Following the heated confrontation between the great-grandfather and his great-grandson, the Astor Estate was swallowed by the oppressive silence of the deep night. A silver moon cast its glow upon the lavender fields surrounding Nyx Charon's residence. As the wind swept through, the blossoms swayed, releasing shimmering golden particles that coalesced in the air. From that radiant light, a figure materialized.
A young man stood there, his brown hair disheveled and his garnet-brown eyes weary. His clothes were tattered, torn in various places as if he had survived a tempest. He began to trek through the sea of purple flora until a man dressed in butler's attire approached him.
"Young Master... do you require assistance?"
The youth simply shook his head in silence.
Before long, the rhythmic thud of footsteps disturbed the tranquility of the meadow. A man with sharp features, brown hair, and striking crimson garnet eyes stopped directly in front of the youth.
"Honest! Have you utterly lost your mind?"
Honest offered a faint smile. "Grandpa Nyx... I—"
Before he could finish, Nyx pulled him into a sudden, tight embrace. Honest's eyes widened, but his voice remained trapped in his throat.
"Honest... why? Why must you always tread the most difficult path?" Nyx's voice trembled, his tears dampening Honest's ragged shirt.
"I..." Honest whispered.
Nyx stepped back, his hands gently cupping Honest's face as he inspected the bruises marring his grandson's skin. Father-in-law, why must it come to this? Nyx lamented inwardly. His gaze softened with agonizing pity. "Does it hurt?"
"Grandpa Nyx... I am fine."
Nyx turned away, masking his heartache. "Go inside. The night air is ill-suited for you." He then looked toward his attendant. "Pakis, prepare some warm tea for Honest. Bring it to the drawing room."
Pakis bowed deeply. "At once, Master." He hurried away, leaving the two men alone in the moonlight.
Honest let out a long sigh. "I cannot stay for long, Grandpa."
"Why did you even seek out your grandmother's father, Honest?"
"I merely had a message to deliver regarding Master Aidin."
"Let us move inside first. You came here seeking something, did you not?"
Honest flashed a thin, knowing smile. "Is Grandpa no longer angry?"
Nyx looked back at him. "We shall have a long discussion inside."
Honest nodded. They entered the manor and settled into the plush sofas of the drawing room, facing one another.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Yes, enter."
The door creaked open. Pakis arrived bearing a tray with a glass jar of sugar cubes, a carafe of tea with chrysanthemum blossoms floating gracefully within, and two plain ceramic cups. He arranged them meticulously upon the table.
"Master, Young Master, please, enjoy."
"Thank you, Pakis," Honest said politely.
"You are most welcome," Pakis replied.
At a subtle nod from Nyx, Pakis understood his cue and vanished from the room.
"Drink first, then we talk," Nyx commanded.
With a calm demeanor that betrayed the severity of his injuries, Honest poured the tea and took a sip. "As expected, Pakis's skill is exceptional," he praised, setting the half-empty cup back down. He met his grandfather's gaze. "Is Grandpa truly over his anger?"
Nyx poured his own tea, allowing the floral aroma to envelop the space. "Hardly. Witnessing you treat your own sister, Serenity, in such a manner... how could I not be incensed?"
Honest's expression softened, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. "Then why aren't you scolding me now?"
"Would raising my voice change your resolve?"
Honest leaned back against the sofa. "You know me well, Grandpa."
Nyx scrutinized him, his eyes tracing the wounds on Honest's body. "What is it you truly desire? Was it necessary to let yourself be harmed like this?"
Honest exhaled slowly. "Consider it a minor penance from Great-grandfather."
"Honest... sometimes I wonder what goes on in that head of yours."
Honest smiled, tilting his head back to look at the ceiling. "Perhaps it is like your taste in decor, Grandpa—where the concept of floor and ceiling are inverted."
"Was your Great-grandfather's reprimand not enough?"
Honest let out a soft, dry chuckle. "The Historia... did it truly shake Ipsix?"
Nyx's gaze turned razor-sharp. "And you were the one who forced it, were you not?"
Honest looked back, unfazed. "So, I am the one at fault?"
Nyx shook his head slowly. "Does the concept of right and wrong even apply to your actions?"
Honest's smile widened. "Grandpa, you truly are the best—nothing like Great-grandfather."
"Save your flattery for your deeds."
"Grandpa... can we get to the point now?"
Nyx took a deep breath. "Are you planning to play with fire again?"
"Play with fire? I'd much rather watch everything burn."
Nyx stood up abruptly, his crimson eyes glowing with an inner intensity. "You... the older you get, the more you resemble your father, Avalon."
Honest averted his gaze, his voice dropping an octave. "I am his son, after all..."
Nyx flinched, taking a half-step back. "I..."
"So, will Grandpa help me?"
Nyx sat back down, regaining his composure. "With what?"
"Hmm... surely you know I dispatched Ashil and Vashil to apprehend Rhea?"
"I do. And?"
"There seems to be an issue regarding them."
"Is that all?"
Honest smiled. "They are guards of the Peaceraft family. It is my responsibility to check on their well-being."
"Family guards? Are they not your personal henchmen?"
"What led Grandpa to such a conclusion?"
"You were the one who brought them into the Peaceraft fold. Who are they, really?"
"Grandpa, this conversation is straying too far. I only need your help to meet my guards. Is there a wrong in that?"
"There is no wrong in caring for one's subordinates. However, I suspect another scheme lies beneath the surface."
Honest reached for his cup and finished the dregs of his tea. "Grandpa is too cynical. Do you not trust me?"
"Trusting you is like writing on the sands of the shore."
"At least the waves will carry those words to distant places."
Nyx drained his tea in a single gulp. "You always were silver-tongued."
"I owe that to Great-grandfather."
Nyx clicked his tongue and rose to his feet. "You only wish to see your guards, correct?"
"That is my primary objective."
Nyx glared at him. "And the rest?"
Honest tilted his head. "That depends on the circumstances I find there."
Nyx clenched his fists. "Promise me you won't cause another scene like you did with your great-grandfather."
Honest chuckled. "Of course. Rest easy, Grandpa."
"Fine. On one condition: you must stay the night here."
Honest crossed his arms, his smile never wavering. "If those are the terms, then I gratefully accept your hospitality."
Having secured his grandson's stay, Nyx left the room. Outside, Pakis was waiting, clutching a first-aid kit. Nyx glanced at the kit and then at Pakis.
"You are meddlesome..."
Pakis smiled faintly. "My apologies, Master Charon."
Nyx snorted. "Do as you wish."
Pakis bowed. "Goodnight, Master."
Without a word or a backward glance, Nyx strode away. Pakis watched him disappear down the corridor before knocking on the drawing room door.
Tok, tok, tok.
"You may enter, Pakis."
Pakis stepped inside and approached Honest. "May I tend to your wounds, Young Master?"
Honest replied coolly, "And if I say no?"
Pakis simply offered a knowing smile.
Honest leaned back, closing his eyes. "Do as you wish."
Pakis chuckled softly. "You truly are like Master Charon in moments like these."
He sat down and began applying ointment. When he reached the wounds on Honest's arms and legs, the youth's body gave a slight, involuntary tremor. Finally, as Pakis treated the cut on his face, Honest's lips twitched with every touch.
"There, all finished," Pakis announced.
"Thank you," Honest replied.
Pakis tidied his supplies back into the kit. "Young Master, fresh clothes have been prepared in your room."
"Oh? You have a keen sense of foresight."
"Given Master Charon's temperament, it was an easy outcome to predict."
"Pakis Dandelion... you truly are the person closest to Grandpa, aren't you?"
"It is rare to hear you use my full name, Young Master."
Honest looked at him intently. "Dandelion... quite a unique name to find in a field of lavender."
Pakis stood up, his emerald eyes reflecting Honest's silhouette. "I shall take that as a compliment."
Honest tilted his head. "The tea was delicious."
"Thank you. Shall I warm it for you?"
Honest poured himself another cup. "This aroma is incredibly soothing. An ordinary person might fall into a deep slumber because of it."
"I am glad it pleases you. Would you like me to keep you company?"
"No need. I wish to enjoy this tea alone."
"Then, I shall take my leave."
Pakis exited, closing the door firmly behind him.
Honest raised the cup to his lips, a cold glint appearing in his eyes. "Esculenta... we shall meet soon. I hope you still remember me."
To be continued...