As I emerged from the bathroom, I was met with Sarah's stern expression, her eyes narrowed in a mixture of disappointment and annoyance.
I couldn't help but wonder what I had done to warrant such a reaction.
"We're going to be late, Your Highness," she stated, her tone firm and solemn. I shrugged, deciding not to pry into her concerns.
"Alright, let's get moving," I replied, gesturing for her to lead the way. As we walked, Sarah's quiet sigh didn't go unnoticed.
I chuckled, slightly amused by her subtle display of frustration.
"I heard that sigh," I teased, but my comment was met with an unsettling silence.
It seemed Sarah had decided to ignore me, her expression a mask of indifference.
I mentally shrugged, chalking it up to her being a bit of a jerk.
We arrived at the dining hall, and as I pushed open the door, I was greeted by the sight of four individuals already seated.
At the head of the table sat a middle-aged man with an air of authority. To his right were a 16-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl, both with unreadable expressions.
On his left sat a 19-year-old boy, his eyes fixed intently on me.
As I took my seat, the young princess, Arianell Vers Heidal, spoke up with a hint of annoyance. "You're late, brother." Her words were met with indifference from me, as I was too distracted by the sumptuous feast before me.
Arianell, dressed in a vibrant red frock that complemented her silver ponytail, seemed to embody the essence of youth.
Her brother, Daniel Vers Heidal, chimed in with a nonchalant remark, "He's always late." His navy blue attire and silver hair made him a mirror image of his sister, albeit with a more subdued demeanor.
Across from me sat Rayleigh Vers Heidal, the current crown prince. Hispiercing blue eyes seeming to bore into my soul.
His silver hair was styled impeccably, framing his chiseled features. He wore a crisp white shirt, paired with black trousers that accentuated his lean physique.
Rayleigh's silence was unnerving, his gaze lingering on me before he finally broke eye contact to focus on his meal.
Meanwhile, I was too enthralled by the diverse array of dishes to pay much attention to the conversation.
As I sampled each delicacy, savoring the explosion of flavors on my palate, I couldn't help but think that this was a culinary experience unlike any I'd had in years.
Just as I was getting comfortable, a gentle murmur rippled through the room, signaling the imminent arrival of the queen. It seemed that, unlike me, she would be fashionably late.
She walked through the doors with unrivaled elegance. She had red flowing hair, with ocean blue eyes, with a nicely shaped body.
She wore a red flowing gown. Queen Elizabeth Von Heidal. The current queen of the Heidal Empire.
She sat on the left seat closest to my father. Before she sat, she flashed me a look of disgust.
And honestly didn't blame her. Or care enough to. I just went back to focusing on my meal.
The sound of my father's voice pierced through my focus, causing me to look up from my meal.
"Has your awakening occurred? If not, I'll schedule you for enhancement the following week," he stated, his tone firm but measured.
Rayregalia Vers Heidal, the emperor of the United Human Empire, and ruler of humanity, stood before me, his imposing figure commanding attention.
His muscular build, accentuated by a short beard and a distinctive mixture of silver and grey hair, exuded an aura of strength and authority.
I responded with a curt nod, not feeling inclined to engage in conversation. However, his words did pique my interest.
My thoughts drifted back to Ryuk, who had grown increasingly arrogant after his successful awakening.
His latent ability, though unlocked later than most, had proven to be remarkably powerful.
In this world, 13 was the typical age for individuals to unlock the system and become System Holders.
Ryuk, however, had surpassed that milestone without awakening.
Arianell, his half-sister, had unlocked her system on her 13th birthday, acquiring a powerful ability in the process.
I pushed the thought aside, choosing to focus on my meal instead.
As I delved deeper into my thoughts, a sense of disorientation washed over me. My memories of the game, which I had played nearly a decade ago, were eerily vivid.
How was it possible that I, a person with a notoriously selective memory, could recall such intricate details?
My father's stern voice pierced through my reverie, drawing me back to the opulent dining hall.
"And Ryuk, I must insist that you cease your drug use; it's been months since your engagement was annulled."
The room fell silent, with an air of discomfort settling over the assembly.
A stifled snicker escaped the Queen's lips, while Arianell's eyes sparkled with mirth.
Rayleigh and Daniel exchanged knowing glances, their subtle smiles bordering on mockery.
I felt my face flush with embarrassment as I swiftly rose from my seat, eager to escape the ridicule.
"I'll be in my room," I announced, my voice firm, as I turned to make a hasty exit.
However, my father's authoritative voice commanded me to halt. "Sit down, Ryuk."
Though his tone brooked no disobedience, I had no intention of acquiescing to his demands. At least, not yet.
I turned to face my father, my voice laced with defiance. "Why? Do I need your permission to move now?" I challenged, my eyes locked on his.
The air was thick with tension as I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated by his authority.
My father's expression darkened, his tone taking on a menacing edge. "Careful, boy. Your father I may be, but I'm also your king. The king of all mankind." The weight of his words hung in the air, a stark reminder of the power he wielded.
I bit back a snide remark, recalling the events of the game that had led to his downfall.
For now, I chose to keep my thoughts to myself, aware that voicing them would be tantamount to treason.
With my family's disdain for me already palpable, I couldn't afford to antagonize them further – not without a plan to ensure my safe escape.
Instead, I opted for a show of mock deference. "I. Will. Be. In. My. Room. Your Majesty," I enunciated, each word dripping with sarcasm.
I accompanied my statement with a curt bow, the gesture a hollow display of respect.
With that, I turned and walked away, leaving the oppressive atmosphere of the dining hall behind.