Chapter 45: Where Are You Lev?

Jian Li awakens with a sense of confusion, immediately noticing the sensation of a dried throat.

He blinks, allowing his eyes to scan the surroundings.

'Laying like a dead body with a blanket perfectly set down above my chest without crease and a cold pillow.' He sighs mentally. 'Ah. I don't want to get out of this position.'

Along his soft sigh, Jian Li only continued to enjoy the warm mattress peacefully, staring at the ceiling as he gathers his thoughts.

He tried to recall the events last night, but could only stop at Lev's face. 'Im back in my room? I don't remember going back..'

Embarrassed of his actions, he shuts his eyes. 'Ah it might be Lev after all. I will have to thank him later.'

In a split second, his sense of alert heightened, feeling his throat when a sharp shrill entered his ears.

"King Hongwu has been killed!"

"Capture him!"

"Punish the murderer!"

"We don't want you here!"

The repeating memories flooded into him, his blood surging into his veins hotter and hotter. "No.." The heat travels to his head, making it itch and ache at the same time. As much as he wanted to ease the pain he couldn't even move his body.

"He's— he's no human! He's a monster!" Screamed a voice in his memory.

His breathing became heavier each second he would hear this nightmarish distortion. 'Im not!' he yelped out in discomfort, unable to think straight.

"You killed the King!"

He felt tightly bound to the bed with hot and heavy iron chains, his arms and legs paralyzed to the point that he can only twitch his lips, but not let out any sound.

Tears started to form in his eyes, seeing a person sitting by the edge of the bed.

He gasped sharply. 'No, stop! Don't think about it! Its an illusion! It isn't real!-'

His dead father's corpse paid him a visit.

'He is not real!!'

"HOW DARE YOU KILL ME?!" In a flash, Hongwu's face loomed in front of his face, his mouth abnormally wide open, devilishly screaming at him in fury. His heart raced uncontrollably, making him speechless and immobilized, as if his lungs were on the verge of surrender. His terrified gaze locked with his father's pitch-black eyes— eyes he never saw before, eyes he never dreamed to see, eyes that would haunt him forever.

Everything he felt that moment seeped through his skin deeply, making his bones shake.

"HOW DARE YOU KILL ME?!" Its wrath becoming stronger each second, Jian Li could shriek poorly of what he's seeing. His blue eyes shrinking in horror. 'Im sorry! Im sorry! Forgive me!'

Hongwu leaped and hovered above him, floating. A wide, terrifying grin spreads on his face, almost reaching his ears. Hongwu's blood from his eyes drips, and trickles to Jian Li's cheeks. "Murderer."

The crying boy paled and shuddered uncontrollably.

'im not. I'm not. Im not!' He chanted inside of his head, only not to be heard.

Aware that it was merely a cursed illusion, he found himself unable to resist enduring the repetitive torment, as if he had been pulled back in time, reliving those dreadful emotions once more.

"Murderer!"

Life exited his body, trembling and shaking under the laughing ghost on top of him. 'Don't call me that..'

"The fruit indeed never falls far from its tree." Hongwu eerily cackled, leaning down to his ear: "The Jians will always be a murderer."

"You will someday lead this kingdom to its downfall and suffer the same curse as i did."

"You will always be a murderer." He whispered.

Jian Li's light footsteps passed through the wooden planks without a sound, silently walking the corridors with a shaky candle in hand.

After he had the unsettling mirage, he decided to get out of bed after what happened, he wanted to leave the chamber right away. "Lev?" His pitiful voice resounding around the halls.

"Your Highness?"

His hopeful eyes dimmed down. "Ah-"

"How can i be in your service Your Highness?" A female servant mannerly bowed.

He cleared his throat, stabling his voice. "The house master, where is he?"

The young attendant sweated hard, looking as though she was really searching deeply inside her head about her master's whereabouts, Jian Li thought she might be new to the house as well. "I- i also have no idea sir. My sincerest apologies.."

Jian Li noticed and only replied, "I see."

"Then may I ask where the bathing chambers are?"

"Of course Your Highness, may i accompany you there?"

"This way please."

*

The sight of water always calmed him.

However this time, it frightened him.

His knees dropped to the wet floor with a sloppy thud, and uncontrollable tears flooded down his cheeks.

In front of him was a vast pool. A tremendous amount of water being presented in front of his very own eyes.

He could feel his chest already tightening with cold and fear, Jian Li never thought that such quiet waters could cause him jeopardy, it was so unnatural for him to hate water when he was someone who has always loved its company.

Just one trickle of it, his blood would run cold.

In one drip, he crawled away.

Under the water, the muffled screams, the rigged bubbles, and the the lack of air. Everything he felt back when he was being tortured all came back, trying to suffocate him once more.

Jian Li punched his chest with all force, begging for his lungs to breathe as he was sprawled on the ground.

'You're not drowning! You're not drowning!' He desperately said to himself, clinging to the hope that the suffering will subside.

'Help yourself!'

He could still feel that royal necklace bound so tightly around his neck, trying to suffocate him as if he was sprawled at the bottom of the pool, fighting for his life.

He gulped as his surroundings now turns darker, colder, and sinister. Jian Hongwu's monstrous-like face was peering on him from the waters, wearing a petrifying grin that sent him waves of terror.

Yet he couldn't scream.

"There will be no running this time, I will save you."

Similar to a gentle breeze, a soft glow, or perhaps the touch of a warm hand, the moment he heard Lev's voice, a loud snapping sound resounded in his ears.

Reaching for his neck, he realized that he was now free from the cursed necklace. The shackle that has been triggering his panic attack.

Amidst it all, Lev saved him again.

*

The moment Jian Li calmed down, he crawled away from the waters, yet chose not to leave, composing himself to at least get one pail of water to wash himself with.

'It's warm.'

Without any words spoken, he sat at the corner of the chamber, far away from the waters where it is absolutely impossible for him to get in even accidentally. He'd constantly avoid gazing over the open bathing area and focus on his skin instead by wiping his arms and patting his face.

The warm towel would graze against his cuts and the water sinks into his flesh, making him wince each time. 'My wounds... Are stinging.'

His bandages was piled on a table, things silently still, except him.

As he lets the towel gently brush over his arms, Jian Li could only watch over the details in his arms.

He has gotten a tone more paler, and the bones in his fingers appeared on his skin as bumps. His body showed signs of weight-loss and over fatigue. 'A lot of things happened in a short period of time.' To his astonishment, he observed that the bruises around his wrists, which had been visible just days ago, had nearly vanished.

'How did this happen?'

Everything he has done until this moment felt like it was thrown away, why was he inside the palace for nineteen years? What was its purpose anymore when now he is here? Beated senseless.

'My heart feels like its being ripped.'

He crumbled, hugging his shoulders.

'I can't bear the pain.'

'it's too painful.'

He started scratching his arms and cried silently. Grunts and sniffs echoing around the chamber.

Jian Li's slightly wet hair drapes down his eyes, covering his tears. 'I don't know how to feel. I don't know how to function. How do i begin? Do i keep living? What should i do now?'

'im so lost.'

Despite persistent hiccups, he clenched his mouth shut, determined to suppress his tears. He refused to let anyone hear the current King, in the midst of an emotional breakdown, inside a bathing chamber. Above all, he hated the thought of appearing weak in the eyes of others, particularly Lev.

He wanted to be worthy of Lev's company.

'I wonder if this is selfish of me.'

*

"Huh? Where did His Highness go?" The poor attendant just went back to the chamber in panic, unable to find the King.

Now she faces utter confusion. She might've lost the King.

Changed in a new set of dry clothes, he walked through the long hallways of the Svarozich manor, his gray robes floating majestically behind him.

The heels of his new shoes clacked a bit hurriedly on the wooden manor, his accessories clicking here and there. As he approached a turn, a glimmer caught his attention from the corner of his eye.

Or someone sparkling.

'Dian?' A bit unsure, he turned his heels and walked towards the boy in lavishing orange dress.

The young lad dressed in orange appeared remarkably striking and remarkable. Despite his slim build, he possessed a well-proportioned physique. Jian Li couldn't help but praise the boy's fashion sense, as his choice of clothing complemented his body type flawlessly.

The boy who was busy plucking grapes on the dining hall shifted his head by the sudden noise of someone's heels.

"Dian, right?" Clarified Jian Li properly.

The pretty boy bows, "Ah! Your Highness! Pleasant morning! Gotta hand it to you, waking super early!" His teeth showing in joy.

Jian Li sweats. 'How lively.'

Jian Li: 'He's awake in this hour. It's piquing my interest. Did Lev train them to wake this early? How about the others?'

Dian giggles and throws a piece of green grapes inside his mouth. " "I also did not expect you to rise early." Is what His Highness thinks is it not?"

The King could only wryly give a chuckle. "Impressive."

Dian would offer him a bowl of grapes but he didn't accept it. One, it was still too early to have it, two, to wake up this early to have a bite of fresh grapes, he must be pretty hungry or have a reason to actually eat it first thing when he wakes up.

After he swallowed the last grape, Dian flushes it down with another deep-red grape wine. "What brings His Highness to the dining hall?"

"Im.. searching for Lev, perhaps you know his whereabouts?"

"Dad? Is he not in his room?" Dian would ask this but it is most unlikely for his father to still be asleep. He would always catch Lev waking up on very ungodly hours. But the King thought that Dian was also just as strange for waking up in weird hours in midnight.

Jian Li also thought of Lev to be someone who must be doing something instead of sleeping, therefore just shook his head. "I did not notice any light coming out from the room."

The boy crinkled his forehead, making a pose like he was focusing very hard. "The bath chamber then?"

Jian Li shrugged, "I was there earlier than anyone. It is as empty as a box as of the moment."

Dian squints his eye as he chugs down the wine quietly, "Hmm."

"Is that your breakfast?" Blurted Jian Li, very uncomfortable at the sight of someone actually consuming acidic fruits early in the morning.

Dian mindlessly replied: "My after-dinner snack. Haven't slept." Indeed, visible signs of discomfort were evident in his appearance. His eyes appeared heavy and fatigued, while his hands seemed somewhat clumsy, giving the impression that he may have been drunk. Perhaps the cause was his continuous drowning of wine.

"Bad habits."

Dian chuckled lowly. "I'm afraid it is Your Highness. "

"Let's search for Duther then? He knows our father's schedule most." Dian pulled a bright smile and set the bowl down.

He signalled the King and began walking, "Has His Highness check the study?"

The other blinks, "Ah no. I'm still learning about the house."

He nods. "I see, allow me to check later then!"

The two chatted in a good atmosphere, one complimenting the house furnitures, and one confidently bragging about it. Jian Li learned that some of their displays were crafted by the nobles themselves, making him gasp in wonder.

As they stop on someone's door, Dian cleared his throat loudly, making the other jolt.

"DuthAAAAAAAAAAAA~!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Duther jolted terribly, laying exactly like Jian Li on his bed, his eyes snapped widely as if it was pried open by a stick.

His eyes twitched in annoyance. 'Who's yelling this early in the morning?!'

"BABY BROTHAAAAAAAAAAAAA~"

His ears snapped in pain of the loudness and had no other choice but to go to the door to finally shut the noise up.

As he slowly opened the door, its agonizingly slow and coarse creak produced an eerie sound. To his surprise, the individual who emerged from behind the door appeared to be half dead. "What. The. Hell...?"

"You can at least KNOCK." He exclaimed in utter disbelief.

Jian Li looked to him eye to eye, and greeted: "Hello there."

The once dead, black eyes partnered with a messy hair flipped out in terror. "Good— A pleasant morning Your Majesty—!" He shuts his eye out of embarrassment, trying to erase the fact that he just cursed infront of His Majesty.

"Yes .. good morning to you Duther." Awkwardly replied the King.

A swift wind travelled beside Jian Li. Duther's hand has caught his brother's, tightly gripping it like a crab.

He smiled, trying to disguise his embarrassment. "Please excuse us for a moment."

The door creaked slowly as it closes but Jian Li saw the last glimpse of Dian's eyes begging for help.

Creeaaak... Thud!

"What the hell are you thinking?! I'm practically naked in front of His Majesty!" Jian Li heard through the door.

"Bringing him here?! What's in your head?!" Duther continued scolding his brother.

"Calm down. He's searching for father." Said a more calmed voice which was Dian's.

Jian Li heard an overdramatic gasp. "Address His Majesty formally!!" It was Duther's voice.

Dian laughed quietly. "Right right~ So I told His Highness you might know the answer so here we are!"

A short moment passed before Duther could give a reply: "..give me a second to change."

"Aight~"

As Dian opened the door again, he saw the King patiently standing there in silence, his cold eyes slightly glimpses, hoping for an answer.

"He'll be out soon Your Highness~ Shall we wait inside?"

While waiting for Duther to change his clothes, the King was being served warm tea. Jian Li observed the surroundings of the noble's chambers and quickly formed an impression of the individual. The room featured dark walls, well lit room, clean and organized shelves, a desk and lanterns, books and scrolls, pen and inks, and few simple-designed furnitures. The air in the room carried a delightful blend of aromas, a combination of fresh coffee beans, fragrant herbs, the scent of books, and a hint of wax.

Duther came out of his private bed chamber, dressed in all black from head to toe. Something about the way he dress still makes him shine, his clothes fits through his body and compliments every movement he does, and the coronet of a noble made him look more classy and sophisticated.

Amidst his brothers, Jian Li couldn't help but notice the distinctiveness of Duther's style, always draped in black. From his unique facial features down to his toes, he exuded an unmistakable individuality. Paired with his fashion choices, he undeniably possessed a charismatic and distinctive persona.

.. Well, if we're talking about difference, one of his siblings is now roaming his chamber like a rat, an orange rat, to be exact.

Dian's fashion sense leans towards a playful style characterized by flowy, vibrant, and sheer clothing that often showcases his shoulders and ankles. In contrast, Duther goes for long garments that conceal any exposed skin, projecting an extremely conservative appearance befitting a high-class noble. His black attire conceals his nape, wrists, and ankles, with the exception of his pale complexion that adds a touch of contrast to his overall look. Despite his conservative approach, Duther still exudes an undeniable aura of elegance and refinement.

It was such a show to see the two children clash with each other's way of fashion, but very entertaining to see how even people can be different despite sharing the same blood.

If Jian Li was being honest, Duther kind of reminds him about Aren, his former servant, in many ways. The reserved aura, the stance, their strictness, and the pocket watch they always hold on their hand.

'Except Aren smiles, and he doesn't. Aren is always in light clothes but he isn't. Aren doesn't wear glasses but he does. Aren tells—'

Memories and thoughts about Aren flooded Jian Li's mind until a sudden voice broke the train of thought.

"Aren's dead."

Jian Li paused, his gaze fixating on the glass placed on Duther's table.

Duther stomped his heel as if he was trying to get some dirt off, waking Jian Li from the looming guilt engulfing his heart.

"As far as i know, he doesn't have any appointments listed in this date." He said as he flips through his father's schedule. "Lord Leviticus may be just around the manor."

'If His Highness is earnestly searching for Father, then he must have important matters to tell.' Duther thought. "Should i accompany you to search? I'll be honoured to be of help to His Majesty."

"I appreciate that, but where do we start?"

Duther pushes his glasses back, "It's best that we check his chambers again. Father might've come back."

"How come this manor doesn't have guards?"

"We do not see the necessity to have one." Jian Li glanced slightly at Duther. And it surprised him how calmed he look, like he was telling the truth.

"Why? All of you are nobles, the highest of the nobles in fact, so why? I expected that the manor would be more packed with guards, but I haven't seen any Elite Knights."

Dian joined and laughed wholeheartedly. "Unlike Your Highness' palace that has guards all over the place, this manor is just as tight."

Duther continued: "A long time ago, when he first met us, he promised safety and comfort. And we pathetically held on to that promise... We held on to him and his words for years, for years of genuine faith that we will be safe in his shadow. As we continued to live and hope, there hasn't been a situation where my sisters or brothers were harmed by anyone. That was the reason why he gained our trust and respect. As we gradually became acquainted to each other, the more willing we were to put down ourselves for him. That is why we treat Father with such reverence, because he's someone who values our lives more than anyone, more than our own parents."

The walk around the manor stayed quiet and long as Jian Li grew more curious about Lev's life, and the manor's history.

'Oh, why are you so mysterious Lev?'

They are now walking along the corridors with Dian and Duther leading the way for the King, he was in white, Dian in honey-colored robes, while Duther is in black with its capes floating around. What a feast for the eyes.

As they were passing through, a door opened.

A tall and muscular man went out of one of the doors, looking as if he will go out and train. Actually, Jian Li has so much say for this look. Is he the eldest? He looks so much older than Lev, was he adopted at later age?

The man still hasn't noticed them approaching and kept adjusting the strap around his thigh, only having felt the footsteps that he finally turned around.

"Dub!" Duther called out to him, his voice ricocheting around.

"?"

The three walked up to him and stopped in front of his door, but this causes Jian Li to take a peek in his rooms. But what he saw surprised him.

'Dolls?'

He closed the door and bowed deeply, "Your Highness, brothers."

Jian Li blinked. What did he just saw inside of a muscular man's bedroom? Were those objects sitting on the floor really dolls?

He smiled numbly and shook his head. 'No, wait. I remember that he's younger than Dian. And Dian's the oldest, so he may be the youngest among the three. So what on earth is with his genes?'

Jian Li cannot be blamed, how this man looks is way too different from his siblings.. A sharp jaw, thick eyebrow lines, real tall nose, slight hints of mustache, and a thick neck. He's way too buff to exist for a kid. And just how will he explain those scattered dolls in his bedroom?

Dian saw His King's reaction and just giggled.

The boy in black took the first move, asking the Dub: "Have you seen Father?"

"No. What's wrong?"

Dian waved his hand playfully and clinged to his baby brother. "Oh nothing~ Just searchin!"

Dub silently stood there before saying something: "Is... there something i can do to help?" His voice went deeper than Jian Li thought it could go. Is he really just a teen?

The lively one clapped. "If you're free now let's hunt for father~"

'What a weird way of putting it.' Jian Li thought.

"The more the merrier~" Cheered Dian on.

Duther already walked past them so Dub could only agree. "Alright."

As they were walking, another noble came out of her door. It was Miriam Svarozich. The lady in red.

"Big sis Miri!"

Jian Li turned his head to see who it was, it was indeed her, the interesting young one from the dinner.

Everything of Miriam is white. Her hair resembles of a cloud as it was lustrous and long. Her skin looked like it was bathed with milk from its paleness, while her eyes had a mix of colors; red and blue. Notably, her lips are full and red, but what truly catches attention is her crown, which takes the shape of iron chains.

However, what truly makes her "The Lady in Red", was indeed, the way she dresses. She frequently presents herself in public wearing vibrant red garments. This color choice creates a striking contrast with her hair and adds to her already heavenly presence, making her list of suitors be twice as many as of a normal noble.

After the beautiful girl turned around, she immediately finds herself infront of Her Highness' presence, curtsying deeply, "Your Highness."

"I am Miriam." She smiled.

It wasn't that kind of genuine smile, yet it also wasn't that of a creepy one. It was something in between.

The king nods. "Yes. My memory of you is fresh."

"Im deeply honored, Your Highness." She bows again.

"What brings His Highness out here with my brothers?"

"Searching for Father." A unison of three said.

Her eyes changed, "Is there an emergency?"

Jian Li panicked because it looked as though Dub and Miriam was ready to fight something based on the startled look on their face. He shook his head, "I just wanted to talk to him about something."

The two softened.

She cleared hed throat, "If you cannot find Father around, then he's obviously in the Under."

"Under?" Jian Li asked, trying to confirm if it is what he thinks it is.

"Yes Your Highness. It's a connected manor to the Nether City." Duther said.

"Nether... is Underground City, am i correct?"

"That exactly Your Highness."

'The Underground huh..'