
"What about me?! Do I get overlooked yet again?!"
"Kalen, please. You know I won't tolerate such behavior—"
"WHAT ABOUT LANA'S BEHAVIOR TOWARDS A STRANGER VERSUS HER OWN BROTHER?!"
"Kalen! Address me appropriately, now!"
Kalen shot up from his chair, gripping its edges tightly. "It's unfair! My entire life, I've been treated as an afterthought! I've always strived to outdo Lana... to make you proud, Father. Especially after mother's passing... She was the only one who truly understood and cared for me..."
"That's enough, Kalen! Go to your room!"
"As usual, you fail to listen... Very well..."
Kalen's rage faded as quickly as it had flared up. Without sparing a glance at his father or sister, he made his way to the hallway, eyes cast downwards. Two maids rushed to clean up the broken dishes where he once sat.
The tension in the room was palpable. Charles, staring at the spot his son had just vacated, found himself torn between frustration and guilt, his fists trembling on the table.
Damn it... Kalen's even more distraught now than he already was...
Lana, on the other hand, exuded icy indifference, casually spearing her food.
"Do you even realize your behavior?" Charles growled.
"What exactly did I do? You were the one punishing him, not me."
"Don't play games with me. All of this wouldn't have happened if you just greeted him!"
Lana sighed, meeting her father's gaze once more.
"And why should I greet him? He received far more greetings from mom than I ever did! In my humble opinion, he doesn't deserve my sympathy!"
"So, because he received more maternal affection than you, you find it justifiable to be so cold to him?"
"I wouldn't say that..."
A silence as white as snow settled between the two, thickening the atmosphere with a shade of sternness.
"Don't forget that you're leaving for the Cleared Manor this afternoon. And let me warn you, young lady, you'd better apologize to him! Do I make myself clear?!"
"And what if I don't?"
Suddenly, Charles fixed Lana with deep, dark eyes, filled with such intense anger it could only be described as murderous. The very atmosphere of the room seemed saturated with his father's raging aura, transforming it into an emotional battlefield. The maids, panicking, scrambled haphazardly in chaotic disorder, hastily trying to clean up the mess caused by Kalen's outburst, their movements marked by unease and tension.
"Say that again if you dare!"
"I... "
"Don't forget whom you're speaking to, young lady!"
"Yes..."
With trembling hands, Lana set down her fork and reached for her cup of coffee.
"Now, I'll repeat myself! If you don't apologize to him before you leave, I swear I will ensure you face a punishment unlike any you've seen before! DO YOU UNDERSTAND, LANA TEMPARUS?!"
"Ye-yes, father..."
"Good! You've been warned."
*
Kalen sought refuge in his room, his heart heavy with contained anger. Every nook and cranny of this space was imprinted with childhood memories. Portraits of him with his mother were scattered here and there. In contrast to his sister's lavish quarters, his room was modest, devoid of opulence. But what it lacked in grandeur, it made up for in warmth and comfort.
Why is this happening to me? What have I done wrong? Why was I born into this family of pretenders? I know I'm weak… but I try! I always give it my all! Why can't anyone see that, aside from the Lost Ones?
Kalen's thoughts drifted to the Lost Ones, especially Gwendoline, with whom he had a special connection. How could teenagers from another world show him such kindness when his very own family seemed so distant?
Meanwhile, Lana remained in the dining room, her emotions scattered in the aftermath of their father's outburst. She knew she was in the wrong, but her pride held her tongue. Taking deep breaths, she tried to regain her composure. After a moment, she rose and headed for Kalen's room.
Standing at his door, she hesitated, realizing just how much she missed their bond. Memories of their playful days, inseparable before their mother's passing, returned to her. Their mother's death had driven a wedge between them, magnified by the competition for their father's attention.
With slight uncertainty, she knocked softly.
Expecting a servant, Kalen shouted dismissively, "Not now! Go away!"
But the familiar sigh from behind the door gave away Lana's presence. Opening the door, he was surprised to find her there.
"Lana?" he asked, taken aback.
She didn't immediately reply, lowering her gaze as she seemed to wrestle with the right words. "I… I'm sorry, Kalen."
Kalen stared, his eyes widening in surprise. Lana rarely apologized, especially to him.
Is this a dream? She came to my room to apologize in person?
"What's gotten into you? You seem...different."
"Don't get the wrong idea, okay...? Father told me to apologize! Nothing more," she snapped back, somewhat embarrassed.
I knew it was too good to be true...
An almost mocking sigh escaped Kalen's lips, catching Lana off guard. "Well, thanks for dropping by. You can go now."
"He—"
He slammed the door in her face, cutting her off.
Left with no other choice, she headed to her room, each step exuding determination. Kalen chose to remain in his sanctuary, seeking to soothe his mind and push away the painful memories that plagued him. Deep down, he harbored a faint hope: perhaps, just for one day, he wished to see his sister transform into a completely different person.
Minutes passed, yet he remained trapped in the swirling memories of their confrontation. In his mind's eye, he could still feel his sister's burning audacity and chilling disdain, piercing his heart. Shaken by these painful recollections, he left his room in a rush, craving the comforting embrace of the cool outside air.