In Ipsix, within the serene confines of Charon Manor, the morning sun cast its golden glow over the sprawling lavender gardens. Honest wore a faint smile as he approached his bedroom window, pushing it open to let the crisp air in.
"It seems Master Aidin has begun to move."
Knock, knock, knock.
"Yes, wait a moment."
Honest turned, walked toward the door, and opened it without delay.
"Young Master, Master Charon is awaiting you in the dining hall."
"Thank you, Pakis. I will be right there."
Pakis smiled, offered a bow, and excused himself. The young master then made his way down the stairs to the dining hall. Upon arriving, he greeted his grandfather.
"Good morning, Grandfather."
"Morning. Take a seat."
"Thank you."
Honest took his seat to Nyx's right. "Grandfather, have you felt Master Aidin's resonance yet?"
Nyx sighed. "Let us eat first. We can talk afterward."
"As you wish, Grandfather."
Golden-brown chicken was neatly arranged on a platter, garnished with tomatoes meticulously shaped into roses. An assortment of vibrant fruits—red, orange, yellow, and purple—rested beneath a transparent glass dome. From fresh green stir-fried vegetables to steaming savory soup, the table was laden with a rich spread.
Nyx ladled some vegetables onto his plate, while Honest reached only for the fruit, selecting a bright red piece.
"Honest, how is your wound?"
"Thanks to your aid, Grandfather, it healed overnight."
"What is it that you truly intend to do in Echo?"
Honest picked up a yellow fruit. "As an observer of the world, shouldn't I oversee the consequences of Master Aidin's actions?"
"You always have a silver tongue. Aidin didn't even use his power."
"Exactly, Grandfather. Master Aidin merely arrived, yet Echo was utterly devastated."
Nyx poured water into his glass. "And once you meet Ashil and Vashil, then what?"
"Rest assured, Grandfather, I will not stir up any trouble."
Nyx scoffed. "The look in your eyes says otherwise."
"You always know me best, Grandfather."
"Enough. Do not just eat fruit. Taste the chicken."
"I dislike greasy food."
"It is roasted."
"But look how glistening that skin is, Grandfather."
"Suit yourself, then."
Honest merely smiled in response. "Oh, right. Would you like to come with me to Echo, Grandfather?"
"Why the sudden invitation? You usually prefer playing your games alone."
"You will find out soon enough. Oh, and do not forget to bring Pakis along."
"Why should Pakis come?"
"Well, it is a pity to leave him cooped up in the house all the time."
"As the head butler of Charon, that is his duty."
"True, but don't you feel any pity keeping him confined here?"
"You are one to talk, considering you keep your own sibling locked away."
Honest went quiet for a moment, his smile fading. "Grandfather, that was a necessary decree."
"Not a decree—an absolute imposition."
"Are you still angry, Grandfather?"
"Is that not obvious?"
"Then why did you heal my wound?"
"That was Pakis's own doing."
"So, you hate me?"
Nyx set his spoon down. "Honest, enough with the pleasantries. Speak plainly."
"But our great-grandfather's teachings—"
"Do not hide behind excuses."
Honest offered a thin smile. "If Aishira were still here, perhaps everything would be different."
Nyx's garnet eyes flared, sending all the plates, food, and drinks floating into the air. "Never let her name cross a Peaceraft's lips. Speak it once more, and I will punish you with all my authority."
Honest stood up, lowering his head. "Grandfather, please... do not turn your heart away from me. I beg for your mercy, pardon my grave mistake."
Only silence hung over the dining hall. The Master of Charon Manor covered his eyes with his hand. What a disgrace…
Nyx glared at him, sighing. "Honest Peaceraft… Never do this again."
"Thank you for your kindness, Grandfather."
All the floating objects returned to their original positions.
Nyx's gaze drifted back to where it had been, moving away from his grandson. "For your request… I will accompany you on one condition: you must follow and obey my every command."
"I appreciate it, Grandfather."
"I shall go prepare."
Nyx rose and left the dining room.
Honest smiled. Grandfather, don't forget to bring Pakis, he thought, staring at the empty doorway. Grandfather, I am going to give you quite a surprise in Echo. Just wait.
The young man stepped outside, walking toward the lavender garden. Standing in the middle of the blossoms, he inhaled the soothing fragrance."
"What a shame, Esculenta. We didn't get the chance to meet."
Hearing approaching footsteps, Honest turned around.
"Young Master, Master Charon is ready."
"Grandfather told you, didn't he?"
"Yes."
"Are you joining us?"
"Of course."
Honest walked ahead, with Pakis following exactly five paces behind. Returning inside the manor, they found the elder waiting near the staircase. Honest approached him.
"Are you ready, Grandfather?"
"Less talk. Stand close to me, Honest." Nyx glanced at Pakis. "You too, Pakis."
Pakis stepped closer.
"Are we going to see Master Haze, Grandfather?"
"There is no need. And you still address your uncle with such formality."
Honest simply shrugged.
"Enough. I will open the gate."
A brilliant golden light enveloped the trio, and they vanished, leaving behind only a faint shimmer of golden particles.
Amidst the debris of the Edelweiss estate, Rhea let out a heavy sigh. Master Aidin...
"Lady Rhea, was this spectacular destruction the work of Master Lian?" Lena asked.
Rhea smiled, shaking her head. "No, it wasn't Master Lian."
"I see."
"Is something the matter?"
"Not at all. It's just... Master Lian would never do something like this."
"You truly place immense faith in Master Lian, don't you?"
"Yeah… are Sir Ron and Sir Nox alright?"
"I pray they are safe, but... Master Aidin..." Rhea clasped her hands together, a single tear slipping past her lashes and falling onto her fingers.
"Lady Rhea..."
"This is all my fault... if only I had been more mindful..."
Lena placed her hand over Rhea's trembling ones. "Lady Rhea, please do not blame yourself..."
"But because of me, so many citizens of Echo have suffered."
Lena stroked Rhea's hands. "You had a profound reason for bringing Master Lian to Echo, didn't you?"
"That..."
"You don't have to explain it to me."
"Lena..."
"Lady Rhea, please look around you."
Rhea lifted her gaze, looking at the crowd gathered before the ruins of their homes.
"If Lady Rhea hasn't used your abilities... they might have—"
"No, Lena. Even so, the sheer scale of Master Aidin's power far exceeds anything I could ever hope to mitigate."
Lena took a shaky breath. "But you tried your absolute best..." She let out a small hiccup. "Please, Lady Rhea, stop punishing yourself..."
Rhea patted Lena's head. "Do not cry. You've done nothing wrong..."
"But you always blame yourself... even when Master Lian left with Zigh."
Rhea tilted her head. "Zigh?"
"Ah, the one who insists on being called Zigh."
Rhea chuckled. "I see."
"Do you feel a bit better, Lady Rhea?"
"Yes, thank you."
Lena checked her phone, frowning. "Still no signal..."
Rhea looked at a collapsed utility pole nearby. "It seems tonight will be exceptionally dark."
Lena fidgeted with her fingers, leaning closer. "Was it Master Lian who obliterated Begepe Pier?" she whispered.
Rhea nodded.
"I thought so..."
Lena fell silent.
"Do not worry, Lena. Didn't the news state there were no casualties?"
"Well, yes..."
"Besides, the media's attention will likely shift entirely to this earthquake disaster."
Lena looked up at the dim glow of the moon. I am glad the media's spotlight is shifting... but... not like this...
Rhea scanned her surroundings. "This aura..."
"Lady Rhea?"
Rhea stared into the night sky. "Young Master Honest... no, Master Charon is here as well."
Lena gripped Rhea's arm. "Lady Rhea?"
"Ah, forgive me. Lena, please step away from me."
"Why?"
"They have arrived."
"They?"
Rhea placed her hands on Lena's shoulders. "Lena, listen to me carefully. Quickly blend into the crowd over there."
"But—"
"Do not come back until I come to get you."
Lena nodded and hurried away, disappearing into the gathering of displaced citizens.
A warm, golden light slowly began to suffuse the sky. Rhea watched as Lena safely merged with the crowd. No one notices... this technique... Young Master Honest...
A pillar of golden light descended, striking the ground in front of Rhea. Once the brilliance faded, three men emerged from the residual glow.
Rhea immediately bowed in greeting. "Welcome, Master Charon, Young Master Honest, and Sir Pakis."
Nyx stepped forward. "How did things deteriorate to this extent?"
"My deepest apologies, Master Charon... I was not with Master Leuliang when the incident occurred."
Honest smiled, his eyes scanning the area. "Where are Ashil and Vashil?"
Rhea clasped her hands. "They are at the hospital."
Pakis took a step forward. "How did that happen?"
"Master Leuliang... exacted punishment upon them."
Honest touched his chin. "Punishment?"
"Yes, due to an altercation regarding Master Leuliang."
"Explain," Nyx commanded.
"Leuliang's bodyguard clashed with the twins," Rhea revealed.
Honest let out a soft chuckle, drawing sharp, disapproving looks from both Nyx and Pakis. "And who emerged victorious?"
"Ashil and Vashil, Young Master."
Nyx crossed his arms. "So Esculenta threw a tantrum simply because his bodyguard lost?"
Rhea tightened her grip on her hands. "From what I observed, it was less about victory or defeat, and more that Master Leuliang was thoroughly displeased."
"A spoiled brat," Nyx muttered.
Honest stepped closer to Rhea, his eyes gleaming. "Do you know what their punishment was?"
"He stripped them of their powers."
The three men froze, their eyes widening in shock.
"My, how ruthless of Esculenta," Honest remarked.
Rhea remained silent.
Nyx surveyed the area, sensing the residual energy fading into the air. "The twins are still alive, I presume?"
"Yes," Rhea replied.
Nyx exhaled. "Did you employ your own abilities, Rhea?"
"Yes, I—"
"Enough. Honest, go retrieve your guards at once."
Honest looked at Rhea and offered a knowing smile. Rhea's peridot eyes gleamed in response, signaling their location.
"Ah, so they are over there. Grandfather, I shall return shortly."
Honest left their side, heading toward the twins' location.
"Naughty boy," Nyx muttered.
A heavy silence fell over the ruins. Nyx turned his gaze back to the shattered remains of the Edelweiss estate, his eyes locking onto the young woman before him.
"Why did you bring Esculenta to your place of exile, Rhea Edelweiss?"
Rhea's eyes widened. Her hands clenched the fabric of her long white skirt, wringing it until it wrinkled heavily beneath her trembling grasp.
To be continued...