And just like that, Siebold walked away, completely ignoring Mars's face, which had turned as dark as the bottom of a pot.
Quite a few people even cast mocking glances in secret.
'You're the head of the main line of the mighty Narcissus Family… and you still can't handle your relationship with your children?'
Of course, there were also many -like Joseph- who felt a mix of regret and sympathy for Siebold.
But perhaps now, Siebold could finally pursue what he truly wanted to do, without holding back.
Open a restaurant of his own, and become an Elite Four member in Kalos…
The two didn't conflict at all.
As for Joseph, he had now, without question, become the core figure of the younger generation of the Narcissus Family.
Well… not entirely without question. After all, the full-team battle had been cut short. That title of "young representative" Joseph now held felt a little hollow.
But as long as he continued progressing step by step, once he reached the Elite Four level, he could take over the reins of the Narcissus Family and become the next head.
"Unfortunately, that's not my ambition…"
Joseph whispered softly to himself as Mars laughed heartily and announced a grand banquet in Joseph's honor.
Starting the very next day, family resources were heavily redirected toward Joseph.
Three Ace level sparring partners permanently stationed at the training grounds, a custom training program designed by a top-tier Breeder, eight maids providing round-the-clock personal care, and study companions sent by branch and affiliate families.
These so-called study companions held the same level of importance within their own families as Joseph now held within the Narcissus Family.
And in the eyes of others, they would no doubt become Joseph's most loyal supporters and powerful allies once he inherited the family head position.
Joseph… accepted them all.
In Mars's view, his youngest son seemed to have matured overnight after his return from the outside world. Every move he made since then had pleased him immensely.
Of course… except for that public chat with Siebold about their ideals!
Mars felt increasingly confident about his decision to have Joseph replace Siebold. In fact, he believed it was one of the smartest decisions he had ever made!
And it showed. Not only were the study companions enthusiastically devoted, but even the other children were frequently visiting Joseph as well.
After all, siblings should love and support each other!
Now, in Joseph's greatly expanded private garden, all the companions and several of Joseph's siblings had gathered -some in small groups, some sitting alone- yet none of them had left.
His third sister, Daly, stood next to him with her arms crossed.
"How many of them know about your real plan?"
Daly asked curiously. When she first heard about Joseph's plan, she was genuinely shocked by how bold and reckless it sounded.
She had thought: Father, you're truly unlucky… sent away a big brother who was fake-rebellious on the surface, only to be replaced by a little brother who's truly insane deep down.
But once she realized she could finally be free if the plan succeeded, Daly couldn't help feeling restless with anticipation.
After all, her Sixth Brother Joseph was the "most" talented genius the family had seen in years!
Might as well go all in!
"Not many know the full story. Not many are both bold and smart." Joseph observed the whole scene and spoke with calm detachment.
"Yeah, fair enough~"
Daly nodded in agreement, thinking to herself, 'I must be one of the bold and smart ones.'
'Heh (ˇˇ), this felt pretty great!'
At the start of his third month back in the Kalos Region, Joseph had successfully gained the family's full attention, and used that opportunity to begin executing his plan.
---
Time passed slowly. Over the following three months, Joseph continued to play the role of the dutiful heir, while taking turns having one-on-one conversations with each of his siblings.
Even his Second Brother, who had previously treated him with open hostility, no longer mocked or opposed him in public. These days, they could even speak calmly when they met.
Even Dale, at times, looked at Joseph with a complex gaze, faintly tinged with a hint of reverence.
And today marked the coming-of-age ceremony of the Sixth Young Master, the most talented of the Narcissus Family's younger generation.
There was originally still a month to go, but Joseph could no longer wait, so he requested to hold it early.
After thinking it over briefly, Mars saw no issue and agreed without hesitation.
At Joseph's own suggestion, Mars invited only the branch families, affiliate houses, and the four in-laws to attend.
In other words, only close relations.
Strangely enough, even though Mars had already married his fourth wife, he still maintained good relationships with his previous in-laws, something outsiders found rather unbelievable.
Of course, Joseph saw the family from his mother's side. Most notably, the uncle who had secretly helped him escape all those years ago and gifted him his Gogoat.
"In the blink of an eye, my little Joseph has grown into a fine young man. That face really does look just like my sister's."
Carl patted Joseph on the shoulder and spoke with pride.
"Uncle, I heard all about it. Back then, Father gave you a hard time because I ran away, didn't he?"
"Hahaha, that was just adult business. Seeing how amazing you are now, your uncle can finally relax. You're the only son my sister ever had…"
Carl was clearly a sentimental and impulsive man. Otherwise, he wouldn't have helped Joseph escape back then.
But over the years, Carl had often questioned whether he'd made the right decision.
Helping his sister's son flee the Narcissus Family… 'was that really the right thing to do? Could Joseph take care of himself out there alone?'
Carl hated that he didn't have the ability to simply raise Joseph himself by bringing him back to his own family.
So at the time, the only thing he could do was give Joseph a Skiddo with Ace level potential that had been assigned to him by the family.
Thankfully, after years of experience outside, Joseph not only grew up safe and healthy; he returned to the family in such a dazzling fashion.
His uncle… was truly proud!
---
Guests began to arrive one after another. Joseph had changed into the elegant suit that Dale had tailored specifically for him and stood there smiling, greeting each of the "Family" members as they entered.
Flattering compliments rained down like they were free: handsome, charming, talented, powerful, captivating smile, great physique…
Joseph accepted them all with grace. After all, they were just stating facts…
As the time drew near and everyone had arrived, Joseph's coming-of-age ceremony was about to begin officially.
Meanwhile…
A group of people stepped out of the airport in Lumiose City.
They wore matching black training uniforms and carried the latest black spatial backpacks from Devon Corp. Their battle belts were filled with six gleaming Poké Balls each.
The man at the front had a sharp and cold gaze… but the Pikachu perched on his shoulder completely broke the mood, this strange contrast drew attention instantly.
Beside him stood another man, also in a sleek black uniform. But no matter how he dressed, the husky-like energy he gave off made him seem completely out of place with the rest of the team…