Kaeliyus was struck still by Seiya’s cold tone. The rage emanating from him couldn’t go unnoticed. Sitting there and gazing up at his young Lord, Kaeliyus’ heart pounded heavily within him, his mind searching for what he had said to provoke his anger.
Even Hayne was taken aback, eyes wide and staring at Seiya—clueless what had provoked him.
"Isn’t it bold of you to think those demons would live to tell what they witnessed?" Seiya asked, voice thick with anger and irritation as his gaze fixed oppressively on Kaeliyus.
A shudder shot through Kaeliyus, goosebumps prickling his skin from Seiya’s words. His eyes gradually widened as he remained staring up at Seiya—dumbfounded and at the same time, impressed by him.
Even Hayne from his seat, looked shocked with wide eyes as he stared at Seiya, unsure what to feel. Could he see this as Seiya’s mere pride or just how solid his resolve proves?
Kaeliyus and Hayne remained staring up at Seiya while he in return, gazed with simmering rage at Kaeliyus—the silence and tension in the room heavy.
Only after some moments did Kaeliyus regain himself, speaking. "Y-yes, yes, My Lord," Kaeliyus said. Pressing a palm to his chest, he bowed with reverence, "forgive my oversight, my Lord."
Even after Kaeliyus apologized, Seiya’s gaze remained pressing down on him a while longer before turning away and returning to his seat on the couch.
"Thank you," Kaeliyus said, finally lifting his head.
Hayne exhaled aloud, relieved that the tension had lifted.
"But my Lord," Kaeliyus began once more, looking to Seiya. "How would you break the barrier without ending up killing the villagers? Since their life forces are linked to it?"
"Don’t know yet," Seiya replied almost instantly. "We’ll find a way after checking it out," he said, almost casually like it wasn’t big of an issue.
Without questioning any further, Kaeliyus took Seiya’s words for it and nodded in agreement. He was beyond impressed and proud of his young Lord’s bold approach to situations and problems—his respect toward him only deepened by the day.
"Thank you," Hayne’s voice came through. Lowering his head, Hayne showed his gratitude. "Thank you Sei, for agreeing to help even though it’s a selfish request from me. Thank you."
Kaeliyus cast him a side-eye as if to say : ’so you’re aware this is a selfish request.’
Without looking straight at him, Seiya replied. "It’s okay."
Seiya didn’t see it the same way Kaeliyus and Hayne saw it—granting a request. He simply accepted because he was intrigued by the mission, intrigued by the demons powerful enough to pull feats like that—he simply wanted to fight them—he was curious to fight them.
However, Seiya didn’t bother telling them that and accepted Hayne’s gratitude without further explanation.
Hayne exhaled softly, resting back on the couch, all his stiffened muscles finally relaxing.
"It’s not yet late into the night yet, I’d like to go shopping for some things I need before leaving," he said, yawning.
"Sei, would you like to come along?" He asked with eyes full of expectancy but Seiya’s reply came flat, "no," wiping his hopeful expression off his face.
"Heh, I guess so. You need to rest anyway." Hayne relented without protest.
Turning to Kaeliyus, he met a deadly glare that spelt: ’Don’t even try!’
But Hayne still carried on anyway. "Escort me shopping, Kael," Hayne blurted, purposely calling him the same way Seiya did to tease him.
Kaeliyus’ sense of reasoning snapped. He lunged at Hayne, grabbing him by the collar with claws and fangs ready to dig in.
"Woah woah," Hayne threw his palms out at him, gesturing for him to calm down. "See? This is the true nature of demons—violence!" Hayne teased more, a big mocking smile plastered to his face that further sparked Kaeliyus’ anger.
"This should’ve been a skyscraper so I could throw you off," Kaeliyus muttered softly before releasing Hayne who chuckled in response.
"No, like for real, let’s go," Hayne said, his facial expression turning stern. Without waiting for Kaeliyus to respond, he rose and strolled toward the door.
Watching him leave, Kaeliyus exhaled sharply before rising to his feet. "If you’ll excuse me, my Lord," he said, bowing with his usual reverence before following Hayne out of the house.
They walked down the quiet street, and when Kaeliyus was certain they had distanced themselves from the house, he stopped, halting just behind Hayne, who had taken a step ahead.
"So?" Kaeliyus began, halting Hayne mid-step. "What is it you wanted to talk about? I know you didn’t bring me out here just for shopping," he as Hayne turned to face him.
With a sigh, Hayne turned back and resumed walking. "I’ll tell you once I’ve finished shopping, or you’ll end up ditching me and leaving me here alone."
"You," Kaeliyus paused, his eyes narrowing as he watched Hayne walk ahead, "…really have a way of getting under my skin," he muttered, following him from behind.
"Hahaha, I’m honored," Hayne chuckled teasingly.
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The duo wandered through the city, exploring various shops and gathering the items Hayne needed. It took some time before they had everything and began their journey home.
As they walked, Kaeliyus spoke once more. "Will you talk now or do you still have some gas left to pump on my nerves?"
Hayne chuckled softly at his words, shaking his head. He sighed then halted and turned to face Kaeliyus.
"About Seiya," Hayne began. "I don’t know how he’ll turn up after I leave and honestly, I can’t deny that I’m really worried," he admitted.
Kaeliyus raised a brow in mild indignation at his words but before he could speak, Hayne continued.
"I’m not sure what kind of life he’ll have with you, but I hope it’s one where he’s truly free, unlike in the facility," he said, a small smile tugging at his lips, eyes filled with a gentle warmth.
"Beyond that," he continued, "I don’t want Seiya to grow complacent. If possible, I’d like you to train him further, teach him things he hasn’t yet learned, because there are dangers lurking everywhere."
"Take care of him like you said you would, keep to your words."
"Hmph!" Kaeliyus scoffed before Hayne could continue. "They’re not mere words but my obligations," Kaeliyus clarified.
"No one, not even the young Lord himself, is aware of the imminent danger that awaits him," Kaeliyus continued. "His future is fraught with perils beyond your comprehension. And at his current level, the way he is now, he will fall miserably."
Kaeliyus’ words left Hayne’s face twisted in confusion.
"I told you," Kaeliyus pressed on. "He is no ordinary being; he is the bridge between two worlds. Within him reside two opposing forces. From this point forward, his life will be nothing but struggle, conflict, and danger. And with his current strength, he will not survive."
"That is why," Kaeliyus said firmly, "you should worry more about yourself, mortal. My Lord’s cross is one that would crush you should you attempt to share in it." He fixed Hayne with a stern gaze. "His future, his fate, his very destiny—are all leading to his own destruction."
"That is why, WE…. are here to prevent that."