Chapter 11: 09 - Joseph Kartlov

It was a couple days after the party. Huey and Kayson kept in contact through lengthy letters. From as simple as miscellaneous topics to what will happen to them and the world in the future. They had to fit as much as they could in each as online messaging did not exist.

"Curse this medieval world.." Huey grumbled while signing the paper. He folded it, tucked it into the envelope, and stamped a red wax seal with the Astaseul symbol on it. A single star surrounded by peonies. "Voila~."

Handing the envelope to a servant, he made his way to the library. Books on magic need to be prepared as soon as possible. In two days Kayson will be coming over for Project: Survive This Fucking Place—STFP for short.

His fingers traced over the hard book stems, reading over the titles.

How To Summon For Beginners..

Crystallization Iridium Centralicyst V..

Teris I..

Teris II..

Teris III..

Teris IV..

'Why are there so many volumes of Teris here?'

Study On Ikithytis..

Mana Control II..

How To Tame A Horse..

Huey blinked. He took the Mana Control II and after stifling a laugh took the book on horse taming.

"Just for shits and giggles."

Then made his way to an empty table on the farther side of the library. The two books settled on the furniture with a thunk along with the rest of the collection. Sighing, the boy grinned.

"Alrighty." He turned and moved to leave, his break was nearly over and he could feel his face freezing over and into an iceberg at the thought of the next class.

Internally groaning, Huey bemoaned, "Swordsmanship..."

Upon reaching the training grounds, Huey froze. In the middle of the space was an intimidating looking person. Standing vehemently straight with a broad shoulder under the blazing summer heat.. was not his coach.

'That's not Mr. Seb..' The boy stared dumbstruck. 'Mr. Seb is younger, shorter, lankier, and definitely would not stand like that under the sun—who the fuck?' The baffled thoughts cut short with the mention of his name.

"Huey Astaseul. Come." The man beckoned without so much as sparing a glance. Huey hesitatingly walked over while fiddling his fingers. The silence was loud and he pushed out a question unlike the typical composed Astaseul.

"Uhm, excuse me Sir.. who are you? What happened to Mr. Seb?"

It took a second for that man to respond. "Sir Seb has been fired for incompetency. I am your new coach, and I've already been debriefed about your incapabilities." Huey pursed his lips. "But rest assured young man I'll make sure that gap is filled within two months. So get ready to die, many, many times." Silver blue eyes gleamed like icicles.

Huey blanked. The blood drained from his face. A feeling of dread sunk into his stomach. One thought appeared and resounded clearly.

'Uh oh.'

—*:･ﾟ*✧ —

A stern looking man gazed fixedly at the training grounds. Standing there imposingly, trimmed dark blonde hair, clean stubble, arms crossed, back straight, muscles taut, and a peg leg in place of his left foot. The man looked every bit of an old military officer who had unfortunately lost a leg while fighting for the country, or a pirate captain.

Well, it wasn't too far from the truth.

Joseph Kartlov. A retired admiral of the Imperial Navy. Originally a low ranked knight dispatched to the marine force as back up during the siege against Linton. His fighting prowess, especially with the sword, was remarkable. After that he was permanently stationed at the navy, quickly advancing in ranks until he stood as a rear admiral. Joseph easily beat back any enemy with his swordsmanship and wind magic. Earning the title Rear Admiral Vortex.

All of that ended when an ambush directed by his colleague, Vice Admiral Blizzard Lotte Benedict, stripped him of his left foot. Consequently, a forced retirement was issued.

In fact, Lotte was a rank higher than him then, but he felt threatened by Joseph's promotion speed. Naturally the only solution within the mind of this conceited man was to get rid of the thorn by his side. Although life was not taken, the end result was still satisfactory.

Gone was Joseph's title as the distinguished Rear Admiral Vortex, gone was his days on the battlefield, gone was the promise of dedicating his life to the navy, gone were his achievements; buried by the glory his nemesis built up. Gone, all because of vicious envy.

Occasionally, he'd awake with a burning sensation in his foot. Much like the sensation when one of the attacker's swords cut halfway through. The blade marred with poison lodged itself into his bone. The pain was excruciating. With the only way to save his life being amputation. Then the burning would fade, and all he'd feel was the cold sensation of the prosthetic.

Sometimes he thinks it's spite keeping him going.

Nevertheless, the renowned Duke Heiden has hired him to be the coach of their family's infamous Young Master. With a reputation of being unreasonable, tyrannical, violent, rude, and rumours of poison, assault, and murder circling around, the sixteen year old boy sounds like quite a handful.

'But what's this..?'

The boy was hunched over with hands firmly clamped on his knees after just five laps around the field! Wheezing and out of breath with a finger outstretched while rasping.

"One.. one moment..."

Joseph could only sigh. He had read the report stating the boy had a sudden drastic drop in the physical aspect, but he didn't think it'd be this bad.

Scowling, he ordered. "Get up. You still have five more to go."

"What..?" Huey lifted up his head in disbelief, the usually pale face flushed and sweaty.

"Ten laps. Fifteen if you keep delaying it." At that Huey silently turned his head and stared at the track in front. With a done face his body moved. With less running, more dragging. Now usually ten laps wouldn't be too difficult, but the issue is that the meadow he's running around are two of the larger flower patches. Meaning it is nearly the size of a football field.

'Great grandpa, I hate you.'

One might wonder what the cause of this change was. Especially as the body's state shouldn't have changed with the transmigration. The main issue was mentality. Elijah, being unused to actually doing exercises past the typical high school PHE classes, rejected the change. Even if his body felt fine, his mind was not. Furthermore, Elijah's memory gap on swords and horses made him do unnecessary moves (which caused more fatigue) and get failing grades. Especially with his bad case of procrastination added to the mix. It produced a lazy, inside-person, and physically inadequate Young Master.

Joseph may not know what the rotten root of this problem was, but he'll do anything to change it. Two months may be short, but he'll make sure the Young Master will at least be able to pass any combat classes at the academy. Especially as he is going into second year.

Thus, that torturous exercise went on for another ten minutes and Huey collapsed onto the ground the moment he finished. Knees buckling and everything. Joseph watched the state of his student with hidden disappointment. Huey was just starting to feel his heart calm down when he was hauled up by the arm. The older man glowered down on the boy with blazing determination.

"Classes aren't over yet. What are you doing lying down like a worm? That was just the warm up. We'll be doing stamina and endurance training from now and you won't touch a single sword until I see you fit for it."

Huey stared up at the face of his teacher which was warping into that of a smiling demon. His soul leaving his body at whatever plans the man had for him. Crying, one thought anchored itself firmly in his mind.

'I'm doomed.'

—*:･ﾟ*✧ —

"What happened to you?" Kayson lifted a brow while settling his bag onto the table. Huey was lounging on a chair, his head drooped on the top rail. Entire being melted.

"...Mr. Joseph happened." He stared at the upside down window listlessly.

"Who?"

"Joseph Kartlov, Rear Admiral Vortex. Ring any bells?" He arduously raised an arm and did a little turning gesture. Kayson's eyes lit up in recollection.

"Ohh~ that old admiral who retired?"

"Mhm." He nodded. "My uncle hired him to be my new swordsmanship coach.. and he's RUTHLESS." Kayson sniggered which earned a very floppy smack at his direction.

"Now you know what I felt when I transmigrated into Kayson." Giggling, he walked over and smacked Huey's face with sheets of paper.

"Ah!" The black haired boy yelped. Snapping upright and feeling an onslaught of regret from the brain rush filling his head and vision with static. A couple seconds later the tingling sensations fizzled out.

Kayson watched, amused. "Don't worry, you'll get used to it after a couple weeks. Who knows, you might even find it fun." He stuck out a tongue when Huey glared at him. "But knowing you, you'd find motivation through spite."

Huey grumbled, "I don't want to spite this man."

"Is he that scary?"

"Mhm."

"Damn, anyways. I spent an hour getting here, and I only have until after like.. dinner? So let's start."

The duo settled down by the table, flipping through the pile of books. Kayson grumbled upon seeing the textbook-like format. Not long after a servant came in with tea and snacks. Huey took a sip of the rose tea before enquiring.

"Ok, so have you found a way to.." He snapped his fingers. "Magic?"

"No," Kayson dropped his arms and book, flopping them onto the table. Deadpanning. "which is why we're doing this."

"Have you tried out the visualizing method?"

"Obviously, but my imagination was never that good. Any other methods?"

"Well," He clicked his tongue. "Visualizing aside the remaining methods are.. having someone stir the mana in you, awakening in desperate situations such as battle where emotions run wild, meditation.. I don't think you'd manage that—don't hit me! Uhh, contracts, and rituals. Maybe there's more but none that I can think of."

"Out of all of those the first option feels safest." Kayson frowned. His arms were now crossed and Huey felt like any fascination with magic the boy had was slowly fading away.

"It is, but you need to have a professional do it, especially one that you can trust. Allowing someone to probe your mana core like that is insanely dangerous if something goes wrong. There are cases where people who used this method became crippled because the person who helped them had ill intentions." Huey scratched his head. "Mage houses can do this safely, but your family is a knight house. It's most likely that none of them know how to safely do it either."

"Seriously? Then how the fuck am I supposed to awaken mine? I don't trust anyone here, except for you of course." The pink haired boy groaned before something clicked in his mind. Huey narrowed his eyes at whatever was cooking up in there. Probably another dumb idea. Kayson peered at Huey with a pleading look, the other boy recoiled with a scowl.

"What..? Don't look at me like that, I can't and will not do it." In response Kayson toppled onto the desk, his forehead slamming on it with a painful sound. He hissed, and Huey laughed (fingers pointing and all).

"Then what do I do?"

He brought a hand to his chin. "Hmm.. oh! You can try the second method!" Kayson gaped, getting up and shaking his arms in clear refusal.

"What?! No no no. That sounds the most dangerous out of them all!"

"Not really, the contracts and ritual ones are worse if you contact the wrong entity." He tapped his cheek. "Anyways, some people like to purposely go for the second method because the magic is a lot stronger when awakened in high stress, high emotions, high danger, high whatever situations. I know the Ceylon and Wolint families do that."

"Crazy people. This world is crazy."

"In ours people ate tide pods and swam in waters with wires of highly concentrated volts at D^sney Land."

"Ok fair." He clicked his tongue. "So.. this shit is normalized?"

"Pretty much."

"And.. the average age of awakening is ten to fourteen?"

"Ten to thirteen." He corrected.

"So.. sending kids into life threatening situations to potentially awaken magic is normalized?"

"Well it's a bit of an old practice, but yup."

"...You know what, I'm glad I transmigrated into the Nevoid family."

"And I'm glad my uncle cared too little for me to do anything about my late blooming."

"I can't tell if that's satire or not."

"Think what you will. You're doing it though."

"What." He looked at the other who shrugged.

"Since you can't visualize, we don't have anyone to help stimulate your mana, and contracts and rituals are ruled out, that's the only option."

"What about meditation?"

"We can do that. To start you must enter seclusion and achieve absolute peace, no human interactions, nothing. Assimilate yourself with nature and stuff for a couple months." Huey smiled, suspiciously kind.

"Sounds easy enough."

"Oh and you have to fast the entire time, it's to force yourself to seek out mana to help stabilize the body. Which means no food. Your food is literally air and mana."

"Second option! Let's go with the second option!" Kayson screamed. No food?! Absolutely not. As a foodie that is a firm no.

"Alright, but finish the basic understanding of magic first." Huey laughed and pointed at the discarded book by his friend. The other male grabbed it and flipped through some pages before peering back up. Permeating wariness.

"Wait.. what scenario is it gonna be?"

"I don't know." He shrugged.

"What do you mean you don't know?!"

"What, you think I know where I can find monsters for you to fight?"

"I don't know, use your past life and novel memories or something!" Kayson rubbed his nape and furrowed his brows. Huey rolled his eyes.

"It's been over a decade since my first life and the novel begins a year from now, dumbass." He scoffed. "Wait, I think there actually was a scene where someone mentioned a juvenile boarvado was spotted somewhere around here. Boarvadoes are territorial creatures. When one matures they go in search of a territory for the rest of its life and give birth there. Meaning there's a fairly high chance the mother is still around."

"A boar what? How do you even remember that?" He nudged his seat closer to the other. Leaning in to peek at whatever book Huey was reading. Something horse? A pale palm shoved his head back.

"I don't know, like how I remember you screaming your head off because some kid said there was a fly on your back?"

Kayson's face immediately blushed and he yelled in embarrassment. "Wha- shut up! That was when I was five! And that fly was MASSIVE!"

"Yeah, a house fly." The mocking lilt to his voice was fueling the pink haired male's irritation like oil to fire.

"You! Don't think I forgot when you fell into the water head first while kayaking!" Kayson pointed a finger accusingly. Huey now flustered, immediately retorted in defense.

"I stuck the paddle too deep into the water! It's pressure and gravity!"

"You sure? Because I clearly remember it was because you tried to pick up a jellyfish with your paddle."

"Shut up and study!"

"You didn't even thank me for hauling your ass out of the water."

"I said shut!" Grabbing a seat cushion, vermillion eyes blazed.

"Never! HAHAHA—" A pillow smacked him straight in the face, muffling a scream.

From across the room, the grand oak doors which were slightly ajar, closed shut. Two servants who were planning on checking in on the duo stared expressionlessly at the surface.

"..."

"Elaine.."

"Yes Mr. Owen?"

"Let's avoid the Young Master when Sir Kayson is here."

"Understood." the maid nodded.

—*:･ﾟ*✧ —

A week after, a lively pink haired boy sped through the halls and towards Huey's room. Slamming the doors open, leaping in, and landing in a flamboyant pose. With jazz hands.

"I've arrived!" Kayson exclaimed, voice loud enough the servants (still befuddled by the action) at the end of the hall could hear. They sighed as if preparing to get used to the presence of their Young Master's new friend. They supposed with the boy's change new variables would come into play eventually.

"AH!" Huey screamed and whipped his head around to glare. "Stop doing that!"

"Why are you even scared of this when you play horror games on a near daily basis?" Kayson closed the door and plopped down on one of the couches. Bag already thrown to the side.

"I play horror games because I get scared easily."

"Oh so you're those type of horror game fans."

"I'm not even gonna ask." He pinched his glabella. "How'd you convince your parents?"

"Bro don't even. You don't want to know how hard it was getting them to agree for a sleepover. I had to pull the politics card." Kayson complained, although both knew that his parents' concerns were valid. Who would want to send their kid to a sleepover with one of the most notorious noblemen in the kingdom? Even if they're friends they've only 'officially' become that less than a month ago.

Huey wowed and clapped. "I commend you for the feat. Did you bring everything?"

"Yeah. What are we gonna do about weapons?" Kayson couldn't bring his sword without drawing suspicion. They are also going to potentially hunt a monster. So should he borrow from Huey?

"Find a stick?" Nevermind.

"A stick?!" Kayson wanted to smack Huey with one. What did he mean by find a stick?! Huey looked at him as if the answer was obvious.

"It's for awakening your magic, not swordsmanship. Defend yourself with a stick or something, it'll make the process faster. Natural weapons, test whether or not Mother Nature likes you."

"Yeah but-"

"Shh!" Huey shushed, the knocking from the door becoming audible with the silence. Huey called out his approval and Owen entered. Bowing his head.

"Young Master, Mr. Kartlov is waiting by the training grounds."

"Isn't our next class tomorrow?!" The boy scrunched up his nose. What did that demon teacher want now?!

"Yes, but he barged in declaring about how weak you are and how you musn't slack off." Owen calmly debriefed. The black haired male could hear the airy and snorting sound of Kayson suppressing his laugh, and failing.

"BAHAHAHA WEAK! HE CALLED YOU WEAK PFFT!" Keeled over while clutching his stomach, he pointed at the other. If looks could kill... Huey sighed, shoulders drooping. Any vigour leaving him.

"Tell him I'll be right there." Owen nodded, and excused himself. Once the door clicked shut Huey loudly groaned into his palms. Muffling a yell. Dragging himself towards the door looking extremely mentally haggard. Kayson watched with slight concern, slight pity, and mostly hilarity.

"I gotta get to class. You can look around the place as long as you don't leave the east wing." Zombie Huey said.

"Nah I'll go with you." Kayson moved to follow.

"Why?"

"I wanna see the gorilla teacher you're so scared of. I also wanna see how bad you are at the sword." The male snickered and narrowly avoided a jab to the side. They walked down the hallways.

"I'm not even allowed to touch a sword right now." He confessed, doing some arm stretches beforehand.

"What? Why?" The pink haired boy looked bewildered.

"My stamina's too shit or something." Huey frowned when Kayson nodded in (supposedly) realization.

"It is shit. No wonder you lost to me in the games."

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious Sherlock."

"No problemo~."

Clicking his tongue, the door leading to the training grounds finally came into view. Slowly swinging it open and revealing the grand figure of his teacher. Still standing inhumanely firm directly under the blazing sun. What if he gets sunburned? Are there sunscreen or sunburn relievers here? Maybe his skin's just too thick?

"Mr. Joseph, I've arrived but my friend wanted to tag along." Huey stood by the door for an extra second and reluctantly peeled himself from the shade. The sun mercilessly shining down on him.

'I absolutely need to find a sunscreen equivalent.'

"Hi Sir." Kayson followed suit, saluting. Why is he saluting? Because Mr. Joseph used to be in the navy?

Said man briefly scanned the two of them and gestured something.

Huey immediately began stretching and beckoned Kayson to do it as well. Afterwards, they peered back up at the ex-admiral. Huey looked increasingly done with life the longer time went by. Joseph Kartlov then pointed towards two large flower patches in the near distance.

"Twenty laps." He gruffly ordered.

Albeit used to the routine the youngest Astaseul still felt something wilt inside. Not wishing to drag the inevitable or have his laps increase because of delay, Huey promptly went. Kayson found a seat at one of the chairs in the shade and struck a fist into the air, cheering. Joseph turned to look at him.

"What are you sitting here for? You too."

Kayson froze.

"Eh?"

"Go run." The man's eyes were narrowing.

"But Sir, I'm not in your class-"

"All who attend my lessons are my students. He said you wanted to tag along so go run." He interrupted, the fire in his eyes quickly spiraling into an inferno.

"But-"

"Stop delaying or else every second you spend not moving is one lap added." Kayson flinched, intimidated by the stern tone. He had a feeling the man would fully carry out those words.

"Y-yes, fine I'll go!" Getting up and sprinting after Huey, his mind was screaming.

'Why'd I say yes so easily?! Huey was right, he really is a scary ass gorilla!'

"Bro, wait for me!" He hollered.

"What, why are you coming too?!"

—*:･ﾟ*✧ —

"Why the fuck.. is your place.. so big?" Kayson forced out between breaths. Panting because of course the two forgot to bring water. Fortunately Owen had predicted this and would be there soon with refreshments.

"I dunno.. ask my great grandpa when you die." Huey was squatting in the shade, soaking up as much rest as he could before Mr. Joseph forced them to do drills.

"Why me?" Blue eyes twitched at the evil grin his friend had. Resembling the W^chat emoticons Elijah would always send.

"I feel like you'll go faster—Agh!" Hand immediately going up to rub the part of his head that was smacked. He looked up at Kayson who held up his fist in playful anger.

"Hey! What's my survivability to you?!" Huey laughed and hummed in thought.

"Hmm, a chinchilla?"

"Why a chinchilla? That's so random."

"Because you're obsessed with them."

"I could say the same with you, but with ferrets."

"Touché"

The sound of the door opening drew their attention. A servant brought in a tray of glass cups and a jug filled with water. They set it on a nearby bench before leaving. The two boys rushed towards it and finally relieved their thirst.

Joseph waited for them to finish before announcing, "Now that you've had your water break which was far too long, might I add. Let's start with physical fitness training. Last week was focused around stamina, although yours is still bad." He frowned. "Put this on."

The man pulled out a couple black packets and threw them towards the duo. Catching them with slight difficulty, the pink haired male's face slightly paled. Especially seeing his friend put them on without a single complaint.

"Are these sandbags..?" His voice cracked. There were eight in total, four for each. Two for wrists, two for ankles.

"Kayson, what do you do in your swordsmanship classes?"

"Mostly just separate classes focused between stamina, strength, and techniques. Why?"

"Pray."

Huh.

"A hundred lunges! A hundred squats! A hundred push ups! A hundred sit-ups! Ten minute planks! Ten minute skipping ropes! A hundred downward swings! A hundred upward swings! Get moving, you aren't leaving until you complete all of it!"

Oh.

"You've done this for a week?" He looked at his friend in disbelief. Huey shrugged with a torturous expression.

"It gradually increased."

"Huh, and this class is how long?"

"Two and a half hours."

"Do you think we can complete it in time..?" Do you think we'll be able to hunt the monster? Was the hidden message.

"We'll have to." Huey side eyed him.

"What are you whispering about? Move." Joseph commanded harshly. The two boys flinched and quickly moved.

""Yes!"" They cried out together. The sandbags uncomfortably weighed them down.

—*:･ﾟ*✧ —

"I don't feel it now, but I just know my muscles are gonna hurt like a bitch tomorrow. This is what you have to do each time?! F man, F. Fuck! Why'd I get pulled into this?!" Kayson slapped his forehead. He was currently lying on one of the benches by the wall. Limbs spread out like a starfish. "My bones feel melted."

"Don't blame me, I told you to stay behind." Next to him sat Huey. Who was emptying any remaining water from the jug. He looked ahead. Mr. Joseph was a couple yards away, doing what he did best. Standing, reminiscing, or whatever he was thinking out in the open sun. Staring at the distant North Wing's pavilion. Still, he lowered his voice to make sure.

"Let's just take advantage of the fact it hasn't started hurting yet and get it over with."

"Yes yes." Kayson swatted at the air and pulled himself up with great difficulty. "What's for dinner?"

After a scrumptious meal (with some sort of toast for dessert). They rejoined at Huey's room. Said boy dressed into the festival-sneak-out attire while Kayson wore something similar.

"I've snuck out before, but it's so exciting with a friend!" Kayson's baby blue eyes gleamed. The creamy part of them shining.

"Be excited after we make it out of the gates. If anyone catches us we're screwed." Contrasting words considering his elevated heartbeat and mood. "..It's been a while, but Owen caught me the last time. So be on the lookout."

"Do you really think we'd sneak past that butler?"

Kayson poked his head out of the window and surveyed the area. Huey hauled him back in.

"Honestly, no. Why?"

"He feels like those assassins kind of characters in novels. And with this being one you know...." Huey rolled his eyes and dropped the back of the other's cape.

"He's not. Well if he is it would've been a decade ago." Owen was a slum kid, it wasn't far fetched to say he might have had some dealings in shady stuff. However, since the late duke took him in, he has devoted his whole life to serving the Astaseul Duchy.

"How are you so sure?" Kayson pondered, then laughed when he saw the 'really?' look directed at him. The black haired boy clicked his tongue and began moving towards the window.

"Just shut up, we're going."

"Are you not gonna do those bed dummies? Like in TV."

"I doubt people will come in and check on me with you here. They're weirded out."

"Ha cowards-" A palm smacked onto his mouth, effectively silencing him. He looked around confused.

"Shshshsh! Don't diss them, the 'speak of the devil' novel trope is strong!" Huey hushed and dragged Kayson behind the bed. Soon, someone knocking on the door could be heard. Specifically, Owen's knocking.

'Shit!'

"Young Master Huey, Sir Kayson, may I come in?" The butler's voice was muffled, blocked by the thin wooden barrier. The two inside shared a mutual look.

"One moment." The raven haired boy called out. Then as quickly and silently as possible moved towards the window. Thank Eelia that Kayson opened it prior. Huey waved wildly, the motion screaming 'go go go!' He harshly ushered the other through and clambered after him. He never knew how relieving it was to touch dirt until now.

"May I come in now?" Maybe it was just paranoia, but Owen sounded oddly suspicious. the butler can't have some sort of sharp sixth sense right? Huey stuck his head through the window and expressed a bit louder, yet still calmly.

"Just a second, it's a personal issue." With that, the mop of dark hair ducked under and disappeared behind the windowsill. The two bolted into the woods, following a path Huey had exploded and prepared beforehand.

Kayson snorted. "They won't come check, huh?"

"I spoke too soon. Now lesgo! Quickly!" Huey felt shame creep up his neck. He promised to not blindly assume like that ever again. With that resolve, they fled deeper into the foliage.

On the other hand, Owen, who had been ignored thrice for his past couple of attempts was simmering in rage. It was suspicious since the second time his charge had replied, but now this just seemed to settle it. If wrath was visible, it'd be oozing off of him like dark icky miasma. Dampening the room.

"Don't tell me he snuck out again..." With clenched fists, the butler forced a smile and requested again. "Young Master, are you done?" A dozen seconds went by in silence. No answer. The brunette felt a vein bulge. That's it, he moved to twist the knob. Only for it to come to a rigid stop. Locked? Smile now gone, he's breaking the door down if it's the last thing he does.

Fishing out the set of keys belonging to him as Head Butler, Owen swiftly unlocked the door. Swinging it open reveals, as expected, an empty room and an open window.

"You even dragged Sir Kayson into this.." He felt like he might die from high blood pressure. The first time Young Master Huey had someone over for the night (who is the second son of Marquess Nevoid), they lost them both. Because they both snuck out. If anything happened to Kayson the marquess and the duke would have his head.

Owen tread towards the open window and skillfully jumped through. His smooth black tailcoat flowing elegantly.

It's time to bring the young masters back.

A shiver ran down Huey's back. They were nearly at the planned spot, but why did something feel off? Disturbed, the duo moved faster. Neither of them talked, saving it for after they crossed the fence. The sky was a pleasing midnight blue with few wispy clouds ornating the area. Despite it, the feeling that something was off just wouldn't leave Huey alone. His paranoia couldn't be this bad could it?

Kayson made eye contact with Huey's. Baby blue met crimson red. It seems they both realized something was wrong. It was too quiet. No birds, no critters, not even any singing crickets.

Kayson wetted his lips and whispered, "Do you—" A sudden jolt. Small, but poked terrifically at his heart, all the same. The tiny jolt was all he needed. Grabbing Huey's wrist he ran to a nearby tree and skillfully climbed it. "Hurry!"

Confused and scared, he tried to scale the plant, but without much luck. The male whispered-yell, "I'm not a monkey. I can't climb this tree!"

"Find another one!" He grew increasingly impatient. Kayson's senses honed from years of swordsmanship and a prestigious bloodline was screaming at him of something, or someone, approaching.

"None of them are tall enough, pull me up!"

"Give me your hand." Stretching out his arm, Huey could hardly reach it on his tiptoes. "You're too short!"

"We're the same height!" He snapped. Kayson couldn't be bothered to annoy his friend and made sure his position was secure.

"Jump! Hurry!" Palms stretched out wider and fingers strained. Huey hesitated for a brief moment, and cursed.

"Fuck!"

And jumped.

The pink haired male prepared himself for a sudden surge in weight, but instead nearly fell off due to how weightless his friend felt. Wait. He was weightless. Something had boosted Huey up and above the branch, just enough so the boy could latch onto it.

What?

Any questions could be saved for later. They peered down anxiously from the tree, and saw the lean figure of Owen emerging from the bushes. Face scarily expressionless. The shadows casted by the surrounding nature generated an eerie and sinister feel of the man.

'Aha! Butler assassin trope! I was right!' The thought flitted past Kayson's mind inappropriately with the current situation. He wanted to slap himself, but held back in fear of alerting the servant.

The brunette snapped his head around and towards their direction. Recognition dawned on him and a polite smile made its way back on. Owen then proceeded to walk towards them.

Oh.

Oh no.

'We're busted! We're so busted! I'm gonna get my head split open! Noooo!' Huey dramatically wailed in his mind. Flailing imaginary arms around.

Owen was directly under them now. Green eyes stared passively ahead and lips parted.

"Mr. Kartlov? What are you doing here?"

Huh?

Kayson nearly fell off the tree. If he did he would've crashed into the butler. Maybe that'll incapacitate him?

"I was cleaning up the training grounds when a bird stole my bread." Uttered the familiar gruff voice of their swordsmanship coach from hell.

'Why is Mr. Joseph here? And why are his excuses so bad?!' Was a mutual thought.

"Oh, I see.." Owen paused, skeptical. True, the middle aged man's excuse had too many holes. The butler cleared his throat. "Have you seen Young Master Huey and Sir Kayson around by any chance? They've snuck out again."

"Hm." No! If he's been here the whole time he definitely saw the two escape up the tree! "I think someone with pink hair went that way." Rough fingers pointed in the general direction of a man-made pond. The brunette smiled, and turned to go after the lead.

"Thank you, I hope you find your bread back." He remarked, before speeding off. Was he seriously not an ex-assassin? Kayson (and now Huey) had a hard time believing that.

Once Owen was out of sight, a sigh of relief trickled out of their mouths. The tension before was so thick they could hardly breathe. Relief was brief, momentarily. That fact only further settled into stone when Joseph made his presence known again.

"What are you two doing up there?" Both of his students stared down like children caught by their parents awake past bedtime.

"H-hello sir." Huey was on the verge of passing out and ascending, while Kayson sweated buckets as he tried to explain what happened. "How's it going?"

~🎩🪄 ✧ ✦~

Lengthier chapter this time lol

I was originally gonna post it 30 minutes ago, but had to delay it because I wrote the last section on the verge of falling asleep and let's just say.. I found some weird ass sentences lol

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