Chapter 6：Family Dinner

The Arkatal dining hall was grand and luxurious, combining the use of white and wooden walls. Cylinder light fixtures colored in the Arkatal family color blue, hung above a big wooden dinner table.

For once, the whole family was gathered for dinner. The family head Lynwood and his four wifes, Kaden's grandfather and grandmother, and of course, the two young masters. All four of the wifes were naturally tending to their husband, competing for his affection. On the surface they seemed to be on good terms with each other, but there was definitely some hidden tension between them.

Being one of four wasn't easy. How everyone else both inside and outside the family treated them, all depended on their placement in Kaden's father Lynwood's eyes. Naturally the first and third miss were the most respected as each of them had given him a son.

Connected by blood, not much could shake their standings. Still, this was exactly what made the second and fourth miss go on edge. They were scared of being abandoned. Naturally, the Arkatal family was very prestigious so there was little chance of Lynwood ever divorcing any of his wifes. But they had all gotten used to the life of luxury and spending their husband's money, if he were to take away some of their amenities it would still be a travesty to them. Therefore, their goal was obviously to please him.

Still, it was a decently harmonious atmosphere. It was no surprise that distinguished families had a knack for keeping their family feuds on the down low.

With a smile, Lynwood looked towards his two sons and began talking, "Did you two have fun training?"

"Yeah dad!" Zandr was really enthusiastic, answering with a mouthful of food.

"Zandr don't speak with your mouth full." His mother Avery, the first miss, berated him.

"Don't worry about that love. The boy is only four and excited, he'll naturally learn proper etiquette when he's older. It's good you liked it Zandr." Lynwood smiled back pleased, then turned his attention to his other son, "What about you Kaden? Did you have fun too?"

Kaden had been staring down at his plate, but hearing his name called he looked up and nodded.

"Heh, thats great. You'll both be going to school in a few years, so make sure you train hard during this period, okay?" Lynwood took a moment and looked each of his sons in the eye.

Both of the boys expressed their agreement which seemed to placate their father.

"Good as long as you understand. Our Arkatal family is a strong force in the Blacktop Empire, it's important to keep up our appearances. Strength and connections are important to us." Lynwood said and then looked like he'd suddenly remembered something, "Oh yeah Kaden, I heard you mastered our family technique, is that true?"

"Yes father." Kaden was casual about it.

"Hah, that's great. Don't get complacent though, there are a lot of stronger techniques and skills out there. I know a few myself too." He looked at his son with a proud gaze, very satisfied with his talent.

"I understand, I'll keep training." Kaden just gave an answer to please his father. Even if he didn't like the man, he knew better than to anger him when he could avoid it.

"Great, great." Lynwood was very pleased, "Zandr, make sure you learn from your big brother too. You need to become strong as well so that you can lead our family in the future, at that time, your brother will be your biggest supporter. The two of you need to stick together."

Zandr agreed joyfully, "Yes dad! I will work hard for myself and the family. I'm sure big brother feels the same."

But Kaden was looking down at his plate again, sneering and clenching his fist. He was the one who had been given a second life. He was the one with the superior talent. Why did he need to spend his life in this younger brother's shadow. Forever playing second man to his own younger brother just because of status, just because of the woman that had popped him out?

The very thought of it was making him furious, sending his blood boiling. A certain sense of superiority was beginning to foster inside of him. There was no way he would willingly become his little brother's supporter.

…

After going back to his room, there was soon another knock at the door. It was the same girl who had called him to eat earlier.

"First young master, it's time for your bath." The girl called out, a little shyly it seemed.

"Come in." Kaden replied and the girl soon stepped in.

Her cheeks seemed a little red and she also seemed a little embarrassed. She was a new servant and just in her early teens after all. Kaden was unsure if she had even seen someone else naked before.

"Young master, let's go to the bathroom." The girl said and then her cheeks reddened even more.

Kaden followed her into the bathroom and stripped out of his clothes. Without looking he threw them backwards where they landed on the sink.

The girl servant was currently bent over the white tub. She pressed a few buttons on the console and water rapidly began to fill it up. Happy she had figured it out, she turned towards Kaden.

"Young master take your clothes o—" She blushed hard, even if Kaden was a kid, it was still a little too sudden for her, "Oh, you've already undressed." Her last words faded into an almost whisper.

Without answering Kaden stepped past her and got into the tub. Leaning back and relaxing in the warm water.