Zach sat across from his mother at the breakfast table, his small hands clutching a spoon as he prepared his most ambitious scheme yet. He had a mission today one of utmost importance. He wanted to go outside. More specifically, he wanted to visit the shops where his game, Snakes and Demons, was being played.
He cleared his throat dramatically. "Mother, dearest, most beautiful woman in all of Ravennest…"
Vivian's spoon paused mid-air. She slowly turned to her son, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "What do you want?"
Zach pressed a hand to his chest. "Mother, must you assume I have ulterior motives? Can't a son simply admire his mother's radiant beauty?"
Mia, sitting beside him, gasped. "Mama's really pretty!" she chirped, clapping her hands.
Vivian smirked. "Flattery will get you nowhere, young man."
Zach coughed, regrouping. "I was thinking… it would be a wonderful experience for me to see the game I created in action. You know, for research. I need to see how the people react to it. A creator must understand his audience."
Vivian's expression remained unmoved. "No."
Zach frowned. "Why not?"
Vivian sighed, placing her spoon down. "It's dangerous outside, Zach. The town has been unsettled recently. I won't take any risks with you."
Zach pouted. It was time for Plan B: Overwhelming Cuteness.
He widened his eyes, forcing them to glisten as he clasped his hands together. "Please, Mother? I promise I'll be good. I'll hold your hand the whole time."
Vivian took one glance at him and sipped her tea. "No."
Zach mentally cursed. Plan C: Bribery.
He hopped off his chair, dashed to a corner of the room, and retrieved a single flower he had plucked from the garden earlier. Presenting it with both hands, he knelt dramatically. "For you, my dearest mother, a flower as lovely as your heart."
Vivian took the flower. "How sweet." She sniffed it and smiled. "No."
Zach twitched. This woman was impenetrable! Plan D: Hard Work.
For the next few hours, he embarked on an aggressive cleaning spree. He swept the floors (badly), dusted the furniture (knocking over a vase in the process), and even tried folding the laundry (which ended up in one big tangled mess). Mia, excited by the activity, enthusiastically joined him, making an even bigger mess.
Vivian merely raised an eyebrow. "Are you done?"
Zach wiped imaginary sweat from his forehead. "Yes. So, can I"
"No."
Zach wanted to scream.
Plan E: Emotional Manipulation.
He threw himself onto the couch dramatically. "Mother, don't you trust me?"
Vivian calmly flipped a page of her book. "No."
He groaned.
Just as he was about to attempt Plan F: Faking Illness, a knock on the door interrupted them. The towering figure of Rendon, the head of security, stepped into the room.
"My lady, I overheard the young master's request." His voice was as deep as a war drum. "I am willing to personally escort him to the shop."
Zach's eyes lit up. "Rendon! My hero!"
Vivian frowned, clearly torn. "With the current state of security, is this really necessary?"
Rendon placed a hand on his chest. "I assure you, my lady, I will guard him with my life."
Vivian sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "…Fine."
Zach threw his fists into the air. "Yes! Victory!"
Mia, not understanding what was happening but happy that Zach was happy, cheered along. "Victory!"
Zach smirked triumphantly. The battle had been long and arduous, but he had won.
Now, it was time to see what the outside world had in store for him.
The next day
Zach stood in his room, carefully packing a small satchel. A pen, a notebook, and a few coins basic essentials. He had no idea what he might need, but preparation was key. In his past life, he had always packed thoroughly before a field visit. The sensation felt eerily familiar, making him pause.
"Hah... this really does feel like preparing for an important trip," he muttered to himself with a chuckle.
His mind drifted back to those times double-checking lists, making sure to have emergency supplies, and ensuring everything was in order. Back then, whether it was a school excursion or a crucial inspection, preparation had always been key. Still, the feeling of excitement and responsibility remained the same.
Satisfied, he adjusted the small cloak draped over his shoulders and stepped out of his room, making his way to the entrance hall.
As he reached the grand hallway, Vivian, Sebastian, and Rendon were already waiting. But before he could take a step forward
"Big brother, I wanna go too!"
A tiny force slammed into his waist, clinging to him with all its might. He looked down to find Mia, her big teary eyes shimmering like the most powerful weapons of emotional manipulation.
"Mia..." Zach sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You can't come with me. It's too dangerous outside."
"No! If it's dangerous, you shouldn't go either!" she protested, hugging him tighter. "I wanna go! I wanna gooooo!"
Zach looked at his mother for support, but Vivian simply smiled, clearly amused by the scene. Sebastian, ever the composed butler, simply watched, nodding in approval at Mia's persistence. Rendon, on the other hand, was completely unfazed, waiting patiently for their departure.
"Mia, listen," Zach crouched down, patting her head gently. "I'll be back soon. I promise."
"No! You always say that!"
"Mia, I've never even left before!" Zach countered, exasperated.
Mia blinked, realizing the flaw in her argument. But instead of backing down, she puffed up her cheeks and turned to their mother.
"Mommy! Tell him to take me!"
Vivian chuckled, kneeling beside her daughter. "Sweetheart, it's not safe for you. Be patient, alright? Your big brother will bring you something nice when he returns."
Mia wasn't convinced. Her tiny fists clenched, her lips wobbled, and
"Waaaahhh!"
And just like that, the tantrum began.
Sebastian smoothly swooped in, picking Mia up with practiced ease. "Young Lady Mia, perhaps we can play a game instead? Or I could prepare your favorite strawberry cake?"
Mia squirmed in his hold, reaching out toward Zach. "Big brooootherrrr!"
Zach turned his back to her, forcing himself to ignore the guilt creeping in. "I'll be back before you know it! Be good, okay?"
Still crying, Mia struggled for a moment longer before dramatically going limp in Sebastian's arms, as if life had lost all meaning.
Sebastian sighed. "Lady Vivian, I will handle the Young Lady's... emotional recovery."
Vivian, clearly holding back laughter, nodded. "Please do."
With that, Zach finally stepped outside, taking his first step toward town.
The moment he crossed the threshold, the sun greeted him with its warm embrace, and the fresh air filled his lungs. This was it. He was finally going to see Ravennest with his own eyes, not just through the mansion's windows.