By morning, I had slipped into my usual attire—a dark shirt with the top two buttons open layered with a soft silver-lined coat that caught the sunlight as I moved and black trousers. The manor was quiet, still laced with the sleepiness of dawn, though the faint clatter of porcelain and hushed chatter from the staff hinted at the day beginning in earnest. Lyall, ever composed, trailed behind like a silent shadow, his presence unobtrusive yet unmistakably alert.
"Is everyone already there?" I asked, my voice calm.
"Apart from Count Zachary Erkens, Baron Sebastian Oberon, and Prince Davian, everyone else is gathered," Lyall replied smoothly, his hands clasped behind his back as we turned a corner. I humd thoughtfully, unsurprised.
"Zach and Lord Oberon did get quite drunk last night. Did you have so hangover soup prepared for them?" I asked, glancing sideways at him.
"The chef has prepared it for everyone, Master," he answered dutifully, and a small smile tugged at my lips.
The polished doors to the dining hall swung open as we approached, and the warmth of the hearth inside greeted . The faint scent of freshly baked bread and stewed herbs hung in the air. At once, a flutter of movent caught my eye—Nox, my avian companion, soared across the hall with a soft hoot, landing deftly on my shoulder. I reached up and adjusted my hair so he could settle comfortably, his talons resting gently against the leather padding I always wore beneath my collar for him.
The conversations montarily paused as I entered. Heads turned, and a chorus of respectful greetings filled the room, each one dipped with varying degrees of reverence and camaraderie. I nodded in acknowledgnt and moved with effortless poise to the head of the long oak table.
"I trust you all enjoyed last night’s celebration," I said, my tone casual yet asured—just as the doors behind creaked open once again.
Zach stumbled in, one hand gripping the side of his head like it might split in two, while Lord Devil followed behind, slightly pale and moving with the sluggish grace of a man regretting every sip he took the night before.
"Good morning, Master," they both murmured in unison, voices hoarse and eyes bleary. The sight was enough to stir amusent in my chest.
"I’m never drinking again," Zach groaned as he collapsed into his seat, slumping like a sack of flour.
"You say that every ti, and yet you still end up drinking until soone has to knock you out and drag you away," Lord Hawke drawled, resting his chin on his knuckles. A chuckle rippled through the table.
"Now, now, Count Nash, don’t be so harsh," I said lightly, and the man let out a sigh as if the burden of being the lone voice of reason had aged him ten years overnight.
"This kind of crass behavior in Master’s presence is unacceptable, Count Erkens," Count Greene snapped, adjusting his monocle with an air of aristocratic disapproval. "You should refrain from such indulgence at official gatherings."
"Drinking in moderation is fine," Earl Clive interjected mildly, his tone laced with amusent as he stirred his tea. "Though moderation seems to elude most of you once the music starts."
I observed them all quietly, the banter and reprimands weaving into a familiar tapestry of morning routine. Even Kai, seated right beside , seed intrigued by the unguarded humor of the n he usually saw clad in authority and etiquette. His eyes sparkled with silent laughter, his mouth twitching at the corners.
It was curious—and oddly comforting—to watch these towering figures of nobility behave more like squabbling siblings than hardened politicians. Still, it was quite interesting to watch Count Nash behave like a responsible adult looking after their tantrum throwing young sibling.
The maids served the hangover soup first, its aroma warm and comforting as steam curled upward from the bowls.
"Ah, it feels like it’s seeping into my exhausted body and throbbing mind," Zach groaned, slouching in his chair as he cradled the bowl with both hands.
"It’s really an elixir for a tired body," Lord Oberon murmured, taking a slow sip with evident relief.
"It’s a hangover soup," Ezra remarked dryly, already halfway through his portion.
Zach chuckled, "Master prepares it every ti we stay over after drinking."
At that, I felt four pairs of eyes settle on at once. I cleared my throat, setting my spoon down with composed precision.
"You make it sound as if I arrange drinking parties, Count Erkens. I might as well stop serving alcohol altogether," I said, my gaze cool as it t his.
Zach was already receiving pointed glares from the n of my family, but he remained oblivious. Well, I would have to deal with this later.
"Please don’t be so cruel, Master!" Zach pouted, trying to play off the tension, and Lord Oberon chuckled beside him.
"Even when we try to restrain ourselves," he said, "it’s like we can’t help but feel safe enough to let our guards down when you’re around, Master."
His words gave pause, and my eyebrows rose slightly. The others around the table seed to relax at that sentint, a quiet hum of agreent passing between them. I smiled faintly as I tore off a small piece of at and Nox flew down and settled on the table to enjoy it. Kai, on the other hand, looked at them curiously, observing the conversation with a thoughtful expression.
Davian still hadn’t shown up for breakfast. I wondered briefly if he was all right.
"I understand that feeling," Zach said with a soft chuckle. "It’s like when Master is around, I could just get drunk and pass out, there’s nothing to worry about."
"I understand why you’d feel that way," Count Nash said, voice firm. "Having soone you can rely on makes it easier to lower your guard—but that doesn’t an you should impose on him, Count Erkens."
"Just because soone is willing to take responsibility for you doesn’t an you should keep depending on them," another voice added, and a wave of disapproval followed.
"That’s right, Count Erkens, you’re not a child anymore."
The small chorus of reprimands rolled through the table, and Zach exhaled heavily. His smile dimd, turning bitter.
"I know I’m not a child," he said, looking down at his soup. "But that doesn’t make want to stop relying on Master. He’s the only one I trust enough to let my guard down. Ever since I was a child, I never had an adult in my life who could make feel at ease. And now that I’ve found one... why wouldn’t I let myself be a little more free?"
His quiet confession silenced the room. No one spoke, though a few looked away, ashad of their earlier judgnt. I sighed.
"You all sure do talk a lot," I said as I set my fork and knife down and rose from my seat.
All eyes turned to again as I glanced around the table. "There’s a eting in one hour in the library. Finish your breakfast—and gentlen, let’s et there."
With that, I turned and stepped away from the table. Kai and Grandfather stood as well and followed out. The others remained, still eating, their chatter quieter than before.
"They seem to rely on you a lot," Grandfather said, his tone neutral but observant.
"It’s not that bad," I replied, walking with one arm draped casually around Kai’s shoulders.
"Lord Zachary seems to see you as his parent," Kai added, glancing up at . I couldn’t help but laugh.
He wasn’t wrong. Zach had been forced to grow up far too quickly—his childhood molded by responsibilities and a lack of emotional safety. Even when he was a child, he hadn’t been allowed to show any signs of weakness. It was the kind of upbringing that etched quiet wounds into the heart.
But trauma and sorrow—those aren’t uncommon. Everyone carries their own share of weight. There isn’t a single person who can claim they’ve never felt sadness. It’s impossible. We’re beings born with emotions, not lifeless stones. Nature doesn’t allow for eternal highs without the inevitable lows.
"Grandfather," I said, drawing his attention back to . "Please bring Aunt Alys to the eting as well. One of the matters I want to address concerns her."
"All right," he nodded, his expression composed as always.
We parted ways soon after. I dropped Kai off at his room and watched as he stepped inside with a quiet yawn. Grandfather headed off in the opposite direction, and I found my steps turning toward Davian’s chambers.
I had thought he’d enjoyed himself last night. Had he simply overslept? Or was there more to it?
I reached his door but stopped just short of knocking. Sothing held back. I frowned slightly, a subtle unease settling in my chest.
"Master, is everything all right?" Remi’s voice reached as he approached from down the hall.
"Did... Prince Davian leave any ssage last night?" I asked, my gaze still on the closed doors.
"Ah, yes! His Highness said he was tired and would be sleeping in. He ntioned skipping breakfast. He didn’t seem drunk, but maybe he was just exhausted," Remi answered, glancing toward the door as well.
"Has anyone entered the room since morning?" I asked, my voice even but firm.
"No, Master. His Highness specifically requested not to be disturbed until he cos out himself."
I exhaled softly, then nodded. "All right."
With that, I turned and walked away, though my mind lingered on the closed door behind .
An hour later, I stood in the library of my estate, surrounded by the n of my family, the underworld city lords, the heads of noble families, and two guests—Eric and Alys.
At the center of the large conference table sat a chessboard, its pieces arranged mid-ga. I had set it up deliberately. It wasn’t just a board—it was a taphor. Many of the n seated around the room noticed it and exchanged curious glances. Roan stood silently behind , holding a few folders containing the docunts I’d instructed him to prepare earlier.
Despite the composed atmosphere, my mind remained partially preoccupied. Davian’s absence still gnawed at . He had seed perfectly fine last night, yet this morning he wasn’t there. I wondered what he was up to, he had a habit of stirring up sothing unexpected out of nowhere.
"Shall we begin the eting now, Master?" Roan’s voice drew back to the present.
"Ah, yes," I said, clearing my throat as I turned my gaze to the gathered assembly.
"There are three main topics for today’s eting—" I started, but was interrupted by a knock on the library doors.
Roan stepped forward without waiting for instruction and moved to answer it. I didn’t need him to. I already knew who it was.
It was Kai.
"Hello, Mr. Roan," ca his polite voice as the door opened. Lyall stood behind him, silent and watchful.
"It’s Young Master Kai," Roan announced with so surprise.
I moved to the entrance myself. "Just a mont," I told the room and walked over.
Kai stood upright, a little hesitant, but determined. He glanced briefly at Lyall before eting my eyes.
"Y-You said you were eting with all the gentlen in the library," Kai said quietly. "...So, I ca."
I looked at Lyall, who averted his eyes as if deliberately avoiding my gaze. I sighed softly. There was sothing unspoken between them, but I’d ask about it later. For now, Kai’s initiative wasn’t unwelco. Letting him attend from this point on would be good for him—practical experience was invaluable when it ca to presiding over etings like this in the future.
I stepped aside, gesturing for him to co in. Roan blinked in surprise, clearly unsure if he’d heard right.
Lyall followed Kai inside, and I watched him with quiet scrutiny before turning my attention back to the room.
Kai walked forward, offering polite greetings to the n seated at the table. They seed a little taken aback at first but returned his greetings courteously.
"Take this seat for now—and observe," I said, gesturing to the seat at the head of the table.
Roan echoed his concern, "But, that’s your seat, Master."
I waved a hand dismissively. "It’s just a seat, Roan."
Kai sat down slowly, looking a bit unsure. I moved to stand behind him, resting my hands lightly on the backrest of the chair, like a silent guardian.
"There are three topics on today’s agenda," I repeated, my tone now steady and firm. The n turned their full attention to .
It was ti to make a move.
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