Slow and Steady (Part 2)

“I guess we should start heading back.” Hiro sighed, stretching his arms as he took one last look at the mesmerizing view. The serenity of the moment was fading, replaced by the reality of what lay ahead.

“You bet.” Rayna replied, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, “This is your big moment.” she grinned and added confidently, “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back.”

“I know you do.” Hiro responded, smiling warmly. The assurance in her voice and the unwavering support in her eyes gave him the strength he needed.

With a final shared glance, they began their descent from the tower. The path was less daunting now, the memory of their heartfelt conversation making the climb down feel lighter. The city was slowly transitioning into night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the streets as they navigated their way back.

As they approached the mansion, they carefully dropped their disguises. Slipping through the main gates without them was crucial; it would raise too many questions if they suddenly reappeared without explanation.

The building loomed ahead, its imposing structure bathed in the soft glow of evening lights. Inside, the mansion was a flurry of activity, with servants bustling about and the evening routines in full swing.

“We’ll split up here,” Hiro said, his voice low but resolute. “You know what to do.”

Rayna nodded, her expression serious now, “I’ll be right outside the study’s window. If things get dicey, I’ll be there in a flash.” she gave him a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder before turning towards her position.

While sneaking around the mansion’s grounds, Rayna was abruptly confronted by a figure she least wanted to see right now.

“You ought to work on your lurking skills. You’re not very cautious.” Felix mused, leaning casually against the wall.

Rayna shot him a quick glare, sighing with annoyance. Despite her reluctance, she knew that Hiro’s safety would be better ensured with two people watching over him.

“Shut it.” she shushed him coldly, “Alastair’s gonna discuss something with Hiro in the study. I’m going to keep an eye on the situation, you should as well.” she explained hurriedly before dashing toward her position.

Felix’s expression shifted from amusement to seriousness as he realized the gravity of her words. Without hesitation, he made his way toward the hallway near the study, his steps quick and deliberate. Positioning himself discreetly around the corner, he prepared to intervene if necessary. It was at this moment that he noticed Hiro approaching the study door. Felix smirked and gave him a thumbs up when their gazes met. Hiro nodded appreciatively, grateful for the added security.

Rayna, meanwhile, reached her vantage point by the tree outside the study’s window. She climbed swiftly and settled herself on a sturdy branch. From there, even with the view of the room being obstructed by curtains, Her unusually heightened sense of hearing allowed her to hear the conversation inside.

Inside the mansion, taking a deep a deep breath, his heart pounding with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, Hiro knocked firmly. A cheerful ‘Come in’ resonated from behind the door, prompting him to enter.

Alastair was seated at his desk, surrounded by a sea of papers and books. He smiled warmly as Hiro stepped inside, motioning for him to take a seat.

“Please, excuse the mess. I’ve been quite busy, and my work here is too important to let anyone clean it up.” he explained.

Hiro bowed his head in gratitude as he took a seat across from Alastair, “Thank you, Lord Alastair. I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

“Ah, nonsense,” Alastair replied, waving off the concern, “I’m simply glad you had the chance to enjoy Osata’s beauty.”

Outside, Rayna and Felix remained vigilant, ready to act at a moment’s notice. The tension was palpable as they awaited the outcome of Hiro’s conversation, each prepared to ensure his safety no matter what unfolded inside the study.

“Let me just say, I’ve never seen my daughter this happy before.” Alastair began, his smile warm and sincere, “Your presence brightens her day, and for that, I am immensely grateful.”

Hiro, however, crossed his arms, a slight frown on his face, “I'm sure she'd be happier if she could spend more time with her father too.”

“I see,” the Lord muttered, almost to himself. He hesitated before continuing, his voice tinged with a rare vulnerability that caught Hiro off guard, “To be completely honest, I do not know how to talk to her anymore.”

The last thing Hiro had expected was for Alastair to reveal such a deep insecurity. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the desk, his expression thoughtful.

“Lili is a very kind person.” Hiro began gently, “She always tries her best and carries herself with the grace befitting her status and heritage. It might not be my place to say this, but I worry about her sometimes.” his lips curved into a soft smile, “When she's overwhelmed or tired, she confides in me. We share a bond, and I really do think of her as a little sister.”

Alastair listened intently, the sincerity in Hiro's words resonating deeply.

“Ah…” his expression strained as painful memories of the past flooded his mind, “I understand. Even if not related by blood, it’s possible to find family in those important to you.” he mused quietly, his voice betraying a hint of nostalgia. He cleared his throat before continuing, “Tell me, how have you been these past few weeks? We haven’t had the chance to speak recently, and my demanding schedule won’t afford us many more opportunities.”

Hiro leaned back in his chair, a genuine smile spreading across his face, “Well, I feel truly blessed. I have everything I need—food, a beautiful home, and I’ve found a sense of family. There’s not much more I could ask for.”

“I’m very pleased to hear that. Regarding your newly appointed servant, have there been any issues?” Alastair inquired, his tone businesslike.

Hiro had anticipated this line of questioning and responded without missing a beat, “She’s obedient, and reserved. There haven’t been any issues that stand out.”

“Liliana must have influenced your perspective on Elves.” Alastair said suddenly, his tone sharp and probing, “Am I right in assuming that you’ve been inclined to favor them?”

The accusatory note in Alastair’s voice put Hiro on high alert. His mind raced with possible repercussions as he struggled to maintain his composure. He knew well that Alastair’s discerning nature could easily unearth any hint of deception. With a measured breath, Hiro met the Lord’s gaze.

At that very moment, there was only one way out of this situation, “There’s no point in denying it.” he said with resolute sincerity, “I suppose I don’t understand what’s so bad about them.”

As these words left Hiro’s lips, Rayna’s heart began to race uncontrollably. From her concealed vantage point on the branch outside the window, her eyes widened in shock as she struggled to process the gravity of the situation. Hiro’s candid confession left her torn between relief for his courageous honesty and anger at the potential danger he was placing himself in.

Above all, however, Rayna was overwhelmed by fear. Her hand hovered anxiously over the hilt of her sword, poised to spring into action if necessary. The scene before her felt almost surreal, her mind grappling with Hiro’s perspective and the implications of his stance. She could not fully grasp his logic, and the uncertainty of what might follow left her on edge, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of trouble.

Alastair’s expression stiffened as he absorbed the raw and unvarnished sincerity in Hiro’s response. The Lord was momentarily taken aback, though a flicker of satisfaction crossed his face at the boy’s apparent confusion. It was clear that Hiro’s honesty, while unexpected, was not unwelcome.

“I see.” Alastair said, his tone begrudgingly appreciative, “I’m glad to see you didn’t resort to deceit to curry favor.”

Hiro nodded, his gaze steady, “I believe that honesty is the least I can offer in return for the hospitality you’ve shown me.” he continued, his voice firm with conviction, “I cannot, in good conscience, be cruel to them. Lili holds Elves dear in her heart, so at least out of respect for her wishes, I have to act accordingly.”

Alastair’s scrutiny seemed to soften, as Hiro’s quick thinking and genuine reasoning appeared to resonate with him. During his time at the mansion, Hiro had absorbed much from both Rayna and Ai, but it was the wisdom imparted by Felix and William—the knights of the group—that proved most relevant right now.

They had taught him that a convincing lie often requires a kernel of truth. Hiro hadn’t anticipated putting this advice into practice so soon, but he was grateful for the insight it had provided.

Alastair regarded Hiro with a mix of approval and contemplation. It was clear that the boy’s sincerity and understanding had made an impression, and Alastair's demeanor shifted subtly, reflecting a newfound respect for Hiro’s principled stance.

“Your respect and care for my daughter is evident,” Alastair said with a smile, seemingly accepting Hiro’s words as sincere, “In that case, let me offer this advice: Beware of their deceitful nature. Elves can be like wolves in sheep’s clothing, so exercise caution.”

Hiro bowed his head graciously, appreciative of the counsel. Outside, Rayna exhaled a sigh of relief, her anxiety slightly abated. Despite this, her vigilance remained, aware that the discussion was far from over.

“Now then, let’s cut to the chase. I assume you understand why I summoned you,” Alastair continued, his expression and tone growing more serious, “I have heard that you possess an Attribute—a power typically associated with Magical Creatures.”

Hiro was unperturbed by the inquiry; he had anticipated this topic would arise as well, “That’s what I’ve been told.” he confirmed without hesitation, “From the moment I woke up in that forest, I never gave much thought to my abilities. I healed your daughter’s wounds without understanding the true significance of my power. Even now, I’m still unsure about how magic operates.”

Alastair nodded thoughtfully, stroking his beard, “It’s understandable. Your amnesia has likely obscured your knowledge. However, it is unusual for Humans to possess such powers.”

“I wish I could provide a clearer explanation, but I can’t.” Hiro admitted, “I will, however, assist if the need arises.”

“Regarding your Attribute,” Alastair resumed, “I am aware that all users of Attributes can heal and mend wounds. However, I’ve heard that your ability surpasses that of a typical Elf. I would like to see it demonstrated.”

Hiro met Alastair’s gaze with a steady resolve, understanding the importance of the moment. However, a sense of dread lingered in the back of his mind, weighing heavily on his thoughts. Before he could fully process the situation, Alastair rang a bell on his desk. Moments later, two soldiers marched in, dragging a servant with them—a face Hiro immediately recognized.

Hiro leaped from his seat, instinctively pressing his back against the wall near the study’s window. He whispered urgently, hoping his message would reach the person outside, “Ayaka…”

Outside, Rayna, perched on the branch near the window, heard his murmur. Her face paled as she realized one of her friends had been brought in.

“Apologies, I didn’t meant to scare you.” Alastair reassured Hiro, and the soldiers let go of the visibly weakened Elf girl. She fell to her knees, clutching her arm, a tired sob escaping her lips.

“What is this?” Hiro demanded, his voice tense and his body visibly on edge.

Alastair remained calm, his expression unreadable, “This servant fell from a ladder earlier today, breaking her arm in the process. I saw an opportunity in the situation, so I kept her from receiving medical aid.” the Lord explained, rising gracefully from behind his desk and approaching Hiro with measured steps.

“What?” Hiro spat back, his voice a mixture of shock and indignation, “Lord Alastair, am I to understand that you allowed her to suffer all this time just to test my abilities?” his voice trembled with barely contained rage, his composure hanging by a thread.

“Surely, you must realize I’m not a cruel man.” Alastair replied, his tone disarmingly calm, “The injury isn’t life-threatening, and if your abilities are genuine, then her wound is but a minor inconvenience.”

In that moment, the full weight of Alastair's machinations dawned on Hiro. This had been a calculated test, a cruel experiment to gauge his skills. He felt a surge of failure, his earlier outburst now seeming like a misstep. Nevertheless, his priority was obvious now.

“Then, allow me to demonstrate my ability.” Hiro bowed, his fists clenched tightly.

Alastair nodded, his eyes never leaving Hiro. With purposeful strides, Hiro approached Ayaka. As their gazes locked, a wave of relief washed over her, the tension from earlier dissipating.

Hiro smiled gently, extending his hand toward her as he had done earlier that day, “May I?” he asked softly.

This time, without hesitation, Ayaka offered him her injured and swollen arm. With trained precision, Hiro focused on the thick dark aura emanating from the wound. It was unmistakably a broken bone, but he could sense other injuries hidden beneath the surface, confirming his suspicion that Ayaka’s wounds were no mere accident.

Pushing these troubling thoughts aside, Hiro concentrated. With a swift motion, he absorbed the injury, the dark aura flowing into his body. Along with it, the anxiety and fear that had lodged deep within Ayaka’s heart were lifted, transferred to Hiro.

In a matter of seconds, the girl could once more move her hand freely. There wasn’t even a single scratch on her, a miraculous sight that caught Alastair’s breath. Ayaka wrapped her hands around Hiro with gratitude. The boy returned the gesture, but due to the Lord’s presence, he had to pull away as soon as possible.

As he stood up and Ayaka was dismissed, Hiro remained at the center of the room, enveloped in a heavy silence. The incident had shaken him to the core, leaving him momentarily uncertain of how to proceed.

“Quite impressive.” Alastair commented, finally breaking the silence. “I must say, I’m pleased with the result. And with a member of my staff now capable of servitude once more, I believe a reward is in order.”

Hiro gritted his teeth, a silent defiance simmering within him. He couldn't afford to let his emotions betray him now.

“You’re too gracious, Lord Alastair. But I will accept your generosity.” he replied, bowing deeply. Then, with a faint smile, he added, “Besides, Lili already told me that not accepting a noble’s gift is a sign of disrespect, and I’d rather not get on her bad side.” he chuckled.

Alastair returned to his desk, a slight frown forming on his face as he sat down. He seemed deep in thought, his gaze distant and contemplative. After a few moments, he raised his head, a smile slowly spreading across his lips as he looked at Hiro.

“One of these days, I will call upon you for your help. I hope I can count on you, Hiro.” he said, his voice carrying an undertone of tension.

“Of course.” Hiro replied curtly.

With that, he bowed to Alastair and departed from the study. To his surprise, the person waiting for him outside wasn't Felix, but the Elf girl who had been perched in the tree moments ago.

“Felix escorted Ayaka back.” Rayna explained, immediately predicting Hiro’s concern.

She couldn’t say much yet, so she adopted the guise of the dutiful maid and offered to walk Hiro back to his quarters. They moved in silence, their footsteps echoing through the empty hallways, each lost in their own thoughts, unwilling to break the quiet.

As soon as they entered his room, before Hiro could even gather his thoughts, Rayna threw her arms around him in a tight embrace. Initially startled by the unexpected gesture, Hiro hesitated, but eventually hugged her back, revealing his own vulnerability about the situation.

Neither spoke, words were unnecessary. They shared an unspoken understanding of each other's turmoil, so all they needed was to feel the other’s presence.

As they stood there, Hiro was overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, fear, confusion, and uncertainty clashed within him. The girl in his arms shared these tumultuous feelings, grounding herself in Hiro’s embrace. Her heart pounded, but the peace from sharing this moment with him began to calm her anxiety. It was the same for Hiro; the shared silence was their unspoken solace.

The minutes stretched, each second laden with unspoken thoughts and raw emotions. After what felt like an hour but was no more than five minutes, they finally pulled away, their movements reluctant. They slumped into the chairs where they usually sat during meals, the weight of the day's events pressing heavily on them.

Rayna took a deep breath, her voice steady yet laced with concern, “I’m sorry, Hiro. You had to go through something horrible again.”

As if to add salt to injury, at that very moment, Hiro felt the familiar onset of his ability's side effects. Beneath his clothes, his arm began to darken, the bruise taking on a painful resemblance to the one Ayaka had shown him earlier. A wave of dread and fear crept into his heart, and he realized that hiding this was no longer an option. He had to act swiftly before the full effects of his power manifested.

“Rayna, I’m really sorry, but I think I need to go to bed now.” he said, his voice betraying a slight quiver, easily excused after what happened.

Rayna nodded silently, her face reflecting a hint of disappointment. With a gentle sigh, she rose from her seat and made her way toward the door. Before leaving, she paused to take Hiro’s hand in hers, her lips curving into a reassuring smile.

“Everything’s going to be okay.” she said softly, her words carrying a soothing warmth that washed over Hiro.

Rayna used her Attribute to alleviate the emotional turmoil from Hiro’s encounter with Alastair, unknowingly also providing a measure of relief from the psychological strain of his Wound Absorption.

With a genuine smile, Hiro squeezed Rayna's hand in response, “Thank you, Rayna. Really, you have no idea how much it helps.”

After releasing his hand, Rayna offered a faint, reassuring smile and said, “I’m just returning the favor.”

With those words, she departed, leaving Hiro alone with the relentless pain in his left arm. Determined to avoid any further complications, he made his way to the bathroom and prepared a bath. With a weary sigh, he eased himself into the hot water, the soothing warmth providing a temporary respite. His arm, still marked by dark scars, would soon begin to show signs of fading as he sank deeper into the comforting embrace of the bath.

“Why did this have to happen?” he murmured to himself, his voice tinged with frustration, “After all the fun I had today…” he sighed deeply once more and submerged his arm into the bathwater. The warmth offered some distraction from the searing pain, though it did little to alleviate his discomfort completely.

Meanwhile, Rayna reconvened with Felix, who was now joined by Ai, William, and Liliana. They had moved to a safer location, where Rayna took the time to recount everything she had overheard and the details of the recent events.

“That’s the gist of it.” Rayna concluded, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed, “Hiro mentioned that he needed to rest, so it’s best if we give him some space for now.”

“I’ll check up on him first thing in the morning.” Lili said with a determined edge in her voice, “I can’t believe father would do this…” she added, her expression tinged with disbelief and sorrow.

“At the very least we’ve confirmed that Alastair has plans concerning Hiro and his ability.” William noted.

“Yup!” Felix added, his enthusiasm cutting through the somber mood, “Our boy healed Ayaka’s arm and gained some more trust from Alastair. We’re going to have to be extra cautious from now on. This might be the opportunity we’ve been waiting for.”

While the group discussed the situation, Ai remained unusually quiet, her gaze frequently drifting toward Rayna. For the first time in her life, Ai felt uncertain about whether she should speak up. Typically, seeing one of her friends suffer while being unable to help them, would put Rayna’s heart in turmoil, often resulting in a panic attack. This time however, Ai found herself unable to decipher her sister’s expression. Rayna appeared outwardly composed, as though the entire ordeal had scarcely affected her.

“Okay, we should head out for the night.” William’s voice cut through Ai’s whirlwind of thoughts, drawing her back to the present.

Ai quickly nodded in agreement as the others began to disperse. William, ever observant, seized the opportunity to gently grasp Ai’s hand and leaned in close to her ear.

“Are you okay?” he asked, visibly concerned.

Ai smiled at him, and once again nodded her head, “I’m fine. Just lost in thought, but thank you for noticing.” she glanced around to ensure no one was watching before placing a light, affectionate kiss on his cheek.

With a final, playful wink at her knight, Rayna turned and hurried towards the servants’ quarters. As she stepped inside, a sigh of relief escaped her lips. There, Rayna was sitting on the bed, preparing to take a bath.

“Rayna,” Ai spoke softly as she took a seat beside her, “I’m… really proud of you.”

Rayna looked slightly taken aback by the unexpected praise. With a puzzled frown, she asked, “Where is this coming from?”

Ai smiled warmly and wrapped her arms around her sister in a comforting hug, “You’re okay. I mean, I just thought you’d be… you know.”

Understanding Ai’s concern, Rayna shook her head and smiled, “Actually, it was thanks to Hiro. I was on the verge of breaking down again, but instead, I went and hugged him.” she confessed bashfully, continuing “I don’t know why, but after our outing today, I just felt I could trust him. We didn’t even need to say anything to each other; that simple gesture was all I needed.”

Ai, hearing Rayna’s heartfelt confession, couldn’t help but smile fondly at her sister’s newfound happiness. The comfort Rayna found in Hiro’s presence was a soothing balm to Ai’s worries. Just as Ai was about to congratulate her sister on what seemed like the budding of a deeper connection, Rayna said something that completely threw her off.

“I mean, we’re best friends now! So it’s only natural I’d feel so relieved with him, right?” Rayna asked innocently, her obliviousness likely stemming from a protective instinct against being hurt again.

Unable to resist her sister’s happy smile and newfound courage, Ai simply nodded, allowing things to unfold naturally. She understood that, with time, Rayna would come to realize that her feelings for Hiro were deeper than mere friendship. Given Rayna’s past traumas, a slow and steady approach seemed best. With that in mind, Ai gathered her bathing necessities and joined Rayna as they went to freshen up.

Meanwhile, the two knights from the group had decided to patrol the mansion grounds together. As they walked along the stone-paved path, Felix couldn’t help but hum cheerfully, his upbeat demeanor a stark contrast to the somber atmosphere that had lingered earlier.

“Tch. You’re even happier than usual, and the fact that I can tell somehow annoys me.” William grumbled, though a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth despite his gruff tone.

“Oh? Then we truly are brothers! You know me so well, it makes me really happy.” Felix responded gleefully, a sudden spring in his step highlighting his buoyant mood.

William sighed, surrendering to his friend’s infectious cheerfulness, “Alright. Maybe we should celebrate a little.”

A spark of excitement lit up Felix’s eyes at William’s suggestion. Though such moments were rare, the crimson-haired knight knew exactly what was implied. After finishing their patrol, the two friends made their way to a nearby tavern. They settled at the bar and ordered two beers, ready to unwind and savor a well-deserved break.

“Cheers! Nobody died, and we made some progress!” Felix exclaimed, raising his glass with enthusiasm.

“True, it’s a win,” William acknowledged, though he added with a wry smile, “But when you put it like that...” still, he clinked his mug against Felix’s.

After downing their beers in one gulp, they signaled the bartender for another round and leaned against the counter, savoring the moment of relaxation.

“We’re going to do shots once it’s all over, so you’d better get ready.” Felix teased, peering at his friend through the distorted view of his mug.

“Just a few weeks ago, I would have said this sounded more like a dream than the map itself.” William chuckled, a contented sigh escaping his lips, “We’ll have to invite Hiro too. I’m actually curious if he can hold his liquor.” he mused with a mischievous smirk.

“I’d rather he didn’t!” Felix laughed, finishing his second beer, “Can you imagine how funny that would be? While we’re on the subject, you’re falling behind, Willy.” his eyes twinkled with amusement.

“Well, unlike you, I know when to pace myself.” William countered, a grin playing on his lips, “But two beers is still nothing, so I guess you’re right.”

William finished his beer and signaled the bartender for two more mugs, ready to continue.

They celebrated late into the night, with William managing to stick to four beers while Felix indulged in seven beers and a few shots. As the revelry wore on, Felix, the ever-free-spirited knight, found himself being dragged half-conscious back to the mansion by William.

“I knew you were going too fast, dammit!” William complained, cursing himself for not reining in his friend sooner.

“And I knew…” Felix muttered between hiccups, “I wasn’t finished yet”

William managed to drag him to the nearest well and plopped him down on a nearby bench, “Oh, you’re definitely finished.” he said, dousing Felix’s face with water from the well.

The sudden shock of water jolted Felix awake, and he regained enough clarity to stand on his own.

“You’re so mean!” he protested, shaking the water from his hair like a wet dog, “But at least it was fun. We should hang out more often.” he added with a cheeky grin.

William rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but smile at his friend's persistence. He escorted Felix back to the mansion, and with that, the day came to a close for everyone.