In a dim basement that reeks of molds and regret, rows of men and women kneel on the cold floor. Most of them have their head bowed down or looking at the wall with empty eyes. However, they have one thing in common: a self-blame look painted on their faces.
They have failed to protect the Young Miss, and up until now, her life and death are still unknown. That incompetence is more than enough to guarantee death.
Heavy steps broke the deafening silence.
Lionel emerged from the passageway and stood in front of them. His eyes had more cruelty than usual. All of them collectively thought that he must be here to bestow their punishments.
They have been serving the Tang family for generations and knew full well how ferocious he could be to his enemies or anyone who poses a danger to his family. The last time they failed to protect the little miss, they were lightly punished with 50 whips. If the young master had not interceded for them, they could have faced a heavier penalty.
It seems only either of the two will befall on their grave ineptitude either death or worse- expulsion from their duty.
Only they knew what dishonor it meant to be forsaken by their master.
" All of you realize why you are here." Lionel's biting aura immediately sends them to capitulate down to their lord.
They knew and are ready to face the consequences.
***
( What were you blabbering about a while ago anyway?) Eve inquired the furball while watching the scenery outside.
They have passed the cityscape and now on the road with unending trees on either side. The unchanging green view has bored her to the point she's willing to notice Halfsie. At first, she wanted to talk to El, but he is asleep. It would be very disrespectful to disrupt someone's slumber and thus, Eve didn't bother him. Although she won't get tired of his one-of-a-kind face, it would be quite rude to gawk. Also, she prefers appreciating his looks accentuated by the frosty grey eyes of his. El's cold gaze as if scrutinizing why the person he's looking at still breathes, is what she likes the most.
( Host, you only notice me when you need something.) The furball pouted and voiced out its frustrations.
( Otherwise?) Eve's indifferent voice almost pushed Halfsie to squeeze out tears.
( Host, how can you be so cruel to me? I've always done my best to please you, blah blah blah blah blah blah. Then you blah blah blah blah...) It started putting up a one-man show, trying its best to summon any form or manifestation of the host's conscience. Pity that Eve doesn't have one and has also stopped listening to its drama a long time ago.
( Anyway, I forgive you, my dearest host. I know that I'm your one and only favorite.)
Eve: ?
( The host has never failed to shower me with your love, so I will always remember how much you genuinely cherish me.) A disturbing giggle reverberated in her consciousness.
Eve: ??
She contemplated on how incredible Halfsie's brain circuit is. First, it was acting on its own, then eventually coming to a realization, also on its own.
( Since you were earnestly asking what fantastic news I was going to inform you earlier, I'll tell you now, host.)
( Pray tell.) Eve can finally get to the bottom of her unfinished thought after that nonsense. Heavens knew how irritating it is to have a fragmented idea in its entirety or flow.
( Host, as you know, I've always had my eyes and consciousness glued on you and your surroundings.)
( So?) Eve cupped her chin and glanced at the young man whose frigid appearance seem tame when slumbering. Xaphael is within her reach, and it tempts her to lay her fingers on his unguarded being. She wanted to, and so she did. She extended her index finger and lightly run it on his eyebrows, down to his nose, and finally to his wounded lip.
" What are you doing?" His gaze was ice-cold, but his hand was warm as the sun.
Xaphael examined the lass whose naughty claws she can't keep to herself. To think that they haven't arrived at his place yet and this girl is already acting out. He can already envision how exhausting it is to always guard himself in her presence.
" El, your beauty captivated me to touch you." The thick-skinned girl responded sincerely.
Bouts of coughing broke the strange atmosphere.
" Sorry, boss, I accidentally swallowed the water to my windpipe."
One of his subordinates explained hastily then tried to minimize his existence after.
The two didn't even bother with him.
" Keep your end of the bargain and behave." Xaphael released her hand and faced the other way. He did not continue sleeping after that.
[ So stingy.] All she did was touch a bit. Why was he saying such grumpy words while enamoring her with those cold eyes?
If the young man heard her thoughts, he might raise his chilly face to another level. What enamor with his eyes? They were dagger-like, alright.
( HOST!)
A roar returned Eve's attention back to the furball.
( Host, you were not listening again?) The childish voice was obviously dejected.
( Oh, what was that again?)
( Host, I said every time the villain comes and takes your attention away from me.)
( Just tell me the news already.) She wasn't interested in Halfsie's drama.
( Host, while you were sleeping in the plane cabin, I achieved something!)
Eve did not respond and waited for the furball to continue.
( Host, I finally did it! I also finished all the manuscripts in this world!) Halfsie was delighted with its accomplishment. When its host declared her finished task of watching all the erotic films, Halfsie too was energized to finish them all. Its competitive cells were further fueled by its determination to help the host seduce the villain. Seeing that she needed guidance on that aspect desperately, it took a drastic measure to carry out that aim.
Halfsie directed all its consciousness on absorbing all the data. Sure it lost the ability to survey the host and her surrounding, but it was sure of her safety and will only be gone for a couple of hours in any case. Still, it intentionally or unintentionally brushed off that fact and opted not to report to the host.
( Good for you.) Eve was dismayed with the gossip it has shared. She thought it was a piece of thrilling news but got an accomplishment report instead.
Halfsie's fire died all at once with her despondent reply. After that person came into the picture, he has been stealing the host's attention all to himself. The host would instead prioritize the third party rather than itself, her faithful companion. What about bros before hoes? It must be that guy's fault. He seduced the host with his sinful face. So what if he has the most beautiful appearance in this whole plane? He is a sinner! Halfsie swore that it would support Sarien at all cost. The host must not fall deeper into the pit. However, it also wants to help the host's cause so it could squeeze some rewards after. In the end, the fickle creature decided to assist Eve in hooking up with the villain but will make sure to stumble him on his way to getting the host's heart.
***
" Nice castle."
That was all Eve has got to say upon arriving at the villain's home.
To think his house was actually a medieval castle. It was her first time seeing one in real life. After all, she had only seen one in pictures, both in the past and current life.
Eve remembered that Xaphael belonged to an old lineage of noble blood but only thought he was an aristocrat.
( Is he a prince?)
( Host, he is not. As I've told you before, his ancestors are one of the founding powerhouses that created this country.)
[ Ah, indeed, and one of them was the Cross family.]
It made her want to check out her maternal family to see what's up. If they are pleasant to the eye, she might give them a tip on the oncoming misfortune ahead. If not, then she'll watch as the shit hits the fan. It's none of her business anyway. She wouldn't care.
" Umm." A simple grunt sounded as he pushes Eve's wheelchair.
Xaphael took a closer look at the young lady's expression and noticed that she was indifferent despite her enthusiastic tone. In any case, why did he end up pushing her anyway?
" Welcome back, Master." An old man performed a curtsey upon their arrival.
" Balin."
Eve was not interested in their conversation. She was watching the two of them talking to and fro because Xaphael, unexpectedly, shows genuine respect when responding to the butler.
" And this young lady is?" Balin has long been itching to inquire who the lovely girl being guarded by the young master.
" I am Eve."
" El's future mate." Since he asked, she might as well answer and at the same time state her relationship with Xaphael.
A hand hurriedly covered her mouth.
" Don't listen to her nonsense."
Then they watch their master thrust the girl's wheelchair almost at the speed of light.
" It seems spring has finally come for the iron tree." Balin's blushing old cheeks crumpled like a chrysanthemum.
***
Eve watches the young man read through a pile of documents. She blatantly studies his perfect countenance without any reservation. She gained the right to do so, and so she will exercise it.
" Have you adapted here?" Xaphael didn't raise his head and asked.
As a matter of fact, he was somewhat surprised by his unexpected ability to tolerate her impertinent gawking. At first, he was displeased, but he had grown immune to it as time goes by. He can also determine that Eve's eyes were rather pure. She says she coveted him and spouts lame words to seduce him, but her orbs didn't reflect her words. Her gaze might be too direct, but it doesn't contain any emotion. That fact made him curious why she was adamant about bedding him.
It even supported his earlier hypothesis that she isn't mentally well.
" Of course. Everyone has been treating me kindly."
He let out a low sound of assent and continued working.
It's been a few days since they returned, and everything is going smoothly. The servants were attending to her attentively, too attentively, actually. She expected to be dealt with like a guest, but their politeness made her feel like she was their ancestor. Even the butler, Balin, conducts himself in a rather peculiar manner. He smiles every now and then after glancing at her and Xaphael. All in all, Eve didn't mind and spent her every day living like she usually does in the Tang manor.
" Your family didn't say anything?" He finally looked at her.
" No. I've already explained, and they understood." Eve smiled as she reassured the pretty boy. She didn't expect he'll be a worrywart.
Xaphael watched the young girl clad in pajamas, snacking to her heart's content.
[ How carefree she is. ]
He remembers overhearing her "explanation" to her guardian. She simply stated that she went with her friend, don't worry about her, she'll return after visiting her uncle and something about not being too harsh with her bodyguards.
Then she took a selfie, sent it to them, and that was all to it.
He expected to be interrogated with swords and fire by her family, but there was nothing.
[ How spoiled is she?]
In any case, he'll just keep his end of the deal.