Chapter 8

Seth woke up later than usual, the sun already high in the sky. A soft, nervous voice broke through the fog of his lingering sleep.

"My lord, I apologize if I've woken you," the maid's voice trembled with anxiety, as though even the smallest mistake could have dire consequences.

Rubbing his eyes, Seth glanced at her. It was the same maid who had collided with him some time ago. He hadn't bothered to learn her name, and at that moment, he didn't feel the need to respond.

"What time is it? And where's Royfield?" Seth's voice was still rough from sleep, his tone distant and detached.

The maid stuttered, clearly trying to compose herself. "I-It's two in the afternoon, my lord. The head butler mentioned that he had business to attend to but would return soon." Her words were cautious, like she was treading on thin ice.

Two in the afternoon? Seth thought, mildly surprised. It wasn't like him to sleep so late. He tried to recall the events of the previous night. He vaguely remembered his late conversation with Aiden, but beyond that, his memory was hazy. I must have been more tired than I thought.

The maid stood awkwardly, unsure whether she should prepare his tea or wait for further instructions. She fidgeted nervously, her eyes darting to Seth for any hint of what he wanted.

Seth sighed. "Brew my usual tea," he ordered coldly. "Did Royfield teach you how to make it?"

She nodded quickly. "Yes, my lord. The head butler made sure we all know your preferences."

Her hands shook slightly as she moved to brew the tea, but despite her trembling, her focus never wavered. Seth watched her silently, his expression unreadable, though he couldn't help but be quietly impressed by her determination not to make a mistake.

After a few minutes, the maid served the tea along with a snack prepared by the head chef. The comforting aroma of rosemary filled the air as Seth inhaled deeply, letting the scent clear the last remnants of sleep.

Staring into his teacup, Seth caught his reflection in the shimmering liquid. I really am living as Lord Seth now, he thought. It was still hard, at times, to reconcile his past with this new identity. The weight of this life—the responsibilities, the expectations—often clouded his thoughts, but he quickly pushed those feelings aside. He had more important goals to focus on.

After finishing his tea, Seth glanced at the maid. "Prepare my bath and lay out my clothes," he commanded.

The maid nodded and hurried to obey, her steps quick but careful.

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Seth dressed in a deep navy velvet coat, embroidered with intricate silver thread. The buttons were neatly fastened down the front. Beneath the coat, a crisp white shirt with elegant cuffs peeked through, paired with tailored trousers that framed his slender form. His polished leather boots clicked softly against the floor as he moved, and a simple brooch featuring his house's rose crest was pinned to his high collar. The ensemble was understated yet unmistakably noble.

Once dressed, Seth wandered through the castle's hallways, lost in thought. He roamed aimlessly, his mind drifting from one concern to another. It wasn't until he passed near the training grounds that he snapped back to reality. Aiden, still drenched in sweat from his training, spotted him from a distance and excused himself from the other knights to approach.

"Good afternoon, my lord. I hope you rested well," Aiden said, his voice carrying its familiar warm, husky timbre.

Seth smiled at the sound of Aiden's voice, waking from his reverie. "I did, thanks to you," he replied teasingly, his smile lingering.

Aiden, growing accustomed to these softer smiles from Seth, found himself drawn to the lord's warmth. It softened the usually regal and intimidating presence Seth exuded.

"Where are you headed, my lord?" Aiden asked, curiosity lighting up his eyes.

"I'm just taking my usual stroll," Seth said before noticing Aiden's disheveled state—his red hair damp and clinging to his forehead. Without thinking, Seth stepped closer, brushing Aiden's messy hair aside, his fingers light against the beastman's skin.

"You'd look even more handsome if you trimmed your hair," Seth said casually, a small smile tugging at his lips. "You've got beautiful eyes."

Aiden's face flushed at the unexpected compliment. He brushed his bangs aside, revealing more of his face. "Thank you, my lord."

"Are you still training?" Seth asked, glancing at Aiden's sweat-soaked appearance.

"No, my lord. I've just finished," Aiden responded, still reeling from Seth's words.

"Good. Come with me," Seth said, gesturing toward the garden. "Let's walk."

Aiden's eyes brightened, his usual energy returning. "Yes, my lord."

As they strolled through the garden's winding paths, Seth suddenly asked, "Did I black out last night?"

Aiden chuckled at the memory. "Yes, my lord. You collapsed on me unexpectedly. I should have taken you back earlier, but..." His voice softened, a playful smile on his lips. "I enjoyed our conversation."

Seth sighed. "Next time, if that happens again, carry me home. Understood?"

Aiden grinned, his voice warm. "Of course, my lord. I'll gladly carry you."

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They soon arrived at the castle's private garden, where a stone fountain trickled softly at the center. The neatly arranged flower beds stretched across the grounds, displaying vibrant blooms in every shade. Seth led Aiden to a bench near the fountain, gesturing for him to sit.

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, surrounded by the beauty of the garden. This was one of the few luxuries the former Lord Seth had indulged in—his passion for flowers was evident in the meticulously kept grounds. Among the blossoms, however, one plant stood out. Its appearance was rough and unappealing, its leaves dark and dirty.

Aiden noticed Seth's gaze and asked, "What kind of flower is that, my lord? It looks... different from the others."

Seth's tone softened. "It's called the Rupture Rose. When it blooms, the petals look shattered, almost like cracks running through them. It's not a beautiful flower, and it smells foul when it opens."

Aiden frowned, curious. "Do you like it?"

Seth stared at the plant thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. But surrounded by all this beauty, it seems pitiful. Kind of like reality."

Aiden studied Seth's expression carefully. "Do you think I look pitiful, my lord?" he asked, his voice quieter, more vulnerable.

Seth turned to him, surprised by the question.

"I've lost everything—my parents, my friends, my home. I dream of them every night, but their faces... I can never see them clearly. They melt in the flames, and I wake up." Aiden's voice trembled, the pain of his memories resurfacing.

Seth hadn't expected Aiden to open up so quickly, and for a moment, he struggled to find the right words. Gazing up at the clear sky, Seth responded softly, "Yes, you do look pitiful to me."

Aiden let out a weak smile, looking down. "I see... I'm sorry for bringing up something so heavy, my lord."

But as Aiden glanced back at Seth, he noticed something in his eyes—an unspoken sorrow, a glimmer of emotion that Seth tried to keep hidden. Aiden's heart sank. He hadn't meant to burden his lord, but now, he didn't know how to take back his words.

Seth understood Aiden's pain all too well. The memories of his past life—abandoned, alone—rose unbidden. He could feel the weight of Aiden's loss as if it were his own.

A distant memory tugged at Seth's mind. There was someone... always trying to get my attention, always pestering me... His brow furrowed as he struggled to grasp the details of the memory, but it remained elusive.

Lost in thought, Seth didn't respond when Aiden called his name. It wasn't until the third time that he blinked and looked up, snapping back to the present.

"There's no need to apologize," Seth said softly. "I was just lost in my thoughts."

Standing, Seth plucked a red rose from the nearby bushes, its deep crimson petals vibrant against the green backdrop. He walked over to Aiden and gently placed the rose on his chest, fastening it like a brooch.

Aiden stared at him, surprised by the gesture.

"Thank you, my lord," Aiden said, his hand resting over the rose. "It's an honor."

Seth smiled faintly. "Aiden, the path you've chosen—seeking revenge—it won't be easy. It'll be dangerous, and the One-Eyed Alliance is powerful beyond measure."

His tone grew more serious. "But I want you to think about your life, too. Don't let revenge consume everything. There's more to live for."

Aiden listened intently, Seth's words sinking deep into his heart. "I will, my lord. Thank you." His smile softened, a warmth returning to his gaze.

With that, they stood and made their way back to the castle. Aiden walked beside Seth, feeling a deep sense of loyalty and connection to the man who had, in such a short time, become the center of his world.