On their way back, the forest had already grown quiet. The rustling of leaves and distant cries of nocturnal creatures filled the air as Dayesh walked ahead, the child following closely behind him.
The boy remained silent, still adjusting to the unfamiliar weight of his new body. He glanced at his hands, slowly clenching and unclenching them as if testing their reality.
"Can you walk properly?" Dayesh asked without turning back.
"…Yes," the child replied, his voice soft, almost uncertain. "It feels… strange."
"You'll get used to it."
They continued walking, the distance to the house gradually shrinking. The faint glow of light from inside became visible through the trees.
Meanwhile, inside the house…
Sapphire was arranging a few things when she heard footsteps approaching.
"They're back already?" she muttered.
The door opened.
"Master, you're back..."
She froze.
Her eyes immediately fell on the child standing beside Dayesh.
"…Wait. Who is that?"
Dayesh stepped inside as if nothing was unusual.
"A child."
Sapphire frowned.
Sapphire hesitated, unsure how to respond.
"…Y-yes, I can see that, Master. But… why is there a child with you?"
The boy stood quietly, glancing around as if everything felt unfamiliar.
"I found him," Dayesh replied.
"…Found him?" Sapphire repeated softly, a bit confused but careful with her tone. "Forgive me, Master, but… is that safe?"
The child looked at his hands, slowly moving his fingers.
"…It feels… different," he murmured.
Sapphire blinked, growing more puzzled.
Dayesh let out a small sigh.
"…He's the shadow."
Silence filled the room.
Sapphire's eyes widened slightly.
"…The… shadow?" she asked, almost in a whisper.
"The one I told you about," Dayesh continued. "He asked for a physical body."
Sapphire looked at the child again, this time more carefully.
"…So… it's really you?" she asked gently.
The boy nodded.
"Yes…"
She placed a hand over her chest, still processing everything.
"I… see…"
For a moment, she said nothing more. Then, slowly, she stepped a little closer and observed the child's face.
"…He looks… well-formed," she said quietly, almost thinking out loud.
Dayesh glanced at her.
"That's what you noticed?"
Sapphire lowered her gaze slightly.
"My apologies, Master. I just meant… it's surprising."
The child tilted his head.
"…Is that… a good thing?"
Sapphire gave a small, polite smile.
"Yes. It is."
She then looked back at Dayesh.
"Will… he be staying here, Master?"
"Yes."
Sapphire nodded.
"I understand."
There was still a hint of curiosity in her eyes, but she chose not to ask further.
"…If there's anything he needs, I will prepare it."
Dayesh walked past them.
"We'll discuss the details later."
"Yes, Master."
Sapphire watched them for a moment, then quietly returned to her tasks.
"…This truly is a strange world," she whispered to herself.
***
"Master, do you have plans tomorrow?"
"None."
"I'll be heading out tomorrow, Master. I just need to buy a few things."
"That's fine."
After a full month of working as Dayesh's maid, Sapphire noticed that he did not deduct the money she had previously spent. Instead, he handed her salary in full, which surprised her.
"That's alright," Dayesh said with a faint smile. "If I ever fail to pay you on time, then I'll consider what you spent earlier as my advance payment."
Sapphire laughed lightly.
The next day, Sapphire wandered around the town market. Various items caught her attention as she walked past different stalls.
"Self, control yourself. Pen, paper, tobacco, match and candy. That's it. You don't even own a house," she whispered to herself.
She managed to buy those, though she ended up adding a few ingredients. Passing by a small bakery gave her an idea.
"Pancakes… and bread," she murmured.
Since she had her own key, she no longer needed to trouble Dayesh to open the door.
When she entered the house, she saw Lzith and the child, named Amon, playing together.
Dayesh, on the other hand, had fallen asleep on the long sofa.
She rested for a moment before heading to the kitchen and preparing pancakes for their snack.
"Come eat, you two," Sapphire called out, placing the pancakes and freshly prepared milk on the table.
The two children immediately left their toys and sat down to eat.
A few moments later, she noticed that Dayesh was already awake, sitting quietly as if deep in thought. She approached him and handed him a plate.
"Hm… this is good."
"Just luck, Master," Sapphire replied. "I'll head to my room to eat."
"Wait."
Dayesh gently held her wrist.
"Eat here. Join us."
Though slightly uncomfortable, Sapphire nodded and sat down.
They ate in silence. However, Sapphire could not ignore the subtle glances Dayesh occasionally cast in her direction. It made her feel oddly self conscious.
She finished first and stood up.
"I'll go ahead."
She then checked on the children. Amon was carefully assisting Lzith as they finished their food.
"That's good," she muttered softly.
As she walked away, her thoughts drifted.
"It feels a bit awkward having him around all the time. Maybe it's just today… I feel so self conscious. Am I really this affected? I'm getting hit directly by his looks," she thought, half amused, half uneasy.
Deep inside, she admitted to herself that she had a quiet attraction toward her master. But that was as far as it would go.
She knew her place.
First, it was hard to find a job. If he ever found out, she might be dismissed.
Second, Dayesh had already been kind to her. She doubted he would ever feel the same way.
Later that evening…
Sapphire stepped outside the house. A small fence bordered the front yard. She brought with her a cup of coffee, a rolled tobacco leaf shaped like a cigarette, and a match.
"This is my first time smoking like this," she said to herself.
She lit it and took a careful drag. She coughed lightly as the thick smoke filled her lungs.
After adjusting, she took a sip of coffee.
"…I missed this."
She noticed how slowly the tobacco burned.
"Once a day is enough," she murmured. "Good thing I bought extra."
Unbeknownst to her, Dayesh was watching from the window.
Even he did not understand why his eyes seemed to look for her. He had only realized she was outside after quietly checking her room and walking through the house when he could not find her.
"This is wrong," he whispered to himself.
He turned away and forced himself to rest.
***
"Well, it's been a while since we last met, Dayesh," Rana greeted him upon arriving at the guild. "And who are these two with you?"
"They're acquaintances. They wish to take on work similar to mine."
"Acquaintances? Hm. Are they as capable as you when it comes to missions?"
"That, I do not know."
Rana turned to the two.
"Do either of you have someone waiting for you?"
The two were taken aback.
"That's an unexpected question. We thought you'd ask for our names first."
"I ask because missions are dangerous. Survival is never guaranteed. I'm giving you the chance to reconsider if you are not ready."
"None of us will back out. We have Big Brother Dayesh with us," Khafa replied confidently.
"Ah, so they will be working with you?"
"They can take on missions on their own if they wish. It's up to them."
"Alright. Fill out your names, signatures, and other necessary information."
"We… do not know how to write. Could you guide us?"
"…Very well. Let's go inside so we can sit. We'll leave you here for now, Dayesh."
"I'll head back first, Khafa, Ghoth. You know the way home."
"Yes, Big Brother."
"Go home immediately after that," Dayesh added.
After leaving the guild, Dayesh wandered through the streets, passing by various establishments.
He was searching.
"I can no longer ignore this strange heat within me. I need to deal with it… especially during times when I am not occupied with missions."
When he found what he was looking for, he simply took note of the place and continued walking.
He went home without waiting for the others.
That night…
Sapphire made sure the two children were asleep before preparing coffee and stepping outside again.
"Ah, damn it!" she gasped as Dayesh suddenly appeared beside her. "You startled me, Master!"
"What is this habit of yours?" he asked, frowning slightly. "It smells unpleasant. How can you tolerate that?"
"It only smells bad at first, Master. Once you get used to it, it's nothing. But don't try it. You have a child who hugs you."
Dayesh looked at her for a moment.
"You really prefer being alone, don't you, Saph? Why did you get used to it?"
"That's… a long story, Master."
Dayesh chuckled softly.
"That's exactly how I answer when I don't want to explain."
He casually took her cup and drank from it.
"Wait, I'll make another..."
"No need. We can share."
Sapphire narrowed her eyes slightly.
"Master… I've been noticing something about you. I just haven't said it."
Dayesh fell silent.
"I don't mean to offend you," she continued carefully. "But… you've been getting a little too close to me."
"Is it wrong to be close to you?" he asked.
"I didn't say it was wrong… but…"
"But what?"
"You are my master. You pay me to serve you and Lzith."
"Can we not be friends even if I am your master?"
"We can. But I'm not comfortable."
"I see… I apologize if that's how you feel."
He stood and left.
"Hoo…"
"You're here," Dayesh said, noticing the owl.
"You seem troubled. It shows on your face."
"It's nothing. I'm gonna sleep. good night."
***
"Big Brother!"
Ghoth and Khafa arrived with their belongings. It was finally the day they would move in.
"Good thing the house I bought here is large," Dayesh said.
"Indeed, Big Brother. Thank you for taking us in."
"You are not strangers to me. Put your things in your rooms first."
The house had five rooms in total. Two were given to Ghoth and Khafa.
At noon, they gathered to eat.
"Where does she eat?" Khafa asked, noticing Sapphire bringing her food elsewhere.
"In her room. She said she isn't used to eating with others. Let her be."
"I see… I was hoping to talk with her. Maybe next time," Ghoth added.
"Just eat your food," Dayesh said.
"Ugh… I'm tired. Two more people to serve," Sapphire muttered to herself while eating.
After finishing, she stepped out of her room when Dayesh called her.
"I will find someone to assist you. They will serve the two men. Do not worry, your workload will not increase. Our agreement still stands. You will focus on Lzith, and cook or do laundry only when you have time."
"…Did he hear my rant?" she thought.
"Thank you for your consideration, Master!" she said, suddenly hugging him.
Dayesh froze for a moment.
"O-Oh… sorry, Master! It's just a habit. I'm really sorry."
Dayesh gently ruffled her hair. Though surprised, he was not offended.
"Thank you again, Master. I'll get back to work now."