After realizing my narcissistic tendencies, I was in a terrible mood. For the remainder of the airship ride with Illumi, I turned my head away and sulked, giving him the silent treatment.
Don't expect Illumi to be a comforter; the fact that he didn't bother me further was the extent of his emotional intelligence.
After completing the mission assigned by the Zoldyck family, I went to the dessert shop Illumi recommended. Although he's a terrible person, he's still a young master from a prominent family, and his judgment on food was quite high. The recommended desserts were indeed delicious.
Hateful, so hateful! Because of the game backpack's [Save] function, the food's freshness retention capabilities...
"...?" Huh? I'm jealous of Alluka? I had no idea.
"You've been dressing up Alluka a lot lately. Do you feel neglected by Mother? Is that it?" Kikyo's hand gently stroked my hair. "No matter how much you dress up, Alluka is still a boy. You are my only daughter, Mel.
To mend the rift in our family, Kikyo insisted on taking me for a paternity test.
No, I really don't think I'm adopted.
Fine, since I'm here.
Can't they be less dramatic about it, even if there's a hospital in the territory?! How often do I go to the Zoldyck hospital?! The tests they run on me are too comprehensive. I've used almost all their medical equipment over the years, even had an ultrasound, which was done after my last runaway incident.
Anyway, the paternity test was just a formality. While waiting, I found the atmosphere agreeable and tried to probe Kikyo, saying I wanted to improve my skills and learn how to seduce the opposite sex, like the beautiful assassins in movies.
"Mel, you don't need to learn that," Kikyo said. "It's unnecessary."
I said, isn't having an extra skill good? More skills never hurt.
"It's truly unnecessary," Kikyo said, raising her hand to caress my cheek. "Mel, as beautiful as you are, any normal man will be attracted to you as long as you're willing to get close to them."
"..." You mean Illumi isn't normal?!
That's right, I think Illumi isn't normal either!
It's not me, it's Illumi!
So Illumi is gay?!
The Zoldycks value bloodlines, and paternity tests aren't done casually. No, it's not a technical issue, but rather one that can easily attract the attention of the Zoldyck boss. Generally, unless they have doubts, no one is idle enough to casually conduct a paternity test.
Unexpectedly, Zeno, one of the Zoldyck bosses, personally showed up, as if he were worried that Kikyo and I might tamper with the results privately.
Uh, Grandpa, do you think I'm not your biological grandchild?
When he appeared, he happened to overhear the latter half of Kikyo's sentence and joined the conversation with interest, "What are you two chatting about?"
"Mel... is a bit concerned about her own beauty," Kikyo said, placing her hand on my shoulder. "It must be a teenage thing after all."
"Oh," Zeno chuckled knowingly. "Does Mel have someone she likes? Which lucky boy, or... girl? Haha, it's fine, just tell us. We have more experience than you and can offer plenty of advice."
"..." A girl is also an option?! Zeno, are you that open-minded?! And with your enthusiasm, do you want to marry me off quickly and remove me from the Zoldyck family registry?!
Am I... really a biological child of the Zoldyck family?
I have memories of my birth and I'm certain Kikyo gave birth to me. Having a paternity test with Kikyo is redundant.
The only thing I suspect is whether Silva is my biological father. Could Silva be the one who... no, it can't be that dramatic, can it?!
No, this secret is too dangerous. Since Zeno didn't reveal it publicly, it's better if I don't ask.
Saying "I don't have anyone I like" would be too much like lying. No, it *is* a lie, and they won't believe it. Instead of making things worse, I might as well tell the truth.
"Yes," I stated sincerely, without any pretense. "I like anyone who is good-looking."
"?!" x2
Ah, my statement seems a bit shocking. The two Zoldycks are quite surprised.
I'm sorry, I misspoke again. Why am I stating such obvious truths?! Can I atone for this?!
"Ahem, Mel, the 'like' I'm referring to is not the same 'like' you're referring to," Zeno broke the silence first. "I mean the kind of 'like' where you want to marry the other person. Do you have someone like that in mind?"
"...No." Impossible! I love being single! I love freedom! I am unwavering in my decision to not marry or have children!
"Then there's no need to rush," Kikyo seemed relieved. "Mel, you don't need to learn how to attract people. Wait until you find someone you want to marry. You must tell your mother then, and Mother will absolutely help you sort it out."
"Mhm, don't worry, it will happen," Zeno comforted. "You're thinking about these things too early, you're still just a child, Mel."
"..." No, my accumulated age is even greater than Silva's! Shame, shame.
Zeno also asked me about my preferred type. Since lying would be seen through, I stammered, unwilling to answer. Kikyo answered for me, saying my type was "pretty boys," and Zeno's gaze immediately changed. I felt like I could crack open right there.
Fortunately, the paternity test results came out quickly, otherwise, I might not have been able to withstand facing the next impending mortality issue.
As expected, the test results showed I am Kikyo's biological daughter, and the family is not broken... Ah, but the report didn't include Silva's genes, and I strongly suspect Silva isn't my father. If I ask now, Kikyo might kill me, right? I'd better not ask.
Another day, I need to find a way to get some of the Zoldyck paternal genes and check for kinship at an outside hospital. Perhaps it could become a useful bargaining chip in the future.
Alright, it's decided then!