After countless days of tireless work inside the manor, Cecilus finally found himself granted a rare moment of reprieve. His father was occupied with some political matter that demanded his attention, which meant—for once—Cecilus could breathe.
Naturally, he wasn't about to waste the opportunity. He decided to meet the two friends he'd made weeks earlier.
Aldo had been keeping tabs on them from time to time. From the wolf's observations, Marina had been left in peace, though Efrain was a different story. His friend Don had grown increasingly suspicious of Efrain's association with Marina and voiced open disdain toward him. Cecilus had tried to smooth it over—sending Efrain a note through Aldo, instructing him to say that Cecilus himself had ordered him to accompany Marina as repayment for the healing fees on his eye.
Unfortunately, that excuse wasn't enough. Efrain's old group had begun to harass him whenever they crossed paths in the village.
Dealing with petty squabbles like this is not what I remember as fun...
He sighed to himself as he strolled through the manor courtyard. So how do I fix this without getting my hands too dirty? The easiest solution was clear: present himself at the right moment, catch them in the act, and scare them into submission. If things went well, they'd believe Efrain's story—and that disobeying Cecilus's "orders" was a death sentence.
Before he could set his plan in motion, his father's voice broke through the quiet hallway.
"Cecilus."
Reymund approached, his expression firm as always. "Your cousin Alison is getting married soon. Our entire family is invited, and I'd like everyone to attend. I need you to teach your siblings how to dance for the ball before we leave in a week."
Cecilus blinked. Only a week? That just meant more work dumped onto him. Do they not know how to dance? Did Mother and Father pour all their skill into one child?
Still, he forced a smile. "Of course, Father. I'll teach them everything I know."
Reymund nodded, satisfied, and left without another word.
Cecilus groaned the moment his father was out of sight.
So much for spending time with Efrain and Marina. I have to figure out how to fix Efrain's problem at the very least.
***
Efrain had been living peacefully—mostly. During the day, he often walked through the village with Marina, chatting about meaningless things: the color of the morning sky, the smell of bread at the bakery, the strange birds nesting on the church roof. His words were often met with silence from Marina, however he did not care.
He still carried guilt about that day—the day they'd chased her through the creek. He'd never meant for it to go that far. When he saw Cecilus stand up for her, the strength and calm confidence in his voice gave Efrain something to hold on to. Maybe being near Cecilus meant he could become better too.
But the world was not so forgiving. Don and the rest of Efrain's former friends didn't take kindly to his new company. On some days, they threw rocks at him. Other times, they shoved him in passing or muttered curses under their breath. He endured it all. At least, thanks to Cecilus, Celtis the doctor healed him without charge—and that meant his mother never had to see her son come home bloodied.
That night, as Efrain walked home after parting ways with Marina, the group was waiting for him—blocking the road.
"Hello everyone!" he greeted them cheerfully, trying to diffuse the tension before it started.
It didn't work.
The boys surrounded him in silence before the first kick struck his ribs. Another hit his back. He tried to shield his head, but the blows came from every direction. The air was knocked out of him as he fell to his knees.
Cecilus would be able to handle this... He's strong and smart.
"Why the hell are you siding with that bitch!" one of the boys spat. "Orders, my ass! That half-elf doesn't care about anyone but himself!"
Then—silence. Efrain felt the weight of their blows lift. He looked up through swollen eyes and saw Don frozen in place, his lip trembling.
A voice echoed behind them, low and deliberate.
"You all really wanted your blood to stain this path, huh?"
The group turned. Cecilus stood there, smiling faintly, his presence like a shadow stretching over them.
"Messing with my minion seems to warrant a punishment," he continued. "And I remember hearing something interesting... 'Puny half-elf,' was it? I wonder who that could be referring to?"
The ground shuddered lightly as two stone golems emerged behind him, their heavy forms casting jagged silhouettes in the fading sunlight.
"Wait!" one boy yelped. "Forgive us! We didn't know he was actually with you! We thought he was lying!"
Cecilus tilted his head slightly, amused. "So you admit to idiocy. Hmmm... perhaps I can show mercy—but I require payment."
"Yes, anything!" they cried almost in unison.
He smiled wider. "Two minions aren't enough for me. So you'll all join my mission to stop boredom."
"What?"
"Huh?"
The boys glanced at one another in confusion. Cecilus sighed internally. At least pretend to understand what I mean.
"You'll follow my orders and perform important tasks that spread positivity," he said solemnly, as if he were giving a divine decree.
The group nodded hesitantly, unsure whether he was joking.
Efrain, however, looked at him with shining eyes. He gathered servants so fast... he's a natural-born leader!
Cecilus merely crossed his arms, deep in thought. Hopefully, they're not too boring. But at least they'll leave Efrain and Marina alone. Maybe forcing them to cooperate will straighten them up.
"Our next mission won't be for a while," he added. "Efrain, you can stop monitoring Marina if you want. I'll be gone again soon. I know we only managed one mission together, but there will be many more when I return."
He had no idea if he would have time to do anything when he returned, but giving hope felt better than taking it.
"Ok, Sir!" Efrain saluted dramatically, earning a small chuckle from Cecilus before he turned and walked back toward the manor.
***
Zylee was practically skipping through the manor halls. She'd just learned from her mother that they were attending a wedding—a real noble event—and she was bursting with excitement. She'd never been to a ball before.
When she heard she'd need to learn how to dance, she was intrigued—until she found out who her instructor would be.
"Brother Cecilus?" she whined to her older brother Ayas as they made their way to the ballroom. "Do you think we can learn quickly so we don't have to stay with him long?"
Ayas laughed softly. "I doubt it. I read through some books on ballroom dancing. Tried practicing alone... nearly fell on my face. But maybe it'll go better with a partner."
"Haha! I can imagine that," Zylee giggled.
The ballroom doors creaked open. Inside stood Cecilus, petting Aldo. A slant of golden light from the tall windows illuminated them both, giving the wolf's fur a faint shimmer.
"Oh! He's so cute!" Zylee whispered, clasping her hands. "Brother Cecilus! Can I pet the puppy? What's his name?"
Cecilus smiled. "Of course. His name is Aldo, but he enjoys being called 'puppy'."
Aldo's mind voice immediately echoed in Cecilus's head. No, I don't.
"Pretend to bite her," Cecilus thought mischievously. "It'll be hilarious."
Aldo simply wagged his tail and allowed Zylee to pet him, ignoring his master entirely. I would never scare an innocent child. Also, forcing her to call me 'puppy' is insolence!
Cecilus frowned. "Enough of this. It's time to dance!"
Zylee jumped slightly at his tone but quickly composed herself. She and Ayas stepped forward.
"You two will be partners," Cecilus instructed. "Likely at the event as well. So—learn to cooperate."
He positioned them properly, guiding their hands and stance with the precision of a seasoned instructor. His corrections were immediate and sharp but never cruel. Under his direction, their movements began to flow—hesitant at first, then gradually smoother, more in sync.
After nearly two hours, both siblings were visibly tired. Cecilus clapped once, signaling an end to practice. "That's enough for today. Rest, and we'll continue tomorrow."
As they left, Zylee turned to Ayas, smiling. "That wasn't as bad as I thought! I got to pet the puppy, and Cecilus actually teaches well—almost like Mother."
Ayas didn't answer right away. His mind was elsewhere.
He used it... his ability. He could see our flaws before they even emerged. Father told me once—Cecilus can sense the emotions in people's souls. Their weaknesses, their fears. That's why he's dangerous. He said that he was afraid of Cecilus because even his deepest secrets and insecurities could be exposed if he didn't have a calm mind while around him.
Did he see my hatred for him? No... his expression was calm the entire time.
The two walked in silence down the corridor, their footsteps echoing softly against marble floors.
***
Days passed in the same pattern: school in the mornings, dancing in the evenings. Eventually, the day came to depart.
Cecilus rode with his parents in one carriage while his siblings occupied another. The rhythmic clatter of hooves filled the air as Reymund spoke endlessly about politics, trade routes, and noble family lineages.
Cecilus tuned him out, watching the passing landscape through the window. Maybe I'll try some wine at the party, he mused, though the risk of Father finding out might not be worth it.
It took two days to reach Cliffhall, a sprawling city that shimmered with industry and wealth. The air smelled faintly of iron and smoke. It was familiar—too familiar. Cecilus had visited cities like this before, and the novelty had long since faded.
His cousin Alison lived here. At nineteen years of age she was extravagant, and wealthy—everything expected of nobility. Cecilus had few memories of her besides her fondness for spending money to prove she had it.
The carriages finally halted before a towering estate surrounded by others of equal grandeur. As he stepped out, Cecilus stretched and smirked faintly.
Maybe this time, I'll just enjoy myself. Leave the boring political talk to the adults. Everything they discuss will end up meaning nothing anyway.