Move On For Now

Eugene withdrew his consciousness from the celestial realm.

Upon reopening his eyes, he beheld Kaizer sitting beside him, gripping the crimson strands suspended in the air, wearing a cold expression as he appeared lost in contemplation.

"Kaizer."

"Are you awake?"

Eugene exhaled and stared vacantly at the ceiling. "You can ask. I'll answer."

Kaizer fixated his gaze upon Eugene's face, clutching the red string in his hand."You've stolen the goddess's power?"

Eugene emitted a soft sound, unable to meet Kaizer's eyes, brimming with indescribable emotions. He had not anticipated Kaizer discovering the truth in this manner. While he harbored no intention to conceal his power, he recognized Kaizer's curiosity about his ascension to godhood, prompting him to reveal the underlying truth behind the potent force he had pilfered from the goddess.

"I have."

Kaizer's eyes darkened. "Do you grasp the magnitude of your power?"

I'm well aware so I don't use much of it for I fear the heavens would detect me."Silence enveloped the room.

Kaizer displayed an undeniable anger, yet maintained an air of composure, scrutinizing the ethereal threads of fate that hovered around.

"Eugene, you never cease to astonish me."

Eugene chuckled. "If you're angry, let it show."

"I'm not angry. I am merely concerned. Possessing such power grants you access to both the past and future, unveiling the kind of lives you have lived."

Eugene pursed his lips. "And they were far from splendid. It is an overwhelming burden.""Yes, I understand."

Kaizer relinquished the red string and tenderly caressed Eugene's cheek.

"You had an affair with that woman, didn't you? After all, you could not obtain her power without intimate contact, unless you resorted to directly eliminating her, which would not be wise since it would expose your existence to the heavens."

"Given the circumstances, I had no choice."

Kaizer smiled softly. "Is she still alive?"

Eugene trembled as Kaizer's half-hearted smile contained no trace of emotion."No, I killed her after absconding with half of her divine power, leaving traces of her essence in the realm to evade detection by the heavens."

"Hmm. So she is dead."

"Kaizer..."

Eugene grasped Kaizer's hand. ""Now, can you still say that you forgive me?"

Kaizer tilted his head.

"Yes, because I will not let you slip away."

Eugene's heart began to race as he wearily smiled. Kaizer was resolute and oblivious to retreat. Physically harming Kaizer was within his capabilities, but inflicting emotional wounds upon the person who had accompanied him for millennia was simply too much for him.

Kaizer reclined on the bed, cradling Eugene's head, allowing him to rest upon his arm.

"If you encounter any difficulties, share them with me. Do not bear them alone."

Eugene's vision blurred, his eyes reddened.

"Kaizer, I had resolved to live and exact vengeance upon the heavens, but the longer I remain here, the hidden truths from my past keep unraveling, leaving me utterly exhausted."

Kaizer's eyes darkened.

Witnessing Eugene's anguish compels him to alleviate all his troubles, enabling Eugene to wear a smile and lead a blissful existence devoid of suffering.

"What occurred?"

Eugene turns around and rests his cheek against Kaizer's chest.

"Something happened, prompting me to delve into the realm of fate for answers. Initially, I didn't consider it a significant issue, but then...the tome began working on its own, unveiling the concealed aspects of Casimin's life without any discernible reason for such an occurrence."Kaizer pauses, contemplating.

Casimin, Khalil's friend and the first person audacious enough to summon Kaizer."Have you discovered your connection to him?"

Eugene furrowed his brow and raised his head, casting a bewildered gaze upon Kaizer."Why do you seem to possess knowledge about this?"

Kaizer lightly flicked Eugene's forehead.

"It was Casimin who summoned me back to Artha in the guise of a god. Furthermore, it was I who aided him in reversing time to save you."

Eugene's eyes widened, and he sat up in astonishment.

"Y-You—"

Kaizer shrugged. "I reveal this now because you will comprehend it once the 135th reset occurs."

"Kaizer, I don't understand! Why didn't you disclose such a crucial matter to me?!"

Kaizer seizes Eugene, embracing him tightly while patting his back in an attempt to soothe him.

"I apologize. I didn't wish to burden you with this fact, but since everything is gradually resurfacing, I believe you need to be aware of everything."

Eugene clutches Kaizer's attire. "It's overwhelming."

Eugene raises his head, meeting Kaizer's concerned gaze.

"Today has been incredibly intense; it feels like I can hardly breathe."

"Eugene."

Kaizer frowned and swiftly raised his hand to cover Eugene's eyes, whispering softly.

"Yes, today has been too much for you. Let us postpone discussing this until you've resolved your current situation. I hope that one day we can conclude all of this and lead a life free from worries."

Kaizer leaned in and kissed Eugene's cheek.

"Sleep. I'll stay by your side."

Under Kaizer's enchantment, Eugene gradually drifts off to sleep.

Kaizer watches Eugene slumber, his repressed anger on the verge of bursting forth.

He cannot forgive heaven, nor can he forgive the individual responsible for destroying Eugene's life.

Duke Del Viltaria.

If only that person weren't such a coward, none of this would have occurred.

Although he and Eugene might owe their existence to him, the burden of responsibility he refused to bear was too much. Subjecting them to the wrath of the heavens solely because of their birth contradicted the natural order.

Gently stroking Eugene's hair, Kaizer plants another kiss on his forehead.

"I wanted to assure you that you needn't worry. I can shoulder all your concerns, but I know you wouldn't permit that because it's your life and your responsibility. Nevertheless, I want to make amends. I want to rectify the mistakes of my past that have afflicted you."

Kaizer purses his lips.

"Eugene, I love you. I love you so deeply that I'm willing to sacrifice my life for you."

"I am prepared to confront heaven once more, solely for your sake."

"Therefore, please, do not bear the weight of everything when it is not entirely your fault. Allow me to share the burden, so you won't feel so alone."

"I want you to see me."

"I want you to turn to me in times of need for support."

"Do not push me away."

"Allow me to make amends, I implore you. Let me atone."

Kaizer raises his hand, and a magic circle materializes around them.

"The 134th reset has already transpired. The 135th is imminent. Weak mental fortitude can lead to memories being affected."

The magic circle illuminates, and a chain emerges, encircling Kaizer's neck and wrist.

Gritting his teeth, Kaizer recites an incantation.

Eugene, enveloped by a spell of intertwined words, remains cradled in Kaizer's embrace. With a deep exhale, Kaizer concludes the transfer of divine mana in a swift manner.

The chain that once restrained Kaizer from unleashing immense power capable of disrupting the world dissipates. He then reclines on the bed besides Eugene, finally reassured that his beloved's memories would no longer reset as the reformation occurred.

——Eugene slowly opened his eyes, greeted by the warm rays of sunlight that filtered through the sheer curtains.

He stretched his arms above his head, feeling a pleasant tingling sensation run through his entire body. He turned his gaze to the peaceful figure sleeping next to him. Kaizer lay there, his features softened in slumber, his chest rising and falling rhythmically.

Eugene gently brushed a stray lock of hair away from Kaizer's forehead, his touch as light as a feather. Kaizer stirred slightly, a contented sigh escaping his lips.

"Wake up."

Kaizer's eyes fluttered open, greeted by the soft light of the morning sun. He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, when he heard Eugene's voice from beside him."I'm starving," Eugene declared, his voice filled with hunger.

Startled, Kaizer shot up in bed, his tousled hair standing on end. "Wait, I'll order the servants to bring us breakfast."

Eugene grinned mischievously, clearly enjoying Kaizer's reaction.

Kaizer sat up and reached for the bell on the nightstand, giving it a firm ring. The sound echoed through the room, alerting the household servants.

Moments later, the door opened, and a servant appeared, bowing respectfully. "Yes, my lord?" the servant inquired, ready to fulfill the young master's request.

"I'd like you to bring our breakfast up to the room immediately," Kaizer stated firmly, his voice carrying an air of authority.

The servant nodded, understanding the urgency in the young master's voice. "Right away, my lord." the servant replied, quickly disappearing from the room to fulfill the order.

Kaizer and Eugene lay nestled in each other's arms on the soft, inviting bed. Their bodies were entwined, radiating warmth and comfort. As they embraced, a faint grumble emanated from Eugene's stomach, breaking the tranquility of the moment.

"Don't ask, I wasn't able to eat yesterday night."

Kaizer's brow furrowed with concern.

"It's my fault, I wasn't able to realize you hadn't had your dinner yesterday night."

Eugene shrugged, "Well, I didn't even remember because I was preoccupied."

A knock on the heavy oak door echoed through the room, and Kaizer's voice, cool and commanding, filled the air. "Enter."

The door swung open, revealing two servants, impeccably dressed, balancing trays laden with a sumptuous breakfast. They walked in with graceful efficiency, their eyes respectfully downcast. Kaizer's orders were never to be questioned.

As the servants approached the bed, Kaizer's piercing gaze met theirs. "Place the trays on the table by the window," he commanded, his voice devoid of warmth.

The servants hurried to comply, their movements precise and swift. Kaizer swung his legs over the side of the bed, standing with a fluid grace. With a casual yet possessive gesture, he reached for Eugene's hand and pulled him gently from the bed, his cold demeanor momentarily melting into a rare display of affection.

"Come, my love," Kaizer murmured, his voice laced with a hint of tenderness. "Let us savor our morning repast together."

The servants positioned themselves discreetly nearby, ensuring every detail of the breakfast setup was immaculate. Freshly brewed tea steamed in delicate porcelain cups, accompanied by a selection of pastries and fruits. The aroma of warm croissants filled the air, tantalizing their senses.

Kaizer, ever the picture of refinement, poured the tea with a steady hand. He passed a cup to Eugene, their fingers brushing for a fleeting moment.

Eugene took a sip, his gaze fixed on the rising steam. "Your choice in breakfast is as impeccable as your taste in everything else."

Kaizer allowed a faint smile to grace his lips, his gaze lingering on Eugene's face. "You honor me with your words, my love. But it is you who adds flavor to every aspect of my life.

They ate in comfortable silence, a quiet symphony of clinking cutlery and murmured appreciation for the culinary delights before them. Their eyes spoke volumes, words unnecessary in the realm of their unique connection.

As the last morsel was savored and the final sip of tea consumed, the servants discreetly withdrew, leaving the two lovers in their sanctuary of cold beauty.

Kaizer reached for Eugene's hand once more, his grip firm and possessive.

"Eugene, Father, and Khalil will be arriving later. Would you like to join me in welcoming them?"Eugene arched an eyebrow.

This was one of the things he appreciated about Kaizer - the ability to brush off the events of yesterday as if they hadn't occurred. It allowed them to start a new day in peace.

"Khalil? Your younger brother?" Eugene inquired.

"Hmm, I didn't have a chance to inform you earlier, but as long as you're aware of their existence, it doesn't matter. Besides, they'll be residing in the annex, so your interactions with them will be minimal," Kaizer explained.

Eugene nearly choked on his words. "You're making the Grand Duke live in the annex?"

Kaizer snorted. "Who cares about him? Soon enough, I will become the Grand Duke, and it's my right to reside in the main palace with you, my future Grand Duchess. They should be grateful they can still live in the annex within the duchy, so don't concern yourself with them."

Eugene frowned. "Kaizer, from what I remember, your father loves you dearly. Why are you treating him like this?"

"It's not me. It's Khalil," Kaizer clarified.

Finally, Eugene understood the situation. "So, what you want to discuss is about you and your younger brother, right?"

"Well..."

"Very well, let's save that conversation for later."

Kaizer and Eugene sat at the breakfast table, their plates empty, remnants of their meal scattered haphazardly. The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on their faces. Kaizer's eyes lingered on Eugene, a possessive gleam flickering in his gaze.

As they sat in silence, Kaizer's voice cut through the air, his tone laced with a hunger for control. "Eugene," he began, his voice low and commanding, "I hope you understand that I have certain expectations in this relationship."

Eugene frown.

"I don't know Kaizer. My mind is messed up."