Family Dinner

The sound of his footsteps echoed slightly in the quiet, the only interruption to the peaceful morning. At the end of the mansion's grand walkway, a magnificent carriage awaited him, its polished black surface gleaming in the light. The horses were restless, their powerful forms reflecting the strength of the family they served.

The coachman, dressed in traditional livery, stood by the carriage door. His expression was neutral, though a hint of respect lingered in his eyes as Asher approached.

"Young Master, the carriage is ready to take you to your Magnus Palace, where Lord Magnus is waiting for you" the coachman said with a slight bow, opening the door for him.

Asher nodded in acknowledgment and stepped into the carriage, settling himself onto the luxurious seats inside. The moment he sat down, the door was shut, and the horses began to move, the carriage smoothly rolling forward.

He stared out of the window, watching the garden slowly disappear behind him. The ride to his grandfather's estate was a short one, but in that time, Asher couldn't help but reflect on what was waiting for him. His grandfather was known for his harsh wisdom, for pushing him and the rest of the family to be more—stronger, smarter, better. This was likely no different.

But now, after gaining powers like the Sanguine Supreme and the Universal Energy Vein System, there was no telling what expectations awaited him.

As the carriage carried him through the estate's private roads, Asher steeled himself for what was to come. He knew this was just the beginning of a much larger journey, and whether he was ready or not, he had to face it.

As the carriage rolled smoothly along the private road, Asher gazed out of the window at the breathtaking landscape. The family estate stretched out far and wide, a symbol of their power and influence. Towering trees lined the road, their leaves a vibrant mix of gold and crimson, swaying gently in the morning breeze. The estate was an island of nature within the grand city, far from the noise of urban life, offering a sanctuary of beauty and peace.

Beyond the trees, Asher could see vast rolling hills covered in rich green grass, dotted with the occasional ancient oak or cluster of wildflowers. In the distance, a river glittered under the sunlight, its gentle flow adding a sense of calm to the scene. Birds flew overhead, their songs faint but soothing as they blended with the rhythm of the horses' hooves hitting the ground.

Small clusters of stone structures—guard outposts and servant quarters—could be seen every so often, each nestled naturally into the landscape. Though modest in design, they were built with the same careful craftsmanship that defined the family's taste. Everything here, from the smallest flower to the largest estate wall, was cultivated, maintained, and perfected.

The estate's true magnificence lay ahead as the carriage passed through the last stretch of wooded path. Rising from behind the hills came the grand main estate, the manor of his grandfather. It stood like a fortress, with walls of pale stone and towering spires that reached for the sky. Majestic gardens surrounded the estate, with intricate fountains, marble statues, and perfectly trimmed hedges decorating the grounds. A line of servants stood by the entrance, their expressions stoic as they awaited their young master's arrival.

The grandeur of it all was almost overwhelming, but Asher's mind was elsewhere. His thoughts circled back to the upcoming conversation with his grandfather—the man who had met him only when he was born, he came to see the face of his another grandchild as well as to know the name.

As the carriage approached the entrance, it began to slow, the grand doors of the manor coming into view. The carriage halted, and the coachman stepped forward, opening the door for Asher to step out.

With a deep breath, Asher exited the carriage, taking one last look at the estate's surrounding beauty before heading inside to face whatever awaited him.

Asher continued down the grand path lined with perfectly manicured hedges and intricate stone statues, his shoes clicking lightly against the polished stone. Soon, he reached the large doors where a maid, dressed in a pristine black and white uniform, awaited him. Her expression was stoic, glasses perched neatly on her nose, and her hair was tied back in a tight, flawless bun. Her uniform was spotless, without a single sign of wear or imperfection.

"You are on time," she remarked, glancing at him with a slight nod. Without waiting for a response, she turned and added, "Follow me." She began walking ahead with graceful precision.

Asher followed, his eyes lingering on her back as they moved through the grand hallway. She was Amyra, once the personal caretaker of his grandfather when he was Asher's age, much like Emily was to Asher now. After his grandfather ascended to the position of Patriarch, Amyra's role had shifted, and she now served as the head maid, a highly respected position in the household.

Her years of service had earned her great authority in the family, and she was rumored to have the same power as of the Grand Elder, backing her influence in many affairs. In their family hierarchy, which spanned generations, the structure was clear. The Patriarch held the highest authority, followed by the Grand Elder, the Elders, and then the main bloodline holders. Below them were the branch families, whose presence and power were essential in keeping the estate running smoothly.

Asher knew that within this complex web of family politics, even someone like Amyra, who was "just a maid," held significant weight. The quiet power dynamics of the family were always at play, and every position had its importance.

Asher followed Amyra down the grand hall, his footsteps echoing softly on the polished marble floors. The path she led him through was lined with portraits of ancestors, each one with the same piercing gaze that spoke of power and authority. Tall, arched windows allowed streams of sunlight to pour in, casting intricate patterns of light across the rich red carpet that lined the hall. The air smelled faintly of incense, a scent that added to the sense of tradition and formality in this part of the estate.