Axelius swung his legs off the bed and stood up, stretching his limbs. His joints popped slightly from being still for too long. He walked over to the tall, full-body mirror near the corner of his room, his reflection staring back with messy hair and slightly wrinkled clothes. Without a second thought, he pulled off his shirt and turned to his side, inspecting his left shoulder.
There it was—the mark. A swirling, intricate design that wrapped around the back of his left shoulder like it belonged there all along. His eyes gleamed with excitement, and a wide grin spread across his face.
"Oh yeah! It's not a dream!" he exclaimed, running his fingers over the tattoo. The lines were smooth and faintly glowed under his touch, like it was alive with energy.
"Stop moving around," Owen's voice came out of nowhere, sounding grumpy. He bounced up onto the dresser beside the mirror, his slime form jiggling slightly from the impact.
Axelius only laughed louder, turning back to Owen with a smug look. "Look at this, Owen! I have a tattoo! I look badass!" he boasted, flexing his arms as if he were showing off muscles that weren't really there.
Owen's gelatinous form wobbled in disapproval. "Badass, my ass," he huffed. "What do you think others will say when they see a child with a tattoo, huh? You'll look more like a troublemaker than some kind of warrior!"
Axelius paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully before shrugging. "Then I won't show it off until I grow up," he said with a grin. "I'll keep it hidden. But when I get taller...just you wait! I'll be the coolest guy in the whole kingdom!"
Owen groaned. "You never stop dreaming, do you?"
Before Axelius could respond, there was a soft knock at the door, and it opened to reveal Elias. The butler stepped inside gracefully, his eyes immediately going to Axelius, and a look of relief crossed his face.
"Young Master, I'm glad you're okay," Elias said, his voice calm but genuinely warm. He approached the bed as Axelius wandered back over, and without missing a beat, Elias assisted him up onto the mattress, his hands gentle but firm. Axelius settled back onto the bed, rubbing his stomach as it growled loudly.
"How long have I been out?" Axelius asked, glancing at the window where sunlight streamed in, casting long shadows across the floor.
Elias clasped his hands behind his back. "A whole day, Young Master," he replied respectfully.
Axelius's eyes widened a bit. "A whole day?" He looked back at the window, squinting at the light. "So I collapsed yesterday...no wonder I'm starving," he muttered, rubbing his stomach again as it growled even louder this time.
Elias straightened up. "I will go fetch your meal, Young Master," he said with a small bow, turning toward the door.
Axelius gave him a nod, leaning back into the pillows with a sigh. "Finally, some food," he mumbled, closing his eyes for a moment.
But before Elias could step out, the door creaked open gently, and a small figure entered, carrying a tray with a steaming bowl of soup, fresh bread, and a glass of water. It was the new maid, her posture stiff and eyes lowered respectfully.
Elias stopped in his tracks and stepped aside. "It seems your meal has already arrived," he commented, nodding to the maid.
Axelius straightened up, blinking in surprise. "Oh, it's you," he said, recognizing her from before. He watched as she carefully approached, her hands slightly shaking as she balanced the tray.
"Y-Young Master," she greeted quietly, bowing her head.
Axelius raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Well, don't just stand there. Bring it over!"
The maid flinched but nodded, stepping forward and placing the tray gently on the side table beside his bed. The scent of fresh bread and herbs filled the room, making Axelius's stomach growl even louder.
"You should eat, Young Master," Elias said softly.
The maid stood quietly by the bedside, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she watched Axelius dig into his meal. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, "Young Master, your bath is also ready...as you requested."
Axelius paused mid-spoonful, blinking up at her. His lips curled into a grin. "Oh? Good job," he said with a nod of approval before turning back to his food. The maid's cheeks flushed slightly at the praise, but she kept her head bowed respectfully.
He didn't waste any time, scooping up the hot soup and tearing pieces of bread to dip into it, eating like he hadn't seen food in days. Owen, bouncing slightly on the edge of the bed, watched with mild disgust. "You look like a starved beast," he mumbled, shaking his jelly-like head.
Axelius ignored him, swallowing another mouthful and chasing it with a gulp of water. His eyes flickered to Elias, who was still standing dutifully to the side. "So," Axelius began, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, "anything interesting happen while I was out cold?"
Elias stepped forward slightly, his expression composed. "Indeed, Young Master. The Duke and Duchess returned early upon hearing of your condition," he said with a formal tone, his eyes never leaving Axelius.
Axelius stopped mid-bite, eyebrows raised in surprise. He quickly swallowed and reached for his glass of water. "Really? They came back early? Hah, I didn't think I was that important," he snorted, taking a sip.
Elias's expression didn't change, but there was a faint flicker of something in his eyes. "The Duke and Duchess were quite concerned. They ordered immediate medical attention and have been asking for regular updates on your condition."
Axelius scoffed lightly, leaning back against the headboard with his hands behind his head. "Huh. Maybe they're finally realizing how precious I am," he joked with a grin.
Owen, still bouncing on the mattress, huffed. "Or maybe they were just scared you were finally dying," he muttered under his breath.
Axelius flicked a crumb of bread at Owen, who bounced away in protest. "Oh, shut up. You're just mad because I'm the chosen one now," Axelius teased, his grin widening.
Elias cleared his throat. "The Duke would like to see you once you're well enough," he added, his tone respectful but firm.
Axelius rolled his eyes. "Of course he does," he said, finishing off the last of the soup and pushing the tray aside. He leaned back, stretching his arms out with a groan. "Guess I should make myself look less like I just fought a bear before I see him, huh?"
Elias bowed his head slightly. "That would be advisable, Young Master."
Axelius grinned, glancing over at Owen. "Well, looks like it's time to scrub up, Owen. Try not to get washed away," he teased.
Owen bounced indignantly. "Very funny, genius," he muttered.
Axelius strolled confidently toward the grand bathroom, the polished marble floors gleaming under the soft light. The maid followed closely behind, her footsteps silent and measured. As they entered the luxurious space, steam wafted gently from the large tub already filled with warm water, scented oils floating on its surface, creating a light floral aroma.
Elias bowed and remained outside, closing the door quietly behind them. Axelius raised both his arms with practiced ease, not even sparing the maid a glance. The maid, understanding the gesture, immediately knelt before him, her hands deftly unbuttoning his shirt and slipping it off his shoulders.
Owen, who had been perched on the edge of the sink, bounced slightly in disapproval. His slimy body wobbled as he frowned. "Really? Having someone undress you? You can't do it yourself?"
Axelius smirked, clearly amused. "This," he said, spreading his arms wide as the maid continued her task, "is the definition of wealthiness, Owen. Jealous much?" He chuckled as the maid neatly folded his clothes, setting them aside.
Owen made a scoffing noise, which sounded more like a wet squish. "Pfft, more like spoiled," he mumbled.
Axelius just laughed, stepping out of his trousers and walking confidently toward the massive bathtub. The maid trailed behind, gathering his things without a word. As he reached the edge of the tub, he climbed in, sinking into the warm water with a sigh of satisfaction. The tension from his muscles eased instantly, and he stretched out luxuriously, letting the warmth soak into his skin.
The maid remained standing, her gaze lowered, hands clasped in front of her. Axelius raised an eyebrow and leaned back against the marble edge. "Don't just stand there," he said casually, waving his hand. "Go sit."
She blinked in surprise, glancing around before nodding and settling herself on a small cushioned stool by the side of the tub. Her hands rested on her knees, back straight, and her eyes fixed on the floor as if avoiding his gaze entirely.
Owen wobbled his way across the sink's edge, watching with clear skepticism. "I don't know if I should be impressed or just disappointed," he muttered.
Axelius ignored him, his gaze sliding to the maid. "You know the rules, right?" he asked, his voice dropping slightly. "Whatever you see or hear..."
The maid's head snapped up for just a moment before she bowed it again, "I see and hear nothing, Young Master," she replied firmly.
Axelius leaned back again, satisfied with her response. "Good," he said with a grin. He closed his eyes, letting the warm water relax his sore muscles. "I'd hate to see you lose that head of yours for something as silly as curiosity," he added lightly, though the edge in his tone was unmistakable.
After finishing his bath, Axelius stepped out of the tub, water dripping from his hair and skin onto the marble floor. The maid was already prepared with a soft, thick towel, bowing slightly before she approached. She gently wrapped the towel around his shoulders, carefully patting him dry.
After She finished drying Axelius's hair with gentle but practiced hands, she reached for a wooden comb from the vanity nearby. The fine teeth of the comb glided smoothly through his silver strands, untangling every knot with careful precision. Axelius watched her through the mirror, his eyes sharp and curious as she worked silently.
Once the combing was done, Millie stepped back slightly, hesitating. "Young Master," she began softly, her eyes not quite meeting his gaze, "if you would allow me... I could braid your hair. It might keep it neater throughout the day."
Axelius blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Braid it?" He seemed to consider it for a moment, his fingers brushing through the red-tipped ends. "Sure, why not? Let's see what you can do."
The maid gave a small nod and moved behind him. Her hands were steady as she gathered his long hair, sectioning it into three even parts. Axelius sat still, his gaze locked on the mirror as he watched her work. Her fingers moved quickly and skillfully, weaving his black hair into a clean, tight braid that ran neatly down his back. It was smoother than he had expected—elegant, even.
Owen bounced up onto the table, "Well, would you look at that," the slime quipped. "The young master's getting the royal treatment. Not bad for a spoiled brat."
Axelius shot him a glare but said nothing, his eyes still on the reflection. When she finished, she tied the end with a small black tie, stepping back to inspect her work.
Axelius turned his head from side to side, admiring the braid. It felt secure and looked... pretty cool, actually. He smirked, flicking the end of it over his shoulder. "Not bad."
Millie bowed her head slightly, her cheeks flushing just a bit. "Thank you, Young Master."
Axelius raised an eyebrow, still looking at her reflection. "What was your name again?"
"My name is Millie, Young Master," she replied, her voice soft but clear. "Millie Cartwright."
"Cartwright, huh?" Axelius repeated, sounding the name out as if testing its weight. He leaned back, crossing his arms. "You're not from around here, are you?"
Millie shook her head quickly. "N-No, Young Master. I'm from the east district...near the old mills," she explained, her eyes fixed firmly on the floor.
Axelius just nodded, seemingly satisfied with her answer. "Well, Millie," he said with a grin, turning back to the mirror to admire his reflection, "good job. I like how you did my hair."
Millie bowed deeply, her voice steady. "Thank you, Young Master," she said sincerely.