Expectations and Family Bonding

As time flowed steadily, I reached the milestone of my first year, marking a significant step in my journey. At the age of one, I had mastered the art of standing upright and taking my first steps into the unknown world that awaited me, or at least in places I couldn't reach before.

With my newfound mobility, I decided to explore my home once again. Walking through the corridors, I marveled at the intricate paintings adorning the walls. Each stroke of ink can tell a story, weaving together the tapestry of our family's history.

Speaking of my family, I learned from past gossip among the people working here that I was born from the Kamisato clan, one of the revered clans whose name held significant influence and prestige across the land called the Far East.

I also discovered that I was the daughter of the clan leader, which meant I carried a weight of responsibility and expectation in the future. As the heiress to such a prestigious family, there were bound to be certain standards and traditions to uphold—a fact that both intrigued and daunted me.

'Sigh, what a pain...' I thought badly to myself as I strolled towards a nearby pond, catching a glimpse of my reflection.

The rippling water mirrored my new appearance, showing the face of a curious girl with pale blue hair and silver-blue eyes. My features, a mixture of innocence and novelty, appeared to represent the expectations placed upon a Kamisato clan's successor.

"What are you doing there, Ayaka?"

Suddenly, a male voice called out to me from behind. I turned around and saw a young boy with blue hair. It was my older brother, Kamisato Ayato. He was staring at me with a warm smile, his eyes filled with affection. "Looking at your reflection again?"

I nodded childishly, pretending to respond in a way fitting for a one-year-old.

Ayato chuckled and crouched down to my level. "You're growing so fast, Ayaka. You'll likely be running all around the household soon," he remarked, patting my head gently.

Feeling the warmth of his touch and the sincerity in his words reminded me so much of how I used to reassure my younger sister in my previous life. Is this what it feels like to be on that receiving end? Probably. I hoped she was doing okay without me.

"Master Ayato, you were called to attend breakfast by the clan leader."

Just then, a clan servant appeared and interrupted our moment, announcing breakfast to us.

Ayato sighed softly in response, glancing at me with a gentle smile. "Shall we, little sister?"

With a compliant nod, I allowed Ayato to hold my hand while guiding the way. As we walked our way to the dining room, I scrutinized the grandeur of our household, contemplating the expectations that lay ahead for someone like me.

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Upon arriving at our destination, I saw our family patiently waiting in front of the dining table with the clan leader, our father, sitting in the center. His presence commanded respect, and the aura of authority surrounding him was palpable. 

Beside him sat our mother, her graceful demeanor a testament to her status as the matriarch of our household. Her gentle smile welcomed us as we approached the table.

"Hello, my sweethearts, you've finally joined us for breakfast," she said, her voice carrying a delicate tone that filled the room with warmth. 

Subsequently, Father regarded us with a relaxed expression, his gaze carrying both authority and affection. "Ah, Ayato, Ayaka. Please, have a seat," he calmly said, gesturing to the floor.

Complying with his request, my brother and I sit on the opposite side of the table. In front of us was a batch of exquisite dishes with mouthwatering aromas and delectable appearances.

Unfortunately, since I am just a one-year-old toddler, they prepared a separate meal just for me. It is just a simple porridge, but they made it with utmost care, knowing it would be my first meal of the day. Though grateful for the gesture, I couldn't help but feel envious of the meals they were having. Being a toddler is hard, making me want to grow quickly.

"Ahem."

While eating, Father cleared his throat, signaling the start of a serious discussion. "Ayato, my son," he began speaking, his tone carrying a weight of sincerity, "as the heir to the Kamisato clan, I need you to know you will bear a great responsibility soon."

Hearing this, Ayato straightened his posture, his expression reflecting a mix of determination and apprehension. "Yes, Father," he responded firmly, his voice steady despite the gravity of Father's words.

"You must understand that your role extends beyond mere inheritance," Father continued, his eyes penetrating as they met Ayato's gaze. "You must train yourself in combat, etiquette, and politics. The future of our clan rests upon your shoulders, and you must be ready to uphold our legacy with honor and integrity."

As Father spoke, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sympathy for my brother. The significance of the responsibility he would bear weighed heavily on my mind, realizing that he would be the first one to navigate the culture of our family's legacy.

"I understand, Father," Ayato complied solemnly, his resolve shining through as he absorbed our father's words. "I will devote my life to the training and responsibilities befitting for the successor of the Kamisato clan."

The gravity of their conversation lingered in the air, the essence of the clan's expectations casting a shadow over the grandeur of our morning meal.

Amidst the serious exchange, Mother interjected softly, her voice a gentle melody among the tension. "Remember, Ayato, your journey is not one you walk alone. Your father and I are here to guide and support you every step of the way."

Her kind words carried a sense of reassurance, a sweet reminder that Ayato's responsibility was shared among us all.

"How about Ayaka, will she support me too?"

Just then, my brother turned his attention to me with a playful smile, prompting our parents to glance in my direction. Their gaze sends a chill down my spine, preventing me from eating my porridge in peace.

In response, I quickly averted my eyes, pretending not to hear anything. I was expecting they would ignore me if I did that, but I was wrong. Our parents started giggling cheerfully, which was a rather confusing response. 

Looking back, I saw Ayato sulking beside me, making me worry. However, I noticed he wasn't upset at all. He's just feigning his emotion to get my attention. 

"Oh no, look what you have done, Ayaka. You have broken your brother's spirit," remarked my father, who appears to be playing his part for this bit. "Quickly, what will you do to make him feel better?"

Bothered by their attempt to entertain me, I turned my attention to my mother for help. But to my surprise, she was also involved with this satire by blissfully waiting for my response to their question.

Left with no other choice, I sighed inwardly and walked toward Ayato, giving him a hospitable hug. Everyone seemed surprised as they weren't expecting me to hug my brother so easily.

"Oh, how lovely. It appears Ayaka loves her brother very much," our father teased, his oddly cheerful tone annoying me.

Ignoring his remarks, I kept on hugging Ayato until he hugged me back, his arms enveloping me in a soothing embrace. I was taken aback that I tried to break free from his grasp, but he wouldn't let me go.

"Ah, now the brother loves his sister back. How wholesome," remarked our father, retaining his humorous comments to himself.

This went on for a while until our mother decided to separate me from my brother's embrace and said, "Alright, that's enough. Let's finish our food before it gets cold."

"Yes."

And so, all of us continued eating our breakfast, feeling the bond of family and the weight of expectations stirring in the air. And honestly, the hug wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.