It has already been a few days after the whole incident. Mother is still recuperating in her room alongside Seraphina.
In my own childish bedroom, I lay on top of my bed, with my hands stretched out like a snowflake, staring at the ceiling with a dismayed expression as I continued to ponder about what to do next.
I managed to prevent the death of Isabella Blakesty...
I know that is something I chose to do for my own selfish reason. But I can't help but wonder... What will happen to the original storyline?
"Nothing will happen."
A sudden and familiar voice echoed in my head. I flinched before sitting up on my bed, looking around to see where they were at.
"No need to be startled, showing you those memories drained most of my powers. So I'm currently recovering inside your rings."
"Isn't that... dangerous?"
"No need to worry. Until I recover, I will just lay dormant without hindering your body. But because of this, our minds are somewhat linked together, letting me read your thoughts a bit."
"A bit…?"
"Yes, just a bit. I'll try not to pry into your privacy."
I placed my hand near my heart, thinking about what Azar said before laying down on the bed once again, staring at the roof. I slowly closed my eyes, letting the silence engulf me before letting out a sigh. "... What do you mean when you say nothing will happen?"
Azar didn't respond for quite a while. I didn't mind the silence since I expected him to not answer the question, just like always.
"... This "storyline" that you keep speaking about... True, it might've been the original destiny that the people in this world once experienced. But in the end, it's just a single strand of countless intertwined fates in the world. Destiny and fate are a complicated mixture filled with strands of the past, the present, and the future. When a single variable, like you, appears. It completely alters it."
I slowly opened my eyes, letting out a subtle smile at his words as I came to a conclusion. "I see... so even if I were to follow the original strand of fate like in the story, would my presence itself change it either way?"
"Simple way to converge it. Like I said in the beginning. This world is yours to live to the fullest. Being able to experience a different life that you couldn't before and create new and precious memories. Trying to follow the original path defeats the whole purpose."
"... Even if you say that, I would've done what I thought was best, regardless of the original storyline."
I slowly sat up once again. "I already saved mother. I'll continue to protect the people close to me, and create new precious memories and emotions…"
I widened my eyes and closed my mouth before dimly looking down on the floor as I remembered the painful memories once again. "... Create new memories and emotions that I can share with them, when I meet them again..."
The silence that filled the room was so strong and overbearing, yet…. It also puts me at ease. There is no need to comfort someone like me… There is no need to comfort someone who couldn't even show a true smile to them...
A sudden knock emerged from the door before it creaked open. A young woman silently entered the room. Deep-brown skin and eyes with long black hair tied up in a ponytail.
I continued to stare at her, wondering who she was as I put my guard up. Throughout my time in this world, I have never seen her in this manor.
Her presence here feels suspicious. But even then… What can I do by myself if she is truly a threat?
But despite seeing my obvious suspicion of her, she politely bowed. "Greetings, young master. My name is Nila. Currently, Mia is being treated, so I will temporarily take her place as your personal maid until she is fully recovered."
She stood there in silence without saying anything else. An awkward sweat ran down my face as we continued to stare at each other without saying anything.
"... Excuse me– "
"You can call me by my name, young master."
I stood there silently once again. Her way of speaking... is quite straightforward and cold. "Okay then... Nila, right? Is there a reason you suddenly came here...?"
She stood there silently, trying to recall why she came before finally remembering. "Ah yes, I almost forgot. His Grace has relayed a message for you."
She cleared her throat and closed her eyes, standing upright as if the message she was about to say was of importance. "Lysander. Once you are feeling well, please come to my office. I wish to discuss some personal matters with you."
Once she finished relaying the message, I just sat there in silence, trying to understand why father wanted to have a meeting all of a sudden.
Is he finally going to question my unusual actions? I guess that's to be expected... All the things I've done are far from what a normal child my age would do...
I nodded sadly once I came to a conclusion. "I see... I'll head there immediately then. "
I got down from my bed and gently dusted my shorts. Nila just stood there silently until I finished. She opened the door for me and we began to walk down the corridor towards the office.
I sheepishly walked behind her before my curiosity began to pique. "... May I ask what your job in the mansion is...?"
She continued to walk quietly before answering my question. "I... you'll soon know when we get to the office."
The office is on the opposite side of the mansion from where we are, so it's going to take a few minutes to get there, longer considering my walking speed. But Nila was considerate enough to walk slowly so I didn't tire myself.
We continued to walk in silence until she abruptly stopped, still looking ahead. "Young master... I know this may be sudden, but can I ask you a question?"
I looked up at her. "Sure…"
She slowly shifted her head, our eyes finally meeting. Her brown eyes suddenly glowed and shimmered. "Hmm… you... What are your thoughts about killing another human being?"
I slowly widened my eyes at the question she asked.
Killing.
That is such a foreign concept to me. The terminology stems from the act of a living being's death caused by the instance of another living being.
Philosophically, the act of killing is immoral.
But… I can't really put my finger on it...
"... I can't say... I just think that killing is preventable under the given circumstances..."
Yes... I can't put my finger on it… In the past, every action that humans did, I always questioned on why they were done, and for what motive. But yesterday's event slightly changed that perspective.
When I was fighting that girl, I continued to aim at her heart and head.
I was trying to kill her to protect my mother.
"The idea of killing may seem brutal... but in the end... I guess it's controversial. But those who kill out of glee... I truly put disdain on it."
"Hmm... I see..."
She crossed her arms and closed her eyes for a moment of contemplation before speaking again.
"I was informed that you played a crucial role in not only protecting her grace, but also Mia. We ran an autopsy on the magic swordsman. We had to see just what power she gained from the pill she consumed and the after-effects of consumption. Many of the injuries caused by you where... how can I say it? Fatal. As if you were planning to kill her instantly."
She turned around, still staring right into my eyes. "I would like to ask another question: Did you intend to kill the girl?"
I extended my hands forward, staring at them as she asked that question.
The magic I used... Most were designed to kill. I know that... but I continued to use them… I continued to use them all to protect mother…
I slowly closed my eyes, clenching my hands into a fist. "... It may have been selfish, but I knew that being naive would have cost someone's life if I didn't have the intention to kill her. But it only extends there."
I gaze up, looking seriously at Nila. "Killing is a cruel punishment that I will only rely on if other solutions fail to protect those I care about..."
Nila stood there surprised at my response. After a few moments of deliberation, she suddenly kneeled in front of me, her eyes still meeting mine before showing a small smile."I see… What a marvelous answer."
She slowly looks out the window, gazing at the lively trees outside. "I will not lie. I thought long and hard about the type of young master I will have to serve in the future. A spoiled one, a meek one, or one that looked down upon others with power and violence. I was prepared to leave the estate with my brother, even if it meant breaking my promise with His Grace."
She let out a small chuckle before looking back at me, gently placing her hands on my shoulder.
"I'm glad to see that you're not any of the bad images I had depicted. Your answer told me a lot about what type of person you are. Someone rational yet kind. Killing is sometimes needed in this world. To eliminate the threats. To eliminate those who commit wrongdoings. But it is also something that can be avoided if necessary. This may be a hard topic, especially for a young child like you."
She awkwardly scratches her cheek. "I honestly can't believe I asked a question like that to a young child... but your response assured me the future of the estate."
She slowly looks down at the ground. "Young master… I am willing to entrust my life and honor to serve you as my future master, and ensure your overall safety above mine."
I stared at her when she said those words. I couldn't help but smile. "Thank you, but… you don't have to risk your life for me."
She lifted her head and smiled at my words. "I'll try, young master."
I could only continue to stare at her with slight discontent. But even though her choice of words is questionable, I feel like I have more people that I can trust and lean on, like Mia...
"Wait, what happened to Mia? Is she okay?"
Nila stood up, looking awkwardly at me as she scratched her head. "That young girl… despite facing such severe burns and injuries, she is doing much better than expected."
I let out a relieved sigh after hearing those words. "That's good to know."
Nila let out a small chuckle before she began leading me towards the office once more. After a few minutes of walking, we soon reached the office. A guard stood outside the door.
Onced we approached the door, the guard bowed down to us. "Young master, Ms. Nila. His grace is waiting for you inside."
The guard opened the door for us. I quickly fixed my posture as this is the first time father has called me into his office.
As we walked inside the office, I saw father standing near his desk, talking to some familiar people.
There were six people in the room alongside him. He was talking to Leo and Veda, while a blonde-haired guy was happily talking to another guy that looked exactly like Nila.
I continued to look around the room before seeing a red-haired girl sheepishly talking to... Mia?
As the sound of door closing echoed through the room, everyone turned silent before shifting their gaze at us. Mia's expression brightened as she hurriedly walked towards me before lifting me in her arms.
I'm so confused...
Nila told me that she was still recovering from the burns in her hands.
True enough, when I looked at the hands that were carrying me, I saw the bandages. I began to squirm in her arms, hoping for her to let me down so she won't worsen her injuries. "Let me down! Your hands are still injured! Does it not hurt?!"
Mia blushed before rubbing her cheek against mine. "Awe... the young master cares about me~. Don't worry, I'm sure it's safe to carry the adorable young master in my arms!"
"Please worry about yourself more, Mia!"
She continued to hug me tightly in her arms while I continued to squirm. But I soon gave up after thinking that if I continued to squirm, I would worsen her injuries.
I quickly glanced at Veda, who was smiling at the sight, to see if she could do something about the situation. She understood my intention and began walking towards us before placing her hands on Mia's shoulder. "Now now, Mia. You know better than to bother the young master."
Mia pouts before placing me down on the floor. "Fine..."
I continued to look at her hands, feeling guilty since she was trying hard to protect me and mother. "Are you really okay...?"
Mia let out a warm smile before patting my head. "Don't worry, young master. Most of the fatal injuries were healed thanks to Priya."
"Priya...?"
The red-haired girl quickly stammered before she began to walk towards us. "T-That's my name, young master..."
I walked towards before bowing down, making her flinch while she shook her hands in confusion. "Thank you, Priya. If not for you… I don't know what would've happened to Mia."
Everyone in the room couldn't help but look surprised as they saw me bow down to her.
Mia continued to look at me with a guilty expression before awkwardly scratching her head. "Gosh... now you're making me feel guilty, young master..."
Priya once again began to shake her hands, panicking. "I-It's alright! It is my duty as the Head Priest to take care of the injured. M-Mia's burns were caused by powerful fire magic, so light magic was not able to completely heal her injuries. B-But in a few weeks, she should be fine."
She continued to stammer. I slowly remembered something. "Wait... if you're the Head Priest, then does that mean you were the one who healed me when I got injured...?"
She looked away, shyly nodding. She slowly looked back at me, our eyes meeting. She began to feel awkward once more. But I couldn't help but let out a smile."Thank you, Priya…"
Her composure became more relaxed as she heard those words, making her smile back. "... It's my pleasure, young master."
A cough was let out by father, who was quietly observing the situation. He began to walk towards us and soon stood in front of me, looking serious. "Lysander, I need to ask you something."
I quickly fixed my posture, looking as serious as I could."Yes, your grace?"
"I need to tell you that–" His eyes widened with confusion as he heard my response. "Your grace…?"
Mia and the blonde-haired man began to laugh while Nila tried to look the other way, trying to hold her laughter. Veda just shrugged as she continued to express her subtle smile while Leo sighed.
The man that looked just like Nila slowly walked towards us before speaking to father. "Your grace. I suggest you look less... intimidating. The young master must've gotten the wrong idea when you said you had something important to talk about."
I tilt my head, confused about the current situation.
Was he not going to question my unusual behavior…?
Father let out an awkward cough as he embarrassedly blush. "Forgive me, Lysander, If I gave you the wrong idea…" He takes a deep breath, regaining his calm appearance. "Though the topic is important since it is deciding your future, I called you here to gain your approval."
He slowly kneeled in front of me, placing his hand on my shoulder as he smiled warmly at me to not give out the wrong idea once again. "I know that you have some… things you wish to hide. I understand. But given the circumstances, it's time you received formal education in both knowledge and magic. Normally, you would begin your formal education around the age of six or seven. But..."
He closes his mouth, looking bitterly at me."... I just wish you don't continue hurting yourself, like the last few days, because of magic."
He smiles warmly once again. "I know how intelligent and mature you are for your age. But I still worry about you. You tend to take risks for others. Nevertheless, that is what makes you who you are."
He stands back up, still looking warmly at me. "Though, it is up to you if you wish to start your studies early. I do not wish to force you to do anything you dislike after all."
Learning…
In my previous life, learning was something done to understand the cruel world around me. Learning was something I just did for the sake of giving my life worth…
But learning new things in this world, in this body, with people who accept me for who I am. Using this new profound knowledge with the hope of protecting those around me.
I want to try it.
I showed a determined expression, fisting my hands up, just like a normal child. "Yes, father. I wish to learn!"
He smiles once again before gently ruffling my hair. "I see. I will begin to make the necessary arrangements then. It might be difficult at first, but I hope that wish to continue despite the challenges"
He begins heading to the door. "... For now, I wish for you to stay with these seven people. They may look... peculiar, but I promise they are the most trusted people in this mansion. I must talk with your mother about some... things, so forgive me for leaving after having walked all the way here.
I shook my head. "Don't worry, father. I know how angry mother can be when she's left in the dark."
A cold sweat runs through father's face as he forces out a laugh to calm his nervousness. "You're indeed correct... I'll bear the responsibilities. So. just enjoy the feast I prepared for everyone."
After saying those words, the door to the office closed. I slowly turn my body around to look at the people in front of me. Nila took a step forward from where she was before extending her hands towards the two unknown men.
"My apologies, young master. Let me introduce you to them. The blonde hair individual in front of you is Qadir. He is the sole gardener in this mansion."
I shift my gaze towards him, he has big muscles while his eyes shimmer a delicate mixture of green and purple.
Nila then introduces the other man. "The person next to him is my twin brother, Nilo. He works alongside me with surveillance around the dukedom."
Nilo tilted his head a bit before looking the other way. "... I told you that your assumption was wrong. I bet you even nagged him."
Nila's eyes twitched a bit before letting out a sinister looking smile. "I'm sorry, young master. Nilo is just in a bad mood since he hasn't been able to spend any time with Qadir. You see, they're sort of in a relationship–"
Nilo quickly looked back at her with a bashful expression. "Stop saying nonsense! We are not a-"
Nila let out an annoyed sigh, looking tired at Nilo as if this is a common occurrence. "Then let me ask a question: Where were you this morning? I knocked on both of your doors only to find both rooms empty. Both of you showed up an hour later as you tried to sneak in, thinking no one was noticing you."
Nilo took a step back, feeling slightly nervous. "Did you spy on me!?"
Nila shook her head, denying his claim. "Oh goodness no! I was just coincidentally laying on one of the trees before coincidentally seeing both of you trying to sneak back in."
Nilo's mouth quivered with embarrassment as if he was found out while Nila displayed a victory smile. Everyone continued to watch the spectacle as if this were a normal everyday thing.
Qadir took a step forward, crossing his arms while taking Nilo's side. "You have the wrong assumption, Nila. We were assigned to gather information regarding yesterday's events while checking if any mercenaries escaped or began to spread rumors about what happened."
Nilo shook his head in agreement. "E-Exactly!"
Nila sighs, impatiently tapping her feet. "I do remember his grace assigning you such a task, and I know it is a tedious task, but…" She glares at Nilo, causing him to flinch and hide behind Qadir. "It shouldn't have taken an entire day considering both of your capabilities."
An awkward sweat ran down Qadir's face, trying hard to cover up for Nilo. "Even so, we had to ensure everything was clear. Even if that took longer than what was expected of the mission."
Nila scoffed at the obvious remark. "Qadir… I know you're always going to be on his side, but don't you care about him rejecting your relationship? You really should stop spoiling him and just be open about it."
Sparks began to form as Nila and Qadir stared at each other intently. Nilo continued to hide behind Qadir, making it more obvious of their relationship.
Feeling the tensional atmosphere, I quickly tug at Nila's robe, drawing her attention away from Qadir. "I don't understand what is happening…" I then look at Qadir and Nilon. "But I give you two my blessings."
Qadir slowly chuckled at my words while Nilo just continued to look away with embarrassment. Nila gently patted my head. "How nice of you, young master." He then glares at Nilo once again before sighing. "Despite my brother's rejection, their relationship is widely known to us. I truly don't understand why he insists on keeping it a secret..."
Nilo just sighed, giving up on the situation.
I understand that the concept of same sex relationship in this novel is not a posing problem, but is there a reason as to why he doesn't want their relationship to be widely known?
Mia, who for some reason had popcorn in her hand... walked towards me with a bright smile on her face.
"It's time for you to eat, young master! Shall we head to the servant quarter? That is where we decided to have the feast that his grace provided for us."
"Can I...?"
Mia happily nodded. "Of course you can! His grace allowed it just now, didn't he?"
I let out a subtle smile, softly blushing. This is the first time I am having lunch with people that I truly see as close friends. "If you don't mind then... Can I have lunch with you all?"
Veda and Leo nodded their heads with agreement while Qadir put up a thumbs up, Nila and Nilo smiled with agreement, while Mia continued to stand there with a bright smile on her face.
"Then let us have a feast, young master!"
I smiled brightly, nodding with excitement.
✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ . ⁺ . ✦ .
We all sat down at a long wooden table filled with countless food and drinks of various kinds. I sat next to Mia, slowly sipping the wooden cup filled with juice. Despite offering me juice, I have a feeling that their drinks are not juice…
Why?
Because Mia is currently so intoxicated that she passed out, her head collapsed on the table while looking disoriented.
I look around, seeing everyone else pretty much in the same intoxicated state.
Nila goes on to argue once again with her brother, Nilo, over trivial matters such as who can eat or drink the most. But despite the argument, she continues to wear a bright smile.
Despite Nilo rejecting his relationship with Qadir, he continued to affectionately hug Qadir while bickering with Nila. Qadir, who seemed to have a high alcohol tolerance, smiled warmly as he affectionately hugged Nilo back.
Priya's personality went completely one eighty. She began to argue with Nila right after Nilo lost the argument, whining to Qadir about how mean his sister is as he buried himself into Qadir's arms.
Leo tried to meditate but was soon dragged into the argument after being called A boy who hasn't entered puberty yet by Priya.
Veda sat on the other sit next to me, watching the people bickering with a smirk on her face, occasionally sipping her cup of alcohol.
I slowly gaze at her, trying to see what she was daydreaming about. She lets out a small chuckle before looking at me. "Quite rowdy, isn't it?"
"... I don't mind it. I've never experienced such a thing before, so I cannot help but continue to admire this sensation of being part of a group."
Veda smiles once again before gently patting my head. "True. I genuinely enjoy moments like these too. Being with these people, having fun, and letting our true self run wild. I can never thank his grace for such an opportunity."
I looked at her with curiosity, wondering what she meant by that. "What do you mean?"
She takes another sip of her cup, gently placing it down on the table before looking back at me, her face with a mixture of sadness and happiness. "It's a long story... but his grace rescued us."
She looked at the unconscious Mia. "You may not know this. But Mia is my daughter..."
I couldn't help but look surprised.
Veda let out a chuckle, seeing my surprised expression, before speaking again. "Not biological of course... I rescued her when she was still a baby. I was walking through the forest like any other day… and saw her abandoned. I couldn't leave her behind, so I vowed to take care of her..."
She closed her mouth, hesitating to speak, but soon resolved to say the following words to me."... I was born a Half-Vampire. I never knew who my parents were... All I can remember was being alone in an empty forest, with no one by my side... I spent countless decades alone in the forest before I met Mia. When I found her… I enjoyed the happy times I had with her. It was such a strange feeling… I felt like a mother…"
She looked at the wooden cup in front of her, slowly expressing a bitter smile.
"It was around six years after I met Mia. We lived in a small wooden house, enjoying our lives to the fullest. But during that time, rumors circulated that a Vampire lived in the forest near a human village. Vampires are feared as dangerous creatures, and sure enough they began to hunt us down. I was weak at the time, so all I could do was run while I carried Mia in my arms, comforting her that everything was going to be alright..."
She painfully closes her eyes, anxiously clenching her hands. "We were surrounded. They grabbed Mia away from me and were about to kill her. I reached out my hand and begged them to let her go. That is when his grace came and saved us..."
She looked at me once again, her eyes filled with sorrow. "Despite being at the age of sixteen, he looked like a ruthless person, his eyes dead and cold. Nevertheless, he offered us a place. He said that he would help us get stronger, stronger to protect each other."
She let out a gentle chuckle, "Of course, I didn't reject him and took the offer. I knew that I could trust him, despite those emotionless eyes that he had before he met her grace..."
Her gaze slowly shifted to Nila and Nilo. "Two years later after we began to serve his grace, he saved those kids. They were around thirteen when their village was raided, losing their parents and home. He took them under his wing and promised them the same thing he promised me: A place to stay and the power to protect each other from harm. "
Her gaze shifted to Qadir. "Qadir... that poor young boy... He was the son of a farmer... A war broke out and unfortunately... the location that the war started was in the place he grew up. His father was murdered by the hands of a soldier, who thought that he was another enemy. The only weapon he had in his disposal was a farmer's hoe."
She let out a sad sigh. "... At the age of sixteen, he tried to survive in the war that he never intended to be part of, cutting down any soldiers that tried to kill him. He soon reached his limit, almost getting himself killed until he was saved by his grace in the same battle that earned him the title: The Duke of Blood."
Her gaze shifted to Priya. "Priya… She was a young girl who was raised in a cult. Her church used the followers as sacrifices, all in the name of God. The children raised were sold off to slavery for extra cash. But it was soon discovered by his grace. He freed all the captives. But Priya wanted to be by the duke's side, saying that she would devote her life to protecting the person who saved her from hell."
She finally turned towards Leo, and sighed. "Leo... At the age of fifteen, he was found wandering in the streets with tattered clothes, relying on pickpocketing to survive. Though unfortunately, he pickpocketed her grace one fine evening. Maybe it was because at that time, his grace finally met her grace, but they decided to take him in and save him from the cruel world. Three years later, shortly after you were born, he became one of the most powerful mages in the Empire."
Veda bitterly looks up at the ceiling. "Young master… What do you think about the pitiful stories of us all?"
I sat there in silence.
Everyone in this room has a history. A history of suffering and torment. But they were all saved by my father... I couldn't help but have a greater respect towards him as he saved everyone from their suffering, granting them a new path and the power to protect each other.
"... It's not pitiful..." I looked at everyone from my seat, seeing them enjoying their present time with smiles across their faces. "... One's past builds a foundation towards what one can become. Everyone here has suffered, yet you all continued to move forward in life. Building yourself up and becoming even better and stronger people."
I looked back at Veda as she continued to bitterly stare at the ceiling. "Rather than pity, I can't help but admire everyone. You are all worthy of respect. I may not personally know all the hardships that you have endured. But I know how happy you are now. I wish that this happiness continues for you all, because that is a gift you all deserve."
Veda froze for a moment before letting out a small smile. She slowly stood up, not long after everyone but Mia began to stand up one by one, walking towards me before they all kneel while looking down at the floor. Veda, who was in the middle, looked up at me from where I continued to sit with a bright expression. "You truly are the child of his grace..."
Her smile continued as she closed her eyes in a moment of silence before opening them again. "I, Veda, swear upon my life to protect the young master from any harm. As the future Grand Duke, I wish for you to accept us as your future retainers."
Everyone looked up with the same hopeful smile across their face.
"In honor of his grace, we wish to continue serving his lineage, and preserve this house filled with kind people just like you."
Everyone's eyes looked up at me with hopeful determination. I couldn't help but continue to admire them even more as they saw someone like me worthy to serve under.
People who see me for who I am, and trust me enough to put their life out for me.
Though I wish not for them to risk their life, I am happy that they declared their intentions to trust me in the future, and for them to remain by my side…
I smiled back at everyone's determined eyes. "Thank you, everyone, for trusting me. I hope to continue growing into a person worthy enough for such a declaration, and hope to have you all by my side."
Everyone smiled before they quickly returned to their original seatings, enjoying their feast with a new celebration in mind.
Mia, who continued to sleep on the table, mumbled something quietly with a smile across her face. "... Young Master... I, too, wish to serve you..."