Chapter 2 C 2

Cloud chuckled before carefully pouring the liquid from the teapot into the cup. "My Lord, I hope you find this refreshment to your liking."

Knight let out a soft laugh as he observed the contents of the teapot. A beer.

"Nice touch," he remarked.

"And, of course," Cloud's smile widened as he uncovered the stainless steel food container, revealing the companion to the beer. "Your favorite."

A piece of cake that looked like bread?

Knight sighed. "Explain, Cloud, before I consider shooting you."

"It's not bread, My Lord. You're well aware that I have to conceal your preferred dessert due to your father's strictness. This is actually a mocha cake cleverly disguised as bread to deceive everyone. I prepared it myself, proving that I'm a highly skilled butler, if I may say so."

Using a fork, Knight sampled a small portion of the mocha cake that resembled bread.

"Tastes delicious."

Cloud nodded with a satisfied smile, then refilled his cup from the teapot, causing Knight to chuckle.

Cloud had a knack for fulfilling his preferences and desires. He became Knight's butler at the age of fourteen, but their bond only grew stronger when Knight turned twenty-one. Initially aloof and mistrustful, Knight took a considerable amount of time to establish trust and friendship with Cloud, who proved to be patient and understanding.

Come to think of it, only Valerian and Shun had easily become his friends. He initiated the friendships, and perhaps it was due to his profound loneliness at the time. With them, he felt no need to decipher their motives, weaknesses, or exploit them, as he was accustomed to doing with others. His interactions with them felt genuine, devoid of pretense.

Valerian and Shun accepted him despite his flaws and shortcomings, a kindness he felt undeserving of.

Knight took a sip from the teacup, and Cloud promptly refilled it as soon as it was empty.

"I'm taking you back with me tomorrow, Cloud."

Cloud set the teapot down. "You're becoming quite desperate, My Lord."

Knight nodded. "It's been two years since they left. I can't employ Organòsi to locate her; my father would catch wind of it, and his reaction is unpredictable. I need more assistance."

Cloud inclined his head. "Of course, my Lord, but..." concern etched across his face, "are you certain? Shouldn't you rest more after yesterday's ordeal? Your back... it hasn't fully healed. Returning to the Philippines in this condition wouldn't be advisable."

Knight's teeth chattered slightly as he gazed out of the window from his private study. "I can't afford to remain idle. I have to find my sister. I need to ensure her well-being, safety, and happiness. I need to know if she's receiving an education, if she's leading a comfortable life. I must ascertain her good health. I won't cease my search."

"My Lord?"

He blinked, refocusing on Cloud. "Yes?"

"Your back... it's bleeding." Cloud's voice carried concern as he examined the wound. "The bandages are saturated with blood, seeping into your shirt."

Knight dismissed it with a wave. "It doesn't matter. I can endure a little longer. By the way, how is he?" He voiced his anxiety. "Father has forbidden me from visiting him."

"I paid him a visit earlier," Cloud sighed, "he's resting now, and the sedative seems to have taken effect. Like you, his back is bleeding, but he'll recover. You took half the lashes on his behalf. Why did he venture out without permission?"

Knight's gaze drifted as he spoke. "You can't blame him, Cloud. He's been reduced to nothing more than my shadow, suffocated by the role. We can't fault him for wanting freedom."

"But he's aware that his actions would result in punishment, and yet he empathized with your situation. Doesn't he realize that you're suffering too?"

"Please don't tell him that I took half the lashes," Knight's voice grew firm. His younger brother, Midnight, was already burdened enough. "He doesn't need to know. He'd blame himself and feel guilty. Keep it a secret."

"My Lord-"

"Go. Attend to him."

"But your wound-"

"I'll manage, and I can always consult the family doctor." Knight offered a smile. "Return when he's better. Take care of him for me. He needs someone at his side, and I can't be there. I must obey Father, or he'll be harmed once more."

Cloud sighed. "You bear a heavy burden, my Lord. I often wonder how you manage to sleep peacefully at night."

"I don't," Knight admitted, raising the beer-filled teacup. "But I must endure. I can only put an end to this by gaining power. If I must adopt a ruthless, merciless, and manipulative demeanor-if I must become a brutal and monstrous figure-so be it. If I must sacrifice myself, my happiness, and even other lives to protect those I hold dear

, then I will."

"Is that why you ordered Dimitri to watch over your cousin?" Cloud inquired. "Because he harmed someone you cherish?"

A cold smile curved Knight's lips. "He hurt Midnight. I can't allow that. That's my motive, and because he's my competition. He, too, aspires to become the Boss of Asia, a position I won't let him have. Also, I merely instructed Dimitri to subdue him, not kill him. In essence, he owes me for sparing his life despite his wretchedness."

Cloud chuckled. "You possess a noble heart, my Lord."

"Indeed?" Knight laughed, a hint of mockery in his tone. "I'm truly a remarkable individual-"

"Don't push it, my Lord," Cloud interrupted with a frown, "you're giving me goosebumps."

Knight's laughter continued. "Fine, then. Go, and look after Night."

With a nod, Cloud exited the room, leaving Knight alone. He picked up the teapot, taking a drink himself. The teacup was a tad too small for his beer.

His family might deem his behavior barbaric and unsophisticated, but he found pleasure in these simple indulgences. Perhaps that's why he enjoyed spending time with Shun and Valerian-they accepted him for who he was without judgment. They allowed him to be himself, however eccentric, without question.

Once the beer was gone, he dialed Shun's number.

"What's up?" Shun's cheerful voice greeted him.

Knight's eyebrows raised in surprise. "You're not being grumpy? Val yelled at me earlier." He reported to Shun, "Val's really getting on my nerves. Why's he acting this way?"