The garden had been tended carefully, the flowers blooming despite the eerie atmosphere of the forest.
A small table was set, and Paimon herself poured the tea.
The three of them sat.
For a while, the conversation was light.
They made small talk about the passing of years, changes in the underworld, fragments of memories shared like old friends catching up.
For the Grim Reapers, time flowed differently.
Thousands of years apart was nothing to them.
Their voices carried no bitterness over the separation, only calm acceptance.
Neo lifted his cup, inhaling the faintly bitter yet comforting scent of the tea before drinking.
Then he set it down and shifted his gaze to Barbatos.
"Barbatos," he said quietly, "I want to apologize for my actions during my brother's shadow trial. I also want to thank you for helping him back then."
Barbatos straightened, shaking his head. His voice was steady, and respectful. "There is no need for you to apologize, Prince."
