Zigh retreated to the bedroom, finding Lian perched silently on the edge of the mattress. There was a heavy stillness in the air. Approaching him with uncharacteristic humility, Zigh took a seat on the floor, looking up at him.
"Lian, are you upset?"
"No."
"Oh, right. Your ID card is ready. Here it is." Zigh fished the card out of his trouser pocket and handed it over.
Lian took the plastic card, his eyes lingering on it for a long duration. "It's actually quite good..." he murmured.
A wave of relief washed over Zigh. Good, he likes it, he thought, offering a small smile. But the peace was short-lived.
"Zigh, why don't you live with your father?"
Zigh's eyes widened, his breath hitching for a fraction of a second.
"See?" Lian noted. "Even a simple question catches you off guard."
Zigh exhaled a weary sigh. "Sometimes you truly baffle me, Lian."
"You aren't the only one. Sometimes, I don't even understand my own heart."
"Lian..." Zigh's tone turned serious. "Do you truly dislike Ron and Nox?"
"Weren't you the one who was furious when I suggested making the people who tried to kill me my bodyguards?"
Zigh clenched his fist, his knuckles whitening. "Yes, however—"
"Zigh," Lian interrupted, his gaze piercing. "Do you know what it feels like to be branded a walking disaster? A harbinger of ruin?"
Zigh averted his eyes, unable to meet that stare. "Lian... I..."
"Forget it. The sun has set, and the world is dark. I'm hungry."
Zigh let out a short, dry huff. "Fine. How about we eat out?"
"I'm not in the mood for crowds."
"Don't worry, I know a secluded spot with excellent food."
Lian simply laid back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "Let's stay home."
"Alright then."
Zigh pulled out his phone, navigating an app to order a meal. He opted for roasted chicken with rice and fresh lemon juice—simple sustenance to end a long day.
"Lian, where is Outer?"
"Why do you ask?"
"I haven't sensed him since I met Nox and Ron to give them their IDs. He's been... absent."
"You'll find out soon enough."
Zigh glanced at his own hands. "Asley."
"If you already know, why bother asking?"
"Lian... please. Don't do anything to Asley."
Suddenly, Lian bolted upright. His demeanor shifted, turning sharp and authoritative. "Listen closely, Zigh. Order Lexin and Devin to Begepe City immediately. They are about to initiate a massive narcotics smuggling operation."
Zigh gasped, his heart hammering against his ribs. "How could you possibly know that!?"
"Outer. Telepathy."
Zigh's fist slammed into his palm. "Asley... so you've truly chosen to play with fire."
He looked back at Lian. "Where exactly is the drop-off?"
"The docks of Begepe City."
"That traitorous..." Zigh hissed under his breath.
Lian sat back down, his voice dropping to a composed, almost advisory tone. "Zigh, if you intend to catch them, observe first. Do not strike prematurely."
Zigh ran a hand through his hair, pacing the room. "Why wait?"
"They are holding a grand assembly tomorrow. The executive members will all be present."
Zigh stepped closer, nodding slowly. "You're right. A single sweep to catch them all. I'll have Lexin and Devin keep watch from the shadows."
He paused, looking at his companion. "Regarding Ron and Nox..."
"I'll leave the final word to you."
Zigh offered a faint, tired smile. "You... for someone so powerful, you really are terrible at communicating your feelings."
Lian didn't respond; he simply reclined back onto the bed.
"Lian, stay here. I'll be back shortly."
"Okay."
Zigh stepped out into the hallway and immediately dialed Lexin. The line rang twice before a voice picked up.
"Lex, get yourself and Devin to Begepe City. Now."
"Eh? Sir... what's going on?"
"There's a situation that needs handling. Secure the Begepe docks. Keep the perimeter loose—don't spook them—but monitor every single crate that comes through."
"But Sir, our current assignment—"
"Your bonuses won't be touched. In fact, I'll double them. But you follow my lead on this, understood?"
"Sir, what reason do we give for the Begepe port security?"
"Tell the Head of Administrative Security that Colonel Zigh Eosvile has received intelligence regarding contraband. That should open the doors."
"Smuggling... understood. We're on it, Sir!"
Zigh ended the call. On the other end of the line, Devin looked at Lexin with a raised eyebrow. "What was the boss rambling about?"
"Our paychecks just grew wings, Dev," Lexin grinned, spinning the car around toward Begepe. "The boss has a new mission for us. Just wait and see."
He floored the accelerator, chasing the promise of a bonus.
***
Back at the house, the aroma of roasted chicken and lemon juice filled the room as the delivery arrived. Zigh brought the food into the bedroom.
"Lian, let's eat."
"Alright."
Zigh noted Lian's quietness. He's unusually docile, he thought.
"Zigh," Lian said between bites. "You're quite swift when it comes to issuing commands."
"In my line of work, if you spend too much time weighing risks, the opportunity vanishes in a heartbeat. Hesitation is a luxury I can't afford."
Lian's gaze drifted to the heavy punching bag in the corner of Zigh's gym area. "Why didn't you go pro?"
Zigh paused, his spoon hovering over his plate. "I couldn't serve the military and be a professional boxer simultaneously. One would have suffered for the other."
"Zigh, you know the Champ, right?" Lian mused. "He could have held the world title and still maintained a decent military career."
Zigh began shredding the chicken meat with his fingers, his expression distant. "Not everyone is granted the strength to carry two worlds on their shoulders, Lian."
Lian took a sip of his lemon juice. "Your father did something?"
Zigh's hand froze. He shot a brief, sharp look at Lian before softening. "You really know how to hit where it hurts..." He forced a smile. "Eat up, Lian. It's better while it's warm."
The next morning, before the sun had fully crested the horizon, Zigh was already awake. Today, I end this, he promised himself.
After a quick shower, he donned his formal uniform. He ordered two portions of rice with stir-fried vegetables and meat for breakfast. Sitting on the sofa, he reflected on the day ahead. Lian said the choice regarding Ron and Nox was mine... whatever I decide, he'll have to accept it.
When the food arrived, he set the table and went to wake Lian.
"Lian, breakfast."
Lian groaned, burying his face in the pillow. "It's too early..."
"The food is getting cold. Let's eat together."
With bleary eyes, Lian finally rose. "Fine. Let's go."
As they descended the stairs, the savory scent hit Lian. "Zigh, meat again?"
Zigh stopped. "Is there a problem?"
"The smell is everywhere."
"Then hurry up and eat."
They sat in the living room, opening the containers. The rich aroma of seasoned meat and fresh greens was enough to make anyone's mouth water. Lian took a bite, his eyes widening in delight. "It's so tender."
Zigh let out a soft chuckle. After they finished, Zigh's expression turned solemn.
"Lian, I've decided. I'm bringing Nox and Ron to live here."
Lian remained silent, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips.
Zigh stood up, adjusting his uniform. "That is my decision. I'm heading to the hospital now, then to Begepe City."
"Zigh, you remember our contract, right?"
"Don't worry. I am a man of my word."
As Zigh walked away, Lian whispered to the empty room, "Zigh, today is... well, never mind."
Returning to the bedroom, Lian closed his eyes. Outer, what is the status?
The "Card Maker" is preparing for the meeting, Outer's voice echoed in his mind.
Card Maker? Hmph. Fitting. Outer, once the executives have gathered and the meeting commences, deal with them. Make them end up like Ashil and Vashil.
Consider it done.
Leave no stone unturned.
Rest easy, Lian. Leave everything to Outer.
Lian walked over to Zigh's punching bag. With a casual flick of his finger, the heavy bag swung violently, the metal chains screeching under the sudden, immense force.
"Zigh... our time is drawing to a close."
Lian flicked the punching bag repeatedly, his fingers dancing against the heavy surface in a rhythmic, almost absent-minded cadence.
***
Zigh arrived at the hospital, heading straight for Room 404. As he approached, a familiar figure stepped out—a woman of elegance and poise.
"Ah, Miss Edelweiss. Good morning."
"Good morning," Rhea replied.
"I'm afraid I must decline your previous offer."
"That is perfectly fine."
Zigh paused, puzzled by her lack of reaction. "Aren't you worried about Lian anymore?"
Rhea smiled—a knowing, serene expression. "It seems Master Lian has finally begun to master his own shadow."
"Did Ron and Nox tell you that?"
"Indeed."
"Those two..."
"Mr. Zigh," Rhea said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Remember this one thing: Never, under any circumstances, provoke Master Lian's wrath again."
Zigh exhaled. "Believe me, I've felt that wrath both physically and mentally. I have no intention of repeating the experience."
"Then I shall take my leave."
"Wait—Ron and Nox will be staying with me from now on."
"Do as you wish."
Rhea walked away without looking back.
Zigh pushed open the door to Room 404 without knocking.
"Colonel, have you never heard of a door knock?" Nox barked from the bed.
"You already knew I was coming, considering I just ran into Miss Edelweiss."
Ron looked up. "So, what is your verdict, Zigh?"
"You're coming with me," Zigh stated. "You'll be staying at my residence."
Nox's eyes sharpened. "And what about the man currently living there?"
Zigh brushed his hair back, a confident glint in his eye. "Relax. Lian has left the decision in my hands."
Ron folded his arms. "And now?"
"Our mission begins today."
Nox let out a long whistle. "Don't you worry, Colonel. You can count on us."
"Yeah," Ron added. "Consider it a thank you for the ID cards."
To be continued...