Chapter 30: The Final Decision

Ray blinked in surprise, his eyes wide and questioning. "Uncle, why me?" He gestured towards Kai, who was also looking for an explanation. His hand hung in the air, a silent plea for understanding. "I don't understand why I should be the one to help him settle in."

Maximus leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. "Ray, Kai's life has been different from what it should have been. Soon, he'll be attending the Magic Academy with you. You're aware of how the other noble kids might treat him, aren't you?" His words triggered a memory in Ray, a flashback of his younger self cornered and crying, surrounded by jeering peers at the Academy. The memory was like a cold splash of water, making him shudder involuntarily.

Kai watched Ray's expression change and guessed the meaning behind it. "Even the Crown Prince was bullied?" he mused silently. His eyes widened in surprise, a new understanding dawning on him.

Ray sighed, resigning himself to the situation. "As you wish, Uncle. I'll help him settle in and learn the basics for the Academy." His voice was firm, but there was a hint of reluctance. He knew the task wouldn't be easy.

Maximus stood up, patting Ray on the back. "That's the spirit!" Celestina chimed in, "Why don't you two start meeting each other every day?" Her suggestion hung in the air, a challenge for both boys.

Ray and Kai exchanged awkward glances, unsure of how to respond. The silence was palpable, a tension that Hiro decided to break, "Starting from tomorrow, for a month, Ray will come to our mansion. Since you're a bright kid, you could also tutor Eli along with Kai. What do you think?"

Ray pondered for a moment before agreeing, "Alright, I can do that." The room erupted in cheers, everyone except Ray and Kai who wore worried expressions. Their faces were a mirror of their thoughts - a mix of apprehension and resignation.

"I guess I'll have to sacrifice some sleep," Ray thought to himself. Kai, on the other hand, was more resigned, "I was fine on my own…" Their thoughts echoed in their minds, a silent testament to their worries.

With that, their discussion concluded, and it was time for the Archduke family to leave. "It's a pity you couldn't meet our daughters," Celestina remarked. Sakura added, "They're so beautiful, you'd be delighted to meet them." Both women looked at Kai, who sighed, understanding their intentions.

Ray approached Kai, extending his hand. "Since we'll be seeing each other more often now, let's get along." Kai shook his hand with a smile, and the family get on their carriage as they began their journey home.

On their journey home, Sakura and Elysia succumbed to the day's exhaustion and fell asleep. Hiro cradled a sleeping Sakura, while Kai watched over Elysia. "It's been a long day," Kai mused to himself, his gaze softening as he looked at his sleeping sister.

Their carriage came to a halt outside a shop. The driver turned to Hiro, "My lord, may I buy some toys for my daughter here? It won't take long." Hiro nodded, his smile warm and understanding.

As the driver disappeared into the shop, Kai's gaze drifted outside the window. His eyes fell on two children huddled in an alley, shivering in the cold. "Hmm, I should do something." He was about to reach for his notebook when laughter echoed from the alley. The sound was unexpected, a stark contrast to the scene he had just witnessed.

"Huh…?" Kai's eyes widened as he looked towards the direction of the laughter. The children ran, their laughter echoing in the air. A cloaked figure stood before the children, her form shrouded in mystery. The cloak was a deep burgundy, its hood concealing its features. As the figure bent down to their level, it gently pulled back the hood, revealing a girl, with a cascade of vibrant, crimson hair that tumbled onto her shoulders. Underneath the cloak, she wore a simple yet elegant tunic of forest green, the fabric catching the light as she moved.

Her emerald green eyes, framed by long lashes, sparkled with kindness. The children gasped in delight as she handed out sweets and bread, her movements graceful and fluid. Her smile was warm, reaching her eyes and lighting up her face, making her seem approachable and friendly.

From a distance, Kai watched the scene unfold. As the hood fell back and the girl's features were revealed, his heart skipped a beat. The image of the girl, her kindness, and her vibrant colors remained etched in his mind, causing his heart to race. He was captivated by her warmth and generosity. As she waved goodbye to the children and disappeared into the shadows, Kai couldn't help but smile.

"This tune is perfect. Wait- tune??", he noticed Eva playing a soft tune as he was watching the girl giving food to the kids. "Eva…" His voice trailed off, his mind still on the girl.

"Your heartbeat is increasing, Sir," Eva noted, causing Kai to blush. "Quiet, Eva," he retorted, regaining his composure.

Once the driver returned, they resumed their journey. Upon reaching the mansion, Hiro carried Elysia and Sakura to their rooms, bidding Kai a goodnight before retiring to his own.

Kai collapsed onto his bed, the image of the red-haired girl still fresh in his mind. He sighed, "What am I thinking…" His thoughts were a whirlwind, a mix of confusion and fascination. With that, he drifted off to sleep.

But when he opened his eyes, he found himself in the familiar dungeon. "Not again…" he muttered, scanning his surroundings. The cold stone walls of the dungeon were a stark contrast to the warmth of his bed. "What memory will I witness this time?" As he pondered, a hound emerged from the shadows. Kai looked towards the hound, and started to look around for the original owner of the body, but he was nowhere to be found. "That's strange… where is he?" His voice echoed in the empty dungeon, adding to the eeriness of the situation.

As the hound lunged towards him, Kai felt something strange. "Wait…," as the hound launched to attack, he ducked, rolling over the side, narrowly avoiding the attack. The hound landed in front of him, its eyes locked onto Kai. "What's happening…?" Kai wondered, staring back at the hound. His heart pounded in his chest, the adrenaline rushing through his veins.