Chapter 17: EX 17. Revelation I
The rankings had been uploaded to the Federation's public database only an hour ago, so Leon wasn't surprised his family had already seen them.
There wasn't much he could hide from them anyway—not when his father had eyes in places Leon would never expect.
As he stepped into the grand Kael estate's living room, Leon saw them all waiting. His father, Darian Kael, sat upright in the head chair, a man forged from discipline and rigid control.
Beside him stood his mother, Selene, poised and elegant as ever, her expression unreadable. Leaning lazily against the doorway that led into the inner mansion was Valeria, his senior sister, arms crossed, watching with detached amusement.
Leon opened his mouth to speak, hoping to get ahead of the scolding.
"There's a bit of—"
"Sit," his father interrupted sharply.
Leon's words died in his throat. With a sigh, he moved to the chair directly opposite his father and sat. Darian had always been like this—firm and unyielding, commanding respect even in silence.
Leon had never particularly minded. He was used to it. After all, he wasn't exactly a rebellious child... well, not until now, maybe.
"We saw the rankings," Selene said softly, her voice calm yet firm.
Leon's brow furrowed slightly. 'Is that really what this is about? Just the damn ranking? I mean, sure, it looks bad, but they should at least let me explain...'