Zeref, dressed in a black suit, slid a key into a lock and pushed open a wooden door, revealing a room resembling a bedroom.
The dim light of the room created an intimate and mysterious atmosphere, accentuated by the thick curtains.
The walls, pure white, seemed to imprison ancient stories, while the polished wooden floor reflected warm and inviting gleams.
The dark wooden furniture, in a classic style, was perfectly aligned.
A solid wood table near the window was covered with a detailed map, where colored markers pointed to mysterious destinations. Next to it, a leather chair.
In one corner of the room, two upholstered armchairs faced each other. Soft cushions were arranged on them.
The room was bathed in a soothing silence, only broken by the gentle hum of a ceiling fan. Zeref confidently stepped through the door.
Inside, he was greeted by the lively and dynamic presence of a young boy, standing near the desk, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
The child's features were soft, his fair skin contrasting with his unruly brown curls framing his face. Dressed in navy blue pants and a sweater, he exuded a lively and innocent aura.
"Welcome back, master," exclaimed the young boy, who was none other than Klein, advancing with a confident demeanor.
Zeref smiled and returned his greeting: "Has there been anything new during my absence?"
"No, master," Klein replied. "Just updates from Corwin about the progress of his operation."
Zeref nodded. He scanned the room attentively. "I couldn't take you with me to the agency. I hope you didn't get bored alone."
Klein blushed slightly, flattered by the consideration the man, his master, showed him. "Do not be troubled, master. The mere fact that I can assist you brings immense joy to my entire being."
Zeref approached and placed a hand on the boy's shoulder tenderly. "You are much more than an assistant, Klein. You are a son."
Klein looked at him with admiration, his eyes brimming with emotion.
"Master... My life belongs to you!" he exclaimed, bowing to the ground before the man.
A genuine laugh escaped Zeref, finding Klein's passionate reaction amusing.
He then went to recline on one of the armchairs.
Klein straightened up, fixing Zeref with eyes shining with interest, and eagerly asked, "Master, may I inquire how it went? Did you get the permit?"
Zeref smiled, seeming pleased by the boy's curiosity. He took a deep breath and began, in a light and captivating voice, to describe the scene. "Klein, allow me to respond to your request with a little parable.
"In a distant valley, there was a little fox. The little fox was very ambitious and dreamed of stealing the sweet honey from the hives of the neighboring meadow. However, the bees jealously guarded their treasure, and no one dared approach their hives other than with great caution."
Klein listened attentively, captivated by Zeref's narration.
"One day, the little fox decided that it was time to fulfill his dream. He knew he had to be determined if he wanted to succeed in reaching the hives without getting stung. So, he began to devise a clever plan. Firstly, the little fox closely studied the behavior of the bees. He observed how they organized their defense and how they kept their hive safe. He noticed that the bees were particularly sensitive to sudden movements and bright colors, which made them aggressive and ready to sting. Armed with this knowledge, the little fox worked on his appearance. He found an old brown cloak in which he blended perfectly with the meadow. He attached leaves and twigs to his tail to make it resemble a tree branch. He thus became almost invisible to the bees.
"When the time came, the little fox approached the hives, moving slowly, like a leaf in the wind. The bees did not suspect him, thinking he was just part of the scenery. He reached the hives unnoticed and began to taste the delicious honey. But just as he was about to enjoy the fruit of his perseverance, he heard an alarming buzzing. The bees had finally detected his presence and flew towards him in large numbers. The little fox realized that he had to find another way to escape. In a last burst of intelligence, the little fox took a deep breath and blew on the pollinator toy he had brought with him. The bees, mistaking it for a strong wind, were disoriented and pushed back, allowing the little fox to escape quickly. Exhausted but proud of his victory, the little fox returned home, celebrating his success."
Klein looked at Zeref, amazed.
"Master, that's an incredible story. But, if I may ask, how does it apply to you?"
Zeref replied with a mysterious smile, revealing a hint of pride: "You see, I am the little fox."
"And what do the bees, the brown cloak, the honey, and the pollinator toy represent?" asked Klein.
Zeref took another breath and replied, mischievously, "For that, I leave you to ponder, Klein."
He then pulled out a USB key from his jacket with a mysterious smile.
He gazed at the key thoughtfully, turning it between his fingers, while Klein waited eagerly.
"This key contains what separates us from the first step of my plan," Zeref declared in a deep voice filled with excitement.
Klein stepped forward to get a better look at the object in his master's hands.
"Is this a test before getting the license?" he asked, unable to contain his growing curiosity.
Zeref gave him a conspiratorial look.
"What use is a mere license, Klein? Your master does not have the patience to climb the ladder step by step. No, we will directly reach the top."
Zeref's words intrigued Klein.
"What are you standing around for? Get something to connect this key," he said, snapping Klein out of his thoughts.
Klein went to a dresser and retrieved a tablet.
He then handed the tablet to Zeref, who inserted the USB key into one of its ports.
The device's screen lit up, and with the man's fingers, images scrolled until finally reaching the desired file.
Minutes passed like seconds in the intimacy of the dimly lit room.
Then, Zeref turned off the tablet, removed the USB key, and handed the device back to Klein, who went to put it away.
"What do you think?" Zeref asked Klein afterward.
Klein first put away the tablet, then replied, "I think indeed such a mission could grant us VIP status."
"We agree on that point," Zeref nodded. "Otherwise, how do you suggest we proceed?"
"The mission is to eliminate a target," Klein began to analyze. "However, our target is a sensitive entity. We must handle its logistics and also anticipate management measures. I suggest a methodical approach that will ensure not only the mission's effectiveness but also no overflow."
"And how will we achieve that?" Zeref asked, quite curious about the boy's dark designs.
Klein took a deep breath, aware of the weight of his words, and detailed his thoughts to his master.
Zeref listened carefully, evaluating his young protege's words.
A mischievous smile appeared on his face. "I see your sadistic mind at work, Klein."
A sly smile spread across Klein's face as he relished his master's approval.
The man tucked the USB key into his jacket pocket and smiled, proud to see the fire burning in Klein's eyes.
"Well," said Zeref, "we will do as you suggested." He stood up before continuing. "I'll leave you in charge of the preparations. Don't disappoint me."
At Zeref's words, Klein respectfully bowed, barely containing his joy.
Zeref contemplated the boy's innocence for a moment before changing the subject completely. "I've had a long day. Please prepare a bath for me."
"I've already taken care of it, master," replied Klein from his still-bowed position. "A hot bath awaits you."
The news delighted Zeref, who headed towards the door leading to the bathroom.
"I couldn't have asked for a better assistant. You're fantastic, Klein," Zeref complimented the young boy before happily going to take the promised hot bath.