Chapter 10: CHAPTER 9 - A New Beginning (2)
Sitting inside the car, Ichiro was enveloped in silence, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and surprise. He pondered how he had found himself agreeing to a lift from the old man, the situation feeling increasingly awkward as the elderly figure continued to smile kindly at him. A sense of foreboding washed over him, hinting that this encounter might not be the last time their paths crossed.
Breaking the silence, the old man's voice reached Ichiro's ears. "So, I heard you were injured during the monster attack."
"Yes, that's true, but I'm recovering well now, sir," Ichiro responded, his tone respectful.
"Have you received any recent news about your grandfather?" The old man's question shifted the conversation, delving into a topic that carried its own weight of complexity.
Ichiro shook his head in response, a mixture of sadness and uncertainty flickering in his eyes. Since his grandfather had left with his grandmother on that day, he had neither seen nor heard from them. He longed to reach out, but the veil of silence woven by his family had left him with no knowledge of their whereabouts.
"I see," the old man acknowledged, understanding the implications behind Ichiro's response. He recognized the suppression the Takahashi family had enacted upon the young man, despite the fact that he was tied to the tragic loss of the late Lady Takahashi. It was a perplexing situation — with the considerable wealth his mother had amassed over years of service, Ichiro should have been able to lead a comfortable and opulent life. Yet, something was amiss within the Takahashi household.
As the car journey continued, the old man's contemplative expression spoke of his introspection into the enigmatic dynamics within the Takahashi family. A puzzle had presented itself, and he couldn't help but delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding Ichiro and his circumstances.
"How are your studies?" The old man's question broke the silence once again, prompting a response from Ichiro.
"They're proceeding as usual, sir," Ichiro replied, his gaze fixed downward as he spoke. He struggled to meet the old man's eyes, a mixture of awe and unease fluttering within him.
Unbeknownst to the old man, the encounter held an additional layer of complexity for Ichiro. The system had activated, providing him with insights into the statuses of the people around him. Consequently, he found himself reluctant to meet the old man's gaze, aware that the system was unveiling details about his status as well.
The system's notifications had alerted Ichiro to the presence of certain individuals and their corresponding statuses. Among them, the old man's status was particularly impressive, revealing a level of power and influence that surpassed Ichiro's initial assumptions. However, the status display extended beyond physical and magical capabilities; it also divulged personal information, such as the old man's enjoyment of matcha tea and music.
As Ichiro grappled with this newfound knowledge and the conflicting emotions it stirred within him, he struggled to navigate the situation. The mixture of reverence and uncertainty made it difficult for him to engage naturally in conversation, his thoughts consumed by the intricacies of the status revelations.
Ichiro felt a tinge of annoyance directed towards the system. Earlier, when he could have used its assistance, it remained silent. Yet now, it had spontaneously provided him with information he hadn't sought. His emotions swirled within, and he silently chastised the system for its untimely interventions.
"Darn you, system," he muttered inwardly, his frustration simmering. "I should figure out how to exit this car soon. We're almost at the gate."
As his thoughts raced, he anticipated the moment he could disembark from the car and escape the awkward situation. However, the car came to an unexpected stop just before reaching the gate, causing Ichiro to glance around in bewilderment.
The old man's voice broke the silence, addressing Ichiro's predicament. "I assume you'd prefer to keep our encounter discreet from your family. Is this distance from the gate acceptable to you?"
Ichiro looked at the old man with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty. A thought flickered in his mind, questioning whether the old man had somehow gleaned his unspoken desires. Despite his curiosity, he withheld his musings and offered a grateful smile. "Thank you for understanding, sir."
"You're welcome," the old man responded warmly.
Unlike traditional etiquette, neither the driver nor the steward emerged to open the door for Ichiro. He alighted from the car independently, retrieving his belongings from the trunk.
"Sir, thank you once again for your generosity," Ichiro expressed with sincerity.
"I hope our paths cross again," the old man replied, his words laden with an underlying sentiment.
Internally, Ichiro couldn't help but resist the notion of encountering the old man again. "I don't truly wish to see you again," he thought privately, yet externally, he maintained a courteous demeanor. "Anyways, thank you once more."
With a nod and a parting smile, Ichiro turned away, his thoughts preoccupied with the idea of avoiding any further interactions that might link him to the enigmatic figure who had granted him this unexpected lift.
Upon Ichiro's arrival at the front gate of their imposing residence, a servant swiftly moved to unlatch the gate, allowing him entrance. However, Ichiro couldn't help but notice the conspicuous absence of any greeting or assistance offered by the household staff. The silence that greeted him only further emphasized his status within the family hierarchy.
As he stepped beyond the gate and onto the property, he found himself immersed in a well-manicured front yard, designed in the traditional Japanese style that exuded an air of timeless elegance. Lush greenery formed a tranquil oasis, meticulously arranged around stone pathways and ornate water features, giving the landscape an aura of luxury befitting a family of their standing. A sense of serenity enveloped the yard, masking the underlying tensions that existed within the walls of the estate.
Ichiro proceeded towards the main building, his steps echoing softly on the paved path. However, the anticipation of a warm welcome or even a semblance of acknowledgment from the household staff proved to be in vain. As he walked through his own courtyard, he couldn't help but notice its neglected state.
Leaves and weeds had overtaken the once-pristine space, casting a sense of desolation upon his surroundings. The contrast between his memories of a vibrant, tended courtyard and the current disarray stung him with a mixture of nostalgia and disappointment. It was a reflection of his estranged relationship with his family—a clear manifestation of how he had been sidelined in the wake of his mother's passing.
The crunch of leaves beneath his feet seemed to amplify the emptiness around him as he continued his journey to his room. Despite the solitude that often comes with wealth and status, Ichiro couldn't help but feel a pang of isolation as he navigated the neglected space that was meant to be his sanctuary within the confines of his opulent family estate.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone