It was now lunchtime.
Sylvia and Alden had long since returned to the manor, with Idril accompanying them.
Alden had thought about it earlier, but having Idril around was fun. The fairy, all jokes and laughter, flitted through the space with a kind of unrestrained freedom. While everyone else treated Alden like a glass doll, Idril acted as if he were just a friend visiting her home for the first time.
She dragged him around his own house, introducing each object with her own personal thoughts.
"This is the dining table… hmm, I don't like it. The wood was too young when they harvested it. It's a bit dumb. You can just ignore it, little Al."
"This is a relic from Ashkar. Useless now. Your mom and dad keep it around as decoration, how childish."
"This is Jenny. She's a stupid child who acts like she knows everything."
It was entertaining. Fun, even.
The usual quiet of the manor was calm and welcoming, but it didn't help Alden, a stranger to this world, to untangle any of the questions weighing on him. Idril, however, offered up information—in her own playful way.
Alden had assumed Idril only brought out Sylvia's emotions because of their 'sisterly' bond. But apparently, she had that effect on everyone. She teased the strict Jenny, bantered with the stoic Charles, and easily riled up the ever-patient Sylvia. With her around, Drukas Manor felt alive.
At the moment, Idril sat comfortably on top of Jenny's head as the maid prepared lunch. Occasionally, she leaned down to whisper something in Jenny's ear, earning a visible disapproval every time.
Idril was very angry and frustrated when Jenny decided to boil her mushroom.
Alden couldn't help but like her a lot.
"Your aunt is fun, isn't she?" Sylvia murmured, cradling him as she played with his hair.
He glanced up at her briefly, then returned his gaze to Idril.
Aunt?
He really couldn't comprehend it. In what universe was Idril, a cat-sized fairy, related to his otherwise normal-sized family?
He couldn't ask about it right now—partly because he wasn't able to, and partly because it felt… maybe rude? The whole situation was confusing. Still, he had time to learn. He told himself to be patient.
From the stairs, light creaking echoed as Liam came down, heading straight for the kitchen where everyone had gathered.
"What's for lunch, Jenny?" he asked mid-yawn. His golden hair was disheveled, dark circles prominent under his eyes. Clearly, unlike Sylvia, Liam's tardiness hadn't improved overnight. "Oh? You're joining us, Idril?"
"Little Al asked me, so I didn't refuse," Idril replied curtly, then turned back quickly to continue watching Jenny work.
"Did he? He's too kind." Liam scoffed and walked closer, ruffling Alden's hair.
Sylvia's gaze almost melted as she watched Liam tease their son, her smile softening even further.
As always, Liam's eyes shone unnaturally when they first settled on Alden, but it was only briefly. Its expression quickly dulled back to the usual dull green as he leaned down and pressed a kiss to Sylvia's head before heading toward the back door. Her eyes lingered on him as he left.
It felt like they were acting out a K-drama scene in real life.
Watching it all unfold, Alden could only sigh internally. He'd have to be careful or risk becoming an awkward third wheel and getting thrown out.
"Lunch is almost ready, Sylvia," Jenny called, her back still to them as the scent of sweetness in the space intensified by a notch.
"Alright, leave it to me," Sylvia replied, gently settling Alden into the still-warm seat. "Idril, can you watch Alden for me?"
At her words, Idril lazily floated away from Jenny's head, landing cross-legged on the table in front of Alden. "What exactly am I watching for?"
"Just make sure he doesn't fall," Sylvia answered as she crouched to retrieve silverware from a cupboard. Her brows furrowed suddenly as she glanced back. "Really—just make sure nothing harms him at all. Please, Idril."
"You worry too much." Idril chuckled, leaning forward to squeeze Alden's nose.
Truthfully, it felt more like Alden was keeping her entertained rather than she keeping him safe.
With another creak, the back door opened again. Liam returned, this time with Charles. The girl seemed to spend most of her waking hours in the backyard. Her bloodshot eyes gave a brief scan of the room before she made a beeline for Sylvia.
"Master, please, let me," Charles offered quickly, crouching beside her.
"No, no, Charles. I've got this," Sylvia replied, waving her off.
"Please, master. Please rest…" Charles pleaded.
It was Alden's first time hearing Charles directly address his mother—and she used the title master, no less. Strange. His curiosity stirred again.
Liam rejoined Alden and Idril at the table, once again ruffling Alden's hair from above.
"You seem to be doing well," he said casually, not expecting a response. "Is Idril too annoying to sleep?"
"I'm still right here," Idril snapped, wings fluttering as she rose to meet Liam's gaze. "Don't teach the little one your foul manners. He's a quick learner."
She reprimanded with a growl, serious and lofty despite her small size.
"Is he?" Liam pursed his lips. "I never noticed."
"Tsk. Of course not." Idril scoffed with mockery.
Ignoring her jab, Liam patted Alden's head once more before pulling out a chair and settling beside them both.
"Alright, food is ready."
Jenny's announcement was akin to a command as every member moved toward their seat.
The eight-person rectangular table filled quickly. Liam sat at the head. On his right, Sylvia settled in with Alden perched on her lap. Across from her sat Charles—still impassive, even with Idril comfortably seated on her head. Jenny moved often throughout the meal, but whenever she did sit, it was beside Alden and Sylvia.
Today's lunch was a vegetable stew accompanied by assorted side dishes. All of which Alden couldn't identify, but he did recognize Idril's mushroom. After being boiled whole, the vegetables sadly no longer shift in color.
Jenny started making her round around the table, filling each person's bowl. Apparently, there were no such traditions as saying grace before a meal in this world. As soon as food was served, everyone nodded their thanks and started eating.
Tak, tak.
In front of Sylvia and Alden, Jenny put down two bowls: one normal-sized, and one small. Sylvia spent the first moments blowing gently on the smaller bowl as the others dug in.
Alden waited patiently.
He supposed he should be grateful he didn't have to, well… breastfeed.
He cast a glance at Sylvia's chest. Still the epitome of beauty in his eyes—but thankfully, the gods had balanced things out by keeping her curvature modest. A small mercy.
It made sense, really. Alden didn't think he'd eaten even once over the past year he'd spent asleep. His survival had probably been thanks to Myrr and Idril's blessing.
[ Name: Forefathers' Grace ]
[ Classification: Racial Trait – Druid ]
[ Effect: Nature nurtures your body. Bonus variable stats increase depending on connected nature entity. ]
[ Duration: 0:0:32:11 ]
That was how the system described the buff. Vague, but from experience, he knew its effects were tremendous. Even now, Idril's earlier blessing lingered and satiated him, granting a vitality that would last another half an hour.
Moreover, 'racial trait'.
That was something he fully intended to investigate in depth going forward.
Sylvia finally seemed to be happy with the temperature as she paused to feed Alden a spoonful. He accepted it without protest.
It was delicious.
For now, his portion contained nothing textured yet, but even the stew's stock alone was phenomenal. It tasted root-like, something rich and creamy in a way he had never experienced before.
This was already the third time Alden had Jenny's cooking, but it still amazed him every time.
"Does it taste alright, Al?" From the side, the seemingly silent Jenny was attentively taking note of his reaction.
He met her gaze and gave an eager nod. The flavors were perfectly suited to his palate—and her sincere attention made him feel respected, not coddled.
Jenny's stern expression softened ever so slightly. She returned the nod and calmly went back to her own meal.
"Jenny's cooking is always delicious." Sylvia observed their brief exchange with a gentle laugh. "I'm glad Alden finally gets to enjoy it."
"You're too kind, Sylvia." Jenny replied politely, a faint smile curving her lips.
It was a forced smile.
Not really, but it seems mismatched.
Alden's years of reading people had led him to conclude that Jenny was the serious and dedicated type. She would respond well to sincerity and criticism, and she would not like being praised for small actions she considered obvious. It was the pride of someone competent and precise.
Alden and Jenny would get along very easily.
"Tsk."
Across the table, Idril clicked her tongue as Charles lifted another spoonful of stew to her level.
"The soup is okay at best," She was unimpressed. "It lacks sincerity and appreciation."
"Idril." Sylvia's voice sharpened instantly, disapproval heavy in her tone.
Well, Alden figured Jenny wouldn't mind the harsh critique.
"Indeed. There were some unusual ingredients I found hard to incorporate into my uncivilized cooking."
It seems that Alden was wrong.
What kind of passive-aggressive response was that?
It was fascinating.
It was politics.
His favorite sport.
***
After lunch, Idril once again gave Alden a tour of the house, this time with both Sylvia and Liam following them.
Other than reading brain-rot mangas, his other favorite pastimes were touring houses he never intended to buy and renovate the ones he owned. Either way, he knew his taste very clearly.
The Drukas manor, though, was an enigma even to him.
In terms of size, it was moderate. The surrounding garden and backyard together were probably larger than the manor itself, but it was still a size that was cozy without being suffocating. And mercifully, it hadn't fallen victim to the modern obsession with windows.
Nature seemed to be a very big part of the house, as other than the vines and wildlife growing on the outside, the inside also seems bream with wood interiors and flower pots.
The layout was simple.
The kitchen, dining room, and living room flowed together openly on the first floor, with only a tucked-away hallway leading to a restroom and two guest rooms. Alden was fairly sure Charles lived in one of those guest bedrooms, though there were no clear traces of her, and Idril hadn't said anything specific.
The second floor was mostly bedrooms. Sylvia's, Liam's, and Alden shared the master bedroom—probably only for now, probably. Jenny's room sat nearby, and the other two rooms were a nursery and one shared bathroom.
On the third floor attic, there was only a single grand study that belonged to Liam. It was more of a library than an office, and it was messy. The rest of the space had been turned into open storage, with carpets strewn across the floor and a small clearing by the window where a lone canvas stood.
Alden hadn't realized he liked houses like this. But he did. He loved it.
It was impossibly warm and lived-in. Everywhere he looked, there were weird trinkets, books, and memories. Even with Idril giving her colorful judgments, Alden found himself wanting to form his own opinions.
He loved the house.
After a small yawn involuntary escape, everyone reacted instantly.
"Alden, are you sleepy? Are you feeling alright?" Sylvia asked, tightening her hold on him as Liam's eyes started to glow faintly again.
"This table is from the previous owner. The crude craftsmanship made the wood sad. Very unfortunate." Idril narrated. There was a lot of weirdly-shaped furniture in the attic.
Alden lazily shook his head. He was fine. Idril's buff had just worn off, and the sudden decrease of 6 stat points across the board left him a little groggy.
"He's just sleepy, love," Liam concluded with a small smile after the glow in his eyes dimmed. Instead of fussing over Alden, he reached over to pat Sylvia gently on the head. "Al is at the age where he sleeps a lot."
"…We don't know that," Sylvia muttered, unconvinced. "I should take him to Myrr."
"This chair…" Idril sighed deeply, crouching down. "He was my friend…"
"I'll go with you, then," Liam added, smiling softly at Sylvia. "Just in case you and Al plan on leaving me out of the loop."
They were too lovey-dovey.
It burned him.
Alden was awake. No need. Seriously, there was no need.
"Of course, Liam. You're Al's father too," Sylvia replied sweetly, brushing a kiss onto his shoulder.
Of course Liam didn't leave it there. He bent down and kissed Sylvia on the lips.
Alden was exhausted. More from the lovebirds than from any actual curse.
'Please. No. I'm fine. Just let me sleep, then. Stop kissing.'
He didn't mind people kissing. Just not two absolutely beautiful people kissing. And not when they were his supposed parents.
Maybe if he faints? If he passed out? Maybe then, they would leave him alone.
"No, he's pale. Liam—did you see? He's pale.," Sylvia fretted, tightening her grip.
Well, now, he just felt like a cockblock.
Liam tilted his head, studying Alden carefully. "He's always pale, love."
"Paler."
Maybe.
Beside them, Idril continued gently patting the ill-fated chair. "This chair is paler too… poor thing."
Alden gave in. His measly one point in stamina had run dry after a full meal. He let his eyes fall fully closed, letting his limbs go slack in the most dramatic deadweight way he could muster. Maybe if he went full ragdoll, they'd give up and leave him be.
Instead, Sylvia kissed the crown of his head, and Liam's hand brushed between his shoulder blades in a slow, grounding rhythm.
Beside them, Idril sighed deeply once more as Alden slowly drifted to peaceful sleep. "This one… this one had dreams."