Playlist Series Knight Velasquez

Knight let out a sigh as he surveyed the scattered papers and folders strewn across the table before him. Each one contained reports from Organòsi's heads in various Asian countries. Lord Vandreck, the current boss of Organòsi in Asia, was planning to retire in three years. He had expressed his intention to train Knight and other potential candidates eyeing the position.

Nine individuals were vying for the role of boss in Asia, Lord Vandreck's coveted position. Knight knew he needed to step up his efforts and outshine his competitors to secure the position.

Becoming powerful was his ultimate goal. He aspired to possess a significant amount of power.

Replacing Lord Vandreck wasn't a decision influenced by his father; it was a personal aspiration driven by his desire for more influence and strength.

At the age of twenty-five, Knight's thoughts revolved around achieving unparalleled power.

Frustration welled up within him as he exclaimed, "Damn it..." He should be focused on locating his sister instead of being confined to the Palace, following his father's wishes.

However, he fully understood the consequences of defying his father's wishes. Someone else would pay the price for his actions. He knew exactly who would bear the brunt of his father's anger, so he needed to tread carefully in his choices and decisions.

His father held the upper hand, and Knight's obedience was crucial-no matter the circumstances.

"A sour mood, I see."

Knight shot a sharp glare at Cloud, his personal butler who had been at his side since he was fourteen, standing beside his table.

"Leave me be, Cloud."

Cloud merely offered a sweet smile, though Knight was well aware of the underlying sarcasm. "Would you like some refreshments, my lord?"

Knight let out a heavy sigh, feeling burdened. "Refreshments like tea and other things I despise?"

Cloud remained unfazed by the irritated tone and sharp look. "Come now, my Lord, you know how I dislike serving you tea. And you're not fond of drinking it either. It's an honor to serve a fine, young, and handsome gentleman such as yourself, my lord."

Knight glared at Cloud once more. "Cut the flattery." He rubbed his temples. "Go fetch me something refreshing that can actually rejuvenate me. I'm infuriated and irritated to the point where I might actually beat you if you keep getting on my nerves."

Cloud chuckled, seemingly unafraid of the threats. "I'll be back shortly, my lord."

"Once you return," Knight interjected before Cloud could exit the private study, "use Tagalog. It's necessary, as I'll be bringing you along this time."

"Yes, my Lord."

As Cloud left, Knight stared at the doorway for a moment before retrieving his cellphone from the drawer. Just as he answered the call, he heard a grunt and groan from the other end. "Val? Are you having sex?" He raised an eyebrow. "What's with the grunting?"

"Mind your own business." Valerian's groan came through the line, prompting Knight to stifle a chuckle. "Do you know what time it is?"

Knight checked his wristwatch. "8 AM. Why?"

Valerian's voice turned exasperated. "Do you realize our time difference? It's 2 AM here, you dimwit! Unless, of course, you've returned from Spain and are currently at the airport, calling me to pick you up because you have nowhere else to go. In that case, fuck you-"

Knight interrupted with a grin, "I'll wait for you."

A brief pause followed. "You're unbelievable."

Knight laughed softly and reclined in his swivel chair, wincing at the sharp pain in his back. He ignored the discomfort.

"Miss me, best friend?"

Valerian's response was curt, "You're gross."

"Come on, I've been away for a year." Another laugh escaped him. "I can't help but express my feelings."

"You're not fooling anyone," Valerian retorted coldly. "Remember, I know the real you."

Knight shrugged off the remark. He had promised Valerian that he would be the best version of himself-a lunatic, which wasn't a difficult feat for him.

Valerian continued, "Didn't you miss me?" His voice carried a dramatic tone. "Ouch! You wounded me, best friend-"

The line suddenly went dead.

Knight chuckled softly and glanced at his phone's screen. Valerian's impatience was both effortless and amusing. He was one of the few people Knight could count on to keep boredom at bay during his frequent trips between the Philippines and Spain, where he secretly searched for his missing sister.

A text from Valerian appeared on his screen.

From: Best friend

Are you at the airport? I'll pick you up.

Knight smiled, fully aware of Valerian's inability to say no. Despite his constant irritation and colorful language, Valerian was a kind and loyal friend-one of

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?"

"FUCK. Don't act like a child. I might puke."

His laughter rang out. "I'm just giving you an update. Val is seriously getting on my nerves."

Shun sighed. "Go to hell. I'm ending this call."

Another chuckle escaped him before his tone turned serious. "How did the search go? Any progress?"

"Someone is interfering, Knight." Shun's voice held frustration. "Someone within Organòsi is blocking my efforts. I can't locate her. I'm sorry."

Knight let out a forceful sigh. "It's probably our father."

Shun clicked his tongue. "I can bypass it if you want. I can hack Organòsi and-"

"No. Don't do that." Knight's tone turned adamant. He couldn't put Shun in such danger. He wasn't strong enough yet to protect him. He had no influence within the Organization. It would be three more years until he could wield enough power to provide adequate protection. "Stop searching."

"But-"

"Shun, I mean it. Cease your efforts for now."

Shun sighed again. "Damn it."

"Yeah. Put it on hold."

"Fine." Shun let out another heavy sigh. "But I despise this."

Knight shut his eyes. "Unfortunately, there are many things we can't attain, no matter how hard we try."

"Go to hell."

"You're most welcome, Shun." A smile crossed his lips. "I'll transfer Five Million Dollars to you."

"Why?"

"I heard you're helping street children secure a brighter future. Utilize it to purchase land for your orphanage or to provide them with food." He added, preparing to end the call. "I have to hang up now."

"When are you coming back?"

"Perhaps this week." He replied. "Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

After hanging up, Knight finished the cake and left his private study, heading straight to his room.

Although he detested being in the palace, he had little choice at the moment. He stripped off his upper garments, discarding the blood-soaked bandage that enshrouded his upper body to the floor.

As he collapsed onto his soft, spacious bed, he shut his eyes tightly. Yet, despite his efforts, sleep evaded him. His brother's anguished visage persisted, causing him unrest.

Damn it!

Enduring fifty lashes in place of his brother the previous day had left him without sleep for two days. It was proving difficult to slumber.

Hell!

Though his back throbbed, he managed to access the drawer of his bedside table, retrieving a sleeping pill.

Sleep was imperative. He hadn't slept in days.

Downing the pill without water, he returned to his bed.

Gradually, after two days of wakefulness, sleep finally enveloped him.

DUE TO THE sleeping pills, Knight slumbered through the entire day. Upon waking, it was well past midnight.

Startled awake by a nightmare, he fought to catch his breath and rise. However, the searing agony coursing through his back immediately halted his attempt.

Damn it!

Knight concentrated on regulating his breath, and as he took stock of his surroundings, he noticed that his body was once again enveloped in bandages.

Cloud must have tended to him. With this thought, he extracted a black t-shirt from his wardrobe and exited his room.

The hour was late, and as he roamed the palace, his steps led him to a concealed passage granting access to Midnight's quarters. Since everyone was asleep, the covert route to his brother's room remained unguarded.

Releasing a deep sigh, he entered Midnight's chamber.

There, he found his brother perched at the edge of his bed, his fists clenched.

Midnight was in pain.

"Midnight."

At the sound of his voice, Midnight's gaze lifted, his expression turning to one of relief. "Kuya..."

They conversed in Tagalog, a language that held a special fascination for them, possibly due to the influence of their affectionate stepmother who had also departed.

Approaching Midnight, Knight ruffled his hair. "How are you holding up?"

Their eyes locked. "I'm in pain."

"Have you managed to sleep?"

Midnight shook his head. "I woke up after lunch and haven't been able to sleep since."

Sitting on the bed, Knight positioned a pillow on his thigh, patting it. "Come here... lie down. You need rest."

Concern shadowed Midnight's features. "Papa might discover you're here-"

"He won't find out. Come." Knight patted the pillow again. "Lie down. Just lean against the pillow, so you won't strain yourself."

Grateful, Midnight complied.

Curling onto his side, he settled onto the cushioned support.

"Brother?"

"Hmm?" Knight responded.

"How much longer..." His voice trailed off. "How much longer do I have to endure this?"

Knight caressed Midnight's hair. "I can't say, Night. But I'll be a leader in three years. I'll secure the position and free you from this."

"If you become the leader," Midnight's gaze met his, "will I be able to go out like you?"

Knight's jaw dropped.