A warning

AT THE LEFORT manor, it was a simple festivity. Every servant and knight were in one place, celebrating their young master's great results at the entrance examination, and of course, for gaining a new friend he can trust. Everyone was jolly, drinking and enjoying the food to their heart's content. Watching them, Hades is reminded of that night before he left for the academy with his sister.

While he was sober and drinking at the sidelines, Rufus and Livia were dancing at the center with the others, they were completely drunk and wasted.

He's seen Livia drunk from yesterday as well, and she's like Rufus when she's drunk. Playful, and full of jokes. Hades saw how used Rufus was in dealing with her drunk state, he even took her back here in the manor to spend the night. It just shows how much close they are to each other, and Hades himself envied their closeness.

"Won't you join them?" Hades glanced back at the voice, it was Rufus' father, Count Ruby Lefort. He has brown skin and a tall figure just like Rufus, the only thing the differentiates him from his son is his refined facial hair. After meeting him from yesterday at the pub, Hades couldn't hide the excitement in his eyes. This man is powerful, and known to be one of the best knights alongside the Grand Duke. They were in the same class after all.

"I'm not that drunk, Count." Hades smiled and answered, sipping on his glass of beer. It was a special bear that the Count himself made.

"Tsk, didn't I tell you to call me Uncle Ruby? You're a friend of that kid! It's been a long while since he introduced a friend to us himself. Livia was the first, but that was a long time ago!" The Count clicked his tongue at the formal attitude of the lad. Hades can see so much of Rufus in him, and he couldn't help but feel comfortable yet alert around him.

After all, he's one of the people who the Grand Duke himself warned Hades about.

The count stood next to Hades, and gazed at his son having fun with his lady friend. "That kid is very sensitive, thus he tends to build strong walls around him to protect himself. It would go unnoticeable to others as he seemed friendly, but I'm sure you noticed it in the past few days?" Hades slowly nodded at the Count's words.

The count's eyes observed Hades' calm expression, his eyes remained on his two friends. Ruby was more surprised of the fact that he can keep control of his expression even in front of a man like him. He's too casual in front of a noble for a commoner.

The moment his eyes met Hades', he was sure this man was someone dangerous. The amazing sixth sense runs in their veins. It would be more confusing for him to not be suspicious of the white haired friend his son introduced him to.

"… A young sickly boy trained under his father, who is a former knight, after witnessing a tragedy of his mother and siblings being killed by bandits before his eyes. Now, he entered the academy to fulfill his dream of becoming a knight... Isn't it a sad and touching story?" Hades couldn't contain his smile at the Count's words, and calmly sipped on his beer.

'The Count's duality is amazing, should I start worrying about Rufus too?' Hades thought to himself, calmly taking in the situation.

"Indeed, a tragic story, Uncle Ruby. I'm sure that young boy is focused on his own goals and thriving for a better future." He stated, and glanced back at the Count with an innocent smile.

However, the count wore a serious expression. Hades knows that the Count won't be fooled too easily, but all he needs is to act as usual, because the Count won't be able to do anything.

"Do not touch or drag my son into whatever you're planning to do, otherwise I will drag you down hell myself." Hades tilted his head, oblivious and confused at the Count's strong words.

"You're saying as if I'm the one who approached your son, Uncle Ruby," the Count's face stiffened. Those words… confirmed that Hades is well aware of his suspicions and is not denying that he is a dangerous person. Seeing his expression, Hades chuckled.

"And it's not as if I'm thinking of doing something dangerous while I'm at the academy." 'Well, I am', Hades thought and sighed, letting out a hopeless smile. "I may be strong, but I'm a commoner who barely has any power. As much as possible, I just want to live a peaceful life while protecting those who I treasure… it was something I couldn't do just because I was young, and I want to be able to achieve that now that I can."

The Count was barely convinced by his words, but Hades didn't care.

'He can't do anything.'

Placing the empty glass down the table, he lightly bobbed his head towards the Count. "It's late now and I may need to leave later to pack my things for the moving tomorrow. I'll help Rufus and Livia sober up for a little. I'll thank you again, for the delectable food and beverage that you let me taste."

The Count watched Hades as he approach both Livia and Rufus who tired themselves up in dancing. He also saw how Rufus smiled at the young lad for helping him and the lady. Ruby couldn't help but feel sour.

'You've become soft, my son.'

HOURS HAVE PASSED since the celebration had started. Most of the knights and servants has fallen asleep… at the hall. Very few were sober enough to keep guard of the manor for the night. Drunk Livia was carried to her room by the stable Hades, while the tipsy Rufus was guiding him to her room. Not long after that, Rufus and the Count sent him off from the front gate of their manor.

The two waved goodbye as Hades fades into the night, heading back to the inn he was staying. As he turns to head back to the mansion, Rufus let out a yawn.

"Ah~, I'm beat. Professor Yahto was tough." He mumbled and begun walking in a slow pace. His father followed, and walked beside him, matching his pace.

"What did you see in that kid?" The count asks in a straightforward manner, and Rufus could only blankly stare at his father. It's not that he doesn't think Hades is not suspicious, he's simply turned into a fool.

"Father, do you think he would harm me?" Rufus asked, and the Count nodded almost immediately to that question. His son could only sigh. Hades can harm him, but he wouldn't. He just knows that he wouldn't, but that's not enough evidence. "Hades may be stronger than I am, he would kill if he wants to, however, I know that he would never do anything to hurt me or Liv."

"Why do you trust him so much? Have you forgotten about what happens when you trust someone you barely know?" Those words made Rufus halt. The count turned to him and look down on his son with grave eyes.

"That red eyes of yours," said the Count, staring deeply into his son's threatening gaze and expression full of contempt. "… are not used to look at your own father like that." He continued, his voice full of coldness. It was unpleasant and impolite to show or look at your parent with such face.

Rufus sighs sharply at his father's behavior, then walks pass him. "Then, I beg of you, Father, to stop bringing up something that will make me gaze with hate." The father clenched his jaw in annoyance.

"I am merely stating facts. Don't dodge my question, Rufus." He called with a powerful voice, and turned to his son, whose back was facing him. Rufus stood in his place, calming himself to stay completely sane, despite having the urge to burst because he was drunk.

"As I have stated, I trust Hades. It's something that you will never understand, not even I know why I can't part myself from someone like him," Rufus chuckles, as he glanced back at his father with a smile that reached his eyes." But, you don't need to understand anything, Father. I know you're worried, I am your only son. However, do me a favor and stay out of my circle. He is my friend, not yours. "

After stating those words, Rufus walked away. Ruby could only watch him and let out a sigh. 'I angered him, River… what do I do?' He rue by himself at the dark. 'Being a parent is so hard.'

Meanwhile, Rufus opened the door… of a room that's not his. He carefully shuts the door from behind and did not bother lightening his heavy footsteps as he strides to the wide bed. His feet felt clothes on the floor, which he knows is not his. He knows that sleeping naked was a bad sleeping habit of hers, but he rather liked it.

Slowly, Rufus takes off his own clothes, leaving only his undergarment. He felt the cold night breeze that was slipping from the open window. He then slips in the thick sheets of the bed, until he felt her warm and soft skin.

He moved closer to her, wrapping his large arms around her waist. Once she felt him and had adjusted to his embrace by wrapping her arms around his neck, he buried his face on her neck. Her scent naturally filled his nose, and he found comfort in it.

"... your footsteps were heavy, did something happen?" Livia's voice was low and quiet as she mumbled those words. Her eyes were close, but who else would enter her room in the middle of the night just to be held and be comfortable?

"Father doesn't trust Hades." One sentence and she got the gist of everything.

She pats his head in comfort. "Uncle Ruby was just worried. He may not trust Hades, but one day, he'll come to understand. He is your father, Rufus," She simply stated. "Now, let's not worry and get some sleep. We're moving to the academy tomorrow, so just talk to him before you leave." She adds and relaxed herself.

Rufus gave her neck a few pecks, which gave her a tickle. This is why he likes when Livia is here at his space or when she's nearby, he's always sane and calm around her. Just a few words from her would comfort him, and he liked that.

"Goodnight, Liv."

"Sleep well, Rufus."

Before closing his eyes, Rufus had a thought. 'Father doesn't trust Hades... was he trying to warn me about Hades?'

That question remained unanswered even when he thinks of a reason. It just doesn't make sense, not at all.