The night was quiet, the kind of stillness that encouraged deep contemplation. Seth sat comfortably in his private chamber, a few scattered documents still lying open on his desk. Despite everything seemingly under his control, he knew he could not afford to be complacent. The sudden appearance of the dungeon and the three-headed beast, Zarathos, had rattled him more than he cared to admit. They had arrived far earlier than anticipated.
"What am I missing?" Seth muttered to himself as he paced around the room, his thoughts swirling. Dressed in a soft, silk night robe, his ever-present blindfold remained firmly in place to suppress the power of the flames that could rage out of control.
He paused mid-step, deep in thought, when a familiar presence entered his room from the balcony. Seth didn't need to turn to know who it was.
Killian.
The man never used the door when visiting late at night, slipping in quietly from the balcony like it was second nature. The lord had never bothered to lock it, knowing full well that their contract allowed Killian such liberties. Since the contract was forged, Killian often found excuses to visit Seth's chamber in the middle of the night, and tonight was no different.
As Killian approached, he noticed that Seth had not yet gone to bed. The lord's room was bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, and Seth appeared to be wandering the room, lost in thought. Something about Seth's current appearance, the blindfold draped over his eyes, always gave Killian an unsettling feeling. It wasn't just a physical change—there was something else, something otherworldly about Seth's aura, like the man standing before him was someone different, someone unfamiliar.
To break the silence, Killian casually said, "I'm amazed. You seem to enjoy working overtime these days."
He folded his arms, masking the uneasy feeling that crept up every time he looked at Seth's blindfolded face. "This change in your behavior annoys me a bit."
Seth turned toward him, a small smirk forming on his lips. The subtle curve of his smile sent an unexpected chill down Killian's spine.
"I could say the same about you," Seth replied smoothly.
Without another word, Seth closed the distance between them, standing directly in front of Killian. The difference in their heights became more apparent when they stood so close. Seth reached up and placed his hands gently on either side of Killian's head, his fingers brushing against the back of his ears. He pulled Killian's head down slightly, their faces nearly touching.
Seth inhaled deeply, his face close enough to catch Killian's scent. It was a rich, musky aroma, reminiscent of dark cedarwood mixed with faint notes of leather and sandalwood. There was a depth to it, something earthy and raw, like a scent carried by the wind after a storm.
"You smell... different," Seth remarked, his voice low. "What kind of oil do you use?"
Killian's body tensed. He tried to pull back, but Seth kept him close, drawing him in further. His hands found their way to Seth's waist, and he couldn't help but take in the lord's scent in return. It was far more delicate—a soft, soothing fragrance of roses mixed with sandalwood, a calming combination that felt at odds with Seth's usual intensity. The scent was almost hypnotic, like it belonged to someone serene, someone far removed from the image Seth held.
"Are you being naughty, Lord Arlecia?" Killian teased, attempting to lighten the mood, though his voice was a bit rougher than he intended.
Seth chuckled softly, the sound reverberating in the quiet room. "What if I am?" he whispered, his voice dangerously close. "But let's stop this game of nerves before it gets out of hand."
Unexpectedly, Seth released Killian, turning and walking toward the balcony. The night breeze swept through the open door, rustling the curtains, carrying with it the refreshing but cold air of the Arlecia countryside. Killian felt an unusual urge to protect the seemingly fragile figure standing before him, the thin night robe doing little to guard Seth from the cold.
Without thinking, Killian shrugged off his black coat, made of thick animal fur, and gently draped it over Seth's shoulders. The action felt instinctive, even though it contradicted everything he believed about Seth. He had told himself over and over that he hated the lord, but every time they were together, his actions betrayed that sentiment. Why do I keep coming back? Killian wondered, feeling the internal conflict tearing at him.
Seth glanced back at him, offering a soft smile. "Thank you."
Killian quickly looked away, unable to bear the sight of that smile, not when it made him feel something he didn't want to admit. He has no idea how much that smile disarms me.
They stood side by side on the balcony, staring out into the starry night, the cold wind whipping through the trees below. Seth broke the silence first.
"What do you think of my proposal to rebuild the estate?" he asked casually, as if they were discussing nothing more important than the weather.
Killian's response was blunt, his voice flat. "The proposal you shared isn't bad, but there's room for improvement."
Seth glanced at him, amused. "Such as?"
Killian, still avoiding looking directly at Seth, continued. "The first thing the lord should address is food availability. Without a stable food supply, the people won't have the strength to work."
"Fair point." Seth nodded thoughtfully.
Killian added, in a tone that suggested he didn't particularly want to offer the help but was doing so anyway, "You'll need to establish a solid connection with the guild merchants. I can arrange a meeting. The trade route to Arlecia is difficult, so a safer route should be created."
Seth smiled, genuinely enjoying the sound of Killian's deep, husky voice offering practical advice. "I'll consider your input," he said, his smile lingering as he turned to face him fully.
"It's getting late," Seth said after a pause. "Are you going to sleep over tonight?"
"Yeah," Killian replied, his voice a bit too quick. Then, as if catching himself, he added, "But don't get the wrong idea. I'm only doing this because it's part of our contract."
Seth chuckled, clearly entertained by Killian's defensiveness. "Of course," he said with a teasing smile. "I won't get the wrong idea."
In truth, Seth knew the contract binding them was null and void. Since the pact had been annulled, their previous arrangement no longer held any power. Yet, Seth chose not to mention it. I'm not ready to let him go just yet. He enjoyed having Killian close, contract or no contract.
They went to bed together. The bed was spacious, and they each occupied the edge, but as the night wore on, Killian inevitably ended up sleeping closer to Seth, their bodies almost touching. By morning, Killian's arm was draped over Seth, holding him close in an unconscious embrace.
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The next morning, Seth awoke as usual. The sun filtered softly through the curtains, casting warm rays across the room. Killian was already gone by the time Royfield arrived to wake him. The familiar routine unfolded as the servants entered his chambers, preparing his bath and helping him dress for the day.
Once Seth left his chamber, Aiden awaited him, standing in his knight attire by the door. His posture was straight, and his red hair gleamed in the morning light, giving him an almost radiant appearance.
"Good morning, my lord," Aiden greeted him with a bright smile, his energy infectious. It almost felt as if flowers bloomed around him—his warmth and sincerity always came naturally.
Seth returned the smile, though his was subtler. "Good morning, Aiden," he replied. "Care to accompany me for breakfast?"
Aiden bowed gracefully, the smile never leaving his face. "It would be my honor, my lord."
With that, Aiden escorted Seth to the dining room. The table was already set, and Claire was there, seated and waiting for the lord of the castle to join. She had arrived a few moments earlier, her thoughts still preoccupied with the contract discussion that awaited her. However, when the dining room door opened, her attention shifted.
She was taken aback by the sight of the red-haired knight entering with Seth. The same knight she had encountered the previous night. Aiden recognized Claire almost instantly, his amber eyes meeting hers. A soft, polite smile appeared on his lips, and Claire's cheeks flushed a light shade of pink. She quickly averted her gaze, hiding her face behind her hand as the unexpected rush of shyness washed over her.
Seth, noting the exchange, made no comment and took his seat. He gestured for Aiden to sit as well.
The breakfast spread was elegant and plentiful: soft, buttery croissants fresh from the oven, served with clotted cream and strawberry preserves. There were slices of toasted bread, golden-brown and crisp, accompanied by honey and fig jam. A platter of cured meats—smoked ham, thin slices of prosciutto—sat alongside a selection of cheeses, including sharp cheddar and soft brie. Bowls of fresh berries and figs provided a light and refreshing touch, while soft-boiled eggs were prepared to perfection, their yolks gleaming golden as they were cracked open.
Seth, however, didn't eat much. He only took a few small bites of the bread and cheese, focusing instead on the wine that had been poured for him. He swirled the deep crimson liquid in his glass, taking occasional sips. It was one thing he had discovered since inhabiting this body—his tolerance for alcohol was unnaturally high, leaving him disappointed by the lack of effect. Even if he drank an entire bottle, he wouldn't get drunk.
There was something almost disappointing about that.
The dining table remained mostly quiet, the clatter of silverware filling the space. Occasionally, Aiden would glance at Claire, and she would hurriedly look away, her face betraying her nervousness. Seth, meanwhile, seemed lost in thought, quietly observing the two.
It wasn't until the plates were cleared and breakfast had come to an end that Seth finally spoke. He made direct eye contact with Claire. "Have you made your decision?" His voice was calm, but his words carried weight.
Claire hesitated, her gaze briefly flickering to Aiden, who seemed unaware of the full scope of the conversation. Taking a deep breath, she gathered her resolve. "I will accept your offer, my lord," she replied, her voice steady as she bowed slightly in her seat.
Seth smiled faintly, pleased by her decision. "A wise choice," he said. With a simple gesture, he signaled to Royfield, who promptly returned with a neatly folded contract. It was laid on the table in front of Claire.
As she began to read through the document, her eyes widened in shock. "My lord... are you serious?"
Aiden, who had been quietly observing, looked confused, unsure of what had surprised her.
Seth leaned back in his chair, sipping his wine casually. "Of course. I know what's caught your eye."
It wasn't difficult to guess what had shocked Claire. The salary detailed in the contract was extravagant—1200 gold coins per year. It was the kind of salary typically reserved for those managing a duchy, not a barony.
Claire blinked, still processing the figure. "Can you even pay this much?" she asked, incredulous. "Your land taxes don't even come close to this. How does this make sense?"
Seth's response was cool, bordering on amused. "Do you really need it to make sense?"
"Of course we need it to make sense," Claire countered, her tone more insistent now. "You've appointed me as your estate manager, and this contract binds me for at least five years. It's only natural to ask how you plan to pay such a sum."
Seth's eyes gleamed with amusement, but his voice remained steady. "You don't need to concern yourself with money. Just do your job well, and you'll be compensated accordingly." His smirk deepened slightly, sending an involuntary shiver down Claire's spine.
The contract was concluded, with Claire agreeing to the terms. She added a condition of her own—her brother's treatment would be a priority. Seth readily agreed, knowing how much it meant to her. Arrangements were made for Claire to bring her brother, Clark, to Arlecia for treatment, and a message was promptly sent to her trusted maid to prepare for the journey.
Seth instructed Aiden to personally escort Claire's family safely to Arlecia. Aiden bowed deeply, acknowledging the order with a firm "As you wish, my lord."
With the conclusion of breakfast, Seth returned to his office, leaving Aiden and Claire to exit together. As they walked in the same direction, Claire couldn't help but notice Aiden's presence, and though she still felt nervous around him, she found herself enjoying the conversation. During breakfast, she had learned his name when Seth had called him, but a part of her had wanted to ask him herself. Now, walking beside him, she felt at ease in his company.
Their destination was Port Mayne, located within Count Marley's territory, where Claire's brother was staying.
After parting ways with Claire, Aiden made his way to the barracks. In truth, he felt a pang of sadness knowing he would soon have to leave the lord's side. Over time, he had grown fond of spending moments with Seth. The mission was important, but Aiden couldn't deny his desire to stay close to the lord. Still, with this task entrusted to him, he vowed to do his best, hoping that when he returned, Seth would greet him with that smile he had come to appreciate.
In his room, Aiden sat for a moment, his eyes drifting to a preserved rose in a glass jar beside his bed. It was the same rose that Seth had once picked and placed on his chest as a brooch.
Aiden carefully lifted the jar and opened it, the sweet, delicate fragrance filling the air. He leaned in, inhaling deeply, feeling a strange sense of calm and relaxation wash over him. The scent reminded him of Seth, of the quiet moments they had shared.
Aiden couldn't quite place the feeling, but something about the scent made him feel... connected. He set the jar down gently, a soft smile playing on his lips as he stared at the rose.
"I'll return soon, my lord," he murmured to himself.
And with that, Aiden stood, ready to carry out his mission.