I opened the door to my house, stepping inside with Fel Yang trailing behind me. The warmth of the place greeted us, and the familiar sound of the kids laughing echoed from down the hall.
"You really weren't joking about the kids, huh?" Fel's voice carried an amused tone, but I just sighed, shrugging.
"Yeah, they're all here. Let's hope they don't act up tonight."
Of course, as if they heard me, three of them came charging down the hall, faces lighting up when they saw me. They stopped short when they noticed Fel, curiosity filling their eyes.
"Dad! Who's the lady?" one of them asked, wide-eyed. I could already sense the chaos brewing.
Fel Yang bent down, smiling at the kids. "I'm an old friend of your dad's. You all must be hungry, huh?"
They nodded like little soldiers awaiting orders, and Fel glanced over at me. I felt my jaw tighten a bit, unsure how to handle this situation. She was making herself at home too easily.
"I'll handle dinner," Fel said, looking at me with that annoyingly confident smile. "Why don't you set the table?"
I hesitated. She was always like this—taking over. But part of me was grateful. I had enough on my plate today. With a sigh, I directed the kids to help with the table while I grabbed the dishes.
[You're nervous. Stop fidgeting or she'll notice.]
"Seriously, Nero, not now," I muttered under my breath. But he was right. I was feeling off-balance, not used to someone else stepping in like this. Fel Yang always had a way of disrupting my routine.
I watched her in the kitchen. She moved like she belonged there, easily chopping vegetables, frying the fish, and humming a tune I vaguely remembered from the past.
"You've done this before," I said, crossing my arms and leaning against the counter.
She glanced at me, a teasing smile on her lips. "When you grow up in a powerful family, you pick up a few skills. Plus, I know how to take care of what matters." She winked.
[Oh no, she's flirting again. You're doomed.]
I ignored Nero, grabbing some drinks for the table, pretending her words didn't affect me. But damn it, she was good at getting under my skin.
Dinner was surprisingly pleasant. The kids were happy, laughing as Fel Yang joked with them. They were all too comfortable with her, and I couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy watching it unfold. This was my space, my world, and here she was, slipping into it like she belonged.
After the meal, the kids scattered to their rooms, leaving just me and Fel Yang in the dining room. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze locked on me.
"You're a good father, you know that?" she said, her voice softer than before, lacking the playful edge I was used to.
I scoffed, shaking my head. "I'm just doing what I can. It's not like I have a choice." I tried to sound indifferent, but even I could hear the strain in my voice.
She didn't let it go. "You always underestimate yourself. That's why you keep your distance from everyone, right?"
Her words hit harder than I'd like to admit. I stared down at the table, my fingers gripping the edge, trying to keep my face neutral. What did she know about me, really?
"I'm not keeping distance," I said, but it sounded weak, even to my own ears. "I'm just trying to survive."
Fel stood up, and before I could react, she placed a hand on my shoulder. The contact was light, but it felt like a weight pressing down on me.
"Surviving isn't enough, Lu Shian. Not when you have people who depend on you."
I looked up at her, and for a moment, everything else faded. There was something in her eyes, something I didn't want to acknowledge.
[Is this where you finally admit she might be right?]
My chest tightened, and I abruptly stood, pulling away from her touch. "I think it's time for you to go."
She laughed softly, completely unfazed. "Alright, I'll go. But remember what I said."
She walked out without another word, and I stood there by the door, watching her disappear into the night. The weight of her presence lingered even after she was gone, like an itch I couldn't scratch. Damn it, why did she always get to me?
[In denial, as always.]
I locked the door and sighed, my shoulders sagging as the tension of the day caught up with me.
"Shut up, Nero, Anyways I'm waiting for my grandfather's gift" I muttered, heading into the living room.
[Alright, Mister Exorcist.]
[Notification: You've received a message from a non-living person.]
It's a message from a ghost? This was definitely not what I signed up for. That's what would I say if I didn't know anything about this.
[Message from Grandfather]
**To the Future Head of the Lucist Family, Lu Shian**
"Hello, my dearest Lu Shian. You're probably scared right now, and I understand why. Ghosts are terrifying, but don't worry—they can't harm you… well, they can, but that's for another day. Sorry, I'm not great at this. When you read this, it means my friends have chosen to trust you despite their doubts. This is your system, a legacy of our family.
I know we never met, but I had a friend who could see the future, and he said you would need my help. I wasn't on the best terms with your father, but I loved him. Tell him that, will you? I know it was him who sent me to the next life, but I hold no grudge.
Exorcists live long, and when we die, we guide spirits. Thanks to your father, I was set free earlier than expected. By the time you read this, I'll be long gone, but my friends will guide you. Remember, what you see will never be enough. Be careful, greed can lead to despair.
Good luck, my grandchild, abandoned by all but one."
From: Lu Garner, Former Head of the Lucist Family.
[Your old man never changed, I still can remember how shocked you are knowing he's still alive]
My hand trembled as I finished reading. "Though, he was really meant to be dust " A system from a dead grandfather, ghosts, and family legacies? This felt real.
[Congratulations: You are now the Head of the Lucist Family.]
[Title Acquired: Head of the Lucist Family.]
[Effects:
— Healing speed increased by 50x.
— Agility multiplied by 5.
— Perfect Lie Detection.
— Mind Reading Ability.]
I blinked at the words hovering in front of me. "Even now I still can't believe this cheat is real"
[Bonus from your loving grandfather: You've received 500,000 gold.]
"Well, that's one way to leave a family inheritance," I mumbled.
[Well, this is just little for every money you earn in your past life]
"Nero, could you not be a pain right now?" I whispered.
[What? I'm just saying, it's not like you didn't faced an army of ghosts before.]
I rolled my eyes. Nero, my sarcastic system, always found a way to get on my nerves.
[Warning: A powerful spirit is about to appear.]
Before I could process the warning, a deep voice echoed through the room. "Ho, ho, ho… so many idiot ghosts around here. A ghoul like me cannot allow such disarray."
'Filthy butler... decades have passed, and you're still flaunting your power,' another ghost muttered in annoyance.
A ghoul in a butler's uniform materialized, its mouth opening wide as it absorbed spirits that had been lurking nearby. My eyes widened in shock.
"Ho, ho, ho. I see you've returned, Evil Spook. I will not forgive you for letting these spirits disturb the new head," the ghoul butler said, bowing to me.
I felt a chill run down my spine. "Uh, thanks?" let's act like I didn't know him, it's better to be like that.
[Title Acquired: Master of the Butler Ghouls.]
[Effects:
— Ghouls will treat you like their king.
— Ghouls will never betray you.
— They will obey your every command.]
Before I could process it all, I heard light footsteps behind me.
"Dad? Who are you talking to?" Yonnie, one of my mystical cat kids, appeared at the door, rubbing his eyes.
"Yonnie! You should be in bed," I said, quickly moving toward him. I didn't need my kids seeing any of this.
"I thought I heard voices… spooky ones," Yonnie murmured, clutching his favorite stuffed animal.
I shot a glance at the ghoul. "It's nothing, buddy. Just a weird dream. Come on, let's get you back to bed."
I picked him up and began carrying him back to his room.
[You're doing great, Dad,]
"Oh, shut up," I muttered.
Yonnie looked up at me. "Dad, was it Grandpa Lu talking to you again?"
I nearly tripped. "What makes you say that?"
"Dunno. Just thought I heard his name."
I let out a quiet sigh, pushing away the heaviness in my chest. "No, Yonnie. Grandpa's not here. It's just us, okay?"
As I tucked him back into bed, I glanced out into the hallway where the ghoul butler waited. As I turned off the lights and closed the door, I muttered,
"Great, now how do I explain this to the rest of them?"
[Good luck explaining it to mystical cat kids, Shian,]
"Shut up, Nero. One day, I'll find a way to turn you off."