After my little chat with Rose, I made my way to the dining hall for lunch with my family. The moment I stepped inside, a soft body hurled itself into my arms, wrapping around me with enthusiasm.
"Big Brother!!" Eve exclaimed cheerfully, her legs clinging around my waist and her arms looping around my neck. I smiled, returning the embrace, my hands gently supporting her back. Despite being just one year younger than me, Eve was petite for her age, standing at 140 cm, a stark contrast to the taller members of our family. She had inherited the same white hair as me and our late father, but her eyes were a vibrant green like our mother's. Today, she was dressed in a short-sleeved pink blouse paired with a pink skirt and a matching hair bow—an outfit she knew I adored.
"My cute little Eve, how's your day?" I asked as I scanned the room. My older sister, Lilith, was seated at the round table, and to my surprise, my mother was also present—a rarity given her constant involvement in the kingdom's affairs. I had always shunned politics, preferring to focus on growing stronger and living on my own terms.
"I reached the 3rd stage yesterday," Eve announced proudly, her eyes shining as she awaited my reaction.
"Really? Congratulations, my cute little sister, you're truly a genius," I replied, planting a gentle kiss on her cheek. Eve blushed slightly at the praise.
"Alright, now get off your brother. You're not a little kid anymore. And you, stop spoiling her, or you'll regret it one day," my mother interjected, her tone firm yet affectionate. She had vibrant green eyes and long, lime-green hair that cascaded down to her waist. Her mature, voluptuous figure was accentuated by the bold, low-cut dress she wore, which revealed a generous expanse of her chest. Despite her provocative attire, no one dared to look at her inappropriately—she had a reputation for swiftly dealing with any noble foolish enough to cross that line. As the strongest human in Dracos, she commanded respect effortlessly.
"I won't," Eve pouted as she clung tighter to me.
"How could I not spoil her? Just look at how adorable she is," I said with a grin. In my previous life, I had always longed for a family, especially a little sister. Now that I had one as cute as Eve, I couldn't help but shower her with affection. What could possibly go wrong with showing my love for my little bundle of joy?
"Hey, Amber," I greeted my older sister.
"Finally remembered that you have one more sister?" she said, pouting a little.
"How can that be? You always come first," I said with a chuckle, then whispered to Eve loudly enough for Amber to hear, "I'm just joking, you're my favorite sister."
Amber rolled her eyes at me.
During lunch, Eve refused to let go of me, so I let her sit on my lap, occasionally feeding her directly. She was twisting and turning, grinding her ass on my dragon which had just calmed down, was starting to rise up again. She was a little succubus always trying to test my patience. She used to sleep with me when we were little but a few years ago I noticed she was touching me inappropriately, so I refused to let her sleep in my room. She always used to say she would marry me and have lots of kids. But that was when we were little.
"I'm going out tomorrow," I said to my mother.
"I'll have Sir Gareth go with you," she said matter-of-factly.
"No, and prepare an adventurer card and a fake identity for me with the name Ryan," I dropped the bombshell.
My mother turned her head towards me, frowning. "You want to roam around? No, I forbid it." She had always been overprotective of me and my sisters. She only allowed my sisters to attend the Royal Academy because the Headmistress assured her of their safety, but she still sent strong bodyguards to the Academy in secret. As for me, I refused to interact with immature brats, so I was home-schooled.
"Do you want me to live my whole life as a prisoner? Father's death is clouding your judgment. You can't see what's in front of you because you're always overthinking," I said in a calm tone, though the atmosphere in the room was tense.
"What did you say?" She gritted her teeth, clenching her fist until the fork in her hand turned to dust. But if I used a soft approach, she would never agree to my conditions.
"Am I wrong? You're just keeping me locked in this fancy prison. Do you know what I feel? I feel suffocated within these walls. Everywhere I turn, all I see are walls," I said, faking a little annoyance and raising my voice slightly.
She was stunned, speechless. I had never complained or raised my voice at her before. Despite my words, I felt fortunate to have a family that cared so much for my well-being.
I stood up, leaving Eve in her chair, and walked towards my mother, hugging her tightly. "I love you, Mom, more than anyone in the world. But you've got to let me soar in the open sky. I don't want to be someone who only lived his life confined inside fancy walls," I said softly, hugging her tighter.
Her eyes grew misty, and she buried her head in my shoulder. No one outside would believe that 'The Bloodthirsty Queen' of Dracos could show such emotions.
After a few minutes, she calmed down, and I let go of her. "Okay, but promise you will return before the Awakening Ceremony and call me every two days."
I had planned not to attend the ceremony but realized I shouldn't push my luck. I agreed to her conditions.
"So you're going away from me?" Eve asked, her voice trembling as she fought back tears.
I turned my attention toward my little sister. "Don't be like that. I won't be gone for long, and I'll call you every two days," I said, trying to soothe her.
Her expression remained unconvinced, so I decided to use my trump card. "You can sleep with me tonight," I said, mentally noting that I'd need to cancel my plans with Rose and inform her of the change.
Eve's eyes lit up with excitement, her mood shifting instantly. "Yay!!" she exclaimed, her earlier distress forgotten. I chuckled to myself. Mom is right—I've definitely spoiled her rotten.