Belial carefully helped Theodore into bed, his face etched with concern. "My lord, are you alright?"
Theodore sighed and waved dismissively. "Yeah, I'm fine, Belial. No thanks to that old man."
Belial's eyes narrowed immediately. "I knew that hag would do something to you!" His tone was laced with frustration, and Theodore could tell his butler was moments away from charging into the Shadow Temple to throw hands.
"Calm down, Belial," Theodore said, holding up his hands. "It was just part of my training. Nothing to worry about."
Belial's eyes softened, but his skepticism remained. "Are you certain, my lord? That old man is a menace."
Theodore hesitated, glancing to the side. "Well…"
Belial's fists clenched. "I knew it! That lunatic did something!"
"Relax!" Theodore quickly said. "It's fine. He's just… unconventional. I do have a question, though."
Belial cocked his head. "Of course, my lord. Ask away."
Theodore crossed his arms. "Have you ever seen the God of Shadows before?"
Belial froze at the sudden question, his confident demeanor cracking slightly. "I… Yes, I have," he admitted after a moment. "The God of Shadows is a being of indescribable power, with a form that defies mortal comprehension. But you cannot see him, my lord. That old fool must have told you why."
Theodore nodded. "He did. It just made me curious. But there's something else." He took a deep breath. "Belial, why didn't you tell me more about the gods? About how dangerous they are? Do you have any idea how foolish I must have looked, running around saying I'll take over the world and challenge the gods?"
Belial immediately knelt down, placing one hand over his chest. "No, no, no, my lord! Please forgive me. I never thought you were foolish! I truly believed you could achieve it. I wasn't mocking you,I swear it."
Theodore sighed. "I feel like you don't trust me, Belial. You keep hiding things from me. How am I supposed to trust you if you can't even be honest with me?"
Belial's expression turned grave. "I'm deeply sorry, my lord. You're right. I've been… holding back. But I promise you, it wasn't out of distrust."
Theodore gave him a tired look. "And what if I made a mistake and ended up dead?" he said, not entirely seriously.
Belial's face turned pale, and for the first time, Theodore saw something he never thought he'd see on the demon's face panic. Genuine, anxious panic. Belial grabbed Theodore by the shoulders and started shaking him. "Please, my lord! Take that back! Never say such a thing again!"
Theodore's eyes widened. "Okay, okay! Just stop shaking me!"
Belial released him immediately and bowed his head. "Pardon my discourtesy, my lord."
Theodore sat back, rubbing his temples. First the old man with his cryptic riddles, now Belial's bizarre behavior. "I don't get it," he muttered. "First the old man was acting weird, and now you're being strange, too. But fine, I'll let it go for now."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Belial stiffened, sensing the presence on the other side. "It's your principal, Mr. Roman… That damn old man."
Theodore groaned, already exhausted. "First the old man from the Shadow Temple, and now this guy? Why do I keep attracting old men? It's like I'm honey, and they're the bees!"
Belial opened the door reluctantly, and in walked Principal Roman, his graying hair neatly combed and his eyes twinkling with amusement. He sat down across from Theodore's bed, a warm smile on his face. "How are you feeling, my hero?"
Theodore immediately blushed. "Damn it, this day couldn't get worse. Stop calling me that!"
Roman chuckled as he looked Theodore over. "Your body seems fine. That healer we brought in did an excellent job on your injuries. But I heard you told your butler you didn't want any reward for what you did. Not even public recognition?"
Theodore groaned and looked away. "I don't need a reward or the whole hero nonsense. Just drop it already!"
Roman laughed heartily. "You're a good kid, little Theo. Give your grandpa a hug!" He leaned forward with open arms.
Theodore shuddered, glaring at him. "Old man, keep that creepy smile to yourself, and don't touch me!" He pushed Roman back with both hands. "Now that I think about it, you were watching me from afar in Daunt Village. You didn't even help me!"
Roman's smile didn't waver. "I wanted to step in, but I chose not to. I've seen your potential, Theodore. You didn't need me."
Theodore froze, suspicion creeping into his mind. Did he see me use dark magic?
Roman's smile softened. "Don't worry. I know your energy is… different. But it's not like the dark mages I've encountered. Yours feels purer, though undeniably powerful. That's why I'll turn a blind eye,for now. But don't ever use it for something evil, or I'll have to take action."
Theodore knew Roman's words weren't empty. He nodded solemnly.
"Good," Roman said, standing up. "Oh, and your father, the king, wants to speak with you."
Theodore's heart sank. "He's here?"
"No," Roman replied. "He'll contact you through a communication device. Once you've rested enough, come to my office."
With that, Roman left the room, leaving Theodore alone with his thoughts.
Belial prepared a cup of tea, placing it carefully on the table. "My lord, are you alright?"
Theodore nodded slowly, his mind racing. "Yeah… I'm fine. But I've decided something."
Belial turned to him, curious. "What is it, my lord?"
Theodore's gaze hardened, and a small smile tugged at his lips. "I've changed my plans. I still want to rule the world, but now… I want to reach the heavens too. The path ahead will be hard and dangerous, but I'll follow it no matter what. Belial, will you serve me without hiding anything from me? Will you trust me?"
Belial froze, his eyes wide. Slowly, he placed the tea tray down, walked over to Theodore, and knelt on one knee. "My lord," he said, bowing his head, "I will serve you until my dying breath. This time, I swear it. I'll never hide anything from you again."
Theodore smiled, placing a hand on Belial's shoulder. "Good. Because this time, I'm serious. I'll grow stronger, no matter what."
He stood up, his determination burning brighter than ever. Belial rose as well, his confidence in his lord unshakable.
As Theodore walked toward the door, he glanced back at Belial. "Get ready. Things are going to change."
Belial nodded, watching with pride as his young master left to face whatever awaited him in Roman's office.