4 Dinner of the Dageraad Manor

Not too long someone come and knock my door before sunset.

"Who is it?"

"Young Master, it Jullian."

"You may come in."

Honestly this mannerisms is tiresome, but I should keep it up as Zein Dageraad. With my status as Marquis son, it a must tho, or I will tarnishing our family name. Which already got tarnished by me before.

"Young Master, madam told me to call you "

"I understand. Tell mother I would be there in a moment, I need to change my clothes first."

"As you wish Young Master."

With that I walk to my wardrobe and choose my clothes, before Jullian took over all of it. He move swiftly as he choose my clothes for the occasion, and helping me undressing... Which obviously I am stopping him. It uncomfortable being undressed by other person... What more by an old man.

"Jullian, just leave it there. I'll change by myself."

He look bewildered for a moment, before nodding his head.

"I understand. Then I'll be waiting for young master outside."

What a professionalism... When he leave me alone at oncd, as I disrobe my clothes normally, then I put the clothes that Jullian prepare for me. Which is a white hemp, grey vest and a tail coat black tuxedo, that a really formal attire. I stand in front of the mirror after I changing my clothes, for the first time since I come here. What I found is a young man around 170 cm, a face that definitely similar as Lein... Well Lein look more feminine or no? Since I also got her wonderful eyelashes, and pink lips. While my eyes is much more softer than her... Also I got a slim waist, and a white skin, if I am on Earth I definitely able to join any boy group out there. Yep.... I am sure I can crossdress as Lein without anyone notice as long as I am keeping my mouth shut. Since my hair is as long as Lein. So for short I look like a pretty boy. Okay, this is scary... Even tho that is me in the mirror, it still scary, how much I look like my sister. Sigh... Since Lein usually let her hair down, maybe I should try to knot my hair now? With that in mind I knot my hair in ponytail. Then I goes out of my room, after checking my look once again too make sure there is no wrinkles on my tuxedo. Jullian surprised when he see my look.

"You look great young master. That hair style, make you more charming than ever."

"Thank you Jullian, would you lead me to mother now?"

"As you wish."

With that Jullian leading me to where mother is, as we walk by the corridor somehow all the maid look at me agape while the servant got disbelief, some even pinching their own arm. It must be because I usually look gloomy, or angry with my messy hair. With that I arrive at mother studies once again, and Jullian knock the door.

"Who is it?"

"Madam, it Jullian. I bought young master as you wishing for."

"Ah, you may come in."

With that Jullian opening the door and gesturing me to come in first. Mother was having her tea with someone that I don't know. She look familiar tho, the girl sitting across my mom is using a sky blue dress, with a brown hair combed beautifully like those Di*ney princess. The girl is really gorgeous and cute. They look surprised tho when they see me coming in.

"Seems like you have a guest mother. So how may I help you then?"

Hearing my words mother laugh at once while hiding her mouth behind her hand like a noble lady. While the girl blushing with a bashful look.

"Fufufu, honey what a nonsense are you talking about? You indeed got a sweet tongue."

"Pardon me?"

When I said that, mother got a playful smile as she looking at me and the girl.

"She is gorgeous right honey?"

"Indeed mother, she is really gorgeous and cute. I can't help to steal a glance at her, since I come in."

Hearing my flattery the girl face got redder, it goes red till her ears. While my mother wore a shady smile.

"Fufufu, well honey. Meet your future fiancee and wife, Fransisca van Grey."

"Ah... It fancy to meet you miss... Pardon me?!"

I freeze up as I heard my mother. Why is that name so familiar.... While the girl got more bashful, as she heard me. I finally understand what is going on... She my best friend, that recently turn out as a girl.

"Fra-fransisca???"

"...pid Zein."

She mumbling something, as I mutter those words, which I definitely know what was it. This is really embarrassing....

"H-hi? Y-you look really... Gorgeous, and wonderful. I can't hardly recognize you..."

She hide her face with her hand when I mutter those words without thinking. Then mother laughing once more.

"Fufufu, dress make the woman perfect, right honey?"

"Ye.. I mean no.... I don't know...."

I don't know what is what anymore.... Looking at my confused face, Fransisca giggling.

"I guess, mother is correct for this one. I've never seen Zein this confused for a years now."

"Fufufu, you never seen him confused before, since he was in his rebellious moment I guess. He got those fierce look all the time for couple of years after all."

"You are right mother. He was so grumpy at that time. But now he looks like he back to the phase before that. Zein, thank you for your compliment. You also look great with your clothes and hair knotted. It been awhile since I see you so refreshed."

She smile brightful as she said those. I never thought before, that Fran would be this beautiful. With that smile, all Fransisca image as a guy broken to pieces. As I tried to recall all my memories about her. Ah, there indeed many time my oldself thought he was a gay because of her, and it one thing that make me push him away, also told her to call me young master. Like when we were 12, she screaming and hug me, when a spider drop on her head. Or when we were 13, she was blushing when I stand up naked in front of her. Or when I told her about how I j*rk off.... There also one time I ask her to sneak with me to see red light district, which resulting me on bed for 3 days.

Now that I think about it, the first time I met Fransisca was around 7 or 8 years ago. It was a really hot summer, when our family go to the capital for tea parties. Why I said parties? Because it basically a party season that happen annually. At that time me and Lein still innocent, childish, and mischievous kid. We both partner in crime in every occasion. Sometime we prank the cook, or sneak out secretly. Making the entire servant of our family joining us in our hide and seek, except the range is as vast as our kingdom capital. Which is around 100 km square... Well it more like a search party then a seeker.

Anyway in one of the party that we attended, we play our little 'hide and seek' games. Although this time it only around Earl Drew mansion. We were playing with other noble kids after all, so there to many eyes watching for us. Then as I am hiding from the seeker I met with her. A new kids of our noble circle which just raise to earldom. Well my family is in the 3rd prince faction of noble since my father is an old friend of the 3rd prince. Which now reign as the king, now it kinda unexpected if I may said. I honestly don't know anything about the court since I am rebellious so my father never told me. I guess it mean that the 3rd prince is much more competent than his other brother, and must be a righteous person since all those noble in our circle is either chivalrous family that really loyal to the kingdom or those clean noble that always sticking with morality and law. While even now their kids is the students that making a good influence to society, inside and outside, of our academy. Of course except for me.

Also I don't know what was her circumstances at that time, but she come to the party with a boy attire. Since her family is new in the circle she doesn't know anyone, while we and the other kids already met each other for many times like 3 times a year at least. She only sitting on her family table, as we kids playing while our parents mingling with one another nobles. That was when I run and hide under their family table. She look surprised when I snuck under the table.

"Hey, brother don't tell the seeker I am hiding here, alright?"

I told her that as I snuck under it before she could mutter anything. At that time the seeker done counting the number and begun his seeking. Then after awhile I could heard the seeker voice which our host son, Zack.

"Hey there brother, have you seen any children of our age."

"I-I have seen one. He gone that way, also I am...."

"Thank you brother!"

And he left running somewhere before Fransisca done speaking. At that time I peeked out under the table to look at her. In my defense, you couldn't tell the difference between children gender by their voices.

"Is it safe?"

"Unn."

"Thank you brother you're awesome! My name is Zein. Zein van Dageraad. "

"You're welcome, I am Fran..."

"Thank you brother Fran!"

But same as Zack, I cut her words and  dash away before she done speaking. Making me the first person that safe. Then after the round ended, I came to her table again with Zack.

"You're a really cool guy Fran. Mind joining us?"

"I should've check under the table when I passed you! But really you're great Fran, you should help me hiding next."

She was bewildered while Zack joking with her.

"S-sure."

"Great then! We should play together."

Then me and Zack pull her to the other, since she just joining the game she becomes the seeker. Then after another couple of rounds the party ended, and all of our parents calling for us.

"It was nice to knowing you Fran! Also this is my twin Lein van Dageraad."

"Nice to meet you brother Fran."

"A-ah... It nice to meet you guys too. Also I am..."

"Zein, Lein, it time to go back."

"Whoops seems like it our mother."

"I guess it time Zein. You should come and visit us sometimes brother Fran."

"Eh? Yeah."

And with that we goes to our mother. Afterwards we meet each other oftentimes on many occasions, and she is really into a knight. While sometimes I found her playing with a stray dogs, or picking up flower. While she sometimes stopped on her tracks when we speaking, which I am sure now that she wanted to tell me she is a girl.

Why I never realized she is a girl?! There so many indicator that hinting that? Am I that dense?? Or I am just being a denial?

"..."

"What is it Zein?"

Before I realized, I already staring at her fondly making her face as red as a an apple.

"Ah, it was nothing. I just reminiscing something of our past."

She surprised while being bashful. I walk to her side and took her hand.

"What were you reminiscing?"

"How we met, and many embarrassing moment that I made in front of you I guess."

She smiled at me while giggling.

"Hmm... Like what?"

"Like how you scream and hug me as spider drop on your head?"

She blushed and smile meekly.

"That wasn't embarrassing for you."

"Fine, the how about when I goes out naked from the bathroom then posed in front of you?"

"Eh you did?!"

"If my memories correct, yes I did as a 13 year old boy almost 14.... I still remember how you tossed me clothes while blushing tho."

She tried to hide her face with her hands as those memories surface. But I hold her hands tighter. While mother giggling behind her fan.

"Hey... Your mother is still here!"

"Fufufu, seems like a great stories to my ears. But seems like it time for this old lady to take her leave. Zein make sure you come to dining room on time, and escort your cute fiancee properly."

"I understand mother."

With that mother took her leave from the study with a wink to me, as we both got left there alone. Mother you rock! Mother really know how to read the line ey. Fransisca got much more bashful as mother left, she look like she gonna run if I ever release my hands.

"You know Fransisca, all those memories make feel dumb. How could I never realized you're a girl and a cute one."

"Because you never let me done my sentence, and when I realized it already too late to tell you."

"I guess you're correct on that one. But you know sometimes you made me think I am swinging that way. I am really sorry for all the things I did, I think I'll never be able to make it up to you."

"You can, after all we got so much time in the future for it."

"We did?"

Hearing my words she pout and roll her eyes.

"Hey, I am just kidding. Of course I will do it, until you forgive me."

When I said that she suddenly pull me, until our head touching.

"You're being silly. I already forgive you when you get back to how you used to be, and stoping being a jerk."

"Ow... Is that so? Then I should become a jerk again."

Her eyes goes wide open, and look at me angrily.

"No!"

"But if I do that I can spoil you for a long time until you forgive me."

"Zein!!"

She pout as she heard my words.

"Fine, fine I am done teasing you. You look so cute when you're angry tho, I might be addicted looking at that."

She pinched me really hard as I said that, of course with my potential now it doesn't hurt at all. But I pretend to be.

"Ouch... It gonna ripped! I am gonna bleeding till death."

Looking at my exaggerated act, she released her pinching, then laughing.

"Hahahaha, Zein I never knew you're so funny."

"Look it become blue."

She shocked and pull my arm closer making our face near each other, then I steal a kiss on her cheek. She taken a back as she touch her cheek. She finally realized I was teasing her again, and she stare at me peevishly. I grin at her while giggling.

"What gotten into you?! You're so mischievous suddenly."

"I always are tho, I just surpassed it before since it inappropriate for our age, and as a noble. But I was thinking, I can be myself around you."

She startled with my words, then she smile at me fondly.

"Then no more secret between us."

Hearing her words I stopped for awhile. That's right I am still Zein Dageraad, in this world or other world I am still me. Which mean my only secret is about my power now. I took a deep breath then I replied her.

"Yeah, no more secret. Since you wanted that I will show you something."

With that I gesture her to took my hand, and stand up.

"So what is this mysterious things?"

She ask me as she took my hands and stand up. I cast the teleportation as we a step, and we arrive at a cliff where we camp before. It a place that used as a camp when going to the capital. It got a beautiful scenery as the sun setting, and we arrive right before the sun set. When she look around she is bewildered and shocked. Since before we took a step we're still in mother study. I hold her hand gently as she turn to face me. Usually it took 2 day walking to reach here.

"Ze-Zein?! How?"

"It a long story Fransisca. For now just so you know, I am someone that had a space magic attribute."

She aghast and taken a back.

"I know there is so many questions in your mind, but I am still me. On the day of my horse accident I met a God, and he gave me a blessing. His advice was live the life you wanted to."

"Th-then the reason you are so good at using shield before..."

"Well as in my coma I remember some vague memories of myself from the past. All his martial arts, studies and life is rolling on my mind. It might be hard to believe, but I don't want you to be in the darkness about your future partner and husband. So will you still take me as your fiance?"

"Yes! Yes Zein! Whatever happens, even when you are still a jerk, I still love you! So, yes!"

She hug me as answering my questions. I hug her back and lift her up, I plant a kiss on her mouth which make took her by surprise. Before long she press her lips on me, responding to my kiss as we looking at the sun setting over the horizon. We stop kissing as her breathing got rougher and she try mumbling something.

"Whoops, I guess I don't want my fiancee come outside with wrinkled dress and rough breathing."

"Ze-Zein!!"

She hide her face on my chest as I tease her.

"We should probably go back. I don't want to make them send a search party."

"Nnn"

She replied as she still hiding her face, I carried her and fold the space again making us right back at mother study.

"So ain't I amazing now?"

I put her down as I said those words, she look back at me fondly.

"You always are, even without those power."

I can tell that is her honest feeling. I escort her with our arm locked with each other, her neck look so sexy with a little sweat dripping from our kiss. Right before the door I kiss her neck playfully, make her jolt as she held her mouth with hand at once. She look peevishly at me again, as I grin and open the door.

"After you milady."

"Thank you Zein."

She smile at my gesture and stomp my feet as she walk out the door followed by me. Jullian already waiting for us by the side of the corridor.

"I've been waiting for both of you. If you may follow me to the dinning room? Master and madam already waiting inside, so do young miss."

"Lead the way Jullian."

"As you wish young master."

We follow Jullian through the corridor as the servant bowing to us when we met. They all look curious at Fransisca which they should already know. I guess her look and grace now is really stunning for most of them. When we arrive at the dinning room, Jullian announce us. Making father and Lein looking our way, while mother look at us with mischievous smile.

"You finally come son. Please took you seat."

Father gesture a seat to us across Lein, while Lein narrowing her eyes observing Fransisca. She look bewildered if I must said. With that we bow our head to father and mother before taking our seat. From father face I am hundred percent sure he haven't recognize Fransisca.

"So Zein, would you like to introduce your future fiancee to us?"

Yep... He definitely not recognizing her. It making Fransisca bashful, while mother giggling behind her fan. I finally understand where our mischievous trait coming from. I clear my throat before I open my mouth.

"Father, mother, and Lein this is Fransisca van Grey. The daughter of Earl Vincent Grey and Lady Ginna. She is one of the best knight of our academy."

Father got taken a back while Lein got more confused. Mother? No need to ask, she having fun right there, whilst Fransisca got more embarrassed.

"I see, that is where you got that brown hair and eyebrow from. While your lips and eyes definitely come from your mom. Earl Grey really got a good daughter, it rare for a girl to be able to become one of the best knight in our Kingdom academy after all."

Father nodding with approval as he said those... Yep my denseness definitely come from you! While Lein tilting her head and creased her brow.

"Hello there Fransisca. It nice to see you, can I ask you a question?"

... Okay seems like Lein also as dense as me and father.

"S-sure."

Fransisca answer her meekly.

"I apologized if I sound rude, but if you're as how my hateful brother describe you, why I have never seen you in any tea party or school? I mean our relationship with Earl Grey is good, and we always meet with Earl Grey twice a year at least."

"... We have met before."

"We did?!"

"Yeah...."

Lein got more and more bewildered as she heard her answer. While mother finally can't hold her laugh. Making father and Lein furrowed their brow as they stare at her as if they asking for an enlightenment.

"Fufufu. We should talk about it later on. What about we feast our dinner first, before we continue our conversation?"

With her words Jullian and the other servant coming out preparing our dinner. The dinner is kinda lavish, with full course from appetizer, soup, main course to dessert. The appetizer is a chicken salad, with vinegar and olive oil as their dressing. While I don't know what kind of soup is it, be it taste kinda light but still delightful. While the main course is a steak, without any sauce. I guess there is no concept of sauce in this world. Since the entire week I only taste papper and salt in most of food. While the dessert is basically a... I don't know? Something that should be a biscuit? But all I can taste is sweetness... Extremely one. Then afterwards Jullian serve us tea, as he took out the empty plates like a magic. Seriously I didn't even realize him move until I found out the empty plates disappearing.

With the tea serve and clean table with only diabetic biscuits left, Lein stare back at Fransisca.

"... I've been thinking for awhile now and try to remember every occasion in Earl Grey manor, but I seem to never met you before."

Before Fransisca can open her mouth, mother answering Lein in Fransisca place.

"You did honey. You even fight against her in last year competition."

"I did????"

Mother you really love to see your daughter confused and curious look don't you. Whelp, it not only Lein, father also got the same face. I clear my throat as I change their attention to me. While mother suddenly pouting.

"Aw, Zein you're no fun."

"... Mother you already having fun for an hour now, and look you've made Fransisca embarrassed."

She look at Fransisca that basically like an antelope that want to run away any time. She scratch her neck while grinning. Genetic is scary...

"Then, please forgive your mother-in-law Fransisca. This is too much fun of teasing."

"Mother, I finally knew whose trait Zein took on."

"Fufufu, he indeed got many personality of mine."

"Ahem... Anyway, Fransisca here also your childhood friend Lein, and we both really close with her as childhood even right now."

"Really? Who... No, no, no don't tell me. I don't need you to tell me. You never did before and I am still doing fine without your help before. So I don't need your help to figure her out."

... Oh come on Lein?! Are you serious? And mother please stop your stifling laugh.

"I am sorry, I would have mend our relationship faster if I know this would happen."

I whisper to Fransisca, well... I am not sure if my oldself would do those or not. But I guess he would if he knew that Fran is his future fiancee... Which I am sure would make him strive to be a better person.

"It's okay, I know you are trying your best to mend it with her now days."

She whispered to me while holding my hand, try to hold her embarrassment. When suddenly Lein stand up and pointing her finger to me.

"Ughh... Childhood friend? Even more we still close with each other?? Seriously you must be misleading me right Zein!"

"... She is..."

"No, no, no I can't hear you!"

"Fufufu..."

"Mother!"

"Alright dear just tell us. Since Lein didn't want Zein to tell her, couldn't you just be the one that tell us. This is already made me confused enough. So who is this fair lady?"

"Right! Mother tell me please. This is killing me, being played by my meany brother, that hate me for 4 full years!"

... Sister grudge is the best! She even bought it here. I could only sigh while Fransisca smile wryly as she heard Lein words.

"Alright, darling I'll tell you. But for you honey, you must hug your brother."

"Hug him?! Fine I don't need to know!"

With that Lein storm off the room at once, made mother shocked at her reaction.

"Oh my... Seems like I push her too far."

"... Mother that totally uncalled for. I know that mother want to help me mend my relationship with Lein. But sometimes you need to give her some space. That what she need from after all I've done these entire time."

"Ow... I guess mother was at fault here."

"Sigh. What done is done dear. Just give our daughter her space. I believe that our childrens can mend their relationship by themselves."

"Whoa, even you darling think I am the one whose wrong here. Umm, fine then mother won't meddling on you and Lein again."

"Thank you Mother."

"You're welcome honey."

"So dear, can you finally tell me whose this lovely children?"

"Ah she is..."

Mother whispering to father... Then father aghast and his jaw slacken all the way to the floor. Mother close his mouth at once before he can speak Fransisca alias with one of her hand. While her other hand pointing at the door where Lein storm off, making it open up. Lein figure come back to the dinning room as she almost fall face first.

"..."

"Hah! Lein can't fool mother!"

"Ouch! Using magic is cheating mother!"

"And you try to cheat mother without our agreement."

"... Yep it just another days of last summer dinner in Dageraad manor."

"Indeed"

Fransisca agreeing with me, as I mutter those words.

"But it hasn't been awhile since it this lively."

"You're right Fransisca. Last one we got a dinner like this is 4 years ago when I and mom throw tantrum I guess."

"Fufufu, why was it happen again?"

"If my memories right it because father cancelled his promises about taking us out to watch a fair. Which one of the most famous fair on the continent."

"Ah, right. In exchange he took us to it in the capital."

"Right, that was the first time you go on vacation in our household too. The three of us so hyped to watch the magician and beast master at that time."

"Hahahaha, I still remember how you and Lein sulking the entire week until we go to the capital. It work well tho since you need to escort me home."

"Indeed it is. I also remember how father sleep on his study for entire week."

We both reminiscing as we look at the chaos that mother and Lein made. While Jullian smile warmly looking at us. I guess he also thinking the same thing as me and Lein. While father finally laughing loud. Sometime I wonder how father and mother being called as dignified figure of noble. I guess they both know what is time, place and occasion. Since when there a tea party or noble meeting, they definitely got those dignified and gallant aura.

"Alright let's call it a night. I still got some papers to be signed. Also tommorow you guys got to go back to the capital. Also Fransisca I hope you still come and visit us like you normally do. You do know that you are always welcome at our manor. I already thought you as my children, so no need to pay respect. Just called me father or like how usually do. I do prefer if you called me father tho."

"I understand father."

"Also tell me if this stupid son of mine flare up, this time I'll teach him for good."

"Will do father."

He nods approvingly, then leaving the dinning room.

"Then I will took my leave too. Zein remember what mother said at study before. You better take a good care of her from now on."

"Yes, mother. I will do my best for her."

"Good night, honey. While Lein stop sulking already."

"Uhh... Good night mother."

""Good night mother""

With mother leaving the dinning room, it left with me, Lein and Fransisca. When our eyes meet, she throw her face away as usual.

"Well good night sister-in-law, which I still don't know who..."

She left without hearing our reply or even saying good night at me. It only me and Fransisca left at the dinning room.