My Phenex Life

The grand dining hall was a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Made of rich, dark mahogany, it was polished to a high sheen, reflecting the light from the grand chandelier above. The table was long and wide, enough to seat the entire family comfortably. Its edges were carved with elaborate designs, and the legs were sturdy and elegantly shaped, showing the attention to detail that went into its creation.

Around the table, the chairs were equally impressive. Each one was upholstered in plush, deep crimson fabric, with high backs that added a touch of regality. The cushions were soft yet firm, offering the perfect balance of comfort and support.

As I approached the table, the aroma of breakfast filled the air, rich and tantalizing. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the savory aroma of bacon and eggs. The table was set with fine china and silverware, each piece gleaming and perfectly arranged.

I found my family already seated, waiting patiently for me to join them for breakfast.

Sure, someone who saw the fact that I easily accepted them as family would find it glaring, but let's be real: if your new family is nice and treats you better, I will treat them as such. Moreover, I've integrated myself with Ravel Phenex both in body and soul, forming a new individual identity rather than simply labeling it as Ravel or a mere transmigration. We embody both entities. This philosophy struck me when I encountered the tale of Lucifer Morningstar in The Sandman, who was offered by The God to merge as one. The God argued that he would remain himself, yet Lucifer contended that in merging, we transcend our individual selves and become something entirely new. Though the specifics of their conversation evade me at the moment, the essence remains: I am Ravel Phenex, and yet not entirely so. We are a fusion of individuals. Therefore, her family becomes my family, simple as that.

Her feelings, her goals, her body, her soul are merged with mine. We are one and transcend the nature of our individuality.

"Ahem... Is something bothering you, Ravel?" my father asked, a hint of concern in his voice. He'd noticed I was dozing off, but I brushed off his question with a casual shrug.

"Nothing, father, just thinking about something." Taking my seat, I picked up the sandwich before me. The bread was warm and slightly crisp on the outside, yet soft and fluffy on the inside. As I bit into it, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The filling was a perfect blend of fresh ingredients – tender slices of roasted chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of tangy mayonnaise.

Next, I reached for the glass of milk, the perfect complement to the rich flavors of the sandwich. The milk was creamy and smooth, leaving a pleasant aftertaste that lingered as I continued to eat.

Surprisingly, the taste was better than anything I had in my previous life in the modern world. Could it be because this was an anime world?

Considering the existence of Shokugeki no Soma and the Nakiri family, who opened Totsuki Culinary Academy in Japan, it made sense. The chefs in my family must have graduated from that prestigious school. I made a mental note to visit them later. After all, who could refuse such delicious food?

As a hedonist, I took the moment of simple pleasure in tasty food and enjoyed it to the fullest.

My arrival at the table seemed to break the spell, and the others joined me, each settling in with their respective breakfasts.

Around me, my family was engaged in their own breakfasts. My father was cutting into a stack of pancakes. The golden syrup dripped down the sides, pooling at the bottom of the plate. My mother, elegant and poised, sipped her tea gracefully, we didn't say each other words as we enjoyed our own breakfast in solitude.

After all, in high society gatherings, it's considered common sense not to interrupt each other's meals. Conversations typically happen either before or after eating. However, I'm not sure if this rule applies to everyone in high society, as some may be more informal and disregard these customs. This has been my experience in both my past and present lives.

In my past life, my parents were the latter type. They didn't mind if I was informal or rude at home, but they were very strict in public. If I embarrassed them in any way, the consequences were serious. This is why I usually adopted a polite and introverted persona in public.

This demeanor often led people to leave me alone, which was convenient. However, some idiots mistook my solitude for weakness and saw me as an easy target. They quickly learned not to mess with someone who disliked communication.

"Ravel... Are you really fine, my dear daughter? Is there anyone who bullied you? You seem less cheerful and more... I don't know how to describe it, perhaps sad?" my mother suddenly asked me with a sharp expression on her face. I didn't know how to answer her question.

After all, when you are grown up but stuck in a kid's body, it makes sense that you lose the innocence a child is supposed to have and adopt a stern and serious demeanor most of the time rather than a cheerful facade and talkativeness. Moreover, her words were wrong. I'm not sad, but more introspective.

But you know, I don't know how to put it into words. I'm not sure how kids talk even though I have the memories of it. What I can be sure of is they are unfiltered and don't mince their words no matter how hurtful it is, but my mind is not that of a kid anymore and it's impossible for me to speak unfiltered like them.

Urgh... It's fucking troublesome.

When I wanted to excuse myself to leave from this terrible silence and go to my room, suddenly my eldest brother, Ruval Phenex, interjected the otherwise tense atmosphere with teasing.

"Perhaps she is nervous about her meeting with Rias, Mother. After all, she would become part of our family in the future."

"Hahaha... If you wanted to meet her, just say it, sister, I will arrange it for you," Riser added as he patted his chest confidently.

Okay, thank you very much for answering Mother for me, brothers.

In the end, the atmosphere became more awkward rather than solving the entire problem.

This is my life now, the life of Ravel Phenex.

I sighed as I continued sipping my milk without answering Riser's statement. I don't like lying about their assumption of my enthusiasm for Rias. No, I don't. That's why I opted for silence, hoping this awkward atmosphere would end right here and right now. I wanted to check my gaming power, not get stuck in here with my disastrous social interaction.

Riser scratched his head when he saw me not responding enthusiastically.

Sorry, brother, I don't know how to respond to you...

Perhaps later, when I have adapted better and can communicate properly.

For now, I am still stuck with my own problem.

The problem of an existential crisis.