Support isn't free; it's best served with a side of favors and a sprinkle of quid pro quo.
Understanding
The large chamber where Crimson was staying was dimly lit, with only one lamp casting long shadows against the walls. Crimson lay on a grand, ornate bed, his eyes clouded with a mixture of apprehension and irritation.
He glanced up as we entered, his gaze briefly settling on Mica with a look of barely concealed disdain.
Mica, in turn, met Crimson's stare with a cool, unbothered expression. His demeanor was calm, though there was a hint of irritation in his eyes as he prepared for the task.
Rolo, standing beside me, was focused intently on the setup. His eyes flitted between Mica, Crimson, and the room's various details, mentally calculating every possible outcome. I took a moment to check the room's layout and make sure everything was in place for when—or if—things went awry.
"Alright," I said, trying to keep my voice steady despite the tension in the room. "Mica, you know what you need to do. Crimson, try to stay as relaxed as possible."
Crimson's eyes narrowed at me, but he didn't protest. He settled back into the pillows, trying to ignore the uncomfortable reality of the situation. I could see the strain in his posture, the way he clenched his jaw as he prepared himself for whatever was coming next.
Mica took a deep breath and opened the book. His voice began in a monotone, deliberately rhythmic and steady, as if he was trying to lull both himself and Crimson into a state of calm. The words were archaic and slow, each syllable drawn out in a way that was both hypnotic and slightly irritating.
Crimson's eyes widened slightly, his face twitching as if he was trying to fend off the effects of the reading. The room was silent except for Mica's monotonous voice and the occasional rustle of pages. Rolo observed with keen interest, his eyes narrowing as he monitored Crimson's reactions.
As the minutes ticked by, Crimson's breathing became more erratic. His body twitched as though he was wrestling with the nightmares still lurking in his mind. I shifted nervously, ready to intervene if necessary. The last thing we needed was for the plan to backfire.
Mica's voice droned on, and I saw Crimson's face contort with a mixture of frustration and relief. His muscles tightened, his eyes darting around as if searching for an escape from the encroaching darkness of his dreams.
"Keep going," I muttered under my breath, watching Crimson closely. "We need to break this silence."
The more Mica read, the more Crimson seemed to struggle against the nightmare's hold. His hands clenched into fists, his eyes darting between Mica and the shadows in the room. I could see the strain on his face, the way his entire body seemed to be caught in a battle between the curse and the calming influence of Mica's reading.
Rolo remained focused, scribbling notes and occasionally glancing at the shifting expressions on Crimson's face. He was clearly intrigued, though the situation's intensity was unmistakable.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. The room's atmosphere was thick with tension. Mica's voice, though steady, seemed to be having little effect at first. But then, slowly, I began to notice a change. Crimson's breathing started to even out, and the feral gleam in his eyes began to dim. It was as if the curse was being momentarily lulled by the relentless monotony of Mica's voice.
The room was hushed, the only sounds were the gentle rustling of pages and Mica's steady, monotonous voice. Crimson lay on the grand bed, his breathing slow and even, a stark contrast to the turmoil that had raged within him just hours before. The curse's grip seemed to have eased, at least for the moment, but the night was still long.
Mica, sitting in a plush chair beside the bed, had taken to reading from the book with an unwavering rhythm. His voice was a steady, unchanging drone that filled the room, a deliberate attempt to disrupt the silence that the curse thrived on. His expression was focused, though he looked tired from the effort.
As the hours ticked by, Crimson's sleep appeared deeper now, his face relaxed in a way it hadn't been earlier. Mica's voice remained steady, even as the exhaustion began to weigh on him. He sipped from a small cup of water every now and then, his eyes scanning the pages with a tired but determined focus.
Every so often, Crimson would shift slightly, his brow furrowing as if he was battling against some unseen foe in his dreams. Mica's voice never wavered, and the rhythmic cadence seemed to provide a soothing counterpoint to the chaos in Crimson's mind.
I could see the strain on Mica's face, his eyes growing heavier with each passing hour. I moved quietly to his side, setting a small tray with caffeine pills and a few light snacks nearby. Mica glanced at me, giving a weary nod of appreciation.
"It's going to be a long night," I said softly, trying to offer some encouragement. "Just hang in there."
Mica didn't respond verbally, but he took a pill and a sip of water, then resumed reading with renewed determination. His voice continued its monotonous course, a constant presence that fought against the silence. The cadence of his voice, while incredibly effective in disrupting the silence, had an unintended side effect—it was making me drowsy.
I leaned against a nearby wall, trying to stay alert. But as Mica's monotonous voice droned on, my eyelids grew heavier by the minute. I fought to stay awake, but the soothing sound of his reading was like a lullaby to my ears.
I had been pacing quietly, keeping an eye on Crimson and ensuring everything was in order. As the night dragged on, however, I felt the weight of exhaustion settling on me. My usual energy had waned, and I found myself growing increasingly drowsy.
Yawning, I glanced around the room and noticed a comfortable-looking rug on the floor. It seemed to beckon with an almost magnetic pull. Before I knew it, my legs were carrying me toward it.
"Just a quick nap," I muttered to myself, more out of habit than actual need for reassurance. I lay down on the rug, stretching out on my back with a content sigh. The soft, plush texture felt surprisingly soothing.
Rolo, who had been quietly observing the entire process from his corner of the room, blinked in disbelief. His eyes widened as he took in the sight of me lying sprawled on the floor, clearly heading for sleep.
"Shay?" Rolo's voice carried a note of incredulity as he stepped closer. "What on earth are you doing?"
I looked up at him through half-closed eyes, a sleepy grin spreading across my face. "Just...taking a little nap. The floor's comfy, and I'm out of caffeine pills. Give me a break."
Rolo blinked, clearly stunned. "You're sleeping on the floor? While we're trying to manage Crimson's curse?"
I yawned and stretched out, trying to keep my eyes open. "It's been a long night, Rolo. Even monsters need their rest. Besides, the floor's not so bad. Mica's voice is...too soothing."
Mica, completely absorbed in his reading, didn't seem to notice the shift in the room's dynamics. He continued his monotonous recitation, oblivious to the fact that his voice was lulling me into sleep.
Rolo shook his head, trying to process the scene before him. "I can't believe this. His Majesty...taking a nap on the floor."
I gave a half-hearted chuckle as I closed my eyes. "What can I say? If you've got something to say about it, you're welcome to join me."
Mica glanced up briefly, seeing Rolo's bewildered expression but choosing to remain focused on his task. With a final, resigned sigh, Rolo settled back against the wall, clearly unsure how to handle the situation but too tired himself to protest further.
As Mica continued to read, his voice a constant, soothing drone, I drifted off into a deep, restful sleep. The room fell into a quiet rhythm, punctuated only by the soft, rhythmic sounds and the occasional rustle of Rolo's movements as he tried to make sense of the night's events.
(...)
The first rays of morning light filtered through the partially closed curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. The gentle warmth was enough to stir me from my slumber. I blinked awake, the rug beneath me feeling unexpectedly comfortable despite the awkward position I had fallen asleep in.
With a groan, I pushed myself up onto my elbows, surveying the room. Mica was still at his post, the book propped up in his lap, and Crimson was still asleep, his cursed rest undisturbed. The monotony of Mica's reading had evidently continued throughout the night.
Rolo, who had settled into a chair, looked up from a pile of books he had been flipping through. His expression was a mixture of bewilderment and amusement. I met his gaze and stretched, trying to shake off the last remnants of sleep.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," he said mockingly.
I rubbed my eyes. "How long have I been out?"
Rolo chuckled, shaking his head. "Long enough. I didn't think I'd see the day where you'd be so thoroughly defeated."
I looked around and saw Mica still intently reading, his voice as steady and unchanging as ever. "I see Mica's still at it."
Rolo nodded. "Yep."
"I still can't belive you managed to fall asleep while we were supposed to be watching over Crimson," Rolo's voice was laced with frustration.
I blinked groggily and pushed myself up from the floor, rubbing the back of my neck. "I couldn't help it. Mica's reading voice is like a lullaby. It's practically designed to make you fall asleep."
Rolo's eyes narrowed. "You're not even trying to help. I'm the one doing all the work here."
I sighed, brushing the dust off my clothes. "And you're not exactly making it easy with your constant nagging. Maybe if you took a break from being a perfectionist, you'd realize that I'm doing my part in my own way."
Rolo threw his hands up in exasperation. "Oh, really? And what way is that? Sleeping on the job?"
"Exactly."
Rolo huffed, clearly annoyed and sleep-deprived.
I leaned against the wall, trying to steady myself. "You don't need to be so intense all the time. I could defeat Crimson even in my sleep."
Before Rolo could respond, Crimson stirred and blinked awake, looking disoriented. The tension between Rolo and me seemed to momentarily dissolve as we both turned our attention to Crimson.
"How long was I out?" Crimson muttered, his voice rough.
Rolo's expression softened as he stepped forward. "A few hours. We were just—"
"Bickering," I interrupted, giving Rolo a sidelong glance. "But you've slept soundly, so that's a win."
That was the moment it all registered to Crimson. His eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. His gaze flitted between the still-open book in Mica's hands, the disheveled state of Rolo and me, and the rug where I'd slept.
"What?" Crimson's voice was a mix of confusion and disbelief.
I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake off the last remnants of sleep. "Well, Mica read to you all night to keep the curse at bay. It seems you slept soundly through it all."
Crimson looked at Mica, then at me, then back at Mica. "You— You were reading to me all night? And I slept through it?"
Mica, who was stretching and yawning, shrugged nonchalantly. "I tried my best to keep it engaging, but it's not exactly thrilling material."
"Well, how do you feel?" I asked, trying to gauge the impact of our long night.
Crimson seemed a bit hesitant at first, his eyes flickering with uncertainty. He took a moment to reflect, then his expression softened. "Actually, I feel... better. For the first time in thousands of years, I don't feel exhausted. It's like a veil has been lifted."
I raised an eyebrow, surprised at the depth of his relief. "So, it worked better than expected?"
Crimson nodded his expression a mixture of astonishment and gratitude. "Yes. I can't remember the last time I felt this clear-headed. The nightmares have been a constant presence in my life, and now... now I can't remember the last time I felt this free."
Mica gave a small, satisfied nod and then stood. "That's good to hear. Now, I need some sleep too."
He stretched his arms and yawned, clearly feeling the effects of his long night. "I've had enough of reading out loud for one night. If anyone needs me, don't even bother, I'll be catching up on some much-needed rest."
He left swiftly without waiting for a reply.
"Well, I go too. I need to grab some breakfast," I gave Crimson and Rolo a final nod before heading out.
Rolo rolled his eyes but he was already hunched over a desk, meticulously reviewing his notes, and Crimson seemed to be lost in thought, likely still processing everything.
As I settled into the breakfast table, Livius and Titania were already there, eating in silence.
As I took a sip of my cocoa and surveyed the breakfast spread, Livius's gaze lingered on me. His expression, usually inscrutable, held a hint of surprise.
"Shay," he said, leaning slightly forward, "I have to admit, you look more relaxed than I expected. Did you succeed?"
I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Oh? And what were you expecting?"
"I had my doubts about whether you'd manage to resolve Crimson's curse. Your demeanor now suggests you've handled it better than I anticipated."
I looked up, intrigued by his candidness. "You didn't think I'd be able to handle it?"
Livius's eyes met mine with an honest yet measured gaze. "To be perfectly honest, I was skeptical. The nature of the curse was complex and dangerous. I had my reservations about whether it could be managed effectively, given the gravity of the situation."
I chuckled, shaking my head slightly. "Well, it's good to know I've managed to exceed your expectations again."
I noticed Titania's reaction out of the corner of my eye. Her eyes widened slightly, a brief flash of emotion crossing her usually composed face.
The door to the dining hall creaked open, and Crimson stepped in. The first thing that struck me was the change in his appearance. The dark shadows that had plagued his eyes seemed to have lifted, revealing a renewed vibrancy. He carried himself with a grace that was hard to ignore, his once haunted aura now replaced with a presence of commanding calm.
Titania's eyes flicked towards him, and her gaze softened imperceptibly. Even Livius seemed surprised.
Crimson's eyes scanned the room with a newfound clarity and confidence. He made his way to the table with an air of ease that suggested he was not only relieved but genuinely rejuvenated. As he approached, the room seemed to hold its breath, acknowledging the striking change in his presence.
"Good morning," Crimson greeted, his voice smooth and steady. There was a subtle warmth to it, a stark contrast to the usual coldness that had characterized his interactions before.
"Morning, Crimson," I responded, grinning at the visible improvement. "I see you're looking rather… refreshed."
Crimson smirked, a hint of satisfaction in his eyes. "I must say, a good night's sleep does wonders. I feel more myself than I have in a long time."
Livius and Titania exchanged glances, both visibly impressed by the transformation. Livius cleared his throat, breaking the momentary silence. "It's good to see you looking so well. I trust the night's rest did the trick?"
Crimson nodded. "It did. I haven't felt this clear-headed in thousands of years."
Crimson sat down at the table, his gaze drifting over the spread of breakfast foods before settling on me. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes that made me wary.
"Shay," he began, leaning in slightly with a smirk, "I've been thinking."
"Oh?" I replied, raising an eyebrow. "This sounds ominous."
Crimson's smirk widened. "I've come to a decision. I'd like to buy Mica from you."
I blinked, unsure if I'd heard him right. "You want to... buy Mica?"
"Yes," Crimson said matter-of-factly. "His reading voice is just what I need for an extended period of tranquility. And I'm willing to pay handsomely for it."
I nearly choked on my cocoa. "You want to buy him? You do realize Mica isn't some sort of... enchanted object, right?"
"Ah, but he is invaluable," Crimson insisted, leaning back with a smirk. "I've grown rather fond of the sound of his voice. It's very effective."
"So you're saying you want Mica as a sort of... personal lullaby?" I asked, trying to suppress a laugh.
Crimson nodded, unfazed. "Exactly. And I'm prepared to offer you a substantial amount for his... services."
"Mica's not for sale, Crimson," I replied. "And besides, I don't think he'd be too thrilled with the idea."
Crimson's eyes sparkled with amusement. "A shame. I was ready to make a rather generous offer."
"Generous, huh?" I said, leaning back in my chair. "Let's just say Mica's not in the market for a new job."
"But perhaps there's another solution," I added slowly. "I could always find a way to give you Mica's voice without actually selling him to you."
Crimson leaned forward, intrigued. "Do tell."
I grinned. "Why not just record Mica's reading? You could have his voice on a loop whenever you need it. It's a bit less… invasive than trying to buy him outright."
Crimson's eyes widened in surprise, and he considered the idea. "A recording? That's an interesting thought."
"Exactly," I said, nodding. "It would be much simpler. And you wouldn't have to worry about keeping him around all the time."
Crimson looked thoughtful. "You know, that might just work. Mica's voice could be recorded and used whenever necessary."
I shrugged, still smiling. "It's a practical solution. And you'd get the benefit of his reading without the whole 'buying a person' thing."
Crimson chuckled, clearly amused by the concept. "I'll have to look into this recording idea. It's certainly more feasible than trying to negotiate with you for Mica."
I leaned back, satisfied with the outcome. "Glad I could help."
Crimson leaned back, visibly more relaxed and rejuvenated than he had been in ages. He fixed his gaze on me, waiting for me to state my terms.
"Well," Crimson said, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You've found a solution for my curse. What is it that you want in return?"
I considered my words carefully before speaking. "I have two requests."
Crimson's eyebrows rose in curiosity. "Go on."
"First," I began, "I want a loose alliance and support for my future endeavors. I need political and social influence to back my actions, and your assistance could be invaluable."
Crimson nodded thoughtfully. "An alliance, you say? That's a reasonable request. What's the second?"
I leaned forward slightly, lowering my voice as if sharing a confidential matter. "The second request is more personal. I want you to support Mica's and Coffee's relationship."
Crimson's expression shifted to one of mild surprise, mixed with a hint of amusement. "That's quite a specific request. Why?"
I met his gaze steadily. "Mica and Coffee are important to me. They've been supportive friends, and their relationship faces some challenges. Your support would help them greatly, especially given your connection to Mr. Blutkaiser."
Crimson's eyes narrowed slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Ah, yes. Aida isn't too thrilled by their relationship as he wanted me to marry her. I see why you're asking this."
I nodded. "Exactly. Your backing would make a significant difference, both in their personal lives and in how they are perceived. It's important to me that they are supported and can continue to be happy together."
Crimson chuckled softly. "You have a point. It's fair—after all, Mica did manage to lift a curse that's been a burden on me for centuries. I'll make sure to support their relationship and ensure that they receive the backing they need."
I offered a smile. "Thank you, Crimson. I appreciate your understanding."
Crimson's demeanor was noticeably warmer as he extended his hand. "It's a deal, then. We have an understanding."
I shook his hand, sealing our agreement.