While the rest of the group went their separate ways, Rhea and Lian's team had a story of their own. Rhea led Lian toward the heart of the local market, where the aroma of street food filled the air.
"Is there anything you would like to try or buy, Master Lian?" Rhea asked, her tone gentle.
Lian remained silent. His gaze was fixed—locked onto a stall selling fresh Castella cakes. Rhea noticed the flicker of interest in his eyes and offered a knowing smile.
"Would Master Lian like to try some?"
"Am I allowed to?" Lian replied, his low voice like a whisper.
Rhea's smile widened. "Of course. Master Lian, please follow me."
Lian nodded, following her like a shadow. Rhea bought two pieces for him and one for herself. Before handing them over, she took a small bite of her own to test it.
"Mmm... so soft," she murmured, handing him the cakes.
Lian didn't blink, his eyes locked on the Castella cakes in his hands.
"Master Lian, please, try them. They're sure to brighten your day."
Lian took a bite. The flavor hit him at once; his eyes widened, and a genuine, rare smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Delicious."
He devoured the last piece with an appetite Rhea had never witnessed.
Rhea's eyes softened, shimmering with a hint of tears. "Would you like another?"
Lian shook his head.
"Then, Master Lian, let us proceed to buy some clothes."
"Yes."
Lian walked exactly one pace behind Rhea, his presence steady and close. As they made their way toward Bazir Mall, Rhea pointed out various landmarks—recreational spots and entertainment hubs. Upon arriving at the mall, he froze. A massive Ferris wheel towered next to the building.
"Whoa..." he breathed.
Rhea stopped. "Do you want to try it, Master Lian?"
"No. I just want to look at it for a moment," he answered, his eyes reflecting the giant rotating lights.
Lian's mind shifted. Outer, why have you been so quiet since we arrived in Echo? he asked through their telepathic link.
Outer appeared in his mind's eye, wearing a serene smile. "If Lian is happy, that is enough for Outer."
Lian flinched. His eyes dilated, and a visible tremor ran through his hands at Outer's words.
"Master Lian, what's wrong?" Rhea asked, her voice laced with concern.
"It's nothing."
"In that case, let's head inside," Rhea replied, though she kept a watchful eye on him.
As they walked, Lian sent one final thought through the link. Outer, you are a part of me and my truest friend. Don't ever leave.
Outer only offered a faint, cryptic smile.
***
In a private booth at a restaurant named Olatte, a different kind of tension was brewing. Ron and Nox sat side-by-side, facing Lena. Cold sodas, iced espressos, and a towering parfait sat between them.
"You really have a sweet tooth, don't you, Lena?" Nox remarked.
"Guilty as charged," Lena replied, scooping a large spoonful of the parfait into her mouth. "Aah, so sweet!"
"Like a child," Nox muttered.
"Let me be," Lena snapped back.
"Please, both of you. Focus," Ron interrupted, his voice stern.
"Fine. So, who should I talk about first? Eosvile or Estogazt?" Lena asked.
"Eosvile," Ron and Nox answered in unison.
"Eosvile, huh? Just like your family name, wasn't it?"
Ron nodded. "Yes."
"You know the Eosviles? In Echo, they're the ones you don't mess with. Officially security, unofficially? Everyone's afraid of them," Lena explained.
Nox jolted. "Ron! That's exactly the same!"
Lena looked at them, curious. Ron sighed, his expression darkening. "Our family also serves in the Syntax military police force."
Lena tilted her head. "Perhaps it's just a coincidence."
"A coincidence?" Ron murmured, his eyes narrowing. "What else do you know about them?"
"The current Head of the House is Vaston Eosvile, and his son is Zigh Eosvile," Lena revealed.
"Anything else?" Ron pressed.
"There are rumors that Zigh Eosvile was once close with Leyra Estogazt."
Nox scoffed. "So it's just gossip now?"
"Information on the Eosvile family is scarce," Lena defended. "They are extremely private. The media rarely gets anything."
"That's enough for now," Ron said.
Nox looked at his partner in surprise. "That's unlike you. Usually, you dig until you hit the roots."
"We are bodyguards now, Nox, not military police. That information is enough for our current standing," Ron explained.
"Sir Ron is a bodyguard?" Lena gasped, her eyes wide.
"Yeah, we're both Lian's bodyguards," Nox said, raising an eyebrow.
"But... you don't look like bodyguards," Lena countered.
Ron's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean by that?"
Lena took another spoonful. "It looks like you and Sir Nox are following Master Lian against your will."
Nox's gaze went blank. "That's… because he killed our parents."
Ron's fist clenched on the table, the veins in his hand bulging with suppressed rage.
Lena's breath hitched. "You mean... Master Lian is a murderer?"
Nox glanced toward Ron, biting his lip. "It's... it's not that simple. How do I even explain it?"
"It wasn't just a common murder," Ron added with a heavy sigh, leaning back against the chair.
Lena took a deep breath, her face softening. "I see. I'm sorry, Sir Ron, Sir Nox, for bringing up such a painful memory."
"It's fine," Ron said, closing his eyes for a brief moment.
Lena's pupils narrowed as she looked at Ron. "Then why? Why does Sir Ron choose to be Master Lian's bodyguard?"
Nox remained silent, his jaw tight.
Ron couldn't meet her eyes; he stared at the floor, his voice hollow. "I... I am just looking for answers."
Lena put her spoon down, the warmth draining from her face. "Hypocrite," she let slip, her hand flying to her mouth as soon as the word escaped.
How could I say that…
Without another word, Lena stood up and walked out of the restaurant. Ron and Nox sat in a heavy silence, the ice in their drinks melting away, forgotten.
Outside Olatte, Lena fought back tears as she dialed a number. "H-Hello, Lady Rhea?"
"Lena? What's wrong? Did something happen?"
"Can you... can you come to Restaurant Olatte, please?"
"I'm on my way."
***
Back inside the private room, Ron was struggling to hold his emotions together.
Hypocrite, huh? She's not wrong... but it still stings, Ron thought.
Nox stood up to leave, but Ron grabbed his wrist.
"What are you doing?" Ron whispered.
"Ron, let go of my hand."
"Answer me first. Where are you going?"
"I'm going to give her a piece of my mind! She called you a hypocrite!"
"Calm down, Nox."
"You're telling me to be calm?!"
Ron stood up, slammed the door shut, and glared at Nox. "Listen to me. Do not chase her! That is an order!"
"After she insulted you like that?!"
"I'm angry too, Nox! Do you think I liked being called that?"
"Then what?"
"She's right," Ron whispered, his strength failing. "I am a hypocrite."
Nox growled, trying to shove Ron away from the door. But Ron stood his ground, a human barrier.
"RON!"
Ron's fists trembled. "I hate Leuliang Esculenta... I hate him more than anything."
"What are you saying?"
"I became his bodyguard to find a weakness," Ron confessed, his lip trembling. "A weakness between Lian and Outer."
Ron took a step back, his back hitting the door. He slowly slid down until he was sitting on the floor, his head in his hands.
"Ron..."
Nox froze, his eyes wide, his legs shaking as the weight of Ron's truth hit him. He leaned against the wall for support.
Silence flooded the room, heavy and cold.
To be continued...