Kindred Spirit

Sylvius hid the raised corner of his lips behind his hand as he read Iris' message.

[ I'll see you soon. ]

There's a warm sensation in his chest that can't be contained. He felt happy.

His gaze went back to his reply, "Okay." and he realized that it was a little too wooden. He tapped his phone some more and finally ended up sending a smiling emoji after.

When he came to recognize his impulsive action, he blushed.

[ How embarrassing.] He is acting like a teenager experiencing first love. It was funny.

It's nearly two months since their forced vacation in the island villa. Since then, they have been strategizing how to deal with Eve's matchmaking actions over their free time, which is either dinner or lunch. After all, what she had done was truly unexpected and bordering illegal.

At first, they were genuinely focused on preparing countermeasures. However, they can't formulate the best solution in handling the little girl's obsession in tying them together. Both of them were seriously discussing maneuvers on one side while catering to Eve's "hidden" calculations on the other. Over time, their tacit understanding in acquiescing to the girl's moves, coupled with their favorable impressions to each other has grown into fondness. They also considered that since Eve was rooting for them and they both want to make her happy, they might as well go with it. Ultimately, they ended up half-pushing the boat together.

In any case, he is single, and Iris is single. They are both adults who have grown fond of each other. It doesn't matter if they wanted to deepen their relationship.

" Good Lord! This week has been more taxing than the last. Any more, and I think my skin will wither from stress!" A female employee groaned as she entered the elevator.

" Talk about it. I haven't been lovey-dovey with my husband for a month now. At this point, I fear my little sister will atrophy due to sudden disuse." A second female also entered. When she saw two burly men standing in the middle, she choked due to her earlier words.

Well, who knew someone else was also leaving at this point in time?

The two continued chatting but in a lower voice.

" I miss the mini-boss. She was strict in implementing work hours, and anyone who worked overtime will have a special punishment."

Sylvius, who heard someone mentioning his daughter, had his ears perked up. He was hidden by his bodyguards and was at the innermost corner. To think he would eavesdrop on his employees like this was quite the experience. He was curious what they wanted to say about Evangeline that he concealed his presence.

" Is there a case like that?"

" Oh yeah, you just left for your honeymoon when she came. She only stayed for a week, though. No wonder you didn't know."

" So what was the punishment?"

" Well, they said she sent them to a special place where they were especially served three times the amount of over-time duration they spent."

" Wh-what happened to them?"

" They were given a full body massage!"

" That doesn't sound like a punishment."

" Of course, there was a twist. The masseurs are of two kinds. For men, they are attended to by super beefy men wearing cute sailor suit outfits and, for females, scary characters. They said both of which can fuel nightmares."

" Wow. I can totally use that kind of punishment."

" Tell me about it. My body is ready for that nightmare."

" I hope the mini-boss comes back. "

The two went out after reaching the ground floor. Their voices can still be heard as they walk away.

The elevator continued down the basement.

" There was something like that?" Sylvius asked Cleo, his assistant, who is standing beside him.

" The young miss indeed established unique rules when she was in charge, but it was rescinded the moment the President returned." Cleo remembered the lass with mad business skills and even crazier ideas.

She strictly executed the fifteen-minute coffee breaks in both morning and afternoon. The lunch break was stretched to two hours, and anyone caught working beyond five in the afternoon was sent to the "correction center" to be tormented for their willful acts. Of course, the proper amount of pay remains, but she was irked by such "insubordination" that she wanted them to be fixed.

When he questioned why not just leave earlier or enjoy longer breaks as the boss stand-in, she asserted that she could not. The highest person should be disciplined and personify the company's virtue. How could she be lackadaisical when her subordinates are working to the bones?

At that moment, Cleo realized how marvelous the future heiress is.

How could he ever fathom that the virtuous Eve, who was trying to maximize the limited time she could loaf around, just wanted to hide it under the guise of such honorable excuse? She additionally issued "punishment" because it disturbs her that some people wanted to work more than what was required as if enjoying such a miserable plight.

Her slothful pride could not swallow such grandiose self-sacrifice and thus sent them to be "reformed".

She is petty like that.

Thus, the righteous and gracious mini-boss everyone in the company has been flattering is truly misunderstood.

She was only acting for her self-preservation, alright.

" Tell me all about it." Sylvius beamed, proud of his little princess.

Then Cleo narrated the whole story to him as they walk towards the parking lot.

Listening to the his daughter's unusual methods, Sylvius could only lament.

[ I hope she comes home soon.]

Remembering the storm that turned the household upside down due to her disappearance, he sighed.

His child is truly powerful. Just one word and it calmed the old man who was about to go to war. Though he wanted to fetch her back, he had to compromise in the end. After all, she was hell bent on this "vacation" with her new bastard friend that he inwardly yearned to debone with all his heart and soul. In addition, she mentioned visiting that place.

Thinking of that side, he could only sigh again.

[ It's been 14 years,huh.]

Sylvius finally opened Eve's picture and stare in daze.

He misses his daughter and wished that she gets tired of playing outside and return already.

***

In a well-lit room, a young man buried himself on his computer. Sounds of clicking can be heard across the study as he concentrated on his work. His indifferent expression can't be read, but his focused look indeed added another charm to his beautiful face. At least, that is what a particular someone thinks.

Just across him lies a young woman on a chaise lounge. She has been sending bite-sized sweets to her mouth nonstop. Nevertheless, her eyes have never left the person behind the majestic wooden desk.

Xaphael Stone.

The Devil's child of the Southern Region.

As the only progeny of the notorious "King of the South" or who they called Devil for his infamous cruelty, Xaphael was raised as a successor rather than a son. As early as three years old, he was taught how to wield a sword, at four, determine the vital human points, and at five, how to kill.

Blessed with impressive intellectual capacity and out-of-this-world feats befitting of his villain status, the training was successful.

The first soul to succumb to his sword was his servant, who tried to assassinate him.

As if that history wasn't enough to support his background, fate has added a more exciting touch.

His father was killed in a heinous scheme that opened their power to everyone like an eat-all-you-can buffet.

Friends turned to enemies, relatives joined the hunt, and opportunistic jackals eagerly opened their mouths to devour the savory meat.

Thus, everyone that craved a piece of that power pointed their swords towards the only heir- Xaphael Stone.

He became the most sought out prey at the tender age of 8.

Since then, his life revolved around defending himself, garnering the lost authority, and slaughtering every person who betrayed them.

He did great.

He defied all odds and became an infamous scoundrel for his own nefarious ways. In eight years, he graduated from the title "Devil's child" and acquired "Apollyon" name himself. Eve even slow-clapped when Halfsie told her of his future achievements. To be called "Destroyer" suited him well.

Currently, he had managed to secure his position in the South Region as its sovereign. Nonetheless, some people still make calculations to steal what is rightfully his.

" If your gaze can scorch, I'm afraid even my facial bones won't be spared." Xaphael's husky voice shattered the quietness. He didn't lift his head but continued typing. He might be saying such words to a certain someone who has no sense of shame and blatantly glued her eyes on a man, but in no way is he admonishing her. He, after all, finds her tenacity quite entertaining.

Eve wasn't offended by his frank words. It's been two weeks since she had stayed on his estate, and have fully understood Xaphael's character.

He might have a frosty face that says he'll kill anyone who exists within his 3-meter radius, but he's actually an okay person.

He can tolerate up to three mistakes from the same person and is decent enough to leave them a breath after his given punishment. Though their appearances have been demoted and needed some reconstruction, they are still alive. Of course, what fascinated Eve was the way he handles the traitors. They were beaten severely and fed to the pigs. She was amazed to know that a swine can actually devour a human. Naturally, Xaphael didn't show her those rated PG scenes, but she did listen to Halfsie's narration.

" Honestly, I'd rather scorch your clothes away." She replied without changing her face. Too bad shame is non-existent on her vocabulary.

The fingers flying over the keyboard came to a stop.

Xaphael's eyes finally landed on the girl and met her burning orbs head-on. Vibrant azure orbs versus frosty grey ones stared at each other as if trying to see all the other's thoughts through them. Xaphael lost the battle and started typing. He really can't win against such a shameless being.

" A piece of unsolicited advice, you should focus all that energy on your studies little girl."

" If you teach me, I will study. If I may add, I am rather a quick learner."

" And what the hell should I teach you, huh?"

According to the report, this girl is way too gifted. Too gifted, it became abnormal and bent on achieving crooked goals. Her managing skills were also impressive. It's a pity all her passion falls on such corrupted things. Then he recollected the previous incident in his castle and narrowed his eyes.

[ Eve is genuinely abnormal, alright.] Xaphael concluded.

" I'm rather interested in Anatomy and Physiology as of late."

The audacious gaze concentrated on his body magnified that it made him feel violated.

Good thing he won't lose out when it comes to shamelessness.

" I'm still a student myself. I can't teach you."

" El, don't lie. I know you've gotten your degree ages ago."

The unexpected words successfully garnered his attention. He crossed his arms and scrutinized Eve.

" And how the hell did you know that?" He squinted his eyes, and his tone was sharp. The indifference vanished and replaced by a dangerous aura.

That fact is not especially hidden, but one must still investigate to get that information. However, this lass knew? How could she? Eve doesn't even know he existed until two weeks ago. Additionally, she has spent her time lazing and eating around. All her actions were under surveillance that even her phone usage is under supervision. He understood that she barely uses it and would rather sleep. So, how could she ever know that? Could it be that she was informed by her family? What more has she dug about him?

His paranoia brought about by years of persecution urged him to study Eve more in-depth

Eve, on the other hand, wasn't afraid of his biting tone but was more excited.

" I have my ways, Mr. Stone." A cunning smile formed on her lips.

[ I knew this is her real self. ] Xaphael contemplated. He had long discerned that the pure looking girl has a terrifying side- a cunning and devilish side.

Once, they have found a rat in the castle that wanted to take essential documents in his study. Unfortunately for him, those were insignificant records, and he kept the real ones in a secret place. When they caught the culprit, he issued an order to beat him and break both his hands on the spot.

After the commotion, he noticed her figure not far away. He was concerned if the brutal scene had frightened the pampered lady. When he approached her, however, he was astonished. Not only was she unafraid, but her eyes were burning, clearly filled with excitement. Then she remarked on how benevolent he was. That if it were her, she'd cut his fingers, turn it into a smoothie, and make him drink it. For a moment, he couldn't control his shocked expression, but it made her giggle instead.

Xaphael isn't the typical boy either, so her nasty side didn't put him off. Instead, it made him interested. They began discussing the different types of punishments one should set to a particular offence. At first, he only wanted to confirm his conjectures and at the same time, amuse himself. After all, a coddled lady who's showered with nothing but tenderness should not be like she is.

Nonetheless, Eve proceeded to enumerate various methods of torture that even he has never heard of. In all honesty, he found such ways fascinating. It really gives off a certain bite on his devious mind. It was like chicken soup for his corrupted soul- simply a must-have for wicked people. Then one thing led to another, and their conversations headed to things that they consider their greatest taboos. To their surprise, they share the same answer- betrayal.

That night he can still remember vividly how enchanting she smiled as she elaborated how she'll destroy everyone who betrays her. The devilish grin on her angelic face was very charming under the moonlight.

At that point, they began hanging out together and, chatting without a filter. Xaphael finds it refreshing. He thinks that she is entertaining and started tolerating her approach. Although they have bonded in such an eccentric manner, it didn't matter for he enjoys her unique brain circuit. Of course, he had to overlook her odd obsession of wanting to hook up with him most of the time.

Her behavior also convinced him that she is either a closeted psychopath or undiagnosed mental patient. Thinking so, naturally he won't take those words seriously. Still, there are times when he is flabbergasted by her choice of words.

Even if he is a cold-hearted devil child, he is still a virgin alright. His only experience with women either involves killing them or punishing them. In short, he has zero experience when it comes to romantic relationships.