Chapter 4: Saikyō Zoldyck
When I finally peeled open my heavy eyelids, the first thing that came into focus was the breathtakingly beautiful face of Kikyo.
She gazed down at me, a strangely unsettling smile unfurled across her lips, a mixture of affection and something else that I couldn't quite identify.
Despite being in this new world, I found myself grappling with the jarringness of her presence against the haunting memories of my last mother. Surely, she couldn't possibly be as terrible as the one I had to kill, could she?
As my vision sharpened, the grandeur of my surroundings came into clearer view. I was nestled within the opulent confines of a magnificent mansion that radiated sophistication and elegance. The walls were adorned with intricate patterns, and opulent chandeliers dangled from towering ceilings, their crystals catching the light and scattering it like stars across the room. The sheer extravagance of the place made it evident that its worth extended into the millions—far beyond anything I had ever encountered in my life.
With growing curiosity tinged with unease, I scanned the luxurious room. My gaze fell upon five other individuals besides Kikyo.
Two impeccably dressed butlers stood nearby, their expressions stoic and efficient, exuding a silent authority that made me feel as though I were in the presence of royalty. In front of them, an elderly man caught my eye; his face was lined with the marks of time and wisdom, a testament to a life lived with quiet strength and dignity. Beside him stood a strikingly adorable one-year-old child with hair as white as fresh snow, while a robust man with long, lustrous white hair that sparkled golden in the soft light, drew my attention as well.
Before I could fully process the gravity of the scene unfolding around me, one of the butlers stepped forward with deliberate grace. Carefully, he lifted me from my mother's embrace as if I were the most precious of treasures, his movements practised and gentle. Once he had cleaned me with meticulous care, he returned me to the warm comfort of Kikyo's arms.
As she cradled me, Kikyo's voice danced like a sweet melody, laced with affection. "My, my, isn't my little Saiku just the cutest? He even has your striking white hair, don't you think, dear?" Her tone was syrupy with sweetness, yet possessed a slight clinginess that both comforted and unsettled me.
"Indeed, my son will most definitely become a great Assassin the future," Silva Zoldyck declared, his voice steady and filled with pride.
Wait… what? Do they really plan for me to be an Assassin?!
"Quite right, Silva. Your newborn seems to have a great future ahead of him," Zeno Zoldyck concurred, offering an approving nod.
"Kikyo Zoldyck: Killua, come over here and hold your new little brother," Kikyo instructed, her eyes sparkling with affection.
"Okay," came the soft reply from Killua.
The young boy carefully took me from Kikyo's hands, cradling me with the utmost gentleness as if I were made of glass. He carried me tenderly, ensuring I felt safe before he placed me back into Kikyo's warm embrace.
Unfortunately, as the comforting warmth of those around me enveloped me, my infant body soon began to feel heavy with sleep. My eyelids grew increasingly leaden, and before I fully comprehended what was happening, I succumbed to the soothing embrace of slumber, drifting off into a peaceful oblivion.