Chapter 17: Breaking Dawn

At the break of the dawn, townspeople had already set out to prepare for the festival. Some would start opening their shops and stalls. Children are running to buy bread from the bakery. Carriages are everywhere too.

The dukedom of Glastieve even before the break of dawn is already in high spirits. Though decorating is such a great hassle it took a lot of immense effort to decorate the dukedom.

On the other hand, despite the busyness of the day, a particular spring green-haired boy is still asleep. His butler is already heading to his chamber with a tray of clothes.

He knocked two times, another two, again, and again.

The butler deeply sighed and opened the door softly. There, he saw his young master lying, deep in sleep. It was already past seven o'clock yet he was still laying on his bed.

Theseus pauses the trolley of clothes at the bedside and goes forward in front of the bed.

"Young master," he called.

"Young master, it's time to get up," he called once again hearing no reply.

Theseus ended up grabbing the ends of the blanket and pulling it. Evyterr was still sleeping holding a pillow and one pillow locked to his legs.

The butler can't be helped but suppress a smile. "I thought you said you could wake up without anyone's help. How silly, young master." He said in a low voice. He decided not to continue waking his young master up, maybe he could wake up on his own as he claimed.

His feet dragged at the window curtains, he pulled them on each side to allow light to suffuse in the room. He arranged the books scattered on his table; cleaned the sets of clothes his young master had to wear, prepared a light meal for breakfast, arranging the bath and a new set of flowers.

He opens the terrace and is greeted with a warm light.

"On such a busy day, where are you still deep in sleep, young master?" Theseus smiles as he walks towards the bed.

He grew closer, closer enough to hear the soft breathing of the young master. His stare travels down as he looks at how crinkled his nightgown is, his thighs are bare showing, and even the garter in his shoulder looks loose almost like an off-shoulder dress.

Isn't he showing too much skin?

Theseus looks away, scolding himself for staring too much. He will tell his young master next time to dress a little...? More covered clothes...?

Ah, what am I thinking? We have no time for this.

The butler deeply sighed with his hands covering his eyes. Waking his young master up has been a failed attempt. It's not that Evyterr has a specific schedule today, but it is one of the duke's orders to let him go out in the plaza once the festival begins. It'll be a lot more fun because there's a lot of people and he could buy many items.

Though Theseus doubts his young master could go such a tasking endeavor when he's too lazy to socialize, even waking him up takes a lot of time.

Theseus pulled his pocket watch from his pockets. It's ticking to quarter to seven. Oh, he better hurry up.

The butler starts by unbuttoning the ends of his sleeves and folding up from his elbows, then, he puts away the pillows from Evyterr and carries him to the bath.

With a towel at the top of the bathtub, Theseus positioned Evyterr's head as he laid him down on the water. He gently undressed him and put the wet clothes in the basket.

He did that because Evyterr would throw a tantrum if he knew he was undressed by him directly if he did it in the bathtub because the bubbles would help cover him up as he undressed him.

Theseus nervously laughed, at least he wouldn't get sued for sexual harassment by his young master, wouldn't he?

Theseus looked at Evyterr, he saw him half asleep and when he called for him he was slow yet responsive. Theseus starts washing his hair, slowly massages his scalps, and gently washes the soap in his hair.

Soon then, Evyterr finally came to his consciousness. He saw Theseus finished washing his hair.

"Oh, finally awake, young master?" Theseus said.

Evyterr remained silent. He was thinking...

Why am I here? Taking a bath? Did Theseus bring me here?

But I told him.

"Ah!" Evyterr suddenly bolted. His face was beating red. He glared at Theseus who was looking at him confusedly.

"I told you I can bathe alone! Did you undress me?! You pervert, did you see me naked?!" Evyterr was squirming resulting in the water to flow and splash some to Theseus.

"Young master, I did not see you naked. I was careful about that--"

Evyterr cut him off with a yell, he couldn't help but get embarrassed.

"Then, get out, immediately!"

Theseus raises his hands in defeat, "Alright, young master, don't be frightened. I will get out." Theseus stood up and closed the door.

Evyterr's eyes followed him until he got out and exhaled deeply. His face blushed red, and even his shoulders matched the hue, as he saw his reflection in the bubble's shade.

"A-ah..." Evyterr let out an embarrassing groan.

From the other side, Theseus was standing behind the door as he pressed his mouth. He never thought his young master would react in such an adorable yet unexpected way

It was his first time seeing him getting all flustered.

Oh, I seriously better stop.

Theseus shakes his head and breathes. He starts to walk away and leaves his young master his privacy.

"I will explain after he finishes taking a bath."

Theseus filled his thoughts about what to explain to his young master as he prepared his clothes.

Meanwhile, the young master is thinking about how he should beat up the guy who embarrassed him.

***

After getting out of the bath, I saw Theseus instantly waiting for me in the bedroom, he was looking at his pocket watch.

He noticed me and then took a step forward to approach me. Theseus was smiling as he reached into my robe to fix it.

I shot him glares.

"Shall we go on, young master? You have a variety of clothes to wear today. Pick whatever you like."

I saw lots of clothes, yes, lots of them.

What is this? A boutique in my room?

They vary not only in colors but also in design, fabrics, materials, and even style. Of course, they are good. I just don't know how to pick. I never mind fashion in my previous life.

Whatever clothes made me comfortable, I would wear them as many times as I could even though it has gotten old and damaged.

Yet, these ever-fancy clothes are honestly not what I can say I'm comfortable with. I could go on with only white sleeves and pants, or something.

I took a second glance at the clothes Theseus showed me. Being a noble is kinda tough. Oh well, let's just wear anything.

I picked a light and comfortable outfit; apple green long-sleeve, white pants, brown boots, and a white laced tie to match my long hair. My hair has been growing long now that I have noticed.

"Where are we going anyway?" I asked.

"The plaza you went before, young master."

I frowned. Again? "I have gone there already."

Theseus smiled, he was arranging the clothes I picked. I sat on the bed, holding the edges of my robe, my head turned outside the window.

"This is the first day of celebrating the Agnes Festival, there will be many items you can buy. You can also buy stones or gems to add to your collection. A lot of sellers display their best product even the rarest and special ones." Theseus said. I almost jumped with a cold sweat. Why are we suddenly talking about this? When I'm so careful about keeping it low.

This guy catches on fast.

How did know that? How did he know I had taken an interest in collecting gems and stones? I planned to collect them for my future interest and investment.

Like what in the books I used to read in reincarnation novels. When reincarnated noble characters try to avoid their death or their worst fate, they would collect money by gathering jewels, treasures, or anything that can be sold for money. To escape and live a happy life.

A really common yet rational objective in reincarnated themes but here I am doing the same too.

Collecting gems and shining stones is interesting, it just caught my eye other than the purpose of using it in the future.

I imagined that if I could collect as many as these stones, I could get out of there and use them to live a rather peaceful life. These stones are highly expensive, you know.

Maybe I was just obsessed with money.

I escaped a small laugh. Oh, should I go to the plaza, then? I can't wait.

"Young master?" Theseus called. He has a questioning look.

"You seem delighted. The clothes are ready. Our carriages are waiting outside, it won't matter if you take your time changing. Well then, I will take my leave. I will be waiting outside."

Theseus bowed and quietly left. He was behaving nicely after I got out of the bath. Is he planning someone?

Now, he's gone. He was behaving nicely after I got out of the bath. Is he planning someone? Nevermind.

Then, should I dress?

The earlier I go, the earlier I can go home, right?

***

"What is this?!" I yelp, tugging Theseus's shirt. I was giving a questioning look.

"I thought you would like it. You can buy whatever you want, young master. The first master will take care of it." He smugly looked at me with a gentlemanly smile.

Hah?!

"Young master?"

Why are we here?! Why are you looking at me like you did nothing wrong?!

Why are we in a jewelry shop?!

I thought we'd just go buy in a store or something on the road?! I don't mind, anyway!

I thought it was suspicious that we were passing a lot of fancy structures, I told him where are we going but that annoying guy only told me we were going to a store in the plaza.

Sure, a store, I said. I expected something normal. Something not grand or lavish. Along the way here, we passed a lot of stores with excellent goods.

What would others think then? I still squander money like a spoiled brat. Perhaps a pampered brat who feels I can have anything I want?

I'm trying hard to clear up my name and kept a low profile since I disappeared for like a few months. I know I'm overreacting but I'm just..........trying to.........oh no......I'm having a headache.

"Pardon me, can you prepare a room for us? It seems like our young master is exhausted from the trip here." Theseus gave a smile and look to the manager who greeted us before as we came in. The women are practically adoring him when he smiles. The manager was instantly swooned too by Theseus and quickly commanded his stewards and stewardesses.

Uh, men and women are all over him.

"Will do, sir! Someone escort and prepare the room in the east wing manor! Don't forget to offer the desserts and beverages for our guests! Hurry!" The manager was frantic. We are not in a hurry anyway. Ah, wait, I guess I am. In a hurry to get out of here.

"Young master?" Theseus called as soon as we got into the room.

I didn't reply. There's too much in my head. "Does this place make you uncomfortable?" He asked. I sat on one of the couches and laid down. "If this displeases you, we can get out of here." He walked closer and kneeled.

"We could've done that earlier." I sighed. "Then, you should say so. I'm a being ignorant again, young master? Forgive me. I've been looking forward to this day. As soon as I knew you had taken interest in collecting stones, I searched for places."

My eyebrows crooked. "When did you know? It was so hard hiding it from you."

"Such hobby of collecting stones, it is not embarrassing at all, young master. Rather it is kind of adora-!" I smacked his face with a pillow without letting him finish.

"Shut up! Who are you calling adorable, dim-wit?! Get lost!" Theseus was about the open his mouth when I tossed another pillow in his face. He even lost his balance and fell on his feet.

"Young master, let me explain." He said looking at me with anxious eyes. I was displaying a doubtful look and holding another pillow ready to throw at him anytime.

".....It wasn't....hard....to notice....." He slowly paused. I glared hard at him, he wasn't meeting my eyes anymore.

"Especially when you look at it with dazzling eyes." He continued. I close my eyes and massage my forehead in frustration.

Dazzling eyes? What am I? A kid?

He probably saw me like a kid who finally bought his favorite toy.

Even though I was working hard to hide it.

"Hah. Nevermind." I cuddle the pillow I was about to throw on this stupid butler. Look at him, he was kneeling like a dog who was scolded by its master. He was looking gloomy because I got mad at him. Hah! Where did his smug attitude go?

"Young master, are you still mad?" I turned to look at him. He was looking at me too. "To your behest, we could leave here right now."

Leave? Sounds tiring. I'm already tired.

I put the pillow down and lay on the couch. Theseus' eyes follow me without uttering a word.

I'm getting sleepy.

Theseus stares. He only stares, but why does it feel like his eyes could read my thoughts?

He was akin to Raffaelo and Raffael. Whenever I saw them, I had this weird feeling inside that they could read my entire being. I feel like an open book.

"Theseus, I'm sleepy," I reach my hand to cover those dark misty eyes.

Stop looking at me like that.

***

"Theseus, I'm sleepy," Evyterr said, who was about to fall asleep.

Theseus reached out to grasp Evyterr's hands before it dropped. Evyterr finally fell to slumber.

"Young master, you are sleeping again. This is no good, what do we do?" Theseus silently chuckled.

He rested the hand of the young boy on the couch, looking at the frail beauty Theseus recalled what had Crisis told him about the side effects of the current drug he prescribed.

It does work effectively. Theseus thought.

Among the downsides of the medication are feeling drowsy, falling asleep quickly, and being easily worn out.

Although it should be spent safely in the dukedom, however...

A moment of reminder made Theseus block his thoughts. He can't bring Evyterr back to the dukedom, not right now as per Raffaelo's wishes.

He recalls their conversation yesterday night. It was a heavy talk.

Theseus was finally able to put Evyterr to sleep after a long tantrum and beating him up. Evyterr's eyes were tired from crying, making them puffy and red.

The butler tidied up the blanket and grabbed a cup. He filled it with water and put it on the table beside the bed.

He looked at Evyterr once again, feeling uneasy at the redness under his eyes. "It must be swelling when he wakes up," He said, then he made his way out of Evyterr's quarters to fetch a cold water.

As he arrived at the door, Theseus noticed that it was half closed. He made sure to close the door completely before he left. He wondered who could have gone in there and who might still be there.

Theseus made a run. As soon as he reached inside he saw a figure facing him back. The man was caressing the swollen redness of the young master's eyes. A stiff yet gentle brushing of his hand in Evyterr's pale skin.

Without taking a second guess, Theseus's guard loses.

It was him.

Raffaelo.

"Raffaelo." Theseus put the bowl on the table.

Raffaelo didn't turn to face him but he kept twirling and fondling the silky hair of the green-haired boy.

"Theseus," he answered. "His eyes were very swollen."

Theseus didn't answer. It was at this time that Raffaelo turned to face him.

Theseus scratched the back of his head. Alright, he admitted. It was him. He was the one who made the sleeping beauty cry. How can he fight off his fierce and depressing eyes? That guy could kill him if he didn't speak.

"It was you," Raffaelo said. It wasn't even a question. "Theseus, explain yourself."

The butler sighed.

"Remember I told everyone about Evyterr when we rescued him before. I saw scars on his hands. It doesn't seem to be self-inflicted. He was hurt by someone. He must have been scared when I saw it yesterday. He was trying hard to conceal it."

Raffaelo remained unvoiced. So does the butler too as he observes.

Why is he silent?

He didn't react either. Does he not care? Evyterr was...

Theseus' eyes widened. It was a ridiculous conclusion. Did he know? Right from the start Evyterr was being harmed. He knew but he didn't do anything?!

Theseus's fist clenched and gritted his teeth. Yet he knew, he is no better than him. He doesn't have the ounce of rights to complain.

Who is he to get mad anyway? Him, that almost discarded, used, and pretended to the young boy. Even if he delves into all his past mistakes, it doesn't make things right for him to act this way.

"Cease the thoughts upon your mind, Theseus."

"You knew!" Theseus tried to calm down. He truly did.

Once again, the room fell into silence.

"I did, I knew about the scars that mangled on his hands. However, I assure you I knew nothing about that 'accident'."

The butler wanted to believe, no-he needs to because he's putting Evyterr first now.

"I have a favor." It was coming from Raffaelo.

"Favor?" Theseus repeated. "Tomorrow, you can't let Evyterr go near the dukedom until dusk. He can't, not until it has passed." Raffaelo answered then.

"Why--what?" The butler questioned.

"Didn't father tell you?"

"The duke only told me to bring Evyterr outside the dukedom. Specifically, in the central plaza."

"Yes, that would be great."

Theseus observes Raffaelo's behavior. There is something to it. Must this have something to do with the curse?

"Is it because of the curse?" Theseus asked. Raffaelo didn't reply but it was enough to envision that it was the right answer. The butler sighed, "So, this is why Raffa left? The duke too also?"

"Exactly. Evyterr won't be safe if he's here. That's why for the meantime I'm entrusting him to you," Raffaelo gave a heavy look. Surely he was giving him a warning. It was a relief he didn't get mad after knowing he made his younger brother cry. Is it because Evyterr's here?

"I sincerely hoped this won't happen again. Evyterr is sensitive as he's convalescing from his injuries." Raffaelo caressed the young boy's hair and solemnly stared.

Meanwhile, Theseus was hesitant to speak.

"Theseus?" He snapped getting afraid.

"Did Crisis leave you with something?"

"Yes, he said to make haste. Guild master wants to speak with you."

"I see." Raffaelo only said.

Curses. They are a family, a cadre of curses. The family is bonded together, what the family carries, they should also shoulder it too.

But, no, Evyterr is different. He doesn't need to carry the burden of this family.

Even if they had to suffer from it ten times.

"We should prepare. I'll be Evyterr's debut in two months." Raffaelo noticed.

"I presume the duke is held responsible for the preparation? Ah, will the duke won't be able to make it?"

Raffaelo only looked at him with a stolid look.

'Is he not going to answer me?' Theseus pondered.

"...no, Father will be there."

Later on that morning, the knights of Glastieve returned, bearing the news with a defeated look that the duke was confined in the palace under the strict order of the king.

He is not to be dismissed if he is not to marry with the king.

The king and his obsession.

It has always been a bad news.

***

Evy, darling, Mom wants to spoil you too(⁠●⁠♡⁠∀⁠♡⁠).

Never expected Morin to end up like this, didn't you? (⁠ㆁ⁠ω⁠ㆁ⁠) Oh, Morin, love, this is BL, I remind you.

My, my, a very Happy Valentine's to all of us! Did anyone receive flowers?

Well, this chapter is especially long, I'm sorry to update it very late.

Descendants, I hope everyone is doing well and safe.

If anyone did not receive anything for Valentine's, then, would you mind accepting this chapter as a gift instead of a flower? ♡⁠(⁠Ӧ⁠ｖ⁠Ӧ⁠｡⁠)

Alright then, I will be going.

Happy Valentine's, Descendants!

Lovelots(⁠~⁠￣⁠³⁠￣⁠)⁠~