Getting spoiled in a woman dominating world Chapter 4 4: Drinking with Aunt

Soft shadows played across the living room walls under the faint glow, with the TV flickering silently in the background.

Brandon lounged in the corner of the cushy sofa, his legs extended out ahead.

On the table rested a half-drunk vodka bottle, surrounded by empty beer cans and a nearly gone plate of chips with dip.

Elize perched beside him, feet tucked under her, holding a wine glass.

Her blonde locks were loosely bound back, a few strands brushing her rosy cheeks.

Brandon shot her a glance and chuckled, "You've got a risky habit there, you know,"

"Drinking like this, right after dinner. No surprise you fill the fridge like the end is near."

Elize let out a soft giggle, placing her glass on the table. "I had to get ready, right? My nephew's heartbreak called for a full stock of booze."

He rolled his eyes. "Heartbreak? I'm past it now."

"Oh, come on." Elize reclined, elbow propping her up as she eyed him.

He snatched a beer bottle and popped the cap.

A hiss escaped the bottle, and he gulped down a long swig before replacing it.

A cozy quiet settled over them for several minutes, broken only by the TV's crime show drone that neither truly watched.

Elize gazed at him and queried, "So, what's next? You staying for real this time?"

Brandon shrugged. "Depends."

"On what?"

He cocked his head. "On if my aunt plans to pamper me."

She giggled at that, leaning in to plant a kiss on his cheek. "I'll spoil you silly, Kael..."

"So stick around with your aunt,"

His eyes warmed, and he nodded. "Mhm..."

The drinks kept coming—vodka for Brandon, wine for Elize—and talk turned freer with each moment.

More rounds arrived, and soon both showed clear signs of buzz.

Elize's face glowed red from the wine.

Brandon sensed his mind's sharp edges fuzzing as booze eased his usual mental load.

Eventually, Elize leaned in, head on his shoulder. "You're a sweet boy, Kael," she whispered tenderly.

He stayed silent a beat, eyes glazed on the TV. "I'm no kid now, Aunt Elize."

"I know," she replied softly, her warm breath grazing his shoulder. "You matured way too quick."

She kept her wine glass low, wrapped him in a hug, and nestled her head on his shoulder. "I missed you..."

A gentle sigh slipped from him as he pulled her nearer. "Me too..."

In his arms, her eyes fluttered shut, and soon they both slipped into slumber again.

---

Bright morning rays poured through the window, harsh and unyielding for Brandon's taste.

He shifted on the sofa, eyelids parting slowly.

His mouth felt parched, and his head throbbed like a hammer pounded inside.

He groaned, raising a hand against the light seeping past the curtains.

"Ugh… what the heck did we down last night?" he grumbled.

Elize wasn't beside him anymore.

Her former spot stayed warm yet empty.

Faint noises drifted from the kitchen—clattering plates and a kettle's low whistle.

He hauled himself up gradually, wincing as movement spiked his headache.

Sore muscles protested from the cramped night's sleep, brain clouded by excess drink.

Feet shuffling, Brandon made his way to the kitchen.

Elize worked at the counter, clad in comfy gray leggings and a baggy sweater slipping off one shoulder.

Her blonde hair sat in a messy bun, and she seemed way too lively after matching his drinks.

She spun at his steps and offered a kind smile. "Bad morning?"

Brandon groaned deeply. "Understatement of the year."

Elize chuckled lightly. "I thought so. Take a seat."

He dropped into a kitchen chair, forehead on the table's chill top.

Elize bustled about, and soon set a big glass of water and two aspirins before him.

Beside it went a plate of toast slathered in butter and a mug of tea.

"Ginger honey tea," she noted, settling next to him. "It'll sharpen your mind."

Brandon downed the pills with a hefty water swig, then sipped the tea.

The initial taste bit sharp and tart, but honey mellowed it, warmth easing his head pain right away.

"Haa... thanks."

Elize rested her chin on her hand, gazing at him fondly. "You look like death warmed over."

"Gee, thanks," Brandon grumbled while munching on his toast.

---

He stepped through the front door, inhaling the fresh morning breeze deeply.

The sun had climbed higher, bathing the serene neighborhood in a warm golden light.

Only a handful of early birds strolled the mostly deserted streets, walking dogs or caring for gardens.

Brandon bounced lightly to test his sneakers before starting his daily jog.

He began at a leisurely pace since his muscles remained sore from the previous night.

Soon, he hit his stride, the tension melting away as his speed picked up.

Despite women being inherently stronger than men, Brandon made sure to stay fit.

In this realm, the mysterious energy known as 'Ether' grants even ordinary women superiority over typical men.

Men frequently endure bullying or harassment from women.

Yet Brandon avoided most of that thanks to a formidable protector.

His sister, a mighty 'Empyrean' level powerhouse.

He lifted his eyes skyward, thinking, 'But at least... I don't have to battle monsters.'

Details on these monsters stay heavily classified, hidden from the public eye.

Ruptures, towers, and dungeons plague this world, birthing these beasts.

To combat them stands 'The Sovereign Circle', a global authority functioning like a world government.

Naturally, its members are all women.

He'd also caught wind of an Academy that grooms women into awakeners to clash with these monsters.

Even so, he knew little about it himself.

Closing his eyes briefly, memories flooded back of the day he grasped the vast power divide between genders.

Five years prior, back in high school.

A abrupt rupture tore open near the town's edge.

Everyone dismissed it as trivial.

Yet even minor rifts could unleash lethal horrors.

On that fateful day, a Vex Warden emerged—a serpentine beast boasting four razor-sharp claws and a skull-like, horned crown atop its head.

It rampaged wildly, shredding structures and sparking chaos among fleeing civilians.

Brandon lay pinned beneath rubble from a toppled building, wounded and bleeding.

He could never forget the fierce woman's expression as she plummeted from above.

Ether crackled around her fists while she obliterated the Vex Warden with a single blow.

That moment etched the unbridgeable chasm between men and women in this Ether-infused world into his soul.

He remained utterly helpless, mere spectator to battles reserved for the mightiest women.

Shaking his head with a heavy sigh, he pressed on toward his usual park.

Strange, though—the park lay utterly deserted, leaving him puzzled.

Huh?

Suddenly, the morning breeze warped around him, and for an instant, reality dragged like molasses.

His next step landed him in an entirely alien location.

"What..."