Arthur stood before the man who had been a steadfast presence both in the life of this family and his.
Without a moment's hesitation, the name slipped from his lips as if it were second nature.
"Alfred!"
The tall, composed figure inclined his head slightly.
Alfred, the devoted butler of the Osborn family,was as integral to the estate as its marble floors and towering chandeliers.
For decades, he had served Arthur's father with unwavering loyalty that transcended mere money or title.
Now, with the patriarch gone, Alfred had dedicated himself entirely to preserving what remained of the Osborn legacy.
"Master Arthur," Alfred replied in a deep, steady voice that exuded both authority and quiet reassurance.
His black eyes were sharp, like still water concealing unfathomable depths.
"If you hadn't emerged from your room soon, I would have had to summon the Second Master."
The mention of his second uncle who is Nathaniel made Arthur's lips twitch. His second uncle was an intriguing blend of warmth and iron.
In childhood, Nathaniel's rare smiles were reserved for moments of genuine accomplishment; discipline was relentless under his watchful eye. Respect wasn't just encouraged,it was demanded.
Arthur offered an awkward smile while scratching the back of his neck. "I'm fine, Alfred. Just… dealing with some annoying matters at the company lately. So I drank a bottle or two to unwind."
His tone was lighthearted, yet his mind,sharp as ever,measured Alfred's reaction.
Alfred's gaze softened just a fraction. "Of course, Master Arthur. I'll see to it that your room is tidied immediately."
He nodded curtly before gliding down the hall with an efficiency honed over years of practice,a man who had mastered being everywhere and nowhere all at once.
As Arthur turned toward the dining hall, he paused mid-step.
What greeted him felt nothing short of cinematic.
Sunlight poured through tall stained-glass windows, casting jewel-toned patterns across a polished marble table set for twenty, a feast fit for royalty!
The air shimmered golden; crystal glasses sparkled like stars against fine silverware reflecting light like tiny swords; fresh flowers in ornate vases brought vibrant color to this morning tableau.
And then there was breakfast!
Truffle-infused scrambled eggs crowned with delicate black shavings? Yes please! Caviar glistening like black pearls atop toasted brioche?
Absolutely! Wild-caught salmon from Aquarion laid out in precise ribbons paired perfectly with crème fraîche and miniature blinis that looked more like art than food? Count him in!
Tall glasses filled with cold-pressed fruit and golden kiwi juice sparkled with flecks of edible gold, heavenly!
An array of artisan breads,some crusted with seeds while others boasted fragrant herbs,sat alongside whipped truffle butter so aromatic it nearly pulled him forward into indulgence.
Arthur's brows shot up in disbelief. "Damn… is this how rich people eat breakfast every day?"
It was utterly absurd. Here he was, teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, yet the table before him looked as if it had been prepared for a visiting king.
The rich aromas enveloped him like a warm embrace, stirring something primal within.
His stomach growled audibly, drawing curious glances from the servants who lingered quietly nearby.
Back on Earth, his mornings consisted of instant coffee and maybe a stale bread roll,if he had time.
More often than not, he subsisted on vending machine snacks consumed under the harsh blue glare of office lights. But this? This was an all-out assault of luxury.
He strolled down the length of the table and sank into the head seat without hesitation.
The servants moved with graceful precision, plating food and pouring juice into his crystal goblet,as if they were part of an unbroken rhythm.
Arthur took a bite and then another. The flavors exploded on his tongue, layers of richness he'd never imagined possible. His fork moved faster than he cared to admit.
A soft chuckle broke through his reverie. "Master Arthur, slow down; the food isn't going anywhere," one of the maids teased playfully.
With his mouth full, he waved her off dismissively. "Haven't eaten in three days! This is amazing."
"Then you should have more," she replied warmly, signaling for another platter to be brought over.
But halfway through a mouthful of salmon, something she said earlier clicked in his mind.
He swallowed hard, set down his fork, and looked up with newfound curiosity. "By the way, where is everyone?"
The servant straightened slightly. "All of them are out, Master,the First, Second, and Third Masters left early to secure more cash flow.
The First and Second Misses are managing company operations while others are at school or seeking opportunities to help keep us afloat."
Arthur froze mid-bite. So they're all… moving?
His image of them as a family sitting idle while waiting for him to shoulder everything shattered into pieces.
Even the younger cousins were studying with an unspoken understanding that their future contributions would feed back into the family legacy. No one was resting; no one had abandoned ship.
A lump formed in his throat.
On Earth, when money disappeared, so did people,after his parents' deaths, relatives vanished like smoke or worse: stayed only to pick apart what remained.
Here? They were fighting for their name just as fiercely as he intended to do.
He clenched his fist beneath the table resolutely: I won't let them down,not this time.
The servant's voice gently pulled him back from his thoughts: "Master Arthur? Are you all right?"
He flashed a quick smile.."Yeah!
"What about my brother and sister?" Arthur asked curiously.
"Master Billy is still at university. Young Miss Elizabeth just left for class."
Arthur nodded, a smile creeping onto his face. Billy was in his final year, juggling part-time work to help with tuition fees, while Elizabeth was still in middle school.
Talk about carrying more than their fair share of responsibilities!
After finishing his breakfast, Arthur excused himself and strolled toward the garage.
The air inside was cool and refreshing, tinged with the unmistakable scent of polished steel and luxurious leather. And there it was,his pride and joy.
A predator in chrome and emerald,the Aether GT.
As the light danced across its sleek contours, the gold trim glimmered like molten sunlight.
Thin emerald lines traced its edges, highlighting a body designed for both elegance and speed. It didn't just sit there; it prowled like a beast ready to leap into action.
Arthur approached slowly, captivated by how its surface reflected his silhouette. "Wow… what a stunning car!"
This wasn't just any supercar,it wasn't a Ferrari or Lamborghini or Bugatti.
No, this is a crown jewel,worth ten million Unicreds,with only two hundred produced each year! Owning one meant you were part of an exclusive elite circle; it was about prestige as much as wealth.
He recalled how the previous Arthur had pleaded with his father for over a year before finally receiving it as an eighteenth birthday gift.
Even when financial troubles loomed large over the family, they refused to sell it,no offer could ever match its true worth. Now that he was at the helm? Selling it? Not even on the table.
Running his hand along the smooth line of the hood sent shivers down his spine,the metal felt cold but beneath lay raw power waiting to be unleashed.
With a hiss, the butterfly doors opened wide, revealing an interior adorned with matte-black panels accented by gold stitching and mesmerizing holographic dashboard projections.
Sliding into the driver's seat felt less like getting into a car and more like stepping into an aircraft cockpit.
The leather enveloped him perfectly as he pressed down on the ignition button.
The Aether GT's engine roared to life with a low growl not a loud shout demanding attention but rather a deep promise of contained ferocity,a sound that made you lean in closer.
As the garage doors lifted open, Arthur eased out onto the driveway, letting the car savor its first taste of morning air.
Once on the open street, he tapped lightly on the accelerator and suddenly everything blurred around him!
Neo-Luminara's wide avenues sparkled under glass towers like ribbons unfurling beneath him.
The engine hummed steadily,a heartbeat syncing perfectly with his own rhythm,as pedestrians halted mid-step to gawk at this magnificent machine gliding by. In that moment, he wasn't just escaping bankruptcy; he was making a statement!
He caught a glimpse of himself in the sleek glass facade of a towering high-rise as he strolled by.
Dressed to impress in a sharp suit, cruising in an equally impressive car, and with piercing eyes that seemed to see right through the city's hustle and bustle.
Arthur Osborn was done hiding.
This was his domain, and while the crown may have lost some of its shine, he was determined to bring it back to life.