Chapter 512: Family

*Knock, knock,* moved the door on the 1st of February. Cle stood in sight. The whole incident on the Lady abusing her prodigy died per those involved's silence. From the outside in, the Lordon's seemed to have expanded into the Phantom's dynasty. As for the inside, the family was more or less trapped, forced to serve the whims of Elvira. Her mind in trading and getting what she wanted had heightened the name more throughout the world. 

The day rose on outside, a small bed barely large enough to hold two people shuffle per the sound of knocking. A small window allowed a sliver of light in the otherwise destitute room. A rotating fan moved in the corner to join hands with the cacophonous morning outside. The thin walls didn't give much in privacy. Parents shouting at kids, others forming newer generations, a typical atmosphere for a less than average inn. *Knock, knock,*

'Who is it at this hour?' yawned to a stand, he dived into a loose shirt, "-yes?" the door opened slightly.

"Igna, it's me," said a man in a suit.

"Lord Lordon," unimpressed, the door fully opened, "-close it when you come in," he faced away.

"Sure," he did as was ordered. 

'What does he want now?' a chair screech to a pull, "-here, make yourself comfortable." Beside laid an old fridge which opened to clangs and faint amber-lights. "I've got milk and juice, want to have some?" offered he gently resting against the not-so sturdy handle.

"Orange juice?" asked he sitting awkwardly.

"Sure," it slammed shut, "-here," two glasses and the drinks were served. "What brings you here this early morning, Lord Lordon."

"I came to apologize," said he facing Igna, "-I'm ashamed by my wife's behavior," he dropped to the floor and bowed, "-please, can you find it in your heart to forgive us?"

'Forgive?' the eyes narrowed, '-look at this pathetic a man. Begging to have his belongings back. I don't feel anything towards him. This emotion of utter disgust, I can only find myself wanting to crush his head under my sole. I supposed it's just my inner desire.'

"Please," he dropped to give a hand, "-there's no need to bow. I've already returned most of what my mother purchased. It shows about 40 million Exa. My lady mother isn't the type of person to care about money or what she has to do. Her stature is far beyond what I can hope to have one day. I mean," he moved to stare at the room, "-this here is enough for me. I don't really care about getting famous or rich. Lady Haru's coming to assist Cle, mother, and lady Elvira will be there as well. All I wanted was to make them proud, make them see my prowess. Still, Lady Yuki didn't see what I was trying to accomplish. The dishes I made were bad on purpose. I used her god-tongue to taste-test most of the ingredients I'll use tomorrow. I've gathered more information than anticipated. Loron, lady Yuki, the staff, it's not going to be the same anymore. She's disappointed and I'm nonchalant. Lord Lordon," his face lit, "-it's best we part ways. I heard about Syndra's marriage to Kyle; they make a great couple. It'll boost Loron's reputation. From what I got told, the boy is amazing – saw a few magazines too, the gap is great, too great almost. Anyway, does that answer thy questions?"

"It does," relief came in a likable face and relaxed posture, "-I'm grateful."

"Don't mention it," he smiled, "-it's honestly better if Loron and the other chefs remove their endorsement. I don't want to tarnish the famed restaurant."

"About that," he nervously faced the door, "-there are more people outside."

'The whole crew is here,' thought he opening the door once again, '-I didn't get time to put on the contact lenses. Éclair's going crazy in my ears… should have been more careful.' Silent as a breeze, the room filled by a fatigued silhouette of Yuki's team, even Syndra was present. Her bangs and feline gaze seemed to choke at what was said. A solemn expression marked the end of what could have been something great.

"Excuse me for the lack of chairs," said he nervously smiling, "-drinks?" glasses were placed on the table without response, "-juice and milk, take your pick."

"Igna," voiced Igona, "-cut the bullshit."

"Cut the bullshit," he side-glanced, "-yes, please do so. I'm tired of this apologetic self-pitying party. I personally don't care about what happened. Guilty or not, who gives a fuck."

"Calm down," interjected Joe.

"…"

"Igna, come on," said Emmy in sympathy, "-you don't have to be that way." 

"So, I'm the one in the wrong?" the juice flooded onto the table and floor, "-what is it you want, honestly, tell me right away." The prior calmness dissolved into frustration. Not admitting and taking responsibility, the weakness being displayed, he hated all of it.

"Boy," shouted Igona, "-hear us out for one god damned second."

"Fine!" 

"Loron has decided," they nodded to each other, "-we'll be siding by Kyle Darker's side for the upcoming Cle. Lady Yuki is bowing out the whole event."

'Look at that. I knew it would happen,' paused to gather his breath, "-I don't care really. Since my spot is confirmed by the organizers, endorsement or not, it doesn't matter now. It's been a good time. Ever since the first incident," gazing Lord Lordon, "-it would have ended one day or the other. Lady Yuki tried her best to change. When a snake sheds its skin, tis never for the better. Chef Joe, Emma, Emmy, Igona, it was a pleasure."

"Alright then," said Lord Lordon, "-we'll be off now. Thank you for everything, Igna. Lordon's and Loron promise to never get in thy way again." Although she was there, her eyes never once moved towards Igna. Only when the door opened did she woefully nod and leave. 

Juice dripped to merge into a puddle of dust and concentrated goo. 'Where's my phone,' he touched about, '-finally,' a tap had the lenses materialized.

"Good morning Igna," voiced Éclair preparing the interface.

"Good morning, Éclair. How's today going?" 

"Quite a party over the Arcanum. News about Lordon siding by Kyle nearly broke the culinary world. Multiple chefs are standing for you, they deem it cowardly to push a boy into an unclimbable wall and leave without a helping hand or rope. Well, the cooks and stars standing up are nothing but average trying to get by. Their following isn't impressive. Kyle made a public comment-" 

*To those who think I forced Loron into changing sides is nothing but lies. I mean, I suppose I did attract their attention. Medusa's prodigy was abandoned per his lack of hard work.*

"-The attached picture of you getting shouted at by Yuki doesn't bode well. Favor is changing, the few fans you attracted are jumping ship. The narrative changed to make you the antagonist – the talented smug kid who didn't work to garner his mentor's attention and praise."

"I guess swaying the tides is a fruitless endeavor."

"Igna," voiced Éclair strongly, "-don't you go forgetting who I am. I've logged about the conversation, video footage, and the ability to make even more proof. I could ruin her life in a single instant, just say the word." 

"Don't," said he, "-there's no need to fight fire with fire. Cle's upon us, I have to gather ingredients for tomorrow. Question," asked he, "-did everyone back out from supporting me?"

"No, Chef Leko is the only red-collared chef at thy side. He truly is like an older brother."

"Yeah, I appreciate him a lot actually."

*Incoming call – Guild leader Haru*

"Hello?"

"Helloooo Igna," screamed a very energetic voice, "-it's been a while. How've you been?"

"Could be better," returned he, "-are you here for Cle?"

"Listen," said she, "-I'm in the company of Lady Elvira, Courtney, and a few surprise guests from Arda. Are you free perchance?"

"Not really," returned he sternly, "-I have to gather ingredients for tomorrow."

"Oh, about that," she laughed, "-send the order to the Trader's Guild, we'll take care of it."

"Are you sure, the ingredients are hard to gather…"

"Just do it, and get out, we're waiting in the sun."

'Waiting in the sun?' he dashed to the window, '-what's she thinking?' they noticed the blinders move and began waving. 

'Oh god, I don't have clothes.'

"IGNA!" the door barged open, "-I knew you were hiding," smiled Haru.

"Lady Haru," straight-faced, "-welcome to my humble abode." 

Leaned backward, "-come on in," gestured she at the others. "Such a cramped place, are you aroused by the modesty?"

"Not really, it's easier this way," he cleaned the stain off before.

Haru, Courtney, Elvira, Prince Julius, Princess Lizzie, and a few guards arrived. The latter stood on outside. 

"Cousin Igna," smiled the handsome blonde man, "-it's a pleasure to see you again," he reached for a hug.

"Likewise, cousin," tapping his back twice, "-hello there, Lizzie."

"Ello brother Igna," she scurried to give a hi-five, "-you stay in a very dirty place."

"Yes, yes," his embarrassed laughter had Courtney hide her smile behind Elvira. 

"Please, take a seat," offered he.

"No time," said Haru, "-we're going to the beach."

"But…"

"No arguments, are you going to allow tears of regret onto such an adorable girl's face?"

'There's no fighting them,' breathing a sigh, "-let's go."

"Good answer," the door opened by the guards. Three luxury cars waited in line followed by jeeps in where men in black waited. A single look showed their fierceness and power. 

'Don't get startled,' wrote Éclair, '-they're escorted from Phantom. There're helicopters on stand-by and jets readied to fly given the order. The leader of Phantom, Shadow, and royalty from Arda is here on a visit. It's expected.'

"The girls and I will take the front car," said Haru.

"Go spend time with your cousins," smiled lady Courtney, "-Elvira and I have much to talk about."

"Don't forget about me," grunted Haru. Over yonder, shirtless men stopped and stared. The three ladies were out of this world, beauties any man or woman would die for. The half-smiles, casual way of moving, and not to mention revealing attire; an elixir of love personified. 

"I want to ride with you," said Lizzie holding Courtney's shirt, "-please!"

"Ok, ok," she smiled.

"Cousin, come," gestured Julius at the third car. *Boup,* doors shut, the hot-outside resolved into an air-conditioned interior. Scenery slide to go past the shopping mall, "-we'll visit once we return," came over the intercoms.

"Cousin Igna," said Julius in a worried tone, "-I've heard about what happened from Leko. Are you ok, having Loron turn on you so suddenly, did they hurt you?"

"Not really. Thanks for the concern, the injuries just healed, to be honest. What's the real purpose of coming here. I mean… the leader of Phantom, my lady mother, Haru, and royalty are here for a visit… it's hard to imagine."

"What if I said you're the reason. Lady Courtney seems to be on edge, her stoic face is impregnable… but I know, there's something wrong. She's angry, I've not seen her in such a foul mood since forever. Anyone linked to us could have figured you and Loron to be at the center. It's common sense, cousin Igna, are you fine?"

"Yes cousin," he smiled, "-I'm fine. Just a little out of it."

"Remember, you're not alone. Even if the world turns against you, as a member of the Haggard family, as my cousin and son of my aunt, you have a special place in my heart. I swear to do anything I can to help; say the word and we'll have it done." 

"I know," the scenary changed to resemble the outskirts of the bridge, "-I'm only just realizing how much power our family actually has. I'm scared, what if it all crumbles down on us one day, what then?"

He chuckled and cut his breath, "-us, crumbling? How… from Phantom to Elon's Dynasty, all the way to the Blood-King's faction and all in-between, we're invincible. Even if we lose it all," he smirked, "-I'll get it back for us."