Chapter 15: 12 - Should've Known

Splash

In a separate and smaller room connected to a larger one, was a simply furnished bathroom. A handsome and tall figure wearing a loose white shirt exposing his collarbone, rolled up sleeves, and tucked into black pants, was hunched over the water basin washing his face.

Owen raised his head, usually well kept hair disheveled and damp. Water droplets dripped from his bangs and into the water below, creating small ripples. Coming face to face with a mirror in front, the butler brushed his hair back (temporarily gelled with the water) and inspected his face. Specifically, his left eye.

A wispy jade hue, pale. A cruel difference compared to his right and working eye. A vibrant parakeet with the tiniest hint of peridot. He then scrutinized the ugly scar marring the upper left side of his face. Stemming from his forehead and stretching down to his cheek like cobwebs. At first, he sought to hide this unsightly disfigurement.

He kept wearing the bandages even after recovery. Then he moved on to an eyepatch but quickly discarded it as the wound was far too big to hide (unless he wore a ludicrously large one). After that was makeup, but it could only be concealed for so long. Herbs did not help, unless he continually bought expensive ones. Healing magic was incredibly pricey, and now the scar was much too old for any magic short of a miracle to heal. It was permanent.

So Owen just accepted it.

He was a half blind man now, with a big face scar to boot. All because he had gotten in the way of one of his Young Master's worser tantrums.

He sighed, wiping away any water before walking into his bedroom.

Knock knock

Hm?

Owen perked up and turned to his door. It was well past dinner time, and although admittedly he had retired much earlier than usual, no servant should be seeking his help in any matters or chores near the end of the day. Unless it was about their charge, or on rare occasions one of the other Astaseuls.

Either way it was troublesome.

Owen sighed, far too much these past couple months to his liking and opened the door. Eyes widening while coming face to face with a tuft of black fluffy hair.

"...Young Master?" Why would the youth be knocking at his bedroom in the evening? "What are you doing here?"

Huey bit his lips and looked down at the ground, ashamed. It took a while, but after a bit of coaxing from silence, his voice coming out shook and said, "I'm sorry!"

"...Haa." The butler found himself sighing again. Three times within the span of three minutes! He wanted to laugh and cry. "Come in."

Huey followed the brunette inside, too nervous to take in the styled yet simply furnished room. Sitting opposite each other on the seats, the interrogation began.

"So, what is this about?" Owen, to Huey's dismay, did not look impressed. His displeasure is still very much clear and very much heavy. Only thing that changed from last night was that instead of mostly rage he felt, now it was disappointment.

He fiddled his fingers, "...I came to apologize for last night's.. situation."

Owen smiled ostensibly, "Ah yes, your little midnight expedition where Sir Kayson, the cherished second son of Marquess Nevoid, came back unconscious?"

Huey pursed his lips at the passive aggressive attitude, "...Yes."

Owen hummed, then continued what he wanted to say, "And pray tell, why'd you sneak out like that again—and with Sir Kayson and Sir Joseph this time as well, might I add?" The youth winced. The man really wasn't gonna let him off the hook without making him come clear was he?

"Well," He gulped and speed rambled, "Kayson accidentally ate a dragmire stem and he was too embarrassed to tell his family so we thought maybe trying to reawaken him by fighting a boarvado might work, but somehow Mr. Joseph found out and he tagged along with us and the reawakening succeeded but Kayson got mana exhaustion which is why—"

"Stop." The boy shut his mouth. Owen massaged his forehead and mumbled, "I think I get the gist of it." As much as he could get from that almost inconceivable babble.

Bringing a hand to his chin, he bemoaned.

"Young Master, do you understand the gravity of your actions?"

Huey's eyes flickered between his lap and the other person in the room. Words escaping him as he stumbled over what to say.

"I... I'm.. yes..I do." He felt even more ashamed and Owen nodded, satisfied.

"I understand the sentiment and that you both are of that age, but both of you are also children of two of the most prestigious households in Evendale history. If even one of you came back scathed the consequences would be profound." Maybe not Huey, but either way, "We are especially fortunate Sir Kayson was not seriously harmed lest the injury of the second son of Marquess Nevoid falls on us. If he was hurt badly, there could've been war."

Huey frowned deeper at the mention of a potential house war. Although rare, it wasn't unheard of. Bouts stemming from greed, wrath, sorrow, miscommunication, offences, and much more often led to noble houses battling against each other. If the long standing and powerful Astaseul Duchy faced off against the strong, and eminent Nevoid March... He stopped thinking.

"Not to mention, for reasons his grace would have us servants' heads if he had found out about your little outing, even more so if something were to happen to you" Owen deadpanned and glared at the youth opposite who looked just about ready to combine with the chair with how much he was pushing back and trying to curl in and hide.

"..." Huey's chest felt stuffy with guilt. Cursing and reminding himself to not be so reckless as he is no longer Elijah, but Huey Astaseul where even what he eats can make a rather large impact, he meekly apologized. "I'm sorry..."

Owen leaned back into his own chair and massaged his temple. Grumbling, "Well, it is good that you are deliberately coming to apologize, but remember to retain the dignity befitting an Astaseul no matter the circumstance, especially for you. You of all people should know how impactful impressions can be amongst the nobility."

That was true. Noble life wasn't all just wealth and luxury, they were people tasked with the duty to uphold the kingdom and continent after all. To keep the people in check and govern over the world. No one was stupid enough to bask in the glories of wealth and power that came with the title without upholding their end of the bargain. Born with blue blood brings about significant responsibility. Heck, even Neil and Lein performed their duties properly.

Regardless, understandably noble life would be unbelievably mundane and strict. Thereafter, the slight flaw, the smallest of blemish, a single topic that could poke their interests, they jumped at it. If not for the illustrious history and status the Astaseul Duchy had, their reputation would've been at an all time low from Huey's previous behaviour.

As much as he hated it the twins were partly the reasons why their prestige was preserved as well. Believe it or not they were rather well liked compared to their hellish cousin aka him, even pitied! Aside from their snarky attitudes and how they randomly appeared with Heiden with no sight of their mother (a countess according to rumours), the brothers were capable. Heiden made sure of that, shit as the trio may be.

Huey could already imagine how even if the old him survived, it would all go chuggin along until one of the twins would take the inheritance despite the tradition. I mean, screw some old tradition if it meant a useless and tyrannical successor right?

Owen crossed his legs and suggested, "If you want to go out so badly, just schedule an outing like a normal person. Simple. Unless you're doing something you don't want people knowing?" Like something illegal?

The boy instantly gaped, offended, and shook his head. "I have a feeling I know what you're thinking and no it's nothing of the sort."

"Just making sure." Owen shrugged, "As long as you know the gravity of the situation and you promise to never do it again, I forgive you."

'That easy?'

"Ok, I promise." Probably.

The brunette clapped. "Then I see no merit in being upset any longer." Then proceeded to move forwards and forcibly pull Huey up standing before ushering him towards the door.

"What are you—"

"Look at the time Young Master, it's about time you sleep for the day."

"But it's only—"

"It's already the hour of nine."

Exchanging a couple more words, Huey found himself unceremoniously kicked out of the room. Grumbling, he made his way to his own room just down the hallway.

"Not upset anymore my ass." After fading the gas lamps he collapsed into bed and cuddled into the sheets. In any case, he does have to wake up early so he supposed sleeping at nine was fine. Smirking at the thought of how Owen would react if he found out about his old and erratic sleep schedule.

—*:･ﾟ*✧ —

A month had passed and only two weeks remained until they would have to go back to the academy, and the plot officially begins. Kayson often came over for the sake of hanging out, Project: STFP, lessons with Mr. Joseph, and on some days, getting subjected to Huey's hellish training routine together. In fact, Mr. Joseph had deemed Huey ready and now he had actual sword practice! Kayson acts as his sparring partner on the days he visits (all of it ending in him winning). There were some ups and downs with the servants including the riffraffs in the form of Neil and Lein, but it was fine.

Everything was normal, and he expected this routine to smoothly continue up until the start of school. Key word, expected.

"Sister Natasha's getting married?!"

Sister Natasha wasn't actually his sister. She's his third cousin, the great granddaughter of his great grandaunt. Daughter of Count Loyd Ousdischt and Countess Aileen Astaseul Ousdischt. She belonged in one of the closer branch families the extensive Astaseul Duchy had.

Huey didn't really bother remembering them all.

Usually, someone would hardly know any of their relatives that went past first cousin right? Well coincidentally his mother, Delilah Chrysanthine, was a close acquaintance with the countess. Often attending high teas and luncheons together and it is through that connection that she meets his father and her future husband.

With both parents being well acquainted with the Ousdischt family, Huey had naturally become close-ish to their daughter, Natasha. She was a couple years older than him and he regarded her as an actual older sister. Albeit admittedly their relationship did become estranged after his parents' death (Huey's reputation certainly didn't help). They'll occasionally reunite at family events and ceremonies such as a wedding. Now, it was hers.

This was a bit strange. Obviously it wasn't mentioned in the novel but he didn't remember sister Natasha marrying at this time. Wasn't it a couple months or years later? Despite the years that passed, this particular fact stuck for some reason (Just like the random childhood memory where he found a penny on the side of the road).

Did the plot deviate?

Him and Kayson meeting were inevitable but what factored into this?

He expected with his antagonizing and demon collusion gone, changes would've sprouted. That was fine as long as any major incidents didn't deviate too much. He had to milk the most benefits out of his future knowledge after all, what use would it be if it changed?

Space time was warping, and he didn't like it.

Well putting those philosophical issues aside, in a couple of days was his sister Natasha's wedding with Lady Leumont—and he was invited! Huey smiled gleefully, he was really happy for Natasha. She's always been such a romantic, spewing on and off about how she was gonna meet her beloved one day and it'd be love at first sight. Then going into even more detail over how she'd court them, their wedding, and much more. Yet even well past the average age of marriage amongst noblewomen she remained in the ripe ol' state of single.

Now he wouldn't have to hear her single woes on the rare chances they meet up.

But of course, such a special ceremony means dressing up again. Huey didn't exactly want to go through that morning with those Cheshire maids, but he did promise...

Slapping his cheeks he motivated himself, "I can't look bad at sister Natasha's wedding! I'm sure it won't be too bad."

...Was what he said.

From being woken up at ungodly hours, breakfast, bath, the very tedious routine of putting on the multi-layered fancy clothes, the same group of maids from last time debating between accessories, makeup, hair, and finally ushered into a separate carriage, he was off.

"I don't think I'll ever be able to get used to that." The male sighed.

Huey was dressed in a mahogany suit with one side short and the other draping down to his ankles. Silver insignias in the form of vines and stars adorning his chest. His sleeves were loose and slitted, revealing the dress shirt inside. Gold pearl cufflinks matching with the hairpin holding back his half gelled hair. Beige gloves and ombré brown dress shows. Finally, two crimson peony pins and the same brooch from before tied the look all together.

(Something like this 😁)

Huey groaned into the air. He couldn't stop one of the maids from rubbing some sort of glitter all over his hair. In the first place, why?!? He really hoped they washed off easily, as he definitely did not want to spend the next year discovering new glitter particles wherever he went.

After an hour most of which consisted of him suppressing carriage nausea, they arrived. Huey was a bit concerned for the horses as it was an uphill path, fortunately the coachmen seemed to be pampering them a lot.

As the sun had not yet risen with autumn soon approaching the temperature was fairly cold and humid. Even more so with the high altitude. Upon getting off the carriage and being exposed to the mountain air, Huey felt his arms raise goosebumps and a slight red tinge his cheeks.

Sweeping a look around he couldn't help but whisper a wow at the sight.

The sky retained a sapphire blueish purple shade, faintly visible stars hanging above behind thin wispy clouds.

The wedding venue was set at a popular sightseeing place by the Enyin Bridge. A cliff that extended downwards to a canyon, nearby the headquarters of the Church of Creation. In the distance the grand and solemn Cathedral of Sentience in all its glory stood erected like a mystical palace. He could hardly imagine how glorious the art would glisten when aureate sun rays cast over. The ones he saw at the Nevoid estate could hardly compare, sorry Kayson.

Enyin Bridge itself is a breathtaking sight, with Enyills spread across the landscape and dying it in the colours of light. Said to only grow on the lands blessed by the Goddess Eelia, the petals are just as soft and delicate as they are beautiful.

They were flowers resembling a more lavish magnolia with an intricately unique characteristic.

Enyills were transparent, but were reflective. Making it so that it'll appear in whatever color the light rays are. Hence, the wedding was set to begin during sunrise which was impossibly early during summer. He had to wake up at three in the morning. Three! Three was when he'd fall asleep on weekends as Elijah! Huey lamented, at least the sight was worth it.

Normally the actual wedding part would commence a little later, but as the sunrise went by quickly that was the first thing on the schedule.

Either because it was early in the morning, or not wanting to break the ethereal mood, the crowd was pleasantly silent. Quickly Huey and the others found their assigned tables. The furnishings were adorned with velvety beige cloths, cutlery, flowers, jewels, and a parasol supporting the floral statue of a swan above.

Huey sipped at the cup of water offered at each table while scanning the other guests. Some were familiar faces while others not so much.

"Miss Vanny, Lady Kiana, Mr. Minson, brother Pietro, who?, Auntie Penny, and.."

Ruby eyes stopping on a person, widened. He let out a shallow gasp.

Middle length platinum blonde hair cascading down to the shoulder blades, a pair of half lidded enchanting violet eyes, pale skin, lean and tall stature, it was Maxim Chrysanthine in the flesh, his maternal uncle, and the person he least yet most wanted to see.

"Uncle Maxim.." He murmured, and Heiden cracked open an eye to search for said man. Spotting him, he paused, and looked away.

"Stop looking like an unbecoming fool, go greet him if you must." Adjusting his gloves, the man's voice came off signaturily cold.

He was a bit surprised his uncle even spoke to him at all, expecting the man to ignore him until absolutely necessary. Recovering from the brief fluster the youth nodded and moved to stand up. But just as he was about to leave, the peals of the Sanctus bell could be heard, forcing him to sit back down. The tintinnabulation like heavy wind chimes signifying the sun rise and start to a new day. On cue the first rays of daylight peeked it's way above the horizon and stabbed Huey right in the eye.

He winced and shut his eyes, blinking out the white blurs splotching his vision. The momentary blindness disappeared as quickly as it came, just in time for the appearance of the brides.

Behind the cute flower girls sprinkling petals everywhere, coming arm in arm, was Natasha and Lady Leumont. Matching outfits catching the sun rays just right and highlighting the merry atmosphere.

Dressed in a white pantsuit with an elegant double layered waist cape of the same fabric, Natasha appeared regal and noble. Her long hair which appeared black, but shone a royal blue tint under light, was styled in a tasteful low ponytail of some sort tied together by a white bow. Thick braids looping under it at her nape. Tiny floral hair pins attached on a detailed veil cascaded down, matching with her waist cape. While the suit in itself was rather plain and modern, the translucent sash acting as the longer upper layer of her cape dragged majestically across the flower field.

(Simplified version of what I had in mind, I'm not exactly sure what hair style it is. French braid pony tail? 😕)

Her dark eyes flitted around nervously as she and her partner escorted eachother down to the podium. A blush dusting her fair face with pink.

By her side was her fiancé, Lady Juliana Leumont. Carrying a gorgeous bouquet that complimented her gown well. Juliana's face was obscured by her veil, much much longer than that of Natasha's which was pinned at the back of her head and exposing her face. Huey could barely see the mint green hair styled into a French side bun beneath it. Her dress fitted her body perfectly, with a tight fitting bodice and a transparent lace long sleeve shirt underneath. The skirt was bountiful and well layered, extending to her heels.

The two were gorgeous. The tiny embroidery, accessories, and details in their outfits all following a specific floral theme.

The crowd's applause and cheers died down when the pair arrived at the podium, where a priest awaited them. From the side, the brides' parents and close attendants could be seen with large smiles plastered on their faces that would certainly last the entire day.

"Greetings father." Natasha greeted the priest responsible for performing their rite of marriage. His hands came together in a crossed gesture, right palm laid flat over the left and bowed.

"Greetings to you as well child, may the goddess bless you and your spouse." Juliana followed the praying gesture as best as she could with a small bouquet in her arms.

"Praise the lady." She sang, her face hidden by the veil blushing crazy from emotions as she faced her fiancé.

The priest then looked towards the crowd, outstretching his arms. "First, I would like to greet everyone present here to witness this holy matrimony between two lovely ladies. Amongst the blessed land, up above the starry welkins, the goddess, sends out her blessings and goodwill to this betrothal, and to the betrotheds."

Clap clap clap

Applauses rang out, and after a couple more words the marriage vows officially began.

The priest looked towards Natasha who gazed warmly and lovingly at the woman opposite, asking, "Do you, Natasha Ousdischt, take Juliana Leumont, to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?"

"I do."

"And do you, Juliana Leumont, take Natasha Ousdischt, to be your—"

"I do!" She beamed.

The priest nodded and turned towards Natasha again. "Then repeat after me."

""I, Natasha Ousdischt, take you Juliana Leumont, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.""

Then to Juliana.

""I, Juliana Leumont, take you Natasha Ousdischt, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.""

The guests watched on in gleeful anticipation as the priest offered up a red cushion. On it were two rings laid neatly on top of eachother. One was a much more modest, yet elegant one while the other was thin, but shaped with intricacy. Precious jewels embedded in each.

"Please place your rings." The father stated.

Taking the one on the top, Natasha gingerly took Juliana's hand in hers, positioning the jewelry on the tip of the ring finger. "I give you this ring, my beautiful Juliana, as the pledge and vow, the token and proof, of our engagement and abiding love." She smiled and slipped it on.

Juliana felt like her heart might combust soon, shakily taking the remaining ring she giggled and did the same. "Likewise, darling."

The priest, putting away the cushion, raised his arms in a proclaiming way. Announcing heartily, "By virtue of the authority vested in me under the power of the goddess, I now pronounce you wife and wife."

The applause and cheers of congratulations, blessings, and well wishes laced in bliss and pride resounded throughout the space. Each guest found themselves hosting a smile at the sweet display.

"You may kiss the bride."

With that, the priest excused himself and gave the newlyweds space. Natasha softly traced her fingers over the veil blocking her now wife's face. Slowly sweeping it back to expose soft and droopy lime green eyes.

"You're lovely." She breathed, closing her eyes and leaning in slowly. Juliana grinned profusely and threw the bouquet away, grabbed her wife's face, and impatiently brought it down, connecting their lips. Soft, she noted, so gonna pepper her with kisses later.

A pulsing noise sounded as the countess took a picture with the magic technology equivalent of a camera, a record orb. Catching how the sun sat behind them just right and the light glistened. The record orb was expensive, but it was definitely worth the cost.

Meanwhile, a couple ladies screamed as the discarded bouquet flew in the air. Outstretching their arms in the hopes of catching it... only for it to land directly onto Huey's laps.

"Huh."

Taking the pretty arrangements of flowers consisting of white carnations, gardenias, anthurium, roses, and nerines, he casually tossed them over his shoulder at the ladies behind him far too happy at the fantasy and prospect of walking down the aisle next. Dreaming of their future partners and love life. Huey shook his head and smiled wryly, ah the joys of myths. He didn't believe in these superstitions, but it didn't hurt to humour those that did.

Completely disregarding Lein and Neil's sniggers as if they didn't exist, Huey moved to do what he wished to since the start. Talk with his uncle, the better one.

'But what should I talk about? Art?'

Spotting his uncle amongst the guests was rather easy as he was particularly tall and preferred less crowded areas. Thinking people as bothersome. As expected, the man stood near the back, admiring the view. Huey gulped down his anxiety and headed towards the man who sacrificed himself for him in his first life, who cared for him when others didn't, who inspired his passion and hobby for art. Well, too late to think about what to say now that he was right before said man.

Huey fiddled his thumbs. "...Uncle Maxim, hello." A second. "It's been a while."

The blonde man silently stared at his nephew. He did hear rumours of his nephew's new and docile attitude, but he hadn't expected for the boy to deliberately come up to him. Albeit aggressive towards others, he was simply quiet around him. Aside from basic greetings and etiquette, the boy hardly talked with him. Making the rare uncle-nephew exchanges impossibly awkward and silent. Finding that he had been zoning out for too long, Maxim's rushed voice came out staggered.

"H—ello Huey," Goddess he wanted to slap himself. "I suppose it has been a while, a year..? You've grown taller." Maxim, despite having become accustomed to these stiff conversations between family, still did not stop feeling iffy from the frequent long pauses. Even he himself was guilty!

Huey hummed, "I believe it has." A year for you, sixteen for me. "By the way, I started drawing a while ago and.. uhm... I was.. wondering if you could tell me... how you managed to achieve that.. ambience in your paintings?" Voice growing smaller and face redder with each word. Why did he feel so embarrassed all of a sudden? He asked these types of questions all the time to his art teacher!

The blonde, on the other hand, was somewhat stunned. His infamous nephew taking up the peaceful (sort of) hobby in art? Now that was something he didn't expect, although he does suppose the kid had an interest in watching him draw and admiring his artworks, going as far as to break into his studio multiple times. Sighs, Astaseuls.

Thinking a bit, Maxim spoke.

"...I suppose it relies on the principle of balance, especially between harmony and colour. But, feeling is also important."

"Feeling?"

"Yes, think of it this way. As long as one has a canvas and the tools needed anyone can make art, but it's the feelings that truly guide it. If your hand and brush is the crook then your emotions are the shepherd. Only artworks drawn from the heart, led by thought can achieve its full potential. Passion is important in such a noble art."

"Huh, makes sense." Oddly enough. He's heard this type of ideology all the time in different media.

After exchanging a bit of small talk, Huey noticed Heiden and the other two getting up presumably to congratulate the brides. Lein signalling for him to come over.

"Well I think I'll go first, thank you for the tip and.." Should he say it? "...Thanks, for staying with me. "

In the past, the present, and the future. Huey turned and left, yeah waking up this early was worth it.

He was already a couple steps ahead when his uncle called out, "Wait... when you have time, come by my place sometimes.." Seeing Huey's surprise he looked away, ears reddening from something other than the cold. "I can teach you some more tips, if you want."

Oh?

Huey couldn't believe his ears. Him? Art lessons? With his uncle?! He was ecstatic, not just because of the prospect he gets to have art lessons with the very man that inspired the hobby, but because this is their first proper step at uncle-nephew bonding in years!

To say he was excited was an understatement, so much so he yelled.

"Really?!—ah—khuhum, yes, I'll keep that in mind."

...Before quickly regaining composure.

Voicing out brief farewells the boy ran off to rendezvous with the rest of his family, and Maxim watched his figure quickly shrink and disappear into the crowd. Looking into the distant cathedral bathing in the glory sun, Maxim huffed and shook his head, a subtle smile gracing his features.

"He's a lot like you."

—*:･ﾟ*✧ —

Huey slumped onto a couch in his sleepwear. Fatigue plaguing his being with his eyelids weighing like lead. From waking up three in the morning (he did go to sleep early), getting ready. carriage ride, the wedding, coming back, and taking the outfit off (which was just as tedious, but infinitely more relieving), he was spent.

He knew he probably should've laid down on the bed, but the couch was so much closer. Ahh he didn't want to get up. With a hand over his eyes, Huey humoured the idea of just falling asleep like this. The couch was just as comfortable as the bed minus the limited and blanket-less space.

Tap tap

"Hm?"

He cracked open an eye and looked around through half lidded eyes. Where?

Tap tap

It sounded again, crisp and clean.

Window?

An uneasy feeling brewed in his guts. This is like every horror movie warning before the creepy shit starts happening! He didn't sign up for the horror genre! Freezing for at least a good minute, the rhythmical tapping increasing in frequency, as if the culprit was growing extremely impatient.

Chirp!

Chirp?...A bird?

"So it's just a bird.." Huey breathed a sigh of relief then irritation. Why was a bird knocking on his window at night? With much difficulty he heaved himself up and stumbled towards the window. Amidst the darkness sat a small white fluff ball on his windowsill. Angrily pecking at his window.

His eyebrow creased and he clicked his tongue. "Tsk, don't do that."

Opening the window and shooing the bird away, Huey clicked the window shut. Scratching the back of his head he decided to move to the bed.

Chirp chirp!!

"Wha?"

Whipping around the little bird he thought he had shooed away was perched on a lamp not too far away, chirping angrily. How'd it get in?! He was positive he had shooed it away and shut the window before it could get in. His brain wasn't braining even with drowsiness quickly trickling away as he scrutinized the little animal. It looked clean and groomed, like someone's pet. Especially with that posh attitude the bird seemed to have. The fluff ball pouted and flapped its wings around in irate.

'Cute.'

It was indeed very cute, which was why hypothetically what could someone's pet bird be doing knocking on his window? Stretching out a hand, he brushed the top of its head. Heart squeezing when the animal nuzzled up to it.

"Hey little guy, where'd you come from?" He drawled softly. The bird chirped in response and showed him its leg. Tied with a velvety red ribbon and a...

A letter?

The same uneasy feeling came back, but for a whole other reason. Whereas the earlier one was based on paranoia and fear of the unknown, this one was threateningly ominous.

Detaching the letter he set the item aside and prepared a small tray of water for the bird. Settling down on his desk, he frowned at the rolled up parchment. His glare alone was capable of burning a hole through it.

'What could it be?' The answer to that question is capable of grave circumstances depending on what it is. Huey tapped his desk rhythmically. He was certainly chary of opening and reading the contents, but it's not like he could ignore it either.

"Let's just get it over with." With his mind resolved, Huey leerily unraveled the letter.

Reading the contents, complicated emotions stirred, and not good ones.

"Huuu.." Huey plopped the letter face down on the desk, sighing. The boy gazed pensively up at the ceiling, a hurricane of thoughts kicking up in his head.

"I should've known it wouldn't be this easy."

~🎩🪄 ✧ ✦~

I uploaded later than usual because I'm out at sea 🌊☹️ Anyways, eee I was originally planning on a double update but I was busy yesterday, sorry lol 😬

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