18 For yourself

Ndulou could not help himself from drooling while the servant endlessly set down different deserts.

His eyes were fixed on the scrumptious color of the pastries in front of him. He gulped at the sight of the pre-sliced Marion Berry pie that was calling his mouth to try the crispy looking crust. His fingers are itching to touch the softness of the cream puffs, fluffy jiggly cheesecakes, lemon souffles, and colorfully flavored macaroons, as there are other enticing desserts being served in front of him that he is not familiar with.

He thought it would be more savory if he ate it with his hands, but Ernesto would surely feel disgusted if he did. He looked at Ernesto, who was not yet done instructing the maids on filling up the table with sweets. Also, Ernesto was the one who picked the tea that would be served.

Ndulou wondered why Ernesto prepared desserts instead of just talking to him. The two of them are now on the huge balcony of Ernesto's room, which the butler highly disagrees with being used for afternoon teatime, but what else can he do? Ernesto ignored the butler and asked the servants to set everything up.

With his brightest smile, Ernesto asked, "Aren't you eating?" while moving all the desserts closer to him.

Ernesto really looked happy, but Ndulou could not help but be anxious. He wondered what Ernesto was planning and what was behind his smile, suspecting Ernesto had found a new way to bully him.

Ndulou actually wanted to eat all the sweets in front of him, but looking at Ernesto's bright smile and sparkling eyes made him think that the food might have poison.

He had a cold sweat once more after Ernesto sent all the servants out.

Ndulou cautiously asked, "Young master, is there anything that I did wrong?" to which Ernesto innocently replied,

"Why? You did?"

"No! I didn't."

"Then what's the problem?"

Ernesto's purpose in summoning him to his room was to give Ndulou some warning so that the upcoming events would not put him in danger he was aware of.

"..."

"Ah! I'm sorry for suddenly dragging you here. Are you perhaps having another appointment?" Ernesto knew Ndulou had nothing to do this afternoon except for being dragged underground and being cursed, but he still wanted to ask so that it would slightly loosen Ndulou's tension toward him.

"I… I don't... I have nothing else to do, young master," Ndulou stammered because of the trashy bastard he knew was talking respectfully to him. It was quite surprising that Ernesto was talking politely to him when all this time he treated him like a beggar. Ndulou tried his best to keep his composure, but the shocked expression still showed on his face.

"That's nice! Kuya, let's eat first before we discuss anything."

Ernesto never let his bright smile leave his face. He was so happy that he does not care if he keeps stretching his usually stoic face.

Ndulou felt weird in this situation. He could not ease his mind from thinking that Ernesto might be up to something. He picked up his fork and sliced a piece of pancake. He tried the easiest one to eat. He thought he could not swallow food in front of this young master, even if the food was the one he craved.

Ernesto asked again, "Why aren't you eating that much?" and his bright smile suddenly faded as Ernesto thought about his original relationship with Ndulou and recalled how mean he was.

He said, "I thought this was all your favorite? I thought you'd be happy," while looking disheartened.

"Young master, how did you know I love sweets?"

Ndulou took another bite of the plain pancake. Though it was plain, it was not dry and had a creamy taste. He wanted to compliment the pancake, but he did not have the chance to do so. He just tapped his fork on the top of the pancake.

"Didn't I tell you that I was a regressor?"

Ernesto leaned back in his chair and sat comfortably while the soft wind brushed his long silver blonde hair.

"..."

Ndulou was speechless at Ernesto's statement, which he thought was nonsense. If it was a game, he wouldn't get it.

Ernesto observed Ndulou, who was barely eating the desserts he served. He smiled bitterly as he shared, "This is something weird and hard to believe, Kuya, but in the future, we will become friends."

However, his story is making Ndulou even more uncomfortable, and it made him think Ernesto was really craving attention for him to make up stories. He thought of reporting the situation to the Marquis, but there was no way that the Marquis would give him an audience.

"Young master, if you're looking for a friend, you can just ask me. Please stop making up stories. It's kind of nonsense." Ndulou honestly replied to him while looking down. It scared him that something like a teacup might suddenly fly to his face.

"So you're fine being friends with me?" Ernesto leans forward and places his hand on the table, looking excited.

"Yes?" He answered him with a question. He doubts himself and believes that he has just fallen into Ernesto's trap.

"Okay. Okay! To prove our friendship, I'll give you a dragon!" Ernesto happily clapped his hands.

"D–dragon?"

"Like I told you, I am a regressor. It was you who originally defeated the dragon, but this time I'll be the one who presents it to you!" Ernesto laughed like a maniac, which scared Nudluou even farther.

He thought, "Regressor! Regressor! Why is he obsessing over regression?"

Ndulou was quite frightened and wanted to go home immediately, but it was not time to go home yet, and he would be beaten up if he went home early.

Meanwhile, Ernesto was excited alone about his new plan. Ernesto changes his plan again. He will not push his ideas on Ndulou, but will keep himself beside him to protect him. He was positive that they would enjoy this life together. He will first get rid of the major problems that hinder their happiness.

"I'll be taking a nap. Wake me up after you have your fill."

Ernesto took a nap so Ndulou could enjoy his food, as he thought the first thing he needed to work on was their friendship.

"Take your time eating,"

He moved all the plates that were in front of him toward Ndulou and placed his arms on the table, where he rested his head to take a nap - a fake nap, actually.

He mumbled to himself, "Also, take your time getting used to me."

Ndulou did not move and stared at the napping young master in front of him. While trying to understand Ernesto's behavior. He thought, "What is it? Am I supposed to eat like this?"

Since Ernesto stopped moving and he looked asleep in front of Ndulou, he slowly moved his fingers to pick up the macaroons that he had been eyeing for a while.

He cautiously and slowly takes a bite while wondering if it was fine.

Ernesto smiled after faking his nap once he noticed that Ndulou had started to enjoy the desserts.