13 Family Breakfast

'Grrr….Grr…..Gr...'', Zane yawned a bit before reaching out to switch off his alarm. One of these days he must sleep in.

The bed was extremely comfortable. The faux fur or plush was just too soft. Is it possible for a bed to be so comfortable? 

He felt oddly refreshed for someone who got in by 2 a.m. He stretched and got off the bed, a glance at the clock it was 4:30 a.m. 

He sat up on the bed, his legs crossed and took a deep breath to let his body relax, a piece of slow relaxing music began to play in his head and he recited alongside it in his mind. 

'Today is a beautiful day, I feel really happy, and I wish for my friends and family to be happy as well. I wish I could help them solve any problem they encounter. I feel very cheerful today so I wish for them to be cheerful too.' 

After his daily self-inducing hypnosis, he got off the bed.  

He moved to the gym room to begin his work. The slightly big exercise room had the basic necessities for all-around physical training. Zane took a quick sip of water to wet his tongue before beginning. 

45 minutes on the treadmill, another 45 using the barbell set, after spending 90 minutes on strength and stamina. He used the remaining 30 minutes on building his agility, doing some jumps and hurdles. 

As he tasked his body, his mind was clearer than ever, going through meticulously all the actions of yesterday, even the after-party was not left out. 

On the contrary, he focused more intently on it, sifting and recording, all the news, insults and gossip he heard last night. One thing stood apart, he could not understand it.

"System" He called out quietly in his mind.

[Yes]

"What happened yesterday?" He did not go into details, truthfully he would rather forget the entire spectacle, and those raw emotions especially since those were not his own emotions. 

He could deny it but the truth was the way those emotions invaded him made him feel violated.

[Perhaps, it is a side effect of viewing one's future self memories. Would you like to read a related book on the matter]

As Zane replied "No", he lowered himself into the sunken tub filled with hot warmth. He could feel his muscles relaxing, and a sigh of contentment left his mouth.

Hearing the sigh, the system continued, [You should not worry. This time is my mistake, next time such an invasion would not happen under my watch]

Zane chuckled, "Little system, put away your murderous aura. It makes it happy though that you are raring to take revenge on me perhaps."

System 01 wished for the thousandth time that it had a body to fight this user, enduring furiously, it said in its usual monotone, [It is my responsibility to protect the consciousness of my user at all times]

After this conversation, it would submit a report to the higher-ups, it had not detected the energy source of those emotions at all.

Zane chuckled before leaving the bathroom. Breakfast at the Valois mansion was by 8 a.m. He glanced at the time it was still thirty more minutes to go. 

He started writing. The names of everyone he met yesterday, their physical description and all he could decipher from them. 

[You have a video transmission]

"Accept"

A tall blonde beauty appeared in a holographic form on his Atlas, "Young master, May I come in?"

"Yes, do come in"

Within minutes, the woman was inside his bedroom. The holographic image did not do her justice. 

He slowly looked at her with an astonished expression. His eyes had stayed widened since she entered.

The woman was wearing a pale blue shirt and black trousers with black heels but even her conservative dress did nothing to hide her appeal. 

She has long blond hair and refined, classical beauty. She was not knockout gorgeous but there was a mature sensuousness about her.

She had a very slim waist with incredible curves. Her skin looked as soft as water and her chest was more than moderate. She was the type to appear in many schoolboys' fantasies. 

Zane was happy he had listened to the system's advice and spent 400 knowledge points on both Purity Principal by Randy Alcorn and Undefiled by Harry Schaumburg. 

As a member of the Gnosis society, he needed to master the art of being clear-headed even during sex. Just this little honey trap and his body stirred a bit, he still had a long way to go.

"Young master, my name is Lexi. I am 29 years. I am a level 10 wind mage and a level 15 butler guy. I hope my service would be satisfactory to the young master."

Zane gave her a bright smile, "Is that so? I would be in your care then, Lexi."

"It is my honour, young master. Would you like to eat in the family dining room? Or would you like your meal to be brought up to your wing?"

Zane seemed to think for a moment. Then he gave a smile as he said "I will eat downstairs."

Lexi nodded, "Would young master prefer anything in particular?"

There was a confused look on Zane's face as he looked at her, his brows furrowing, "Isn't it too late to be changing the breakfast menu? Let the chefs serve anything. I am not picky with my meals but I normally prefer light breakfast, seafood, I am not a huge fan of sweets and hazelnuts."

Lexi smiled. This young master did not seem like an illegitimate son. He was extremely comfortable in his environment and in being served.

There was no awkwardness when he gave out instructions. His was clear and detailed enough, as expected of a master's son. 

She bowed slightly, "Understood, young master. Please would you please follow me? Breakfast would be ready soon."

As they left the west wing, Lexi continued, "I have sent the map of the mansion to your Atlas. I have also sent the numbers of some key personnel of the mansion. Would young master want a tour of the mansion when he is done with his breakfast?"

"Maybe next time, I would like to take a look around the Capital". His bright grey eyes seemed to brighten even more, "I had heard so much about the Capital, I want to take a look. Would you be coming along?"

"If young master wishes it."

They entered the elevator and after a few turns were ushered into a big bright room that smelled of cherry blossoms. 

A young teenager was already sitting down, eyes closed, drinking a cup of tea. After he took a sip, there was a long pause as if he was savouring the tea. Zane was almost expecting him to sigh and say, 'Good tea!' Too bad, the boy opened his eyes and turned to face him. 

His pitch-black eyes gazed at him almost as if appraising him. Maybe he saw what he liked or maybe he didn't because he called him, "Big Brother" then closed his eyes and continued to sip his tea.

Zane who had been given a rope clutched it as hard as he could; he shook his head, opting to sit opposite Xavier. "Ah! Don't call me big brother, just call me Zane. My name is Zane Black. I would be imposing on you for a while so please take care of me."

"Xavier Valois," He said, it was as if he did not even hear the latter part of the sentence.

"I would call you Xavier, then" Zane quipped with a smile.

Xavier, who had finished his cup of tea, tipped the cup to pour another cup. Zane looked at the clear liquid in that cup; he recognized the aroma of the tea. 

It was the kuding tea, he was drinking that ridiculously bitter ancient tea like it was a cup of juice, as expected of the protagonist of this generation. What was a mere pot of kuding tea? He still proceeded to ask. 

"Is that the kuding tea?"

"Yes"

"Isn't it bitter?"

"Yes"

"And you drink it like that?"

"Yes."

"Without any kind of sweetener?"

"Yes."

After waiting a minute, Zane continued like a hound with a bone.

"I will be going around the Capital today; do you have any fun places you would love to recommend?"

"No."

Zane almost sweatdropped, can this little boy give something other than a one-word answer? 

His thoughts must have shown on his face because his younger brother soon put down the cup and looked at him, "You don't have to try so hard."

Zane sighed, "I know, it just feels awkward"

Xavier's eyes stared at him. It was as if he could see through all your thoughts and games with a single glance. Didn't anyone tell him? it is not socially acceptable to gaze at someone so brazenly? 

"Odetta." He said finally. 

It was just a word but it filled Zane with joy. It was a great start. Didn't his future self write that Xavier could stay an entire week without saying a single word? How many words did he just pry out of him? 

It seems like fulfilling the second favour, being a good brother to Xavier Valois would be easier than protecting his father. He would be the best big brother ever.

He smiled widely at Xavier, "I would visit Odetta."

Xavier ignored the ball of joy sitting opposite him, he started to pour another cup but the tea was finished. His hands twitched.

A tall figure strode into the room; His raven hair was tied back with a silver tie today. His grey eyes softened when he looked at the two boys at the dining table. He sat on the head table.

"Good morning, Father" They greeted in turns. A smile adorned his face as he nodded, "Good morning, Xavier, Zane. Zane, was your night comfortable? Do you require anything to be changed?"

"No father. I slept like a baby" He said with a light grin.

Andre nodded and the maids began to come in carrying porcelain dishes of hot, steaming meals. Each meal looked more luxurious than the next; Zane could feel his appetite rising with every single breath. 

He anxiously waited for the two to begin fixing their plate before he began. His eyes quickly caught a dish. S'mores, he helped himself generously, He served some Danish waffles, some fruit and a glass of milk. 

He glanced at his brother's plate. It was a Congee bowl. He was taking each spoon reminiscent of the way he drank his tea like he was relishing it.

The meal was silent as each person was focused on his plate. Twenty minutes later, His father and his brother were drinking tea while he slowly sipped his glass of milk. 

"What are your plans for today, Zane?"

"I would like to look around the Capital." 

Andre nodded and Zane's Atlas beeped. "Juno has sent your monthly allowance to you. If you encounter any problem outside, don't be afraid to tell me. Remember to visit your grandfather this morning before going out." 

Andre wanted to say more; it was not every time he had a chance to admonish his child. He glanced at his youngest who was calmly sipping tea like an old monk. This bear child. He coughed a bit. "That would be all. Return on time for dinner."

"Yes, Father. Thank you, Father." His eyes curved like crescent moons making Andre's old fatherly heart greatly pleased.