Another day is coming to an end. My usual routine is coming to an end. It's a tiring day indeed. I read some books, researched artifacts and ancient texts, and then reread books until I was done for the day. Then again, it is not body fatigue but instead my mind instead. It was then I heard footsteps coming my way. Sitting on my coach as I wait for who might reveal.
"Young master." A middle-aged maidservant presents herself before bowing at me. "The family head invited you for dinner. He would be glad if you could join in together with your family."
"Hmm...glad huh?" I sounded in doubt. No. I should not think as such. "Very well. I will be there. You may take your leave."
The maidservant takes a bow before leaving. It should be that again, like before. Boasting my other siblings' reputation. Achievement. A job well done to make me feel bad and pathetic in their eyes. But still, I am optimistic about my family's mindset to change for the better. Towards me, that is. I look myself into the mirror next—my hair. My black hair is different from that of my family. An eye sore and disappointment, my family would say. Their fiery red hair stood out among the nobles in this empire. It has been passed down in my family lineage for generations. But for someone suddenly to differ from the norm, of course, I am branded otherwise. Whatever, I brush off such thoughts and ready myself. I twirl my index finger in the air before casting magic on myself.
"Rejuvenate."
Sparkling, green, crystallised light dimly envelops my entire body before slowly dissipating. In an instant, I felt refreshed, and all my fatigue was gone. I was ready to take on another task ahead of me: dinner first. I headed over to the dinner hall, passing several hallways. Servants of the mansion who saw me either ignored me or did a small bow at me before heading out to do their jobs. I don't care to be honest. It was like this ever since I was a young lad: the treatment and such. Eventually, I am here. I open the door to the dining hall. All of my family members gathered at the table. They saw me coming, putting up a scornful and displeasure look at me the next second.
"Urgh...once again, as always. What was my husband thinking, honestly."
"Good evening, dear mother. Sister and brothers."
"Enough of the pleasantries boy. Just take a seat and be quiet afterward."
That will be my eldest sister. She is the third child and the only girl in my family. Her fiery, braided long hair stands out. She is beautiful, to the point that she attracts the attention of the young male nobles. Asking for her hand of marriage at one point. Of course, she turned all of them down. Next is my second eldest brother. He is a stocky person. He does not talk much, but even so, I am sure he does not appreciate me to be here. Last is my first eldest brother. He is a refined young man. Handsome and powerful. The same treatment where many young noble ladies wish to be their partner. He gives me a piercing look before looking away from me in disgust.
What a day, huh? Nothing new after all.
I sat beside my brothers while my sister and mother were at the other side of the table. We waited a few moments more when one of the servants announced the coming of the family head. He came in with such a strong aura—an imposing, tall man in ornate, noble clothing. Not to mention, his facial hair was clean and trimmed, adding to his imposing look. He then sat across from us before gesturing to us to take our seats. We bowed before as we were told.
"Once again, we are gathered together for our dinner. I do apologise if I were to interrupt your busy schedule, my children."
"Dear father, I took leave from my work just for this. It is fine." My sister smiles wide at him.
"Me as well, father. Hmm..." My stocky brother said.
"I entrusted to my colleague just for me to attend to this event. Fret not, honourable father."
"Yes. Yes. To my loving three children. You truly make me proud."
That hit the spot in my heart. Three children, I see. It's not that he does not see me; instead, he ignores me as if I do not exist. Without further ado, we were served with our food. All sorts of variety of food were served. Wines. Fruity drink as well. That is when I was served like usual. This never ceases to surprise me anymore. I could not get angry or disappointed anymore. Sometimes, I wonder if this is such a childish moment. I let out a sigh as my sister chuckled at me.
Soup that doesn't look like it. It's more like water, along with rye bread.
Nonetheless, I pick up a spoon and start eating it. I guess, once again, I will head out later at night to grab something to eat. Heading to the eatery or tavern some sort like that. When everyone finishes eating, it is that usual time—our father's speech towards his children.
"Richard." Our father calls him out, our first eldest sibling. "I want to congratulate you for your job well done in your work as the Commander of the Imperial Knight."
"Honourable father. I merely followed what I was supposed to do. The monster rampage in the forest barely give me a challenge."
"Nevertheless. Don't be complacent in your work. One wrong move and you are done for."
Eldest brother says nothing but simply bows his head slightly at father.
"Allen." Father, look at our stocky brother.
"Your trading sure brings prosperity to the empire this time round! I'm so proud of you!"
"All thanks to the people I work with. It's nothing much..."
"Hmph! How humble of you. Brigid. How's your boutique store? I hear it is getting popular lately."
"The new dress that I designed is getting a good response. It is getting popular among young noble ladies. Though the competition with the other company is getting on my nerve."
"That is bound to happen. Just be careful. You'll never know what these idiots will do to bring you down." Father sounded irritated by that.
"If you so desire," Richard said. "I could assign some of my knights to safeguard you and the store."
"That's going overboard, big brother. I'll be fine."
If that is done, I can return to my room. I am done hearing that unless my father tends to do the usual to me.
"Leo. Do you hear about your brother and sister's achievements and such? Why can't you be like them? You are useless, aren't you?"
"Not really, father." I placed my hand on my chest." I examined some artifacts, and researching them proved rather interesting. If these artifacts could help the people of the empire, we could bring wealth and prosperity to us all."
"Yes, yes, whatever. Or we could use them for our military might. We don't have to waste on those commoners. Make sure you do a good job, Leo. You might make us proud." Father chuckles at me next.
"But of course...dear father..."
My siblings simply chuckle at me, looking at me as if I am a fool to think I will make them proud. No, I have to make my family proud. Hopefully, one day, they will acknowledge my hard, good work. With that done, I return to my room. Making sure I am not being followed. Once inside my room, I immediately cast my usual magic.
"Perception Block. Scramble Pings. Distorted Field. Normalise Reality."
Magic circles begin to conjure around my body before swirling around the room. They light up the room with different crystallised light before slowly dissipating into thin air, returning to a normal-looking environment.
"With this. I could head out and do my usual business. Before that..."
I cast stealth magic onto myself while at the same time materialising my usual face mask for my outside business. I put it on my face before smiling away.
"It's show time."