The estate bustled when morning came as the servants gathered in the hall. They usually received an announcement the night before the meeting but today seemed to be special. Kani arrived in the hall only a few moments ter and formally introduced Karel to everyone.

  At the mention of a bodyguard—a personal one at that—some of them raised their eyebrows in surprise, question and or confusion. The master kept everyone at an arm’s length, often dealt with matters himself if he could and always forged retionships at a professional level. Hiring a personal bodyguard really seemed out of the question.

  Everyone looked at the taller man standing beside him; the blond hair was definitely eye-catching and his crimson eyes intimidated them. The other bodyguards, however, praised his posture as it truly confirmed his occupation.

  The introduction turned out shorter than they expected since the master omitted some details aside from the fact that the bodyguard was known as El and would closely work for him. Race, origin, age—he never mentioned any of those and no one dared ask. After that, they reviewed some matters they needed to attend to for the coming days and when they dispersed, murmurs followed.

  A certain man approached Karel. He put his right hand over his left chest and slightly bowed to him. “I am Cashile, the master’s assistant and helper in business. It’s my pleasure to meet you.”

  Karel nodded. “Likewise.”

  Cashile let him familiarize with their operations and led him to Kani’s study thereafter to discuss their current arrangement.

  “How long do you think you can work for me?” Kani asked, preparing the legal papers for their new setting. Cashile also went out of the study and closed the door softly afterwards, leaving the two men alone.

  Karel hummed thoughtfully as he sat down. “A lifetime?”

  “How long is a lifetime for you?”

  “I should be asking you that, Kani. I’m a Ramayan, I can live for ten thousand years or even more. How about you?”

  Kani stared at him for a few moments before sighing. He put down the pen and removed the ornaments covering half of his ears.

  “I see,” he remarked. “A Louvika?”

  “You could say that.” He looked at the ornaments resting in his hands. “When I became successful at the age of eighteen, I discarded my family name and hid my identity. I only remove these pieces whenever I’m alone since I don’t want the others to find out.”

  Karel intently looked at the ornaments in the other man’s hands. “You’ve been discriminated against in your family, I suppose?”

  Or probably treated much worse?

  Kani replied with nothing but clenched onto those pieces instead.

  Realizing it would hurt him if he continued clutching onto them fiercely, Karel pried open his palm and held the ornaments in his hands instead. He examined it closely, also enticed by its intricacy.

  After a few moments of silence, he said, “I may not have the right to demand this from you but I don’t want you to be so guarded with me.”

  “That’s…” Kani hesitated.

  It took a lot of courage to speak about such a sensitive topic. With his experience about disclosing such matters to others, all of them ended futile.

  This time, he gambled.

  Kani sought protection from someone whom he knew could provide it despite being cognizant about showing vulnerability made him distressed. It had been difficult for him to always put up a front to hide whatever emotions stirred beneath his kind fa?ade. Even Cashile never knew about his inner turmoil gnawing at him as days passed.

  “I can see the signs, Master, even if you don’t tell me. I just want you to be comfortable.” He smiled kindly and returned the earpieces to him. “At least, with me by your side, you’ll have someone to confide in.”

  Kani bowed his head to hide his face. He never asked for sympathy, not even pity, and right now, someone offered something he never deserved.

  Do I really deserve this?

  He swallowed the lump in his throat, choking out the words, “It will take time.”

  “And that’s alright. After all, from this moment, we will be together until the contract ends.”

  I hope I made the right decision this time.

  Four days into Karel’s employment, Kani received a letter from his family. The brunet expected it since they usually send letters at this time of the year.

  During the signing of contract with Karel, he omitted this part when he talked about discarding his family name. He never used his family name again after leaving their tutege yet cutting communication and connection with them posed a great difficulty even for him. While he ignored the other letters most of the time, he couldn’t brush off this matter easily this time.

  Kani heaved a deep breath and exhaled with relief at the thought that there would be someone to accompany him, enough to protect him.

  Did I really make the right decision?

  Kani fiddled with the sealed envelope, staring intently at the waxed seal with a frown.

  He never hated them to an extent he wished any harm upon them despite what they did to him and to his mother. Grief and sorrow nearly consumed his heart when he heard of his mother’s sudden death and what saved him from committing atrocious acts against them were his mother’s teachings.

  (“Grief is an immortal’s illness but hatred is far more severe than that. Hatred can control us and make us do things we shouldn’t. If hatred is deeply rooted in your heart, you’re but a shell driven by something that can end you.”)

  His callused hands firmly gripped onto the edge of the envelope, still distressed about how matters took turn.

  “I won’t be a coward this time, mother. I promised you, after all.”

  “Two weeks from now, we will be traveling to Rouwen. I need to visit my grandmother.”

  Karel put down the book he put on his face and gnced at Kani. “You seem hesitant about going though?”

  Kani opened his mouth to say something then scowled as he thought aloud, “Ramayans are perceptive. Why did I forget about that?”

  The blond chuckled as he put down the book on the table. “Some of us are dumb fools, mind you. I’m just a little sensitive when it comes to matters.”

  Amused, he huffed. “How sensitive?”

  “Enough to know that it causes you distress, Master,” Karel answered with mischievousness in his tone.

  Something coiled in his gut upon the mention and the master hid his face. “I don’t really want to go, you see, but I need to pay my respects.”

  “Have you done this before?”

  “I come up with excuses most of the time but I don’t want them to get suspicious and or travel faraway so they won’t find me easily. However, If I’m in Astadvran, it’s every two years.”

  He chuckled. “Aren’t you a filial child?”

  “Ramayans don’t have those traditions?”

  “Unfortunately.” He hummed. “I pay visit to my retives whenever I can or simply return home from my lifetime travels thereafter.”

  “How I wish I’m a Ramayan then.”

  “You can’t survive there with how soft-hearted you are, Master. You’re good the way you are.”

  He chuckled. “You have a way with words.”

  “Then, when would this travel be?”

  Ah, somehow, I find myself comfortable with him.

  On the same day of their departure, a gloomy atmosphere surrounded the mansion. The servants also noticed it but said nothing since it became a normal occurrence for them to be affected like this whenever the master traveled to Rouwen.

  And this time—

  “Master, cheer up, will you?” they heard the new bodyguard say in an audible voice.

  Kani sighed in response and shook his head fondly. “To be honest, I’m looking forward to this journey.”

  The servants gaped when they heard his words and Karel chuckled. “I’ll make it exciting then, Master.”

  They boarded the carriage and Kani said, “It’s alright to just call me Kani, Sir Karel. After all, you’re from a noble house.”

  He shrugged. “We’re not in the empire and it’s best to keep my identity.”

  “Right. I should call you Karel instead, so call me by my name too.”

  “Kani.”

  “Hm?”

  “Kani,” called Karel in a more cheerful tone.

  “What is it?” Kani also asked as he closed his eyes and leaned on his knuckles.

  There’s more to look forward to.

  “I’m curious though?”

  “Hm?”

  “Why did you introduce me as El?”

  “I know you use the name Karel even in the empire.”

  Karel looked at him in confusion before agreeing. His uncle Eliwood suggested using a pseudonym since the regime changed and he picked the name Karel out of whim, just when he’s about to leave Ramaya. Everyone knew his real name back in the empire rather than Karel.

  Ah, only a few remember my real name now.

  “Is it not fine?”

  Karel looked at him and saw his worried expression. “It’s fine. Thank you for keeping my real identity a secret.”

  “I look forward to your cooperation in the future, Karel.”

  “Look forward to it, Master.”

  They arrived in the border town of Rouwen after twelve days. Since it’s a town connecting Rouwen and Weissdel, they slowed down when traversing the busy streets. Kani told him about their current pns to stay in the said town before continuing to travel again tomorrow. However, Karel stared outside in a trance. He muttered something under his breath and his stoic expression contorted to a frown.

  Kani looked at his profile lit by the now setting sun. His blond hair shone more like gold and his crimson eyes sparkled like rubies. The brunet stared openly until he realized what’s happening.

  “Ahem!”

  Karel finally snapped and turned to him. “Master?”

  “Did you hear what I said?”

  “We’ll stay for the night.”

  Right after he said that, the carriage stopped and the coachman announced their arrival.

  “Come on.”

  Karel let him enter the inn first and turned around. When he did, several figures hid themselves in the shadows and some blended in the crowd.

  He frowned deeper. “Just as I thought.”

  Kani asked the coachman to stop the carriage as they arrived in Rouwen’s outskirts three days ter and he motioned Karel to follow him outside.

  “Master! I am to escort you to the—”

  “No need. We’ll tour around Rouwen for a few more days before I visit the mansion.”

  “But, Master!”

  “Fret not.” He smiled. “Return to Norn now.”

  Karel looked at him, amused. “You made me a scapegoat.”

  “What made you think that?”

  “It’s quite obvious, you know.”

  The brunet chuckled. “They said I’m unpredictable and they always hated me for it.” He crossed his arms on his chest and looked Karel in the eyes. “It’s the first time that someone managed to see through me.”

  Karel grinned. “I’m honored, master.”

  “We get along well, don’t you think?”

  He nodded, a wide grin still on his face.

  “Now then, shall we get going, my dear bodyguard?”

  “Yes, Master.”

  They continued strolling for two hours before deciding to eat luncheon. The brunet led them to the nearest restaurant specializing in stews. When they sat down, the service crew immediately attended to them. Karel looked outside and noticed the usual pedestrian traffic and how some people suspiciously acted.

  He gnced at the other man enthusiastically ordering food for their meal and looked outside again. Those suspicious men observed them from afar like a surveilnce and it somehow irked him.

  “How about you?”

  Karel turned his attention to Kani and smiled. “I’ll leave it to you.”

  The brunet shrugged. “Alright. My order should be enough for both of us.”

  The next morning came and Karel never managed to sleep even a wink. He kept an eye out in case those people following them made a move.

  “Are you alright?” Kani asked when he saw the blond’s serious expression.

  Karel held onto his hand without any warning and Kani became flustered at the contact. The former pulled him, leading him towards the nearest alleyway. He whispered gravely, “Someone has been following us since we arrived in the border town. Did you offend someone?”

  Kani wriggled out of his hold but the blond only loosened his grip. “I’m an honest merchant, good sir.”

  Karel looked down at him, crimson eyes scrutinizing him before snaking his free arm around his waist. “I’ve always had an inkling but this situation just proves how dangerous the road you’re trekking on.”

  The brunet turned away but pressed himself further in the comfort of the other man’s taller and bulkier figure. Karel then covered their heads with the hooded cloaks and moved elsewhere.

  They emerged in an alleyway four streets down and Karel tapped his foot repeatedly on the cobblestone. Faint golden magic circles lit up and he grimaced. “They’re now frantically looking for us.”

  “I don’t understand why they’re looking for me.”

  “Does your grandmother favor you?”

  “Not that much but she recognized my skills.”

  “Does she say something behind your back?”

  He hummed. “Sometimes.”

  “Then, we shouldn’t meet her.”

  “But, I need to pay respects. It’s not like she can hurt me when I’m in the residence.”

  “No. Someone is out for your blood.” He stood up to his stature and held out his hand to him. “Let us return to Montes. You’re not safe here.”

  He leveled him with a stern stare but the blond also stood firm. “This is for your safety. Think of yourself first.”

  They stared at each other for a solid minute before Kani acquiesced. He held onto his hand and they entered a dark portal. When he opened his eyes, they stood in the northern outskirts of Montes.

  “Send your grandmother a letter instead telling her you became ill along the way and returned instead. You feared she might catch your illness and decided not to meet her.”

  Kani chuckled at the alibi he made. “You’re good at this.”

  “I may be but I cannot use such a reason because we’re not affected by mortal illnesses.” He shrugged. “Even if I told my family I lost an arm, they wouldn’t believe it.”

  The brunet chuckled again. “Alright, I will heed your advice.”

  A week ter after following Karel’s suggestion, a letter came from Liafor, the main family branch in Rouwen.

  Kani’s grandmother turned out to be an understanding woman but right after those considerate words, she berated her grandson for his poor health, to the point she bmed his mother for giving him such a weak body and whatever insults she could throw at him.

  “How disappointing,” a voice spoke near his right ear, jolting him in his pce. Karel read the said letter from behind his shoulder. “It’s a good thing we didn’t go or else I might have done a scandal. What’s Liafor to me?”

  “Karel,” he gritted out, “they’re still my family.”

  He scowled. “You call them family but they treat you like this? You deserve better, Kani. Besides, family doesn’t always mean blood, right?”

  Karel snatched the paper from his hold and burned it right in front of them. “Slowly cut your communication and connection to them. If you continue being obedient to them like this, it won’t do you any good.”

  “You know I can’t do that.”

  “You’ve been independent since you’re eighteen.”

  He shook his head. “It’s not that easy.”

  “I will protect you, don’t worry.”

  Amber and crimson eyes met; hesitance appeared in the former, confidence and reassurance in the tter.

  In the end, Kani bowed his head down, hiding his eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you. Thank you very much, Karel.”

  A hand held firmly on his shoulder. “Leave the other matters to me.”