As Kris chatted with Martha, the kitchen door swung open, revealing little Eres, who appeared to have just woken up.
Rubbing her eyes sleepily, she let out a big yawn, looking utterly adorable with her tousled hair and pajamas adorned with tiny Data Beasts.
"Grandaunt, I'm hungry! I smell something yummy!" Eres exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she caught a whiff of the delicious breakfast aromas wafting through the kitchen.
Kris couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.
'This child is adorable,' he thought, a warm smile creeping onto his face.
'If I had a chance back then, I would have been happy to have a daughter like Eres.'
The thought stirred a bittersweet feeling within him as memories of his past life surfaced. He had always been too focused on his work, never allowing himself the chance to forge a connection with anyone other than his team.
"Aahh! Young Master Kris! You're here already!?" Eres exclaimed, her voice breaking through his reverie.
"Good morning, Eres!" Kris replied, snapping out of his thoughts and grinning at her.
Eres bounded over, her small feet padding softly on the floor.
"What are you doing here? Did you come to help Grandaunt Martha cook?" She tilted her head, her curiosity evident in her wide eyes.
"I would love to help, but Chef Martha has already finished cooking" Kris chuckled, ruffling her hair affectionately.
"With her cooking, I don't think I could help her with anything"
Martha smiled at the exchange, placing a plate of croissants on the counter.
"Here you go Young Master, a protein filled breakfast! I made some for you as well Eres."
Eres clapped her hands excitedly. "Yay! Thank you, Grandaunt Martha!"
Kris watched her bounce around the kitchen, her innocent joy infectious.
'Meow'
Pyro Cub looked up, its big, sparkling ruby eyes fixated on Chef Martha as she placed a steaming plate of food on the table for its master and the girl.
The delightful aroma wafted through the air, tantalizing everyone in the kitchen.
"Meow, meow!" Pyro Cub cried, tilting its head in a way that seemed to say, What about me? Its little paws danced in excitement as it gazed longingly at Martha, who couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
She reached for another plate, setting it down in front of the eager Data Beast.
"How could I forget you, my adorable Pyro? I made you something special too, its your favorite, Sweet Magma trout fillet!"
Pyro Cub let out a delighted squeal, its flame-like fur shimmering as it hopped in place.
The moment Martha placed the dish down, it wasted no time, diving into the meal with gusto, its tiny paws digging in.
The fish fillet was perfectly cooked, glistening with a hint of sweetness, and the Pyro Cub savored every bite.
Kris watched the adorable pyro dive into the food, a smile spreading across his face.
"thank you for cooking for Pyro as well, Chef Martha."
Martha nodded, her eyes sparkling with affection for the little creature. "Oh, the pleasure is all mine Young Master! Pyro has been a joy to have around."
"Pyro loves to eat your food, Chef Martha, it seems to favor you more than me" Kris chuckled as he replied.
"With its appetite similar to yours Young Master, I would say that its giving me a challenge as well"
With the kitchen filled with laughter and warmth, Kris felt a growing sense of belonging.
The little moments, like watching Pyro Cub enjoy its meal, reminded him that he was not alone anymore in this new world.
...
As Kris finished preparing for the day, he donned his uniform, the fabric crisp against his skin.
He headed outside, ready to get into the SUV with Cillian. Just as he approached the vehicle, he noticed his cousin Kass a short distance away.
Kass was dressed casually in a trendy tracksuit, looking effortlessly chic, reminiscent of a celebrity trying to evade the paparazzi.
Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun, and she wore a pair of stylish sunglasses perched on her head.
When she spotted Kris, her face lit up, and she waved enthusiastically.
"Kris! I'll fetch you after school! We'll go to the studio together later!" she called out, her voice bright and cheerful.
Before Kris could respond, the middle-aged woman who accompanied Kass, presumably her manager, gently nudged her toward the waiting van.
"Hurry up, Kass! We're running late!" she urged, her tone firm. With a polite nod towards Kris, she ushered Kass into the vehicle.
Kris chuckled at the comedic scene unfolding before him.
It was funny to see Kass so animated, even amidst the rush.
"Guess she's got a busy day ahead," he murmured to himself as he turned and climbed into the SUV.
Cillian, already seated in the front passenger seat, glanced back at Kris.
"Are you prepared for the exam, Young Master Kris?" he asked, his expression serious yet encouraging.
Kris leaned back in his seat.
"Yes, I'm ready," he replied confidently.
From the driver's seat, Argus Vundag looked back at Kris through the rearview mirror.
"Make sure to call me after you're done," he said,
"Of course, Argus. I'll let you know," Kris replied,
...
A few minutes later, as their SUV sped through the streets, they arrived near the school.
Kris pondered for a bit and then glanced at Cillian.
"Why are we being dropped off a few streets away like yesterday? Why not just go right to the entrance?"
Cillian and Argus exchanged glances, a brief pause hanging in the air before Cillian replied.
"Well, Young Master, before your… amnesia, you didn't want anyone to know you were rich. You wanted to avoid attention, so you told Uncle Argus to just dropped you off near the school."
Argus nodded, remembering the days when Kris was just a young boy.
He would hold little Kris's hand as he dropped him off at elementary school.
He could still see little Kris waving goodbye with that bright smile.
But as he grew older, that little Kris had become colder towards everyone.
Kris considered this for a moment and then said,
"How about we just get dropped off at the school entrance? I really don't mind anymore. There are plenty of other cars there anyway, so what's the difference?"
Cillian nodded as if he understood.
"Sounds good. Uncle Argus, can you drop us off at the entrance?"
Argus, still shocked by Kris's changes, had always thought he would never see Kris walk to the school entrance again.
"Ehm, Uncle?" Cillian snapped Argus from his thoughts.
Argus coughed, feeling emotional. "Copy that, Young Master."
He then moved the vehicle forward, and a few minutes later, they arrived at the entrance.
"We have arrived," Argus announced.
"Thank you for driving us here, Argus. Take care on the road," Kris said.
As he and Cillian stepped out of the vehicle, Kris turned around and waved at Argus, smiling.
Argus watched the scene, feeling a lump in his throat.
'I can't believe my Young Master Kris is back.'
After everything kris experienced, especially the amnesia, Argus had thought Kris would remain the same. But witnessing Kris training in the early mornings and also this moment right here just convinced him of the change that's happening to his young master.
He wanted to call his wife, Delilah, with the news, but before he could do that, a beeping sound came from behind him.