Chapter 10: 08 - Interesting..

Elijah's guts sank. That look he was oh-so familiar with, one filled with contempt, spilled into his friend's eyes. He wanted to reach out, stop the flow, direly desperate. He can't have Kayden of all people look at him like that. Anything but that. Please.

He felt a million pairs of eyes stare into his core. The gaze is sharp enough to dig straight to bone. They always accompanied the voices, the hate, the fear, and the shadows. They came back to envelope him, starting from his toes, to his arms, clinging together like thick gooey spider webs. Everything began to look fuzzy with the blaring noise of static screaming. In the walls. The ceiling. The floorboards. His ears. Everything. He felt like a train just rammed into him and his stomach churned uneasily. Within the chaos, one thought continued incessantly over the rest like the clear peals of bells before rapidly melding into an inconceivable mess.

'Kayden hates me Kayden hatesme Kaydenhatesme KaydenhatesmeKaydenhatesme'

Abruptly, pink hair tickled his cheeks and dusted the static away. He was wrapped in a warm embrace, the sensation melting the shadows. Elijah was held in Kayden's signature style of expressing affection, a firm encompassing hug. The voices fizzled out, and the eyes closed.

"...I know the signs of a panic attack when I see one. Fuck, that sounds traumatic. I'm so sorry you had to go through all that, I couldn't even imagine how you feel.." Elijah's eyes stung as his arms slowly enclosed around his friend's firm back. "Just let it out. We're friends, earth or not."

That was the push for one teardrop to slide down his cheek, before an onslaught began. Sobs and sniffles resounded in the bedroom. Elijah did not know how long he had cried, but his eyes and nose smarted from it. Kayden sat through it all, not talking nor leaving his position of holding him. The physical contact grounded him, it was comforting.

Elijah sniffled as he took solace in the hug and nasally spoke, "Don't you hate me now?" He could feel Kayden's head shaking in immediate denial.

"Obviously not! That was in the past, you're a completely changed person now. Plus didn't you say you felt guilty and are trying to make amends? It's purely unreasonable to hate you for something that happened over a decade ago, especially if you regret it to the point of ptsd."

His words were firm and factual. It was nice, hearing someone so vehemently support him. Suddenly, Kayden pulled away to stare straight into blood-red pupils. The scornful look from before was still there, but not directed at him. Although Elijah missed the feeling of being embraced, being able to make proper eye contact was nice too.

The pink haired boy scoffed. "If anything the root cause of this is your shit for brain uncle and cousins. Those motherfuckers. I want to beat them up so bad, but that's illegal, and I'd get thrown behind bars for attacking a duke."

Elijah giggled, his styled hair went slightly undone from the earlier tousling. He felt a bit bad for the maids who had spent half an hour to achieve the prim and proper effect yet still retain the usual volume. The boy opposite groaned.

"Imagine, a child, five years old, who just became orphaned. Who needed consolation, guidance, and his family. Yet instead of giving any of that they threw him to the most secluded part of the estate! Bullied by his older cousins and ignored by his uncle, the only family he had left! That's traumatizing and will definitely warp a kid's sense of morality, especially if no one was there to give guidance."

"But... that doesn't excuse that I was a terrible person." A hand clamped over his mouth. Kayden glared at him menacingly.

The male's eyebrows were scrunched. "Tell me, are you an evil, bratty, brutal, murderer, tyrannical, maniac right now?" Elijah slowly shook his head. "Exactly, no. So stop worrying about something that did not and won't happen this time. It's been over a decade, I think it's time to forgive yourself."

Kayden took off his hand and the two sat at eye level. The raven haired boy contemplated his friend's advice, indeed, a decade had passed. Was it time? To finally forgive himself of his sins?

His head drooped. "That may take some time.."

"Then I'll be there with you." The male stated determinedly. Elijah felt his eyes tear up again with jubilation. He was amused and defeated and his voice hitched in sentimentality.

"..Thank you Kayden, thank you so, so much."

The boy in question pursed his lips. "Don't bother with thanks, it's the bro code. Now give me a smile and shout FUCK YOU EVENDALE!" The duo spat out a laugh.

"Are you crazy? Why would I do that?" Elijah chuckled.

"Because this world is fucked up and the people are annoying.  Anyways I've been wanting to say it since the day I transmigrated, so do it with me. Ready? One, two, three.."

"FUCK YOU EVENDALE!" They yelled together, the triumphant cry unified together. If the same maid overheard two voices curse out the world, she did not comment.

Once the laughter died down, Kayden brought up another issue to tackle. "Ok ok, I'm glad you're feeling better now. That aside, how the actual fuck are we going to survive? Because from what you said the world's gonna go to shit when the demons attack. Naturally the protagonist will defeat them, but a major part of Sorin's growth came from you plotting against him. Like contacting demons and helping them attack the school-which in turn, helped him get stronger because: protagonist halo. Clearly you won't be doing that again, so what do we do?"

"I haven't actually thought of that... I was thinking of using my past life memories and novel knowledge to cheat my way through. Also secretly build up my power so I could protect myself, and while I'm at it, also avoid the main group because they are magnets for trouble."

Kayden hummed. "Sounds reasonable enough. How are you planning to get stronger?"

"Well, I'm working on my magic and swordsmanship. Here." Elijah summoned a small ball of electricity in his palms. The crackling bolts woven together like snakes.

Kayden's eyes lit up. "Ooo magic! I dunno how to use mine. I think I've awakened it, but I just can't use it."

"Maybe because your souls are different? Magic is tied to it with the core and all. Small matter, it's actually pretty easy to awaken. I just relied on an envisioning method. Although I have past life memories, so it might not work for you."

"So you can cheat your way through huh." The boy struck his palm with a fist. "Anyways, as per the bro-code, share some haxs with me."

"Uh, well to awaken your magic it relies heavily on the person. If you're lucky, visualizing the action of gathering mana from your mana core and spreading it evenly throughout your body is enough. However, there are cases where magic potential can only be unlocked through life-threatening circumstances. Although from what I can remember, the original Kayson could use water magic. Whether or not you also get it depends on your attributes. His mana output and control were quite good as well. Probably because he has a strong body."

Stars glimmered in Kayden's eyes. He exclaimed, "I've struck gold with this body huh?"

"Of course it's all futile if the body's owner doesn't give proper effort."

"Hey!"

Huey rolled his eyes. "You literally laze around all day, it's hard to imagine you actually working."

"Two months living in this household beat out most of my laziness. Don't you see I have muscles now?" Offended, Kayden flexed his arms.

Elijah stuck out his tongue and scowled. "Eurgh, buff Kayden feels wrong."

"You're just jealous you're flimsy and I'm not."

"Shut up."

Kayden only guffawed in response and got a pillow to the face. He fell back against the couch dramatically while clutching his chest, groaning.

"Oh no Elijah! You've wounded me! I can feel death approaching! Blehh~~" He lolled his head back and stuck out a tongue. Elijah sighed.

"I didn't even hit your chest, dumbass. Anyways get up, we should go back. I have no idea how long we've been here, but I feel like if I'm missing any longer my uncle will whoop my ass." He hauled Kayden up by an outstretched arm.

The pink haired boy grumbled. "My mom would too, if she finds out I was in my room during my brother's birthday..." Kayden shivered.

The other boy snickered. "Deserved.  Anyways, lead the way Sir Kayson." The duo moved towards the door.

Once back outside, a servant who had spotted Kayson promptly informed him that he was needed. Huey looked sympathetically at his friend, who froze on the spot. Reluctantly, the male trudged towards his family sending pitiful glances back every couple steps. Huey huffed, when his face sank as someone appeared behind him.

"Huey, father is asking for you." Lein disclosed before walking off. The younger male followed suit with cold sweat germinating on his back.

'Fuck..'

At the large round table reserved for the Astaseul family, Heiden sat regally while swirling the wine in his cup. Ruby eyes gazing down on the claret liquid as he questioned.

"Where have you been?"

"Conversing with Kayson Nevoid."

"The youngest son of Count Nevoid? How peculiar. I suppose it's good that you're making friends with that child." Heiden made eye contact.

He was trying to present an acceptable familiarity that it made Huey sick. The way his words were pleasant and affectionate (as much affection as Heiden Astaseul can show) contrasted starkly with those cold calculating eyes. It was weird and unnatural, creepy even. The Duke glanced at the side while sipping the drink.

"Speak of the Devil."

Huey turned his head to see Kayson bringing his mother over to their table. The loud cries of the male subtly audible over the crowd. On the contrary, the Marchioness' voice was lost amongst the plethora of noises. Huey tilted his head. He could distinctly figure out what his friend was saying.

"I'm telling you I wasn't slacking off! I was talking to my friend-what do you mean I don't have friends? Well mine's right there!" Kayson gestured towards him and he waved back.

The Marchioness narrowed her eyes, flicking between Huey and her son. She snapped her fan shut and moved forwards with a professional smile. Heiden sat down his cup before standing up.

"Good afternoon Duke Heiden, apologies for not greeting you sooner. I am very pleased on my husband and Kaleb's behalf that you've come to attend this celebration." Marchioness Odalia slightly bowed her head.

Heiden shook his head. "Good afternoon Lady Odalia, no apologies are needed. Instead, I would like to extend my congratulations to Sir Kaleb. Today is a joyous day."

"Yes indeed. I'm sure my son will be very pleased knowing Duke Heiden feels that way." The woman laughed. "My, where are my manners? Good afternoon Sir Neil, Sir Lein, and Sir Huey."

"Good afternoon, Marchioness." All three resonated. Odalia hummed pleasantly before turning her attention onto the youngest. "You are friends with my son?"

He blinked. "Yes I-"

"We're best pals!" Kayson interrupted, slinging an arm around and practically draping himself over Huey, making him stumble. Odalia glared.

"Kayson! Apologize at once! Do not act so uncouth." She chided and turned towards Huey and Heiden respectively. "My apologies, he isn't usually like this."

The Duke chuckled and shook his head. "No offense taken, being lively is a good trait. It's great your son has taken after Marquess Sylvan."

Huey nearly scowled at the irony spewing out of the man's mouth. 'Being lively is a good trait,' what a joke coming from him who regarded such people as troublesome. He would know, having been thoroughly disciplined when he showcased vim a child should have.

"Yes indeed." The Marchioness, relieved to not have offended the man, turned back to the two. She covered her smile with a fan. "Best pals.. you say? It is certainly delightful that you've made yourself a friend, Kayson."

Kayson pouted at the remark, fully aware of the hidden message. "Yes mother, I have a friend." He sighed. "Now me and my friend will be leaving to enjoy what the party has to offer. Come to think of it, croquet seems very interesting right now. So excuse us, mother, Lord Heiden." Now untangled, the two headed towards the game area.

The two adults watched them leave with restrained curiosity. Odalia sighed, feeling a headache building at the back of her head.

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

"I'll beat you in chess one day." Kayson stared intensely at the board with wide eyes. The amount of pieces he had was puny compared to the ones Huey had captured. Although the game was technically not done, the conclusion has already been reached.

"Dream on, I've beat you four times already." Huey sniggered.

"That arrogance is gonna be the end of you." He puffed.

"It's not arrogance when I'm telling the truth." Shrugging, the male pursed his lips.

The people nearby were partially astonished that Huey Astaseul and Kayson Nevoid were (sort of) getting along. The pink haired boy pointed a finger at the other boy before melting into his seat in defeat.

"You!" He sighed. "Haaa, so mean to me."

"Aand~ checkmate." The piece clicked on the board satisfyingly like a trigger to Kayson's switch. Huey smirked.  "That makes it five to none."

He stared at the other's stiff face and snorted. His attempt at hiding the laugh made it even harder. Kayson had an aggrieved smile plastered on his face. He stood up and slammed his hands on the table.

"You sure are haughty despite the fact I won in croquet and polo! I'd like to see you laugh when I beat you in badminton too!"

"Not when dinner's being served." Huey gestured towards the row of servants bringing in silver plated dishes. Many of the guests who had noticed began retreating to their assigned tables.

Kayson grumbled, but seemingly pleased that dinner was finally being served. "...You win this time."

"Remember I get to have your slice of cake later." Huey remarked passively while getting up.

Swerving around so fast he might've pulled something, Kayson yelled, "What?! You only won in chess and cards! If we stack all our points together I should have your slice!"

"Tsk. I thought it'd work. Well I won two games you won two games I guess it's a tie. We both get cake." Pushing the seat back, the two walked across the field and towards the tables. The sunset casted a pink-orange-purple hue across the sky. Colours spilling over the world adorned by the sun's lasting brilliance. Some birds flew over and Huey wished he had his phone so he could take a quick picture for reference later. Phones unfortunately, do not exist in Evendale.

Kayson groaned. "The slices are so small though.. plus we both know I'd win in badminton."

"But you haven't yet."

"You're insufferable."

"Aww I love you too."

Their friendly banter lasted the entire walk. Upon arrival, waved a short goodbye, and sat down by their assigned tables. Huey, back to his stoic appearance, completely ignored the looks the twins gave him. It looked like Neil had something to say, but the quieting crowd silenced him.

Clink clink

Kaleb Nevoid tapped his champagne glass with a spoon. The clear sound reverberating throughout the venue. Everyone looked at the star of the party anticipatingly. The man sat the items down before clearing his throat.

"Ladies and gentlemen, once again I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone here who's come to celebrate this joyous day. I stand here welcoming my inheritance to the Nevoid family's long, bountiful, and beautiful legacy. Just like my father, grandfather, and many of the powerful heads before that. It's been my dream ever since I could speak, and I cannot fathom that after today, I'll carry the responsibility of sustaining this beautiful lineage. Please, raise your cups, enjoy the feast, let's cheer towards a fortuitous future for House Nevoid!"

Peals of clapping and glass clinking filled the festive atmosphere to the brim with mirth. As if on cue, the servants placed down an elegantly made dish in front of every guest.

A pair of toast chips, seasoned and crispy. On top is fish meat of some kind adorned by herbs and sauces.

"To start the meal off, the appetizers are bite-sized toast jirin bites. The fish comes from the St. Selene river itself!"

The taste in itself was superb. The crispy toast complemented the smooth mellow taste of the fish accentuated by seasoning. The flavours burst on the tongue, perfectly drawing out one's appetite. It didn't take long for everyone to finish their share, secretly longing for more.

As more dishes were carried out in such an order, Huey quickly began growing full. The food seemed endless. He couldn't help but be relieved he didn't eat any of the offered snacks after the ones he and Kayson shared. Speaking of Kayson, the boy looked like he was still hungry. Gulfing down the food as polite and noble-like as possible.

Huey huffed. No matter how much his friend's physique changed, his appetite remained the same. Although... Huey's index finger began tapping the table.

'Why is that shithead looking at me!?'

For some reason, Heiden kept glancing at him throughout dinner. Before, the man would act as though he did not exist or scorn him for whatever he did.

'Is this some sort of new familial bonding play?'

Huey closed his eyes and forcibly ate another bite of the meat dish. Some sort of venison? He tried to savour the taste, but the poking stares of his uncle rendered them bland. This needling discomfort lasted until the male couldn't take it anymore. Getting up, he excused himself from the dinner table... and the Duke finally decided to speak.

Ah.

'Kayson eat faster you glutton come save me please!''

"Yes uncle?" He eyed the man who was still sipping the wine. Was that his third cup?

"You're quite well acquainted with that child of the Nevoid family." Heiden started, nodding. The black haired man looked at eyes mirroring his own in oddity. A rare spike of inquiry.

"..Kayson? Yes I suppose we are well acquainted." Huey was crying on the inside.

'Why are you talking to me?! Why? This conversation is so awkward! Kayson please!'

Heiden hummed. "It's good that you're making connections."

"Ah, yes." He fidgeted with the hems of his sleeves. The conversation reached a fiddly stagnate. As the seconds stretched, the teen had half the mind to just turn around and leave.

"Father, I have something I need to discuss with you." Someone cut in.

'Ah! My saviour!' Huey mentally clasped his hands.

Red eyes turned towards him and crinkled in disgust.

The owner spat, "What the fuck why are you looking at me like that.."

'Neil!'

Huey turned his gaze away, instead focusing on Kayson who finally seemed content. The pink haired boy languidly turned towards him, beckoning him over.

The raven haired boy nodded, screaming and cheering in his head. After quickly excusing himself, moved towards the Nevoid family's table at an adequate speed.

"So this is the boy who befriended my son!" A boisterous laughter was the first thing Huey heard.

Marquess Nevoid who was very much drunk hollered joyfully. The Marchioness on the other hand was as reserved as one could be... at least as much as she could while suppressing the urge to reprimand her husband for drinking to intoxication again. On her left was her daughter, and the youngest of the Nevoid family. With long rose dust hair tied into a braid decorated with flowers, a beautiful silk coral dress that accentuated youthful elegance, and sky blue eyes. Opal, with her beauty and wit, would become one of the most influential noble ladies upon her debutante a year away.

"Good evening Marquess, Marchioness, Sir Kaleb, Lady Opal, and Kayson." Huey greeted with a small bow.

Kaleb chuckled hospitably. "So well mannered, Kayson could learn a thing or two." The only warning was the glare Kayson sent. "OW!" ..Before he ruthlessly elbowed the man.

The family paid no heed, used to the sibling banter. Huey blinked, a bit shocked. Someone just called him well mannered. Although he definitely could be the original him of this timeline was far from mannered. The boy shook it off, probably just for the sake of politeness and pissing Kayson off.

"Not at all, Kayson has been a very pleasant friend."

"That's the thing. My son has never talked about you so do excuse me for asking, but how did you and my son come to be friends? From school? I'm quite curious, indulge this mother won't you?" Odalia peered at him with acute inquisitiveness, wariness, and something else. Of course, any proper lady of the house would be wary over how his reputation will affect them.

"That-"

"It happened today by the fountain." Kayson answered passively with a grin plastered on his face.

"Today? Yet this close?" The marquess raised a brow, obviously disliking how the two were so familiar with each other already (such as how they would latch onto one another like koalas).

Huey wanted to slap his forehead. Did Kayson forget about his infamous reputation already?!

"Yup, if you don't understand it's fine. It's a bro thing. We saw each other and it just clicked." Kayson said languidly.

"But brother Kayson, you've met before and it didn't.. click." Opal bluntly questioned. Staring straight at her older brother who had blanked out for a couple seconds.

"...I told you it's a bro thing you wouldn't understand. Either way we're best friends so if you try to separate us I will go on a food strike."

Kaleb snorted. "Pfft you? Food strike? Pigs would fly before that happened." He waved dismissively only to get elbowed jabbed again. "AUGH!"

"..Well, if you're so insistent." Odalia sighed. She turned towards Sylvan who had a complicated expression. "What? A parent should support their children should they not? Moreover," Odalia leaned into her husband, whispering. "This relationship might prove to be a very valuable connection between our family and the Duke's. No matter the reputation, an Astaseul is still an Astaseul. So for the sake of House Nevoid, let's see how this'll play out." She returned to her original position, snapping an intricate fan open. "However, I do hope you both treat eachother with respect."

They gulped, nodding in affirmation.

Seeing the matter was over with, the marquess guffawed loudly while beaming. "Well you boys go run along, you must have many things you still want to do! The night is young, enjoy it!" He laughed, his cheeks a healthy rosy tint.

Huey and Kayson who had been ushered away looked at one another with mirrored confusion.

"Your family sure is weird." The black haired boy quipped.

"Better than yours at least." The retort came immediately.

He cringed and groaned. "Eugh.. true."

"Family issues aside, let's go play badminton! We have a score to settle!" Kayson loudly exclaimed, waving at the general direction of the badminton court then proceeding to bolt towards it.

"The competition already ended, dumbass! Also at least wait till we digest!" Huey yelled and chased after him.

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

"Marchioness, what did you need?" Duke Heiden tidied his sleeve cuffs. Eyes trained onto the act indifferently.

Odalia wrinkled her brow slightly at the dismissive attitude. After retaining her composure, she declared. "I think you know why I've called you here."

"Hm, if it's about the friendship your son and my nephew have, then I'd like to hear your opinions first." The man's blood crimson eyes finally peered up at the Marchioness'.

"I.. believe their relationship can serve as a good tie between our houses that will benefit both." She looked up resolutely.

"Is that so?" The Duke put a hand over his mouth, murmuring.

Odalia clenched her fists. It was irritating. The renowned and noble Marchioness Odalia Nevoid watered down to a nervous novice. The Astaseul Dukedom had a history spanning centuries long since the beginning of the kingdom. Although not the closest confidant with the royal family, their influence alone is nearly equal. Some even theorize that the Duchy could overthrow and take the crown if they tried. The woman loosened her hold with a sigh.

"...What does Your Grace think?" She pursed her lips.

Heiden thought for a moment, long slender fingers tapping his chin in inquisition. He sported a soft smirk and said with a tinge of amusement. "I think it can be interesting."

"Interesting?"

The black haired man nodded, opening his palm. "Yes."

"I see." Odalia closed her eyes. Long rose eyelashes fluttered before revealing lakes filled with resolve. She announced. "Your Grace's words have sparked my curiosity. Let us see just how interesting this will play out."

The Astaseul Duke hummed in affirmation. "Very well."

~🎩🪄 ✧ ✦~

That's all for the pre-written chapters! What'd you think? :)

Also..

YALL THE CULPRIT IS A DUMBASS MOTH THAT TRAPPED ITSELF BETWEEN MY WINDOW AND THE MOSQUITO NET

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