The new morning brightened the dining area, casting a warm glow across the room, but there was something, or rather, someone, who outshone it all.
Darius's gaze fell upon the table laden with dishes so unfamiliar, so foreign and then at a grinning child.
"Your Grace, I've been thinking," Xion's voice bubbled with enthusiasm as he scooted closer.
"How about we start your treatment today? But first," he added, leaning in like he was sharing a secret, "I need to understand your situation better."
Darius hummed and that sweet sound made Xion's smile widen.
After the system's notification, he was too excited. That was how he ended up learning about mana diseases all night.
He had accumulated enough confidence. Now, he was eager to test his newly gained skills.
Darius picked up his spoon and scooped a portion of the clear, watery soup. The saltiness hit just right, balancing the rich, chewy texture of the meat chunks nestled within the noodles.
Darius had often gone hungry in his childhood. At first, he was starved as a punishment, and then he refused to swallow any of their filthy food.
Those servants and even his relatives were only there to torment him at the command of his parents. He had been naive, foolish enough to believe that they were there to care for him.
It took a few assassination attempts at his life for Darius to come to his senses. Even those people walking in his part of the castle did not look human anymore.
They were nothing but a disgusting blobs of flesh lurking around him for their own greed.
That was also when he learned the various meanings of the wispy tendrils dancing around those creatures.
The darker the shade, the easier it was for him to control them.
More often than not he had recognized the officials by those dark tendrils that had spread so much that it was impossible to see the real face hidden behind the grime.
They would often shout in his ears. "Lord Darius! Eat this! Read that! Don't go out! Don't Kill! Don't...."
The list was so long.
How tiresome, he thought with disdain. But now, he did not have to worry about such things.
He ate spoonful after spoonful while looking at the healer. Well, Xion was undoubtedly pleasing to the eye, and his words, while foolish at times, held a certain charm that made them bearable.
His food was delicious. So, Darius decided to use him.
Until there would be nothing left.
Darius was not aware that this decision would turn his life upside down.
With moments yet to come, the name 'Xion' would start to thrum along his every breath. Like an addiction to the deadliest drug, Darius would find himself craving 'Xion'.
Xion, being completely oblivious to the accidental fire he had ignited with his warm food, was busy eating his own breakfast.
His thoughts were entirely filled with Rael. To treat the child, he needed to look at the complete history of his disease. And for that, he would have to talk to Allen.
He sighed. I hope he is better now...
With that, Xion followed behind the little boy with his emergency bag. He gazed at the makeshift bag slung over his arm. The cloth had torn apart in some places.
Thinking about changing the bag to a better quality one, he reached his destination.
His footsteps halted when he suddenly recalled the gruesome sight he had witnessed just two days ago.
However, the one who should have been the most affected, calmly stepped forward as Ray respectfully opened the door.
The sight of Ray and Rael brought another thought to his mind.
If these people were in the modern world, Darius would be the future domineering CEO with Ray being his loyal friend.
The strange visual impact eased his nerves, and he willed his legs to move forward.
Xion noticed that the room was bigger, almost double the size of his own room. There were so many decorative pieces placed in various corners.
With just one look, one could tell this was the president's suite.
Peering at the golden-colored walls with curiosity, Xion sat on the wide chair as he was motioned to.
That chandelier looks like it's worth more than my entire income. Xion blinked at the mana crystals placed in the holders to illuminate the room.
The brightness was pretty.
"Teacher!"
A low yell echoed and Xion nearly jumped out of the chair.
Allen stood there. His eyes shone brightly as he kneeled in front of Xion.
In a flash, Xion raised his legs and sat cross-legged. He wanted to put some distance between them but the knight standing right beside his chair did not allow him to make any big movements.
Darius chuckled lightly, "He won't do anything."
Xion looked at Rael and then at Allen.
"Oh," he slowly lowered his feet back on the floor, though his gaze remained fixed on the brown-haired male.
"I apologize for my unpleasant behavior. I will be immensely glad if you can find it in yourself to forgiv-"
"Stop! Stop," Xion looked baffled. Who even speaks like that?!
He sighed and waved his hand dismissively. "Brother, just keep it simple, okay? And honestly, I'm not mad."
He motioned for Allen to rise, "Don't kneel. And please, don't call me teacher."
Allen did stand up, but Xion's last words forced the taller male to lower his gaze. "I understand."
For a moment, Xion thought that Allen resembled a dog, who had been reprimanded by his master.
Shuddering at the thought, Xion recalled his plan. After all, he needed Allen's help, and cultivating a better relationship with him seemed like the wisest choice.
"Um, how about you ask me what you want, and I will answer you?"
His words made those orange eyes bright, and Allen's resemblance to the dog intensified.
"Can I see it when you treat patients?"
"Sure," Xion shrugged. As long as Allen did not chase him with the knife everything was fine.