Chapter 9: 07 - House Nevoid

Days passed and the anticipated party was upon them. Huey was awoken by a group of Cheshire-like maids, Elaine's grin especially foreboding. Each of them had their hands pushed together itching to do something. His sixth sense screamed at him about a bad omen, and Huey wandered if it was possible to escape.

Cold sweat germinated on his back. He wetted his lips and asked with apprehension. "What are you scheming..."

The brunette merely smiled benignly. "Whatever do you mean Young Master? We're merely doing our job. Now stay still." Despite the polite tone her words were somewhat laced in passive aggression.

'Is this their revenge..?' Internally sobbing, Huey came to accept his fate for the day.

That morning, the kind and cute maids transformed into the terrifying neighborhood aunties. The ones with hair curlers still in the hair, matte nail polish, cozy clothes, and designer brand slippers and bags.

Huey shivered. Remembering how as a kid he'd be left in their care when his parents were busy. The bows, the hair styles, the photographs...

After a rushed breakfast, they first bathed him, rubbed scented hair oil into his hair, had all sorts of ointments spread onto his face (which included a rather relaxing facial), brushed his hair, and finally they brought out the clothes.

It consisted of an onyx tailcoat with gold embroideries of peonies and stars with clouds in the back. On the inside of the coat was a beautiful pale gold pattern which formed similar looking images akin to the outer embroidery. The cuffs were white, each adorned with two ruby cufflinks. His gloves were thin, the same shade as his coat. The dress shirt was platinum white, the silk fabric casting a shiny and rich cascade. The pigment contrasting nicely with the lavish coat. A shoulder cape draped down to his knees dyed in rose gold, the shadows ashy and cool. The pants were plain white. Nothing extravagant apart from the material. It fit his legs perfectly, giving the flattering illusion of length and slenderness. The shoes were dark as obsidian, the polished leather stitched cleanly together to fit snugly around his feet.

That baldy tailor really out did himself.

Now seated, the maids styled, undid, then restyled his hair until they were satisfied. His hair still retained the usual style and fluff, however more modest and contained. No wild strands, just puffy soft curls. The accessories they spent half an hour deciding on sat snugly on his head. A dusty rose pin which held tiny carnelian rubies matched with the gem brooch adorned on his shirt's ruff.

A berry blush tinted his lips which stood out against his pale skin. Yet none of it could compare to the shade of his eyes accentuated with eyeshadow and highlights.

Huey let out an imperceptible breath upon seeing the completed look in the mirror. The appearance was dignified yet humble enough to not be deemed rude. His reflection was beautiful, living proof of the girls' hard work. Speaking of, the group squealed with satisfaction, content, and accomplishment. They were fatigued, but their eyes glimmered with pride.

The male took in everything slowly, appreciating the details. He gave a small smile and expressed his gratitude.

"Thank you." For the maids, the tailor, and the rest of the servants. In response the maids beamed brightly, giggling amongst themselves.

Elaine spoke for their behalf. "It is our honour Young Master. To tell you the truth we've been wanting to dress you up for a while now, but in the past you'd always refuse anything complex." She sighed with eyebrows furrowed slightly.

Huey chuckled. He recalled the reason why. First it was too troublesome, second he was anxious that he'd mess it up, third he was worried the twins would stir up trouble again, and fourth he did not enjoy wearing the clothes his uncle chose. Being next to them especially when the family relation was evident is a painful reminder that they were family. The families in the books he's read were loving, enjoyable, had normal conflicts, joys, and memories. His family consisted of an uncle who could care less about him than a speck of dust, and two older cousins who scorned him each time they met. His mother succumbed to illness when he was a toddler, and his father soon followed suit after an untimely carriage incident. Both parents crossed to the afterlife and left him at the young age of five. Naturally he'd seek comfort from his only remaining family, only to be pushed away. Thus to even think of relishing in luxuries provided by his tormentor felt like taboo.

'It's a stupid mindset considering the only reason I'm alive and have an education is because he provides it for me. Limiting the rebellion to just clothes in this aspect does nothing but stain my reputation as a spoiled brat, trouble those around me, and have people pity uncle and the shit twins.'

So he decided to stop this small conviction.

"You needn't worry anymore, I won't refuse to dress up for important occasions from now on."

The girls exchanged certain looks before high fiving. Seconds went by and three polite knocks sounded behind the door. Elaine went to open it and move out of the way for Owen. The man in question studied Huey's appearance, nodded, before escorting him to the carriages. The boy walked in quiet trepidation followed by a couple of servants. His cape fluttered softly with each step as he reached the departure gate.

Stationed along the road were three magnificent carriages. Two identical, and one larger-more intricate-in front. He glanced at the twins who looked no less dazzling as him. They sneered upon seeing him before climbing into the second carriage, leaving him the third and last. The duke was nowhere to be seen, he surmised that the man's already inside the first cart. Huey wasted no time and promptly entered the third caravan.

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

The sun was at its highest peak when they departed, now it was leaning towards the west. An hour had passed before they arrived at Marquess Nevoid's estate. Albeit smaller than the Astaseul Dukedom, it was just as lavish if not more. As Heiden's aesthetic tastes were much more minuscule and reserved, the estates naturally followed suit. Consisting mostly of natural and simple decoratives.

Marquess Nevoid however, adored showing off his wealth. The gardens were kept tidy with a variety of plants inhabiting it, there were a minimum of three fountains with numerous cherubs and religious statues. The Nevoid Manor was white in colour with red tiled roofs. In one of the corners was a glass catenary which formed a beautiful stained glass painting. Huey could hardly imagine how ethereal it'd look on the inside.

A servant guided their carriages to an empty space to park. Upon disembarking, they were escorted into the manor. The large room they entered seemed to be tailored to receive guests. A couple of seats lined against the wall, simple pastries being offered on coffee tables, and beautiful bouquets in intricate vases stood in front of the marble pillars. Three large crystal chandeliers illuminated the large and idle space which connected to two winding staircases at the other side of the room.

The footman who quickly checked them in inhaled before loudly announcing their arrival.

"Duke Heiden Astaseul! Sir Neil Astaseul! Sir Lein Astaseul! And Sir Huey Astaseul of the Astaseul dukedom!" The voice was loud and audible with clear pronunciations.

All the guests who had arrived turned to look at the four who waltzed in. All sorts of people inspected them for any flaw, drama, or point to exploit as noble life is repetitive. The nobility will often incite drama, rumours, and more just for entertainment. The higher the house's authority the more messy it is.

'No wonder uncle is so hell bent on reputation this, reputation that.' He thought absentmindedly. Ignoring the discomforting stares.

The four exuded dignity and grace. Backs straight and an unapproachable expression, everyone soon gave up digging for any imperfections. Some looked away while others admired. This atmosphere was soon interrupted by the appearance of the host.

Marquess Sylvan Nevoid. A middle aged man with grey hair, prominent strength, and height. His eyes were a baby blue holding the liveliness of his youth.

He carried himself with a jolly and infectious smile contrary to his wife who looked stern and inflexible.

Odalia Nevoid, luscious pink locks with a wheat shade for eyes. An austere woman who loves and would do anything for her family (albeit not as noticeable). The couple was truly the definition of a gentle giant and a malicious midget (she's not actually a midget, Sylvan is just abnormally tall), cat and dog, black and white. An opposition couple.

A haughty laugh echoed from the top of the stairs. Marquess Nevoid grinned auspiciously.

"Greeting ladies and gentlemen! I am forever grateful that you have all decided to come and celebrate my eldest son's coming of age celebration! To think my darling boy is already twenty! They grow so fast." This earned a couple laughs from the audience. Odalia patted her husband's back to continue his speech. "An old man's reminiscing aside, please welcome my son, Kaleb Nevoid, to make his speech!"

The couple stepped aside to welcome a lean young man with ash pink hair and blue eyes. He was dressed in a red suit with gold accents. Wearing a confident grin, Kaleb bowed his head in courteousness. The crowd applauded in anticipation.

He cleared his throat, "Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you all for attending my twentieth birthday. It means the world to me that I may celebrate my first day of adulthood with everyone here. I would first like to extend my gratitude to my parents, who..."

Huey zoned the man out to observe the interior of the room. He scanned unfamiliar familiar faces with their names running through his mind until he met eyes with blue-gold.

A person, of similar age and build, pink hair, and upturned heterochromia iridis eyes, with the top a baby blue and bottom half a pale gold shade. He wore a white suit with the only hint of colour in his accessories. A blue brooch, a couple rings, and minuscule golden embroidery.

Instantly, Huey recognized the male.

An extra in novel terms, appearing only a handful of times as a friend of Sorin's as they both hailed from knight families. He was strong in the art of the sword, nearly on par with the protagonist. It was confusing how the prince was written as Sorin's rival when the second son of House Nevoid was right there. Either way, his impressions of the male were vague at best. They hardly interacted, and it's not like he was part of the main group either. Just an underrated extra, a hidden talent.

Huey did not have any bad impressions, but neither did he have good ones either. So he casually turned his focus back to Kaleb who was just about to finish his speech.

"For the party, we've decided to hold it in the gardens. Feel free to enjoy the activities, cuisine, and refreshments we've prepared. Today is a day of festivities!"

Applauses rang from the crowd, cheerful chatters soon filling the space. The suffocating atmosphere was nowhere to be seen thanks to the Nevoid family's golly attitudes. Servants began guiding all the guests into the garden, which was decorated beautifully for the occasion.

Numerous seats and tables were set across the wide space accompanied by a floral aroma. The garden was dimly illuminated by light orbs created from magic, producing a magical and ethereal atmosphere. The orbs resembled fireflies or light sprites from afar, a popular sight with the ladies.

The four quickly dispersed. The twins ran off to try out the activities, food, and to meet up with friends. Heiden naturally did not spare him a single glance. Only delivering a one word warning.

"Behave."

Then he was off, leaving the youngest Astaseul on his own. Unfortunately, in view of how his reputation is quite infamous, everyone gave him a wide berth in fear of being subjected to his tyrannical behaviour.

'So much for using the skills Miss Reuslo taught me if no one wants to talk in the first place.'

Huey only sighed and walked to one of the tables serving pastries. He picked out a couple of biscuits wrapped in a napkin. Taking the sweets with him, Huey munched while looking for a way to leave the crowd. The Nevoid garden was large, there must be a secluded spot somewhere.

While exploring, the boy stumbled across a hedge maze. The maze was intricate and he would've definitely gotten lost had the hedges reached past his eyes. Fortunately, the bushes only went up to his waist. Ahead, at the centre of the puzzle, was one of the giant fountains. A stone statue of a woman perching a vase on her shoulders kept the water freely flowing. The trickling sound was alluring and peaceful, exactly what he needed.

Taking his biscuits, Huey navigated to the fountain in ease. Sitting down on the ledge, he bit into a cookie. It was a bit dry and sort of bland, but tasty nonetheless. Taking a bite out of another, the male grumbled.

Clicking his tongue, he lowered his voice obnoxiously, "Behave, nyeh nyeh nyeh nyeh." Huey mocked Heiden, eyes rolling in the process. "I'd rather just not be here at all. Aughhh I wanna go home." Groaning, Huey mumbled, "I miss the internet."

"The internet?"

!

Instantly, the black haired boy whipped his head around. lo and behold, he could roughly make out a figure sitting on the other side, distorted by the water.

Oh shit.

With a busted expression, Huey questioned in what he hoped to be an authoritative and intimidating manner.

"Who's there?"

The figure stood up and slowly made their way over to him. Blue-gold eyes, ash pink hair, and a bewildered expression.

"Huey Astaseul, what did you just say?" The pink haired boy stared at him with an indescribable emotion.

Huey gulped as he gawked at the second son of Marquess Nevoid.

"Kayson Nevoid."

-*:･ﾟ*✧ -

The two sat by the fountain in silence. Both staring into the void. One with an indescribable emotion and the other dripping in sweat with anxiety.

Kayson inhaled deeply, "Care to evaluate what you said?" Huey, turned his head rigidly like a rusty machine.

With shaking pupils, he quickly replied in the most Astaseul manner he could manage. Thank goodness he had a very strong poker face.

"What do you mean?" His voice was steady, but his mind was not.

'I am so busted.' Repeated internally.

The other party deadpanned, "I'm not deaf, Astaseul." His eyebrows were raised in the 'I know what you did' kind of mom attitude.

"..." Huey tapped the marble boundary of the fountain, cold sweat dripping down his temple.

'No way I screwed up this early right?!?!'

His mind ran at light speed in search of an excuse, he fumbled the words a bit but he managed to usher out a lie. "It's a book title."

Usually this'd work, after all there was no way that Kayson Nevoid who did not have any direct interaction with Huey Astaseul before would know he was lying. Even if he did, it's inappropriate to question him like such, especially considering their statuses.

"You're lying."

"What." The black haired boy thought he heard something shatter again.

"I know you're lying." Kayson said with utmost certainty while creeping closer. The closer he was, the more pressure Huey felt.

"What do you mean?"

"Tell me the truth or either you or me or both fall in this fountain." Faced against the intense glare from a sword prodigy who very much meant that threat, Huey's mind short circuited.

'If I fall, I get soaked, I ruin my reputation even more, I'll experience social death, and possibly actual death once he finds out..'

So like any irrational person ever, Huey stuck out his palm holding the biscuits. With an iffy smile he offered, "...Let's talk over cookies?"

Kayson stared at the outstretched hand before bursting into laughter. He backed off much to Huey's delight and plucked a biscuit out from the napkins.

"Goddess, you remind me of a friend of mine," The pink haired boy chortled before biting a cookie and complaining soon after. "Oh this is dry."

Huey snorted, "Could've used less flour." He bit into his own cookie and evaluated the different flavour.

"Yeah, I'll tell the chefs later.  Anyways back to business." Kayson's eyes reverted into that of an interrogator. "Alright Astaseul, let's talk."

Taking a steadying breath, Huey broached the topic. "So, Earth?"

"Yeah, when'd you arrive?" Kayson nodded as if he had already figured it out. Not far-fetched considering how he had randomly outed himself.

Thinking back, didn't he regress a month before this party? That was what Heiden had said right?

He hummed, "Roughly a month ago I think."

The other nodded, before his expression collapsed and he latched onto Huey's shoulders, earning a yelp. Blue eyes wide with dismay.

"I came two months ago. It was horrible. I woke up. Just spawned here. With the nastiest ass headache ever and suddenly I had memories of this... Kayson Nevoid. It feels weird, like I just stole this dude's identity yet it also feels like I am him. I wish there were therapists here, I'm actually having an identity crisis." The entire person seemed to deflate, all Huey could do was awkwardly pat his back in an attempt at comfort.

"That's rough." It wasn't exactly the best reply, but it was enough for Kayson to snap out of it. Instead, he directed the topic to Huey.

"What about you? How are you feeling about this whole transmigrating business?"

Now this was a question Huey did not have the answer to. Just how did he feel? Confused, angry, surreal, relief, interest, amusement, fear, and worry? He opted for the easiest option.

"I feel the same, but I think my circumstances are a bit more unique," it was technically the truth, with him being a regressor and all. "I'm not sure we should discuss this here though, what if someone eavesdrops?" 'Like you' was left unsaid.

Kayson shrugged. "Fair point, follow me."

The duo got up and moved into the manor which was devoid of people. All outside either guarding the estate, helping the party, or doing something else. Well for them, the less people the better. They went upstairs and entered a spacious bedroom, most likely Kayson's who had gone to draw the curtains. Huey sat down to make himself comfortable on a couch.

Kayson soon returned to join him, making a casual remark, "Well, aren't you comfortable?" He plotted down on the seat opposite, the cushions slightly sinking under the weight.

Huey merely scoffed, "We both know neither of us are super used to acting prim and proper all the time." That earned a laugh. The ambience was comfortable, leagues better than the one by the fountain. Huey smiled. "Let's start with why we transmigrated. I'm curious."

Kayson gave an inquisitive expression, but he didn't really judge after all he was curious as well. He grinned. "Jumping right in eh? Alright then, I kinda died from a bus falling off a bridge."

...

The silence seemed to purvey in waves. At that sentence, any and all thoughts had packed up and expelled from Huey's head leaving only one word.

What?

After a couple moments of his mind and face just blanking out-to the point Kayson was staring at him in mild concern, Huey finally came back. All sorts of sensations exploded inside of him, anticipation, shock, joy, worry, and excitement. He inhaled shakily before finally speaking.

"Me too.."

...

It was like a drum was played right next to him. Kayson stared into the air with a frozen expression. Huey allowed him to compose himself while he looked around only to land on Kayson's right wrist. Kayson, who had pulled himself together, followed Huey's gaze before mimicking it. Both of their eyes flickering from each other's wrists. There, hung the matching pair of bracelets that were being sold at the Midsummer Festival a week ago.

The sounds of their brain working before realization dawned seemed to last a whole candle stick.

"Elijah?"

"Kayden?"

"Elijah!?"

"Kayden!?"

If a maid walking by the hallway heard two high-pitched squeals coming from the second Young Master's room, she did not question it. Having long since gotten used to his recent eccentricities.

Kayden lunged and bear-hugged Elijah.

"Oh my fucking goddess, YOU'RE ACTUALLY ELIJAH?!" The boy seemed to vibrate in excitement and disbelief. Who wouldn't if they were stuck in a foreign world, in a foreign body, and a foreign family for two months and their best friend just appeared?

"Yes! Now let go you're actually gonna kill me what the fuck why are you so strong." He wheezed and repeatedly patted the hugger's back. Fortunately he did not get crushed nor faint from lack of oxygen, the two plopped back onto the couch together.

"I still can't believe this is real. Oh my god, you transmigrated into Huey Astaseul? That must be horrible. Your reputation is almost gone bro, erased. One crime and it's over. Man, this place is sensitive. All your guy did was be rude. It's like if Tw^tter or T!ktok was a world." A hand slowly settled over his mouth, his cheeks were flushed in joy.

"I'm pretty sure I was more than just rude. Anyways about that..I will now explain to you about something extremely important and you have to promise me to wait until I finish," He contemplated, "and to be quiet."

Seeing his friend's solemn expression, Kayden managed to compose himself. Elijah clenched his hand, nails digging into his palms and he told him. About his past, his rebirth, the novel, their transmigration (and his regression), his guilt, and his plans. At the end of the quick recap, ruby-red eyes peered at his friend's while wallowing in simmering unease.

'What if he stops being my friend after knowing what I've done?'

'What if he doesn't believe me?'

'Will he feel betrayed?'

'Will he hate me?

Self deprecating thoughts appeared one after another, each word stabbing his mentality as if they were tiny needles themselves.

The needles pulled away.

Kayden chewed on his nails, a habit he made a huge effort to get rid of, which means that this situation must be a very stressful sign for him to break the fast. A bad sign. Finally, after an excruciatingly agonizing anticipation, Kayden looked back.

Mixed eyes pulsated in scorn.

And blood gushed out.

~🎩🪄 ✧ ✦~

Cliffhanger? 🤔

Also I think the sound is from my curtains 🤨🤨

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