Chapter 8: 06 - Twins

Huey laid awake in his bed, washed up, and changed. Having been forcibly tucked in (and smacked) by Owen who had somehow found out about his little outing. The butler had thankfully not confiscated his purchases which consisted of a gem, a bracelet, a couple snacks, some herbs, and other materials. Surely it would've aroused suspicions with his old habit of randomly poisoning people.

He sulked. "It's not like I was out until 1am."

He was used to the sleep schedule now, but he couldn't help but look back to when it was one messed up puzzle. Sleeping three hours one day and thirteen the next, no wonder he was the shortest guy in class.

"I'm pretty sure I'm fine now right? Average height?"

Nevertheless, small musings could not delay the main issue.

He had met the protagonist.

He had helped the protagonist in place of the female lead.

He had met the protagonist.

He had MET the protagonist.

"MY MURDERER!" Huey cried into a pillow. Fortunately the sound was muffled because if the son of a duke suddenly cried out "MURDERER" in the middle of the night... let's just say that there'd be some panic.

Although Sorin is not a murderer yet, the fact that he did get sort of tortured and killed by him is still pretty fresh in his mind. Not a very great last impression, but it's not like Huey left a good one either.

"I suppose I deserved it.. Oh well it's not like he'll murder me this time. I'm not gonna go around slaughtering people again hahaha." He awkwardly laughed.

Peeering up defeatedly at the ceiling, Huey recalled the past events. Listing it out with his fingers.

"So I met Sorin, helped him in place of Celine aka ruining the prologue, he has one of my names, he's a stupid fuck-I mean who goes around telling strangers which family they're from? And, he does not know my face.." He paused. The sounds of realization sinking in louder than ever. "He does not know my face!"

The outfit had a mask!

Until this small won hope deflated like a balloon.

"Wait, but red eyes are basically the signature of the Astaseul bloodline."

Huey could distantly hear something break in his consciousness.

"Ah that's the sound of my future shattering ahahahahahahahahahaha." If someone else had been in the room they probably would have thought the Young Master of the Astaseul Duchy was insane. Not the worst rumours he's faced, and certainly not original. "Maybe I am insane, and this is all a long ass dream before death. Maybe my body's bleeding out right now under the bridge with the other bodies. Like the bus driver's, and Kayden's..."

An unknown amount of silence passed by. Huey's throat felt parched and his eyes throbbed with pain slightly.

Deep down Huey knew this was not a dream. It was far too realistic, too sentient, too hopeful to be a product of his mind. He got a third chance at life, but what about Kayden? They both died, but it feels like only one did. The look of fear the boy had right before impact would torment him every other night.

Huey held up his arm, the purchased bracelet dangling delicately on his wrist. It wasn't the same, but the closest resemblance to the ones they had.

The male squeezed his eyes. Black bangs caressing the side of his face. "Wherever you are I hope you're not in a hellhole like me."

Ever since coming back to Evendale, the whole situation has been so much that he's never properly grieved. For his friend, for his family, for his home, for his world, and for himself. Huey grit his teeth and repressed tears finally shed.

"Fuck."

After the last few inconceivable grumbles, the quiet sobs slowly smoothened out until the unstable breathing melted into that of steady slumber.

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

Huey's eyes ached. They were red and puffy from crying to sleep. Thanks to sensitive skin, his eyelids were practically swollen. Huey hissed when Owen pressed a cold cloth on his eyes. The dabs were gentle yet the silence carried a harsh viciousness.

"I've cancelled morning swordsmanship. Your eyes should not be exposed to sunlight so soon. Please keep the cloth against it until the heat subsides, ring the bell if you need assistance."

"Thank you Owen."

Owen did not reply. After the butler left, Huey plopped back into bed with the wet cloth obscuring his vision. The damp feeling did wonders against the ache.

"Augh I haven't experienced this in years! it's as shitty as I remember."

After all, at the academy he didn't really have the luxury to cry and living as Elijah was a lot more pleasant.

The late duchess, Delilah Chrysanthine, was a beautiful, strong, yet (like every other pampered noble lady) frail woman. Long black curly hair, porcelain skin, kind violet eyes, and a soothing jasmine scent. Huey, who had taken after his father in nearly every aspect, had somehow inherited his mother's sensitive skin.

"A couple tears and it hurts like shit.. mother, why!?"

Fortunately his overall physicality took after his father-which includes recovery speed. A couple minutes of relaxation ticked by until his eyes didn't feel as raw. The irritation soon calmed thanks to the cloth.

Afterwards, his lessons went by as usual up until the hour long intermission until dinner.

Owen's distinct polite knocks sounded three times. He's not sure how a knock can be distinct but Owen's just is (at least to him).

"Come in."

"Young Master, the lord demands your presence at the south pavilion."

"Alright. Also, no need to prepare a carriage. It's a nice day and I feel like stretching my legs."

"Understood, please be patient as I go fetch the parasol."

The parasol in question had a flat maroon shade. The handle and stick was smooth dark wood engraved with the Astaseul symbol. It was not extravagant by any means, but still retained a regal elegance in simplicity. Owen held the article above Huey and effectively blocked out the sunlight. He muttered a quiet thankyou and the duo sauntered off.

Nearly there, misfortune just had to strike. Two identical figures, each with different styled black hair, the same wine red pupils, and matching disdainful expressions.

Neil and Lein.

'NO!' The younger cried out in dismay internally, the complete opposite to his external appearance.

Neil snickered, his mouth pulled into a (punchable) mocking sneer. "The rat's finally left the east wing. For a while I thought you had finally rotted in a corner somewhere."

"I forgot he even existed." Lein adds. The male's infuriating indifference somehow complemented his brother's spiteful attitude.

As much as Huey wanted to beat them up and punch their nose in, his reputation would hit rock bottom. He'd probably get disowned, and most likely assassinated by his enraged cousins. Until he has enough power he only needs to endure.

'I've endured twelve years of this bullshit before, I can handle a couple minutes.'

Forcing a placid expression Huey initiated a proper greeting. "Good day to you two as well, cousins."

"Tch hearing his voice pisses me off." Neil clicked his tongue.

'You piss me off!'

Internally, Huey was having a war with staying undercover or just jumping them. Although he most likely wouldn't win, nobody said he couldn't go for certain areas (mouth, nose, eyes, etc). Most would call it foul play, but who cares?

"Just seeing him pisses you off Neil." Quickly came Lein's remark.

'I'm seriously going to run you both over with a truck and send the two of you into an apocalyptic world! See how your prissy asses can survive!'

"You're right. Hey scum what are you doing here? Don't you know trash should stay put lest it dirties the space around it? You're useless and a stain on the family name, I'm not sure why father even kept you." The oldest twin glared down. As infuriating as it is, the twins were at least half a head taller. From the abysmal bottom of his heart Huey begged for a growth spurt soon.

The boy's expression nearly contorted from distaste and spite. If this was the modern world he would not let this ridicule and provocation slide.

'I'd definitely ratio, cancel, and doxx them on Tw^tter so hard.'

Owen, who was observing everything silently, held a grim expression. The butler's frown would be intimidating had the twins actually cared to look. Oblivious to the internal murderous frenzy of the youngest Astaseul, and the homocidal glare from the butler, they continued taunting.

"What's with that look? We all know the only reason you're able to experience living in luxury is because you're an Astaseul. Yet you're so useless and disgraceful to this family we might as well throw you out into the streets."

Fed up with his cousins and on the verge of beating them up, Huey decided to speak up.

"To answer your question from before, I am here under uncle's orders. Now will you please stop blocking my way so he needn't wait any longer?" He grinded his teeth. Acting polite to Neil of all people was equivalent to chipping a human sized hole in his pride.

'For my survival..'

"Father called you? Maybe he's finally issuing your-"

"Neil." A stand-offish voice interrupted. It was smooth and deep with an imperceptible rumble.

Immediately, the twins composed themselves. Sporting an image extremely contrasting to the derisive one before. Next to their father, Duke Heiden Astaseul, they looked diminutive and puny. Huey would've laughed had that not applied to him as well.

The man in question gazed at them detachedly. The unapproachable bearing did not falter even with his children. Sparing a casual glance at the twins, Heiden focused on Huey instead.

"You're late." The remark was steady and held an imposing authority-even with just two words.

The black haired boy wetted his lips. "My apologies, I was held up."

To that the duke turned to gaze at his sons with a silent command. With a difficult expression (Neil), the twins quickly excused themselves. Taking this opportunity, Owen also moved a couple feet back with his head lowered. Far enough to not intrude on their conversation, but close enough to assist his master if needed.

Seemingly satisfied with the rearrangements Heiden refocused on his nephew. "Well done on your studies, I've heard much from your instructors."

"I'm grateful for the praise." Huey responded with the same manner as before. His eyes focused on his uncle's nose bridge between the eyes (not wanting to make eye contact yet not wanting to appear disregarding either).

"However." A pause. "What is this I hear about horseback and swordsmanship lessons?" The male's heart palpitated for a second. The question, how did he find out? Flitted across his mind in rapt speed.

'Obviously the instructors reported to him on how shitty my results were.' The voice inside his mind helpfully answered.

Huey was excelling in all academic lessons, physical on the other hand...

'It's not my fault I'm no longer used to physical exertion, I always get a C in PE! Aish, it was bound to be discovered anyways. I'm just surprised how long it took.'

Taking a mental deep breath, Huey decided to put on the most penitent expression his face could allow him to.

"My apologies, I will work to improve my result."

'Here it comes..'

"Work on your result?" The enquiry carried an irritated rasp.

'You only care about me when it comes to reputation.'

"Do you take me for a fool? Do you take our family's name for a fool? I've been generous and ignored much of your unsightly actions, but now you're failing your classes as well?! How will people react when my nephew can't even ride a horse, or hold a sword? This plummet in result is forbidden. The next time your instructors send a report I expect you to have at least recovered your previous scores. Am I understood?" Heiden's red eyes screamed murder and Huey could not do anything but stare at the ground.

The stifled silence stretched on for eternity between them, only to be cut down by the Duke's reiteration. More blade than words.

"Am I understood?"

Huey scrambled to reply, the words coming out meek.

"Yes sir." He internally slapped himself.

"Louder."

"Yes sir. I will not let you down."

Heiden narrowed his eyes. "Keep your position in this family and how you should live up to it in mind at all times. If an incident like this reoccurs, I might have to get rid of your little butler." There was a subtle lilt that made Huey's heart fall down to his stomach. He knew this was not just a threat. Heiden is a man capable of many many things, but compassion was not. The man ignored how shaken Huey was and continued. "Additionally, the tailor has finished the apparels. It will soon arrive later in the day so do try it on and to immediately report if there are any issues or necessary modifications."

Huey suppressed his fear and anger which quickly diffused like a flame in water. How can someone threaten a person then immediately switch onto clothes?! Nevertheless, he was used to how irksome his uncle can be, as infuriating as it is. Reaffirming the fact that he took it for a decade then, he can take a couple minutes now. The boy nodded succinctly.

"Yes."

A couple seconds ticked by before the older spoke. Heiden for once sounded slightly unsure. "And Huey."

The boy in question looked up at his uncle, Inquisitive and curious.

"Do try to habitually dress appropriately. I understand it's on manor grounds, however an Astaseul must showcase utmost dignity."

In response, Huey looked down to take in his outfit. A plain white dress shirt tucked into high-waist black trousers. For earth standards he was fully dressed, but was certainly an inappropriate look for nobles in Evendale. Huey did not really plan to change for this man's contentment though. The habits on Earth are still too strong.

'Comfort is the way to go! Screw decorum!'

"I will keep that in mind."

'Not!' Huey mentally blew a raspberry.

Nodding. "That shall be all then. You are excused."

Heiden promptly spun around. The carmine shoulder cape with the Astaseul symbol embroidered on neatly fluttered. With his uncle departing this was his cue to leave as well, and he'd gladly take it. Huey and Owen returned back to the east wing. Delightfully, the remainder of the day was spent in pleasant tranquility.

~🎩🪄 ✧ ✦~

Neil and Lein are such a funky duo their names were the product of a random keyboard smash lolllll.

ALSO the noises came back I'm so pissed I'm ready to mummify someone with tape.

Remember to vote! ⭐️👈🤨