The boy woke up slowly, opening his eyes under an unfamiliar ceiling. It was the first time he was experiencing such peace and comfort in his life.
The boy thought "The bed is soft and comfortable, it smell nice"
As the boy raise and sit down, he say a beautiful maid standing in front of his bed she has beautiful blonde hair and eyes, as soon as she saw the boy sit up she immediately bowed down and said respectfully "Good morning, your highness"
Suddenly seeing the maid's clothes triggers Shirley flashback causing the boy to vomit on the bed sheet.
The maid rushed forward but carefully took her distance, slightly lowering herself, she asked in a respected tone "Are you okay? your highness"
The boy reply "Don't come near me, I'm okay"
The boy saw the mess he created lowering his head, he apologize in a sad tone "Sorry, you guys give me such a comfortable bed, yet I ruined it"
The maid smiled slightly and said softly "Please don't worry about that your highness"
Then the boy looked at the maid and asked "Who are you?"
The maid reply keeping her tone respectful "I am Milize, A holy maid of the church of Ignis"
...
Silence falls in the room as the two stare at each other....
The silence was broken by the sudden knock on the door.
Milize walked to the door and opened it, upon seeing the person, Milize bowed down as Alice entered the room, Alice gave the boy a gentle gaze before seeing the mess he created.
The boy embarrassed sightly lowering his head apologize in a sorrowed tone "Sorry, I dirty your bed"
Milize waving her hands said "Saintess, I'm sorry for this disgraceful slight, I immediately clean it up"
Alice slowly walked to the right side of the bed and petted the boy on his head and said softly "Don't worry about small matters, are you alright?"
The boy answer "Yes"
Then Milize quickly pulled the blanket from the bed and took it away, gently closing the door of the room.
Alice sit down beside the boy and ask "Do you have an answer of what I had asked you"
The boy looked in Alice pure white eyes and said with a firm tone "I am useless, my powers is only meant to kill or curse people"
Alice putting a hand on the boy's cheek and reassuring him "Don't worry, you just need to listen to me... that's all... never question me, just do what I said... if you behave like a good boy, I will love you... give you the warmth and belonging that you never had" Alice pause before asking "So, what your answer... answer in yes or no"
The boy eyes became teary he nodded as he said "Yes"
Alice smiled slightly while wiping his tears off she said softly "Good boy... now that you join me, you need a name"
The boy looked at Alice quietly....
Alice asked softly, "Do you want me to pick your name?"
The boy nodded...
Alice put a finger on her chin and thought "hmmm..."
Then she softly suggested a name. "How about… Nihil? It means 'null.'"
The boy nodded.
Alice smiled and said "Then, from now on your name is nihil Ignis"
Then Alice stand up and said "Rest for now from tomorrow your training will began"
Nihil asked in confusion "Training?"
Alice replied "Yes, training to make you strong" then she slowly walked out of the room.
As Alice walked through the grand corridor, its ceiling was intricately carved and adorned with majestic, colourful artwork, its deep red walls lined with exquisite painting and a red crimson carpet covering the floor.
As Alice was walking Milize joined her and they both entered a room, Alice walked to the sofa and sat on it, while Milize poured tea in a beautifully decorated cup with colourful flower artwork and placed it in front of Alice on the table.
Alice pick the cup up smelling the aroma of the tea, taking a sip and said in a calm voice "It's refreshing"
Milize said in a respectful tone standing in front of alice "Pleasant to hear it, saintess"
Alice said in an annoyed tone "You know what is unpleasant to realize?"
Milize stand quietly with utter confusion, then she said in a scared tone "Forgive my ignorance, saintess"
Alice sighed in annoyance and said calmly, "I can read his mind and calm his emotions, but I can't control him. He's not like anyone I've ever revived with necromancy. Usually, as a necromancer, I have full control over the physical and emotional state of the beings I summon, but in his case, I have none."
Milize said respectfully "Is that why saintess you gave the boy such exclusive treatment"
Alice replied, "Yes, I can't control him through my power, but he's still human, like us. And humans always have desires, wishes, beliefs… weaknesses we can exploit."
Milize asked with curiosity "What is it, saintess"
Alice said "First, he's never known real love or care and we're going to fill that void inside him. Second, he's a man and men are often weak when it comes to women, especially broken ones like him, showing a slight bit of affection to a man that is broken to such an extent and he will be ready to sacrifice his life away."
Milize asked "but he's a 9 year old boy right now, how can he develop attractiveness to any woman."
Alice replied "But Someday he will grow up" then she said with a grin "Anyways, That's not my problem… it's yours"
The room fell in silence....
Moments later... Alice broke the silence and ask Milize in a calm tone "Do you understand"
Milize bowed slightly and said respectfully, "Yes, Saintess. I shall devote my heart and soul to the prosperity of the Church of Ignis."
Alice nodded and dismissed her with a hand gesture.
Then Milize quietly left the room.