"Do you really have pets?" Nero couldn't help but ask, his gaze fixed on the bird cage. It was a stupid question. The answer was in front of him. But…
"How do you make sure they don't get cursed? And how do you get enough food for them?"
"Yes, we have a few birds and some fish. They're monitored around the clock, and are killed on the first sign of being cursed. The food is not a problem, really. My parents have many friends who have private farms. Although all private farms are obligated to sell 70% of their produce to the government, that 30% left over is often more than enough for the owners themselves and for their friends. Out of principle, my family collects their allocated food rations."
"How noble," commented Nero, doing his best not to sound doubtful. It was not that he doubted that Silas' family avoided the rations, but that their motives were out of principle. It was not like he had something against his family, or was instantly judging them as evil for being rich. Instead, he just felt like if there was better tasting, higher quality food available, why would anyone bother with rations?
He briefly reviewed what he knew about private farming. Instead of discouraging it, the army and government both widely encouraged it. Even though all private farms were forced to sell to them, rather than to the consumers and markets directly, they made good money. They had to, after all, since farming was such a difficult and dangerous job. Right now, at his current level, Nero wasn't even qualified to be a farmhand even if he wanted to work for free.
"Who does the constant monitoring on the pets? The guards from the community?" Nero asked, genuinely curious. Although asking so many questions might result in him getting looked down on, such as by their very reliable driver, since when did Nero care about that?
No, Nero was obsessed with learning. From the day he realised that he didn't fully understand how the world worked, and that the stories he'd been told about humanity and how they were so noble and brave were just glorified children's tales, he had developed an internal drive to understand the truth.
"We would keep our own people, but even my parents can't get the permits for their own private security. So, it has to be the people for the community. But it's not a problem since most houses have some kind of pets. Monitoring is one of the services they offer, so there's no point not in taking it."
Silas walked with his chest held out and a hint of pride painting his face as he gave the two a tour of the garage and the front of his house. He had long imagined the day he could invite some friends over and show off like this. But, he never got permission before this.
In all, the house was a mix of red, grey and white, with an open, airy design that was pleasing to the eye. The pond in front and the aviary in the back made it look like something out of a fairy tale rather than real life.
But besides the architecture and Silas' bursting excitement, Nero noticed one more thing. Though there was a soft smile on Vanessa's sun-kissed face, she did not seem overly impressed or taken aback by this lavish display of wealth. In fact, she seemed perfectly at ease.
Nero did not try to guess whether that was a result of any training she may have received or a result of her background. There was simply not enough information to make such speculations.
"I can feel you ogling," she whispered to Nero as she passed by. Over the past few weeks, this had become somewhat of a joke between them.
"You're no longer suppressing your footsteps, and walking like a normal person. Kids these days, they grow up so fast."
He did not comment on any weapon she might be carrying. It had already been many days since he was able to spot where she was hiding them. There was, of course, the chance that she stopped carrying weapons. But even Nero had his knife always strapped to his thigh, so he doubted she'd get rid of them either.
Eventually, when the tour of the front of the house finished, instead of going towards the back, Silas led them inside.
"I know we had lunch in school, but I had a small afternoon snack prepared for us," Silas said with excitement. He was looking forward to their reactions when they discovered how extensive the menu for the little snack really was. In high society, feeding one's guests well was a display of wealth and power. He had long wanted to replicate the dinner parties his parents had for their friends, and now he finally had a chance.
"Shouldn't we go see your father first?" Nero asked, even as he observed the immaculate design on the ceiling, framed perfectly by the crown moulding that ran around the room. The ceiling looked like it had been hand painted. It was extravagant, to be sure, but Nero had to admit he kind of liked it. It was so… different from what he was used to.
"Father's probably busy right now. I'll have someone send word that we're here. He'll summon us when he gets free, don't worry. Now follow me to the dining room, our snacks should be ready."
As Nero and Vanessa followed the giddy child as he led the way, Nero could not help but notice how the countless staff members in the house kept a purposeful distance from Silas and them. Despite the amazing house, why did it seem somehow worse than the comparatively tiny building he called home?