(Underworld - Itoshi Territory)
The grand halls of the estate glimmered with pristine white marble, stretching endlessly into corridors lined with towering pillars and opulent chandeliers.
In the center of one of the medical wards, cradled delicately in the arms of a woman, a burgundy haired newborn stared out at the world with uncanny calm.
His aunt, Sayaka Itoshi, held him carefully.
She possessed the Clan's trademark teal eyes framed by long underlashes, and her long, wavy jet-black hair flowed down her back, save for a singular curled ahoge that stubbornly pointed skyward.
Her expression remained neutral as the infant blinked back at her, occasionally curling his tiny fingers around hers in ways that seemed far too deliberate for a newborn.
After a quiet glance around the room to ensure no one was observing, Sayaka brought the child close and softly brushed her eyelashes against his cheek in a delicate butterfly kiss.
Sae froze for a heartbeat, overwhelmed by the sudden stimulation as a soft coo escaped him before he quickly composed himself, a slight frown returning to his tiny face.
Sayaka, despite herself, allowed a small, amused smile to surface as her ahoge slightly twitched.
Meanwhile maids bustled quietly nearby, tending to Lady Akiko Itoshi, Sae's mother.
Her long burgundy hair spilled across the pillows, matted with sweat from the labor that had lasted eighty-two hours, a grueling ordeal that had left her in a deep, unbroken sleep.
Moments later, Sae's father, Tadashi Itoshi, entered the chamber his sharp features and composed presence evident as he approached Sayaka, who handed him his son.
As Tadashi held Sae, the infant's frown melted into serene curiosity which Tadashi nodded at, approval hidden behind his gaze.
"Hello there Sae."
Tadashi said as he gazed at Sae seeing he inherited his mother's burgundy hair yet kept the teal eyes and long underlashes. Tedashi held himself from chuckling seeing Sae also inherited his aloof demeanor as he did not beg for his father's attention.
If something was noticeable it was that Sae was no normal newborn.
Eight years passed, and Sae proved to be no ordinary child. Unlike most of his peers, he never wasted time playing with toys and rarely even spoke with his half-siblings, who were more distracted with their own devices than the meticulous world he occupied.
When not buried in books, he trained, solved complex puzzles, or conducted calculations and experiments in the quiet confines of his personal chambers. Within, Sae stood atop an oak step stool, chalk in hand, facing three massive blackboards crowded with complex formulas.
"...No. That's inefficient," he murmured under his breath, voice low and even.
His hand moved again as he erased a segment of the fourmual with a sharp flick of his wrist, replacing it with a tighter sequence of neater symbols.
His lips moved as he worked, each thought spoken just quietly enough to stay his own.
Watching quietly from a few paces away was his personal butler, Sebastian Michaelis a tall man, striking, with black hair, reddish-brown eyes, pale skin, and black fingernails.
His butler's uniform was immaculate: double-breasted tailcoat, gray vest, and crisp white gloves, the Itoshi crest subtly adorning his lapel chain. A true gentleman if you asked anyone who knew of him.
Sae glanced over his shoulder feeling the presence of Sebastian.
"What is it? Don't you see I'm busy right now Sebastian." He asked his hand halting for a moment.
Sebastian's tone was calm, but curious.
"Young master, sorry for the inconvenience but breakfast is ready. Also may I inquire in what you are doing exactly?"
Sae considered the question for a moment as he saw no reason not to indulge Sebastian's curiosity.
"Currently I'm working on a technique that would manipulate space to create an infinitely divided barrier," he explained. "Any incoming matter that would approach a certain radius around me would be slowed to a halt unable to move any further. In theory, if I manage to find a way to create this nothing would be able to touch me unless I allowed it or they found an alternate way to cross the barrier."
Sebastian nodded slowly, impressed as he hummed thoughtfully letting the explanation simmer in his mind.
"Sounds like the Achilles and the Tortoise paradox if I'm not mistaken." He remarked.
The remark earned a slight unmistakable smile from Sae as he stepped down from the stool, adjusting his vest, as he made it to Sebastian's side the two then exiting through the door and into the opulent halls.
Maids bowed as he passed, their respect tangible yet unobtrusive.
They entered a bright dining hall where Tadashi, Akiko, Sayaka, and the family's concubines were already seated.
Also at the table were Sae's three half-siblings who all started as he fully came into view.
There was Rin Itoshi, the second eldest brother; Miyu Itoshi, the middle sister; and Kaede Itoshi, the youngest.
Sae clasped his hands behind his back and approached the table. "Morning, Kaasan," he greeted his mother softly. Then, turning to his father, he added, "Morning to you as well, old man."
Tadashi's gaze flicked up. "I am not an old man," he replied.
Sae opened his mouth for a witty comment, then thought better of it and instead took a seat beside his siblings.
It didn't take long for the silence to be broken.
"Your cultivation… how is it progressing Sae?" Tadashi asked.
Sae's slim teal eyes met his father's. "It's been going well," he replied calmly as his plate was set down.
Rin, curious yet reserved, watched his elder brother reach for the utensils silently, his eyes unreadable as everyone began to eat.
End of Chapter