Before coming to the Russell Family, she had always assumed that the people of this world only ate those gross, gooey nutrient pills. It was only after arriving that she realized there were not only delicious, jelly-like nutrient pills but also normal food. Today's meal featured Kitty's absolute favorite: a massive seafood feast.
Ruby Rowland sat obediently in her chair. The massive dining table was entirely empty except for her. Even though nearly a week had passed, she still wasn't quite used to the solitude. The old butler stood nearby, introducing the dishes to her, though Ruby really just wanted him to sit down and eat with her. Of course, he would never agree. She had already tried asking on her very first day.
Sitting with her small frame perfectly straight, Ruby quietly nibbled on a large prawn. Contentment radiated from her eyes and the gentle curve of her brows, her soft, pale cheeks bulging like a little hamster's as she chewed. She felt grateful for this world. Even though Elena Spencer had never had the patience to cook for her, and those disgusting, gooey nutrient pills tasted awful, they had at least allowed her to grow up. She hadn't been starved into a skeletal husk.
"Oh? Miss Ruby, your father has returned."
Hearing the old butler's words mid-bite, Ruby accidentally swallowed a chunk of unchewed food, nearly choking herself in the process.
COUGH COUGH.
Her pale little face flushed crimson from the coughing fit. She looked up at the old butler with pitiful, teary eyes. He hurriedly handed her a glass of water.
"Are you alright, Miss Ruby?"
Ruby shook her head. Her eyes were still a bit red, making her look like a frightened little rabbit.
Dad. The little girl instantly tensed up. Today would be her very first time meeting her father.
"Don't be afraid, Miss Ruby. The Family Head might look cold and intimidating, but he doesn't just go around hitting children."
Ruby didn't feel reassured at all. If anything, she was even more terrified. She quickly scrambled down from her chair and trailed right behind the butler like a shadow as they headed outside. She waited with a racing heart, harboring a faint, subconscious sense of anticipation.
A blue-and-black Hovercar streaked across the sky before landing smoothly in the courtyard. Ruby gripped the hem of her shirt tightly with her slender, pale fingers. She watched the car door open. A man in black military boots stepped out, radiating a chilling, battle-hardened aura.
Shawn Russell was exceptionally tall and lean, standing over two meters. His handsome features were sharp and dangerously cold. His icy blue eyes resembled frozen glaciers, and an invisible, oppressive weight seemed to press down on the surroundings just from his presence. Ruby only dared to take a single glance before quickly averting her eyes. Her soft little fingers twisted together in anxiety.
"Family Head," the butler said, stepping forward. He took the gloves Shawn peeled off and quietly briefed him on Ruby's situation.
Immediately after, Ruby distinctly felt her father's gaze land on her. It was the kind of oppressive stare that made one's scalp tingle. Biting her lip, little Ruby timidly raised her head. Her features bore a striking resemblance to his, especially those identical blue eyes.
"D-Dad." Mustering all her courage, she called out to him in a soft, trembling voice.
Shawn walked over to the child who didn't even reach his knees. His freezing blue eyes locked onto hers. Like a startled animal, the little girl instantly broke eye contact, her eyelashes fluttering in distress.
"How old are you?" His deep voice was just as frigid as his demeanor, completely devoid of emotion.
"F-four years old."
"Have you taken the spiritual power test?"
Ruby's heart clenched. Her pale little hands twisted together even more frantically, and her voice dropped to a whisper. "Yes, I... I took it."
"What was the result?" His flat tone made it sound like a routine interrogation.
"F."
Ruby's voice shook as she uttered the letter. Already knowing exactly what that grade meant, she didn't dare look up to see her father's expression. She was absolutely terrified. Her face grew so deathly pale she looked as if she might fade away at any moment.
"Alright. Go inside."
His voice remained completely flat. He didn't scold her, nor did he call her useless. Ruby let out a quiet sigh of relief. Watching her father walk ahead, she quickly pumped her short little legs to keep up with him. Just as she was about to catch up, the man suddenly stopped. Unable to brake in time, Ruby crashed right into his legs.
"Oof..."
Her father didn't budge an inch, but the impact sent the little girl stumbling back three steps, clutching her forehead.
Shawn glanced down at her. Frightened, Ruby felt as if her invisible white fur was standing on end. She quickly dropped her hands and stood perfectly still, sniffing her little nose as she looked up at him with teary eyes. It wasn't that she wanted to cry, but it really hurt!
Shawn looked away, his brow furrowing slightly. Why was she such a crybaby? She didn't act like a Starbeast Clan cub at all. He had never encountered a cub like this before.
"Breakfast."
"It is already being prepared," the butler replied.
Shawn nodded silently and walked over to the dining table to sit down. Ruby carefully shuffled over to a chair not too far from him. She looked down at her own breakfast. There were still a few dishes she hadn't touched yet. Her eyelashes trembled with fear, but she still managed to push the untouched food toward her father. When Shawn looked up at her, the little girl immediately flinched, her sweet, childish voice quivering.
"F-for Dad to eat."
Shawn tapped his long fingers against the tabletop. "Eat it yourself," he said coldly.
Startled, she quickly pulled the breakfast back, shrinking her little neck as she let out a soft "Oh."
Shawn's breakfast was served shortly after. The portion was several times larger than the spread in front of Ruby. Little Ruby's mouth fell open slightly. Her dad ate so much!
The father and daughter ate in complete silence. Sitting across from him, Ruby would take a couple of bites, quickly peek up at the man opposite her, and then immediately retract her stealthy gaze. She thought she was hiding it perfectly, but with Shawn's sharp senses, it was impossible for him not to notice. He simply didn't care.
Between sneaking glances at her father and eating, her stomach had unknowingly grown round and full. She had eaten too much. She let out a tiny burp and quickly slapped her hands over her mouth. Patting her bulging little tummy, Ruby scrunched up her face, unsure of what to do.
"Butler."
Her father's voice instantly drew Ruby's attention. Just being able to sneak a timid glance at him left the little girl feeling incredibly satisfied.
Perhaps due to a severe lack of affection growing up, Ruby was highly sensitive to people's emotions. Even though her father was cold, he didn't despise her. He also lacked that calculating gleam Elena Spencer always had whenever she looked at her. So, despite him looking so cold and fierce, Ruby wasn't actually afraid of him deep down.
After all, he hadn't kicked her out or hated her even after finding out her spiritual power was an F. That was already more than enough.